Category: Wellness

Giving the Gift of Fitness 

Since we can’t give the gift of good health, giving fitness equipment or a gym membership may seem like the next best thing. In some cases this works. In other cases, it can backfire spectacularly. If you want to give the gift of fitness, it’s important to know how to do it in a thoughtful […]

Allergic to Christmas or the Mold on Your Tree?  

Do you find yourself getting a sinus infection or suffering from allergy symptoms every Christmas? If so, don’t worry. You’re not allergic to the holidays. You may, however, be allergic to dust and mold.   Over 50 different molds have been found to grow on live Christmas trees. When you bring a tree into your house, the […]

The Science of Relaxing in the Tub 

We all know taking a bath can help us de-stress, but how exactly does this work? As it turns out, this simple home remedy may be more effective than we know. Besides wrinkling your toes, soaking in a warm tub can…  Relieve muscle tension and soreness  Temporarily lower blood pressure  Increase levels of serotonin, a […]

Research Shows Gratitude is Healthy

Both research and common sense tell us that people who practice gratitude are happier. As it turns out, they also tend to be healthier. Writing it Down Makes a Difference The Greater Good Science Center (GGSC) at the University of California, Berkeley, offers a free, online, gratitude journal Gratitude Journal | Practice | Greater Good […]

Mental Illness and Holiday Debt 

Holiday spending is stressful for everyone. There’s too much to do and not enough time to do it. It’s hard to find just the right gift for everyone on our list. We have to figure out how to pay for it all. The less we earn and the more we buy, the more stressful the […]

Refused an Antibiotic? Here’s Why 

Have you ever expected to get an antibiotic and been upset when your healthcare provider didn’t prescribe one? If so, you are not alone. Antibiotics cure so many diseases that many of us have gotten into the habit of expecting them. When we don’t get them, we get frustrated.   If you’re wondering why you […]

People Live Longer in “Blue Zones”

In 2004 researchers identified five areas in the world where people enjoyed significantly longer life spans. In these areas, known as “Blue Zones”, people not only lived longer, they also remained active, healthy and independent longer.   The “blue zones” are: Okinawa, Japan Sardinia, Italy Nicoya, Costa Rica Ikaria, Greece Loma Linda, California Researchers noticed […]

Walking: The Easy Path to Fitness

Walking for fitness is easy because it’s such a natural form of movement.  The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other can strengthen us to do the things we love. It can also help protect us from disease and premature death.   Walking is Natural  The simpler something is, the easier it […]

Safe Ink- Choosing a Tattoo Shop

Getting a new tattoo can be exciting, whether you’re a collector or a first-time canvas. While it’s tempting to fixate on the artwork, the first step to getting a great tattoo is choosing a safe tattoo shop. If you love the art but don’t have a safe experience, you could wind up with AIDS, Hepatitis […]

Light Therapy for the Winter Blues 

Many of us look forward to the crisp cool air and brightly colored leaves of autumn. For those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), however, fall often marks the beginning of “winter blues” that may not end until the following spring or summer.   What is SAD?   SAD is a form of seasonal depression associated with the decrease in sunlight that occurs as the days get shorter.  It usually appears in the fall and […]