corporate wellness Archives - Page 14 of 21

Try a New Food: Fruit Salad with In-Season Citrus

Fruit Salad with In-Season Citrus Read Time: 1 min 29 sec We may have only been chasing winter’s fleeting daylight for about a month, but if you’re anything like us, you could use a dose of in-season sunshine. For those who aren’t getting any, the Cara Cara orange offers a little taste of summer in the winter, when it conveniently comes to harvest December through May. From the outside, Cara Caras may look like a run of the mill citrus, but don’t judge a book by its cover. Beneath its easy-to-peel skin, you’ll find deep, pink-grapefruit colored flesh that’s super juicy, low in acid, and seedless. Flavor-wise, imagine a cross between a naval orange and tangerine but throw in a hint of berries. Not to mention, Cara Cara oranges are nutrient-dense, just like other citrus fruits. One medium Cara Cara [...]

Tags: citrus, corporate wellness, fruit, fruit recipe, fruit salad, recipe, winter fruit|

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|

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|

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|