#BoneHealth – Be Well Solutions

The Wellness Benefits of Sunlight: Improving Mood, Energy, and Sleep Naturally

Many of us enjoy the sunshine when the sun shines brightly during the day. We enjoy the warmth, light, and motivation that it brings. Did you know the sun can positively affect your health and wellness, too? The right amount of sunshine can naturally lift our mood and energy levels while promoting restful sleep at night. A Boost of Serotonin Sunlight has been found to increase your body’s production of serotonin, a hormone responsible for improving mood (Cleveland Clinic). Many people call this hormone the “happy hormone” because of its natural ability to promote feelings of well-being while lowering symptoms of depression or anxiety. Conversely, a lack of sunlight can hinder serotonin production and negatively impact mood and mental health. Your Source for Vitamin D Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that supports proper body function. It helps build and [...]

The Pros and Cons of Wearing a Weighted Vest for Exercise

Trends come and go in the fitness industry, making it difficult to navigate what is worthwhile and beneficial. A recent trend includes wearing a weighted vest for exercise. This is often referred to as rucking. While this training tactic originated from military training to build strength and endurance, it has now become a mainstream physical activity. Weighted vests can add intensity to workouts, but they are not necessarily the best option for every exerciser. We’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons to help you decide if this is the right trend for you and your workout routine. The Pros The use of a weighted vest during exercise increases the workload and resistance of the activity being performed. It adds intensity that is higher than using your body weight alone. This elevated workload will increase energy expenditure and [...]

Strength Training 101

Strength training is about far more than just building big muscles. As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass. Adequate resistance training slows down muscle loss and provides a support system for our bones and joints. It can help preserve and even build bone mass, which aids in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Strong muscles are necessary for daily tasks, such as climbing stairs, carrying groceries, and getting in and out of a car. Overall, strength training promotes quality of life, disease prevention, and weight management. The benefits are numerous, but between the vast number of online searches and social media influences, navigating the basics and proper guidelines can prove to be challenging and intimidating. Follow the FITT Principle Frequency. The US Department of Health and Human Services1 recommends at least 2 days of strength training exercises that [...]