Focusing on nutrition and lifestyle, we know that the causes of the rise in obesity include the overconsumption of processed foods and sugar, too few nutrient-dense foods and too-large portion sizes, as well as stress, a sedentary lifestyle, sleep disturbances, not getting enough exercise, metabolic factors, and even environmental toxins. Now, a new study by researchers from Yale University School … [Read more...]
As we welcome in the New Year, what more tempting a time it is to consider turning over a new leaf in life. We look back on the experiences of the past year, some amazing and beautiful, others we’d much rather forget. We look back on the chances we didn’t take or the promises we made to ourselves that we broke, and we swear to ourselves that this year will be different. The year ahead of us … [Read more...]
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that more than a third of U.S. adults are obese, driving a number of the leading causes of preventable death, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke and certain types of cancer. In addition to lack of proper physical activity and higher calorie intake of less nutrient dense foods, nutritionists have long suspected a causal relationship … [Read more...]
As someone with very sensitive skin and almost immediate negative physical reactions to certain scents and chemicals, finding the best skincare products that don’t give me a rash or a headache can be a nightmarish process of trial and error. So when I find that extremely rare product that is not only fragrant-free and chemical-free, but also pleasantly and effectively cleanses and moisturizes my … [Read more...]
As children head back to schools across the country in the coming weeks, many will be facing menu changes in school meals as new significant nutritional standards take effect in the National School Lunch Program for the first time in 15 years. Some districts, like in Tolland, have already made concerted efforts to provide healthier menu selections for students to help combat the rise in childhood … [Read more...]
On Wednesday, the Connecticut Public Interest Research Group, (ConnPIRG), released the findings of its report Apples to Twinkies 2012, which showed that more of Connecticut taxpayer dollars go toward subsidizing junk food ingredients than fresh vegetables and fruits, like apples. At a gathering outside city hall in New Haven on Wednesday, the impact to taxpayers of funding junk food and the … [Read more...]
According to Punchbowl.com, celebration is in order today for Workaholics Day. Few would criticize the numerous achievements and accomplishments one can achieve with the industrious spirit that is so highly prized in a multitasking culture such as ours, where we’re eager to pencil in to-do’s for every hour of our waking day. However, being a recovering workaholic myself, I can honestly say that … [Read more...]
A plethora of studies have been published in recent months linking inadequate sleep to obesity, diabetes and stroke. Now, a recent review by the American Medical Association found research that suggests disruptions of the circadian rhythm due to nighttime light could also play a role in the risk of breast cancer, as well as of ovarian, prostate and colorectal cancers. The work of University of … [Read more...]
Hartford often gets a bad rap for crime, poverty and the quality of its education, but it recently received high praise for its level of health and fitness. Among the nation’s 50 fittest largest metropolitan areas, the Hartford area recently was ranked 5th. Only the San Francisco, Calif. Boston, Mass., Washington, D.C. and Minneapolis, Minn. areas ranked higher. The ACSM (American College of … [Read more...]
On Wednesday, the American Heart Association (AHA) sponsored National Walk to Work Day to encourage sedentary workers to unhitch themselves from their desks and get their heart pumping by walking at least a half hour of their day, whether it was part of their commute, during their lunch hour or after the work day. Yet the health benefits of walking extend long beyond April 4. The results of … [Read more...]