The holiday season is a joyful time of year, but it can also be stressful, and this year that’s truer than ever. We’ve all got a lot on our plates these days, and it’s not turkey with extra stuffing. The following practices can help you manage stress as you navigate this unique holiday season. And the best part about these practices? They are simple enough to incorporate into your existing routine without having to dramatically adjust your day, which makes it more likely that you’ll enjoy and … [Read more...] about Natural Ways to Manage Stress During the Holidays
Nick Brown
Why Active Aging is Important
Launched in 2003 by the International Council on Active Aging, Active Aging Week celebrates the positivity of aging today and showcases the capabilities of older adults. Aging actively means different things to different people, but the overarching goal is to provide opportunities to participate in activities that enhance well-being while aging. One significant way to do that is by undertaking new experiences. Encountering new experiences can be more difficult to achieve in retirement, … [Read more...] about Why Active Aging is Important
Stepping into Autumn with Better Balance
Moving into autumn and Healthy Aging Month, it’s a good time to reevaluate our fitness routines as the high energy of summer begins to fade and we prepare for the colder months. As we get older, it becomes increasingly important to work on strengthening the muscles and systems that keep us upright and help to prevent falling. Why do people fall? Risk factors often include: Fear or uncertainty following a previous fall. Changes in mobility because of physical limitations. Impaired … [Read more...] about Stepping into Autumn with Better Balance
Yoga, Meditation for Beginners
August is National Wellness Month as well as International Peace Month, so the holistic benefits of yoga and meditation immediately come to mind. People all over the world practice yoga and meditate as part of their mental and physical maintenance plan, and you can, too! All ability levels can be accommodated; you just need a desire to begin, a little free time, and a willingness to try something new. Readying Your Space You can meditate or practice yoga nearly anywhere, but your space … [Read more...] about Yoga, Meditation for Beginners
Simple Exercises for Combatting Stress
April is National Stress Awareness Month, which typically coincides with tax season, a notoriously stressful time of year for many. This year, the added stress of the coronavirus compounds the “normal” April stress. While it’s obvious that feeling stressed is unpleasant, it is also important to understand the toll that stress takes on our bodies, especially as we age. As we get older, our bodies have a harder time bouncing back from stress. We produce adrenaline and cortisol, which make our … [Read more...] about Simple Exercises for Combatting Stress
Understanding the Role of Protein as We Age
March is National Nutrition Month, and I’d like to focus on how our nutritional needs change as we get older. Many people don’t realize that adults need to increase their protein consumption as they age in order to maintain their current level of physical functioning, and even more so if they are trying to lose weight or build muscle mass. Why We Need Protein If you find daily tasks are becoming more strenuous to complete without any other changes to your health, this might be an … [Read more...] about Understanding the Role of Protein as We Age
Debunking Detoxes and Cleanses
The new year is in full swing, and many people are hard at work trying to get fit and lose weight. Complicating matters are the numerous messages we’re inundated with from the fitness, nutrition and wellness industries that have conflicting information. In particular, topics like detoxification, cleanses, hydration and sports drinks can be confusing. Because February is American Heart Month, I’d like to address my concerns with detox culture and the potentially damaging effects it can have on … [Read more...] about Debunking Detoxes and Cleanses