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Healthy lifestyle is natural way to boost immune system - WSMV Nashville

Taking care of your physical body while you are younger is a great way to try to get in front of any health problems down the road that could affect your health care premiums and eligibility.

November 27, 2020 by Justin Weinger Leave a Comment

Living a healthy lifestyle is important for so many reasons, but a lesser-known one is to offset the costs of long-term health care during the later seasons of your life. Taking care of your physical body while you are younger is a great way to try to get in front of any health problems down the road that could affect your health care premiums and eligibility. Building these healthy habits as early as possible in your life also gives you time to incorporate them into your daily life to the point that they become a part of your routine and maintaining them is easy. As we age our bodies become less capable of achieving health goals they are not conditioned to reach. This means that prevention is the best medicine and hope for creating a physical body that can serve you through all the seasons of your life.

Activities as simple as walking can be great improvements to your overall health, and pending you do not have any physical limitations, a daily walk is an easy and accessible way to add in a health-conscious activity to your daily routine. Your cardiovascular strength plays a large role in your overall health, which will be evaluated when it comes time to settle on insurance plans and premiums. Avoiding any preexisting conditions that come because of unhealthy living is going to set you up for more affordable options because companies will not view your potential claims as high risk.

Changes to your diet will also yield positive changes in your overall health. Balance and moderation are generally good rules to live by, but at different ages and stages of life, our bodies need different things nutritionally speaking. Eating in a way that supports longevity and fosters healthy habits is the most sustainable way long-term to keep your body as highly functioning as possible.

Not all ailments can be prevented but that does not mean that we should not try. Health-minded lifestyle choices will help to facilitate this but what if you have done all you can regarding prevention but still find yourself chronically or terminally ill? A key term in the world of long-term health care that is heavily hinged onto chronic illness is viatical settlement. This term refers to the transfer of ownership of the policy by someone who is either chronically or terminally ill to a third party. Ideally, a candidate would not consider this settlement an option until extremely near the end of their life but if it is unavoidable you should not make this decision in haste.

There are a few common motivators that apply to people seeking a viatical settlement. Financial needs that are pushing you to forgo your health benefits and receive cash via a viatical settlement is one. Others include the absence of beneficiaries or having financially independent loved ones that you feel you do not need to leave anything behind for, and an expiring policy. As opposed to letting your policy expire worthless you can convert it to a payment plan and sell it via a viatical settlement.

Photo: Shutterstock

Read more:
How Healthy Lifestyle Habits Will Save You Money on Long-Term Health Care - The Good Men Project

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Kratom leaves have been extensively used across the globe for multiple reasons. It is quite famous for its medicinal benefits. From pain and inflammation to boosting sexual energy, these leaves can cure many health disorders. To get such immense benefits, make sure to get the products from the popular vendors available in the market.

But before diving into the detailed benefits of these leaves, here is an introduction to the Kratom leaves for your reference.

Kratom is a tropical tree native to Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. The leaves of this tropical plant are quite beneficial for its medicinal uses. The leaves have morphine-like effects, and most of their functions are derived from their exclusive chemical compounds and nutrients. The majority of this plants benefits are due to a wide range of organic compounds and alkaloids that control many human organs functions. One of the primary active alkaloids found in this plant is mitragynine, known for its opioid-like effects.

The plant parts are available in gum, capsule, pellets, extract, leaves, and powdered form. People generally chew the leaves as much as 10-60 leaves per day and consume it as tea. Kratom leaves are available for sale on online and offline platforms and with top kratom vendors too. This one has come under the international spotlight in recent years for its exceptional medicinal benefits and recreational drug use.

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The following section offers you a detailed explanation of the benefits of using Kratom leaves:

The evergreen tree is native to the Southeast Asian countries, and people here consume this plan mainly for energy. People who engage in labor-intensive jobs need a lot of energy supply throughout the day to keep going with their work. Hence, such people keep on consuming these leaves for energy supply. People also consume this in the form of tea or make an energy drink that can last an entire day.

As these leaves are now available in gums and capsules, people also consume these along with other beverages. Therefore, kratom leaves are an excellent way to improve focus, make one feel more energized, and increase their productivity throughout the day.

Stress and anxiety-related issues are continually increasing in every individuals life. Hence, it becomes a significant concern for all to find appropriate ways to control such conditions. The users are quite in favor of the use of kratom leaves as it exhibits stimulant-like effects. The regular users have concluded that they feel more relaxed and within control when regularly consuming these leaves. The presence of mitragynine, an active alkaloid, can cause such effects on the human body.

The kratom has hydroxy mitragynine, which, along with mitragynine, reacts with the brains opioid receptors. This, in turn, helps the body get rid of stress and anxiety.

It also has analgesic effects, and when taken in higher doses, it can have sedative and euphoric effects. Therefore, these leaves have shown quite an interesting effect in controlling stress and anxiety-related issues as well.

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Another reason why this plant is gaining such immense popularity is its pain-relieving effects. People suffer from different kinds of chronic pains due to many health conditions like arthritis. The Kratom leaves are quite useful in treating almost all types of pain, especially neuropathic pains.

The leaves have compounds that bind to the pain receptors located in the central nervous system and other body areas. There are several strains of this plant, among which the Bali/red vein is the most effective one for its analgesic effects.

Studies by the FDA have shown that kratom leaves can react with the mu-opioid receptors. These receptors lessen pain once they are activated.

Among the other benefits of using kratom leaves, improvement of cognitive skills is a major one. The human brain can only function optimally if they properly receive adequate nutrition and energy from the bodys metabolic procedures. The microsomal enzymes present in the liver metabolize the kratom compounds into various other alkaloids. Once these are metabolized completely, the alkaloids start acting on the Mu and delta and even the kappa opiate receptors that remain located in peripheral nerves and CNS.

The compound named mitragynine present in these leaves acts on the delta receptors only. On the other hand, 7-hydroxy mitragynine interacts solely with Mu receptors. And these are quite useful in improving the cognitive skills of the users.

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Kratom has opioid-like effects, but it does not act exactly like opioid drugs. That is why the experts widely prescribe this drug for controlling addictive habits.

The leaves directly interact with the opiate receptors but dont show any long-term dependency. The leaves can treat different conditions that remain closely associated with the opioid withdrawal-like symptoms like nausea and vomiting, and even mood swings.

Although kratom leaves above-stated benefits are quite known to the users, their effects on diabetes are the least popular ones. The research suggests that these leaves have positive effects in controlling blood sugar levels. The alkaloids present in the kratom leaves might help modulate the bodys blood sugar levels and insulin levels. And these leaves help in controlling diabetes by keeping a strict check on these levels in the body.

Lastly, your immunity increases with the regular consumption of kratom leaves. These leaves have mainly four types of alkaloids, which help strengthen the immune system. These alkaloids are mitraphylline, isomitraphylline, isopteropodine, and isorhynchophylline.

Even some of the studies show that the extracts of this plant come with antimicrobial properties. These act as a rich source of antioxidants that can fight all the free radicals present in the body, damaging the cellular system. Borneo green kratom, red Bali kratom powder, and white Indo kratom are the best for boosting peoples immunity.

These are some of the critical reasons why kratom leaves are widespread across the global platform. And, if you have been battling with severe drug abuse or addiction problems, then this plant can prove to be your savior. It is essential to know about all the plants chemical and physical properties and talk to your doctor before consuming it regularly.

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7 Impressive Benefits of Kratom Leaves for Healthy Lifestyle - The Leaf Online

It may seem harmless, but sitting for long periods of time can take years off your life. Yet a little physical activity can make a life-saving difference.

Researchers have found a direct relationship between excessive sedentary time and an early death. Between stay-at-home behaviors compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and with holiday season upon us, individuals run the risk of becoming more inactive as major feasting and relaxation take over.

The good news: A new study published in theBritish Journal of Sports Medicine has found that a short amount of exercise each day can offset those harmful effects.

In a meta-analysis of nine previous investigations involving more than 44,000 middle-aged and older men and women (who recorded their physical activity with fitness trackers), scientists discovered that 30 to 40 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity could counteract the negative health effects of sitting still for 10 hours.

Those with low physical activity had a higher risk of premature death, with the greatest risk of death occurring in those with the highest sedentary time, the authors concluded.

The researchers noted that even just standing could help to some degree.

The results aligned with recommendations from the American Heart Association and other health organizations advising adults to get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensityaerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, according to the scientists.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also recently published similar guidelines in the British Journal of Sports Medicine recommending 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity every week.

Research from the American Heart Association suggests that exercise may be more important during the holiday season as deaths from heart attacks peak during December and January, possibly due to factors including changes in diet and alcohol consumption and stress.

Scientists have found that exercise can help cancel out some of the negative health effects of alcohol and reduce stress.

For many of us, the pandemic work-from-home reality has meant more time than ever sitting immobile staring at the computer, and less motivation to get up and move, says Sarah Samaan, MD, a cardiologist with Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center in Plano, Texas, who was not involved in the study. Unfortunately, the more sedentary your lifestyle, the higher risk you have of premature death from heart disease and other conditions.

Dr. Samaan, who is also the author of The DASH Diet for Dummies, recognizes that many people find the idea of beginning an exercise program to be intimidating. But she stresses that people can get moving without following a standard workout regimen.

Activities such as brisk walking, biking, or gardening may substantially offset the harmful effects of our modern-day lifestyle, she says. You don't need a gym to get moving. You can even do it inside the comfort and safety of your own home.

Samaan adds that the holidays tend to be a time for rest and relaxation, but they also can be a great opportunity to reset your health habits.

Committing to a healthy lifestyle is a positive and uplifting way to move into the New Year, she says.

Continued here:
Don't Just Sit There: A Little Exercise Makes Up for a Full Day of Sitting - Everyday Health

SINGAPORE - The government, and insurance companies that pay the hospital bills, are trying every which way to keep people here healthier.

Life expectancy in Singapore is one of the longest in the world, and the people here enjoy the most number of healthy years in the world at 73.9 years in 2019 - beating the Japanese who were second with 73.3 years of good health.

This is largely due to three main factors - a strong healthcare system to provide good medical care to all who need it, in a timely manner; robust immunisation programme to protect against many preventable diseases; and people following a healthy lifestyle that reduces their risk of serious illness.

Singapore has an accessible and affordable public health network, with heavy government subsidies that ensure no citizen is denied healthcare for the lack of money.

The national immunisation schedule here recommends that all children be protected against 10 diseases, with some like diphtheria and measles being compulsory. Most are free.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has also introduced, just this month, subsidies for adult immunisation. This will hopefully reduce the number of people getting serious illnesses like meningitis and pneumonia.

But the third factor has to come from people themselves. They need to exercise regularly and avoid eating unhealthy food, or at least, not eat them too frequently.

Most are aware that regular exercise is extremely helpful in keeping them in good health. They know it reduces obesity, the risk of heart diseases and diabetes, medical conditions which result in significant insurance claims.

Mr Dennis Tan, who heads Prudential Singapore, which provides MediShield Life Integrated Plans to many people here, said the top three causes of claims are heart problems, stroke and kidney treatments. In Singapore, the majority of kidney failure is due to uncontrolled diabetes.

Regular exercise could reduce the risk for all three. But not everyone who knows that, actually makes the effort to exercise.

The Health Promotion Board (HPB) has over the years stressed the importance of exercise. The Board's National Steps Challenge, has seen the number of participants grow, from 156,000 in 2015 when it was launched to 913,000 in the fifth session that ended earlier this year.

The Board dangles incentives for those who sign up. They include a free steps tracker for those who do not have one as well as prizes like air tickets for teams and individuals. There are also vouchers for those who fulfil the required number of daily steps.

Mr Zee Yoong Kang, HPB's chief executive officer, sees nothing wrong in giving people incentives to exercise.

But he added: "I don't think people do it for money. I think it's the thrill of getting that voucher as a recognition."

That's because "to earn $35 in our steps challenge programme, you have to walk 960 kilometres, and that's all the way from Singapore to Thailand," he said.

The annual event involves a series of challenges with participants securing a $5 or $10 voucher for clearing a level.

While some people do manage to earn every single voucher offered, there are also others who do not claim them after clearing a level.

About a third of participants would claim the vouchers within a month of qualifying for them, while 7 per cent do not bother at all.

Anything that can get more people exercising regularly is good. While about half a million participants may not care much about the vouchers, there are about 300,000 people who had likely exercised more to get them.

It is far cheaper to provide a little incentive for people to stay healthy, than to treat them for a medical condition that could have been prevented.

Professor Tan Chorh Chuan executive director of the MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation said the rewards can be seen "as encouragement, support, to assist people in making the behavioural change".

Such encouragement is important, which is why Prudential introduced its Pulse App this year. It already has 120,000 users.

The App allows people to check their health status as well as access a tele-consultation should they think they have a problem. It was launched during the circuit breaker period, when most people stayed home as far as possible.

There are also fun elements in the App, like a wrinkle-mirror, to encourage people to lead healthy lifestyles.

For health insurers like Prudential, spending money to get people to stay fit would mean healthier policy holders, which is good for the bottom line.

Prof Tan said more than a third of serious illness are actually preventable. This means, if we all do our part, we should be able to enjoy even more years in good health in our increasingly long lifetimes.

Read this article:
Incentives work to keep people healthy, and are cheaper than treatment - The Straits Times

We talk to Erwan Heussaff about his wellness journey and how he is able to balance enjoying good food with keeping a healthy mindset and lifestyle

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This article is brought to you by REBEL.

With 2.57 million Youtube subscribers (as of writing), Erwan Heussaff has long been a beloved content creator, taking audiences on numerous travel, culinary, and fitness adventures. His blog, thefatkidinside.com also offers various recipes, inspiring wellness articles, and more. He also recently launched REBEL which is a fast growing fitness and wellness platform designed for Filipinos.

We got to talk to Erwan about his wellness journey, passion for food and fitness, and got his insights on how to enjoy good food while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle a task that proves quite tricky to pull-off for most. Read on below to find out more:

Tell us about your journey with food. When did you fall in love with food, cooking and eating clean?

When I started cooking, I just loved knowing exactly what I was putting in my food, good or bad, understanding how flavours come together, how texture is created and eventually how that food becomes information for your body. Telling it how to feel (tired, bloated, energised, inspired) and how to perform.

How can food affect our disposition?

I hear food is fuel all the time and while thats true, it doesnt paint the whole picture. Yes, food gives us energy, but it also gives us information. It tells your body what to feel, how to move and eventually can affect it positively or negatively in the long run. Think about it, its the most intimate thing you can do, to put something in your body and ingest it, it doesnt get more personal than that.

How important is food vs exercise in the equation for being fit and healthy?

People say that abs are made in the kitchen and that is 100 per cent true. If abs are your goal, food is the most important thing. However, if you want to lead a balanced life, which is what I usually advocate, they are more or less equal. I think its important to do something physical every day, it can be a 30-minute walk, but it's also important to eat the things that will make you feel good and wont contribute to any diseases further down the line.

Read more: Where To Order: Delicious Steaks To Treat Your Family With

Why in your opinion is exercise important for mental health?

Its all about momentum. We all feel stuck sometimes and all it takes is for you to get up and start somethinganythingto start bringing movement back in your life. This can be starting a project, reading a book that inspires you, reaching out to a friend. There are so many ways to create movement in your life and the easiest one is to actually physically move. I usually get my best ideas or become motivated when Im working out and a lot of people Ive talked to, feel the same way. That connection [between] brain and physical activity is so important for our mental wellbeing.

How do you balance eating rich/ decadent meals and keeping a healthy food diet?

I like the 80/20 rule for maintenance. 80 per cent of the time, choose your food based on your healthy, 20 per cent choose your food based on your cravings. Unless you have military discipline, the more you stop yourself from eating things you crave, the more that will build up and implode, so its good to give yourself a break from time to time.

Read more: How To Choose The Right Shoes For Your Next Workout

Take us through your fitness/wellness journey: did you ever have any difficulties?

I had a lot of struggles in the beginning. I needed to figure out what works and for that to happen I had to try it all in long periods of time, to be able to measure the effectiveness of an eating or workout plan. There was a lot of frustration and I broke a few times. I realised that each time I broke, I basically had to start from zero. As I failed, I learned to understand my body and my mind more. Ultimately that helped me figure out a couple of things:

Read more: Where to Buy Gym Equipment: Building Your Own Fitness Haven At Home

If people are busy, what tips can you give them so that they can still find a way to meal-prep and eat well?

Eat simple. We are so obsessed with food nowadaysNetflix shows, restaurants at our fingertips on our devices, documentaries, travel, etc. All these things have not only solidified the importance of food in our lives but changes our perspective of it. We crave for beautifully presented dishes or meals that taste decadent. Our expectation of what a meal should look like is sometimes way too high. I cant imagine our parents or grandparents having this same obsession. They grew up with simple food cooked at home with minimal ingredients. When I make my meals at home thats what I do. Chicken breast, a sweet potato, some broccoli and brown rice; cooked with salt, pepper and olive oil. Its not the tastiest, most amazing dish, but its enough. I think we need to make peace with that.

What pre and post-workout meals do you like and what do you recommend to others?

I actually enjoy working out with just coffee and water in my system, especially before doing weights, it makes me feel light. When I used to do long cardio sessions when I was seriously into triathlons, I would grab a peanut butter and banana sandwich. For my post-workout, whatever fruit is In season, blended with some coconut water and some protein powder if available.

What pre and post-workout meals do you like and what do you recommend to others?

I actually enjoy working out with just coffee and water in my system, especially before doing weights, it makes me feel light. When I used to do long cardio sessions when I was seriously into triathlons, I would grab a peanut butter and banana sandwich. For my post-workout, whatever fruit is In season, blended with some coconut water and some protein powder if available.

Favourite cheat meal?

Ice cream. 1 tub, please.

What are your favourite low calorie or low carb meals?

I just fill my plate up with vegetables. I dont mind carbohydrates, they are important in a diet, I just make sure to grab them from complex sources like fruits, starchy vegetables and whole grains.

What are your favourite guilt-free snacks?

I love Saba bananas cooked down with just some coconut water and a pandan leaf.

Read more: 3 Female Fitness Trainers On How To Exercise With Resistance Bands

The REBEL app can be downloaded here and is available for Android and iOS. Visit their Website, Instagram and Facebook for more information.

See the article here:
Fitness Tips: Erwan Heussaff On How To Balance Eating Well With A Healthy Lifestyle - Tatler Philippines

For as long as she could remember, Morgan Bishop was self-conscious about her weight. She recalled being curvier than her peers as a teen, but it wasnt until she had her son that she saw her weight spiral out of control. During the pregnancy she gained 70 pounds, and she recalled that after his birth she began her journey of yo-yo dieting, losing weight only to gain it back and more.

The turning point came when her son, at the time in fourth grade, came home from school and expressed that he was mad at one of his fellow classmates. After some time, Morgan discovered that the classmate had told her son that his mother was fat, but he didnt want to tell her because he was afraid it would hurt her feelings. For Morgan, that was the time to take a look at her choices and make a change for the betterfor both her and her son.

100+ Gift Ideas For Everyone On Your Holiday List

via Morgan Bishop

At her heaviest weight of 286 pounds, Morgan was miserable. But it was small changes to her diet, and not exercise initially, that she accredits to the results. I used Isagenix shakes to replace two meals a day and followed the companys intermittent fasting program, which includes drinking Cleanse for Life, a beverage that supports the body during fasting. Food had been my drug for so long, and I had to accept the fact that I had used it as a way to cover up a lot of emotional pain and issues I had been holding onto.

via Morgan Bishop

Exercise came into the equation after Morgan had already lost a lot of the weight. I didnt exercise at all at first because I couldnt. But as I started feeling better and losing some weight, I started walking a little. I didnt add any gym time or weight training to my routine until after I had lost more than 100 pounds.

She explained that a lot of her change came from the work she did on her mental health. As she lost weight, she was motivated by the differences she had begun to see, and said that she began to accept and love herself at every stage of her journey, leading to a healthier lifestyle overall.

Courtesy of Isagenix

Now, she has a much healthier relationship with food--and her body. Im a completely different person now. I feel physically amazing. I take pride in taking care of myself and my body now. My mindset is different and I wake up happy and ready to face the day. I was finally able to get out of that revolving door of dieting and self-sabotage.

With self-love, time, and mindful changes to her diet that made for a more balanced lifestyle, Morgan was able to build a body she was proud of. She now has a new outlook on life that motivates her to keep going and continue to pursue a healthy lifestyle everyday, pushing her through even the cravings to maintain her weight loss long term and inspire others to do the same!

Read the rest here:
This Mother Lost Over 100 Lbs. & Never Went For A Single RunHeres What She Does Instead! - SheFinds

COVID-19 has brought about a myriad of changes in all of our lives. Daily disruptions to schedules, along with anxiety about contracting the virus and social isolation have all proven to be a challenge for people across the world. These changes have unfortunately led to an increase in anxiety, depression and loneliness.

Here are a few things to consider if you or your loved one is experiencing emotional effects of the pandemic:

First, remember that everyone reacts differently to stress. However, everyone can benefit from knowledge about healthy ways to cope with stress.

Dont completely isolate yourself. This applies both to staying at home and when you are out in public. You can physically stay more than 6 feet away from other people while outside of your home. When at home, make time to connect with loved ones and friends on a regular basis via calls/texts/Skype or FaceTime so that you are not emotionally and socially isolated.

Limit the amount of time on a screen. TV, Facebook and Instagram all count towards your daily amount of time you are on a screen. Research shows that increased amounts of screen time can lead to an increase in anxiety. Current recommendations for adults are 2 hours per day and 1 hour per day for children. It is important to remember that information can be both helpful and hurtful. Information overload can cause an increase in anxiety. Try to set aside a specific time each day to view/listen to the news so that it does not become overwhelming.

Try to maintain a schedule if at all possible. Schedules are a great way to reduce anxiety throughout the day because it is something that your body feels is familiar.

Remember that you still need adequate rest, even during the pandemic. Adequate sleep will allow you to think more clearly and over time has been showed to decrease levels of stress. For adults, adequate sleep means at least 7 hours of sleep per night. Children need at least 9 hours.

Remember that exercise is still key in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and decreasing stress. Exercise recommendations for adults include: 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week along with 2 days per week of muscle strengthening activities. Exercise recommendations for children include 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each day.

Healthy coping strategies are always encouraged, but there may be a time when you may have tried many or all of these tips and are still experiencing anxiety or sadness that makes it difficult to do your day to day tasks. If you feel like this, it is time to talk with your healthcare provider. Remember that your mental health is important, especially during a pandemic.

We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.

Read the original here:
The emotional impact of a pandemic: How to effectively manage it and when to ask for help - Moultrie Observer

It's best, of course, to prevent illness in the first place so your body doesn't ever need to fight it off

by: Len Rome

(WYTV) Its always a good idea to do what you can to stay healthy during cold and flu season, especially now with COVID-19 around.

Do what you can to reduce stress. Stress weakens your immune system.

If youre wondering about taking extra vitamins and supplements, doctors say the evidence isnt clear yet.

Dr. Donald Ford, with the Cleveland Clinic, says the best advice is adopting a healthy lifestyle. Thats a natural way to boost your immune system.

The most important thing is to maintain your own health as much as you can and whether youve got medical conditions that need treatment, make sure that youre taking your medicines as prescribed by your doctor. Make sure that youre eating well, make sure above all that youre getting plenty of rest.

Good sleep habits will benefit your immune system. People who dont get enough sleep are often more likely to get sick.

Adults should get seven to eight hours of sleep every night.

Its best, of course, to prevent illness in the first place so your body doesnt ever need to fight it off.

Wash your hands, wear a mask and keep your distance.

Go here to see the original:
Doctor says best way to bolster your immune system is through healthy habits - WYTV

Even in this extremely challenging time that we live in, I feel that there is so much to bethankful for in my life. First of all, I am thankful for you, our community, for finding and reading The Beetand helping us grow. One year ago, we had just turned on the lights (in mid-October, 2019) to welcome readers to a new content hub dedicated to helping you eat more plant-based food as a way of achieving better health. It quickly became clear that this is so much more than a dietary choice; It's a lifestyle and an approach that manyconsumers the world over are embracing in record numbers.

Since we didn'thold a launch party or make afuss about The Beet's"soft launch" (other than an IG post and a sip ofchampagne over our laptops) we hoped that the concept of a site, app, and newsletter (for starters) dedicatedto the idea that there is a growing audience of people who want to eat more plant-based foods would take off. In January we made a little more noise, with a press announcement that The Beet had launched with a 28-day plant-based challenge for the New Year, New You time frame. It took off, and so did The Beet, thanks to you.

The idea that first you "JustAddPlants" and then perhaps you may choose to lean into plant-based eating, or go mostly plant-based or fully plant-based, was a sound notion. Back then, 12 months ago for our first Thanksgiving,The Beet had about as many readers aswe had friends and family, who lovingly checked out this new content hub (okay we told them to). Now The Beet has grown exponentially, to serving more than 1.7 millionmonthly readers who enjoy about 12 million page views in all, as more Americans are turning to plant-based eating as a way to be healthier amidst a global pandemic.

I am exceedingly thankful for the team at The Beet, a small group of dedicated editorsStephanie McClain, Hailey Welch, Caitlin Mucerinoand tech creatorsSun Sachs, Anibal Rosado, plant-based health experts (our contributing doctors and nutritionists), and driven business minds (Jared Willig),plus a few brilliant growth architects, who have helped us get here. And I appreciate our industrious interns, Cameron Alvar and Spencer Whaley, who made our lives so much better. As we have gained momentum through the past months, we threw the machine into fast forward, and there doesn't seem to be a limit to what this team can do. I am grateful for each of the editors, who show up every morning (in their own homes, with their adorable pets as co-pilots) to striveto bring you the meaningful, unique, and engaging content that will help you eat healthily and love it, and get further on your plant-based journey and achieve your personal goal of being healthier every day.

On a personal note, I am grateful for my husband James Danziger, who entered this plant-based world with me and calls himself "vegan-ish" and planned fun, plant-based mealsforthe family over the summer by launching "vegan taco night" where we would taste a variety of plant-based meatless fillings. I am gratefultomy kids, now grown-ups, who are always supportive of every new adventure their mom embarks on, including switching out all the milk and cheese and eggs in the fridge. They now buy JUST Eggs to have in their own fridges (as do their friends).

I'd be remiss if I didn't say a big thank you to the visionary founders (Steven Price and Adam Slutsky) and thetalented, creative minds at 25madison and Gather Ventures in New York City, who believed in the power of a plant-basedcompanyas an important business to embark on, even before I ever walked in the door. They were right and I justgotthe fun part of bringing it to fruition. So in the spirit of "closer together, even apart" I want to send a virtual hug and high five to the team, the bosses, and the contributing writers who have created such stellar content. And to say Thank You, to them and to you.

Stephanie

This yearhas made it so clear to me that the most important things in life are also some of the most simplehaving good health, having a roof over my head, having good company (even if it's just virtually), creating a routine that brings me joy, and having a job I love and feel purpose in. I came down with COVID in March, at the very beginning of the pandemic, and after making a complete recovery by May, I realized how much better Ishould be taking care of my health. I moved intoa newapartment with my rescue kitty Silky and began a new chapter in my life centered around well-being.

My gratitude sprouted from simple health-driven routines: Being able to take a walk around the park in the morning and appreciate the changing foliage, practicing yoga and meditation daily, going to my local farmer's marketand getting a tote filled with fresh, local produce, and most of all, being able to work for a company that gives me purpose by helping others. The positive response to The Beet has been overwhelming and working toassist others in achieving better health through a plant-based diet is unmatched. I hope that all of our readers realize how much joy it brings each of us on the editorial team to spread the joy of a plant-based diet in an effort to move towards a healthier, happier, greener, more compassionate world for all.

Hailey

In the current circumstances, Ive experienced that the normal things we take for granted deserve a fresh look and I feel so fortunate that I am healthy, my family and friends are in good health, I have a roof over my head, and a wonderful job.

Along the lines of health, I am thankful that I can lead a rich, varied, healthy lifestyle.I feel fortunate to work for The Beet and live and learn in a wholesome way from my studies and content production as a writer.

I am thankful to know and have the opportunity to talk to our contributors, readers, freelancers, influencers, writers, chefs, and others; I love and respect the work that we produce and I am honored to be a part of a cause I believe in.

Finally, I am ever grateful to have my mom and dad, siblings, and grandparents, and friends. They are generally healthy, (with one sad exception we are all working through and praying over), and we became closer as a family during quarantine and hard times. They are my backbone and support system and, without reserve, I really love them. There is much to be thankful for.

Caitlin

I am extremely grateful for all the love and support in my life from my friends and family. Especially my parents, who I went to "visit" at the beginning of quarantine and haven't kicked me out (yet). I am also grateful for the amazing team I get to work with day in and day out.

Thank you for letting us into your inboxes and your lives. Please let us know how we can do better and what you want next, without missing a Beet!

Cheers.

The Editors,

Lucy Danziger, Stephanie McClain, Hailey Welch, Caitlin Mucerino

More here:
What We're Thankful For Now - The Beet

This article was originally published here

Am J Prev Cardiol. 2020 Nov 18:100128. doi: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2020.100128. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The coronavirus-disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the restructuring of health-services to prioritize the treatment of COVID-19. The severe restrictions on daily life affected the management of chronic diseases. Patients with a previous history of premature myocardial infarction (MI) are a vulnerable group requiring frequent and continued medical attention both in the pandemic and non-pandemic era. The present study was conducted to provide insight into the impact of COVID-19 outbreak on heart-healthy lifestyle and management of patients with a history of premature MI.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 170 consecutive patients with a history of premature MI who were already in regular follow-up in a tertiary out-patient prevention clinic before the pandemic. Inclusion criteria included age 18 years and being on regular follow up with the diagnosis of premature MI (documented MI before the age of 55 years) at least for one year. All patients were contacted by phone-call and replied to a 23-item questionnaire measuring the impact of the pandemic on the management, healthy lifestyle habits, and anxiety level.

RESULTS: One patient died due to COVID-19 infection; therefore the analyses were conducted in 169 patients (age: 47.6711.84 years, 21.3% women). The median age at first MI was 39 (IQR 10) years and the median time elapsed since the first MI was 7 years (IQR 10). The study population was highly compliant with the follow-up visits (78.1%) and pharmacological therapy (97%) before the pandemic according to the medical files. The majority (82.2%) of the patients were aware that having a history of premature MI would increase the risk and harm of COVID-19. Anxiety level increased in 62.7% of the study patients. Overall, 65.7% of the patient group reported a disruption at least in > 1 component(s) of healthy life-behaviors (non-compliance with the heart-healthy diet, an increase in alcohol intake, an increase in smoking, and/or reduced physical activity) since the emergence of the outbreak. The anxiety level (p=0.001) and the prevalence of appetite change (p<0.0001) and weight gain (p<0.0001) was lower in the lifestyle compliant group than the non-compliant group. Avoidance of seeking medical care was reported in 33.7% of the patients. Statin use was 99.4% before the pandemic and decreased to 89.9% despite the fact that medications were reimbursed and widely available.

CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the heart-healthy lifestyle and anxiety levels of patients with a history of premature MI who were already in regular follow-up in a tertiary prevention clinic and led to significant avoidance of medical care. More rigorous follow-up, education, and reassurance of these patients with telemedicine are necessary for the prevention of further increase in their risk.

PMID:33230505 | PMC:PMC7673226 | DOI:10.1016/j.ajpc.2020.100128

The rest is here:
Impact of theCOVID-19 pandemic in patients witha previous history of premature myocardial infarction - DocWire News