Summer 2019 Golf Tournament

Spent the day supporting Benchmark One Company Fund at their 9th Annual North Golf Classic! It was an excellent way to give back to the community. We were able to make an impact while keeping our bodies active!

Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and
antioxidants in the body. When there are more free radicals than antioxidants,
the free radicals could begin causing damage in the body. They could start
damaging fatty tissue, DNA, and proteins. Over time, these damages can lead to
diseases like diabetes, atherosclerosis which is the hardening of blood
vessels, inflammatory conditions, hypertension, heart disease,
neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, and cancer. Also,
oxidative stress contributes to aging.

Ways to minimize oxidative stress

The most effective way is increasing your levels of
antioxidants. Eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day is the best
way to provide your body what it needs to produce antioxidants. Fruits and
vegetables rich in antioxidants include apples, berries, raisins, red grapes, prunes,
plums, onions, alfalfa sprouts, beans, and eggplant. The best way for your body
to benefit from these nutrients is by eating them raw. Boiling or overcooking
veggies only lower their nutrient content. Other ways to minimize oxidative
stress is regular exercise, no smoking, wearing sunscreen, getting plenty of
sleep, decreasing alcohol intake, and avoiding overeating.

Fruits and Vegetables

Now that it is summer, farmers markets are a lot more
common! Buying fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets would be beneficial
for your body and support local farmers. It is an easy way to get all the nutritional
fruits and veggies that your body needs. In fact, people should be eating 9 to
13 fruits and vegetables a day. These vital nutrients will help give you energy,
detoxify from free radicals, cleanse your blood and keep it pumping freely
through your body, keep your skin healthy, improve your immune system,
strengthen your bones and teeth, and improve your overall health!

Why should we take daily walks?

1. Reduces stress
2. Allows one to lose weight by walking just for 30 minutes a day
3. Lowers blood pressure
4. Decreases the risk of many cancers
5. Improves immune system functioning
6. Improves quality of sleep
7. Keeps you energized
8. Decreases snack-cravings during and after a 15-minute walk
9. Reduces chronic back pain
10. Improves memory
11. Increases creativity
12. Helps clear your mind
13. Makes your bones stronger
14. Improves concentration

Reminders for the summer!

As the summer and heat continue, it is very important to take care of your body. Hydration is a vital aspect of a healthy body not only in the summertime, but all year round. During the hot months, a lot of our electrolytes and water in our body get depleted from sweating. So, make sure to always keep a water bottle around! Also, while beach days are a lot of fun, they are only fun if you remember to apply sunscreen. There are many damaging effects that could result from not wearing sunscreen. The most obvious effect of not wearing sunscreen is getting a sunburn. Although the sunburn may disappear within a few days, the effect may show up in a few years as skin cancer. Severe sunburns could also lead to sun poisoning. By not wearing sunscreen, you are putting your skin at risk of sun spots and speeding up the overall effects of aging. In the summer, heat stroke is also a concern. In order to avoid heat stroke eat hydrating foods like watermelon, drinks plenty of water, avoid direct sunlight, stay in air-conditioning, and avoid sugary drinks and alcohol. Have fun this summer, but be safe!

Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. Symptoms of arthritis include joint pain and stiffness. The two main types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis involves wear-and-tear damage to cartilage in the joints. In rheumatoid arthritis, it is the body’s immune system attacking lining of the joint capsule. This disease could eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.

Ways to improve arthritis

Exercises helps increase strength and flexibility, reduces joint pain, and fights fatigue. People may think that exercise will only worsen the pain, but actually it only benefits arthritis. Any type of range-of-motion exercise would be helpful in relieving stiffness and increasing movement. Strengthening exercises help build strong muscles to help support and protect joints. Weight training is an example of a strengthening exercise. Aerobic exercise can help improve overall fitness. Aerobic exercises that are easier on the joints include walking, bicycling, and swimming. Any type of movement can help! Paying attention to your diet can help you lessen the symptoms of arthritis. Omega-3 has proven to be anti-inflammatory which can help with arthritis flare-ups. Avoid omega-6 fatty acids because it has been shown to actually boost inflammation. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Adding broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts to your daily diet can decrease inflammation. Fruits that decrease inflammation include cherries, blueberries, and strawberries.

International Day of Yoga

Not only is tomorrow World Alzheimer’s Day, but it is also International Day of Yoga. Remember to wear purple for Alzheimer’s Day! Yoga has many benefits for the mind and body. It helps build strength, flexibility, and mind-body awareness. It is an excellent method of reducing stress. So tomorrow make sure to wear purple, spread awareness for Alzheimer’s, and attend a yoga class!

Looking to lose a few pounds? Eat fiber

Did you know government experts from the National Academy of Science recommend that most people consume at least 25 grams of fiber a day? 25 grams of fiber look like eating 5 large apples in one day. It is equal to eating about 80 baby carrots or eating 7 cups of blueberries. There are many different ways to fulfill this recommended fiber amount. An excellent way to help reach your goal of 25 grams a day is to have Complete by Juice Plus+. Complete is a natural whole food based shake mix that provides a delicious, healthy burst of balanced nutrition in every serving including 13 grams of minimally processed soy and other natural protein and 8 grams of fiber. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is found mostly in plant foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It has many benefits such as reducing the risk of diabetes and heart disease, lowering cholesterol, possibly reducing the risk of some cancers like colon, ovarian, and breast. By adding fiber to your diet, you are able to stay fuller for a longer period of time. It actually promotes weight loss and helps maintain a healthy weight. If you want to lose weight, consider a diet with a bit more fiber.

Juice Plus Tower Garden

The Tower Garden is a vertical, aeroponic growing system. The system is space and energy efficient. It is so efficient that you can grow 44 plants per tower with 90% less space and water. Research has shown that aeroponic systems grow plants three times faster and produce 30% greater yields on average. The Tower Garden is an excellent way to grow your own fruits and vegetables and to support a healthy lifestyle! Also, the Tower Garden uses water and nutrients in replace of soil. This is helpful because there can be many problems with soil such as chemical fertilizers. Also, it produces crops in less time than it takes to grow them in soil.

Everyday Health Tips!

1. Drink plenty of water

We must drink water to keep our bodies running smoothly, optimize metabolism, boost energy levels, and promote good digestion.

2. Meditate

Meditation can help decrease stress. It also increases immune function and decreases inflammation at a cellular level.

3. Snack on nuts

Nuts are loaded with magnesium, vitamin E, fiber, and several other nutrients.

4. Eat fatty fish

Fish an excellent source of high-quality protein and healthy fat. For example, Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and several other nutrients.

5. Get enough sleep

Poor sleep can drive insulin resistance, disrupt your appetite hormones, and reduce your mental and physical performance.

6. Eat vegetables and fruits

Vegetables and fruits are loaded with prebiotic fiber, vitamins, minerals, and many antioxidants.

7. Do aerobic exercise

Aerobic exercise is one of the best things for mental and physical health.

8. Eat breakfast

Eating breakfast in the morning is the most important way to start your day!

9. Exercise

Each person should exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

10. Have a balanced diet

It is important for a diet to contain protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and iron.

11. Drink tea

Drinking all-natural green tea is a great way to boost your weight loss and your health.

12. Laugh more

Studies from the University of Maryland show that while relieving stress, laughter promotes a smooth blood flow and healthy blood vessels.

13. Eat dark chocolate

Dark chocolate has been shown to lower risks of heart
disease, help stop blood clotting, and prevent cancer.