Crystal Petrello, Author at Be Well Solutions

COVID-19: Testing, June 2020

Coronavirus Testing Read Time: 2 min 24 sec For the most up to date information on the coronavirus, please visit the CDC website. Since the start of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, testing has been a main focal point for research epidemiologists, healthcare workers, and the public at large. There are two types of tests people can receive for the virus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19. Viral Testing: Looking for a Current Infection or Carriers of the Virus The first type of test is used to see if the virus is present during a current infection. These types of tests are known as viral or diagnostic testing. Viral testing is typically done by collecting a sample from the inside lining of the nose (nasopharyngeal swab) or a sample of saliva to look for evidence of SARS-CoV-2 in the respiratory tract. If [...]

Tags: corporate welllness, COVID, covid testing|

Exercise Spotlight: Targeting Belly Fat

Can You Target Belly Fat with Exercise? Read Time: 2 min 11 sec Chances are at some point in your life you have wondered what the best way is to shed fat and lose inches around the waist. With much buzz around the “quarantine-15” and summer quickly approaching, this is a question on many people’s minds. Although everyone carries some amount of fat in their abdomen, having too much in the stomach area can cause problems. Having excess weight in the midsection, otherwise known as excess abdominal adiposity, is associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance (a risk factor for type 2 diabetes) and heart disease. So how can I target this pesky belly fat? Despite what you read on the internet, there are no magic foods or workouts that target and burn just belly fat. When your body [...]

Tags: abdominal fat, belly fat, corporate welllness, myths|

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs Read Time: 2 min 59 sec Nowadays, you may be taking fewer trips to the grocery store to practice good social distancing. More than ever, people are looking into alternative ways of shopping, ordering food, and eating in general. A great way to do this and support your local economy is through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program. CSA programs are a convenient way to access locally grown, seasonal produce, and food items. You may even try some new fruits and vegetables! Squash anyone? By participating in a CSA program, you can: Eat more fruits and vegetables Support your local community Access freshly harvested produce Support farmers and producers in your area Cut down on food waste Save money Spend less time in the grocery store What is a CSA Program? CSA programs allow consumers [...]

Tags: community supported agriculture, corporate wellness, CSA, food security|

Stress Less: IHO Method

I.H.O. – The Stress Management Technique that Works! Read time: 2 min 35 sec The coronavirus outbreak has created a ripple effect of stress for many people that spans beyond the fear of physical illness alone. Depending on your situation, you may be experiencing hardships emotionally, financially, or in your relationships with others. Chronic stress that goes untreated has been associated with health conditions such as depression, obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Fortunately, we can learn ways to combat the emotional, physical, and mental impacts of stress. Be Well Solutions has taught people successful stress management for years, using a model that encourages people to respond rather than to react, and to examine strategies that allow one to focus energy on managing the things under their control. Know Your Symptoms of Stress Stress can rear its ugly [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, IHO method, stress, stress relief|

Mediterranean Diet

Mediterranean Diet How many times have you told yourself “I’m going to start eating healthier” or “my new diet starts on Monday” only to follow the new plan for 3 or 4 weeks (days) and then fall back into old habits? It’s a common cycle that nearly everyone goes through at least once in their wellness journey. Often people are unable to stick with their new “clean eating plan” because the diet is too restrictive, expensive, or time consuming to follow. The Mediterranean Diet overcomes these problems and delivers a dietary approach that is health-promoting, flexible, and not overly restrictive. Most of us have probably heard or seen information about the Mediterranean diet - your doctor may have even recommended that you try it out - but why is it so popular? It’s endorsed by the American Heart Association (AHA) [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, diet, Mediterranean diet, recipes|

Stroke Awareness Month

Stroke Awareness Month May is recognized as Stroke Awareness Month. Up to 80% of stroke cases can be prevented through lifestyle changes, and yet it remains the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Non-fatal strokes can also be tragic and life-altering. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity are controllable stroke risk factors. You can manage these risks by eating a well-balanced diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake and not smoking. Exercise plays an important role in reducing your risk of stroke by lowering high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults need 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity or 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. To reap the most benefit, this exercise should be broken up and spread out throughout the week. There [...]

Tags: cholesterol, corporate wellness, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, stroke, stroke awareness, weight loss|

Women’s Health Week, May 2020

Women’s Health Week National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) is being celebrated May 10-16. This campaign begins on Mother’s Day each year and serves as a reminder for women to make their health a priority. There are several steps you can take today to improve your health tomorrow. Stay up to date with well-woman visits and preventative screenings Keep an eye on your health by visiting with your doctor for regular checkups and preventative care screenings. Early detection of problems improves outcomes and makes treatment less invasive and more effective. Download and print this Screening Recommendation Guide from Be Well Solutions to see what screenings are recommended for your age and gender. Then, check with your insurance provider about which services are covered. Celebrate your body with movement Some view exercise as a chore, or simply as a means to lose [...]

Tags: corporate welllness, National Women’s Health Week, NWHW, womens health week|

Working From Home: Mindful Snacking

Mindful Snacking With many of us sheltering at home, we tend to gravitate towards activities that keep us occupied. Sometimes we choose activities to escape the feeling of boredom. They give us a reason to break from work or serve as a distraction from stress and difficult emotions. During these times, snacking may become a frequent habit. It is important to recognize that snacking is not inherently “good” or “bad.” The choice to include snacks in your diet should be based on your activity level, overall calorie needs, health goals, and medical conditions. One way to keep snacking in moderation and avoid unwanted snacking habits is to take a mindfulness approach. Mindfulness simply involves being aware of your body’s internal state (thoughts, feelings, motivation, etc.) without judgment. Setting Up Successful Snacking Routines 1. Listen to your hunger cues Your body [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, mindful eating, recipe, snacks, work from home|

Immune Health: Can You Boost Your Immune System?

Can You Boost Your Immune System? With the outbreak of COVID-19 many individuals have been wondering what they can do to “boost” their immune system naturally. Unfortunately, there is no single food, nutrient, or exercise that has been proven to prevent or treat COVID-19. A strong immune system is maintained by lifestyle habits, not single actions. You can work to support your immune system by practicing good nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress management habits. All of these healthy lifestyle components support your immune system during times of illness or injury. While they won’t prevent you from getting sick, they may help reduce the severity of symptoms or duration of the illness. Supporting your immune system with diet Balanced nutrition is essential for maintaining a strong immune system. Focus on a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, whole [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, COVID, immune system, immunity, vitamin C, vitamin E|

Try a New Move: Getting Active During a Quarantine

Getting Active During a Quarantine Social distancing and self-quarantine are essential for stopping the spread of COVID-19. While many gyms and fitness facilities have temporarily closed their doors, there are still many ways to continue staying active at home and outdoors. Outdoor Activities Unless you are sick or have been directed by your state or local government to remain indoors, stepping outside for some fresh air is a great way to get active. Be sure to practice social distancing when outdoors. Remain 6 feet away from others and avoid gathering in groups larger than 10 people. Take a walk in your neighborhood or local park. Lace-up your sneakers for a run. If you are new to running, download a running app to help you get started. Go for a bike ride with your family. Take care of the yard work [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, COVID, exercise, fitness|

About Crystal Petrello