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JCC State of Mind – November 8, 2024

Posted by Jason Kunzman, President & CEO on November 8, 2024

Last night, along with a number of JCC colleagues, I had the honor and privilege of attending the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition’s (SHUC) Treasure Awards Dinner. It was an evening filled with inspiration, warmth and a profound sense of community. The ceremony highlighted the exceptional dedication and service of three individuals working tirelessly to make Squirrel Hill a more vibrant, inclusive and thriving neighborhood as well as …

Whole Health Insights: Parents, You Don’t Need to Be Perfect with Your Kids’ Nutrition

Posted by Carolyn Kontos, Wellness and Nutrition Coach on November 5, 2024

On the heels of Halloween, with a mound of leftover candy in my kitchen, I thought "let’s dive into the world of kids’ nutrition!” It's been a long time since I thought about planning kid-friendly meals, so I started by doing a little research. In my pursuit, I stumbled upon a recent study revealing that 62% of kids' breakfasts exceed the Daily Guidelines for added sugar. …

JCC State of Mind – November 1, 2024

Posted by Jason Kunzman, President & CEO on November 1, 2024

Ever since our humble beginnings in Pittsburgh’s Hill District at the turn of the 20th century, in addition to supporting Jewish immigrants adjust to their lives in America, the JCC has supported the legal rights and duties of U.S. citizens, from access to education and healthcare to equal protection under the law and the right to vote. In fact, one of the first classes provided by what eventually …

Whole Health Insights: Intermittent Fasting – What is it and why has been getting so much attention?

Posted by Carolyn Kontos, Wellness and Nutrition Coach on October 29, 2024

Every other day, it seems like there’s a new article about intermittent fasting or you come across someone else giving it a try. The idea behind intermittent fasting is simple: by shrinking the window in which we eat, we can potentially tap into our fat stores for energy more efficiently and lose weight. While there isn’t a ton of large-scale research on the full benefits and …

JCC State of Mind – October 23, 2024

Posted by Jason Kunzman, JCC President and CEO on October 23, 2024

This week’s JCC State of Mind is written by Rabbi Hindy Finman, Senior Director of Jewish Life It’s normal to feel a loss of hope and direction when there is so much heaviness in our hearts and in our communities. I learned early on that my rabbinic responsibility is to honor and respect people where they are on their personal journey; to acknowledge the pain and …

Whole Health Insights: Sleep and Rest – The Unsung Heroes of Health

Posted by Carolyn Kontos, Wellness and Nutrition Coach on October 22, 2024

Over the past few weeks, I’ve shared some tips on what to eat as we age. As it turns out, when we eat is just as important as what we eat. Who knew, right? Sleep and rest are actually the unsung heroes of health—especially if you want to maintain weight and alleviate those aches that seem to appear out of nowhere. I used to think skipping sleep …

JCC State of Mind – October 16, 2024

Posted by Sherree Hall and Chris Herman on October 16, 2024

This week's JCC State of Mind is written by Sherree Hall, Senior Director of Operations, and Chris Herman, Facility Manager The Jewish holiday of Sukkot begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 16. Sukkot celebrates the harvest season and during this holiday, many Jewish people observe and celebrate by eating, relaxing and even sleeping outdoors in a sukkah - a temporary, hut-like dwelling structure. In the Torah, the …

Whole Health Insights: Fat – Setting the Record Straight

Posted by Carolyn Kontos, Wellness and Nutrition Coach on October 16, 2024

Fat - Setting the Record Straight Fat has gotten a bad rap, and it’s no one’s fault. For years, we were told fat was the enemy, especially with its links to chronic disease. The truth is that most people in the US consume too much fat and specifically, the unhealthy kinds. While very well-intended, the response was a tidal wave of advice: “Cut the fat!” It’s a nice …

JCC State of Mind – October 11, 2024

Posted by Jason Kunzman, JCC President and CEO on October 11, 2024

Part of what drew me back to Pittsburgh in 2016 and to join the staff of the JCC in 2017 is the strength of this local community and its ability to come together in shared spaces to celebrate, to activate or to provide one another comfort, support and a sense of belonging. The importance of community gathering is not just about being physically present but about …

Whole Health Insights: Protein – The Unsung Hero of Aging Well

Posted by Carolyn Kontos, Wellness and Nutrition Coach on October 8, 2024

Protein - The Unsung Hero of Aging Well (and Why You Don’t Need Expensive Bars) Protein should not just be a focus for bodybuilders, but for all of us, especially as we age. You’ve probably heard that protein is important, but maybe not for the reasons you think. The truth is, it’s essential for everything from muscle repair to keeping you feeling full longer. These become …

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