4 Tips to Reach Fitness Goals on a Budget

It is a common misconception that proper fitness comes with a high price tag. The good news is that you don’t need expensive memberships or costly equipment for a beneficial workout. Routine exercise can be free or budget-friendly with creative planning. We’ll look at four ways to accomplish your fitness goals on a budget. Enjoy the Outdoors The great outdoors provides numerous opportunities for free or cheap exercise. You’ll likely only need a good, supportive pair of gym shoes. Neighborhoods, parks, and trails are conducive for walking, jogging, or biking. Consider looking for a nearby fitness trail that includes a guided path with exercise stations. Many community spaces are free for use and provide ample space for exercise. Check your community for local events such as outdoor fitness classes or walking club meetups. You can even get the whole family [...]

Understanding the Importance of Preventive Care

It is easy to put off going to the doctor until you feel sick or think something may be wrong. However, keeping up with preventive care allows you to maintain current health and discover any issues before they become significant conditions or emergencies. Preventive care is key to preserving your health and wellness as you age. What is Preventive Care? Preventive care consists of routine visits and screenings with your doctor to create health baselines and monitor for changes or conditions. This regularly scheduled care will help assess and manage risk factors and can even prevent disease. Participating in preventive care increases the chances of diagnosing conditions before they become a problem requiring extensive treatment or care. According to News Medical Life Sciences, “current estimates indicate that nearly 80% of chronic medical conditions could be prevented by healthy lifestyle behaviors, [...]

Heart Month: 7 Lifestyle Changes for Cardiovascular Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death around the globe (World Health Organization1). While unchangeable factors such as age, genetics, and family history can increase risk, other modifiable lifestyle behaviors are significant in heart disease prevention and management. In a study published by the National Library of Medicine2 that involved participants of high genetic risk, “a favorable lifestyle was associated with a nearly 50% lower relative risk of coronary artery disease than was an unfavorable lifestyle.” Let’s explore eight lifestyle changes that can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and associated premature death. Eat Heart-Healthy Heart-healthy nutrition can positively influence cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight management. Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables for nutrients like fiber and vitamins. Choose leaner meats and fish as well as healthier fats. Limit your intake of processed foods and [...]

Why Wait for 2025? Tips for Building Healthy Habits Today!

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves tempted to postpone making healthy changes until January 1st. But why wait? Building healthier habits now can set you up for a more confident and energized new year. Instead of relying on resolutions, which often fizzle by February, consider embracing small, sustainable changes as endorsed by bestselling author, James Clear in his book Atomic Habits. Rather than focusing on setting goals, Clear encourages people to examine and improve their habits (behaviors) – by looking at simple strategies to build good habits and break bad ones, using small but ongoing daily improvements. Focus on Systems, Not Just Goals For years, coaches and other change facilitators had people focus on smart goals. For many people, it’s easy to think in terms of goals — “I want to lose 10 pounds” or “I [...]

Fuel Your Diabetes Knowledge

November is recognized as National Diabetes Month to promote awareness about diabetes and encourage people to take steps toward prevention and better management. Today in the United States there are more than 37 million people living with diabetes, and another 80 million with pre-diabetes, a condition that puts them at greater risk for developing the illness. There are three primary types of diabetes: Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and often resolves following the birth of the baby. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed at a young age and requires insulin treatment for life. Type 2 diabetes, the most common type of disorder, accounts for over 90% of cases. Often called “adult-onset diabetes”, this form occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does [...]