Tag: balance

  • Wine Confusion: Healthy Or Not?

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of a wine bottle with 2 glasses of wine and grapes.

    Wine has been making the headlines in recent months as a “healthy” choice. Some studies suggest the compounds and antioxidants in wine can reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, and more.

    This can be confusing if you’ve been told that alcohol isn’t good for you. Should you drink wine to get healthier, or skip it?

    There is no perfect answer for everyone. It’s important to note that these studies are promising, but they’re not enough to say that wine is a healthy choice. Many of these studies were done in labs, on mice, or were done with supplements instead of real wine. And for some, the possible benefits of wine wouldn’t be worth the risk. Wine is also high in calories and sugar. This can add to obesity and affect blood sugar, especially in diabetics. In addition, wine and alcohol can interact with certain medicines.

    Many people can enjoy alcohol in  small amounts without problems. But if you have a history of alcoholism or your doctor has told you not to drink, you should not drink wine or any alcoholic beverage.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that drinking too much alcohol, even wine, can harm your health. So if you decide to drink, be sure you do it in moderation.

    So what is “moderation”? According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderation is up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men-and only by adults of legal drinking age.

    The bottom line:

    If you already have a drink once in a while, switching to red wine may be healthier than other choices such as beer or spirits. But the health benefits of red wine are not fully understood. So, experts do not recommend it as a daily drink for everyone.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Types Of Physical Activity

    Healthylife® Weigh

    Part 5

    Group of people doing power exercise at fitness studio.

    All exercise helps with stress management, heart health, and weight management. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn.

    Combine different forms of physical activity to get the most benefit. This guide breaks physical activity into three categories:

    1. Cardio Training

    2. Resistance Training

    3. Stretching & Rehabilitation

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • How To Reduce Stress At Work

    WORK LIFE

    Image of smiling employee.

    Get enough sleep:Poor sleep can affect your mood, judgement and memory. This can harm your ability to cope with stress.

    Look at the bright side:Each day, write down something you are thankful for. Take note of things that make you smile.

    Get moving:Exercise is a well-known way to reduce stress and improve mood. Walking just 20 minutes a day can make a difference.

    Try meditation:Meditating, praying or whatever helps you block out the stress of the day can help you relax. Finding time for peace can reduce overall stress levels.

    Find ways to laugh:Laughter can help your muscles relax, which can be soothing after a stressful day.

    Take a deep breath:Deep breathing activates a state of relaxation. Focus on deep breaths in and out for a few minutes each day.

    Stretch it out:Stretching can be relaxing and can help the body get ready for sleep. Stretch each night before bed to help you get good rest.

    Talk to others:Emotional support from friends and family is helpful during times of stress. Make plans to talk with people and have fun with loved ones during your free time.

    Sources: American Institute of Stress, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, American Psychological Association

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Yes, You Can Eat Chocolate

    HEALTHY EATING

    Image of chocolate pieces stacked on top of each other.

    Although actual health benefits of eating chocolate are still being studied, the NIH News in Health reports that you can eat some types of chocolate in moderation:

    *  Eat as dark a chocolate as you can. Darker chocolate may help lower blood pressure.

    *  Choose dark chocolate instead of less healthy treats such as ice cream or candy.

    *  Avoid white and milk chocolates. Also avoid filled chocolate, such as truffles.

    *  Make hot chocolate with unsweetened cocoa, water, or nonfat milk, and a little added sugar.

    *  Watch your total calories because chocolate has a lot of them.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine