Ticks are parasitic arachnids that live in grassy or wooded areas. People can unknowingly pick up ticks as they walk past bushes, plants and grass. Ticks can also be carried on a pet and then transferred to a human. According to the National Institutes of Health: “Ticks can be fairly large—about the size of a pencil eraser—or so small that they are almost impossible to see. Ticks can cause a variety of health conditions ranging from harmless to serious.” (more…)
Guest post by Simone Walters, MS, RD
Whether in the form of a hot beverage to keep the winter chill at bay or as delicious candies received as gifts for Valentine’s Day, it would seem that chocolate holds a special place in everyone’s heart this time of year—perhaps year-round if you fashion yourself a chocoholic! There have also been several reports in recent years regarding the health benefits of chocolate, music to the ears of chocolate lovers everywhere. In spite of these health benefits, it is still quite a stretch to say that chocolate is good for you. (more…)
Some of you have probably thought about or written down a New Year’s resolution for 2013. All too often, we notice those resolutions fading as February 1st rolls around. We all have the ability to keep our New Year’s resolutions and to make important and healthy changes in our lives. The dilemma is that we often lack the strategies needed to stay on track. Here are some helpful tips to keep you focused and successful in 2015! (more…)
Every year at the end of December, I reflect on the past year’s highs and lows, and the goals I set and didn’t achieve along with those I did. Most of them involve going to the gym and eating better, and 90% of the time I haven’t come close to meeting them. As inconceivable as it sounds, I find myself again making the exact same New Year’s resolutions I wasn’t able to accomplish last year! Sound familiar?
Many people get stuck in this same loop, making the same New Year’s resolutions year after year: “I will work out at least three times a week,” “I will lose 10 pounds,” “I will go to sleep by midnight,” etc. Most of us enter the new year determined to achieve our goals, but the changes never last to March. Why? Because most New Year’s resolutions are emotionless and without any motivating or driving force behind them.
To change a behavior or daily habit for a week or two is easy, but it is incredibly difficult to sustain that change over a long period or for the rest of your life if you don’t have a good reason to do it (and knowing you should do it isn’t a good enough reason for most of us). We all know we should exercise and eat better, but most of us don’t do it. So, how do you make a New Year’s resolution that sticks? Make it personal and important.
If you want to change your behavior or lifestyle, here are some steps that can help you start 2013 on the right track.
Example: I want to have better blood sugar control.
Example: I want to live a long time and watch my son graduate high school; I don’t want to lose my toes or feet; I watched my mother die from the disease and I don’t want to go through the same thing.
Example: 1) My son’s graduation; 2) Don’t want my Mom’s end of life; 3) I want to keep my toes.
Write down what you will have to change on a daily or weekly basis to make the goal work. Be very detailed.
Example: I will put out my finger sticks by the bedside table so I can test my blood sugar as soon as I wake up. I will make an appointment with a dietitian to make a meal plan. I will keep a log of my sugars every day. I will switch from juice to diet soda.
This will help your motivation continue through the year until it becomes routine.
Example: If my blood sugar stays below 200 for one month I will take my family ice-skating. If I keep my blood sugar below 180 for three months, I get to book my summer vacation.
Remember, you can make goals and revise goals throughout the year and use the same method to meet them. What are you waiting for? Get started on your New Year’s resolutions now and have the faith and belief that this time you are knocking them out of the ballpark!
Autumn in the Northeast is a time of dramatic change—cooling weather, a respite from the summer’s heat and humidity, the start of the new school year, beautiful colors, and a return to familiar routines at home and at work. This time of transition is also the perfect chance to pause, reflect, and take the opportunity to reconnect with and recommit to living your best life. When you live with authenticity, integrity and in the way that best serves you (and others), the rewards are immeasurable. Here are some easy steps to begin your journey:
* Become your own best health advocate. Make sure you have your annual physical exam, appropriate screening exams (mammogram, pap smear, colonoscopy, etc.), vaccinations, and dental exam and cleaning. Take your medication compliantly as prescribed. Stop smoking and drink alcohol in moderation.
* Exercise consistently. Walk to your destination and ditch the elevator and take the stairs instead. Invest in a bike and use it to explore the city. Join the gym and work out with friends. Practice yoga, jog along the riverbanks, move your body!
* Improve your diet and maintain a healthy weight. Replace fast food and processed snacks with healthful, fresh fruits and vegetables. Cook at home and use portion control. Be adventurous and try new foods. Plant a garden. Most importantly, eat mindfully and with intention.
* Ensure success and avoid failure by setting realistic, attainable goals. Replace “I can’t” with “I can!”
* Do one thing that scares you and reward yourself for embracing your fears. Challenge yourself to redefine your own limits and expand your own possibilities.
* Each year, check at least one thing off your personal “bucket list.” Don’t have a bucket list? Make one—a list of all the things you want to do in your lifetime.
* Set personal boundaries with others and speak your own truth…kindly and respectfully.
* Spend time with friends and family in person. Cell phone calls, texts, emails, Skype, Facebook and other social media tools serve a very real purpose, but they do not compare to quality time spent in the flesh with those we care about. So, call a friend and make a lunch date!
* Keep a journal and record your thoughts, experiences, goals, desires and dreams.
* Meditate and breathe. Set aside as little as 5 minutes daily to tune out the chatter and tune back into yourself and the power of your breath.
* Forgive yourself and give yourself permission to make mistakes. No one’s perfect and no one expects you to be. Forgive others their mistakes, too.
* Get involved with your community.
* Play with your kids and tell them “yes” more often than you tell them “no.”
* Make amends and end a feud. Holding onto anger and grudges serves nothing and no one.
* Make a donation and pay it forward. Give to those in need (money, time, your skills, gently used clothes, food).
* Build good karma and do at least one kind thing daily without expecting anything in return. It feels good to do good.
* Mind your manners. “Please”, “thank you” and “you’re welcome” are too often neglected.
* Engage your mind and heart. Turn off the television and computer and read a book or write a poem or letter. Take a walk. Watch the sun rise. Watch the sun set.
* Give thanks for the abundance that surrounds you and remember to see the good first and foremost
* Start each day by setting an intention.
* End each day by making an honest assessment. Remember, tomorrow gives you nothing but new opportunities.
* Enjoy your best life as you live in alignment with your most authentic and heart-centered self.
Jennifer Svahn, MD, FACS, is a Vascular Surgeon at Beth Israel Medical Center and a Registered Yoga Teacher.