WellnessTips Archives - Be Well Solutions

Listen to Your Body: 6 Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

As our busy schedules ensue and daily responsibilities mount, it can be tempting to put off regular doctor visits. However, health issues don’t always present with glaring symptoms. Some symptoms may be more subtle or easily ignored. Whenever you notice something unusual with your health, you should not take it lightly. The following warning signs are among those that you should never overlook. Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain Significant weight loss or gain that is unintentional may not seem substantial, but it can be a symptom of a more serious underlying issue. Experts recommend talking with your doctor if you have lost more than 5% of your body weight within the past six to twelve months (Mayo Clinic1). Unexplained weight loss can be associated with health problems, including diabetes, heart conditions, cancer, and various gastrointestinal issues. Sudden and unintentional weight [...]

Why Staying Hydrated is More Important Than You Think

We’ve all heard the advice: “Drink more water!” But have you ever stopped to wonder why it matters so much? Turns out, water does way more than just quench your thirst. From helping you feel more energized to improving your mood and focus, staying hydrated plays a huge role in how you feel every single day. Let’s break down why hydration is so important and how to make it part of your daily routine. What Does Water Actually Do for Your Body? Believe it or not, your body is made up of about 60% water. That’s a lot! And every single cell in your body needs water to work properly. Here are just a few of the thing’s water helps with: Keeps your body temperature in check (so you don’t overheat) Delivers nutrients and oxygen to your cells Helps get [...]

Fresh Air Fix: 5 Simple Outdoor Activities to Relieve Stress

As our lives become more fast-paced and intertwined with technology, our time spent outdoors decreases while our stress levels increase. Research has shown that intentionally getting outside among nature can positively impact our health and how we manage stress. According to the American Psychological Association1, “spending time in nature is linked to both cognitive benefits and improvements in mood, mental health and emotional well-being.” Try these five simple outdoor activities for a mental break and better stress management. Hike or Walk Take a short walk outside on your lunch break or go for a longer hike at a nearby park on the weekend. Regardless of the distance, walking is beneficial for enjoying nature and increasing your physical activity. Both approaches can have a significant impact on managing your daily stress. Consider skipping the headphones and allow yourself to practice being [...]

Tips for Healthy Eating on the Go

Spring is finally here. April is an exciting time to get outside, plan summer vacations, and enjoy the sunshine. When life gets busy, it can be challenging to keep up with your health. Learning to eat healthily on the go will help you fuel and protect your body throughout the year. This month we will discuss strategies for healthy eating on the go, provide examples of nutrient-dense snacks, and learn how to make healthier choices when eating out. Planning: The Key to Success The best way to set yourself up for success with food is to plan. Plan or not, you need to eat! If you know you are going to be out of the house all day, be sure to plan for meals and snacks. Planning meals in advance will reduce the need for fast-food stops or sugary vending [...]

Tags: #balanceddiet, #eatingonthego, #fastfoodalternatives, #HealthyEating, #mealprep, #nutrient-densesnacks, #nutritionstrategies, #portioncontrol, #restaurantchoices, #snackideas, HealthyHabits, HealthyLifestyle, MealPlanning, spring, stayingactive, WellnessTips|

Heart Month: Stress Less for Cardiovascular Health

Stress is something that we all experience as humans, often daily. It can present acutely, such as running late for an appointment, or chronically, such as managing a new health diagnosis. It is natural for our body to respond in these situations to help protect us in an emergency. However, when stress persists, its effects typically become long-term and detrimental to our health. It affects every system of our body, including our heart. How Stress Affects the Heart Stress affects the heart in several different ways. Stress produces an increase in hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones cause immediate body changes such as increased blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar. In an emergency, these changes can be beneficial responses to protect the body and prepare it to fight, but if the stress continues unmanaged, these responses persist. [...]

Tags: #HeartHealth, BalancedNutrition, BetterSleep, EmotionalWellbeing, ExerciseforStress, HealthyCoping, HealthyHabits, HeartDiseasePrevention, MentalWellness, mindfulness, ReduceStress, SelfCare, StressManagement, WellnessTips|

Heart Month: Exercise for Cardiovascular Health

As we celebrate heart month, we want to take a closer look at the relationship between exercise and our cardiovascular health. You might be familiar with the many benefits that regular physical activity has, but did you know it can even help prevent or manage heart disease? Let’s explore how exercise can benefit our heart. The Benefits Lower Blood Pressure. While blood pressure can naturally increase an insignificant amount during exercise, it immediately lowers as your body returns to rest. According to the American College of Sports Medicine1, “Systolic and diastolic blood pressure can be expected to drop an average of 5 to 7 mmHg among adults with hypertension with regular aerobic exercise. These reductions may be even greater among those with even higher baseline starting blood pressure. These changes occur immediately and can last for up to 22 hours.” [...]

Tags: #HeartHealth, #stressrelief, AerobicExercise, BloodPressureControl, CardiovascularHealth, DiabetesManagement, ExerciseforHeart, HealthyLifestyle, HeartDiseasePrevention, MoveMore, strengthtraining, WellnessTips|

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 [...]

Tags: #PreventiveCare, BetterSleep, CardiovascularDisease, exercise, HealthyHabits, healthyliving, HeartDiseasePrevention, HeartHealthyEating, HearthHealth, LifestyleChanges, nutrition, StressManagement, WellnessTips|

Nutrition Tips for Aging Gracefully

Healthy eating is a necessary part of wellness at any age. The habits we create with food today will impact our health tomorrow and years into the future. Proper nutrition can help prevent and manage diseases and conditions, lower injury risk, manage weight, and provide adequate energy as we age. Consider the following tips to age gracefully with healthier eating. Variety is Key Eating various foods can help ensure the intake of numerous essential nutrients. Eat the rainbow when it comes to fruits and vegetables. The colors of these foods depict different nutrients, so eating an assortment will help avoid gaps in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Incorporating foods from each food group will create a more balanced diet, including recommended nutrients for older adults like potassium, calcium, vitamin D, dietary fiber, and vitamin B12 (My Plate1). Prioritizing nutrient-dense foods you [...]

Tags: #balanceddiet, #HealthyEating, #HeartHealth, Aging, AgingGracefully, DiseasePrevention, HealthyAging, HealthyHabits, HealthyLifestyle, HydrationTips, ImmuneSupport, NutritionalGuidelines, NutritionTips, ProteinIntake, SeniorNutrition, wellness, WellnessTips|