If you're planning once again to make some New Year's Resolutions, but tired of making the same ones over and over and over again, here's something for you: A dive into what's getting in the way of your desire to shed some pounds. Because sometimes, you need to silence your inner critic from telling you that you have no self- control... and finally find the truth behind it all. Pain. Chronic … [Read more...] about What’s Getting in the Way of Your Weight Loss?
Staying Healthy
Does Your Body Need a Winter Fixer Upper? Five Easy DIY Improvements
With winter season on the horizon, it's time to start thinking ahead about sprucing up around your home: cleaning out closets, tuning up your heating system, weather-proofing your garden, gathering firewood, clearing your roof and gutters of debris, caulking around windows and doors, and more. This sounds like a lot of work, but it is important that you get these jobs done before the winter, as … [Read more...] about Does Your Body Need a Winter Fixer Upper? Five Easy DIY Improvements
It’s Okay Not to Work Out
Did you read that right? If you know me, or read my stuff, you know that I am - and have been for quite a long while - a big fan of exercise. From a very young age, I've always been a person who liked movement- whether it be pacing, walking, running, dancing, biking, fitness classes of any sort. Sitting still? Not my thing. (Unless I'm on a beach, or engrossed in a good book or movie. That's a … [Read more...] about It’s Okay Not to Work Out
What You Need to Know: “Best If Used By” Dates
It happens every time I go to clean out my fridge: Oh no! Those eggs are how old? If I use that mustard with a date of 2014 stamped on its label, will I die? The yogurt expired two weeks ago...but it seems okay. (Is it?) The next thing I know, I'm hurtling things toward the garbage, cursing under my breath the whole time about how much money I'm wasting on food. {{{{{{echoes of that … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know: “Best If Used By” Dates
Five Little Changes, Five-Plus Big Results
Most of the time, we go about our days routinely and with little thought; we wake up, brush our teeth, pour ourselves some coffee or tea, eat breakfast (or not) and head off to work (or play). Wash, rinse and repeat. Sure, having a morning routine – or any routine for that matter – is an essential part of living a healthy life. But, did you ever stop to re-examine those everyday habits? You may … [Read more...] about Five Little Changes, Five-Plus Big Results
How Fitness Trackers Stack Up
You see them just about everywhere: adorning the wrists of people who look dogged in their determination to log that extra step or mile. They inspire some, bringing out their fiercest competitive streak. For others, they're bothersome and nagging and are soon abandoned. For an article I wrote an article appearing in the February 2016 issue of Family Circle magazine, I tracked the progress of … [Read more...] about How Fitness Trackers Stack Up
Posture Counts
When I was younger and felt self-conscious about my height, I used to slump a lot. I hated being tall. I wanted to be shorter; petite, even. And now that all seems not only ironic but so foolish. (That's probably low on the list of the foolish thoughts we all did when we were younger. May be folly for a future post...) Now, in this so-called midlife of mine, I don't want to be shorter. But … [Read more...] about Posture Counts
Lose Weight With Peanuts
Huh? Did you read that right? It seems counterintuitive, yes. But according to some recent informal random comments on a post I wrote for HealthyWomen.org in 2011, people really did lose weight when they included peanuts in their diets. Here are just a few key reasons you can lose weight with peanuts: Since peanuts and peanut butter are packed with fiber and protein, they keep you satisfied … [Read more...] about Lose Weight With Peanuts
Can’t See a Doctor? How to Cope.
The Association of American Medical Colleges projects that the nation will face a shortage of 12,000 to 31,000 primary-care physicians by 2025. So it's no wonder you may be finding it harder to find a doctor or to schedule an appointment with the one you have. What's fueling this problem? The baby boom generation pouring into older age, an aging physician workforce preparing to retire and an … [Read more...] about Can’t See a Doctor? How to Cope.
The Truth About Your Post-Menopausal Body
Going through menopause means a lot of things to a lot of women. While many parts of the “transition” are individual (for instance, my sister suffered nary a hot flash while I was continually bathed in sweat), one universal truth is this: our bodies change. Yes, unfair, especially when you consider that’s just one set of problems added to the long list of other changes, like sleep disturbances, … [Read more...] about The Truth About Your Post-Menopausal Body