corporate wellness Archives - Page 15 of 21

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|

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|

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|

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|

Healthy Habits: Disrupted Routines

Disrupted Routines Some research suggests that 40% or more of our day is based on habit. That means 40% of the decisions you make and actions you take are most likely being done subconsciously based on your normal routine. But what happens when your routine and habits are disrupted? With the recent outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States and worldwide, everyone’s lives are anything but “routine.” Many people have transitioned to working from home full-time, exercise facilities are closed, and grocery stores are having a difficult time restocking shelve to meet public demands. While many of these factors are out of our control, now is the time to adapt and form new habits and new routines that will help you through these difficult times. Start by asking yourself what you can and cannot control. Then focus on ways you [...]

Tags: corporate wellness, COVID, pandemic, routine|