Crystal Petrello, Author at Be Well Solutions

Identifying Credible Nutrition Information, September 2020

5 Tips for Identifying Credible Nutrition Information Read time: 3 min 9 sec Accessing nutrition information is now easier than ever with social media, television, and the internet. But with an onslaught of information comes the challenge of having to decide which sources you can trust. Our registered dietitians have provided their top 5 tips for identifying credible nutrition and health-related information. 1. Evaluate the Source Media and News Outlets: These sources often sensationalize articles to engage readers and TV viewers. As a result, nutrition research can be over-generalized or misrepresented. It is always best to check with a trusted, science-based source to compare what you see/hear in the news. Websites: In most cases, credible websites end in -.gov, -.edu, or -.org. This does not mean that websites ending in -.com or -.net should not be trusted, but they [...]

Tags: clean eating, corporate wellness, nutrition, research based, science based|

Try a New Move: Desk Stretching

Desk Stretching Read Time: 1 min 39 sec Many of us with desk jobs spend several hours each day sitting at a desk or in front of a computer. Sitting in the same position for too long and doing the same repetitive motions, such as typing on a keyboard, can result in muscle or joint soreness that simple stretches can help relieve. Stretches allow your muscles to move in all directions. This improves flexibility and promotes healing, posture, and balance. It is a great idea to take time throughout the day to give your body a stretch. While stretching, focus on deep, relaxing breaths and gentle but firm movements. Beginners should try to hold the stretch for about 15 seconds and repeat each stretch two to four times. Simple Desk Stretches for at Home or in the Office SIDE STRETCH [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, exercise, stretch|

National Immunization Awareness Month

Immunization Awareness Month Read Time: 1 min 7 sec August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) to highlight the importance of getting recommended vaccines and to remind us all that simple vaccinations prevent tragedy and save countless lives. You have the power to protect yourself and your family against serious diseases like measles, whooping cough, certain cancers, shingles, and influenza because of vaccines. Be Well Solutions encourages you to use this month to discuss your vaccination status with your primary care physician to ensure you and your family are up to date. As your children head back to school, make sure vaccination is at the top of your checklist. The CDC’s Interactive Vaccine Guide provides information on vaccines recommended during pregnancy and throughout your child’s life. The adult vaccine assessment tool helps individuals decide which vaccines are right [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, flu, flu shot, immunization, National Immunization Awareness Month, niam, vaccine|

Try A New Move: Isometric Workouts

Isometric Workouts Read Time: 1 min 38 sec Most Americans do not need to be told that exercise is good for their health. We know we should exercise, but sometimes we choose not to. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 24% of Americans meet the recommended Physical Activity Guidelines, and 1 out of every 4 engage in no exercise at all. So, what is holding us back? Lack of time is one of the most commonly reported barriers to physical activity. With other responsibilities at work and home, exercise may end up near the bottom of your priority list. Not to mention, the jobs in the United States have become increasingly more sedentary, requiring employees to sit for 7 or more hours a day. But there is one type of exercise that you can do at [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, exercise, isometric, workout|

Hydrating for Peak Performance

Healthy Hydration is a Key to Peak Performance Read time: 2 min 56 sec Water is essential for life; about 60 percent of your body is made up of water. Staying well-hydrated keeps our joints lubricated, our body temperature and blood pressure stable, and allows our cells to function in a healthy coordinated way. Keeping your body at a peak performance level means drinking enough water daily, in addition to regular exercise and a well-balanced diet. Recommendations for daily fluid intake vary by age, gender, activity level, and overall health. General recommendations for water intake is 9 cups a day for women and about 12.5 cups a day for men. Fluid needs vary for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have congestive heart failure, or have been diagnosed with kidney disease. One easy way to monitor your fluid status is [...]

Tags: corporate welllness, dehydration, exercise, fluids, hydration, sports nutrition, water|

Good Sleep and Good Health Go Hand in Hand

Good Sleep and Good Health Go Hand in Hand Read Time: 1 min 37 sec Sleep, just like eating and exercising, is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Healthy, sound sleep allows us to wake up feeling well-rested, energetic, and ready to tackle the day. On the other hand, inadequate sleep exposes us to unwanted consequences, such as impaired attention, memory and concentration, increased risk for accidents and death, and overall negative effects on our emotional and physical health. According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep requirements vary based on age and health needs. Most adults need at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep every day – this should be your goal. Unfortunately, the proportion of adults in the United States sleeping less than seven hours per night has increased from 16 to 37 percent over the past 40 [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, sleep health|

The Importance of Community Engagement

The Importance of Community Engagement Read Time: 2 min 17 sec The coronavirus outbreak has created a “new normal” in our society. For many Americans, our homes have become our offices, we make fewer trips to the grocery store, avoid public places and have much less connection to our community than we once did. Despite our best intentions, our social interactions may have changed significantly. More and more conversations, meetings and celebrations are taking place through virtual platforms. Being an active community member is vital because humans are social and need personal connection. A sense of community can provide support, purpose, and a feeling of belonging. These elements are critical to our mental health – especially when we may already be experiencing symptoms of loneliness and isolation. During this time, it is important to find new ways to stay connected [...]

Tags: corporate welllness, emotional health, volunteer work|

Healthy Vision Month, July 2020

Healthy Vision Month Read Time: 2 min 4 sec According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 3.4 million Americans 40 years of age or older are blind or visually impaired. For most of us, a decline in vision and eye health is not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, many vision problems could be avoided through simple prevention measures and routine eye exams. Focusing on a healthy lifestyle and protecting your eyes from outside elements (UV rays) are some of the best ways to protect your eyes and vision. Even if you lead a healthy lifestyle and do not currently have any eye issues, it is still important to have your vision checked each year. According to the CDC, nearly one in five adults in the US are at high risk for serious vision loss, [...]

Tags: corporate welllness, eye injury, eyes, healthy vision, sunglasses, vision|

Outdoor Lower Body HIIT

Outdoor Lower Body HIIT Read Time: 2 min 42 sec Gyms throughout the country are reopening with increased sanitation and safety precautions. Despite these preventative measures, you might still be hesitant about returning too soon. Thankfully, the warm weather provides us with endless outdoor workout possibilities. The Benefits of Outdoor Workouts Routine physical activity can help improve emotional well-being, including symptoms of anxiety and depression. New research suggests this effect may even be amplified with outdoor exercise. A preliminary study published in 2016 found that individuals with mild to moderate depression reported greater improvements in mood when they exercised outdoors compared to indoors. One theory as to why the outdoors positively impacts mental health is increased vitamin D synthesis from sun exposure (specifically, UVB rays). Low vitamin D levels are common in the United States and strongly associated with depression [...]

Tags: corporate welllness, exercise, hiit, interval training|

Try a New Food: Swirl Sorbet

Red and Blue Swirl Sorbet Read time: 1 min 18 sec Cool off this summer with a refreshing, kid-friendly sorbet swirl. Making your own sorbet at home takes only a few minutes and can be done with any fruit you have on hand. This month’s recipe sneaks in some extra nutrients by using frozen cauliflower which adds a creamy texture without changing the overall flavor. Summer is a great time to try new fruits since many of them are in season and relatively inexpensive. If you purchase or grow large amounts of fruit in the summer, you can easily preserve and freeze them for use in the winter months. Investing in a quality blender or food processor turns frozen fruit into a healthy treat that can be enjoyed throughout the year. How to freeze any fruit Preparing the Fruit: The [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, fruit, recipe, sorbet|

About Crystal Petrello