Tag Archives: health

Sep23

Safety Tips For Exercising Outdoors   

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Safety Tips For Exercising Outdoors   

Whether it’s a gentle breeze caressing your face while you run or the sun kissing your skin while you cycle, taking your workouts outdoors is always a refreshing experience. However, it is necessary to exercise without putting your health and safety at risk. Are you thinking about taking your fitness regimen outside? Here are a few tips that can help you stay safe while you exercise:

Map your route ahead of time:

It would be pretty frustrating losing your way when going for a run, walk, or cycle outside, especially if you’re new to the area. Thankfully, almost all smartphones come with a Map application and GPS functions, so you can plan your route before setting off. It is also advisable to share your route with someone you trust before you leave. If you take your phone along, be sure to keep your location on to make locating you easier if you should get lost or injured. If you already know your area, ensure that you avoid inconvenient places like construction sites, busy streets, etc. You might also want to avoid areas with stray animals to prevent incidents such as dog bites.

Dress for safety:

From workout clothes to the shoes you wear, you should aim for comfort and safety. Regarding footwear, having on the right shoes for the right activity will help to avoid blisters, twisted ankles, or any other injury. Also, your clothes should not inhibit blood flow or airflow in any way. If you plan on doing your outdoor workout at night or under poor visibility, you should wear workout clothes with features that make you more visible, especially when working out near busy roads. For example, you can wear bright colored clothes or opt for ones with reflectors to make you more visible to motorists.

Take your cell phone along:

Carrying a phone along when going for a run can be an inconvenience as you want to run or cycle ‘freely,’ but you also need to be safe. And if you get lost in an area without any internet connection, you will need something to use to call for help. Many workout garments come with spaces to store cell phones and keep them out of the way until you need them.

Protect yourself from the sun:

Sunscreen is an absolute must if you plan to work out in the sun, especially for your face. It is best to look for sunscreen products designed specifically for athletes, as they wouldn’t come off when you sweat. Moreover, the heat can wear you out pretty fast, so don’t forget to carry a bottle of water along. If possible, try to exercise during or after sunset because the sun can be scorching in the afternoon.

Protect yourself from the cold:

Cold temperatures can also drain your energy. It is possible to burn about 6,000 calories in one day when exercising in the cold. So, make sure you wear protective clothing. You might also want to take a bottle of water along to sip, as cold temperatures can suppress thirst, and you don’t want to be dehydrated.

Working out outdoors is great but doing it safely is the best with the tips above!

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Sep12

Pikin’ & Grinnin’

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Pikin’ & Grinnin’

Hello! First of all, major props to whomever got the Hee Haw reference of this post title! Second of all, I have been absolutely loving the waterpik that I purchased after my visit to the periodontist last week. During my appointment, I was so pleased to learn that my dental problems had remained stable during my long stint of no check ups thanks to the pandemic. To continue improving the issues, I bought a waterpik as soon as I got home as per the recommendations of the professionals:

I am still getting used to using my new waterpik and literally every review I have read on them was right – it is very messy at first! I have had to resort to laying a bath towel around the sink because the water just gets everywhere. I know that these mini flash floods in my bathroom will come to a halt once I get better at using the waterpik, though, so that is not a deterrent in the slightest.

I also read on the reviews for the waterpik that I bought that it was incredibly noisy but I haven’t found that to be true at all. It has the noise you would expect from a product like this – nothing more, nothing less. Even if it were obnoxiously loud, you can’t beat the price of this waterpik (about seventy dollars) for how well it works and all of the different accessories that comes with it.

This waterpik included five different tips which will help in different ways:

  • Plaque seeker tip: This one needs no further explanation
  • Toothbrush tip: Neither does this one
  • Tongue cleaner tip: Or this one
  • Orthodontic tip: This one is good for people with braces
  • Pik pocket tip: This is the one that I use as it gets deep into the periodontal pockets for an intense clean

I have been using my waterpik with the pik pocket tip every morning and night and my gums have already started to feel better. They are not as tender and I feel them getting healthier with every use. Dare I say it, I am almost looking forward to my next appointments with my dentist and periodontist because this is going to improve my oral hygiene tenfold and I think that they are going to be proud! 😀

Do you use a waterpik? How do you feel about going to the dentist? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep8

Pearly Whites

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Pearly Whites

Hi! Ever since I had an oral surgery gone wrong close to three years ago, I have had a HUGE fear of the dentist. But, let’s be real, I’ve always been kind of afraid of it and instead of facing my fears, I just wouldn’t go. In the beginning of February 2020, I finally worked up the courage to see a periodontist and had a handful of appointments with him. Then, the worst of the pandemic hit and I hadn’t been back since.

Although I hadn’t been to see the periodontist, I worked hard to keep up my oral hygiene with an electric toothbrush and tried my best to at least keep my problems stable. However, going so long without having any type of check up brought me back to my ambivalence of ever returning. Which is why I am proud to say that I actually had my first appointment with my periodontist since the pandemic this past week! 😀

You guys have no idea how nervous I was for this appointment because of my phobia in general and I was extremely worried that my issues had worsened. Which is why I am even prouder to say that thanks to my improved oral hygiene, the problems that I went in for had remained stable!! My worst nightmare would have been hearing the professionals say “What happened?!” so to hear that I had been doing as good as I could have been was such a big relief.

While the issues with my gums are by no means great, I am so motivated to continue making it better after this appointment. I have cleanings scheduled with my regular dentist and my periodontist. I also purchased a waterpik as per their recommendation as soon as I returned home. I like to think that even if the appointment didn’t go well, I still would have done all of that but it would definitely have made it much scarier.

I was all but traumatized after my surgery gone wrong and I think anyone would have been if they couldn’t eat for a month. I still can’t look at a bottle of Ensure without having flashbacks! But I am so happy that I am on the right track to keep improving and I plan to stay on it, no matter what my fears are.

I think I will always be somewhat afraid to go to a dentist or periodontist but this is a great first step in, at least, lessening my phobia a little bit. In fact, I might even be a little excited to keep going back and I feel hopeful that I will continue to make improvements. GOOD FOR ME! 🙂

What are you afraid of? How do you face your fears? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep6

Bath & Body Works September Freebie

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Bath & Body Works September Freebie

Hi! Treating myself to my favorite bath and body care is one of my favorite things to do, which is why I love shopping with Bath & Body Works. When you shop their sales or their amazing semi annual sale, you can score the best deals and I always look forward to replenishing my beauty care hoard with them. What’s more, they are constantly sending coupons in the mail for freebies and percentages off your purchase. This past week, I picked up this super handy September freebie:

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no better freebie than a pocket sized hand sanitizer! When it came to picking out which scent I wanted for my hand sani, it was important to me to find one with a fairly neutral scent. The last hand sanitizer by B&BW that I picked out years ago was a fall fragrance but it was so overly pungent that I never wanted to use it. While there were more exciting scents to choose from, I ended up with Be A Good Human, which is a simple citrus fragrance.

This pocket sized hand sanitizer is ideal for being on the go since it fits so comfortably on your person or in your purse. Although it was an inexpensive freebie, I was so happy with it and thought that it was a great idea on B&BW’s part. I will definitely be using my Be A Good Human sanitizer often and plan on purchasing it again once I run out!

What is your favorite Bath & Body Works scent? Which store offers the best freebies and promotions? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep3

Top Tips For Getting Started With Exercise

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Top Tips For Getting Started With Exercise

Physical activity will not only help you to lose weight, but it can also improve your mental health, sleep, and energy levels while decreasing the risk of developing chronic health conditions. Getting started with exercise is the hardest part. Once you are in the game, however, it is a life-changer. Here are five top tips to help you get over the hardest hurdle and get started with your new exercise routine today:

1 – Set a goal:

Setting goals can be a useful tool when you are getting started with your fitness journey. Goals enable you to stay on track and keep focused and motivated. Start by identifying what your overall aim is. This should be unique to you and not relevant to anyone else. Do you want to run 5k? Do you want to lose weight? Build muscle? Achieve a chin-up? There are countless goals to choose from. Take some time to find out what you want to do and write it down. Next, you need to identify what it will take to get there. While mapping this out, make sure that you are realistic, define a time frame and attach smaller steps to get there. This will make it much more manageable.

2 – Find a program:

Once you have identified your goals, then the next best way to get started and reach them is to find a program that will help you get there. If you are new to fitness, going in blind will only leave you feeling lost and stuck. There are many programs to choose from, and this article explains a popular push/pull/legs (PPL) routine used by many bodybuilders.

3 – Equipment:

You shouldn’t just buy any equipment. Your equipment should match your goals and your program. Some of the most commonly used exercise equipment are adjustable dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, TRX cables, punching bags, jump rope, and a mirror. There are many body weight exercises, but to achieve bigger goals, you may need to invest in equipment to help get you there. When investing in new equipment, make sure you learn how to use it properly and safely.

4 – Schedule:

Consistency is key when it comes to working out. Creating a realistic workout schedule will help you to stick to your exercises and reach your goals much quicker. Use a calendar, diary, or even an app on your phone and take your workout schedule as seriously as you would a doctor’s appointment. The more you stick to your schedule, the easier it is to stick to your new routine.

5 – Monitor your progress:

Monitoring your progress (on a weekly, not daily basis) allows you to stay motivated as you see yourself improve in certain areas. By checking in regularly, you can see what is working and what is not, and adjust your schedule accordingly.

6 – Rest appropriately:

It’s essential to make sure that outside of exercise, you rest and restore yourself between each session. Otherwise, your next workout effort will be incredibly tiresome. Getting at least eight hours of sleep a night, using healthy supplements such as a vitamins, fish oil, or even a limitless pill, and eating slightly higher levels of protein and plenty of healthy vegetables is key. This way, you will return to your plan rested and ready for action.

Getting started with exercise is the hardest part. Incorporate these tips to help you get over the biggest hurdle and create a sustainable new routine!

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Jul30

The Skinny On Sugar

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The Skinny On Sugar

While we all agree that sugar is not the best thing in the world, it’s important to remember that sugar is not the evil that we’ve been told about. Most of us talk to our children and say that sugar is an absolute no-no, but there are many misconceptions about sugar. Let’s make sure you have a healthy attitude towards sugar and why, in the right dose, it isn’t anything to fear:

Should You Cut Out Sugar from Your Life Completely?

Many health organizations will recommend a certain limit of sugar per day. Any dental care specialist tells you to avoid sugar for the sake of your teeth but, of course, it’s hard to completely remove sugar from your life, especially when you consider there is a tiny amount in drinks like milk, that you cannot remove. Your body does not need sugar, so having less is going to be better, but the benefit lies in moderation. There is room for some sugar in a healthy diet that won’t negatively impact your overall health, but it’s about knowing the limits. The US dietary guidelines state that, out of 2,000 calories a day, 50g of added sugar is okay.

Will Sugar Contribute to Long-Term Health Problems?

Naturally, we are aware of the impact of diabetes, and the fact that 75% of Americans eat more sugar than they really should. But if you have heard that eating sugar will contribute to cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease, added sugar consumption according to an American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study found that it was not linked to increased risk for death. A moderate amount of sugar doesn’t appear to be harmful but having too much will put you at risk for putting on weight.

Are Natural Sugars Better for You?

There are minimally processed sweeteners, such as agave nectar and honey that people use in beverages, thinking it’s a healthier version of sugar, but your body views all sugar sources as the same. This means that whatever the sugar source is, it will have the same impact on your body. While there are nutrients in honey and maple syrup, the nutrients are so small that they won’t have an impact on your health. You may think that you are doing yourself a favor by having a healthier version, but it is not the case.

Sugar is not a healthy food by any stretch, as we have seen, but for those people who are determined to remove sugar from every aspect of their life, it can be impossible. We find sugar in fruit, but this is why fruit contains fiber to balance it out. However, if you want a healthy life you can indulge in a sweet treat, but the solution is simple: everything in moderation.

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Jul22

Tone Up With These Exercises

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Tone Up With These Exercises

If you’re ready to take control of your life, becoming active is the greatest place to start. It means getting up, breaking out of your old pattern, and creating a new one that will improve your life. Here are the best exercises for working up a sweat and toning up your muscles:

Boxing:

Boxing is fantastic if you want to work on your core muscles while still getting a solid workout for the rest of your body. It also enhances your balance, mobility, and coordination while simultaneously working your muscles, all of which may be applied in your daily life.

If you’ve never boxed before, it’s a good idea to practice alongside someone who understands what they’re doing, such as a trainer or a buddy. That way, you can be sure that you’re doing everything correctly and that you’re not injuring yourself.

Swimming:

Swimming could be the exercise for you if you have aches and pains because water relieves all of the strain on your body and allows you to focus on moving around freely. This is why many physiotherapists recommend swimming. Not only that, but it works every muscle in your body, which means you not only burn calories but also tone up. That being said, if you are struggling with joint pain such as in your knees or shoulders, it’s always best to consult a knee or shoulder specialist before starting any physical activity.

The beauty of swimming is that it truly is a form of exercise that you can do your entire life. From fast paced laps to water aerobics, there are aquatic workouts for people of all ages. If you are serious about swimming as your main form of exercise, you might want to search for a Swimming pool contractor in Rockwall, TX (or your local area). With a pool in your backyard, your whole family can experience the benefits of swimming.

Cycling:

Cycling is a favorite go-to workout because you can do it both indoors and out. You can get in shape in front of the television if you have an exercise bike! Just thirty minutes of riding each day can significantly increase your physical power and stamina and the more you sweat, the more fat you’re literally melting away.

Circuit training:

If you prefer to push yourself to your limits, circuit training is the ideal cardio workout for you. High-intensity workouts with minimal recovery time make for a difficult session, but one that is well worth it once done. It’s a fast-paced workout, so make sure you’re hydrated and eat something before you start; otherwise, you won’t have the energy you need. Make sure you have a bottle of water within reach for when you have a little rest period. You’ll see why.

Whatever you choose to do, give it a fair chance before deciding whether or not you like it. Not everyone is the same and just because your friends say running is the best thing for them doesn’t imply it will be the case for you. This is when trial and error comes into play. Don’t give up on getting healthier if you don’t like something; simply keep going until you find something you truly appreciate.

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Jul21

What’s Holding You Back At The Gym?

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What’s Holding You Back At The Gym?

If you are someone who prides themselves on staying fit and healthy, then you probably have a gym membership and go to the gym on regular occasions. This is definitely one of the best things you can do for yourself in general, but it is also the kind of habit that you can often find yourself holding back on for one reason or another. As it happens, there are many reasons why you might be struggling to achieve what you want to at the gym, and in this article we are going to take a look at a few of the most common:

Lack Of Confidence:

Everyone has had the experience of feeling a little shy when stepping into a gym. This often happens the first time you try out a new gym or if you are feeling self conscious that day. Working on improving your confidence more generally is a great way to go, as is ensures that you are being easy on yourself when you are at the gym itself. With a little more confidence, you will approach your workouts in a better way and get more out of them.

The Wrong Shoes:

It’s amazing what a difference wearing the wrong shoes can make. Whether you are on the treadmill, rowing, or doing weights, you need to have the appropriate footwear. This will help you to keep your balance, avoid injuries, and feel comfortable during your workout. If you are unsure about what footwear you might need to wear for a particular activity at the gym, check out Whichfootwear.com for all the advice you’ll need on that subject. With the right shoes, working out will be much easier on your body.

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Too Rigorous Of A Routine:

If you are following a workout regime of some kind or another, you will need to make sure that it is not too rigorous. If it is, then that is a sure sign that you are going to struggle to do it right and you’ll find that you end up performing worse than you would have done otherwise. You’ll get a lot more done by being a little gentler on yourself, relaxing your schedule, and not trying to achieve too much in one go. Remember: you are not competing against anyone but yourself.

Going Alone:

There is plenty of research to suggest that going to the gym with a friend helps make so much more of the experience. When there are two of you and you are both equally dedicated, it provides encouragement and accountability. Find yourself a good gym buddy and you’ll find that each workout becomes more effective and easier to do. It’s amazing what a difference a friend can make.

Ready, set, hit the gym with the advice above!

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Jul16

What To Do When Your Pet Has Dog Flu

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What To Do When Your Pet Has Dog Flu

Dogs can have the flu and you may be wondering whether your dog is currently suffering from it and what you can do. While dogs don’t get colds in the same way that human beings do, they can come down with sneezing and congestion. Interestingly, you cannot catch a cold from your dog and if you get a cold you cannot pass it on to your dog. However, dogs can get canine flu.

If your dog does come down with canine flu, it is good for you to be informed about what to do to make your dog feel better. Here are some tips:

Treating Dog Flu:

If your dog has mild dog flu, you may not need to do much in the way of treatment, especially if your dog is still eating and drinking the way it normally would. However, if your dog is not eating as it did before, looks uncomfortable, and you notice that they have trouble breathing you should contact your vet immediately.

If your vet suspects that the symptoms are of dog flu, they will conduct tests to see if it is really dog flu or a dog sinus infection which can often mimic flu-like symptoms. Normally, your dog will be prescribed antibiotics and cough suppressants if they have dog flu.

Preventing Dog Flu:

There are no vaccinations that can protect your dog from every illness that could befall them. However, getting your dog vaccinated can help to reduce the risk that they will get dog flu. Ensure that your dog’s vaccinations are always up-to-date to prevent them from getting other diseases as well. Dogs are especially susceptible to parvovirus and leptospirosis.

Do Some Cleaning:

One of the easiest things you can do to help prevent dog flu is to clean your dog’s belongings regularly. Make sure that you clean their food and water bowls. Even their toys need to be cleaned as often as possible. Cleaning toys and bowls are especially important if your pet has to share them with other dogs that you may have.

Lots of Rest and Good Food:

Dogs need to sleep at least twelve to fourteen hours per day. Rest is very important for dogs and it will prevent them from getting ill. Nutrition is also important. Make sure that your dog is eating healthily and that you are feeding them dog food that is rich in nutrients that will boost their immune systems to prevent them from getting the flu.

Stay Informed:

When there is an outbreak of dog flu in your area, your vet will know that it is happening. Make sure that you are on the alert list so that your vet can notify you when there is an outbreak of dog flu. If there are vaccinations available to protect your pet, you should definitely get them to prevent your dog from getting sick.

Taking care of your pet is always a priority. Follow the tips and advice here to protect your dog’s health. If your dog does come down with the flu, be sure to contact your vet and do whatever they recommend.

Featured Image By: Creative Vix from Pexels

Jul12

Time To Make Your Life Healthier!

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Time To Make Your Life Healthier!

Why is healthy eating so important in the workplace? It’s important because, oftentimes, we reach for the nearest and quickest item of food to eat before getting back to the grind. Then while you are sitting at your desk, hunger suddenly starts to take hold. Healthy nutrition falls by the wayside and you eat what is there – a biscuit, a piece of cake from the staff room. You eat too fast, too greasy, too much sugar and then you feel the effects creeping in. Discomfort, tiredness, sluggishness, stomach ache, and cravings come quickly – that is why it is important to switch things up and be healthy with the following advice:

Increase your physical performance:

Your brain needs energy and minerals to function well. If you eat right, your body can metabolize nutrients and vitamins better. Not only do you feel more productive, but you can also significantly increase your concentration and performance. Choose green ingredients and it will greatly assist.

Get healthier and fitter in everyday life:

Did you know that poor nutrition can also make you sick? If you eat a healthy and balanced diet, you can avoid the risk of getting sick and improve your general health. This way you can easily save yourself annoying doctor visits and expensive medication.

Reach your natural feel-good weight:

There is no need to start a new fad diet or try something such as the Atkins diet. With a healthy diet, you don’t have to struggle with constant dieting or the yo-yo effect. Eating well-balanced foods can help you feel full longer and trick your cravings. Eat nuts and healthy fruit snacks, instead. Dried banana, coconut, and fat free yogurt can be delicious treat! Feel like something sweet? Honey has amazing health benefits which you can learn more about at Gold Bee and potentially get yourself some of their high-quality raw, organic honey for your cupboard. It’s the perfect way to top off a yogurt parfait – yum!

Increase your resilience and stress resistance:

With healthy food you can improve your stress resistance. This is especially important when things get tough at work. Health insurance companies confirm that healthy eating helps you to better meet the high demands of everyday working life. It also helps you to concentrate better. This allows you to work more efficiently and, all in all, you are less prone to stress.

Improve your complexion for visible beauty:

Healthy nutrition affects your appearance and your beauty from within. This helps ensure beautiful skin, healthy hair, and fewer wrinkles. You feel more comfortable and you radiate it in everyday life. That makes you more self-confident and more successful – which can also benefit your career. Vitamin C is great for your skin as are natural fatty acids that will make you glow. Protein and antioxidant rich foods are also excellent for your skin and can be found in the options when you Shop Bird Nest Online for an even more enhanced radiance.

Feel better and radiate it:

Researchers at the University of California have found that mood and digestion are closely related because they are closely connected by nerve tracts. So if the stomach feels good, happiness hormones are released that make you really happy. You feel more balanced and your colleagues will be amazed at how you are walking down the aisle with such a smile.  Eating your greens and plenty of fruit will allow you to blossom further.

Eating right has a huge impact on your health and mood – improve yours today with these ideas!

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