Its that time of year again. US News and World Report recently published its annual list of best diets. The main category for this is best overall diet, but there are other categories too.

There are categories for diabetes, heart disease, commercial, rapid weight loss and many others. This week we are going to look at the best overall category and the winner again this year is the Mediterranean diet.

The criteria that is used to rate these diets include things such as its effect on short term weight loss which is weight lost during the first 12 months of a diet. It also includes long-term weight loss defined as weight lost and maintained for two years or more. In addition, its effect on heart health and diabetes, ease of compliance, nutritional completeness and health risks are also all reviewed.

The Mediterranean diet which is more of an eating lifestyle related to the types of foods eaten in the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea places an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil and grains. This approach has been found to reduce the risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, dementia, memory loss, depression and breast cancer. In addition, there have been links to healthier hearts, bone health and weight loss.

Beyond the foods that you eat, the Mediterranean diet places an emphasis on eating with friends and family, socializing over meals, mindful food choices as well as movement and exercise. These things combined lead to a healthier lifestyle.

Common themes among the top rated overall diets is that they encourage the use of minimally processed foods and shift the focus to foods such as fruits and vegetables, beans, lentils and whole grains and nuts and seeds. These are foods that we know offer powerful help to our body. They can help reduce inflammation and improve gut health.

There are a few resources that I like to use when I am looking for Mediterranean diet information. Oldways is a nonprofit food and nutrition education organization that advocates for incorporating healthful, sustainable eating habits through cultural food traditions and lifestyles. In 1993, in partnership with the Harvard School of Public Health, published the Mediterranean diet pyramid. Since that time, they have continued to develop and promote the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet to consumers around the world.

Another resource is Med not Meds. This was created by a group of nutrition and healthcare professionals from NC State University and the North Carolina Division of Public Health. Their goal was to provide tips and tools to help people live a Mediterranean lifestyle as a tool to prevent or control chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. With the knowledge that following this eating plan can help reduce the need for medications the name of their group became Med Not Meds.

Both organizations suggest some simple steps to begin improving eating habits and eating more of the Mediterranean way. The first is to eat plenty of vegetables. In fact, we would like you to fill half your plate with them for lunch and supper.

Now, keep in mind, that veggies arent just limited to these two meals. In our culture we dont often incorporate them into our morning routine, but in many Mediterranean cultures they are available at all meal periods.

Meat should be included in smaller portions and is really used as an accompaniment to the meal versus center of the plate. In this case we are primarily focusing on beef, pork and chicken.

Seafood on the other hand is more of a staple and should be consumed at a minimum two times per week. Choosing more plant-based proteins is also encouraged.

Dairy can be enjoyed in smaller amounts as well. Choosing Greek or plain yogurt is best. A variety of cheeses can also be enjoyed in small amounts. Going meatless at least one meal per week is also encouraged. These meals should have alternative protein sources from beans, whole grains and vegetables.

Olives and olive oil are both staples of this cuisine. Other healthy fats such as nuts and seeds as well as avocados are also encouraged. We all need a little bit of fat every day, but we do want to make sure we are focusing on the good ones.

Whole grains are also a staple; adding plenty of fiber to keep you feeling fuller longer. Traditional grains include bulgur, barley, farro and brown, black and red rice. Some of these grains can be cooked quickly, while others will require a little more time than our traditional white rice. When reading food labels, look for the word whole in the ingredient list.

Fresh fruit is often used as a dessert option and is consumed more frequently than cakes, pies and other baked goods. Those items are truly saved for special occasions. Try to get at least two cups of fruits per day and include berries often. Berries, especially blueberries, have been shown to be beneficial in preserving brain function.

The Mediterranean diet also allows for moderate intake of wine one drink a day for women and two for men. It incorporates plenty of water too.

Again, because this is about a healthy lifestyle, being active and enjoying meals with others is a vital part of its success. Sharing a meal and having a conversation tends to lead us to more mindful choices and increases our satisfaction with our meal which in turn leads us to avoid overeating.

I always tell people that you dont have to cook an exotic dish to follow this lifestyle. Filling your plate with veggies, whole grains and smaller meat portions while using healthy fats and having fruit instead of pie truly meets the intent of this eating pattern. Dont over-think it!

Healthy living is a journey and eating well just one part of it. Look for options that work with your body, your health and your lifestyle. Until next time live healthy!

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As 2019 comes to a close, The Gateway Family YMCA is asking community support to close the fundraising gap for their 2019 Annual Support Campaign. With a goal of raising $27,000 during December to support financial assistance to those in need in the local community, The Gateway Family YMCA is working with donors, members, staff and community partners to raise awareness. Annual Campaign donations help to ensure that everyone has access to vital programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, as well as emergency housing, child care and adult social day services. Donations can be made online at http://www.tgfymca.org or in any branch in Elizabeth, Rahway or Union.

"Each year we raise the charitable funds needed to continue our vital work in the local communities we serve. We believe everyone deserves the same opportunities to reach their full potential. Motivating people to build a healthy spirit, mind and body is at the core of our mission," stated Krystal R. Canady, CEO, The Gateway Family YMCA, "YMCA donors and volunteers make the difference in the communities we serve. They are our partners in this important work."

The Gateway Family YMCA uses financial gifts to help individuals and families in need participate in programs such as Early Learning Readiness for school readiness, Diabetes Education - chronic disease prevention, employment skills training, teen leadership programs, supportive housing and social services. Donations support the Safety Around Water program to assist local organizations and community children to learn water safety and swim lesson scholarships to assist additional children learn to swim.

Serving the community since 1900, The Gateway Family YMCA helps individuals and families build and maintain healthy habits for spirit, mind and body in their everyday lives, and children discover who they are and what they can achieve under the guidance of caring adults who believe in their potential. With a mission of serving all, the Y brings together people from all backgrounds to provide leadership and learning, volunteerism and housing, and a spirit of service working together to improve the local community.

"The Y is a place for anyone who needs us, but we can't do it without the help of our local donors and volunteers. We rely on community donations to enable us to continue to provide the programs and services necessary for all," stated Melynda A. Mileski, EVP/COO, The Gateway Family YMCA.

The Gateway Family YMCA, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, health and community service organization of caring staff and volunteers dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community and stands For Youth Development, For Healthy Living and For Social Responsibility. The Gateway Family YMCA impacts the community by providing quality services to people of all ages, races, faith or incomes.

To find out how to get involved and support The Gateway Family YMCA's cause, visit http://www.tgfymca.org or contact the Elizabeth Branch 908-355-9622, Five Points Branch 908-688-9622, Rahway Branch 732-388-0057, Wellness Center Branch 908-349-9622 or WISE Center Branch 908-687-2995.

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Support The Gateway Family YMCA this December - Patch.com

Mark Villalon, M.D., is an interventional cardiologist with NorthBay Healthcare. (Courtesy photo)

Mark Villalon, M.D., Special to the Daily Republic

Cardiovascular disease affects millions of Americans, especially those over the age of 50. The term CVD encompasses a number of conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, heart failure, valve disease or arrhythmias.

If you are one of the lucky ones without CVD, preventing such disease is within your grasp. If you have been diagnosed with a form of CVD, there are still a multitude of ways to minimize your future risk of further health-related issues. Heart health is simply making lifestyle changes for the long term. At the center of heart health is feeling empowered about what features are important.

Diet: Taking a hard look at what you eat (and snack on) on a daily basis is important. Eating meals rich in fruit, vegetables and whole grains and low on refined sugars, processed foods and red meats are keys to great long-term health.

Exercise: While engaging in at least moderate activity for 30 minutes per day, five days a week is ideal, some of us do not have such a luxury with time. Instead, take small steps toward the goal. Take five-minute walks around your job at lunch time. Park in the spot farthest away from the entrance to your job. Being able to adapt to your surroundings is key.

Sleep: The magic number is 7. Not having at least seven hours of sleep at night leads to weight gain, higher blood pressure and ultimately poor heart health. Make sure you have your doctor screen you for a condition called sleep apnea.

Stress: Our world moves quickly and most of us can do little to change the stressors in our lives. We can, however, be mindful of the way we internally respond to stress. Being mindful of our levels of stress is a great first step. Exercise and daily meditation are just two ways that can help relieve the stress levels, which are linked to heart disease.

Numbers: Knowing some basic numbers is important to continue the quest to optimal heart health. These numbers include: weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. While there are several more numbers that your doctor will discuss with you, these are a great start.

Understanding that you have the power to prevent or minimize future risk of CVD is key to a heart-healthy lifestyle. Dont wait for your doctor to discuss the above with you. If you havent already, take charge and take control of the above tips. The power is in your hands.

Mark Villalon, M.D., is an interventional cardiologist with NorthBay Healthcare.

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Fit After 50: Living a heart-healthy lifestyle is in your hands - Fairfield Daily Republic

Now that were a month into the new year, its statistically likely that whatever health resolutions you set for 2020 have already lost their luster. Luckily for those in need of some straightforward training tips and expert motivation to help get back on track, plenty of coaches and nutritionists are available in audio form. Other shows explore health through individual stories of survival, endurance and transformation, or through candid interviews in which guests reflect on their psychological struggles. Whatever version of wellness youre seeking, here are seven podcasts to get you in better physical and emotional shape.

Every fitness guru needs an origin story often one of emotional transformation through exercise and Emily Abbate, the Hurdle host, is no exception. Now a health writer and coach, Abbate was dramatically overweight as a college student and redirected her life after discovering running. In her addictive twice-weekly podcast, Abbate shares fitness tips from her own life and interviews people who have overcome hurdles through healthy living. Though many guests are from the fitness world, including the trainer Jillian Michaels and the soccer player Alex Morgan, others are simply successful people for whom fitness is an essential tool, and their stories offer plenty of useful lessons for everyday life.

Starter episode: How To Start (and Stay) Running

Though mental health is still too often neglected in the cultural conversation around wellness, that is slowly changing as stigma around the subject recedes. The comedian Paul Gilmartin has been chipping away at the taboo for years with this weekly hour of honesty about all the battles in our heads, a show that makes you feel as if youre part of a very articulate support group. Gilmartin leads sprawling, intimate conversations with guests primarily in the creative arts, who share raw admissions about their deepest fears, compulsive behaviors and traumatic histories. Though the show can be heavy listening, its also laced with irreverent humor and hope.

Starter episode: Best Of: Rob Delaney (2011)

The Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network offers a variety of bite-size service shows with advice on topics like grammar, parenting and productivity. The nutritionist Monica Reinagel, known as the Nutrition Diva, takes a sane, scientific approach to dietary advice that cuts through the onslaught of often-conflicting information and offers deceptively simple lessons all in the time of a short commute. Whether youre trying to pick a nondairy milk alternative or curious about intermittent fasting, Reinagel is will likely have an episode on the subject, and her levelheaded delivery will leave you feeling calmer as well as better informed.

Starter episode: 10 Nutrition Worries You Can Stop Stressing About

We may be screwed, but were together, runs the cheerfully nihilistic tagline of this podcast about the cost of health care. No conversation about wellness would be complete without acknowledging the labyrinthine medical system Americans are forced to navigate, and after listening to a few episodes of An Arm and a Leg, youll understand why the show was (semi-ironically) nominated for a Best True Crime Podcast award last year. In telling stories about patients being sued by their hospitals, inexplicably dropped by their insurance companies or charged thousands of dollars monthly for essential medications, the host Dan Weissmann strikes a balance between dry humor and palpable anger, and always offers solutions or suggestions to offset the mind-boggling case studies.

Starter episode: Can They Freaking Do That?!?

Intuitive eating a philosophy that rejects dieting in favor of listening to your bodys internal cues has gone mainstream over the past few years along with the Health at Every Size paradigm. The dietitian Christy Harrisons inspiring show is one of the best resources if youre intrigued by this size-inclusive movement; the show promotes a clean break from traditional diet culture and features interviews with guests who discuss how theyre unlearning years of restrictive, unhealthy behaviors. Harrisons approach is unapologetically radical, dismantling the ways in which diet culture is a life thief and how wellness can provide a smoke screen for disordered eating. Listen, and feel your perspective shift.

Starter episode: Intuitive Eating & Health at Every Size FAQs

Though not primarily focused on fitness, Outside Podcast tells compelling human stories set in the great outdoors, and its most gripping episodes position themselves at the intersection of physical endurance and psychological upheaval. In one, the host Peter Frick-Wright recounts in visceral detail his experience of breaking a leg in the middle of a treacherous and remote canyon hike; in another, an unfortunate hiker becomes a case study of the strange and devastating neurological effects caused by being struck by lightning. Even in its less high-stakes moments like the installment in which a lifelong H2O skeptic begins drinking a gallon a day this show will change the way you look at your body and its capabilities.

Starter episode: Struck by Lightning

Amid hundreds of testosterone-fueled fitness podcasts promising to get you shredded and rewire your microbiome but only if you follow a specific, restrictive regime to the letter Shawn Stevensons evenhanded offering stands out. The Model Health Show focuses on overall health, inspired by Stevensons experience of overhauling his lifestyle to combat chronic pain from degenerative disc disease. In his conversations with experts, Stevenson offers balanced, evidence-based analysis of fads and fitness trends, and spends as much time on psychological well-being as on how to accelerate fat loss and build muscle mass.

Starter episode: TMHS 383: How Your Thoughts Control Your Biology & How to Transform Your Thinking

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7 Podcasts for a Healthier Mind and Body - The New York Times

Weight loss: Green coffee beans contain more chlorogenic acid than roasted coffee beans

Green coffee comes from coffee beans that have not been roasted. Chlorogenic acids are compounds present in coffee beans, which have antioxidant effects and can be beneficial for weight loss. When you roast coffee, its chlorogenic acid content reduces. This is the reason why unroasted coffee or green coffee is considered to be weight loss friendly. However, there is few scientific evidence backing the claim that green coffee is weight loss friendly. When combined with regular exercise and a healthy diet, unroasted coffee beans may help you with effective weight loss as compared to roasted coffee beans.

Green coffee alone will not help you lose weight if you are not following a healthy lifestyle, are smoking or binge drinking. It is only in combination with a healthy lifestyle that green coffee can aid weight loss.

A study published in Indian Journal Of Innovative Research and Development, chlorogenic acid in green coffee is the miracle compound which can help you weight loss. Chlorogenic acid in green coffee can melt unwanted fat in the body, aiding weight loss. What's more is that chlorogenic acid can help in increasing Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), which can reduce release of glucose from liver into the bloodstream. Instead of glucose, the body begins to burn excess fat, and this ultimately helps you weight loss.

If you are a victim of overeating and are amongst those who cannot practice portion control when eating, then consuming green coffee can be helpful. Drinking green coffee can suppress your appetite and prevent you from overeating.

Green coffee can naturally reduce your appetitePhoto Credit: iStock

Also read:This Is What You Should Start You Day With Instead Of Tea Or Coffee

You can have green coffee with your breakfast or any other time of the day. Drinking it right after your meals can be helpful for blood sugar control and weight loss. Your blood sugars tend to spike on consuming a carb-heavy meals and drinking green coffee can be helpful in preventing this.

You can prepare green coffee like you prepare black coffee. Add cinnamon or honey to add more flavour to your coffee.

Also read:Did You Know Coffee Could Actually Help You Relieve Constipation? 5 Other Super Effective Home Remedies

As mentioned above, green coffee alone will not help you lose weight. Following are other diet tips that can help too:

Proteins are building blocks of the human body and one of the most important macronutrients that you need for weight loss. Eggs, nuts and seeds, leafy greens, lentils, legumes, chicken and soy products are some examples of foods rich in protein.

The first step of digestion begins in your mouth. Chewing food properly can help in improving digestion. Eating food slowly and properly chewing it can make you feel full with comparatively lesser consumption of calories, thus aiding weight loss.

Chew your food properly for achieving sustainable results for weight lossPhoto Credit: iStock

Portion control is the key when it comes to losing weight. Eat foods in smaller plates. Doing this can trick your brain into thinking that you are eating more than you actually are. Otherwise, try to eat slowly and eat only to satiate your hunger not greed.

Also read:Portion Size: Does It Matter?

Fibre is another macronutrient that can make you feel full for longer and also aid digestion. Eating fibrous foods fill you up and may aid reducing appetite. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, peas, beans, pulses and legumes are all fibre-rich foods that can help you weight loss.

Celeb nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar advocates the idea of eating food without any distraction like TV, phone, book, newspaper etc. You should eat food while devoting complete focus to food. It will help you be in sync with satiety signals and prevent overeating, thus aiding weight loss.

Weight loss and healthy living are incomplete without exercising. Eating healthy with healthy eating practices can help you lose weight when you exercise regularly and burn more calories. Include both cardio and weight training in your routine for healthy weight loss.

Regular exercise is the key to a healthy weight lossPhoto Credit: iStock

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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Can Green Coffee Really Help You Lose Weight? Find The Answer Here - NDTV News

TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Mediaplanet's Fighting Alzheimer'scampaign, an editorial dedicated to raising awareness surrounding multiple diseases and conditions, last week published a historical article titled "Why Preventing Alzheimer's Requires a Holistic Approach." ARPF commends Mediaplanet for openly stating that Alzheimer's prevention is a crucial social goal and for highlighting the importance of a holistic approach. In fact, no other approach has been proven to work, be it drugs or vaccines.

The writer interviews ARPF Founding President and Medical Director, Dharma Singh Khalsa, MD, concerning the importance of a "brain-healthy" lifestyle that includes the 4 Pillars of Alzheimer's Prevention: a healthy "diet, stress management, strong physical and mental exercise, and spiritual fitness."

Dr. Dharma says, "Now is the time for everyone to adopt a brain-healthy lifestyle" and "As recent research reveals, the changes in one's brain start decades before any symptoms appear. So it's never too early or too late to head off the development of memory loss."

Besides getting specific with diet by expressing the particular neuroenhancing properties of a plant-based, Mediterranean diet, Dr. Dharma discusses in detail Kirtan Kriya (KK) yoga meditation. KK is a 12-minute mindfulness practice that is both a mental exercise and a stress-management tool. Through extensive research, KK has been shown to improve brain function and reverse memory loss. He explains that this is especially true for women,"which is critical because a woman's risk for Alzheimer's is greater than her risk for developing breast cancer," he said.

Dr. Dharma finally gives much needed hope by confirming that these benefits apply to both those currently living with Alzheimer's and those at a higher risk for developing it, including those with subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment.

As the original organization advocating this holistic preventative model, ARPF is more engaged than ever in educational programs for the public and for healthcare providers.

Alzheimer's disease is a devastating illness that affects nearly 6 million Americans and their families. But better prevention and treatments are on the horizon, with more advocacy for increased funding and research. Help us bring awareness to the realities of managing the disease and the need for resources to find a cure. The campaign was distributed through USA Today on November 27, 2019, and is published online here: [http://bit.ly/FightingAlzheimers]

Web Sites: https://www.futureofpersonalhealth.com/fighting-alzheimers/why-preventing-alzheimers-requires-a-holistic-approach/#

http://www.alzheimersprevention.org

http://www.alzheimersprevention.org/training

http://www.arpf.com

To obtain your own copy of the KK meditation, visit https://arpf.donorshops.com/products/shop

SOURCE Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation

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The Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation (ARPF) announces its contribution in a breakthrough article on Preventing Alzheimer's through a...

The Middletown planning board has just approved a proposal from Life Time, the folks behind six other massive N.J. fitness clubs.

The Monmouth County location will consist of a 120,000-square-foot building with a ground-level beach club and is expected to open in late 2021 on Half Mile Road.

Life Time operates 147 clubs around the country, including locations in Bridgewater, Montvale, Berkeley Heights, Florham Park, Mount Laurel and Princeton. The first location opened in Florham Park in 2008.

Life Time bills itself as a premier healthy lifestyle company that delivers a comprehensive healthy living, healthy aging and healthy entertainment experience that goes well beyond fitness to encompass the entire spectrum of daily life for individuals, couples and families of all ages.

And so, they shun the gym label.

One thing we are not is a gym, as I think youll notice in the images, says Life Time spokesperson Natalie Bushaw. What we hear often from members is were todays modern country club without the golf.

The new location will include:

Three floors with a ground-level outdoor beach club and bistro with leisure and lap pools, a whirlpool, resort-style seating and cafe

4-level parking garage

Dedicated space and studios for exclusive group fitness, cycle, yoga and Pilates programming; one-on-one personal training and small group GTX and Alpha Training

More than 400 pieces of cardiovascular and resistance training equipment

A full-size basketball court

A dedicated Kids Academy, for kids ages three months to 11

LifeCafe, a nutrition-focused, fast-casual restaurant featuring a full menu, Meals to Go and grab-and-go assortments, along with Peets coffee and proprietary nutritional supplements

LifeSpa, a full-service salon and spa for hair, body and nails

Luxurious dressing rooms with whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms and complimentary towels and lockers

The project is expected to total $40 million, and Life Time plans to create 250-plus new full and part-time jobs.

For a peek at what this location will look like, check out these photos from their latest opening in Bridgewater:

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

Photos from the Bridgewater location of Life Time fitness club.

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A $40M, 3-story fitness club will open in Middletown - nj.com

By Tosin Clegg

A reality television show for promoting healthy living and fight against obesity while reaching out to Nigerians on the benefits of keeping fit is set to hit the Nigerian television airwaves.

The third season of Nigerias first weight loss reality TV show, the Fastest Shedder is aimed at raising awareness against obesity and encouraging plus size people to maintain a healthy lifestyle.The objectives of the reality show, according to the convener, Seyi Olusore, is to create a unique social oriented platform where contestants and viewers can be educated on fitness and healthy living, share their weight loss stories whilst getting support and encouragement.

Olusore, popularly known as Sheddams said that many Nigerians suffer a lot of emotional, social and physical abuse from being obese thus his decision to introduce the fastest shedder to help raise awareness against obesity and body shaming. The fastest shedder aims at engaging people with obesity in an interesting and fun-mixed weight loss activities in a serene, safe environment that will help restore confidence to them.According to him, The programme proves that Nigerians can do anything they set their minds to and that we also have untapped talent who are passionate about their health just waiting to be discovered.The TV series intends to be a life changing adventure with fitness and wellness experts set to ensure that wellness is achieved via recommended diet and exercise routines, he said.Sequel to the success of the last season and the level of awareness generated in African countries, the show will this season, be open to any interested candidate from all countries in Africa.

Auditions are currently ongoing and the show will end in March next year. It would run for two weeks and will be aired across select TV stations. Auditions are organised such a way that each contestant starts with a weigh-in to determine their initial statistics which will serve as a baseline to determine the overall result.The fastest shedder is determined by who has the highest weight loss relative to her initial weight.This season will feature people who feel overweight and would like to shed weight. Judges for this season are Bimbo Ogunboye (Lepacious Bose), Omotunde Adebowale (Lolo 1) Adedamola Ladejobi (Askdamz) Madey among others.

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New Reality TV Show on Healthy Living - THISDAY Newspapers

March 5, 2020

By: Ezinwa Alozie, Northern Nigeria Union Conference, and Adventist Review

According to Seventh-day Adventist mission experts, the Northern Nigeria church region is part of the 10/40 Window, an area with much of the worlds population but very few Christians. A region like this requires a special approach, which includes medical missionary work, usually defined as the right arm of the gospel.

To set a plan in motion, more than 100 delegates from the Northern Nigeria Union Conference (NNUC) attended their first health summit, in collaboration with Adventist Possibilities Ministries, in Abuja, Nigeria, from January 29 to February 2, 2020.

In his welcome address, NNUC executive secretary Istifanus Ishaya, representing union president Harry Yohanna, reminded the delegates of the urgent need to create a paradigm shift that will stimulate a positive attitude for healthy living among church members and other people in the region.

The Northern Nigeria geographical region looks to our denominations medical mission to provide to the average person faith-based awareness, re-orientation, and total education on how to live healthy, live spiritually, and [enjoy] a high-quality life, Ishaya read.

WAD health ministries director Andre Ndaa stressed the importance of wholistic health, wholeness, and mission, urging delegates to do their best for the benefit of Gods church in Northern Nigeria.

Our health message should be comprehensive, taking into account all the dimensions of a human being, Ndaa said. We are given health to promote the mission of the church. God invited us to go and preach as well as heal.

Ndaa said that it was good for them to remind church people and leaders that there is no mission if they only preach without healing. It is the reason, he said, that the health that we need and promote should prompt us to be physically fit to serve other people.

Both NNUC health ministries director Chikwe Amaike and possibilities ministries coordinator Ibrahim Maigadi reminded listeners that the events goal was to train health workers, leaders, and church members to live a healthy lifestyle, to eat well, and practice Adventist health beliefs in a way that will help everyone to support the gospel ministry. A healthy lifestyle keeps the brain and body in harmony, they emphasized.

The event lasted for five days and included presentations on spirituality and health, the problem with opioids, mental health, nutrition and brain health, the importance of physical exercise, and living with purpose, among others.

Many delegates said they enjoyed the presentation and pledged to support Adventist outreach efforts through health in the area. One of them was Laraba Oka, who said she felt she is now ready to impact her hometown with some of the tools she acquired at the event.

It has been a great privilege and opportunity. I intend to go back to my locality to begin to introduce a healthy lifestyle and living to my neighbors, my friends, and colleagues in my office, Oka said. In my church, I intend to do some counseling.

Oka added that since she works with children, she feels duty-bound to introduce some of the healthy lifestyles of eating and drinking and encourage parents during Parent-Teacher Association meetings to help the children eat and drink right and sleep enough.

By doing this, a school can become very meaningful, Oka said. And who knows? Children could even become healthy lifestyle tutors in the future.

The original story was posted on the West-Central Africa Division news site.

Original post:
Adventist Church in Northern Nigeria Expands Its Healthy Living Outreach - Adventist Review

Event will be put on by Huron Daily Tribune, held at Laker High School

ByRobert Creenan, robert.creenan@hearst.com

Mike McCue, of Caseville, fist bumps the Dairy Zone cow at last year's Healthy Living Expo. (File art/Paul Adams)

Mike McCue, of Caseville, fist bumps the Dairy Zone cow at last year's Healthy Living Expo. (File art/Paul Adams)

Mike McCue, of Caseville, fist bumps the Dairy Zone cow at last year's Healthy Living Expo. (File art/Paul Adams)

Mike McCue, of Caseville, fist bumps the Dairy Zone cow at last year's Healthy Living Expo. (File art/Paul Adams)

Healthy Living Expo returns this Saturday

PIGEON The Huron Daily Tribune will put on its second annual Healthy Living Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 14 at Laker High School, promising an all-ages event to educate people about a healthy lifestyle.

Huron Daily Tribune Advertising Director Renee Willis said they are working to make this expo more interactive this year.

We want to make it even more fun, more interactive in having people learn more about healthy living to enjoy a healthy life, Willis said. "It's fun for all ages."

A number of health vendors will be on hand, and cooking demonstrations will be offer different ways to cook food. kids can go around the Kids Zone, which will contain inflatables and other activities. Adults adults can go into a shopping area with more vendors selling products, like homemade soaps and Pampered Chef Tupperware.

There will be a Dairy Zone sponsored by Zwemmer Farms with dairy information and a model cow that attendees can milk. There will also be healthy smoothies available for 50 cents.

The Michigan State Police Caro Post will be on hand with its Fatal Vision Pedal Carts for demonstrations throughout the day to offer youth the opportunity to experience the dangers of operating a vehicle while impaired.

Healthy food will be available for purchase courtesy of Laker Food Services. Proceeds will go to local food pantries.

There will also be three education sessions.

At 11 a.m., Shar Mohr from Green Girl Welless and Holistic Health will hold a class.

At noon, Gail Schember from Pampered Chef will be on hand to demonstrate some healthy recipes.

At 1 p.m., Cinamon Marker, the head of the food program at Laker Schools will provide some health cooking options.

About 350 people attended the Healthy Living Expo last year with 50 vendors taking part.

Free tote bags will be given out to the first 300 attendees.

Any vendor is welcome to participate if they have something that people will enjoy.

For more information about the Healthy Living Expo, contact Willis at 989-269-6461 ext. 126 or at rgolder@hearstnp.com.

Read the rest here:
Healthy Living Expo returns this Saturday - Huron Daily Tribune

Irene Savoyat (left) and Chris Reay, co-directors of Creative Wellness.(Photos courtesy of Creative Wellness)

The world of alternative medicine, holistic healing, acupuncture, and even massage therapy has increasingly become more mainstream over the past few years. Local wellness center, Creative Wellness staff and founders know firsthand just how transformative these types of medicine can be. The business has been a mainstay in the East Lansing area for almost three decades. Creative Wellness (2045 Asher Court, East Lansing) is celebrating its 30th anniversary, having first opened its doors for business on April 2, 1990.

The business was originally housed in less than 2,000 square feet, off of Abbot Road, by a team of six founders. Today, it operates with two co-directors, Irene Savoyat and Chris Reay. The pair said the initial mission of the center remains the same: to assist clients in achieving and maintaining ultimate wellness. Creative Wellness aims to build a bridge between conventional treatment and complimentary health services, something they were the first in the area to do. While rooted in massage therapy, the center offers Tai chi classes, meditation, yoga, energy work, baby massage, partner massage, and a variety of self-care classes.

Marketing director Anne Subrizi, said Creative Wellness services include massage, acupuncture, and meditation all methods which work well in conjunction with conventional medicine and treatments. The business goal is to provide an oasis, a respite where people can relax, knowing theyre under the care of skilled professionals.

Currently, they have 47 employees, with a couple dozen of massage therapists, and are continually growing with several massage therapy positions open to qualified applicants. Throughout this growth, Reay has seen an increased level of support from the medical community working hand-in-hand with health care centers and physicians.

Creative Wellness services include massage, acupuncture, and meditation all methods which work well in conjunction with conventional medicine and treatments.

They trust us to provide quality, complimentary care, and to work together with them on their health care, Reay said. We have also seen a great increase in the number of insurance companies who are now covering this care increased number of comprehensive health plans that now cover, in addition to chiropractic, medically necessary massage therapy, as well as acupuncture.

Savoyat said this acceptance by the science and medical communities have opened the floodgate for those looking to increase their wellness. Doctors are now prescribing and referring patients to attend meditation and yoga classes as a means of coordinated care. Creative Wellness has begun receiving referrals from the Veterans Health Administration, offering massage therapy and chiropractic methods to veterans with acute and chronic pain from military service.

The most-used form of alternative medicine that Creative Wellness offers, which many are not aware of is acupuncture in Chinese medicine. This can help alleviate symptoms from gastrointestinal, gynecological, respiratory, circulatory disorders, as well chemotherapy and radiation side effects.

Throughout the 75 different community events Creative Wellness donates gift certificates, or time to including races, wellness days, staff appreciation days, and more, Anne said there is one thing people are most curious about.

When we go out into the community, what people are most interested in talking to us about is acupuncture, Subrizi said. Acupuncture, 30 years ago, but even in the last five to ten years, has become more mainstream. Its another thing in terms of this community, that we offer, but there are not a lot of people here that offer it.

In turn, the East Lansing community has supported Creative Wellness, having awarded Crystal Awards, local best of awards to individual massage therapists, and mentions from Chamber of Commerce as well. Today, the locations 10,000+ square foot space remains rooted in the goal of encouraging patients to become active participants in their individual health journeys.

Currently, the center is in the midst of becoming a partner within the Medicare network. Medicare just announced they are covering acupuncture for low back pain, based on research studies, Reay said. Theres a lot of paperwork and hoops to go through to both qualify, and maintain the relationship with Medicare, but were doing that in order to increase access. That will help our retired community members in East Lansing, and the elderly in this area.

For Savoyat, and fellow staff, the business is thankful and humbled by the continued support, and hope to celebrate another 30 years as a business.

We are grateful to the community of East Lansing who has welcomed us, and supported us all these years, grateful to the wonderful clients who have entrusted their health and well-being to us, and grateful to our remarkable staff members, who by their professional skills and thoughtfulness, do their best every day, to be there for each client who comes in the door, Savoyat said. You all have helped us make Creative Wellness what it is today.

Go here to read the rest:
Creative Wellness: Three Decades of Commitment to Healthy Living - eastlansinginfo.org

SEATTLE Some antibiotics commonly prescribed to patients are linked to a higher risk of birth defects, according to a study published in the Medical Journal BMJ.

The antibiotic is used to treat infections and most often prescribed when a patient is allergic to Penicillin.

The study suggests women who were prescribed Macrolides during the first three months of pregnancy had an increased risk of birth defects, compared to those who were prescribed Penicillin.

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Macrolides are a class of antibiotic that includes erythromycin, roxithromycin, azithromycin and clarithromycin.

The study analyzed data from more than 104,600 children born in the UK between 1990 and 2016. Their mothers were either prescribed Penicillin or Macrolides.

The study found that prescribing Macrolides to pregnant women during their first trimester increased the risk of major malformations to 28 of 1,000 births. That is compared to 18 per 1,000 births with Penicillin

Specifically, the risk of cardiac malformations was higher. The study did not find a link between Macrolifes and neurodevelopmental disorders. There was also no associated risk between birth defects and Macrolides prescribed before conception.

An author of the study says based on the findings, pregnant women and their doctors should find an alternative antibiotic depending on the type of infection.

Click here to read the full BMJ study.

Excerpt from:
Healthy Living: Common antibiotic linked to higher risk of birth defects - Q13 News Seattle

SUNDAY

Al-Anon Family Group 10 a.m., The 500 Club, 410 S. 16th St.

Southwest lowa Narcotics Anonymous 11 a.m., Spiritual Breakfast Meeting, New Litehouse, 200 16th Ave.; 6:45 p.m., New Way Group, Broadway United Methodist Church, east door, Room 210, 11 S. First St.; 8:30 p.m., Rebellions, New Litehouse, 200 16th Ave.

Gamblers 12-Step Program 2:30 p.m., 12-Step House, 7306 Grant St., Omaha. For 24-hour hotline, call 402-978-7899.

Overeaters Anonymous 3 p.m., 309 Elm St., Atlantic. Rear door, wheelchair accessible. Contact Karen W. at 712-774-5620; 4 p.m., St. Matthews Church, 60th and Walnut Streets, Omaha. Call Kathleen at 402-556-7877.

Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 104 Bingo 6 p.m., North 16th Street and Avenue F. Public welcome.

Carter Lake Volunteer Fire Department Monthly Pancake Breakfast 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $6 for adults; $5 for seniors; and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Seconds cost $3. Delivery available; call 712-347-5900. All proceeds benefit the fire department.

White Shrine of Jerusalem Pancake and French Toast Breakfast 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Masonic Temple, 130 S. Sixth St. Call 712-322-0539.

MONDAY

Hometowner Chorus 9:45 to 11:30 a.m., Broadway United Methodist Church, 11 S. First St., choir room. For retired singers. All types of vocal music and all voice parts. For information, call 712-328-2125.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9661 Luncheon 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 100 Locust St., Carter Lake. Daily specials and full menu.

Monday Noon Alcoholics Anonymous Noon, The 500 Club, 410 S. 16th St. For details, call 712-328-9979.

Southwest Iowa Narcotics Anonymous Noon, Let it Be, New Litehouse, 200 16th Ave., Council Bluffs; 6 p.m., Straight Friends, Presbyterian Church, Third Avenue, Villisca; 8 p.m., Never Alone, St. Michaels Parsonage, 2005 College Drive, south door, Harlan; 8:30 p.m., Rebellions, New Litehouse, 200 16th Ave.

Downtown Kiwanis Noon to 1 p.m., Hy-Vee, 1745 Madison Ave., conference room. For information, call Mike at 712-322-0637.

Overeaters Anonymous Noon, Broadway Christian Church, 2658 Ave. A, enter at the main entrance, call Peggy at 712-323-2446; 7 p.m., St. Andrews Methodist Church, 15050 Maple St., Omaha, use southeast entrance marked sanctuary, basement, Room 4. Accessible.

Coping-Dual Recovery Anonymous 6 to 7 p.m., CHI Health Peer Connection, 622 S. Fourth St.

Water Exercise Program 7 to 8 p.m., Lewis Central Pool.

Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 104 Bingo 7 p.m., North 16th Street and Avenue F. Public welcome.

Westend Optimist Club 7 p.m., Peace Church of the Brethren, 2605 Ave. E.

Overcomers in Christ 7 p.m. (for women), First Assembly of God, 3320 Harry Langdon Blvd., call 712-323-7721; 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. (for men and women), Church of Freedom, 701 S. Fourth St., call 712-325-6939. Christ-centered support group open to those struggling with any addiction. Child care provided.

Lodge No. 259 Open Meeting 7:30 p.m., Masonic Temple, 130 S. Sixth St.

I Want to Work the Steps 2658 Ave. A., Broadway Christian Church, 7:30 p.m.

Gamblers 12-Step Program 7:45 p.m., Bellevue Library, 1003 Lincoln Road, Bellevue, Nebraska; 8 p.m., 12-Step House, 7306 Grant St., Omaha. For 24-hour hotline, call 402-978-7899.

Monday Nite Alcoholics Anonymous Family Group 8:30 p.m., The 500 Club, 410 S. 16th St., downstairs. For anyone affected by another persons problems with alcohol. Non-smoking.

Monday Night Al-Anon Building Blocks 6 p.m., CHI Health Building, 622 S. Fourth St.

Alcoholics Anonymous 7 p.m., First Christian Church, 20794 Highway 92.

TUESDAY

Financial Education and Empowerment 10 to 11:30 a.m., Catholic Charities, 1215 N. Broadway. Free classes for those who identify as a victim/survivor of domestic or sexual violence. New participants will need to schedule an intake. Call 712-256-2059 ext. 103 for more information.

Overeaters Anonymous 6 to 7 p.m., Broadway Christian Church, 2658 Ave. A. Call Janie at 712-328-8482.

Overeaters Anonymous 7 p.m., Unity Church, 3424 N. 90th St., Omaha. Call Marcy at 402-571-6843.

Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 104 Bingo 7 p.m., North 16th Street and Avenue F. Public welcome.

Alcoholics Anonymous 8:30 p.m., 410 S. 16th St.

PTSD Support Group for Veterans 5 to 7 p.m., Kanesville Honor Guard Building, 3000 Ave. B. A support group for veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, city workers and first responders.

Board Game Night for Adults 6 to 9 p.m., Council Bluffs Public Library. The public is invited to come play new and classic board and card games at the Council Bluffs Public Library. Bring your own or stop in to join a game. This group meets the first and third Tuesday each month and is free and open to the public.

Disabled American Veterans 6:30 p.m., American Legion Post No. 2, 716 S. Fourth St.

Newtown-Avoca Historical Society in Avoca 7 p.m., Historical Museum.

Council Bluffs Lions Club Meeting Noon, Madison Avenue Hy-Vee.

WEDNESDAY

Rent Wise 10 to 11:30 a.m., Catholic Charities, 1215 N. Broadway. Free classes for those who identify as a victim/survivor of domestic or sexual violence. New participants will need to schedule an intake. Call 712-256-2059 ext. 103 for more information.

Wednesday Night Dance 7 to 9:30 p.m., YMCA Healthy Living Center, 714 S. Main St. All dances are subject to change. In case of inclement weather, Wednesday Night Dances are canceled if Council Bluffs Schools are closed. Cost is $6 per person for members; $12 per person for non-members.

Breastfeeding Support Group 9:30 a.m., CHI Health Mercy Hospital Lactation Clinic in Mercy 2 Professional Center, Room 206. Call 712-328-5252.

Lewis & Clark Study Group 9 to 11 a.m., 2 Huron Circle, Salem United Methodist Manawa Center. Find out what happened to the explorers.

Carter Lake VFW No. 9661 Hamburger Night 5 to 7:30 p.m., 100 Locust St., Carter Lake. 712-347-6969.

Greater Communicators Toastmasters Club 6 to 7 p.m., Firehouse No. 5, 3405 11th St., Council Bluffs. Meetings open to the public. Contact Floy 712-326-9332.

Water Exercise Program 7 to 8 p.m., Lewis Central Pool.

Carter Lake Optimist Club 7 p.m., Carter Lake Senior Center, 626 Locust St.

Gamblers 12-Step Program 8 p.m., 12-Step House, 7306 Grant St., Omaha. For 24-hour hotline, call 402-978-7899.

Wednesday Night Live Al-Anon 6 p.m., CHI Health Building, 622 S. Fourth St.

Pre-read Book Sale 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mercy Hospital, 800 Mercy Drive, in the lobby. Proceeds go to activities hospital-wide.

Rotary Centennial Club 7 a.m., Madison Avenue Hy-Vee by Mall of the Bluffs.

This Wonderful Life 7:30 p.m., The Arts Center at Iowa Western Community College, 2700 College Road, Council Bluffs. This Wonderful Life is a one-man play, acted by Jeremy Kendall. Based on the iconic 1946 holiday favorite film, Its a Wonderful Life, the production brings to life over 32 familiar people in an amazing display of physical and verbal virtuosity. For more information and ticket prices, go online to artscenter.iwcc.edu.

THURSDAY

Work in Progress 10 to 11:30 a.m., Catholic Charities, 1215 N. Broadway. Free classes for those who identify as a victim/survivor of domestic or sexual violence. New participants will need to schedule an intake. Call 712-256-2059 ext. 103 for more information.

Journey Beyond Abuse 6:30 to 8 p.m., Catholic Charities, 1215 N. Broadway. Free classes for those who identify as a victim/survivor of domestic or sexual violence. New participants will need to schedule an intake. Call 712-256-2059 ext. 103 for more information.

Optimist Club of Council Bluffs 7 a.m., Madison Avenue Hy-Vee.

Al-Anon Family Group 10 a.m., The 500 Club, 410 S. 16th St.

Council Bluffs Rotary Noon, YMCA Healthy Living Center, 714 S. Main St.

Council Bluffs MAD DADS 7 p.m. Call 712-328-0302.

Gamblers 12-Step Program 7 p.m., Pacific Hills Lutheran Church, 90th and Pacific Streets, Omaha. For 24-hour hotline, call 402-978-7899.

All Acoustic Music Jam 1 to 4 p.m., Western Historic Trails Center.

White Elephant Bingo 12:30 p.m., YMCA Healthy Living Center.

Teen Gaming 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., Council Bluffs Public Librarys Teen Central. Mix of board and video games for students in sixth through 12th grade. Call 712-323-7553.

The Compassionate Friends 7 p.m., New Cassel Retirement Center, 900 N. 90th St., auditorium, second level, Omaha. A nonprofit, self-help support organization that offers friendship, understanding and hope to bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings. No religious affiliation. No membership dues or fees. Find more at tcfomaha.org. Call Shirley at 712-352- 2244.

Blood Pressure Checks Available at Neola Area Community Center.

This Wonderful Life 7:30 p.m., The Arts Center at Iowa Western Community College, 2700 College Road, Council Bluffs. This Wonderful Life is a one-man play, acted by Jeremy Kendall. Based on the iconic 1946 holiday favorite film, Its a Wonderful Life, the production brings to life over 32 familiar people in an amazing display of physical and verbal virtuosity. For more information and ticket prices, go online to artscenter.iwcc.edu.

Taste of Clarinda 4 to 6:30 p.m., downtown square, 115 E. Main St., Clarinda. Sample favorite holiday recipes and collect recipe cards for your home collection as you stroll and shop the Clarinda businesses.

FRIDAY

Seeking Safety 10 to 11:30 a.m., Catholic Charities, 1215 N. Broadway. Financial Education and Empowerment also offered from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Free classes for those who identify as a victim/survivor of domestic or sexual violence. New participants will need to schedule an intake. Call 712-256-2059 ext. 103 for more information.

Seeking Safety 10 a.m. to noon, Catholic Charities Office at Zion Recovery Services, 1500 E. 10th St., Atlantic. Financial Education and Empowerment also offered from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. Free classes for those who identify as a victim/survivor of domestic or sexual violence. New participants will need to schedule an intake. Call 712-256-2059 ext. 103 for more information.

Elks Lodge TGIF Dinner 6 to 8 p.m., 380 McKenzie Ave. Call 712-323-2589 or find Elks Lodge 531 Council Bluffs on Facebook for weekly menu.

Southwest lowa Narcotics Anonymous Noon, Let It Be, New Litehouse, 200 16th Ave.; 6:30 p.m., Just for Today, Faith Community Church, 2701 N. Eighth St., Red Oak; 7 p.m., Clean & Free Group, first floor McDermott building, 800 Mercy Drive; 8 p.m., Straight and Grateful, 309 Elm St., Atlantic; 8:30 p.m., Discovery Group Church of Christ, 714 Benson St., Omaha; 8:30 p.m., Rebellions, New Litehouse, 200 16th Ave.

Pickin and Grinnin Country Music Jam 6:30 to 9 p.m., Emma Jeans Restaurant, 2117 Antique City Drive, Walnut. Musicians and music lovers invited to a weekly jam session. Call Emma Jeans at 712-784-2500.

UMBA Hall Skating Every Friday night at UMBA Hall in Underwood except holiday weekends or if Underwood Schools are cancelled due to weather. Fourth grade and younger may skate from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fifth grade and older skate from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Admission is $4. No outside skates are allowed. The party room may be reserved for birthday celebration for $30. Private skating parties are available for two hours of skating for $300. Call 712-566-2222 to reserve a time.

Family Night at the Museum 5:30 to 8 p.m., Union Pacific Railroad Museum, 200 Pearl St. Create, learn and play at Union Pacific Museum free Family Nights the first Friday of every month from 5:30-8:00 p.m. Every month features a different theme and new partners in this mini carnival-like family event. For more information please visit the website http://www.uprrmuseum.org or call 712-329-8307.

Winter Wonderland Night Hike 6 p.m., Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek. A guided night hike to experience a whole new side of nature at Hitchcock Nature Center. Hit the trails with a naturalist and see what winter holds during this interpretive hike then join in for cookies and cocoa to warm up after the adventure. All ages are welcome to attend this event. While the hike will not be strenuous. it will involve walking on uneven terrain in the dark; please wear appropriate closed-toe shoes. Strollers are not permitted. The cost for this event is $5 per person and includes admission to the park, all programming, and refreshments. Space in this hike is very limited; pre-registration is required to attend. Please go online to pottcoconservation.com for details and to register.

SATURDAY

Overeaters Anonymous 8:30 a.m., Douglas County Health Center, town hall meeting room, first floor, 42nd and Woolworth Streets, Omaha. Call Tracy at 402-551-9711. 10:30 a.m., Unity Church, 3424 N. 90th St., Omaha. Wheelchair accessible and child care provided. Call Dala at 402-210-3755.

Southwest Iowa Narcotics Anonymous 5 p.m., Saturday Serenity, St. Pauls Episcopal Church, 812 Farnum St., Harlan; 6 p.m., On the Right Track, 515 E. Broadway; 8 p.m., Living Clean, 303 Walnut St., Shenandoah; 8:30 p.m., Rebellions, New Litehouse, 200 16th Ave.

Gamblers 12-Step Program 7 p.m., 354 N. 76th St., Omaha. For 24-hour hotline, call 402-978-7899.

Electric Music Jam Noon to 4 p.m., Western Historic Trails Center.

Treynor Optimist Club 8 a.m., Treynor Community Center.

Underwood Optimist Club 7:30 a.m., UMBA Hall.

Christmas at the Orchard 4 to 9 p.m., Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard, 19475 225th St., Council Bluffs. Live music from Jerome Brich from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Take your own free photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Warm up inside with hot apple cider, mulled wine and cider, chili, or soup. For more information, go online to facebook.com and search Christmas at the Orchard.

Santa House 10 to 11:30 a.m., downtown square, 115 E. Main St., Clarinda. Sponsored by the Clarinda Lions Club.

Exira Festival of Lights Main Street, Exira. One of the largest Christmas trees in Southwest Iowa. Soup supper, cookie walk, children activities and Santa.

Winter Craft Fair & Goodie Walk 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., United Methodist Church of Logan, 302 E. Eighth St., Logan. Crafts by local and out of town crafters and vendors. Goodie Walk starts at 9 a.m. (Sponsored by Sunday school youth to raise money for camp.)

Continued here:

Community Calendar: Meetings and events in Council Bluffs and southwest Iowa - The Daily Nonpareil

UF Health cut the ribbon Friday on a new medical office building that will provide comprehensive health services and advanced medical technology near Wildlight in Yulee.

The medical office building opens Dec. 6 and includes an urgent care center staffed by UF Health emergency medicine physicians and providers, family medicine, imaging, lab services, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry and, beginning in early January, adult and pediatric dentistry. The buildings 40,000 square feet of office and medical space will use a patient-centered model focused on prevention and early diagnosis.

The facility is part of Wildlight, a new master-planned community located at Interstate 95 and A1A. It is the first step in a strategic collaboration with UF Health, the University of Florida and developer Raydient Places + Properties and offers high-quality health care for residents living in Wildlight and the surrounding communities.

This project is a milestone for UF Health in Nassau County, and were proud to be the first provider of outstanding health care services for people living here in Wildlight, said Dr. Leon L. Haley Jr., CEO of UF Health Jacksonville and dean of the UF College of Medicine Jacksonville. Our patients throughout Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia already know how dedicated we are to healthy living, and now we get to bring that same focus to the people living in and around this community.

UF Health is also building a wellness center inside the Wildlight neighborhood that will include UF Health Rehabilitation Wildlight and a YMCA. That facility is expected to open in early fall 2020.

UF Health Rehabilitation Wildlight will offer adult and pediatric rehabilitation services, a partnership with the First Coast YMCA and healthy living classes. Plans include 5,000 square feet ofrehabilitative space to provide one-on-one care. Future expansion can add more than 15,000 square feet for specialty services.

The collaboration bet-ween Raydient Places + Properties, UF Health and the University of Florida began in 2017 when the developer reached out to health care organizations in Northeast Florida to find a dedicated partner with the capability and vision to create a new model for better living. As the chosen medical provider for Wildlight, UF Health and the University of Florida will offer the knowledge, faculty physicians and resources to ensure healthy living is integrated into the fabric of the community.

A little more than two years ago, the University of Florida and UF Health came to us with a bold vision to strategically align forces and break the mold of conventional community development with a new national model for healthier communities at Wildlight, said Chris Corr, president of Raydient Places + Properties. Only the University of Florida and its affiliates have the size, scope and breadth of resources to make this ambitious vision a reality, including the direct provision of the highest quality of health and wellness services across North Jacksonville. Wildlight is appreciative of the opportunity to partner with these leading organizations and create an enduring community that embraces essential values for a higher quality of life, including better healthcare, education systems, recreation, sustainable design and social connectivity.

Link:

UF Health ready to open Wildlight offices - Nassau County Record

DALLASAs any new mom would, Erin Anthony worried about germs before the coronavirus outbreak.

Now, the 21-year-old mother of 6-month-old twin boys said shes absolutely terrified of how fast the respiratory virus can spread.

One of Anthonys sons is in a Dallas facility receiving treatment for multiple conditions, including tracheomalacia, which causes his airway to narrow or collapse while breathing. He breathes through a tracheostomy tube in his throat that connects to his windpipe instead of through his nose and mouth.

It classifies him as immunocompromised, a group of people the Centers for Disease Control deems the most vulnerable to coronavirus.

Usually a normal person that doesnt have a [tracheostomy tube] has a natural filter in their nose so you can filter out the toxins or germs naturally, Anthony said. With a [tracheostomy tube], its completely bypassed and you dont have that natural filter, so your lungs are way more susceptible to having infections.

Since cases appeared in Texas, the Dallas facility where Anthonys son is being treated has limited visits to caregivers. For him, that means only his parents. The News is not identifying her son or the facility out of concerns for his safety and privacy.

What does IT mean?

Individuals who are immunocompromised have weakened immune systems that are less equipped to fight off infections, said Archana Narayan, an allergist and immunologist at North Texas Allergy and Asthma Associates.

Narayan, who often treats patients with severe asthma, said people are typically considered immunocompromised if they have a health condition that weakens the immune system or if they take immunosuppressant drugs, which prevent the immune system from being overly active.

People who have asthma are chronically inflamed, she said. They tend to be sicker in the sense that they can be more susceptible to getting viruses and bacterial infections.

Other common health issues, such as Type 1 diabetes and high blood pressure, can make a person more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, Narayan said. Diseases like HIV and measles can also inhibit the immune system from fighting off infections.

What are immunosuppressants?

Immunosuppressants are often used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Chemotherapy is also a type of immunosuppressant.

Organ recipients also take immunosuppressant medication to lower the bodys ability to reject transplanted organs. More than 150,000 organ transplants have been performed in the United States since 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Even corticosteroids, such as prednisone, that are used to treat allergies are considered immunosuppressants.

How many are considered immunocompromised?

Studies estimate that there are about 10 million immunocompromised people in the United States. That figure includes cancer patients, people who have HIV/AIDS, and organ transplant recipients, but doesnt include those who use an immunosuppressant medication to treat an autoimmune disease, making a definitive number difficult to calculate

Other autoimmune diseases, like Type 1 diabetes and lupus, also make people more vulnerable to infections.

How can immunocompromised people be protected?

Avoiding physical contact is one of the easiest ways to reduce transmission of the coronavirus, according to the CDC. That applies to everyone, including people who are immunocompromised.

Narayan recommends that immunocompromised individuals keep at least six feet away from others in the office, at home and when they are in public.

Respiratory droplets are what transfer this virus, and they can land on surfaces both hard and soft, she said. They can land in peoples mucus membranes, which means their eyes, their nose or their mouth.

Narayan said that means sneezing or coughing into your elbow, not sharing drinks or food and not touching other people, including other members of your household.

Anthony said family members usually respect her hygiene and distancing requests in regards to her son, but shes worried about people who dont think coronavirus is a threat.

[They] would have no problem distancing themselves and washing their hands if they saw, not only me but every family in this facility, what we go through every day.

Listen to what the state is telling you. If theyre telling you to self-isolate, please self-isolate, she added. Its not only for the elderly, its not only for your family, its for everyone.

Read the rest here:
What it means to be immunocompromised | Healthy Living - Fredericksburg.com

Holiday Bazaar

Saturday, Dec. 14

10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Edmonds Church of God gym, 8224 220thSt. S.W., Edmonds

Free admission. Over 35 vendor tables.

Bring your holiday shopping list and plan to check off those gift items! We will have vendors offering handmade goods, jewelry, home decor, clothing, kitchen items and more. Bake sale goods will also be available for purchase. All funds raised by this event go to support Edmonds Senior Center programs and services. Bake sale donations are needed. Contact Michelle Burke at 425- 774-5555 ext.108 if you would like to help.

Christmas Lunch

Thursday, Dec. 19

11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Holy Trinity Church, 657 Daley St., Edmonds

$3 suggested donation for 60-plus; all others pay $7.50

Reservations required; sign up by calling the Admin Office at 425-774-5555 ext. 104

Enjoy a special Christmas lunch that includes tossed salad, baked ham, sweet potatoes, vegetable medley, dinner roll, and holiday dessert.

Take a tripand leave the driving to the senior center

Make new friends, see new places and experience new things, and dont worry about parking or traffic. The senior center provides transportation and ticket/admission is included with the cost. Sign up over the phone with a credit card by calling the Admin Office at 425-774-5555 ext. 104. Become a member and save when you sign up for these upcoming trips:

Monday, Dec. 2: Senior Holiday Party at the Seattle Sheraton. Cost is $12 member/$15 non-member

Thursday, Dec. 5: The New Burke Museum. Cost is $15M$20NM.

Saturday, Dec. 7: STOMP at the Moore Theatre. Cost is $100M$125NM.

Tuesday, Dec. 10: Enchant at T-Mobile Park. Cost is $44M/$55NM.

Friday, Dec. 13: Reindeer Festival at Swansons Nursery. Cost is $15M/$20NM.

For more detailed information about these trips, check out the newsletter at edmondswaterfrontcenter.org

Health and Personal Care

Bastyr Center for Natural Health Medicine Clinic

Wednesdays (Dec. 4, 11, 18)

9 a.m.-noon, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Mountlake Terrace Community Senior Center, 23000 Lakeview Dr., Mountlake Terrace

Cost: $15/visit; sign up by calling the Admin Office at 425-774-5555 ext. 104

Care provided and supervised by Dr. Laurie Cullen, licensed Naturopathic Physician

Edmonds Senior Center has joined Bastyr Universitys community medicine network and is offering the naturopathic Team Care approach in your community. Patients see a licensed naturopathic physician on the faculty of Bastyr University and advanced level students. Naturopathic medicine is effective in preventing and treating chronic and degenerative diseases. Common treated conditions include:

-Fatigue

-Depression

-Colds and flus

-Menopausal symptoms

-Stress-related conditions

-Allergies and asthma

-Cardiovascular disease

-Ulcers

-Digestive problems

-HIV/AIDS

Naturopathic medicine is a form of primary care medicine, which emphasizes prevention and wellness. Underlying causes of illness are investigated as means to promote patients wellness. Therapies and treatment plans are designed to fit the individual needs of patients, focusing on the whole person including the physical, social, emotional and spiritual aspects of health. The Team will blend centuries old knowledge of natural treatments with current research in health and natural medicine. Practitioners can work with patients medical doctors and help patients become partners in their own health care.

EDMONDS Senior Center Foot Care Clinic

1st & 2nd Tuesday (Dec. 3, 10)

8 a.m.-noon

My Sisters Place, 8304 212th St. S.W., Edmonds

Cost: $20/visit, please sign up by calling the Admin Office at 425-774-5555 ext. 104

About the Foot Care Clinic:

This is an all-inclusive, full-service foot care clinic. Routine nail and foot care is provided which includes reduction of nail length and thickness, corn and callus reduction, removal of ingrown nail portion when indicated, and a gentle moisturizing massage of the lower extremities.

All foot care services are provided by experienced Registered Nurses (volunteers/pro bono), who are podiatrist-trained foot care nurse specialists and members of the American Foot Care Nurses Association (AFCNA).

Those with all levels of health issues and foot care are welcome, all stages of basic or high-risk foot care, diabetic, circulatory impairment, neuropathy, anti-coagulant medications, arthritis, gout, bunions, calluses, ingrown toenails, fungal conditions, misshapen, discolored or overgrown nails.

It is the goal of this clinic to help each of our clients reach a level of comfort and safety through regular, ongoing foot care and education so they may maximize their mobility, independence and health.

Healthy Living Workshops

Your Life Your Wishes Advance Directives

Wednesday, Dec. 11

9:30 a.m.-noon

Edmonds Library (2nd Floor Plaza Room), 650 Main St., Edmonds

Cost: Free. Sign up by calling the Admin Office at 425-774-5555 ext.104

Facilitators: Michelle Reitan, MSW, Sue Shearer, RN, BSN, and Angel Malidore of the Edmonds Senior Center

While most Americans say they would prefer to live through the end of their lives at home, surrounded byfriends and family, the reality is the exact opposite. This workshop is designed to educate people and stimulate ongoing conversations about health care decisions at the end of life. Presenters will help participants explore these questions:

1) Who will be your voice if you are unable to speak?

2) What life-sustaining treatments do you want?

3) What values shape your choices for treatment?

4) What documents make your choices known to others?

5) What options & alternative choices are there for burial?

This is a free community class about how to live well at the end of life by making choices now on health care options. Each participant will receive helpful handouts that they can take home to discuss and share with loved ones and physicians.

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Edmonds Senior Center events and activities for December - My Edmonds News

Hikers walk up from and back down to the parking lot at William Frederick Hayden Park at Green Mountain on a warm spring day March 25, 2020. (Andy Cross, The Denver Post)

Coloradans who place a high value on fitness, exercise and outdoor recreation have been in a quandary since the outbreak of the coronavirus, wondering how to run, hike, ride bikes or ski without putting themselves at risk for exposure. On Friday, The Denver Post interviewed state epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy for guidance. She has been with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for eight years and has been the state epidemiologist for three years.

How concerned are you about the potential for transmission of the COVID-19 virus in parks and on trails as people seek exercise for their physical and mental health? Weve all seen images of people congregating in parking lots and at trailheads.

Its a great point. Our concerns about transmission of this virus are really mostly when people are going to be closer together. If that is occurring in outdoor spaces, that is certainly concerning. We are very serious about social distancing and the orders that local jurisdictions and the governors office have issued. We know they are really important to try and protect people and save lives. We certainly know its important for people to exercise, but we want people to be doing that in a way that maintains social distancing.

Are you saying that people are relatively safe if they are maintaining that six foot distancing out there?

Yes. I think if people are maintaining those social distancing spaces, it is safe to be outdoors. We want people to exercise. We know it is very important for peoples physical and mental health, but a crowded park, a crowded parking lot, is certainly a place where transmission could occur. So we encourage people to find ways to exercise outdoors that avoid crowds and situations where you are going to be less than six feet from other people.

We hear about this six-foot space a lot. It sounds like you are reasonably confident that if someone is more than six feet away from someone, even if they have the virus, theyre not going to be contagious.

I would say its low-risk, not zero-risk. We certainly know the closer you are, and as that period of (exposure) extends, the greater the risk is, but transiently passing by someone at a distance of greater than six feet would be considered low-risk. Six feet is chosen for a reason. We know thats the distance that respiratory droplets can travel.

In addition to the distance youre keeping from one person, its also thinking about how many people are present. If you are six feet from one person, thats different from being six feet from 20 people. In general, we want the numbers of people that are close together to be quite small.

If someone is running or hiking on a single-track trail in a park or an open space and someone approaches from the other direction, is it sufficient to simply step aside to maintain that six feet? And what if someone coughs in an encounter like that?

Certainly coughing would be concerning, so if individuals are on a trail coughing, and you are in close proximity, that would certainly increase the risk of transmission. We would hope that individuals that are out getting exercise are generally feeling well. We know the risk of transmission for individuals that are symptomatic, but there is some small risk of transmission when individuals are asymptomatic as well before they develop symptoms.

Running on a wide road instead of a narrow trail, especially if that is a popular trail, is a great thing to do.

How contagious is someone who has contracted the virus but is asymptomatic?

We know that the virus is spread especially between people who arent touching the same surfaces typically by coughing or sneezing. Thats how those respiratory droplets are projected into the air another person can inhale those respiratory droplets. That means the risk of transmission is going to be much greater if someone is symptomatic, so we believe more transmission occurs from people who are symptomatic than from people who are asymptomatic.

The difference might be in a household or a close indoor setting where an individual could potentially touch their face and then touch surfaces and contaminate those surfaces. Thats different. Thats typically not going to happen as much hiking or biking on a trail. Youre not going to be sharing surfaces with an individual. That does get to the point of avoiding play structures, playgrounds, those sorts of settings. There is an opportunity for surfaces to be contaminated.

The governor has been very consistent about telling people they should get outside and exercise, that its important. Why do you and the governor consider that to be so important?

Its about peoples physical and mental (health). Especially right now, its important for people to have those healthy outlets. Colorado in particular is a state that embraces an active lifestyle. We want Coloradans to maintain that active, healthy lifestyle they have during this difficult time.

One of the things the governor has suggested is that perhaps you go for a jog less often. Perhaps there is an alternative to going for a jog. Can you take an online class in your basement or living room? Are there other things you can do to decrease risk of exposure to other individuals? We want people to be able to do this be outside and exercise but also come up with strategies to maintain social distancing while continuing to be active.

Open spaces and parks tend to be magnets for people. Is it better to stay close to home and exercise in a neighborhood where there are two-lane streets with sidewalks on both sides so people can cross to the other side of the street, as opposed to recreating on trails?

Absolutely. Find those routes for your walks and runs and bike rides that are more likely to have fewer people on them. Thats a great alternative to going to a popular park. Another strategy is to go at less popular times of the day. In the spring, lots of folks are probably out midday when its warmest out, so instead consider going at alternate times when its not going to be quite so crowded.

Is there anything else you want people to know on this topic?

People should use their judgment and be smart, understand how serious this virus is and really follow those guidelines to keep themselves and the people around them healthy. At this point, we dont feel theres a need to close trails or limit peoples exposure to nature and exercise. But we all need to do our part so we dont have to close trails or limit access to recreation in the state. These measures are serious, and they are about saving lives.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox.

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What you need to know about exercising outdoors during the coronavirus outbreak - The Know

Buddhism teaches us how to live life in a healthier way.

Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the world and Buddhist teachings based on core principles and precepts help people who practice this lifestyle to live a healthier life.

The Buddhist faith is based on the idea of overcoming suffering through the concept of rebirth.

RELATED: What Is Buddhism & 6 Meditations To Find Your Zen

Many people practice the Buddhist lifestyle all over the world. In fact, Buddhism has over 520 million followers meaning that over seven percent of the population identifies as Buddhist.

Some people think of vegans or a person who practices meditation or yoga when they imagine what a Buddhist is; however, a look at the teachings of Buddha and the mindset of this religion's followers reveals that it's much more than that.

The goal of Buddhism is to reach Nirvana. Buddhists strive to detach from the world and its suffering, so they practice the daily art of letting go.

Nirvana is when you are finally able to release yourself from all of your sufferings.

When you crave something in life, it removes you from a center of peace. For this reason, Buddhists strive to control the mind and body, through meditation, fasting, and prayer.

RELATED: How To Use These 7 Spiritual Practices To Improve All Relationships

Buddhists believe in the concept of reincarnation. They also believe very strongly in karma.

In Buddhism, what you put out into the universe is what you get back.

Buddhisms first historical record was sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE. Its first documentation was in India and quickly spread all over Asia.

The first theme of Buddhism is to have good moral conduct.

This encompasses understanding, speech, and thought.

The second theme of Buddhism involves meditation.

Through meditation, we enhance our mental development, including all of our actions, livelihoods, and efforts.

RELATED: 6 Pieces Of Buddhist Wisdom That'll Make You A Damn Better Person

The third theme of Buddhism is wisdom.

Wisdom provides insight and we should seek wisdom that deals mainly with mindfulness and concentration.

Buddhism has what are referred to as The Five Precepts. These are sort of like the Christians 10 commandments.

The rules are pretty general, the first of them being respect for life, hence why many Buddhists are also vegetarians or vegans.

The respect for the property of others means if it's not yours, you don't want it nor do you take it.

RELATED: 15 Best Buddha Quotes About Mental Illness & Finding Your Inner Peace

Buddhists have respect for the purity of nature. Buddhists adhere to no sexual misconduct.

Respect for honesty means no lying. The pathway to nirvana is acceptance, so Buddhists embrace the truth in all forms.

RELATED: 5 Reasons Buddhism Is So Awesome (But 5 Reasons I Really Suck At It)

Buddhists have respect for a clear mind, so a sober lifestyle is a must.

All rules in Buddhism are based on respect.

Respect for others, respect for the world around you and respect for yourself.

So in the recognition of the belief of karma and the goal to clear your life of suffering, by showing everything respect, that respect should come back to you.

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. Buddha

Be a lamp for yourselves. Be your own refuge. Seek for no other. All things must pass. Strive on diligently. Dont give up. Buddha

If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change. Buddha

To be angry is to let others mistakes punish yourself. Buddha

Wear your ego like a loose-fitting garment. Buddha

RELATED: What Buddha Taught Me About Life, Love And Happiness

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. Buddha

What we think, we become. Buddha

In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you. Buddha

Those who consider the unessential to be essential, and see the essential as unessential, dont reach the essential, living in the field of wrong intention. Buddha

There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truthnot going all the way, and not starting. Buddha

RELATED: Follow Your Passion, It's Easier Than You Think

To keep the body in good health is a duty; otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. Buddha

Neither fire, nor wind, birth, nor death, can erase our good deeds. Buddha

The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows. Buddha

To conquer oneself is a greater task than conquering others. Buddha

Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most. Buddha

RELATED: 12 Ways To Let Go And Free Yourself From A Painful Past

Those who have failed to work toward the truth have missed the purpose of living. Buddha

Good health is simply the slowest way a human being can die, Buddha

Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely. Buddha

Perhaps the deepest reason why we are afraid of death is because we do not know who we are. Buddha

If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading. Buddha

RELATED: How To Stop Feeling So Angry All The Time And Start Manifesting Love Instead

Kaitlin Kaiser is a writer who covers astrology, spirituality, love and relationship topics.

Continued here:
What Buddhists Believe & 20 Buddha Quotes On Healthy Living - YourTango

Over the course of their lifetimes, Americans have a 1 in 3 chance of developing cancer. However, the risk of developing cancer and each person's risk may vary depending on lifestyle and environmental factors. But no matter your risk, living a healthy lifestyle can have a positive impact on your health and lower your risk of developing cancer. Tune in to get tips from our experts on cancer prevention, healthy eating and lifestyle changes.Anthony Perre, MD, Vice Chief of Staff, Director of New Patient Intake and Vice Chief of Staff at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), Philadelphia, is committed to putting patients first. He believes it is critical to listen and respond to patients' needs on all levelsphysical, emotional and/or spiritual. In addition, he strongly feels that patients should be treated with the compassion and dignity they deserve.Dr. Perre fully understands what it's like to be in the patient's shoeshe himself is a Hodgkin lymphoma survivor. He says, "I understand that it is extremely frightening to consider that there may be a potential impediment to realizing future hopes and dreams. The uncertainty of what the future will bring can also be overwhelming." Read more.

Zachari Breeding is an Advanced Clinical Oncology Dietitian at CTCA, Philadelphia. Breeding works closely with patients to meet their nutritional needs while promoting nutrient-dense foods, cooking efficacy and nutrition support. He is committed to educating oncology patients about maintaining nutritional balance while undergoing cancer treatment to help them reach their short- and long-term goals.

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Reducing Cancer Risk through Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle - WPVI-TV

New Delhi: Crisis like outbreak of coronavirus provides an opportunity to revisit the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda for prevention of diseases through improved immunity and combine it with Western science for a holistic healthy living, according to global direct selling major Amway CEO Milind Pant.

Amway, which counts China as its largest market and was allowed to run its factory in Guangzhou to produce its 'Nutrilite' health products although others in manufacturing sector such as cars and electronics have been shut, believes India could also consider building long-term immunity and a healthy society as the Chinese have done in the wake of the outbreak.

Pant, the first non-family member to run the Amway business since its foundation in 1959, said the Ayurveda philosophy essentially talks about prevention.

"This is the right time. When there's a high consciousness in society about healthy living and prevention. This is a good time for us to go back to our roots and see what strengths are there and combine it with efficacy and Western science.

"Ayurveda is not about curation. It's about prevention and it's prevention with a holistic lifestyle. In some conceptual sense, Nutrilite philosophy, and philosophy of ayurveda are very similar," Pant told in an interview here.

He said Amway sees itself playing a role towards building a healthy society as through holistic wellness.

"I think as the Indian society gets consciousness of ancient wisdom, and combine it with science and efficacy and Nutrilite we play a small role in it. I see that being a trend going forward," he added.

Sharing the company's experience in China, the origin of coronavirus, he said, "We're an interesting business when such tough issues come in, like coronavirus, the consciousness of society about healthy living, and long term immunity increases".

The government of China, while all factories were shut in China, during the Lunar New Year, from car manufacturing to electronics production, Pant said, "The government of Guangzhou gave us a special permission for the Amway factory to remain open".

This was because "the government believes in China that Amway Nutrilite products are part of a long term immunity and health a society and it wants to encourage society through this crisis, to move to a long term health, consciousness", he added.

"So we remain open. So one of our challenges, after we keep people safe and make sure they're well protected, is actually scramble to meet demand, higher demand for products in China, because the society, you know, slowly is realizing that prevention and long term prevention is probably the best route to such Black Swan events which have come up," Pant said.

Amway has its largest team is based in China with almost 5,000 employees there, including manufacturing.

He said, "everyone is safe. They've gone through personal hardship, everyone is safe. We've supported charities in Wuhan, the Red Cross. We've supported them with one a half million dollars and we continue to support local communities in different cities".

He, however, said it is a "tough time" for employees and distributors in China and Korea.

"They are continuing their entrepreneurship. They continue to do the business but they're doing it virtually. All business meetings are happening virtually, trading is happening virtually and selling is happening virtually," Pant said.

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Coronavirus outbreak a right time to revisit Ayurveda wisdom on prevention: Amway CEO - Economic Times