Lifestyles
Healthy Habits: Health Gamification turns wellness into play
By Jennifer Wimmer Have you heard of health gamification? Many people say it helps make healthy habits feel more like a game than a chore. With November being Diabetes Awareness Month, one great example is the MySugr app, which helps people manage diabetes by rewarding them with points and badges for tracking blood sugar levels.…
Read MoreHealthy Habits: Daily Wellness Tips
By Jennifer Wimmer Many of us face challenges such as stress, anxiety and sleeplessness. Fortunately, simple and effective techniques can promote restful sleep, ease tension and improve mindset. Choose several self-soothing methods that work best for you and practice them daily. Taking charge of your own wellness empowers you to stay grounded—so even when life’s…
Read MoreFun Fall Treats: Simple Recipes with Healthier Ingredients
By Jennifer Wimmer As the crisp fall air settles in, it’s the perfect time to recreate some of the season’s favorite homemade treats in a healthier way. These recipes offer wholesome, natural alternatives to classic fall sweets and snacks—without as many of the artificial colors, flavors or preservatives often found in traditional versions. Healthy Candy…
Read MoreHealthy Habits: Natural DIY Care Solutions
By Jennifer Wimmer Creating your own personal care products at home can be simple, affordable and fun. Plus, your homemade creations will skip the harsh chemicals found in many store-bought brands. With just a few natural ingredients like coconut milk or olive oil, apple cider vinegar and shea butter, you can easily make daily hygiene…
Read MoreHealthy Habits: Chanca Piedra
By Jennifer Wimmer Scientifically known as Phyllanthus niruri, chanca piedra is a tropical plant widely recognized for supporting kidney health. Its Spanish name, which translates to “stone breaker,” reflects its traditional use in helping break down kidney stones. The entire plant is used medicinally, and naturally grows in tropical and subtropical regions across the world.…
Read MoreHealthy Habits: Bacopa
By Jennifer Wimmer Bacopa monnieri is an herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, and is known for its beneficial properties that support brain and cognitive health. Also called water hyssop and herb of grace, it improves memory, information processing and the speed of learning. Clinical trials show a significant improvement in attention, recall and reaction…
Read MoreHealthy Habits: Saffron
By Jennifer Wimmer Derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, saffron is known for its flavor and golden color, and is rich in antioxidants such as crocin, crocetin, safranal and kaempferol. While it’s culinary uses are widely recognized, the health benefits you can gain from this herb are outstanding, including relief from depression, reduced PMS symptoms,…
Read MoreHealthy Habits: Glycine
By Jennifer Wimmer Our bodies actually manufacture the very important amino acid glycine, but only around 3 grams per day, at best. Though according to specialists, we require anywhere from 10 to 60 grams a day depending on age, health, weight and other conditions. And most of us don’t meet the recommended glycine intake in…
Read MoreRiddle of the Week
Last Week’s Riddle was: We’re there when trouble first appears, mending, calming and easing fears. We are the ones who choose to serve, and selflessly do so without reserve. Who are we? Rita Bright, Diane Perkins, Sheila Murphy and Merranda Smith guessed it! ANSWER: first responders. This Week’s Riddle is: I shine without burning, and I fill without end. I’m sought in the…
Read MoreHealthy Habits: Olives
By Jennifer Wimmer Olives are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. Their nutritional profile is surprisingly impressive, and offers a myriad of health benefits. The healthiest varieties are Kalamata and Spanish green olives, and the best choice is always organically-grown. Both green and black olives provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, with green olives providing more vitamin…
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