Lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, PCOD, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension are on the rise in India. According to the GoQii India Fit India 2020 report, about 70 million people are struggling with diabetes mellitus. Apart from this, 51.7 percent of diabetes patients have cholesterol, leading to heart diseases, and around 13.4 percent of them suffer from high blood pressure.

After getting diagnosed with diabetes, Vivek Subramanyam realised that no amount of medicines and increased dosages were helping him in maintaining his blood sugar levels. After extensive research, he understood that medicines and other interventions mostly focus on managing the symptoms and not the core illness. He realised that lifestyle choices and incorrect metabolism are the major reasons behind such diseases, and one needs to maintain a good lifestyle to overcome such health problems.

In 2018, Vivek launched AltLife to help people maintain their well being and beat the diseases. Later, Kartik Sarwade, Monika Manchanda, Naren Santhanam and Purushotham Govindarajan, who are also victims of lifestyle diseases, joined as co-founders.

This Bengaluru-based healthtech company provides patients with a tech platform to connect with doctors and nutritionists in order to get expert consultations on food, fitness, mental well-being and medical diagnosis. The company also has a team of in-house chefs who make and supply food made with organic produce. The platform connects the patients with trainers who help them with regular exercises and meditation to maintain their body weight and mental health.

AltLife Team. [Image Credit: AltLife]

Vivek explains that the solutions are designed to be engaging and enjoyable for the patients to help them continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Patients can connect with AltLife via the official website or phone number and subscribe to their weekly trial, 30-days or 90-days plan. Then the startup will help them connect with nutritionists and doctors to get a thorough test and diagnosis of their diseases. Patients will be sent organic and therapeutic meals every day, and will have to participate in daily exercises and meditation sessions organised by the experts. Healthcare workers will also test and monitor their health using the mobile app and guide them in maintaining a healthy life.

According to the CEO, the flagship 90-day Health Restore Program helps people fight their disorders through solutions including therapeutic food delivery, exercise or yoga, meditation classes, periodic diagnostics, and expert consultations. The 30-days programme is aimed at preventing diseases by focusing on gut health and immunity revival.

The online platform was beta-launched in June 2020 and the company is looking for a complete rollout by Jan 2021.

We also help people predict the future of their health with our proprietary health and risk assessment product. This helps people understand their current health and gives insights into the possible risks to their future health and takes a proactive approach now with a goal of prevention, he adds.

Illustration: YS Design

AltLife has a team of over 10 doctors, nutritionists, physiotherapists, yoga masters, and counselors, and is working with over 150 patients as of now. Users need to subscribe to get access to the healthcare solutions.

Vivek adds that while the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted the product rollout, eventually it became a blessing in disguise as the pandemic outbreak led people to further care about their health, especially those suffering from lifestyle diseases.

We had planned our commercial launch in the month of March, it got pushed to June because of the country-wide lockdown. However, to our surprise, the response was encouraging because people started prioritising their health and well-being like never before, he says.

While the founder did not reveal details about the initial investment, he says that the bootstrapped company was launched after collecting funds from friends and families. However, the company is looking for investors and plans to raise external funding in 2021.

AltLife competes with notable players including Twin Health, Well Thy, Beato, HealthifyMe, and Truweight among others. The CEO explains that while some players are involved in tracking data and behaviour, some are advisory companies, and many offer focused services such as devices or fitness coaching etc. Given the size of the problem, I do hope each of us ends up being successful in partnering with clients to improve their health, he adds.

Speaking about future plans, he adds that the current goal is to reach out to more people and help them understand the solution.

The immediate plan is to let more people know about us and help them solve this problem and take control of their health. We are serving Bangalore city currently but would gradually scale the business and expand our reach in terms of geography and product portfolio, Vivek says.

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Bengaluru-based AltLife aims to help patients with lifestyle diseases lead a healthier life, reduce intake of - YourStory

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WV News) With New Years Day right around the corner, many people are contemplating and committing to resolutions that help promote healthier lifestyles while they put 2020 behind them.

Getting in shape and weight loss remain among the most popular resolutions, and Dr. Elizabeth H. Hess, MD, United Hospital Center Family Medicine Residency Associate Program director and Integrative Medicine director, said its important to take some things into account in order to be successful.

I think its important when you think about a New Year/New You theme that its not limited to resolutions about a specific weight loss goal. We often focus on numbers on the scale but a new you should start with a mindset and emphasize how you accept yourself and choose to take steps that will help you feel better and stronger and more empowered as you reduce your risk of many chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes and heart disease, she said.

When setting goals, its important to be realistic and not set them too out of reach in the beginning. Smaller goals can help people stick to their plans, she said.

I recommend starting with small steps, but at the same time celebrate milestones along the way. This strategy is proven to be successful, yet simple, as it focuses on small, practical changes that add up to a healthy lifestyle over time, she said.

Hess said regular physical activity is essential for good health. Incorporating it into a new routine early can aid in weight loss, and in the future, can help keep it off.

Regular physical activity is an essential part of this wellness journey, and, yes, it can aid with weight loss and more specifically help maintain weight loss but the benefits of physical activity go way beyond the waist line. Specifically, regular physical activity helps elevate your mood and has shown to be an effective treatment or add-on treatment for anxiety and depression. It also plays a role in healthy sleep patterns. Finally, it gives our immune system a natural boost, which is so essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, she said.

For adults, Hess said its recommended they get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week, like fast walking, casual biking or light yard work, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity a week, like jogging or swimming. Adults should also add two days of resistance training to their routine, as well as explore activities that improve flexibility, she said.

To get in those minutes, North Central West Virginia is home to several area gyms and facilities for people to pursue their resolutions, such as the Harrison County YMCA, which aside from the exercise equipment, offers several classes to keep members engaged and healthy.

Healthy eating habits, Hess said, are another important aspect when losing weight.

Most of us have developed habits of how, when and why we eat. When we want to make changes in our diet and nutrition, I think its very important to also reflect on our attitudes toward food and our relationship with food. How, when and why we eat can often have deep-seated emotional triggers and if these issues are not addressed, it can be difficult to make lasting changes to how we see and use food to nourish ourselves. A lot of patients often want to adopt a radical change or a so-called fad diet and hope to see rapid changes in weight.

Weight loss management experts often dont recommend just one way of eating or prescribed diet plan. Its important that all the nutrients and micronutrients our body requires are included or supplemented in our eating pattern, but for a starting point, I would suggest starting with a mindfulness-based eating program, she said.

Mindful eating is about using mindfulness or our full attention to learn to recognize the difference between true hunger and non-hunger triggers and to really pay attention to our experience of eating, she said.

Mindful eating involves eating slowly without distraction, learning to distinguish between true hunger or emotional or habit-eating cues and only eating until full, she said.

It also stresses engaging all the senses in the act of eating and noticing how food affects your feelings. It makes eating intentional and not automatic. This mindful act of eating will lend to any nutrition program you adopt for weight management but most importantly it will build a healthy relationship and appreciation for the food you eat, she said.

Permanently improving eating habits requires a person to reflect on their habits, replacing unhealthy habits on healthier ones and reinforcing those habits.

For those trying to improve their overall wallet health, Edward Jones financial adviser Larry Cann offered several pointers.

Sit down and create a budget, and more importantly follow it. For most folks, actually seeing, paying attention to what they are spending on a more regular basis often times helps curve some of that frivolous spending, he said.

With 2020 being a trying year for everyone, filled with job losses, cut hours and parents teaching children at home while working on their own careers, Cann said being prepared is an important focus heading into the new year.

As part of that budget, work towards having an emergency fund. Id define an emergency fund as having somewhere in the neighborhood of approximately six months worth of living expenses. That gives you that cushion for the unexpected, including the loss of a job, cutting of hours, losing overtime pay, (etc.). Having that emergency fund gives you a cushion and time to react when something bad does happen, he said.

For those paying down debt, Cann said putting focus on paying the highest interest debts is impactful, and for folks who have already started planning financially in any way, remember to establish goals, create a plan to follow and dont overreact.

For those curious, unsure or even frightened about finances, seeking the help of a financial adviser can be very beneficial, as they can help you create a plan, lay out the goals an individual would like to accomplish and help achieve them.

You dont have to have a million dollars to talk to us. Thats simply not the case. ... If you are in a position where you are confused, worried and not quite sure, if you have a goal and you dont have a plan in place to help achieve that goal, reach out to somebody. Let somebody help you create that plan, he said.

{span}Staff writer Steven Baublitz can be reached at (304)626-1404 or sbaublitz@theet.com.{/span}

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North Central West Virginia experts give tips on sticking to popular New Year's resolutions - WV News

SMYRNA,Ga., Dec. 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --LifeToGo, the healthy lifestyle brand ofAccelerate360, LLC (Accelerate), today launched its first-ever Holiday Gift Guide featuring a mix of their favorite products for everyone on your shopping list. The 2020 Holiday Gift Guide, available at lifetogo.comincludes a mix of health and wellness-focused products that are ideal for foodies and adventurers alike.

"This year has already been stressful enough, so we wanted to take the stress out of your holiday shopping by curating some of our favorite gifts that make shopping for your friends and family easy," said LifeToGo Editor-in-Chief Lisa Pounds.

The 2020 LifeToGo Holiday Gift Guide features well-curated products including:

For the Foodie:

The Ultimate Stocking Stuffers:

About Accelerate 360, LLC:Accelerate360, LLC is one of the leading wholesale distribution companies in the United States distributing a wide array of products in the general merchandise and wellness space. It provides a number of turnkey business solutions for both businesses and brands including sourcing, distribution, program development, market research, merchandising, and marketing. Headquartered in Smyrna, Georgia, Accelerate has 1,300 employees across the US, with more than 20 distribution locations servicing grocery, mass, drug, convenience and other commercial entities. For more information, please visit http://www.accelerate360.com.

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EDITORS NOTE: The Lockport Journal is once again partnering with the United Way of Greater Niagara to showcase local groups receiving support from the United Way.

Ever since the Dale Association was founded in 1951 by a group of dedicated community volunteers, our organization has maintained a long history of service to adults in Niagara County. The Dale provides a wide range of supportive services for older adults, as well as mental health counseling and caregiver support services. The United Way of Greater Niagara has been an important part of The Dale since 1962. Funding from UWGN supports health and wellness programs and services for our communitys older adults, which are provided at our Senior Centre in Lockport.

People want and have different needs when it comes to their health and wellness. The Dale Association helps older adults achieve safe and healthy lifestyles through services that encourage healthy aging, independence, and safe integration in the community. The focus of all activities is the prevention of health problems that can jeopardize independence and quality of life. Individuals who maintain an active lifestyle are healthier than those who become socially isolated.

The Dale Associations Senior Centre is a one stop shop for senior focused wellness activities and education, exercise and screenings. Because of UWGNs financial support each year, we can provide wellness programs that promote healthy aging and the prevention of health problems that jeopardize quality of life. Senior Centre activities encourage a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and wellness education; health screenings; fitness; and supportive services for the elderly. Additionally, services are available for individuals with specific needs such as vision and or hearing impairment support, dementia support, and caregiver support.

During 2020, The Dale Associations building closed temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however supportive services for the communitys members were maintained through telephone and telehealth services. A lifeline of sorts were the daily calls made to seniors who were homebound during the pandemic. Participants in Memory Minders received activity packets in the mail and follow-up phone calls were made to caregivers and care recipients to maintain the level of support families came to rely on. Early on during the pandemic, personal protective equipment such as masks were in short supply The Dale Association distributed hundreds of masks to individuals who did not have access to them otherwise. And, food and essential toiletries like toilet paper were collected and distributed to members and clients who were homebound and unable to get needed supplies. All services were provided in a safe and socially distanced manner in order to maintain connectivity to those who were isolated due to the pandemic.

The Dale Associations facility is back open and providing in-person services that promote healthy aging and the prevention of health problems that jeopardize quality of life. All in-person activities are at a reduced capacity, socially distanced, and adhere to all pandemic safety protocols including health screenings to enter and face masks. For individuals who prefer to receive remote support, telephone and telehealth services are still provided.

Because of the critical support provided each year by United Way of Greater Niagara, the Dale Associations Senior Centre is able to continue serving as a one-stop shop for seniors throughout our region, offering them a spectrum of wellness activities and education, exercise , screenings, social opportunities and other supportive services. The focus of all these services aids in the prevention of health problems that can jeopardize independence and quality of life of our areas eldest residents.

Maureen Wendt is the president & CEO of The Dale Association. To learn more about The Dale Association, please call (716) 433-1886 or visit daleassociation.com.

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.

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From United Way: Dale Association focusing on mental and physical health of Niagara County seniors during pandemic - Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

According to a new consensus document from European cardiologists, gynecologists, and endocrinologists, doctors should make much stronger efforts to detect high blood pressure in middle-aged women.

The study authors said that high blood pressure in women is often written off as either stress or menopausal symptoms, both by their doctors and by the women themselves.

When the diagnosis is overlooked, however, it can cause women to delay treatment, putting them at greater risk for conditions like heart failure and stroke.

Better recognition of high blood pressure is an important step to reducing womens cardiovascular risk.

Dr. Angela H.E.M. Maas, who was the lead author of the document, said that high blood pressure is taken more seriously in men and less well treated in women.

She said this is because we consider elevated blood pressure in women often as stress, and in men as hypertension.

This is partly because of bias by doctors, but also by women themselves, Maas said. Women often explain an elevated blood pressure as stress-related and are not always open to the hypertension diagnosis and treatment.

Maas said it can often take more time to convince women and to start and continue medical treatment.

The timing of onset of hypertension is often at the start of menopause and this leads to overlapping symptoms that are not always properly adjudicated, she said.

In the past, women were considered less likely than men to have heart disease, according to Dr. Maan Malahfji, a cardiologist with Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates, who was not associated with the consensus report.

This may have resulted in doctors being less aggressive in investigating its symptoms and controlling them.

Now theres growing recognition that women are at just as much risk as men after going through menopause, and there may even be more complications.

Elevated blood pressure can be manifested in different ways between men and women, but is very often without any symptoms, so screening is vital, Malahfji said.

Maas said one thing that leads to confusion in diagnosing high blood pressure in middle-aged women is the fact that its onset often coincides with menopause.

When symptoms occur that overlap with menopausal symptoms, people may simply dismiss them as being menopause.

Think of hot flashes, sleeping disorders, chest pain, pain between the shoulder blades, irregular heartbeats, headaches, symptoms of fluid retention, dyspnea (shortness of breath), etc., she said.

These are all symptoms that overlap with hypertension symptoms.

In addition, Malahfji pointed to symptoms like headaches, ringing in the ears, and changes in concentration as potential high blood pressure symptoms that might be attributed to menopause.

Estrogens are the most perfect vasodilators in young women, Maas said, but this reverses after menopause and estrogens cannot prohibit vascular aging.

Under the age of 50, the absolute risk for a cardiovascular event is lower in women than in men, but this changes between 50 and 70. After 70, women are at higher risk.

This means that the time frame 50-70 or, even better, between 40 and 70 years, is crucial to start early prevention, Maas said.

Malahfji added that while women are generally protected against heart disease during their youth, they can be vulnerable to high blood pressure around and after pregnancy,heart failure, and eclampsia, which are also impacted by their sex hormones.

According to the most recent Global Burden of Disease report, high blood pressure is the number one mortal risk factor for women globally.

It often starts around menopause, is less well treated because it is too often attributed to menopause, and then after 70 years it leads to heart failure, with a stiffened heart, atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, and strokes, Maas said.

In addition, renal failure and heart attacks may occur.

If we compare cardiovascular disease risk factors in men and women greater than 70 years, hypertension occurs much more often in women, she added.

Malahfji agreed that the risks associated with long-term high blood pressure are tremendous.

These risks include heart attack, stroke, and, particularly for women, heart failure, he said.

Early treatment is key, Malahfji said.

All of these risks can be modified by treating high blood pressure and treatment is associated with better quality of life and a longer life.

While transgender women dont go through the same experience of menopause, they do need to take hormones throughout their lives.

As transgender women age, their risk for high blood pressure and blood clots will rise, according to Maas.

For them, healthy lifestyle measures will be even more important compared to cisgender women, Maas said.

Malahfji agreed, stating transgender women will need intensive multidisciplinary care to manage their medications and therapies, due to the fact that some of those treatments do place them at higher risk for developing high blood pressure.

Continued follow-up and regular screening is vital, he said.

Malahfji said that its very important to keep in touch with your primary physician, but self-monitoring your blood pressure at home is just as important.

He added that the measurements you take at home are more representative of your true blood pressure.

Below 120 mm Hg (top number) and 80 mm Hg (bottom number) is considered to be a normal blood pressure.

Anything greater than this is considered to be elevated.

Your doctor can advise you about steps you should take, which could include various lifestyle changes or medications.

If your doctor suggests medications, dont hesitate to take them if needed, Maas said.

Women often have an aversion to take medication, which can be really harmful, she said. I always say, if you do not have to take oral contraceptives anymore, just take a pill for your BP. You will live longer and healthier.

In addition, Malahfji suggested that avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol, excessive use of pain medications such as NSAIDs, and regular exercise are all very important to maintaining a healthy blood pressure.

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High Blood Pressure Often Misdiagnosed in Women - Healthline

""Grand View Research, Inc. Market Research And Consulting.""

The continued push towards healthy and clean-label food and beverage products across the world, coupled with the rising instances of lactose and dairy intolerance, have pushed the demand for plant-based beverages, according to an exhaustive report by Grand View Research.

The global plant-based beverages market is anticipated to be worth USD 22.9 billion by 2027, progressing at a healthy CAGR of 8.0% over the forecast period, as per a study by Grand View Research, Inc. Plant-based beverages, as the name implies, are prepared through the extraction of various parts of plants, such as grain or seeds, in water. The market has witnessed an exponential growth in popularity and demand, coinciding with the rise of the health-conscious consumer. Proponents of healthy lifestyle are encouraging others to shift from conventional food to more natural and healthy plant-based products, which is a major factor driving industry growth. Furthermore, the global vegan population is a major driver for the demand of plant derived beverages and food products. Plant-based milk is also gaining wide popularity among consumers with lactose intolerance condition, which has helped in widening the industry scope.

Lactose intolerance is one of the fastest growing disorders globally, which is anticipated to boost the scope for plant-based beverages, as a replacement for dairy-based milk. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, an estimated 5% to 17% of the population in Europe suffers from lactose intolerance, whereas 44% of Americans fall in this category. Major developed economies such as the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and Italy have witnessed a large proportion of their population move towards plant-based food and beverage offerings. According to statistics provided by The Vegan Society, the U.K. has the largest vegan population, which quadrupled from 2014 to 2019, whereas the vegan population in the U.S. reached 19.6 million in 2017, which was 600% more from 2014. These market trends are anticipated to boost the demand for plant-based beverages over the forecast period.

The market for plant-based beverages can be broadly classified on the basis of product and flavor. Some of the notable products include soy base, coconut base, rice base, almond base, oat base, and hemp base, among others. These products are either found in a plain or flavored form. The major players in the industry include Dhler GmbH; PACIFIC FOODS OF OREGON, LLC.; WhiteWave Foods Company; Blue Diamond Growers Inc.; SunOpta; and The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. With a continued increase in demand for plant-based beverages from consumers, manufacturers are heavily involved in the introduction of innovative products in the market, especially over the past few years. The current outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has only strengthened the market demand, as consumers have put more focus on immunity, health, and sustainability.

Further key findings suggest:

1 Plant-based beverages consist of a number of ingredients such as tricalcium phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, calcium carbonate, folic acid, zinc oxide, riboflavin, ergocalciferol, and magnesium phosphate, among others

2 According to a research carried out by Brisan Group, 48% of the participants stated that they have consumed plant-based beverages, while more than 36% stated that they consider these beverages for snacking; as a result, the industry is expected to model itself on the basis of such consumer preferences

3 Oat milk has seen a huge spike in its demand in the United States, with its popularity growing by 250% in 2020 in the country; this was reflected in the sales of oat milk in March 2020, which was 478% higher than that in March 2019

4 Soy-based milk accounted for a share of more than 30% of the global revenue in 2019 in the plant-based beverage market; the segment has gained popularity as it is a rich source of nutritional ingredients including vitamin A and B-12, proteins, isoflavones, and potassium

5 The coconut base segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 8.6% from 2020 to 2027, as growing awareness regarding weight management among the working-class population is projected to promote the use of coconut milk as a healthy alternative

6 The flavored segment is expected to witness fastest growth of 8.3% over the forecast period, owing to new product and flavor launches by industry participants, which are gaining traction, particularly among the youth population

7 Asia Pacific is the largest plant-based beverage consuming region with a market share of more than 30% in 2019, owing to high concentration of buyers in countries such as China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan

8 North America is projected to be the fastest growing region with a CAGR of 8.3% from 2020 to 2027 on account of the rapidly expanding vegan population and increasing prevalence of lactose intolerance in U.S. and Canada

9 The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to consumers veering more towards healthy food and beverage offerings, with an extensive survey carried out between April and July 2020 across 18 countries reporting that 23% of the consumers stated that they would increase their future intake of plant-based food and drinks

10Key industry players in the plant-based beverage market are implementing strategies such as capacity expansion, geographical advancements, new product launches, and mergers and acquisitions, as a means of garnering higher market share

11In November 2020, SunOpta announced an investment of USD 26 million into its oat processing facility based in Minnesota, as a solution to meet the higher demand for their oat milk products in the United States; the expansion will enable the company to increase the production to 4 times the current capacity

12In September 2020, Starbucks announced the addition of two new seasonal plant-based beverage offerings, the Almondmilk Hazelnut Latte and the Oatmilk Cocoa Macchiato, at their stores in the countries of New Zealand, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong

Would you Like/Try a Sample Report Click the link below:https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/plant-based-beverages-market/request/rs1

Grand View Research has segmented the global plant-based beverages market on the basis of product, application, and region:

Plant-based Beverages Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

Soy Base

Coconut Base

Almond Base

Rice Base

Oats Base

Hemp Base

Others

Plant-based Beverages Flavor Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

Plant-based Beverages Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Central & South America

Middle East & Africa

Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts for More Details on Report:https://www.grandviewresearch.com/inquiry/7186/ibb

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Probiotic Drink Markethttps://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/probiotic-drink-market

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About Grand View Research

Grand View Research is a market research and consulting company that offers market research reports, syndicated and customized reports. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California. It offers client engagement for business consulting and market intelligence from various domains. The clientele is based across various countries with queries coming from more than 50 industries worldwide. Grand View Research helps its clients to make informed decisions by helping them understand current trends and scenarios. Every year Grand View Research accomplishes more than 300 multi-country market studies to optimize consulting for clients.

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Plant-Based Beverages Market Rising Shift Towards Healthy Lifestyle, Clean-Label Food And Beverage Products Across The World To Boost The Market...

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Americas number-one cereal brand is bringing back happy-heart shapes to Honey Nut Cheerios and original yellow-box Cheerios, along with new additional flavors including Blueberry, Chocolate and Cinnamon starting in late January. The limited-edition boxes will be available at major retailers nationwide. Cheerios will also be giving away a free* box of Honey Nut Cheerios via rebate during the month of February, while supplies last, to drive awareness of National Heart Health Month.

Honey Nut Cheerios and other Cheerios flavors are made with whole grain oats and can help lower cholesterol as part of a heart-healthy diet.1 With more than 100 million Americans having some form of heart disease, Cheerios is prioritizing the importance of heart health and wants to remind Americans that a happy, heart-heathy lifestyle can be fun, easy, and delicious.

When we launched the happy-heart shaped Os last year, it helped to educate millions of our fans about the importance of not only following a heart-healthy diet, but also about the benefits of eating Cheerios, said Kathy Dixon, Senior Brand Experience Manager, Cheerios. Cheerios is on a mission to not only put a smile on peoples faces but to inspire them to find new and fun ways to support their hearts.

With the launch of our happy-heart shapes Os, Cheerios wants to encourage people to adopt simple, fun behaviors that get them active like walking the dog, joining an online group fitness class and eating three grams of soluble fiber daily from whole grain oat foods.

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 3 American adults have high cholesterol. To help support a healthy heart, medical experts recommend practicing healthy living habits, like maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough physical activity and eating a heart-healthy diet, which can include foods made with whole grain oats, that can help lower cholesterol like Honey Nut Cheerios and other Cheerios flavors.

The limited-edition Cheerios boxes with happy heart shapes will be available at major retailers nationwide starting in late January, while supplies last (SRP: $3.99 for 10.8oz boxes and $4.99 for 19.8oz boxes). The Honey Nut Cheerios free* box giveaway will also be available via rebate up to $7.00 excluding tax. Americans can redeem by scanning their receipt during the month of February, while supplies last, to receive their rebate via Venmo, PayPal or US mail.

To learn more about the Honey Nut Cheerios rebate promotion, visit http://www.freeHoneyNutCheerios.com and share your heart-shapes with Cheerios on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

*via rebate up to $7.00 excluding tax. Offer ends 2/28/21, or while supplies last. Upload receipt by 3/15/21. Excludes Mega and Club sizes. Terms and conditions apply.

1Three grams of soluble fiber daily from whole grain oat foods, like Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios cereal, in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Honey Nut and other flavors of Cheerios cereal provide 0.75 grams per serving. Original Cheerios cereal provides 1 gram per serving.

About General Mills

General Mills is a leading global food company whose purpose is to make food the world loves. Its brands include Cheerios, Annie's, Yoplait, Nature Valley, Hagen-Dazs, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Old El Paso, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki, BLUE and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills generated fiscal 2020 net sales of U.S. $17.6 billion. In addition, General Mills share of non-consolidated joint venture net sales totaled U.S. $1.0 billion.

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Cheerios Brings Back Happy-Heart Shaped O's to Inspire Heart-Healthy Lifestyle - Business Wire

There are three hormones in your body specifically important for healthy aging and longevity. Although for many it seems we shouldnt focus on healthy aging when we are in our 20s and 30s but before you know it, the daily decisions that you are making matter and have a long-term impact on your health.

Many age-related conditions appear out of nowhere. They silently grow inside you before they are apparent and hard to ignore. Thats why regular check-ups and looking underneath the hood once in a while is important.

Well, all hormones matter for healthy aging but here we are going to focus on the three most important hormones for longevity and a healthy lifestyle.

Three Hormones to Focus on for Longevity and Healthy Aging: Which Hormones Matter for Healthy Aging?

Many experts would agree that cortisol is one of the most important ones. Its crucial for your health to keep the level of cortisol low. When your cortisol level is constantly high, it can have many causes namely inflammation, chronic stress, poor sleep, weight gain, and many other reasons. A high level of cortisol is an indicator that you are in a vicious cycle of issues and problems that are accumulating daily.

Cortisol can affect our muscle mass. The important part of healthy aging is keeping your muscles and bones strong. When the level of cortisol is high, it can have an impact on your muscles and bones as well as your overall health.

There are many ways of lowering the level of cortisol. You need to get enough sleep, exercise, learn to relax through methods that suit you from meditation to walking, and learn how to deal with stress. The most important thing is to have more fun in life, less stress. You can also lower the level of cortisol by taking certain supplements such as fish oil but overall healthy lifestyle habits will take you to longevity, healthy aging, and low cortisol levels.

This hormone is crucial for building muscles. When the level of testosterone is low it can be linked to age-related diseases. Older men with a low level of testosterone can have a high risk of death from heart disease. Its important to stress there is a link between testosterone and age since every man loses anywhere between 1% and 2% of testosterone during his life span. If your testosterone level stays higher with age you are in theory younger compared to your peers.

Most of the research on testosterone has been done on men since women naturally have a lower level of testosterone. However, testosterone is important for both genders especially in link with cortisol.

We need to find a way to keep a level of testosterone high as much as possible while keeping the level of cortisol low. In that case, you have better chances to build your muscles and stay healthy.

It seems like a logical question to ask, especially if you are a woman. How to have a higher level of testosterone without growing a mustache? Well, you can start with exercise and lift weights, eat more proteins, carbs, and fats. If you minimize stress and have a low level of cortisol, you will have a higher level of testosterone.

Vitamin D is essential for almost any function from regulating the production of thyroid hormones to helping the immune system and managing inflammation. When we talk about the immune system, some research has been done indicating that vitamin D can help manage the risks of COVID 19. However, we need more research to find a clear connection.

Vitamin D is so easy to take. Sometimes all you need is one supplement a day. Other things that can help include spending more time in the sun or consuming more seafood and fatty fish such as tuna, oysters, sardines, and mackerel. Your diet matters for vitamin D, so eat more eggs, mushrooms, and seafood. The majority of vitamin D supplements come from animal sources so if you are vegan opt for D2 supplements to get enough vitamin D.

There is much that can be done to keep healthy and to optimize your health over the years and keeping track of these hormones is a crucial part of it.

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Three Hormones to Focus on for Longevity and Healthy Aging - Gildshire Magazines

Larry Slagle received a heart transplant in 1995. Without a new heart, doctors say he would not have lived to see 1996.

WASHINGTON Larry Slagle knew heart issues ran in his family. His father died from heart-related problems at just 62 years old. As an active cyclist living a healthy lifestyle, Slagle says he wasn't too worried about his own heart.

But it was around the same age, doctors diagnosed him with heart failure too. It was hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an inherited heart disease that causes the heart muscle to thicken, making it harder to pump blood.

Slagle was on the heart transplant list for about eight months before he got the call. A new heart was available after a tragic motorcycle accident in 1995.

"At the time I was transplanted you werent put in contact with the donor family. Ive never been able to thank them. But I just feel so incredibly grateful to them," said Slagle.

Dr. Samer Najjar, MD is Slagle's doctor at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. He is the Medical Director of the Advanced Heart Failure Program.

"At the time of the familys grief, when they knew they were about to lose their loved one, they made the courageous decision to say you know what, were going to do something good out of this tragedy and were going to donate these organs," said Dr. Najjar.

That decision and generosity from the donor's family saved Slagle's life. Just 90 days after his surgery, he was back on a bicycle, continuing to lead the active lifestyle that came to a halt after his diagnosis.

"You cant waste a gift like that. Youve got to take advantage of it and theres not a day I dont feel gratitude," said the now, 86 year old.

Doctors said medicine has come such a long way, making it possible for heart transplant patients to live much longer lives.

"In 2021, on average, the life expectancy after a heart transplant is about 14 years. He would have not made it to 1996 without a heart transplant. So this is the definition of the gift of life," said Dr. Najjar.

There isn't one single thing that leads to heart failure. It can be anything from genetics, to a heart attack, to long-standing blood pressure, according to doctors. Experts said sometimes there aren't any signs or symptoms of early heart failure. That's why it is incredibly important to pay attention to any changes in your body, no matter how small.

"If someone is developing shortness of breath, if someone is developing swelling in their legs, those are the type of symptoms people shouldnt just ignore," said Dr. Najjar.

Doctors said the public knows quite a bit about hypertension, stroke and heart attacks. But there is not as much awareness about heart failure, even though it is a rapidly growing problem.

Slagle believes eating well and exercising has kept his heart going for the last 25 years.

"These patients really get to understand that we don't always get a second chance at life. And these people take it to heart, no pun intended, and they try to make the best out of it," said Dr. Najjar.

Read the rest here:
'The gift of life' | For 25 years, someone else's heart is beating in his chest - WUSA9.com

The grocery store is where you can go to improve your eating habits by stocking up on healthy foods and avoiding items that could tempt you later. However, while you may have the best intentions, you could be making some mistakes in the grocery store that are actually working against the healthy lifestyle you hope to achieve. If you feel like youre doing everything else right but continue to get tripped up at the grocery store, these are the biggest errors a health expert says you could be making during your weekly trip, and how to fix them.

Add this to your diet to help with your skin, bones, and joints

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Going To The Store Hungry

The first thing you should be thinking about before you embark on your grocery mission is your hunger levels. According to registered dietitian Dr. Lisa R. Young, going to the store with food on the brain is one of the best ways to ensure unnecessary and often unhealthy items will find their way into your cart. She warns, You should try to have a snack before heading out. If you go food shopping when hungry, you may buy too much and make the wrong choices.

Prepare yourself for a healthy shop with a solid carb or protein source to keep you full and clear headed before you enter the store. That way, you can get the things on your list and get out before youre tempted by snacks that only look good because youre hungry.

Shutterstock via David Tonelson

Last Minute Grabs

The grocery store is set up the way it is for a reason. While the staple items and bigger purchases line the aisles, the cash register houses candy bars and other unhealthy treats that are easy to grab while your wallet is already out. Young notes, While waiting on line, you may be tempted to buy the candy bar. Leave in! Dont even look at the food when checking out as it tends to be unhealthy! Glance at the magazines instead. Remember, everything about that placement is tactical and intended to make you feel more inclined to purchase something you dont need. Now that youre aware, itll be easier to ignore the marketing technique.

Shutterstock via Tookyrub

Sneaky Center Aisles

Young notes that in a typical grocery store, fresh foods are often around the perimeter with the more processed foods found in the center aisles. A healthy diet calls for whole foods such as fruits, vegetables and produce, so spending too much of your time in the center of the store may make you more apt to throw processed items into your cart that you didnt really need. Just like your body, fill up your cart with healthier foods and your diet will benefit without the temptation of chips and other snacks in the house.

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Healthy eating for weight loss is dependent on the food you keep in your kitchen, and the best way to set yourself up for success is by making good choices at the grocery store. It may seem harmless to grab a few extra treats that catch your eye among the aisles, but once theyre in your home it will be that much harder to opt for the healthier choice. Your success will be reflected in the changes you make and the good habits you enforce, so start at the grocery store and the results will follow.

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3 Mistakes Youre Making At The Grocery Store That Are RUINING Your Weight Loss Goals - SheFinds

Shannon McDaniel grew up playing just about every sport basketball, track, cheerleading and gymnastics. Her eating, though, didnt get quite the same attention. She simply wasnt raised in a home that focused on nutrition, she said.

Shannon McDaniel, owner and head coach at Iron Bridge CrossFit in West Ashley

Although McDaniel remained active into adulthood, it wasnt until she started CrossFit at age 40 that she really emphasized healthy eating. The mom of five kids ranging in age from 6 to 20 years old has seen firsthand the power of promoting good eating habits at home.

For example, her youngest son, whos been raised to value vegetables, will pick steamed broccoli over anything else on his plate, McDaniel said.

McDaniel and her husband, Donnie, own Iron Bridge CrossFit in West Ashley, where McDaniel is head coach and also runs the CrossFit Kids program. While she cant control what the kids in her classes are eating at home, she talks about nutrition and the importance of making healthy choices.

Healthy eating becomes a habit with practice

The kids see some of our athletes who are very healthy and in shape. They dont get that way just by working out, she said.

McDaniel highlights the importance of both exercise and a good diet a message that many fitness professionals, nutritionists and doctors preach nonstop. Its a gold standard for heart health and building those heart-healthy habits at a young age will follow children into adulthood.

Be a good role model

Janet Carter is program manager and lead dietician of the Heart Health program at MUSC Childrens Hospital. She urges parents to tap into their childrens natural enthusiasm for good health.

Janet Carter, program manager and lead dietician of the Heart Health program at MUSC Childrens Hospital

One thing Ive noticed in my entire career working with kids is that pretty much all kids have an innate desire to be healthy, Carter said. If I talk to kids in a school setting and ask, Do you want a healthy body? every child raises their hand. They dont even think about it.

Carter said parents can leverage their childs desire to be healthy by promoting health and wellness at home. Have conversations about why you picked a certain veggie-packed dinner and how to make nutritious choices. It helps your kids buy into eating well, Carter said.

First and foremost, parents have to be good role models themselves, Carter said. Parents may need to take a hard look at their own habits and make adjustments.

Your child wants your heart to be healthy too

Go on a flavor adventure

As parents are instilling good nutritional habits, Carter cautions against dinner table fights.

Forcing them to try something new is never really going to work, Carter said. It usually will cause them to be resistant in general.

Instead, she suggests setting a family rule that everyone has to try at least one bite of something new. Then, if your child doesnt like a particular food the first time they try it, dont take it off the list forever. Tastes change, so offer that food another time.

Always keep mealtimes positive, Carter said. If you ever start making mealtimes a battle or a fight, kids end up with disordered meal patterns.

Display new foods in a fun ways and try them as a family

Turn trying new foods into an adventure. With her own 3-year-old, shes taken a cue from the movie Ratatouille, in which the character tries the combination of cheese and fruit, calling it a flavor sensation. In her house, Carter encourages flavor sensations.

Physical activity is a must

When it comes to creating heart-healthy habits, exercise is just as important as healthy eating.

According to the American Heart Association, fewer than 50% of teens between 12 and 19 years old get enough physical activity each day to keep their hearts healthy.

Whats more important, the sun setting or the sun rising? Carter asks patients when they wonder if they should focus on diet or exercise. Both are so incredibly important. You cant really be as healthy as possible without working on both of them. That doesnt mean you have to be perfect. You dont want to have an all or nothing mentality.

Carter said kids should be moving their bodies as much as possible. Younger children dont necessarily need a formal exercise plan, but older children and teens should be getting their heart rate up for 30 to 45 minutes each day.

Any time youre moving your body, it helps, but getting your heart rate up improves cardiovascular health, she said. Thats what strengthens the heart.

Get the entire family involved in exercise

McDaniel preaches daily movement to her CrossFit Kids classes and to own her own children. Her 14-year-old son put on a few extra pounds during the quarantine.

So, she encouraged him to get moving take the dog for a walk, get into a CrossFit class two or three times a week, ride his bike to the bus stop.

Do something healthy every day. As a coach, I promote a healthy lifestyle even outside of class, McDaniel said. Its a lifestyle. Build healthy habits for the future.

Four pillars of good health

Working in family medicine, Dr. Marcus Salo said the increasing number of children and teens who are overweight is concerning. He points to the availability of processed food and lack of exercise as key contributors to the rising rates of obesity among young people.

The American Heart Association reports about one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese. Children under the age of 13 that are overweight my start developing heart disease as early as age 25.

Learning negative habits can be difficult to overcome

The increasing rates of childhood obesity leads to increased risk of developing diabetes and cholesterol abnormalities and other vitamin deficiencies. It just snowballs, Salo said.

When conducting well-child visits, Salo counsels parents to focus on four pillars of health: diet, exercise, sleep and social engagement.

Most childrens diets are lacking in fruits and vegetables and fresh food, Salo said. Missing out on healthy fruits and vegetables can lead to deficiencies in iron, zinc and Vitamin B12, which are critical in children to encourage growth.

Salo also encourages regular cardiovascular exercise and getting that heart rate up to the point you cant have a full conversation.

An often-overlooked pillar of health is sleep. For growing children, sleep is vital for repairing damage to the body and for regeneration.

The rise in screen time has led to a decrease in the amount of sleep children and teens are getting. Salo said elementary and middle school children should be getting at least 10 hours of sleep for adequate regeneration.

Even though it may not seem to relate directly to a healthy heart, Salo encourages parents to pay attention to social and family dynamics. Children are developing their personalities and establishing good core values all part of full-body health.

Just as they would notice slipping grades as a cause for the concern, parents also should pay attention to early signs of weight gain.

Parents think kids will grow out of any weight issue they have. Thats not the case, Carter said. They dont grow out of an overweight situation. Science shows us that kids who are overweight or obese as a child or teen are much more likely to become overweight adults.

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Heart health in kids starts in the home | Families | postandcourier.com - Charleston Post Courier

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Evan Handler, 60; Pat Benatar, 68; George Foreman, 72; Rod Stewart, 76.Happy Birthday: Take good care of your financial well-being. Refuse to let anyone handle your affairs for you. Past acquaintances will surface and try to lead you astray. Do for yourself, and you will come out on top. Make a healthy lifestyle your goal. Personal change will encourage you to be and do your best. Romance is in the stars. Your numbers are 9, 15, 22, 24, 30, 37, 43.ARIES (March 21-April 19): Gather information that helps you head in an exciting direction. What you discover will lead to an opportunity you can create within the framework of something you are already doing. Expand your mind; use the experience gained to advance. 5 starsTAURUS (April 20-May 20): Be careful what you say and do. Consider the consequences involved in making a snap decision before you get all the details of a proposition someone makes. You are better off doing your own thing and avoiding joint ventures. 3 starsGEMINI (May 21-June 20): Expand your mind. Search for opportunities that will allow you to use your skills, knowledge and experience. Look at the fine print, go over details, make adjustments and proceed with confidence. Personal improvements will encourage better health. 3 starsCANCER (June 21-July 22): Make personal progress, health and fitness priorities. Refuse to let emotional situations take over and ruin your day. Look for opportunities that will encourage positive adjustments to your living space. A romantic gesture will bring positive results. 3 starsLEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Avoid interacting with people who dont share your beliefs or opinions. Youre better off not getting into a futile argument. Concentrate on saving, not spending. Invest time and energy in something that offers excellent financial stability. 5 starsVIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Keep an open mind, but dont trust someone to tell you the whole truth. Put more thought into making lifestyle adjustments that encourage fitness and good health. Romance is on the rise, and spending more time nurturing a meaningful relationship will pay off. 2 starsLIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Make changes at home conducive to the lifestyle you want to live. Move things around, clear a space for a project you wish to pursue or make plans to spend time with someone who brings out the best in you. 4 starsSCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Choose your words wisely. An unexpected change will leave you in a precarious position. Someone will judge you for the way you handle situations. Look for the positive in each case. Charm and diplomacy will help you get your way. 3 starsSAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Personal and physical improvements are favored. Make an effort to get in shape, improve your diet and look your best. The results will be outstanding, and the compliments and attention received will boost your ego. A gift will surprise you. 3 starsCAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Dont share your intentions or plans with anyone. Using the element of surprise will make whatever you plan to pursue better. Change is heading your way, and preparing for success will give you the edge you need to reach your destination. 3 starsAQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Think before you act. Dont jeopardize your position, status or reputation to appease someone. Think and do for yourself, and you will avoid being held hostage by someone who thinks you owe something in return. Focus on health and fitness, not anger. 4 starsPISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Mixed emotions can lead to poor judgment and regret. Listen to what others have to say, but dont let gullibility take over. Verify information. Consider whats in your best interest before you commit to something that can affect your financial future. 2 starsBirthday Baby: You are enthusiastic, helpful and kind. You are captivating and articulate.Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

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VIRGO: Put more thought into making lifestyle adjustments that encourage fitness and good health - Lewiston Sun Journal

Carol Patrylo's son Todd donated his organs after being killed by a drunk driver. Years later she needed a kidney and her best friend didn't hesitate

ST. LOUIS When it seems like you're walking in circles, sometimes a friend can point you in the right direction.

"I think we had an instant connection," explained Carol Patrylo.

Patrylo said her friend Cindy Mueller saved her life. And she isn't exaggerating.

They met when they were both working as aides in the Lindbergh School District.

"I thought she was sweet and just loving and she thought I was nuts," Patrylo said with a laugh. "And I am crazier than a lunatic."

But Patrylo's world was shattered into little pieces when her 19-year-old son Todd was killed by a drunk driver in June 2000. Her only comfort was that Todd was an organ donor and helped save other lives.

"Three weeks before he died, he was doing Christian outreach in an orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico," Patrylo said. "Cindy was so supportive and helped me get through this."

But no one really gets through something like that. The light inside of her had gone out.

"I watched this woman lose her will to live," Mueller said. "There were times that I would go to her house and get her dressed and drive her to work, just so I knew she wouldn't lay in her bed all day."

Soon, her heart wasn't the only organ that was broken. After years of not taking care of herself, Patrylo went into stage 5 kidney failure and her doctor had to put her on dialysis.

"The problem with dialysis is every year on dialysis, your risk of dying goes up," said Dr. Chintalapati Varma of SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital.

Her best option was a kidney transplant and so, her best friend got tested to see if she was a match.

"I didn't have to think about it," Mueller said. "It was an instant thing my best friend needs a kidney."

Almost miraculously, she was a match, but there was a problem. Mueller was overweight and pre-diabetic.

"I said, 'Well, I'm on a journey and I'm losing weight," Mueller recalled telling the doctors. "So, we're going to make this happen."

With diet and exercise, Mueller lost 54 pounds and then lost her kidney. Last month, doctors at SLU hospital put it in Patrylo during a successful transplant surgery.

"It's extremely rewarding for us, I mean that's why we went into this field," said surgeon Dr. Henry Randall. "That's all I can say. It's just rewarding."

Mueller called it a win-win.

"So, in giving her the gift of life, I was also able to get myself the gift of a healthy lifestyle," she said.

Patrylo is promising to make the most of her second chance.

One thing seems clear: for the rest of their journey, neither of these women will ever walk alone.

"I've got a lot to live for," said Patrylo. "And I'm so blessed to have a friend like Cindy."

Those interested in being a living donor can visit: http://www.ssmhealth.com/transplant

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St. Louis women were a perfect match for organ donation and as friends - KSDK.com

It is estimated that 164 million Americans half of our population play video games, also known as gaming. Contrary to popular belief, it isnt just teens who play games. According to a recent survey, only 21% of gamers were under 18 years old. While gaming can be a fun distraction or hobby (and is even becoming a competitive sport on many college campuses), there are health risks that come from too much gaming. What are these harms, and what can be done about them?

Before discussing the harms of gaming, it is only fair to mention the benefits. Aside from being entertaining and a fun pastime, gaming can provide a way for people to interact with each other a virtual community as they work together toward completing common tasks. Our society suffers from an epidemic of loneliness, and gaming can be a vehicle to connect with others, including otherwise difficult-to-connect-with people in your life, such as kids, grandkids, or (Ive seen this be quite helpful) with autistic children, who can have challenges with traditional modes of communication.

There is mixed research that there are some cognitive benefits to gaming, such as better control of ones attention and improved spatial reasoning, though it isnt entirely clear how much these benefits extend outside of the video game sphere into the real world. Finally, video games have medical applications, such as training people with degenerative diseases to improve their balance, helping adolescents with ADHD improve their thinking skills, or training surgeons on how to do technically complicated operations.

Repetitive stress injuries, or overuse injuries, are injuries that come from activities that involve repeated use of muscles and tendons, to the point that pain and inflammation develop. If these injuries are allowed to progress, numbness and weakness can develop, and permanent injury can result. Overuse injuries of the hands and arms are rampant among gamers.

One common example is carpel tunnel syndrome, which many gamers develop. Carpal tunnel syndrome, often seen in office workers, involves inflammation of a nerve in the wrist, which causes pain and numbness.

Gamers thumb, which was previously called PlayStation thumb (or nintendinitis or nintendonitis when Nintendo was popular), occurs when the tendons that move the thumb become inflamed. The medical term for this is de Quervains tenosynovitis, and it can lead to swelling and limited movement. Gamers are also at risk for trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, which is when a finger gets stuck in the bent position due to chronic inflammation. Gamers can also get tennis elbow, a painful inflammation of the place where the tendon inserts into the bone on the outside of the elbow.

Gaming is also associated with obesity in teens and, plausibly, the same would be shown in adults, if studied. This is due to the obvious phenomenon that if a teen is sitting in front of a screen for hours every day, he or she isnt getting much exercise. The obesity is also thought to be due to increased food intake while playing video games. According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a single session of video game play in healthy male adolescents is associated with an increased food intake, regardless of appetite sensations. The proposed mechanisms are that either the signals that indicate satiety (fullness) get impaired, or that the mental stress involved with playing video games activates the reward centers, which leads to increased food intake.

Vision problems are common complaints of gamers. The most common vision problem is eye strain, which can lead to headaches and poor concentration. Gaming has been reported to result in seizures, leading to warnings on the packaging.

Gaming has also been associated with psychological problems. It is still an open question whether video game addiction, or internet gaming disorder (IGD), is a unique syndrome. According to the American Psychological Association, IGD is defined as experiencing at least five of the following nine criteria over a 12-month period:

According to one study from the American Journal of Psychiatry, between 0.3% and 1.0% of Americans might have an internet gaming disorder. Treatments for this problem are a work in progress, as the disorder isnt fully understood or agreed upon, but can include public health approaches such as education and harm reduction, stricter labeling on the packaging, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy. There are even support groups, such as Computer Gaming Addicts Anonymous, which leverage the power of group support also helpful in the treatment of other addictions to the realm of gaming addiction.

Gaming has also been associated with sleep deprivation, insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders, depression, aggression, and anxiety, though more studies are needed to establish the validity and the strength of these connections. There has also been concern that exposure to the extreme violence that is commonly found in video games can desensitize teens and young adults to such violence, causing emotional problems and even leading to young people committing acts of violence.

As with many other activities that have potential benefits and harms, moderation is the key. Most of the harms that come from gaming can be improved, if not avoided altogether, by limiting the number of hours spent in front of the screen, and by engaging in healthy activities like exercising, or socializing in the real world instead of the virtual game world.

Education is an essential key to injury prevention. Gamers need to be educated on how to protect their thumbs, wrists, and elbows, their waistlines, their emotional state, their sleep, and their eyes. Simple education around taking breaks, stretching, eating healthy snacks, and resting and icing your thumb, wrist, or elbow when it starts hurting can address injuries early, before they become significant. For the eyes, gamers can try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, try to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

In short, playing video games can be fun and a social activity when integrated into a healthy lifestyle that includes plenty of sleep, exercise, and good nutrition, rather than letting the game become your life.

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The health effects of too much gaming - Harvard Health Blog - Harvard Health

Gary natives and business owners Chelsea Whittington of C WHITT PR and Tiffany Blakemore of Vitamin T Fitness have developed a unique collaboration in Your Brand, Your Body. This newly created program invites business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs and budding leaders to learn key techniques of building their brand while laying the framework for living a healthy lifestyle.

Both ladies set out to build their business brands in 2020 while being laser-focused on exercise, healthy eating and weight loss. These common goals have yielded success for them in both arenas. With Whittington being a seasoned brand builder and Blakemore an established fitness trainer, this partnership promises to deliver needed resources through a unique approach.

I took a page from my own book as I spent all of 2020 building the C WHITT brand while embracing a healthier lifestyle. With prayer and consistency, I more than tripled my business network while dropping almost 50 lbs., said Whittington. Tiffany worked with me over the past 6 months on fitness training, and meanwhile, her business continued to grow. Now is the time for us to share our best practices with those seeking to take their business brands and fitness to the next level.

Your Brand, Your Body officially launches February 2021 with a two-day workshop featuring courses that help business owners develop their brands taught by Whittington and health and fitness courses taught by Blakemore. The curriculum will focus on a variety of topics from social media brand development/management, email marketing and media relations to healthy meal planning, exercise and mental wellness. Participants will also have an opportunity to complete a fitness workout with Blakemore. Guest speakers/experts will also be a part some of the sessions. Each participant will receive handouts from the courses, a professional headshot and gift bag. A vendor fair will take place at the conclusion the series where participants can network with other entrepreneurs while being introduced to their products and services.

It is my lifes dream to help others meet their fitness goals and live their healthiest lives, said Blakemore. As a person who was formerly over 300 lbs, I can relate to those who struggle with weight, and want to motivate them to keep striving and pushing.

Whittington and Blakemore are also in search of community partners to serve as sponsors as they work to build bigger brands and better bodies across the region. Sponsors will enjoy a host of benefits including logo inclusion on printed materials, signage at the events and a speaking opportunity at the workshops, product or marketing materials included in participant gift bags, vendor/information table, media interview opportunities, mention in press materials and more.

For more information on enrollment and sponsorship, call 219-712-3182 or email Chelsea@CWHITT.biz.

Looking to Advertise? Contact the Crusader for more information.

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Gary natives and business owners develop unique collaboration with Your Brand, Your Body | The Crusader Newspaper Group - The Chicago Cusader

Katie Price is hoping to marry again.

Katie Price has revealed some big life goals for the new year as she says shes aiming for husband No 4 and child No 6 in 2021.

The mum-of-five has had a tough year after breaking both feet in a horror fall on holiday that left her unable to walk for months.

Now shes said she is aiming for a better time next year by further expanding her family and marrying her boyfriend Carl Woods.

Read more: Katie Price is livid over piercing mistake

Price told The Sun: Im not getting any younger . . . I do look younger as I get older but you know what I mean.

Its all happened really fast but I know Carl is the man for me. Hes The One and I couldnt be happier.

Although the pair are not yet officially engaged, they have been open about their plans to marry each other and Price knows he plans on proposing in the near future.

She held nothing back in discussing their future, adding: It would be amazing to enter the New Year with a baby on the way and a ring on my finger. Weve been trying Ill find out if Im pregnant on the 29th because thats when my period is due.

Price has eldest son Harvey from her relationship with Dwight Yorke, Princess Tiaamii and Junior from her marriage to Peter Andre, and Jett and Bunny from her marriage to Kieran Hayler.

She was married to Andre from 2005 to 2009 after meeting him on Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!.

Her second husband was Alex Reid from 2010 to 2012, and she was married to Hayler from 2013 until earlier this year.

Prices holiday accident happened over the summer when she was in Turkey with Woods and fell 25ft from a wall on to a concrete ramp below.

She is said to have been lucky to survive the fall, but was told to expect pain in her feet for the rest of her life.

This year she has given up booze, and celebrated her first sober Christmas with Woods who is encouraging her to live a healthy lifestyle.

Watch: Katie Price set to finalise Kieran Hayler divorce

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Katie Price wants a fourth husband and a sixth child in 2021 - Yahoo Lifestyle

When it's working properly, your immune system is an internal defense against harmful germs and infections.However, building a strong immune system doesn't happen overnight.

In fact, strengthening your immune system can take weeks, according to Tulip Jhaveri, MD, a medical microbiology fellow at Brigham and Women's Hospital who specializes in infectious diseases.

Therefore, a shot of lemon-ginger juice isn't going to protect you from an infectious disease if you already have a weakened immune system. To boost your immune system quickly, you'll need to plan ahead and consistently follow some general guidelines for at least several weeks.

If you have a weakened immune system, you will not be able to make a reasonable change in 24 hours.

The immune system is a complex system that requires many different working parts. Because of that, "there is no quick way to improve it," says Jhaveri.

That said, if you're looking for the fastest way to give your immune system the best chance of preventing infection, Jhaveri says that drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep are critical.

But it's important to note that, "it typically takes weeks of regular intervention to have any impact," Jhaveri says.

If you anticipate being in a situation where you may be exposed to a lot of germs like if you're taking a flight soon and want to take measures to protect yourself, here are five ways to boost your immunity:

"Drinking plenty of water before a flight is important because the higher the altitude, the more the humidity drops, causing considerable loss of fluid," says Jhaveri.

To function properly, your immune system relies heavily on the nutrients in your bloodstream, which mostly consists of water. Without water, the cells and tissues of your immune system don't receive the nutrients they need. Your immune system also relies on water to flush out germs and waste materials.

The amount of water you need can vary; however you should aim to drink fluids regularly over the course of the day.

"Sleep is also very important as it enables the body to repair itself and get ready for the next day," says Jhaveri.

According to a 2017 study, sleep deprivation makes your body vulnerable to a lot of infectious agents. You should aim to get seven to eight hours of sound sleep a night to help boost immunity.

If you're about to take a trip, Jhaveri recommends avoiding caffeine right before and during your flight because it can dehydrate and disrupt your sleep schedule.

Exercising may help flush germs out of your lungs and airways, reducing your chances of getting sick. It also stimulates your immune system and fights stress hormones that can make you ill.

If you can, try and do some moderate or vigorous exercise for 60 minutes several days a week for several weeks. You can opt for a brisk walk or a bicycle ride around your neighborhood.

Both vitamin C and zinc improve your defenses against pathogens and are critical for your immunity.

Deficiencies of these two nutrients are associated with more frequent and more severe cases of several illnesses, including malaria, diarrhea, the common cold, pneumonia, and other respiratory tract infections.

You can consult your doctor on whether you require these supplements and what dose is appropriate for you.

Chicken soup made with a bone broth may help clear your respiratory passageways and reduce inflammation, plus it's a pretty good source of protein, according to Harvard Medical School.

Though bone broth is a bit of a trend and evidence hasn't conclusively pointed to its benefits, protein is a critical nutrient for immunity since it is essential for the functioning of your T-cells, which are a type of white blood cell that play a major role in your immune response.

To maintain a strong immune system long-term, it's important to lead a healthy lifestyle. Jhaveri recommends the following:

Like the other systems in your body, your immune system is a complex network of processes that works best when you provide it sufficient energy and nutrition to function.

While several products claim to boost your immunity quickly, the most effective strategy is to consistently maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and avoiding alcohol and smoking.

In fact, according to Jhaveri, "even multivitamins and multiminerals have minimal to no benefit in boosting immunity as was once believed they're supplements, not substitutes to a well-balanced diet."The best way to boost your immunity before a plane ride, or any other high-risk situation, is to get started on those healthy habits hydration, nutrition, sleep, and exercise are your best bet.

And above all, maintain good hygiene: You can follow these guidelines by the CDC to protect yourself and others from infection:

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How to boost your immune system in weeks and maintain it long-term - Insider - INSIDER

Sure, Wonder Woman may just be a character Gal Gadot plays on the big screen, but the Israeli-born actress also happens to be a superhero in real life. In addition to being one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood, the 35-year-old is a mother of two, a former Miss Israel, and an entrepreneur (she and her husband founded a production company called Pilot Wave Motion Pictures).

Since first stepping into her Wonder Woman role in 2016, Gadot has also taken her health and fitness to a superhuman level in order to do everything from fly around in a harness to sword fight on the big screen.

In fact, preparing for the upcoming Wonder Woman 1984 movie was an otherworldly undertaking in itself. When she wasn't filming high-energy scenes or rehearsing stunts, Gal crushed it in the gym for about an hour almost every day with her trainer, Magnus Lygdback, to truly embody Wonder Woman's strength (and toned physique!).

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To keep up with the physical demands of being Wonder Woman, Gal's daily diet had to be totally locked in, Lygdback tells Women's Health. To keep her energy up while prepping for and shooting WW 1984, Gal ate five times a day (three main meals and two snacks), all focused on whole foods and a balance of protein, complex carbohydrates (like wild rice), healthy fats, and, of course, plenty of vegetables.

Lygdback's main rule? Focus on nutrition in 17 out of every 20 meals. For the other three, Gal could enjoy the pasta, wine, or whatever else her heart desired. Otherwise, she simply avoided high-glycemic (a.k.a. blood sugar-spiking) carbs, like white bread, in order to keep her energy stable.

Under Lygdback's guidance, here's what Gal put on her plate in order to look and feel like a true superhero.

Usually, Magnus and Gal hit the gym to train for about an hour to kick off the day, so Gal could carry that badass energy with her through shooting (and to ensure hectic schedules didn't derail her fitness).

Demanding mornings meant Gal needed to fuel her body with the good stuff from the get-go, so her breakfast was usually a colorful combo of poached eggs, quinoa, tomato, and avocado. (Yes, on-set chefs prepared all of her delish, colorful meals, btw.)

Having some healthy carbs from the quinoa ensured Gal's muscles restocked and recovered from tough training sessions so she'd continue to see results, Lygdback says. Of course, she also downed lots of H2O in order to stay hydrated and keep her calories on her plate, not in her glass.

Since Wonder Woman was such a physically-demanding role (swooshing around in a harness really takes it out of you), Gal needed to eat a little something before lunchtime.

Her mid-morning snack looked more like a mini-meal than a quick handful of pretzels, though. One of Lygdback's go-to picks for before lunch: a small salad with tomatoes, seeds, and cured meats. (I'm calling this a charcuterie board salad.)

One of Lygdback's favorite proteins to serve up to his celebrity clients is fish, which often made an appearance in Gal's midday meal. A fun variety of vegetables and color was the name of the game here, so lunch often involved a cut of fish, like seared tuna, with grilled bok choy, baby broccoli, pickled radishes, and peppers. Fun, right?

"You don't have to eat just white rice and broccoli and chicken," Lygdback says. His philosophy: The more creative and interesting you make eating well, the easier it is to stick to a healthy lifestyle.

Come mid-afternoon, Gal needed another energy boostand, again, fish often took center stage.

Typically, a simple salad with grilled mackerel, seeds, and a hefty scoop of guac kept her powering through 'til the end of long, exhausting days.

It'll come as no surprise that Gal's Wonder Woman dinners involved more fun plant foods, like kale, kimchi, and wild rice. Instead of fish, though, she got her protein from a piece of steak, such as grilled ribeye.

Not the leanest cut of beef you can opt for, but Lygdback was more concerned with the quality of Gal's proteins (like whether they were grass-fed, organic, or wild-caught) than their fat content.

And when it came to Gal's treat meals? Something tells me pasta was a go-to...

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Gal Gadot Ate Five Times A Day On Her 'Wonder Woman 1984' Diet - Women's Health

KnobMate & SafeSpaceMate are vital accessories to ensure a no-touch lifestyle and to ease fear of viral contamination.

"I wanted a solution to help my employees feel safe, so I created the KnobMate and SafeSpaceMate to address their concerns with returning to the office. These attractive accessories help eliminate contact with germs and decrease the fear of viral contamination. As a small business owner, anything we can do to help people resume a healthy lifestyle will also help to stimulate the economy, and the country's overall well-being," said GoSafeMate founder, Julia Brufke Wenger.

These pocket-size accessories with their cutting-edge design serve as a barrier between your hands and everyday surfaces. The KnobMate is a vital companion with a rubber grip to open doorknobs intuitively, a bumper for pushing buttons on keypads, and a hook to maneuver levers and handles at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery markets, to name a few. The SafeSpaceMate is a collapsible six-foot spacer that accurately distances when sitting, standing, or walking with others.

These initial items from GoSafeMate help to ensure a safe return to everyday life. Use at hotels and when travelling, in public transportation and restrooms, around town at restaurants, retailers, and entertainment venues, in offices, at school, and at medical facilities and assisted living communities. The HandMate, an innovative device for twisting, turning, and holding almost anything from restaurant menus, salt and pepper shakers, and many other everyday items, is the next accessory to be unveiled in 2021.

To learn more Julia's award-winning accessories, please visit http://www.gosafemate.com or call 484-302-8147. The KnobMate at $14.95 and the SpaceMate at $24.95 will also be available on Amazon in 2021. Follow Go-SafeMate on Instagram and Facebook and share your photos with hashtag #GoSafeMate.

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GoSafeMate Into The New Year With The Essential KnobMate And SafeSpaceMate Award-Winning Accessories - PRNewswire

Cholesterol are fatty lipids found in the bodys tissues and blood plasma. Nearly 1 in 3 Americans have high cholesterol. Unfortunately, too much cholesterol can put you at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance which is found in all the cells in your body.

Your body uses cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and helps you digest food. Your body is very capable of making all the cholesterol it needs. However, you can also find cholesterol in foods that come from animals such as egg yolks, meat, and cheese.

Too much cholesterol can cause it to combine with other substances in the blood and form plaque. This plaque sticks to the walls of your arteries, which is why high cholesterol can be dangerous.

There are no signs and symptoms, so it is important to get your cholesterol levels checked, and to talk to your health care provider about how you can manage your cholesterol. Although there are no symptoms, some people may be at a higher risk than others. Individuals who suffer from type 2 diabetes, have lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is also known as the good cholesterol.

This condition also increases low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol, which cause serious issues. Obesity is linked to higher triglycerides levels, higher LDL cholesterol levels, and lower HDL cholesterol levels. Obesity can also lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It is important to understand if you are at a higher risk for high cholesterol and to talk to your doctor about managing it. Although high cholesterol is very common and serious, it can be easily be managed by making a few lifestyle changes.

Individuals who eat a diet high in saturated fat and trans fat, may have higher cholesterol than those who do not. Cutting out foods that contain large amounts of saturated and trans fat can greatly improve your cholesterol levels. Staying physically active will also help you maintain a healthy weight. For those who have high cholesterol, participating in physical activity can help lower cholesterol and help make it easier to manage.

Smoking is another lifestyle choice that can increase your risk for high cholesterol. Smoking damages your blood vessels, which makes them more susceptible to collecting fatty deposits. Creating a healthy lifestyle for yourself by eating a healthy diet and exercising can greatly improve your cholesterol levels and help keep you healthy.

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LIVE WELL: Knowing the impact of cholesterol - Stillwater News Press