25% - Rate of U.S. adults in 2004 who cited “no one to talk to about important matters,” increasing 15% in ten years - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Why this matters: Social isolation and loneliness are associated with an increased mortality. #Isolation #Alone #MentalHealth #PhysicalHealth #Depression #Support #Communication #Family #Connection
If hearing the expression “Breaking News” or the insistent anthems assigned to them shake your focus unlike ever before, you are not alone. Regardless of your voting choices, there is a political anxiety that is not only palpable in the United States, it is global. We are collectively living in a sustained moment of “What’s Next!” It is no secret that the civic environment is no longer civil. It is filled with abused political mechanisms, dubious candidates, cyber attacks, ru
October is crammed with health and social awareness! Whether for physical or mental well-being, these observations make a difference for all of us. Add them to your calendar and share. Monthlong Domestic Violence Awareness Month National Breast Cancer Awareness Month National Bullying Prevention Month National Down's Syndrome Awareness Month National Spina Bifida Awareness Month Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month Key Dates 2 - 8 October - Mental Illness Awa
"We don't think of listening as a profound act of respect." - Guy Raz, Radio Host and Journalist But, it is! We are all guilty of the empty head nod while someone is speaking. We nod not out of agreement, but to appease them. It is an attempt at being respectful, but it is not entirely genuine. We are not really listening. Perhaps we are thinking of what they said earlier. Maybe we are planning what we will have for dinner. For others it may be what the best commute will be o
Just as water is essential for life, movement is critical to maintaining a healthy mind and body. National Walking Day is a celebration of basic movement. Whether you break a sweat or not, walking has benefits beyond hitting goals on your pedometer. Improve Circulation: Activity as simple as walking can improve your circulation. Walking also can decrease pain for those with peripheral artery disease. Cholesterol Reduction: Exercise stimulates enzymes that transfer LDL (the ba
Shortness of breath? Irritated eyes? Itchy skin? Runny nose? Do you have a history of seasonal allergies? Might you have the year round perennial allergies? If yes to any of these questions, you may be one of the 17 million adults and 7 million children in American who battle allergies. Sometimes less is more. For those of us in this group, identifying work-arounds is second nature. The beauty of the season might be better from indoors or in photos. Keeping the house tidy mig
Busy schedules and incessant distractions can twist us in knots -- in both the body and mind. Catching a breather shouldn't be grounds for additional stress. Before you blow your tax refund check on a vacation or some other form of retail therapy (clothes, electronics, spa, etc.), consider 7 low cost/no cost solutions for your numb or throbbing spirt. Time Out - An unscripted window can lift a sense of obligation, reducing stress levels and allowing your thoughts to wander
Got your attention right way, didn’t we? People say dogs are man’s best friend for good reason. They are funny, loyal, protective, social creatures who have lived side by side with us humans for thousands of years, but their role on enhancing our health is receiving greater appreciation. The other day we ran across an article in the Well Blog in the New York Times about Therapy Dogs that caught our attention. The author talks about her experiences with “Max” her cute as a but
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. It is the fourth most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death from cancer. Each year, more than 136,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and more than 50,000 die of the disease.With certain types of screening, this cancer can be prevented by removing polyps (grape-like growths on the wall of the intestine) before they become cancerous. Several screening tests detect colorectal canc
The struggle is real! How do you wake-up in the morning? Few of us leaps from bed whistling, but those guys exist. If rolling out each day is an effort, perhaps this tip of the day can help. Sonic Morale – Remember, “Groove is in the Heart!" Chances are that when you hear your jam, you’re feeling it all over. Whether a head nod, toe tap or booty shake, music is a great way to break the binds of sleep. An audio-only source prevents your being locked into place by a visually de
Scenario I: You visit that loving aunt of yours. As always, she asks “Are you hungry? Let me get you a little something.” No problem! She’s a wonderful cook - great company to boot. No need to worry about what she serves, because you know that she is very serious about what she does in the kitchen. Scenario II: You go to your favorite restaurant and order your favorite dish. It doesn’t matter if it is a fancy place with a Michelin Rating or a fast-food joint with a recognizab
The terms "military," "veteran," "soldier" and "officer" do not flag gender. With women comprising 10% of veterans, 20% of new recruits, 15% of active duty and 18% of reservists, the "GI Joe" military persona is a dated reflection of the 21st Century United States service member. Continuing in the tradition of challenging significant matters via humor, late night host Samantha Bee's show Full Frontal debuted by highlighting the fractures in delivering women's health care wit
To elevate the call for heart health for women, The Heart Truth program uses the first Friday of February as National Wear Red Day. A program and campaign throught the National Institutes of Health, it applies the catch phrase, "Heart Disease Doesn't Care What You Wear - It's the #1 Killer of Women®." The above video featuring Jennifer above illustrates that even the most successful, active and educated women can be surprised at a young age. In juggling career, family, and su
The struggle is real! How do you wake-up in the morning? Few of us leaps from bed whistling, but those guys exist. If rolling out each day is an effort, perhaps this tip of the day can help. Make it a Task – Those with dogs seeking a morning walk or kids needing breakfast know the needs of others can jolt you into bleary-eyed action. Oddly enough, many of us can respond to our own mundane schedule with a break down of action and internal bargaining. For some, the buddy system
Screening for depression is beginning to increase -- at least for key populations. However, the signs and symptoms are still under-discussed. A report targeting loneliness may have influenced the trend for screening. The author of the study illustrates how those feeling isolated suffer physiological impairments. #Alone #MentalHealth #PhysicalHealth #Depression
During National Stress Awareness month in April 2015, the Craft Yarn council introduced a new campaign: "Stitch Away Stress." It was an ideal time to promote that repetitive activities such as knitting can offer both mental and physical benefits. Knitting, for example, is a great stress reliever that is great at home or even while travelling (planes, trains, passenger seat car rides). Jane Brody of the New York Times details how such crafts can aid in the management of physic
The struggle is real! How do you wake-up in the morning? Few of us leaps from bed whistling, but those guys exist. If rolling out each day is an effort, perhaps this tip of the day can help. Evening Prep – Set your oldest technology prior to bedtime: your brain. Chances are your cell phone timer and clock radio aren’t resonating because your internal computer hasn’t been set. Mentally prepare for an early start, up to 12 hours prior to you wake: slow down, eat dinner, get com
Eight Questions - How well will you do. [Inside scoop: Let's Check-In's editorial team was not close to perfect.] #PhysicalHealth #Quiz #Food
Fall can be the worst time of year for people with seasonal allergies. Along with cooler weather and changing foliage, weeds and other plants release pollen into the air and outdoor molds grow under fallen leaves. These factors can trigger fall allergies for some 40 million Americans, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. For fall allergy tips go to: http://www.everydayhealth.com/allergy/8-tips-for-fall-allergy-relief.aspx #PhysicalHealth
When people have the support of their family and friends, they are able to better manage their diabetes. It is a hard disease to handle alone. You can help your loved one cope with diabetes by showing your support. #PhysicalHealth #Caregivers #Family
