Crystal Petrello, Author at Be Well Solutions

Emotional Health: Positivity & Kindness

Positivity & Kindness Read Time: 1 min 37 sec 2020 has brought a variety of challenges to people all over the world. Pandemics cause more than physical illness; the emotional toll due to added stress is extensive. According to a recent study by the American Psychological Association, stress levels have increased substantially due to COVID-19, and the negative health effects will be serious and long-lasting. Managing ongoing stress can have an impact on our overall feelings of happiness and positive thinking. We must concede that even though many elements of the crisis will be out of our control, there are some things within our control that can make a difference. These habits can improve our emotional wellbeing if we learn to practice them regularly. Boosting Happiness and Positive Thinking Positive thinking can have a great impact on stress. It is [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, exercise, happiness, kind, kindness, positive thinking, world kindness day|

Try a New Move: Turkey Stretch

TURKEY Warm-Up for Race Day Read Time: 2 min 2 sec November is here and so is the season for Turkey Trots. With large gatherings being limited, things might look a little different this year. But there are still plenty of ways to keep on trotting. Virtual races as well as neighborhood routes with your family are great options this fall. Whichever way you decide to participate and whether you are running or walking, it is always important to start with a warm-up to get your body ready for exercise, especially as temperatures begin to drop. One of the most beneficial things to include in your warm-up is dynamic stretching. Dynamic stretches, as opposed to static or traditional stretching, not only warm up your muscles for exercise, but they also help gradually elevate your heart rate and promote increased blood [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, dynamic stretching, exercise, stretch, turkey trot|

Best Practices for Celebrating the Holidays

Best Practices for Celebrating the Holidays Read time: 1 min 55 sec This holiday season will inevitably look a little different than it has in previous years. Masks in place of mistletoe! While the holidays will always be a special time to connect with family and friends, this year we may have to change certain traditions in the interest of public health. In 2020 it may be that the safest way to celebrate the holidays is with only immediate family members. We may have to opt for virtual events instead of traveling. Utilize a virtual platform (e.g., Zoom, Skype, FaceTime) to connect with family and friends. These platforms make it possible to have a virtual dinner party or gift exchange from the comfort of your own home. Consider pre-holiday testing for relatives and loved ones traveling home from distant locations. [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, COVID, holiday celebration, holiday gathering, holiday party|

Understanding Diabetes

Understanding Diabetes Read Time: 2 min 2 sec November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is a condition where people have higher than normal blood sugar (glucose). There are a few different types of diabetes, but type 2 diabetes is by far the most common. Nearly 35 million Americans have diabetes; that’s more than one in every 10 people. Another 20% have prediabetes, a condition where sugar values are higher than normal, but not high enough to qualify for a diagnosis of diabetes. Prediabetes usually lasts for years before type 2 diabetes develops. Diabetes has serious complications, including blindness, kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, and heart disease. Diabetes is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States. The good news is that about 90% of diabetes cases can be prevented through improvement in nutrition and exercise. In addition, most cases [...]

Tags: blood glucose, blood sugar, corporate wellness, diabetes, prediabetes, risk factor|

Supporting a Healthy Immune System

Supporting a Healthy Immune System Read Time: 2 min 54 sec Ways to boost immunity has become a hot topic as of late, but unfortunately, there are many factors about our immune system that we do not yet understand. To begin with, the immune system is an incredibly complex system and not a single entity. It is composed of multiple mechanisms throughout our body that recognize and destroy potential invaders like bacteria and viruses. Networks of cells and tissues are programmed to work in concert to properly protect our bodies from illness. There is still much research to be done to understand the details of our unique immune response. This complexity is one possible reason why research has not yet proven that any single lifestyle behavior or habit can directly enhance immune function. However, that doesn’t mean that lifestyle and [...]

Tags: clean eating, corporate welllness, diet, exercise, healthy diet, immunizations, nutrient-dense diet, nutrition, sleep, stres management, stress|

Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health Awareness Read Time: 1 min 58 sec Mental health refers to your overall emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental health is important at every stage of life and it reflects how we handle stress, relate to others, and the kinds of choices we make. A person’s mental health can change over time as they have added stress in their life. Part of mental wellbeing involves balancing ongoing stressors with proper coping strategies and interventions. Mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, and drug and alcohol abuse are a source of tremendous pain and suffering. They are also very common health problems in society today. Researchers tell us that each year 1 in 5 Americans will experience a diagnosable mental illness, and more than half of us will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in [...]

Tags: corporate welllness, mental health, mental health awareness, mental illness|

Try a New Move: Pumpkin Kettlebell Workout

Pumpkin Workout Read Time: 1 min 32 sec Who said Halloween was only fun when you’re young? This year we have a spooky-themed kettlebell workout full of witches, goblins, and creepy, crawly spiders. But don’t worry, the only scary part of this workout is how amazing you’ll feel when you’re done! Stirring the Witch’s Cauldron Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the kettlebell with an overhand grip. Keep your core, glutes, and quads strong as you rotate the kettlebell around your body, changing hands in the front and back. After 10 circles in one direction, change the direction of the circle and complete 10 more rounds. Goblin Squat Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart and feet turned slightly outwards. Hold the kettlebell in front of your chest with both hands and elbows tucked in close to your body. [...]

Tags: corporate welllness, exercise, kettle bell, kettle bell workout, workout|

Try a New Food: Pumpkin Breakfast Bars

Pumpkin Breakfast Bars Read Time: 1 min 30 sec It’s the time of year again for pumpkin-flavored everything! From savory dishes to sweet desserts and lattes, there is no escaping the fall pumpkin craze. Unfortunately, many fall favorite treats not only have added pumpkin flavor, but they may also have a lot of added sugar. Research has shown that too much added sugar may increase your risk of diabetes and heart disease and makes it hard to maintain a healthy weight. But not to worry! You can still enjoy the taste of pumpkin all season long by making your own pumpkin treats at home. Pumpkins are a winter squash, naturally low in calories and packed with nutrients. One cup of cooked pumpkin provides 245% Daily Value (DV) of vitamin A, 19% DV of vitamin C, 564 mg potassium, and 2.7g [...]

Tags: corporate welllness, nutrition, PSL, pumpkin, pumpkin spice, recipe|

Back to School, September 2020

Back to School, Fall 2020 Read Time: 1 min 35 sec The global pandemic is presenting challenges to school systems across the country. In an effort to balance the benefits of on-site learning with public health, many school districts are moving forward with in-person classes or a hybrid of in-person and remote. Other districts favor completely remote learning. Each scenario presents new challenges but working together with your children’s teachers can help keep everyone healthy and engaged. Tips for the New School Year: Stay Informed Have open communication between school and family Attend meetings when they are offered Educate Children on COVID Guidelines How to properly wash their hands and practice safe hygiene How to wear a mask and take off a mask properly How to wash a mask Physical distancing etiquette (e.g., not touching other students, not sharing personal [...]

Tags: 2020, back to school, COVID|

Social Media and Mental Health

Social Media and Mental Health Read Time: 2 min 26 sec As the United States continues its efforts towards containing the coronavirus, Americans are still encouraged to practice social distancing and limit unnecessary gatherings. As a result, many people have turned to social media and other digital platforms to stay connected. More than seven out of ten Americans use some type of social media. Social media is a safe and beneficial way to stay in contact with friends and family, and reduce feelings of isolation; however, some people may experience unintended consequences. Connection in a Time of Physical Distance Physical distancing from others is critical to stop the spread of coronavirus. Social isolation has become a concern for many, especially the elderly, individuals who live alone, and those considered at high risk. For this reason, there has been a rise [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, mental health, social media|

About Crystal Petrello