SMART Goals in Nutrition: A Clear Path to Healthy Eating

When it comes to nutrition, many people set out with the intention of eating healthier, but all too often, these goals are vague and hard to measure. Whether it’s eating “better” or losing “a few pounds,” these general goals can lead to confusion, lack of motivation, and, eventually, frustration when results aren’t seen. Without a […]
Your Fundamental Guide to Heart-Healthy Living

Your heart is essential for life. It pumps oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood throughout the body to nourish every single cell. Your heart allows you to think, move, digest food, and do anything that any cell in your body does. When your heart isn’t working well, or has a disease, this doesn’t only affect your heart. […]
More Than Just Relaxation – The Benefits of Massage

Massage therapy is often seen as a luxury or a treat, but did you know that it offers a wide range of health benefits that go far beyond relaxation? Whether you’re dealing with stress, muscle tension, or chronic pain, massage can be a powerful tool for improving your overall well-being. Here are some of the […]
Healthy Holiday Sweets to be Festive and Fit

With the holiday season just around the corner, a delightful array of treats will be on display alongside the festive lights. While it’s tempting to dive into every sweet treat that comes your way, you can still satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your health goals. Explore Alternatives Consider lowering sugar content by using artificial […]
What are the Health Benefits of Walking?
A regular walking routine can take you places…like the intersection of health and wellness. (As seen in the Sun City West Independent.) Comedian Ellen DeGeneres once said “My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She’s 97 now, and we don’t know where the heck she is.” Humor is good for our health but even better is a brisk daily walk. Here are […]
What to Eat Before, During and After Physical Activity
by Tracy Garrett Baseball great Babe Ruth excelled on a strict diet of hot dogs and beer. Basketball star Maurice Cheeks led the 76ers to the 1983 championship, powered by chocolate-chip cookies and Hawaiian Punch. Women’s half-pipe snowboarder Alexandra Duckworth prepares for every competition by downing two gallons of coffee. Whether you are a professional […]
H2O is the way to go
by Margaret Brown There’s a scene in the 1948 “3 Godfathers” movie where a parched John Wayne and his sidekicks save their necks by drinking water from a barrel cactus. The scene sparked a dispute—that continues to this day—whether barrel cacti actually contain water suitable for human consumption. What’s the answer? Stick around and I […]
What are Some Basic Safety Tips for Surviving the Summer?
ASK THE EXPERT – As seen in the Surprise Independent, June 3, 2015 “Summertime and the living is easy,” goes George Gershwin’s classic song from the opera Porgy and Bess. However, if we aren’t careful, summertime in the Arizona desert can be uneasy, unforgiving and downright unbearable. Here are a few tips to help you beat the heat. Drink Up Our bodies need […]
Is Too Much Sitting not Good for Your Health?
ASK THE EXPERT – As seen in the Surprise Independent, May 20, 2015 By design, humans are not sedentary creatures but technology, despite its countless positives, has turned many of us into sitting ducks. Recent research has shown that prolonged sitting increases one’s risk of death by up to 40 percent. It almost sounds like the plot for a low-budget horror film, “The Attack […]
What is Tai Chi and What are its Health Benefits?
ASK THE EXPERT – As seen in the Surprise Independent, May 6, 2015 Tai chi is an ancient martial art that has survived for centuries because of its many health benefits. It focuses on slow movement and deep breathing, designed to integrate the mind and body into one. Tai chi teachers demonstrate a gentle series of flowing, circular movements, which class members imitate. It’s non-competitive, easy to […]