Healthy and Fit | Tip of the Week - Jewish Community Center Pittsburgh

Vegetables packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber are essential to a healthy diet.

But some vegetables, often called “nutrient-dense,” offer even more nutritional value per serving. Eating more nutrient-dense vegetables — or those loaded with high amounts of vitamins and minerals per bite — can help keep your body performing and your mind sharp.

These foods are usually less dense in calories, too, especially when compared to processed foods. They’re also versatile ingredients in just about any soup, salad, or entree.

“The vast majority of healthy eating plans include making vegetables the cornerstone of each meal,” says Cara Stewart, registered dietitian at UPMC.

Buy vegetables that are easy to prepare. Pick up bags of prewashed salad greens and add baby carrots or grape tomatoes for a salad in minutes.

Plan some meals around a vegetable main dish, such as a stir-fry or soup. Add veggies to dishes you already prepare, such as casseroles or lasagna.

Increasing your intake of nutrient-dense foods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, can help you maintain a healthy weight while promoting heart health and reducing your risk of diabetes and cancer.

8 TIPS FOR WORKING OUT IN THE HEAT | Penn Musculoskeletal and Rheumatology Blog

The heat can be a major drawback for people looking to work out in the summer. If you’re not careful, you can end up suffering from a heat-related health condition such as a heat stroke, heat exhaustion or extreme dehydration, all of which can greatly derail you from your fitness goals.

Fortunately, we have some tips to help you to safely work out on even the hottest of summer days.

Take a cold shower Before your workout even begins you may want to take a cold shower. Once you finish your shower, ditch the blow dryer and opt for a wet head to help you to stay cool during your workout.

Stay hydrated with the RIGHT fluids Water is your best friend on a hot day for staying hydrated; however, if you’re planning to exercise for more than 60 minutes, you may also want to consider sipping on a sports drinks.

Sports drinks are important when working out for prolonged periods of time, especially in the heat, because they contain potassium and electrolytes that can rehydrate and replenish your body. The high levels of sodium may actually be good for your body as well as sodium is a key ingredient for a hot day.

Wear light clothing Bright colors are good since they will reflect the sun and also help to make you more visible to oncoming traffic. Cotton is a light-weight and affordable material that can help you to stay dry.

If you’re willing to splurge a bit more, opt for sweat-wicking shirts and shorts to keep the sweat at bay.

Don’t forget the sunscreen Nothing is worse than trying to complete a summer workout with a bad sun burn that makes it hard to move. Stop the burn before it occurs by slathering on the sunscreen. Opt for s sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 and one that is water-proof so that it doesn’t come off once you start sweating.

Timing is everything 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is known for being the hottest time of the day in the summer. If you’re planning an outdoor workout, try to do it either before or after this time slot. Many athletes prefer to work out earlier in the morning as it can help them to stay energized throughout the day and to sleep better at night.

Don’t fear the water Summer is the perfect time to make water your friend. On especially hot days, try adding a water activity to your workout such as swimming, surfing or Stand-Up-Paddle Boarding (SUP). These activities will help you to stay fit and healthy in the summer in a fun and new way while also staying cool. Who knows, you may end up finding a new favorite exercise.

Prefer to run instead? No worries, you can still get in on the water action. Next time you see what looks like a “rainy day”, opt to run with the rain rather than against it. Running during a rainy day can help you to stay cool and many athletes find these workouts to be invigorating and refreshing.

The key for successfully running in the rain is to be prepared. Wear bright clothing and make sure all of your clothing is water-proof (this includes shoes and accessories such as a cell-phone case). Avoid running around cars that may have trouble seeing you.

Running in a little bit of rain won’t harm you, but if you see lightening or hear thunder, you’ll want to return inside to safety as quickly as possible.

Take it indoors There’s nothing wrong with working out indoors at your local gym or even in your home if you have equipment. On days when there is an excessive heat warning, this can be your best decision to stay cool and avoid a heat-related injury while still getting in your workout.

Know your limits Listen to your body and if you begin to feel dizzy, nauseous, or tired, give yourself a break. Taking some time off for rest is better than overdoing your workout and getting sick or injured and having to stop working out altogether.

If the summer heat proves to be too much of a challenge for your standard high-intensity workout, break it up into multiple smaller workouts throughout the day. This will allow your body time to rest and refuel without jeopardizing your fitness and workout goals.

These dynamic and static stretches are designed to help you move through workouts—and daily life—with increased confidence and stability.When it comes to workouts, you’re probably familiar with the two main types: cardiovascular (or aerobic) exercises like walking, running, and swimming, and resistance-based exercises like strength training.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults of all ages engage in both on a weekly basis.

And while following that recommendation is crucial to staving off disease, those aren’t the only exercises older adults should include in their routine. In fact, there are two other types of workouts you should be doing daily: flexibility and mobility exercises.

Flexibility and mobility tend to go hand-in-hand, but they are two different things. Here’s a breakdown on each:

How Flexibility and Mobility Are Linked If a muscle isn’t flexible, it can prevent a corresponding joint from reaching its full range of motion (or mobility). Your muscles and joints rely on each other to help execute exercises — and general daily movement — safely.

In a study from the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, adults over age 65 who performed mobility and flexibility exercises for 12 weeks improved their overall balance and reduced their risk of falling.

And there are therapeutic benefits, too. Research from the Journal of Physical Therapy Science noted that folks who’d previously had strokes improved their ability to perform “activities of daily living” through regular flexibility and mobility work.

The best part: It’s easy to boost your flexibility and mobility. One way to do it is through a mix of static and dynamic stretches. Try these 10 head-to-toe moves to keep your joints and muscles working to their full potential.

As always, safety is key. Get your doctor’s OK before beginning a new exercise program. If you have a chronic condition (including osteoporosis), balance issues, or injuries, talk to your doctor about how you can exercise safely.

Cautionary note: If you have osteoporosis, twisting and bending moves may not be right for you. Talk to your doctor about safe exercise.

Foam rolling is incredibly common for athletes to use to loosen their muscles at the start of a workout or enhance their recovery at the tail-end of training. But an effective self-myofascial release (SMR) technique (the technical term for foam rolling) shouldn’t just be viewed as an addition to a warm-up or a cool-down — it’s also essential for building muscle.

Let’s be clear, though. A workout consisting solely of foam rolling will not earn you the shredded quads required to climb any mountainous courses, nor the sheer strength to swing effortlessly from obstacles. But what it can do, as Spartan SGX coach Sean Hastings explains, is relieve some tightness and tenderness that you might feel in your muscles pre- or post-workout, and allow greater efficiency in your next training session. This, in turn, will help to build lean muscle mass.

“Our muscles, tendons, and other tissues are surrounded by fascia, and this fascia can get all bound up, particularly in training — think crumpled-up like plastic wrap,” Hastings, owner of Spartan-focused Revolution Fitness, says. “This contributes to pain, reduces flexibility, and prolongs recovery.

“When you foam roll, you’re flattening the fascia back to normal. This process reduces pain, helps increase flexibility, and speeds up recovery.”

It’s during recovery that muscles have time to strengthen and grow. An accelerated recovery process not only supports this, but can directly enhance the quality of your workouts as well. How? By enabling you to return to your workouts with muscles that are repaired, relaxed, and with a healthy range of motion.

The Science Behind Foam Rolling Studies have shown that foam rolling can minimize delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). This not only allows you to get back to training quicker, but because you’ve conquered your pain, you can boost your actual performance.

Another comprehensive review published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy explains how foam rolling stimulates short-term increases in range of motion, which contributes to an increase in muscle flexibility. This, again, promotes more efficient workouts.

Tricking Your Nervous System Into Relieving Pain But foam rolling might not just be about ironing out the fascia knots. It’s possible that what’s actually going on is a combination of myofascial release and neurological changes occurring within the muscles. Hastings notes that actual nerve receptors in an achy area might be stimulated through foam rolling.

“If the area is particularly painful, it’s good to keep the roller right there,” he says. “After a short period, the pain will subside and you may even feel a release.”

This release is likely caused by the pressure of the foam roller telling the nervous system to reduce pain signals from the muscle. But however foam rolling works to reduce tightness and ease pain, the bottom line is that it does work. And in doing both, it can also help to reduce muscle imbalances, which — besides messing with your ability to build strength — can also lead to reduced mobility, instability, and even injury.

So, what are the best foam rolling exercises to not only maintain muscle balance but to build it, too?

Truthfully, as Hastings says, it’s best to target wherever the pain and tightness are hitting before or after a workout. But a few places that you should always work on to ensure a full range of motion (and therefore an optimal chance of building lean muscle) include your hips, calves, quads, and spine. Here are a few simple ways to start.

Foam Rolling Exercise for Hips

Place a foam roller on the ground.
Lie over it facing downward, and position the roller just below the crease of one of your hips.
Angle the opposite leg out to the side by 45-90 degrees. You’ll use this leg to apply pressure to the opposite side.
Leaning on your elbows and forearms, roll back and forth on the foam roller, staying just below the hip crease.
Keep your weight on your toes, hands, and the foam roller.
Repeat on the opposite side.

Foam Rolling Exercise for Calves

Work on one leg at a time.
Place the roller under your lower leg and sit flat on the ground. Using the opposite leg and both arms planted with your hands down on either side of you, push your body off of the ground.
As you’re doing this, put pressure on the calf that you’re trying to work on.
Repeat on the opposite side.

Foam Rolling Exercise for Quads

Lie face down with a foam roller under your left thigh and above your knee.
Using your arms and your right leg, begin to move your body up and down at least three or four times. Stop halfway up your left thigh as you do this.
Then, as comfortably as you can, bend your left leg back and forth slowly so that you’re bringing your left heel close to your butt.
Following this, roll up to the top of the thigh and back three or four times.
Repeat on the opposite side.

Foam Rolling Exercise for Spinal Alignment

Place the roller horizontally across your upper back, just below your shoulder blades.
Bend your knees and place your feet firmly on the floor.
Interlace your fingers at the base of your skull and lean backward.
Raise your hips slightly to move the roller up toward your shoulders.
Focus on sensitive areas for at least 30 seconds.
Work your way up to your shoulders, then work your way down to your mid-back again. Try not to move the roller lower than your mid-back area.

A good workout includes aerobic exercise, strength training, and stretches. If you’re not feeling this balance in the gym or on your regular runs, it may be time to take the plunge and add swimming to your workout.

Though swimming is primarily a cardio exercise, it’s also a great exercise in strength. Water provides great resistance for your body, whether you’re swimming laps or doing some dynamic stretches to loosen up your joints.

But if that isn’t enough to fully convince you, here are five further reasons that swimming needs to be part of your training plan.

1. Swimming Strengthens Your Core Maintaining core strength throughout your life is critical. Not only does a strong core help prevent injury and protect your vital organs, but it also stabilizes your body, enabling you to move freely and flexibly.

According to swim coach and personal trainer Kay Lynne Firsching, swimming is one of the best core exercises you can do because the strokes themselves demand a streamlined position in the water.

“Balance is necessary while you rotate in front crawl (freestyle) and backstroke, and when you undulate in butterfly and breaststroke,” Firsching explains. “And core stabilization is important because swimming is an open-chain activity, meaning that both your hands and feet are free to move.”

2. It’s a Full-Body Workout The more you swim and improve your stroke, the more you’ll strengthen your core. And not only that, but as you power up your core, you’ll also recruit muscles in your legs, arms, and upper body.

“Swimming is a total-body exercise,” Firsching, who is also a record-holding weight lifter, says. “All of your major muscle groups have to work together to move your body in the pool.”

So whether you’re gliding through the water on a gentle breaststroke or going full throttle with your freestyle, you’re activating muscle groups across the upper and lower body and keeping your core engaged. This enables you to generate more power while you’re swimming (as well as when you’re on land), burn calories, and tone your body all at the same time.

3. Swimming Boosts Your Breath and Overall Lung Health A pool workout combines strength training with great cardio conditioning because when your heart’s doing some heavy lifting, your lungs will pitch in to help.

However, while regular training will cause your cardio-pulmonary system to become more adept, swimming can actually expand overall lung size according to some studies. As a result, lung capacity and the organs’ overall health also increase.

One of the main reasons behind this has to do with a swimmer’s need to control their breathing in a way that athletes performing other forms of aerobic exercise don’t. Sure, serious runners and cyclists must manage their breathing while training or competing in an event, but breathable air is all around them. Swimmers, on the other hand, have to time their breaths with their strokes so that they can take in air at specific moments.

Sometimes, that next breath just isn’t available. That means swimmers’ bodies have to learn to wait a little longer than usual for their next intake of oxygen, which — over time — has been proven to increase the size of the lungs (and, therefore, their capacity).

Of course, the larger the lungs, the more oxygen they can hold and send to the muscles, keeping you powering down that pool longer.

4. Swimming Relieves Stress Learning to control your breath can help in managing stress, too. Scientific studies have revealed major improvements in well-being and reduced anxiety through deliberate breathing exercises. But aside from the breath conditioning that swimming supports, the activity itself has been shown to help manage stress and stress-related symptoms.

In a 2012 global survey of nearly 1,200 swimmers aged 16 to 45, 74% of respondents said swimming helped them release stress and tension. Over two-thirds agreed that swimming has had a positive mental impact, while 70% also noted that the activity “helps them feel mentally refreshed.”

5. Swimming Helps With Recovery Finally, even if you’re not sure that you want to swap sweating in the gym for swimming in the pool, just tagging a swim to the end of training can bring you so many benefits.

“Try swimming for 10-15 minutes after a hard workout,” Firsching suggests. “Your recovery will be so much better.”

Swimming is a low-impact way to provide active stretching, a crucial part of recovery. Not only that, but it cools down a heated body, which — in turn — stamps out that feeling of fatigue after training and leaves you energized instead.

If you don’t feel confident in the water, though, Firsching recommends getting a good swim coach to look at your strokes. With over 35 years of coaching under her belt, she knows how important a coach can be to keep you motivated and improving.

“Swimming really is one of those activities that has so many benefits to offer serious athletes,” she says.

“Make sure you stretch!” – Something we often hear before or after we participate in any sort of exercise. But is stretching that good for you? What exactly are the benefits of having a regular stretching routine? Let’s explore the benefits of stretching below.

#1 INCREASING FLEXIBILTY TO PREVENT INJURY By increasing flexibility, or engaging in regular flexibility training, we can reduce the risk of muscle imbalances. When muscle imbalances exist, the body will take the path of least resistance when it comes to performing various movement patterns. This leads to poor posture, which leads to improper movement and form, which increases the risk for injury.

#2 REDUCING INFLAMMATION Flexibility training can reduce inflammation! Poor posture and repetitive movements that decrease or antagonize the body’s range of motion are treated by the body as an injury. As a result, the body will try and heal that injury.
Injury induces inflammation in the body, and as a protective mechanism, the body will increase muscle tension to prevent further injury. That increase in muscle tension increases muscle adhesions (commonly known as “knots”), which further decrease the normal movement or elasticity of your muscle.

#3 IMPROVING STRENGTH Flexibility can improve your strength and performance in physical activities. The goal of flexibility is to have control of your muscles in a full range of motion. So, improving your flexibility is also improving your strength! Furthermore, if your muscles are sore or stiff you may not be able to engage in explosive movements or perform as well during your training.

#4 FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT Flexibility allows for freedom of movement to perform everyday activities such as bending over to tie your shoes, lifting groceries, and vacuuming the floor. These are things that can become more difficult as we age, so we want to regularly engage in a stretching routine, so these everyday activities don’t become difficult.

#5 RELAXATION AND RELIEF Stretching provides relaxation and relief! Which is not only beneficial physically, but mentally as well!

SELF-MYOFASCIAL RELEASE (SMR) This form of stretching involves using items such as a foam roller, lacrosse balls, and similar objects to reduce trigger points, or “knots”, within muscles. When muscles are tight or have “knots”, gentle pressure can help release these “knots” to allow the muscle fibers to return to a straighter alignment and release pressure.

When performing a myofascial release, it’s important that when you find a “trigger point”, that you hold pressure on that area for a minimum of 30 seconds. This is a great form of stretching to use before exercise and even before other forms of stretching!

STATIC STRETCHING is probably the most commonly known form of stretching. It involves lengthening a muscle to its furthest point and holding that position for a minimum of 30 seconds. This type of stretching can help lengthen overactive, or tight muscles, and there’s evidence to show this type of stretching increases flexibility over time if performed daily.

ACTIVE STRETCHING is a form of stretching in which you use the strength of a certain muscle group to lengthen or stretch an opposing muscle group. Yoga is a great example in which certain poses require activation or contraction of certain muscle groups as a way to stretch the opposing muscle. Active stretching can help increase range of motion and is a great warm-up activity before initiating high-intensity exercise or sports competition.

DYNAMIC STRETCHING is movement-based stretching. It requires working muscles through a range of motion to increase flexibility and mobility. Unlike static and active stretching, these poses are not held. Dynamic stretching is also a great form of stretching to warm up muscle groups before initiating high-intensity exercise or sports competition.

If you’re new to stretching, it’s important to start slow. Flexibility exercise via a stretching routine can be started at any age! And improvements can be seen as early as 3 weeks if performing a stretching routine regularly.

When starting a stretching routine, it’s important to keep note of a few things:
1. When stretching, major muscle groups around the shoulders, chest, neck, lower back, hips, legs, and ankles should be targeted.

3. When beginning, hold static stretches for 10-30 seconds. But the goal is to hold each stretch for a minimum of 60 seconds.

The type of stretching you should incorporate will largely depend on your experience and fitness level, but at some point, every form should be utilized.

When starting, warm up your muscles with foam rolling and perform 5-6 different static stretches. Holding each one for at least 10 seconds, and gradually build your way up to 60 seconds.

Start by allocating 5 minutes of stretching to a warm-up or cool down after your regular exercise routine. On days you don’t exercise, still spend about 5-10 minutes stretching when you have free time to loosen up tension in your body.

You can stretch at any time in the day! However, muscles tend to be tighter when we just wake up so it’s important to warm up with a light jog or dynamic movements before getting into static stretching if choosing to stretch first thing in the morning.

Stretching at night and before bed can also help improve sleep! Some studies have shown that a light stretching routine in the late evening or right before sleep helped improve sleep quality in people with mild sleep disorders.

Stretching involves lengthening a muscle to its furthest point. Therefore, a muscle can sometimes be stretched beyond this point, and without proper preparation, it can lead to overstretching. While this is unlikely, it is still possible.

To prevent overstretching from occurring, make sure you properly warm up either through dynamic motions, light activity, or foam rolling before engaging in any intense form of stretching. Forcing muscles that are tight into a lengthened position very quickly can cause micro-tears in your muscles. This will cause inflammation and injury and limit mobility for some time. Something that would be counterproductive to improving flexibility!

Stretching is an important aspect of any fitness routine whether you’re an elite-level athlete or starting an exercise program for the first time. Improving flexibility has various health benefits that will improve quality of life and increase overall fitness and performance.

It’s never a bad idea to reach out to a certified personal trainer before beginning a flexibility or stretching program to get ideas on what will be most beneficial for you and your goals.

Developing healthy habits that lead to long-term weight management can feel overwhelming at times, but setting SMART goals is a great strategy for staying on track.

Weight Loss Goals SMART goals are goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely or sustainable short-term objectives that become long-term gains over time.

SMART principles can meet just about any type of personal or professional goal, including an academic achievement, work promotion, or weight-loss aspiration.

By setting clear, concrete goals and identifying how you’ll meet them, you’re more likely to stay motivated. One study suggests people are 42% more likely to achieve a goal just by writing it down, and American Psychological Association research finds that frequently checking in on a goal’s progress boosts your chances of meeting it.

You can set a few SMART goals at a time each week or month, but be careful to make sure they are all, indeed, achievable tasks.

You can continue to set these goals on a weekly or monthly basis for as long as you like. With each success, allow yourself a small reward in the form of a day trip or a new outfit — choose what fits your lifestyle and budget!

Examples of SMART goals to develop healthy diet and exercise habits may include:

There’s nothing quite like a good night’s sleep to leave you feeling refreshed in the morning. Unless, of course, you deal with back pain so uncomfortable it disrupts your sleep schedule.

The average adult will spend approximately one-third of their life sleeping. Most people take this normal activity for granted, but for those with back pain, sleeping can often cause significant discomfort. Pain can keep you awake for hours at a time and can worsen other chronic conditions. However, it is possible to get a good night’s rest and help relieve back pain with proper sleeping strategies.

It’s all about where and how you sleep. Finding the most supportive and comfortable sleeping position is vital when fighting back pain. Starting with the three most common sleeping positions, the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UPMC offers specific suggestions to reduce back pain and get you well-rested.

Sleeping on Your Side Sleeping on your side is one of the more common and most supportive positions. If this is your preferred sleeping style, bring your legs toward your chest at a slight angle and place a pillow between your knees. This can help alleviate some of the pressure on your back by preventing the spine from rotating.

Sleeping on Your Back If you sleep on your back, it is important to maintain its natural curve. Supporting the back’s positioning can help reduce pain because the muscles endure less stress. Try placing a pillow:

This can help reduce the pressure on your back while also cushioning your joints.

Sleeping on Your Stomach If you sleep on your stomach, you may find your sleep particularly painful. This sleeping position is not recommended for those with back pain because it places significant strain on the back. If you find this position most comfortable, take extra care to support yourself. Place a pillow:

If you find the pillow below the neck places a strain on your back, try sleeping with your head directly on your bed.

With the proper support, you may find you feel more rested and comfortable after a good night’s sleep. If your current sleeping position is causing you pain, change it up but remember to cushion where appropriate.

In addition to perfecting your sleeping position, the following activities can improve your quality of sleep and also reduce back pain:

If back pain is interfering with your sleep quality, consult a medical professional. Back pain can be chronic or acute but requires proper evaluation and management at all levels.

Scan the pickleball courts, the aquatic centers, the golf courses, and the Silver Sneakers classes. You’ll find older adults exercising and living their best life. You may even find them running marathons and participating in extreme sports.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, life expectancy in the U.S. has largely risen over the last four decades, with a few exceptions. This, coupled with more access to sports and activities, has led to an increase in older people participating in activities their parents or grandparents may never have dreamed of at that age.

There are so many sports for older adults today — and with good reason. Regular exercise reduces the risk for cancer and heart disease. It also helps prevent muscle and bone loss that happen with age.

It even helps to boost your mood. Plus, for many older adults, it’s an important social activity.

Whether you’ve tried a class geared toward older adults or you’re searching for sports for seniors, here are some suggestions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, people who are 65 and older should aim for:

In an August 2022 JAMA article, researchers compared the guidelines with data from a national health survey where the respondents had an average age of 70. They found that older adults who met the guidelines for aerobic activity had a 13% lower risk of death.

The study was notable because researchers often focus on the health benefits of exercise in younger adults. But this one focused on the benefits of exercise for older adults.

In the study, researchers catalogued the different types of exercise that older adults said they participated in. The main ones that people mentioned were:

The two sports for seniors that saw the greatest mortality risk reduction were racquet sports and running/jogging.

But there’s good news. Scientists found that all activities provided some benefits. That was true even if people were short of the recommended 150 minutes/week. Hitting the guidelines is best, but any activity is better than none.

Ultimately, the best sport for you is the one you will stick with. Here are a few that we know are popular among seniors.

Pickleball, Anyone? If you’re inclined to try a racquet sport, you might consider pickleball. It’s a combination of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Players use paddles to hit a wiffle-like ball over a net.

Pickleball has taken off because it combines exercise, fun, and socializing. It’s one of Forbes top recommended sports for seniors.

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) even sponsored a study on pickleball. Researchers found that what makes pickleball so attractive is that participants can decide the intensity. It can be easy or fast-paced, and as competitive as players want.

The study found that regular participation in pickleball helped players meet exercise intensity guidelines. But it was more than that. “The research team observed a lot of socializing, conversation, and laughter before, during, and after the pickleball matches,” the study says.

That matters, said the lead author, Lance Dallek. “This type of social support is tremendously valuable when it comes to long-term adherence,” he said.

The JCC offers Pickleball in both the Squirrel Hill and South Hills locations.

Walk This Way According to the National Council on Aging, people who regularly walk with someone else are more likely to stick with walking. Meeting a friend or neighbor each day for a walk helps you stay accountable. It also inspires conversation and connection.

Walking has tremendous benefits for everyone, but especially older adults. Aiming for 10,000 steps (about five miles) can be especially beneficial.

A 2023 study in Circulation looked at older adults who walked 6,000 to 9,000 steps a day (three to four miles). Researchers found they were 40% to 50% less likely to have a heart attack than those who walked 2,000 steps.

Try an Exercise Class There are many types of exercise classes geared to seniors at YMCAs, JCCs, and community centers across the country. A few include:

Hit the Pool Swimming has the benefit of being easier on your joints. It can be a gentler movement, but still challenging enough to work your muscles.

The pool also offers an endless array of possibilities. You can swim laps or focus on treading water. You can also take water fitness classes, where you do resistance exercises.

Among the many sports you can try are golf, dancing, hiking, biking, Pilates, yoga, and tai chi. But the number one thing to keep in mind when you try a new activity is to start slowly. Too much, too fast can lead to injury or burnout.

Spring means flower buds and blooming trees — and if you’re one of the millions of people who have seasonal allergies, it also means sneezing, congestion, a runny nose and other bothersome symptoms. Seasonal allergies — also called hay fever and allergic rhinitis — can make you miserable. But before you settle for plastic flowers and artificial turf, try these simple strategies to keep seasonal allergies under control.

To reduce your exposure to the things that trigger your allergy signs and symptoms (allergens):

Seasonal allergy signs and symptoms can flare up when there’s a lot of pollen in the air. These steps can help you reduce your exposure:

There’s no miracle product that can eliminate all allergens from the air in your home, but these suggestions may help:

Several types of nonprescription medications can help ease allergy symptoms. They include:

Rinsing your nasal passages with saline solution (nasal irrigation) is a quick, inexpensive and effective way to relieve nasal congestion. Rinsing directly flushes out mucus and allergens from your nose.

Saline solutions can be purchased ready-made or as kits to add to water. If you use a kit or home-made saline solution, use bottled water to reduce the risk of infection.

Homemade solutions should have 1 quart (1 liter) of water, 1.5 teaspoons (7.5 milliliters) of canning salt and 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of baking soda.

Rinse the irrigation device after each use with clean water and leave open to air-dry.

A number of natural remedies have been used to treat hay fever symptoms. Treatments that may improve symptoms include extracts of the shrub butterbur, spirulina (a type of dried algae) and other herbal remedies. Based on the limited number of well-designed clinical trials, there is not enough evidence to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of these remedies.

Results of studies of acupuncture have shown possible limited benefit, but the results of studies have been mixed.

For many people, avoiding allergens and taking nonprescription medications is enough to ease symptoms. But if your seasonal allergies are still bothersome, don’t give up. A number of other treatments are available.

If you have bad seasonal allergies, your health care provider may recommend that you have skin tests or blood tests to find out exactly what allergens trigger your symptoms. Testing can help determine what steps you need to take to avoid your specific triggers and identify which treatments are likely to work best for you.

For some people, allergy shots (allergen immunotherapy) can be a good option. Also known as desensitization, this treatment involves regular injections containing tiny amounts of the substances that cause your allergies. Over time, these injections reduce the immune system reaction that causes symptoms. For some allergies, treatment can be given as tablets under the tongue.

Exercise that gets your heart rate pumping isn’t the only way to help improve your cardiovascular health. Managing stress also is critical to your overall heart health. Yoga’s clearest benefit to heart health is its ability to relax the body and mind. The practice of yoga also can increase strength, flexibility, and overall stamina, making it a great fit for a healthy lifestyle.

Poses to Increase Flexibility

Standing forward bend In this pose, you engage a deep stretch by bending forward from a standing position with your legs straight and feet together or hip-width apart. Bring your head toward your knees and place your palms or fingertips on the floor in line with your feet. If you can’t reach the floor, you can rest your palms or fingertips on a yoga block in front of your feet. This pose stretches the spine, hamstrings, shoulders, and groin. It can relieve pain and increase flexibility.

Extended triangle pose From a standing position, step your right foot 3-4 feet from your left foot. Turn your left foot about 45 degrees to the right. Place your right foot at 90 degrees. Shift your left hip back toward your left heel and lean your torso to the right. Reach your left hand down, either to the floor (or a block) outside of your right foot or against your right shin. As you turn and look up, raise your right arm to the sky, with fingers pointing upwards. Inhale and exhale for three counts, while keeping your legs straight and thighs firm. Repeat on the opposite side. This pose stretches and strengthens the chest, torso, and legs to promote increased stamina.

Bridge pose Lying on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor, place your feet about hip-width apart and bring your knees over your ankles. As you press your feet into the floor, lift your bottom off the floor and hold it in the air while lifting your hips toward the ceiling. You can rest your arms on the floor at your side, or you can roll your shoulders under your body and clasp your hands below your pelvis on the floor. This pose will help stretch the spine and chest and relieve stress. It also can be therapeutic for someone with high blood pressure.

Chair pose From a standing position with your feet together or slightly apart and toes facing forward, raise your arms overhead and bend your knees. With your thighs touching (or slightly apart), bring your thighs nearly parallel to the floor. Your knees will protrude forward, and your torso will slightly lean forward over the thighs. Hold this position for up to a minute before returning to the starting position and repeating. This pose engages the leg and arm muscles, while stimulating the diaphragm and heart.

Head to knee pose Sit on the floor with your legs straight in front of you. Bend your right leg so the bottom of your right foot rests on the inner thigh of your left leg. Reach both arms toward your left foot, keeping your left leg straight on the ground, and come into a forward bend. Lower your forehead toward your straight leg as you breathe into the stretch. Repeat on the opposite side. This pose will help stretch the spine, shoulders, hamstrings, and groin. It may also help relieve anxiety and fatigue.

Poses for Relaxation and Sleep

Easy pose Begin in a seated, upright position with your feet crossed underneath the opposite thigh. Place your hands in your lap, with your palms facing up or on your knees, and breathe in this pose for several minutes. This pose can help relax the body and mind while strengthening the back. You can use your time as a mini-meditation.

Supine spinal twist Lie on your back and bring your right knee to your chest, then across your left side. Extend your right arm out to the side and take several deep breaths. Repeat on your left side. Another variation focuses on raising both knees across each side. This gentle twist helps to relieve tension in the spine and relax the body.

Child’s pose Begin by kneeling on the floor and sitting on your feet. Separate your knees as wide as your hips and bring your big toes together. Lay your torso forward between your thighs, extending your arms in front of you on the floor. Lay your forehead against the floor and rest in this position for a few minutes. This pose stretches the hips and thighs while relaxing the mind and reducing stress. It can also help relieve back pain.

Legs up the wall This pose is exactly as it sounds. Lie on your back on the floor and position both legs against the wall. Lie this way for several minutes. The blood flows to the heart, providing a soothing, relaxing experience. It is especially helpful for better sleep.

Corpse pose Lie on your back with your arms and legs relaxed. Reach your arms out to the sides with your palms facing up. Close your eyes and take a few minutes to focus your attention on your body and your breathing. This can help relieve stress.

Strength Training and Weight Loss: WHY CARDIO ISN’T ENOUGH | UPMC Health Beat

If you want to work out to lose weight, you might be considering spin classes or jogging on the treadmill. And while those cardio workouts are essential for burning calories and building endurance, it’s also important to include muscle-strengthening in your routine. Strength training and weight loss are closely linked.

What Is Strength Training? Many people associate strength-building with bulky muscles and bodybuilders. But strengthening exercises aren’t just for people who want to bulk up with dumbbells.

Strengthening exercise (sometimes called resistance training) includes a wide variety of exercises and activities. The goal is to work a set of muscles to fatigue through repetition — not to elevate your heart rate over an extended as in cardio workouts.

Strength Training and Weight Loss When you maintain a muscle-strengthening routine, you’ll feel stronger and look more toned — and yes, lose weight. According to the American Heart Association, resistance workouts grow the strength of your bones, muscles, and connective tissues, like tendons and ligaments. That’s especially important as you age and your risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures rises. The American Diabetes Association says that regular strength-building exercise can also increase insulin sensitivity and thereby lower blood glucose.

And if you work out to lose weight, here’s more good news: Those muscles you’re building boost your metabolism, because muscle at rest burns more calories than fat. So as you get toned, you actually burn more calories throughout the day — even when you’re just sitting on the couch.

A Little Strength-Building Goes a Long Way For optimal results, you should do strengthening exercises at least two times a week, focusing on the major muscle groups. Take a day or rest in between—for example, if you work on legs one day, do arms the next. If you perform a full-body workout (including your arms, legs, and chest, etc.) take a whole day or rest in between.

It’s important — especially if you haven’t done strengthening exercises before — to start small. Warm up and cool down with lighter weights if you’re just starting out.

Use light weights with more repetitions at first, and then work up to heavier weights or stronger resistance bands. Muscle-strengthening activities should be gradually increased over time. Begin with one day a week performing a light to moderate effort. Then increase to two days per week, building the intensity over time.

For even better results, combine strengthening exercises with 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, or biking, five days per week. If you also do yoga or Pilates a couple times per week to improve flexibility, you’ll have an optimal fitness regimen for weight loss or general health.

Muscle-Building Myths, Busted No, you will not look like a professional bodybuilder if you start lifting weights a couple of times each week. Especially for women, it’s impossible to achieve a bulky look without a highly specialized diet and an intense weightlifting routine.

Another myth is that you can’t slim down while strength-building. Remember that muscle weighs significantly more than fat, so it may appear that your weight loss has slowed when, in fact, you’re toning up and dropping sizes. It can be better to track your health by how clothes fit rather than with the scale.

There’s more to lemons than meets the eye. This fruit may pair well with some of your favorite dishes, but it also offers incredible health benefits. Lemons are packed with nutrients, promote weight loss, and have even been linked to kidney stone prevention and cancer treatment!

Nutrition Facts of Lemon Lemons include many vitamins and nutrients that can provide a boost to your body:

In addition to its properties as a beauty treatment and health aid, there are many other uses for lemons. Whether you enjoy the fruit alone or with your morning tea, here are just a few reasons to embrace lemons and their juice:

Warm water mixed with honey and lemon is a popular home remedy for people with sore throats. The mixture can provide soothing benefits for a sore throat during cold season. The Vitamin C in lemons also can help in the effort.

Studies have shown lemons may have anti-cancer benefits. The chemical makeup of lemons can help prevent the development of oral tumors, according to one study. Others have linked citrus fruits and their juices to antitumor effects.

Even chemicals in citrus fruits’ peels have been linked as potential anticancer agents.

Lemon juice is shown to help prevent kidney stones by raising the urine’s citrate levels. Citrate binds to calcium, which helps keep kidney stones from forming.

The peel and pulp of lemons contain an soluble fiber called pectin. It promotes the production of digestive enzymes in the liver, helping eliminate waste from your body.

Fiber-rich fruits can also help promote regularity, lessening your risk of constipation.

Eating fruit high in fiber can help keep your blood glucose in line, helping to prevent increases. This can lower the risk of diabetes, or it can help people with diabetes manage their condition.

The pectin in lemons and their juice helps you feel fuller for longer, which will make your weight loss much more manageable.

Studies show that an increase in fiber intake, especially from low-density sources like fruit, can lead to lower body weight and fat.

Lemons have natural antibacterial qualities and alpha hydroxyl acids, like many over-the-counter acne medications. They can brighten, exfoliate, and help remove blackheads. Lemon has also been known to possibly help halt bad breath and get rid of dandruff when applied to the scalp.

The Vitamin C in lemons also promotes collagen synthesis, another boost to your skin.

If you like to add lemon juice to your water to improve the taste or another reason, there is no right or wrong method. Diluting lemon juice in water can start the day right. Just a cup or two of warm water and lemon juice can improve digestion and reduce heartburn, while stimulating the production of stomach bile and acid. Lemon juice and water also serves as a good substitute to coffee as it can give you the same energy boost without the jitters or midday crash.

Combining warm water with lemon before bed, especially after a heavy or spicy meal, can help with digestion and help you sleep.

However, you should try to avoid drinking too much water before bed because it might make you get up during the night to go to the bathroom. This can hurt your ability to get a full night’s sleep.

When you drink lemon water, use a straw or brush your teeth right after because lemons can weaken your teeth enamel.

“The quantity of lemon water recommended varies by person,” says Tessa Wellmon, RD, a registered dietician at UPMC Hamot. “Somebody without ill effects could consume several glasses a day. But if you have been told it is affecting the enamel of your teeth or you notice it causing heartburn, it would be in your best interest to use it sparingly and make sure you are diluting it with a larger volume of water.”

It is possible to have too much lemon. The American Dental Association says too much citrus can weaken your enamel, increasing your risk of tooth decay. It also can irritate mouth sores.

Citrus also can cause problems for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Another potential risk is bacteria. A National Environmental Health Association study tested lemons placed on the rims of beverage glasses at restaurants. It found that nearly 70 percent of the lemons tested contained bacteria.

Those risks shouldn’t necessarily stop you from drinking lemon water, Wellmon says.

“There isn’t necessarily a limit to how much lemon water you drink in a day,” she says, “as long as it isn’t causing ill effects, such as weakening the enamel on your teeth or causing heartburn.”

1. Increases your flexibility Regular stretching can help increase your flexibility, which is crucial for your overall health. Not only can improved flexibility help you to perform everyday activities with relative ease, but it can also help delay the reduced mobility that can come with aging.

2. Increases your range of motion Being able to move a joint through its full range of motion gives you more freedom of movement. Stretching on a regular basis can help increase your range of motion. One study found that both static and dynamic stretching are effective when it comes to increasing range of motion, although proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)-type stretching, where you stretch a muscle to its limit, may be more effective for immediate gains.

3. Improves your performance in physical activities Performing dynamic stretches prior to physical activities has been shown to help prepare your muscles for the activity. It may also help improve your performance in an athletic event or exercise.

4. Increases blood flow to your muscles Performing stretches on a regular basis may improve your circulation. Improved circulation increases blood flow to your muscles, which can shorten your recovery time and reduce muscle soreness (also known as delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS).

5. Improves your posture Muscle imbalances are common and can lead to poor posture. One study found that a combination of strengthening and stretching specific muscle groups can reduce musculoskeletal pain and encourage proper alignment. That, in turn, may help improve your posture.

6. Helps to heal and prevent back pain Tight muscles can lead to a decrease in your range of motion. When this happens, you increase the likelihood of straining the muscles in your back. Stretching can help heal an existing back injury by stretching the muscles. A regular stretching routine can also help prevent future back pain by strengthening your back muscles and reducing your risk for muscle strain.

7. Is great for stress relief When you’re experiencing stress, there’s a good chance your muscles are tense. That’s because your muscles tend to tighten up in response to physical and emotional stress. Focus on areas of your body where you tend to hold your stress, such as your neck, shoulders, and upper back.

8. Can calm your mind Participating in a regular stretching program not only helps increase your flexibility, but it can also calm your mind. While you stretch, focus on mindfulness and meditation exercises, which give your mind a mental break.

9. Helps decrease tension headaches Tension and stress headaches can interfere with your daily life. In addition to a proper diet, adequate hydration, and plenty of rest, stretching may help reduce the tension you feel from headaches.

THE SILVERSNEAKERS GUIDE TO CARDIO EXERCISE FOR OLDER ADULTS | Elizabeth Millard

Cardio workouts can help you build strength while lowering your risk of heart disease and other health conditions. Here’s how to reap its many benefits.If you’ve ever gone for a jog, swam laps in a pool, or taken a brisk walk, you’ve done cardiovascular exercise. Usually shortened to “cardio,” this type of exercise gets your heart rate and breathing rate up.

When it comes to putting together a fitness mix for healthy aging, cardio should be a major component, according to the National Institute on Aging. And for many cardio exercises, all you need is yourself — and a good pair of supportive sneakers.

Here’s everything you need to know about cardio exercise, including how to get started and the kind of health benefits you can expect.

Remember to get your healthcare provider’s OK before beginning any new exercise program. If you have a chronic condition, balance issues, or are recovering from an injury or surgery, talk to your doctor about how you can exercise safely.

What are the health benefits of cardio exercise? Cardio exercise is best known for its heart-health benefits, but cardio workouts can help older adults improve their overall health in a number of ways.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the health benefits of regular cardio exercise include:

Plus, if you exercise with a friend or family member, you’ll get an added mental boost from the social interaction.

How much cardio exercise should you do weekly? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ current Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans call for 150- to 300-minutes a week of moderate-intensity cardio or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity cardio.

You could also do a combination of the two. But know that it’s better to space out your cardio workouts, rather than trying to load up on one day per week.

If an on-going health condition prevents you from doing 150-minutes, try to be as physically active as possible. Also, talk to your doctor about ways you can stay active and exercise safely.

If you’re new to cardio exercise — or exercise in general — 150 minutes might sound like a lot. Don’t stress. Try to view this effort as a lifelong endeavor.

Begin slowly and gradually increase the intensity over time. That helps prevent injury, as your heart and lungs have time to adjust to increasing amounts of cardio.

How can you determine intensity level? To figure out if you’re getting the most out of each workout, it helps to understand intensity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses a 10-point scale to demonstrate cardio intensity. Zero is sitting and 10 is working as hard as you can.

Moderate-intensity activity falls at a 5 or 6 on that scale. It will make your heart beat faster and make you breathe harder, but you can still hold a conversation. Slower than that would be a low-intensity activity, where you’d have enough breath to be able to sing.

Vigorous-intensity activity is a 7 or 8: Your heart rate and breath rate increase even more. One minute of vigorous-intensity activity is about the same as two minutes of moderate-intensity activity, according to the CDC. Anything above an 8 is not recommended.

Remember: Everyone’s fitness level is different. What feels like vigorous activity to you might be moderate to someone else. What’s important is to do activities that feel right to you, in a way that’s challenging but not pushing yourself too far.

What should your heart rate be when doing a cardio workout? In addition to striving for a moderate- to vigorous-intensity, it’s helpful to know your target heart rate. That’s a training measurement that helps you gauge your effort.

Most adults have a resting heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute, according to the AHA. Your target heart rate is the “zone” you want to strive for during each cardio workout in order to reap those health benefits discussed earlier.

During moderate-intensity exercise, the target heart rate zone is 50 to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate. During vigorous-intensity exercise, the target heart rate is 70 to 85 percent maximum, according to the AHA.

In general, someone who is 65 years old has a target heart rate of 78 to 132 beats per minute, while someone who is 70 or older should stay within 75 to 128 beats per minute. That said, it’s a good idea to ask your doctor what your heart rate should be during exercise. Many medications affect heart rate, so your target zone may be different.

A heart rate monitor or wearable activity tracker can help you keep track of your cardio progress during workouts. That way, it’s easy to see when you’re hitting your target heart rate.

If you don’t have a heart rate monitor, you can periodically check your heart rate as you exercise. Here’s how:

If your heart rate is too low or too high during a workout, use that information to adjust your intensity accordingly.

Should you skip cardio if you have heart disease or other heart issues? When you have a heart condition, it may be tempting to take it easy to avoid putting too much stress on your heart. However, sedentary behavior is much tougher on your heart than cardio, research suggests. A 2019 study in the journal Circulation notes that physical inactivity is among the leading modifiable risk factors worldwide for cardiovascular disease.

Cardio exercise, on the other hand, can boost your heart health. According to the National Library of Medicine, this form of exercise can strengthen your heart muscle and help manage your blood pressure. This makes cardio an ideal workout for people with heart disease and other heart issues.

If you’re looking to get into cardio and you have a heart condition, keep these tips in mind:

In addition, during hot weather you should take a few extra precautions. Try to exercise indoors in an air-conditioned room, or outdoors in the morning or evening. That’s because heat and humidity can cause your heart to work harder, so it may be working too hard if you’re exercising in the middle of the day.

Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new cardio regimen. This is especially true if you have a condition like heart disease or congestive heart failure and want to do exercises that change your heart rate. It’s possible your doctor may suggest doing supervised cardiac rehab, so a physical therapist can monitor you in a safe setting.

Can you do cardio if you have joint pain or mobility limitations? There are plenty of cardio workouts that are high-impact, especially ones that include running and jumping.

Luckily, there are just as many options that offer cardio benefits without stressing your joints. For example, swimming laps or taking a water aerobics class like SilverSneakers Splash is no-impact while still providing an ideal amount of resistance.

You can also opt to slow down your cardio workouts, as well as get your heart rate up with low-impact activities like bicycling, rowing, elliptical training, and brisk walking.

Just as you would if you have heart issues, talk to your doctor to get the green light before starting a new exercise program. And be sure to take it slow when you first begin. Remember that even a couple minutes of exercise at a time adds up to a larger fitness goal.

What’s a good way to get started with cardio exercise? If you don’t know where to begin, a brisk walk is a great option. The more you pick up the pace, the better your workout will be. One of the best aspects of cardio is that you can tailor it to fit your individual needs and lifestyle.

Is cardio the same as aerobic exercise? While they’re related, cardio and aerobic exercise are not exactly the same — although it’s likely you’ll be doing them simultaneously.

While cardio focuses on increasing your heart rate, aerobic exercise focuses on oxygen use and breathing. Cardio is about getting your heart pumping faster and aerobic exercise is about getting your lungs to work harder.

It’s no surprise the two are often used as synonyms. During cardio, your respiratory system works harder. This prompts your blood vessels to expand, bringing more oxygen to your body. And as your heart beats faster, your breathing gets heavier.

In fact, one of the measures of cardio exertion is called the “talk test.” The harder you’re working out, the more challenging it becomes to hold a conversation. At the beginning of a treadmill or stationary bike workout, for example, you might be able to carry a conversation like normal with someone next to you. But after a few minutes, you’ll likely only be able to get out a few breathy words at a time.

All of this means that as you’re doing cardio, you’ll also be getting aerobic advantages, including improved lung function.

What counts as cardio exercise? Because cardio is any activity that gets your heart beating faster, it can encompass a wide range of activities — everything from pushing a lawn mower to a dressed-up night on the dance floor.

The most important thing is that you choose activities you enjoy doing. You’re more likely to stick to your routine if you’re having fun.

And remember that everyone starts somewhere. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re out of breath 15 minutes into your 30-minute workout. The more you do cardio, the easier it will feel.

In time, you’ll boost your heart health, feel more energized, and have plenty of fun along the way.

Good to know: Many SilverSneakers fitness classes are a fun way to get your cardio workouts in. View the JCC’s schedule of SilverSneakers classes HERE

High intensity interval training or HIIT is a form of cardio exercise done in short, intense bursts that aims to maximize athletic performance under conditions where the muscles are deprived of oxygen.

HIIT is a great form of exercise to include in your workout routine if you are seeking to build strength and muscle endurance or trying to lose weight.

• HIIT is an effective way to burn fat You might already know that cardio exercises are effective for fat mobilization. As a pumped up and intense form of cardio, HIIT is the best exercise to engage in when your goal is to burn away stubborn fat. The intensity of the exercise leads to an increased rate of fat oxidation as well as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, which occurs when your body recovers from its oxygen-deprived state during the HIIT exercise. During this stage, adipose tissues are broken down and converted into fuel.

• HIIT regulates your appetite If you’re prone to overeating, HIIT will do you some good in managing your appetite. The intensity of HIIT causes a decrease in the amount of ghrelin – an appetite-regulating hormone – which reduces your appetite. At the same time, HIIT also increases your blood sugar and blood lactate level temporarily, which also brings your appetite down.

• HIIT increases the amount of oxygen your body can absorb in a minute This rate is known as VO2max – a word that gets thrown around a lot when it comes to HIIT. VO2max is important because it affects the physical capacity of your athletic performance. With a higher VO2max, your body has better endurance in aerobic exercises. Besides improving athletic conditioning, an increased VO2max also brings us better overall health.

VO2max is strongly associated with the health of our telomeres, which are components of our DNA system that regulate the ageing of our cells. Healthy telomeres mean more youthful cells and a reduced risk of cancer.

• HIIT regulates blood glucose levels People suffering from pre-diabetes or type-2 diabetes can benefit significantly from HIIT because the sport actually increases glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, thus helping to regulate blood glucose at healthy levels.

• HIIT is a more efficient form of cardio exercise HIIT makes it easier to hit the desired number of cardio hours that you need to clock because it’s far more time-efficient. In fact, every hour of HIIT is roughly equivalent to 4 hours of conventional endurance training!

Anyone who does sports can benefit from HIIT. Performance-wise, it makes you fitter, stronger and also improves your general health outside of sports. However, implementing HIIT into your routine isn’t as simple as revving up the number of reps you need to do and reducing the time to complete the sets. There are a number of ways to break down the intervals in HIIT and also methods to ensure you are doing it right.

First of all, it’s important to note that HIIT is all about performing at your maximum ability for a short burst of time and then taking a short break. There are a number of ways to structure your exercise to rest ratio. Some people prefer 1:1 exercise to rest ratio, but a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio work perfectly fine too. The rest time depends on your current fitness level, so if you don’t exercise regularly, a longer rest time would be more ideal. There are also many different ways to structure your workout, but here are some of the common ones.

• Circuit Circuits are great if you want to train various muscles as you will be rotating between different stations in a circuit workout. In circuit, you will spend half to one minute at each station before moving to the next station. The time taken to recover, move and adjust to the new station is the rest timing.

• Pyramid Pyramid is structured similarly to circuit, but the difference lies in the number of repetitions you do at each station. With circuits for example, the number of repetitions is constant but for pyramids you can choose to either step up or step down the number of repetitions.

• As many rounds as possible This type of workout is simple but can be very grueling – all you need to do is set a timer and then keep going until the time is up. There are no “goals” to hit and you only have to strive to do as much as you can.

• Every minute on the minute (EMOM) In this one, your workout is broken into one-minute intervals. In each interval, you have to complete a designated number of reps of certain exercises. The remaining time before the minute is up is your rest time. Once the minute is over, you restart on a new minute and work to complete your reps all over again.

Feeling breathless from just reading about the intensity? You might be glad to know that HIIT doesn’t have to be done every day. All you need is two or three solid sessions every week and you’re good to go. Rest days are a must – minimally, you should have a 24-hour gap between HIIT sessions to allow your body time to recover. Skipping the rest day can lead to overuse injuries and mental/physical burnout, which could lead to you giving up on exercise for a while so remember to prioritize your rest days.

When it comes to losing weight, snacking can make or break your progress. And while store-bought packaged snacks may be convenient, they’re often filled with added sugar, sodium, and other ingredients to be wary of.

“The 100-calorie snack packs can be a great, easy way to control portions of snacks that people tend to go overboard on, but there are healthier options,” says Frances Largeman-Roth, R.D., author of Feed the Belly.

In other words, those petite packets of chips, cookies, and other junk food are ideal for the occasions when you have, say, a Chex Mix craving that nothing less can satisfy. But that one bag is still 100 empty calories of processed junk. It won’t kill you when you have a craving, but you can do better.

No surprise: Fruit is a great option. “Fruit is perfectly portion-controlled,” Largeman-Roth says. “An apple, orange, pear, or banana comes in its own biodegradable package and is generally under 100 calories.”

When you’re trying to lose weight, a 100- to 150-calorie snack once or twice per day is appropriate, Largeman-Roth says. To keep energy and blood sugar steady between meals, you want to aim for an even combo of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Carbohydrates give you quick fuel, and protein and healthy fats help you feel satisfied.

Create your own healthy snacks with the suggestions below. They’re all around 100 calories. And they’re all packed with the nutrients your body needs plus fiber to keep you feeling full.

How are your New Year resolutions coming along? It’s never too late to reinforce achieving your goals with some specific tactics!

Behavior experts say that it takes about 1 month to form new habits, and many people try to create (or break) habits at the start of each year. With the right attitude and focus, you can stick to your New Year’s resolutions and achieve long-term success. Here are just a few tips to help you do exactly that.

“You don’t have to be great to START, but you do have to START to be great!”

WHAT IS ACTIVE RECOVERY—AND WHY IS IT SO GOOD FOR YOU? | Karen Ansel, MS, RDN

As we head into a new calendar year, many people will reflect upon the previous year and look forward to the New Year. We will all be inundated with “New Year, New You!” type of advertisements.

So what exactly do you want to accomplish in 2023? Is it something health related such as losing weight, growing your business or starting a new business, or is it something about your personal development?

Whatever you want to achieve this year, you probably need to make some type of change to yourself or your habits. Here are some tips on changing your habits to meet your goals.

This post originally was published at the end of 2017. We appreciate Brittany’s timeless advice!

7 THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW TO BOOST YOUR MOOD | Elizabeth Millard, SilverSneakers

Need a pick-me-up? Try one — or several — of these evidence-back strategies to relieve stress and improve your mood.

It’s normal to have moments of feeling down or stressed. Sometimes the reason is obvious. (You’re running late. Foul weather ruined a planned outing.) Other times, the culprit is a mystery. Either way, what you want is to turn the day around — fast. The good news is that there are many simple things you can do in the moment to boost your mood. Not only will you feel better, your overall health will reap the benefits, too. Finding meaningful ways to brighten your outlook can be good for your physical health, says Scott Kaiser, MD. He’s a geriatrician and director of geriatric cognitive health for Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

“Mental and physical health are not separate. They affect each other in powerful ways,” he says. “For example, if you do things to lift your emotional health, it can have a ripple effect on your sleep, energy levels, and chronic pain. So, it’s worth making the effort to find simple ways to find joy every day.”

Try adding one or more of these evidence-backed strategies to your daily routine.

Instant mood lifter #1: Get moving with a friend Exercise is a well-known mood-booster. An abundance of research shows it is effective for treating depression, according to a 2021 review published in frontiers in psychiatry. Any kind of movement works, says Dr. Kaiser. And adding a social component can help even more.

That doesn’t mean you need to recruit a pal every time you exercise. But if you’re feeling down, calling a friend while taking a walk can be a powerful combo, he notes.

Instant mood lifter #2: Go outside Whether you’re in a city park, on a woodsy hiking trail, or on your own front stoop, there’s ample evidence that being in nature can improve your mental health. Spending time in nature can improve everything from cognitive function and memory to happiness and general well-being, reports the American Psychology Association (APA).

A study in frontiers in psychology found that even looking at green space can lower stress levels. How much time should you spend outdoors? One 2019 study found that about 2 hours a week is the sweet spot. And it doesn’t matter if that comes from one long hike or short daily strolls in your neighborhood.

Instant mood lifter #3: Drink a glass of water Research suggests that mild dehydration can affect your mood, thinking skills and alertness, according to a 2019 review published in the journal nature. Dehydration creates a higher concentration of sodium in the blood stream, explains Barbara Bergin, MD. She’s a surgeon at Texas Orthopedics in Austin.

“This causes a shift in cellular water from our brain cells into the blood stream,” Dr. Bergin says. “So, our brain cells shrink and they don’t work as well.”

That may result in confusion, sluggishness, and poor concentration. Stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day — don’t wait until you feel thirsty.

Try this: breathe in for a count of four. Hold your breath for four more counts. Then breathe out for a count of six. Do this five times.

If you’re feeling calmer, it’s not your imagination. A research review in frontiers in human neuroscience suggests breathwork like this can have a significant effect on your nervous system and psychological status.

Those researchers noted that slow breathing can increase feelings of relaxation while also making you more alert. This type of exercise is particularly potent when you’re feeling stressed, angry or anxious.

Press play to try a mindful breathing exercise with silversneakers live instructor shannon thigpen: click here

Many of us turn to food for a mood boost. But so-called “comfort foods” might be having the opposite effect in the long term, says stephen perrine, coauthor of the whole body reset.

For example, some studies have found that eating more refined carbs and sugar is linked to depression and mood disorders, according to a 2020 analysis in bmj. On the other hand, diets high in fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes and fatty fish may improve your mood.

Not sure where to start? Perrine recommends filling up on magnesium-rich foods. Magnesium is a mineral that plays a key role in brain function and mood. Leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, almonds, peanut butter and legumes are good sources.

There’s a reason you tend to feel better when you listen to your favorite music: it changes the chemistry in your brain, according to research published in frontiers in psychology.

Increases oxytocin — the hormone linked to warm-and-fuzzy feelings that also has been shown to help lower stress and anxiety

Decreases cortisol — aka the “stress hormone” because one of its jobs is to regulate the body’s stress response

Lowers blood pressure — stress contributes to risk factors associated with high blood pressure, notes the american heart association

In one small japanese study, for example, participants were asked to take 10-minute baths every day for two weeks, followed by two weeks of daily showers. Along the way, their levels of stress, anxiety, fatigue, and feelings of “dejection-depression” were closely monitored.

The result? At the end of the study, bathing was determined to be more beneficial to participants’ state of mind. There were even noted physical benefits, too.

A nice, hot bath increases blood flow, supplying more oxygen to your organs — including your brain. That can help relieve fatigue, stress, and pain. Use your time in the tub to meditate or practice breathing exercises for even more mood-boosting power.

The bottom line: keep in mind that these are all meant to be mood boosters when you’re feeling lackluster. If you’re experiencing frequent or chronic bouts of anxiety, depression, or other mental health struggles, dr. Kaiser suggests talking to your doctor about what’s going on.

Mental health problems are treatable — the first step is starting the conversation with your doctor or other trusted health care professional.

Remember, it really is just about moderation. Enjoy your holidays! We’ll worry about the resolutions in January!

SO GOOD YOU WON’T BELIEVE THEY’RE BOOZE-FREE | Leslie Barrie, Everyday Health

While there’s evidence that alcohol consumption increased during the pandemic, people are now looking to bring their drinking down a notch — or stop drinking altogether. One beverage industry analysis published in 2022 found that drinking alcohol is on the decline, with millennials and high-income consumers slashing their alcohol bills the most.

Whether you decide to cut back on or give up alcohol to benefit your wallet, your health, or any other reason, you have plenty of beverage options besides plain water.

There’s scientific proof that pressing pause on alcohol (or avoiding it forever more) can help you look and feel better. A study published in July 2022 in the journal Molecular Psychiatry shows that alcohol may accelerate biological aging. Another study, published in July 2022 in the journal The Lancet, found that people under 40 should avoid alcohol because of the risks that come along with drinking (while older people may benefit from an occasional drink, like a glass of red wine).

Booze can interfere with sleep, another vital component of good health. “Alcohol prior to bedtime allows you to fall asleep faster, but your quality of sleep is impaired, so you’ll wake up feeling less well rested than if you didn’t have alcohol or if you had just one drink,” says Christine Palumbo, a registered dietitian nutritionist in private practice in Naperville, Illinois. Research confirms that higher alcohol intake is associated with poorer sleep quality.

Cutting back on alcohol has been shown to help lower your risk for several chronic diseases. “Alcohol increases the risk of several cancers, including colon and breast cancer, per the National Cancer Institute. Even just one drink a day can increase your breast cancer risk,” says Karen Ansel, a registered dietitian nutritionist on Long Island, New York.

“People forget that alcohol is a known carcinogen,” adds Palumbo. One small study published in May 2018 in the journal BMJ Open found that healthy individuals who abstained from alcohol for one month showed improved markers associated with cancer.

The drinking uptick during the COVID-19 pandemic has unfortunately had a big impact on the population’s health. A modeling study published in December 2021 in the journal Hepatology found that a one-year increase in alcohol is estimated to result in about 8,000 additional deaths due to alcohol-associated liver disease.

Going booze-free may also have benefits for your mental health. Nondrinkers tend to rate their well-being highest, suggested a study published in July 2019 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Researchers also observed that for women, quitting alcohol was associated with better self-reported mental well-being. They didn’t see the same effect for men but concluded that kicking the habit may still be emotionally worthwhile for men. Also, even light drinking (one drink per day) is associated with harm to the brain, including reduced brain volume, per research published in March 2022 in the journal Nature Communications, and the impact on the brain is even bigger if people consume more.

So if you’re considering going on the wagon, you’re in luck. Research published in November 2020 in the journal Psychology and Health supports the perks of foregoing alcohol for a month: Participating in Dry January (when people are encouraged to abstain from alcohol during the month) increased study participants’ well-being and ability to handle stressful situations, and the results were more pronounced for the people who were able to successfully complete the challenge.

What’s making it easier than ever to cut back on alcohol is the fact that there are so many alternatives. First, there’s the nonalcoholic craft beer movement, with brands like Al’s, Athletic Brewing Company, Bravus, and Partake gaining huge followings. There are also craft nonalcoholic wines (like Töst and Ariel) and spirits (like Seedlip and Curious Elixirs). More bartenders are having fun creating innovative alcohol-free drinks that aren’t full of sugar and syrups packed with artificial ingredients.

“Mocktails are definitely a wellness trend,” says Palumbo. “So many of us are trying to minimize the toxins in our body, whether that’s with the makeup we put on, the cleaners we use around the house, or the food we eat — so avoiding alcohol is another piece of this low-toxin environment we’re creating.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drinking moderately reduces the risk of alcohol-related issues. The CDC defines “moderate” as no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men. The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines define one drink as 5 ounces (oz) of wine, 12 oz of beer, or a cocktail with 1.5 oz of liquor per day.

If you’re looking to limit or eliminate alcohol from your diet for any reason, these 10 tasty mocktail recipes, created by registered dietitians, can be great alternatives.

Move over, Shirley Temple — these healthy nonalcoholic drink recipes are sophisticated, full of flavor, and good for you, too!

For 10 delicious, healthy Mocktail recipes including Sparkling Blood Orange Mocktail, Pomegranate Ginger Sparkler and Green Tea Virgin Sangria, click HERE

TRUTH FROM FICTION: COMMON MYTHS ABOUT WEIGHT LOSS | Medically Reviewed by UPMC Bariatric Services

Trying to lose weight? Looking for a diet that really works? Hoping for a routine you can actually stick with for the long term? You’re not alone. With so many resources claiming to provide helpful weight loss tips, it can be tough to separate fact from fiction.

Here are some common weight loss myths and facts to dispel them. Remember to consult your doctor before making any major lifestyle or diet changes.

Fact: The idea here is that your body won’t have time to burn off any calories you consume right before bed. But what time you eat doesn’t matter nearly as much as what you eat. Your body burns calories 24/7 so eating before bed doesn’t necessarily affect weight loss.

The problem, MIT Medical explains, is that nighttime snacks tend to include unhealthy processed or fast foods that are convenient or satisfy cravings. People who snack before bed also tend to pay less attention to portion control because they eat while watching TV or studying. In these cases, eating before bed can hinder weight loss.

Myth: You can lose weight effectively without exercising if you’re eating right.

Fact: If you want to lose weight and keep it off, you must maintain a balanced routine of healthy eating and exercise. Here’s one of the key facts about weight loss: The only way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you consume. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, that generally involves regular exercise throughout the week, not just eating more veggies.

Fact: Not only can fad diets do your body more harm than good, there’s also no one-size-fits-all solution to weight loss. The American Academy of Family Physicians warns against participating in quick-fix fad diets because:

The Academy recommends consulting with your doctor to create a customized weight loss plan that takes into consideration things like the types of fats and sugars you’re eating, portion sizes, and ways to stay active.

Fact: According to NHS England, skipping meals is actually detrimental to your health and fitness because it can result in nutrient deficiencies. It can also lead to more snacking on fatty and sugary foods, which can cause weight gain.

Fact: Water doesn’t make you lose weight. But drinking plenty of water is essential for a healthy body. It can also help you avoid mistaking thirst for hunger.

When you need to reset and find some calm, a few minutes of mindfulness meditation can do the trick — and getting started is easier than you might think.

Here’s a secret SilverSneakers Master Trainer Sharlyn Green is happy to spill: “You can find peace anytime, anywhere.” No, you don’t need to check into a spa, book a flight to a faraway island, or even hide out in a dark room. “You can create a calm environment for yourself wherever you are with mindfulness meditation,” Green says. She’s a certified yoga teacher who leads Mindfulness & Meditation (Express) classes on SilverSneakers LIVE. “Even a short burst of mindfulness meditation in the middle of a busy day can have a huge effect on your well-being,” she adds. What Is Mindfulness Meditation You’ve heard of mindfulness and of meditation. But chances are the idea of “mindfulness meditation” as a duo may be new to you. This quick explainer may help: Mindfulness is a practice, or a mindset, aiming to focus attention on the present. “It’s paying attention to our present moment experiences with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to be with that experience,” says Diana Winston, head of mindfulness education at the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center and author of the Little Book of Being, who’s taught thousands of students, including many seniors. Meditation is a technique that can help you practice mindfulness. Meditation comes in a few different forms. The one that often comes to mind is known as concentrative meditation. It’s where you tune out your surroundings and focus on one thing — your breath or a specific phrase or word — to reach a calm place and a higher state of being. Mindfulness meditation is a technique that can help you with your mindfulness practice. It draws on simple breathing and thought “exercises” to keep you grounded in the present and help you feel less stressed and more open and aware. “If you’re anything like most people, you probably spend more time than you should playing back past events in your mind or worrying about the future,” Green says. “Mindfulness meditation is a wonderful way to bring yourself back into the now. It’s a skill that can help you cope with stress.“The best thing about mindfulness meditation,” Green adds, “is that it’s simple and it doesn’t take a lot of time to get the hang of.” That’s why she recommends it for anyone who is just dipping their toes into a mindful practice — and it’s also the type she teaches for SilverSneakers LIVE. The Health Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation“There are so many benefits to mindfulness that it’s almost hard to narrow it down,” Green says. But here are the highlights. Mindfulness meditation isn’t a medical treatment, but it has been shown to help:

Lower blood pressure
Boost the immune system
Ease and manage chronic pain symptoms associated with arthritis, back pain, and fibromyalgia
Manage symptoms of depression and anxiety

Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, found that just two weeks of meditation training helped individuals stay focused and improve their working memory, while also reducing the occurrence of distracting thoughts.

Meditation may help you sleep better, too. A UCLA study found that older adults with insomnia who took a six-week mindfulness course reported significant improvement in their quality of sleep.

And it didn’t take as long as you might think. Their homework started with five minutes of mindfulness practice each day and progressed to 20 minutes daily by week six.

Research published in the journal Nature even suggests that mindfulness meditation may foster a spirit of cooperation and altruism.

How does meditation provide all these benefits? It all starts with how you handle stress.

What Happens in Your Body When You Meditate

Meditation helps you respond to stress differently, says Emily Lindsay, Ph.D., a University of Pittsburgh psychology expert who’s been researching mindfulness meditation for a decade. It interrupts your body’s “stress response.” The stress response is a cascade of physiological changes that includes heart pounding, quicker breathing, and increased sweating when your body is faced with a challenge.

“Stress is a brain-centered phenomenon that can be triggered by thoughts, but its effects happen physically in your body,” Green says.

Over time, repeated activation of this stress response — also known as chronic stress — could lead to high blood pressure and inflammation, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. That can lay the groundwork for cardiovascular problems, reports Harvard Health.

“Mindfulness offers just the right tools to combat these physical signs,” Green says.

In people who meditate regularly, stress tends to evoke less of a reaction in the body, Lindsay’s research has found. In one study, participants who practiced 20 minutes of mindfulness daily for two weeks saw lower blood pressure and cortisol levels in response to stress compared with a control group that learned common coping techniques instead.

(Important caveat: Only those who were taught to approach mindfulness with the right attitude — that is, an attitude of acceptance — saw this benefit, Lindsay notes. More on that in Tip #6, below.)

Another study coauthored by Lindsay suggests that meditation may combat “glucocorticoid resistance” in older adults who self-reported feelings of loneliness. That’s when the immune cells become less sensitive to cortisol’s anti-inflammatory effects in response to chronic stress.

When Do the Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation Kick In

We don’t have the data to say, Winston says. “We’ve seen benefits with small increments,” Winston says, but we also know that more is better.

“We like to start people off with five minutes,” she adds. “The students who are practicing even five minutes a day are finding benefits.”

As with any new skillset, consistency is important. It’s crucial to start with a manageable goal, build up slowly, and find what works for you.

“If you say to meditate for an hour, people will not do it,” Winston notes. “The bar is too high.”

In her six-week class — the same one from that sleep study mentioned earlier — Winston has her students start with five minutes and add time every two weeks. So they progress from five minutes, to 10, to 15, and finally to 20 by the end of the course.

Ready to give meditation a try? All you need is five minutes — and a bit of advice.

7 Mindfulness Meditation Tips

1. Try a SilverSneakers LIVE Mindfulness & Meditation Express class This online group class is a great way to try out new mindfulness techniques from the comfort of your couch — but with a trained instructor on hand who can answer questions.

“Nobody else can see you while you’re in my mindfulness class, so it’s a totally judgment-free zone,” Green says. “You can be in your pajamas, or you can be dressed to the nines. Nobody will know.”

Members who join Green’s class often tell her about the real-world benefits they get from mindfulness meditation.

“They’ll say things like, ‘I tried your breathing technique when I went to the dentist and it really helped me calm down,’” Green says.

Check your eligibility, view the current schedule, and RSVP here.

2. Designate a spot and a time of day. No, you don’t need a special meditation pillow. Any chair or even your bed will do. But you do want to meditate in the same spot and at the same time every day.

As with any new habit, creating cues like time and place can help it stick, Winston says. “It’ll train your mind that this is where you’re meditating,” she says, “in this particular chair at this time of day.”

Pick a location where you’re not likely to be disturbed, Winston says. And choose whatever time works for you.

“For me, I like to meditate before the day starts because if I don’t I just get into the busy-ness of the day,” says Winston.

Others like to meditate before bed or when they get home from work or after their day’s activities.

3. Sneak meditation into your existing routine. Consider tying meditation to a habit you already do, Winston suggests. For example, every time you make your morning cup of coffee, meditate for five minutes.

Again, consistency and repetition are key. Tying meditation to a habit you already have will help remind you to do it each day.

Recommended reading: 6-Day Mindfulness Challenge

4. Get comfortable. There’s no rule about sitting cross-legged to meditate. You can also sit in a chair with your feet on the floor or even lie down. Pick whatever position is comfortable for you and makes you feel supported, Winston says.

5. Tune into your breath. Mindfulness is about focusing on your present experience. That could be just about anything — sounds that are happening around you, physical sensations, or emotions. A common starting place is to zero in on your breath.

“It’s something that’s always there to observe, so it can help you get the hang of focusing on the present,” Lindsay says.

Focus on wherever you feel your breath the strongest, says Winston. That could be the rise and fall of your chest, the expanding and contracting of your stomach, or the sensation of breath through your nose.

One mindfulness meditation breathing exercise that is good for beginners is called Box Breathing:

Breathe in slowly for four counts
Hold your breath for four counts
Breathe out slowly for four counts
Hold your breath for four counts
Repeat the sequence as many times as you’d like

6. Approach mindfulness meditation with openness and curiosity. Remember that attitude piece that Lindsay talked about earlier? According to her research, that part is really important — and really hard.

We humans are wired for mind-wandering, Winston says — it helps us scan for threats, plan for the future, and remember the past. “It’s a survival tactic,” she says.

When you’re meditating and being instructed not to do that, it can feel like a struggle. “Early on in mindfulness training, people report feeling frustrated and aggravated,” Lindsay says. “But once you learn that attitude of acceptance and equanimity, you’re not fighting yourself so hard. You’re being kind to yourself.”

7. Download an app. Mindfulness meditation apps are another useful tool to help you begin a mindfulness practice. Headspace and Calm are two of the most well-known. Others include Ten Percent Happier and Brightmind Meditation. UCLA has its own app, called UCLA Mindful, guided by Winston and her fellow instructors.

Whichever app you choose, start with the free version and see how you respond to it, Winston says. It’s important that you connect with it and that you like the instructor’s voice. If you don’t like the instructor’s voice, choose a different instructor — or a different app.

The JCC offers a full slate of SilverSneakers classes! View our in-person class schedules for Squirrel Hill and South Hills HERE

5 BEST WAYS TO GET IN YOUR EXERCISE WHILE YOU TRAVEL FOR THE HOLIDAYS | healthline.com

Thanksgiving and the December holidays can be a bit of a challenge for health conscious individuals. All that good food and drink can add up and before you know it, you have consumed well over a day’s worth of calories in just one meal.

To be honest, a once-per-year day of overeating isn’t likely to sabotage your diet plans, although sustaining this eating behavior throughout the Holiday season might lead to a few extra pounds to lose in the New Year. The good news is that there are some simple changes you can make to your Thanksgiving plans that will save you some calories (without sacrificing taste or your reputation) and add some fun to your holiday.

8 HEALTHY EATING RULES YOU SHOULD IGNORE | Christine Byrne, SilverSneakers

Registered dietitians reveal the popular advice they never follow—and why you shouldn’t either.

There’s no shortage of nutrition advice available on the internet. And that’s not always a good thing.

On the one hand, you have quick access to high-quality resources from the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They’re incredibly valuable when you have questions.

On the other hand, you have Google, which is where most people go first when searching for answers. This is not always a problem, but the results page is usually a mixed bag, including both truly useful, science-backed information and some subpar sources with little or no real evidence behind their claims.

How do you separate fact from fiction? Always consider the source. Look for nutrition information that’s written by or sourced from registered dietitians, doctors, or trusted organizations like the ones mentioned above. A website that ends in .org, .gov, or .edu is a good sign you’re in the safe zone.

Still, even with due diligence, it’s inevitable you’ll encounter some questionable advice that doesn’t make sense for you or your lifestyle. If you have a chronic condition or are recovering from a serious illness or injury, it’s vital to get personalized nutrition guidance from your doctor or registered dietitian. Good nutrition can help you minimize symptoms or recover faster.

If you’re generally healthy, it’s still a good idea to talk about your diet when you see your doctor for checkups.

In the meantime, we asked experienced registered dietitians to set the record straight on eight nutrition “rules” they never follow. Here’s why you may want to ignore this advice as well.

Ignore This: Cut All Sugar from Your Diet “While most people can benefit from reducing their sugar intake, going completely sugar-free isn’t necessary,” says Nazima Qureshi, M.P.H., R.D., a Toronto-based dietitian.

“When someone goes totally sugar-free, they often skip out on fruits too, which deprives them of key nutrients,” she says. Naturally occurring sugars in fruits, vegetables, dairy, starch, and other carb sources are an important part of a balanced diet.

Even completely cutting out added sugars—from sweetened foods like dessert, flavored yogurt, and other packaged food—isn’t always a good idea. It’s true these foods shouldn’t make up the majority of your diet, but they’re fine in moderation, Qureshi says.

“Extreme restriction of any food is likely going to make you think about it all day,” she says. “Instead, enjoy sugar from natural sources such as fruit most of the time, then enjoy that once-in-a-while slice of cake or whatever treat you prefer without guilt.”

Ignore This: Count Calories Counting calories isn’t always a bad idea, but “when someone is calorie counting, they often forget to consider the rest of the macronutrient distribution—carbohydrates, fat, and protein,” Qureshi says.

That’s a problem, since the number of calories in any given food doesn’t represent how nutrient-dense it is, she says. “This often results in selecting food options that are low-cal but may not be very nutritious.”

For example, avocado is relatively high-calorie (about 320 calories in one avocado, or about 80 calories in ¼ avocado), but it packs healthy monounsaturated fats and many essential vitamins and minerals. A fat-free cookie, on the other hand, might be low in calories, but it’s also lacking nutrients, fat, and fiber, meaning it won’t be nearly as satisfying.

The bottom line: “You can eat healthy without knowing the exact number of calories in every single meal,” Qureshi says. For overall good health, focus on what you’re eating and keeping portions in check.

If you’re not sure what to eat, check out the new food pyramid for older adults. Hint: Aim to fill half your plate at every meal with fruits and vegetables, then add some whole grains, lean protein, and a little dairy.

Ignore This: Only Shop the Perimeter of the Grocery Store “You can find highly nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, and fish around the perimeter of the grocery store, but that doesn’t mean you should completely avoid the center aisles,” says Stephanie McKercher, R.D.N., a Denver-based dietitian and blogger at Grateful Grazer.

The interior aisles are filled with healthy staples like beans, whole grains, spices, nuts, and canned tomatoes, which are just as important as fresh protein and produce.

“Even convenience foods like low-sodium canned soups, protein bars, crackers, and granola can easily fit into an overall healthy lifestyle,” McKercher says. “I look for foods made with primarily whole food ingredients, and I also opt for brands that are local to my area whenever possible.”

Ignore This: Too Much Protein Is Bad for Your Kidneys Unless you have kidney disease or another condition that affects your kidneys, this likely isn’t a concern. Among other things, “protein helps with retaining muscle, keeping us feeling full, and fat loss,” says Erik Bustillo, R.D., a dietitian in Miami.

Adequate protein is even more important for older adults, since muscle mass gradually decreases with age. Plus, you don’t absorb or metabolize amino acids—the building blocks of protein—as efficiently as you did when you were younger, so consuming more protein can help make up for that inefficiency.

Exactly how much protein you need depends on your height, weight, activity level, and any health conditions you have, but it’s likely more than you’re eating right now. In fact, many experts believe that to maintain muscle mass and proper functioning, older adults need to eat double the amount of protein they needed in their younger years, says Abby Sauer, M.P.H., R.D., a dietitian specializing in adult and geriatric nutrition. That’s right, double!

That translates to about 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight. What else to keep in mind: Getting more protein doesn’t mean loading up on red meat. Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are terrific plant-based sources of protein.

Ignore This: Low-Carb, High-Fat Diets Are the Key to Weight Loss This is really two myths rolled into one. First, the belief that carbs make you fat is totally untrue. Carbs can cause weight gain, but only if you’re consuming so many that you eat more calories than you need every day, Bustillo says. “That’s true of any food—it’s not unique to carbs.”

For the second myth, just as there’s nothing uniquely bad about carbs, there’s nothing magic about eating primarily fats. While a low-carb, high-fat diet like the trendy ketogenic diet can be done in a healthy way, it’s not inherently healthy, Bustillo explains.

“We need to consume fats, including saturated fats, but not in excess,” he says.

While some research shows the ketogenic diet may be helpful in managing certain conditions, such as epilepsy, it’s not far better for weight loss. Successful weight loss comes from consistently eating fewer calories than you burn, not from cutting out entire food groups, Bustillo says.

If you think the ketogenic diet—or any other diet—might make sense for you, the first step is to talk to your doctor. He or she can help determine the best plan based on your unique health status and goals.

Ignore This: Eating Soy Messes with Your Hormones “Soybeans are the primary ingredient in tofu, tempeh, soy milk, and miso,” McKercher explains. There are many misconceptions around soy, including that it causes feminizing effects in men, but a strong body of scientific research debunks such claims, she says.

Soy gets a bad rap because it contains plant estrogens, also called phytoestrogens. “These are different than human estrogens and seem to have neutral or beneficial effects on our health,” McKercher says.

Fermented soy products, such as tempeh and miso, also contain probiotics which can promote healthy digestion. “So in addition to being a good plant-based protein source, fermented soy is a great option for vegans or anyone who isn’t getting enough gut-healthy bacteria from dairy products,” she says.

Just be sure to look for whole soy products: tofu, edamame, and fermented products. And stay away from heavily processed proteins and soy products—just like you would other heavily processed items.

Ignore This: You Should Reduce Your Dairy Intake If milk, yogurt, and other dairy products upset your stomach or you just don’t enjoy them, go ahead and cut back. But don’t do it simply because you think you should.

“As long as no allergy is present, dairy can definitely be part of a healthy diet,” Bustillo says. Dairy is often a good source of protein and calcium, which is a great combination for preventing muscle and bone loss in older adults.

Bone health isn’t the only thing calcium is good for—it impacts your overall well-being. If you aren’t getting enough, it can affect your sleep and mood, which can negatively impact your ability to exercise, maintain a healthy blood pressure, and stay social.

Ignore This: All Supplements Are Bad Supplements have a bad reputation for good reason: They’re not regulated in the same way as prescription and over-the-counter medications.

This means many of the products on the market don’t actually do what they claim to do. In fact, they may not even contain the levels of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients listed on their packaging.

But this doesn’t mean you should write off supplements altogether, Bustillo says. “If anything, they can help prevent deficiencies.”

Even if you eat an overall healthy diet, you might be low in certain nutrients, especially as you get older. Before taking any supplements, talk to your doctor about your current diet, health, lifestyle, and all the medications you take.

But if that isn’t enough to fully convince you, here are five further reasons that swimming needs to be part of your training plan.

5 Epic Benefits of Adding Swimming to Your Training Plan

1. Swimming Strengthens Your Core

Maintaining core strength throughout your life is critical. Not only does a strong core help prevent injury and protect your vital organs, but it also stabilizes your body, enabling you to move freely and flexibly.

According to swim coach and personal trainer Kay Lynne Firsching, swimming is one of the best core exercises you can do because the strokes themselves demand a streamlined position in the water.

2. It’s a Full-Body Workout

The more you swim and improve your stroke, the more you’ll strengthen your core. And not only that, but as you power up your core, you’ll also recruit muscles in your legs, arms, and upper body.

“Swimming is a total-body exercise,” Firsching, who is also a record-holding weight lifter, says. “All of your major muscle groups have to work together to move your body in the pool.”

3. Swimming Boosts Your Breath and Overall Lung Health

A pool workout combines strength training with great cardio conditioning because when your heart’s doing some heavy lifting, your lungs will pitch in to help.

Of course, the larger the lungs, the more oxygen they can hold and send to the muscles, keeping you powering down that pool longer.

4. Swimming Relieves Stress

Learning to control your breath can help in managing stress, too. Scientific studies have revealed major improvements in well-being and reduced anxiety through deliberate breathing exercises. But aside from the breath conditioning that swimming supports, the activity itself has been shown to help manage stress and stress-related symptoms.

5. Swimming Helps With Recovery

Finally, even if you’re not sure that you want to swap sweating in the gym for swimming in the pool, just tagging a swim to the end of training can bring you so many benefits.

“Try swimming for 10-15 minutes after a hard workout,” Firsching suggests. “Your recovery will be so much better.”

“Swimming really is one of those activities that has so many benefits to offer serious athletes,” she says.

What’s the difference between normal mental health and mental disorders? Sometimes the answer is clear, but often the distinction isn’t so obvious. For example, if you’re afraid of giving a speech in public, does it mean you have a mental health disorder or a run-of-the-mill case of nerves? Or, when does shyness become a case of social phobia?

What is mental health?

Mental health is the overall wellness of how you think, regulate your feelings and behave. Sometimes people experience a significant disturbance in this mental functioning. A mental disorder may be present when patterns or changes in thinking, feeling or behaving cause distress or disrupt a person’s ability to function. A mental health disorder may affect how well you:

Cultural norms and social expectations also play a role in defining mental health disorders. There is no standard measure across cultures to determine whether a behavior is normal or when it becomes disruptive. What might be normal in one society may be a cause for concern in another. Read more from the Mayo Clinic here.

Even if you’ve been a couch potato for decades, now is the perfect time to get up, get moving, and get fit. Here’s why—and how.

Looking for a fountain of youth? Just look for your sneakers. Then lace them up and get moving.Exercise can turn back the clock, jumpstart your energy, and restore your health.That’s the message we heard over and over when we asked the SilverSneakers Facebook community for a dose of fitness inspiration. Some said they didn’t start exercising until they were well into their 60s, but a desire to thrive in their retirement years sparked their interest.Others fell out of the fitness habit during the hustle and bustle of raising families and building careers in midlife. Often, a health scare is what lit the fire to move more.Whatever the reason, this group is clearly on to something. Physical activity is key to a happier, healthier life for older adults, according to 2020 research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. It helps protect against some of the biggest health problems older adults face: heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and falls. It also wards off depression and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.As for that fountain of youth? Getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week has been linked to a 20 percent lower risk of early death from any cause, according to a 2022 report from the American Heart Association.But even small amounts of activity — five to 10 minutes, if that’s what you can manage — can help your health. In other words, exercise won’t make you live forever, but it could help you live longer and better.Here, SilverSneakers community members share the steps they’ve taken to prioritize their fitness, no matter how many birthdays they’ve celebrated.Step #1: Start Small Maybe you haven’t played sports since high school, or maybe you’ve never exercised before. That’s okay. Starting small is good, and just starting is even better.Just ask Lori H., who started SilverSneakers classes after she retired at 68. Now in her mid-70s, she says, “I am in the best shape of my life. I can do over 12 pushups from the floor and hold the plank for 90 seconds. My clothes fit better, and I have the energy now to hike in North Carolina with my husband.”Lori finds inspiration among her fellow exercisers. She points out, “There are ladies in my class who are in their late 80s and two who are 90.”Step #2: Find a Workout Partner Ideally, recruit someone around your own age. Seniors stick to their fitness routines best when they work out together, science says.In fact, older adults who participated in a fitness program with others in their age group were three times more likely to come to exercise classes, according to researchers from the University of British Columbia.That’s the kind of camaraderie that keeps Linda J. showing up for workouts.“I started in my 60s after being diagnosed with diabetes,” she says. “I go to a senior center, and I love the group — I wouldn’t do it at home on my own!”Step #3: Ignore Your Excuses It may be great to have a friend to exercise with, but if you’re on your own, don’t be nervous. Take a deep breath and do it anyway.“Don’t wait for your spouse or buddy to get started,” says Susan S., who started yoga at 60 and SilverSneakers classes at 67.“If I had waited for those folks, I’d still be waiting — and 22 pounds heavier,” she says. “You have to be your own advocate and care about yourself and your well-being. You deserve to feel good!”Plus, you never know — you could meet your new best friend. “I’ve met some wonderful, interesting, fun folks,” Susan says.And those new friends come with health benefits. Social isolation is comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes per day, according to Brigham Young University researchers. Maintaining strong relationships can improve your health and quality of life.Step #4: Embrace New Experiences In her 60s, Bunny D. was an exercise newbie. “I’d never been active,” she says. “But I moved in to take care of my mom, and I need to be strong to care for her.”Bunny started with a SilverSneakers water aerobics class and soon added walking. Things really took off from there.She’s even walked-jogged two 5Ks, she says. In one race, she finished first in her age group. And in the other, second.Your body isn’t the only thing that will benefit from new challenges. Learning and trying new things keeps the brain healthy and cuts your risk of dementia.Step #5: Make It a Habit Robin H. was always active — bicycling, gardening, riding horses — but she never went to the gym. That changed after surviving cancer and recovering from a heart attack in her early 60s.“I turned into a gym rat,” she says. At first, her workout schedule was tough. “But it became the backbone of my life. It gave my life order, purpose, and a challenge.”Now in her 70s, Robin exercises three to four times a week. “What keeps me going is how good I feel physically and how much I enjoy the accomplishment. Exercise is a part of my life now, and I feel privileged every time I go to the gym.”Step #6: Start Again If You Need To If you grew up very active but put exercise on the back burner in your 30s or 40s because “life got in the way and work took too much time,” Susan B. understands completely.“The next thing I knew, I was 59 and had a double mastectomy,” she recalls. “I was so depressed. I was using a cane, was very overweight, and wouldn’t look at myself in the mirror.”But Susan’s story doesn’t end there. “I realized I was not going to live long the way I was going,” she says.She joined a senior activity center. “I met so many people like me. We encourage each other and support each other,” she says.By her late 60s, Susan was walking a couple of miles at a time without a cane. She also goes to a chair yoga class three days a week, and has learned to use fitness equipment at her gym. She’s even taking fewer pain medications.More than that, she has a positive outlook on life. “I’m happier, and I know I have many more happy days to come.”Her top tip? “Get up and tell yourself you are worth it — then go have fun!”