Five Heart-Smart Habits for American Heart Month
Are you pumped for American Heart Month? We sure are! That’s why we’ve gathered these (super easy) tips to help you keep your ticker in tip-top shape!
Read more →
Are you pumped for American Heart Month? We sure are! That’s why we’ve gathered these (super easy) tips to help you keep your ticker in tip-top shape!
Read more →
While there’s no magic gizmo that will completely erase your wrinkles or help you lose 10 pounds overnight, there are many convenient contraptions that can make your life a little healthier – and maybe a little easier, too! Check them out:
1. Pedometer: So you want to exercise more, but you’re not sure where to start. How about with a single step – or two, three, maybe a few thousand? A pedometer is a great way to keep track of your movement. Set a goal to reach 10,000 steps per day – it’s not as hard as it sounds!
2. Water bottle: All that walking will definitely leave you thirsty, so be prepared with your very own water bottle. Water is essential to life, but it’s also a great way to keep your tummy feeling full when you’re tempted to snack, and it’s also a good, healthy alternative to a sugary soda (just add cucumber slices for a refreshing zing). No matter where you’re headed, bring along a BPA-free water bottle to keep your body hydrated.
3. Air purifier: Thought you were safe from pollution once you shut the front door? The truth is, the air inside your home may be up to 10 times more polluted than the air outdoors! An air purifier can help eliminate allergens, odors, pollutants and other icky particles floating around your home – now that’s a breath of fresh air! (wink)
4. Diffuser: After a long day at the office, turn to your essential oil diffuser for the perfect way to tame tension. Breathe in a burst of lavender, chamomile, basil, bergamot, ylang ylang, peppermint or geranium — these are all scents that can curb stress and help you unwind.
5. Nasal irrigator: It sounds… well, gross… but it’s actually quite helpful, especially for those whose sinuses are less than cooperative. Nasal irrigators are easy to use — just fill up your container (typically a small pot or squeeze bottle) with warm water and special non-iodized salt, tilt your head down and slightly to one side, filling one nasal cavity with solution and allowing it to drain out the other nostril. Ahhh, now you can breathe easy!
While cold weather is unlikely to be the direct cause of joint discomfort, the drop in pressure that accompanies dipping temperatures may aggravate pre-existing conditions (though it has yet to be proven scientifically). Protect joints from weather-related stiffness by trying out these five helpful tips:
1. Heat things up: Before you get dressed, throw your clothes in the dryer for a few minutes – toasty clothes are like a heating pad for your whole body!
2. Take cover: Dress warmly from head to toe – be sure to wear a scarf, gloves and extra-thick socks to cover your neck, hands and feet and keep them warm and comfortable, even indoors if necessary.
3. Enjoy a hot beverage: If you must venture outside, warm your body to the core by enjoying a steaming cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
4. Keep moving: Mobility is crucial to prevent stiff joints in any weather. If it’s too cold to exercise outside, consider taking a long stroll through your local mall.
5. Feed your joints: Eat joint-protective foods, such as fish (rich in omega-3s and vitamin D), shellfish (a source of glucosamine) and citrus fruits, which provide vitamin C (crucial for collagen production).
Fall has arrived, which means shorter days, cooler temperatures and plenty of activities are on the way – so now is the perfect time to rev up your fitness routine! Consider these five helpful fitness tips for fall:
1. Get outside: Take advantage of the cool, comfortable weather by taking your workout outside. Walk with a friend, hit the trails on your bike or join a recreational sports league.
2. Be safe: Dress appropriately for cooler weather, including layers if necessary. Since days are shorter in fall, be sure to wear reflective clothing and add lights to your bike if you’ll be exercising in the dark. Remember to drink plenty of water, even in cooler weather.
3. Find an activity: From corn mazes to 5K races, there are plenty of fall activities that can keep you on your feet. As an added bonus, signing up for an upcoming activity can motivate you to stick with your new fitness routine.
4. Bring the family: Get everyone involved in your quest for fitness – find fun fall activities the whole family can do together!
5. Turn TV time into a workout: Don’t miss the new seasons of your favorite TV shows – simply incorporate them into your workout by doing crunches during commercials or watching while lifting light weights or walking in place.
Copyright ©2011 Vitacost.com. All rights reserved • Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.
Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog is written exclusively by employees of Vitacost.com. Vitacost.com and writers of the VitaBlog have a material connection to any links contained within. This disclosure is made in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's16 CFR, Part 255.5 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
