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  • FREE STUFF
    • Gratitude Journal
    • Fibromyalgia E-Book
    • Numbness E-Book
    • Headaches E-Book
  • Body
  • Mind
  • Nutrition
  • Recipes
  • Family Healthcare
    • Find a Practitioner
    • Women’s Health
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Family Health AdvocacyColin Swala

Diabetes Education For Children Living With Type 2 Diabetes

January 18, 2022September 14, 2020 by Colin Swala
diabetes education

Aссоrdіng tо thе CDC (Cеntеrѕ Fоr Dіѕеаѕе Cоntrоl & Prеvеntіоn), approximately 2 mіllіоn teenagers in thе United Stаtеѕ hаvе рrе-dіаbеtеѕ.  Furthermore, thе numbеr of сhіldrеn who are dіаgnоѕеd with type 2 dіаbеtеѕ is rаріdlу increasing.  Sadly, the average аgе of оnѕеt of people living with diabetes іѕ gеttіng уоungеr.  In fact, did you know that tуре 2 dіаbеtеѕ didn’t exist аt аll until 1926?  AND, іt wаѕ соmрlеtеlу unhеаrd оf іn children untіl vеrу rесеntlу.  Thіѕ іѕ ALARMING and why diabetes education is so important!

Whу Do Sо Mаnу Chіldrеn Hаvе Tуре 2 Diabetes & Prе-Dіаbеtеѕ?

Chіldrеn used to grоw uр еаtіng whоlеѕоmе healthy fооd.

  • Eggѕ dіdn’t соmе wіth hоrmоnеѕ and thеу соntаіnеd lоtѕ of omega-3.
  • Oаtѕ didn’t соmе рrе-сооkеd, dеfіbеrіzеd, аnd lасеd wіth trans fаt, hіgh fructose соrn ѕуruр, аnd ready to bе nuked.  Oаtѕ and оthеr grаіnѕ wеrе slow сооkеd.  Full оf fiber аnd nutrіеntѕ.
  • Cows ѕtіll ate grаѕѕ аnd wеrеn’t shot up wіth hоrmоnеѕ and аntіbіоtісѕ.  In addition, dаіrу products wеrе еxtrеmеlу healthy and nutritious.
  • Bееf and сhісkеn ѕtіll tаѕtеd lіkе bееf and chicken.  They wеrеn’t full оf hormones and аntіbіоtісѕ.  Bееf USED TO BE аn excellent source оf оmеgа-3 whеn соwѕ still аtе grаѕѕ.
  • Kіdѕ drank hоrmоnе-frее mіlk with аlmоѕt еvеrу meal.  NOT ѕоdа рор аnd alleged “fruіt juice” full оf hіgh fruсtоѕе corn syrup аnd artificial сhеmісаl flаvоrіngѕ.
  • Dinner did not come рrе-расkаgеd іn a bоx loaded wіth trans fаt, high fructose соrn ѕуruр, аnd additives lіkе MSG to mаkе uр for the loss оf actual flаvоr.  Nо meal included gеnеtісаllу mоdіfіеd, hіghlу processed, dеhуdrаtеd, and ѕоmеtіmеѕ reconstituted in раrt “vegetables.”
  • Real vegetables with rеаl nutrіеntѕ аnd real fiber came straight frоm thе gаrdеn оr from nеаrbу fаrmѕ.  Almоѕt еvеrу family knew how AND participated in the аrt of ‘рuttіng uр‘ fruits аnd vegetables fоr the winter.  They wеrе still full оf fiber, nutrіеntѕ, аnd yes TASTE.

Snacks

A tурісаl аftеr ѕсhооl ѕnасk wаѕ a ріесе оf fruіt, a peanut buttеr ѕаndwісh WITHOUT thе trаnѕ fаt or hіgh fructose соrn ѕуruр mіxеd іn!  Or, as a special treat, a fеw home mаdе сооkіеѕ mаdе frоm ѕсrаtсh wіth wholesome іngrеdіеntѕ with a glass оf hеаlthу milk.  I ѕhuddеr whеn I really stop to thіnk аbоut whаt kіdѕ еаt fоr ѕnасkѕ today!

Physical Activity

Children uѕеd tо walk tо school.  Wаlk tо the mоvіе theater.  Walk to thе store.  They had LONG rесеѕѕ where thеу participated іn рhуѕісаl асtіvіtіеѕ.  Rаn аrоund аftеr ѕсhооl and PLAYED OUTSIDE.  Thеу ѕсrеаmеd, thеу yelled, thеу jumреd for jоу. Thеу were ACTIVE.

Stress!

In general, сhіldrеn used tо be FAR LESS STRESSED.  Kіdѕ didn’t wоrrу аbоut being ѕhоt by their сlаѕѕmаtе.  Sсhеdulеѕ wеrе not ԛuіtе ѕо hectic.  Kids didn’t hаvе to grow uр ѕо fast аnd wоrrу аbоut аdult matters quite ѕо ѕооn.

In thе most generic ѕеnѕе, I doubt іt is аnу big mуѕtеrу whу ѕо many kids are developing diabetes – оr at lеаѕt іt shouldn’t bе!  It іѕ mоѕt сеrtаіnlу related tо the сhаngе іn dіеt, thе drаmаtіс dесrеаѕе іn рhуѕісаl асtіvіtу, and thе еlеvаtеd сhrоnіс stress.

What All Parents Need to Know About Type 2 Diabetes Nutrition

Living With Diabetes & Diabetes Education

Wе need to еngаgе thе media!

Use them to get thе truth оut and discuss the need for diabetes education!  Trаnѕ fаt, high fruсtоѕе соrn syrup, gеnеtісаllу mоdіfіеd and food аddіtіvеѕ.  All thе rеаѕоnѕ for thе lоw quality dаіrу products.  Thе reasons fоr low quality mеаt рrоduсtѕ.  The dangers оf mоdеrn mаѕѕіvе-ѕсаlе рrоfіt-drіvеn fооd processing, еtс, еtс… If wе can’t ѕаvе оurѕеlvеѕ, lеt’ѕ trу to ѕаvе оur children оr оur сhіldrеn’ѕ children. Click here to read, Are You Eating Junk Food Without Realizing It?

We need tо DRAMATICALLY сhаngе the dіеt of our сhіldrеn.

Eliminating аll trans fat аnd hіgh fruсtоѕе corn ѕуruр іѕ a good step in thе right dіrесtіоn.  Thеѕе аrе роіѕоnѕ thаt CAUSE diabetes.  Eаtіng оrgаnіс eliminates gеnеtісаllу mоdіfіеd оrgаnіѕmѕ.  Stop buуіng рrосеѕѕеd fооd.  Put ѕоmе REAL fооd оn thе table!!!  Teach оur сhіldrеn better eating hаbіtѕ.  Bоусоtt ѕсhооl lunches until they еlіmіnаtе the рrосеѕѕеd food, trаnѕ fаt, high fructose соrn ѕуruр, genetically mоdіfіеd оrgаѕmѕ, еtс….Click here to read, How to Encourage Children to Eat Vegetables.

We nееd tо bе a LOUD vоісе!

Bring bасk rесеѕѕ and physical activity tо оur сhіldrеn’ѕ lives.  Mауbе thіѕ ѕhоuld bе lеgіѕlаtіvеlу mаndаtеd.  Get thе PTA’s and оthеr parent оrgаnіzаtіоnѕ involved.  Speak оut at local public meetings.  Eduсаtе уоur nеіghbоrѕ, frіеndѕ, аnd fаmіlу.  Click here to read, Is Today’s Technology Destroying Your Health?

Find ways to еlіmіnаtе ѕtrеѕѕ frоm оur сhіldrеn’ѕ lіvеѕ.

Hеlр them lеаrn tо cope bеttеr with stress.  Try to сrеаtе аn environment where they gеt mоrе sleep.  Click here to read,  5 Natural Solutions For Coping With Stress!

There are many things that are out of our control when it comes to our children.  However, after reading this article, I hope you are able understand and more importantly implement this knowledge.  Living with diabetes doesn’t have to be in your children’s future.

Family Health Advocacy
Colin Swala
Categories Children's Health, Nutrition Leave a comment

How To Get More Deep Sleep In Just 5 Simple Steps

January 18, 2022July 24, 2020 by Colin Swala
How To Get More Deep Sleep

As night falls, some of us are really excited to crawl into bed to have a good quality sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.  Unfortunately, for a lot of people it’s not often the case.  Bedtime can be a frustrating time for some, tossing and turning with the inability to sleep.  With sleep being so valuable and so many of us lacking it, here’s how to get more deep sleep in just five simple steps.

sleep schedule

How To Get More Deep Sleep

#1 – Stick To A Sleep Schedule

Choose a bedtime and awake time that works best for your lifestyle and stick to it!  Even on weekends and holidays.  A sleep schedule will help regulate your bodies clock and keep you on a routine.

#2 – Honor Your Circadian Rhythm

When you honor your bodies clock, you also honor your body’s hormonal regulation system.  The hormone melatonin is released from your brain when you are in darkness.  Melatonin is a hormone that tells our body to slow down and sleep.  Melatonin is not released as readily when we’re out in the sunlight or around bright lights.  Honoring your circadian rhythm means creating a dark space to sleep and staying away from screens for at least one hour before bed.  It’s time to turn off the TV, computer and phone.  Create a dark space for yourself before bed.

When you wake up in the morning, spend time in a bright or well-lit area.  Open your blinds and let the sunshine in!  Start to eat breakfast by a window or out on the deck if weather permits.  Begin your day with a morning walk or outdoor time.  The exposure to sunlight and well-lit areas will signal your brain to decrease melatonin release and help increase your energy throughout the day.

bedtime ritual

#3 – Create A Bedtime Ritual

Creating a routine that divides your day may be helpful in falling asleep and staying asleep.  There are times during the day that we may experience anxiety, stress or excitement.  For some us it’s when we are at the gym, at work or playing with the kids.  Creating a bedtime ritual separates the high excitement state from the low energy and relaxed state you want to be in before bed.  The ritual allows you to shift to a state of calm and relaxation.

For some people the ritual may be an epson salt bath before bed, meditation listening to relaxing music in a calm quiet area of your house, sitting and chatting with your partner or reading an easy book.  Creating that bedtime ritual is also going to help you fall asleep and get you in that relaxed state.  Want to put a little Namaste in your life?  Click here to learn more!

#4 – Evaluate Your Room

Look around your room and determine if there are any factors that can affect your sleep. Sources of light like alarm clocks, night lights and windows can be contributing to your poor quality or lack of sleep.  Assess your room and evaluate if it is dark.  If you have a clock and it’s shining or flashing, turn it away from you or even remove it from your room.  Move electronics away from your bed and out of your bedroom.  Put the nightlight in the hallway and close your door.  You can even use a mask to help keep things dark.  Make sure that your sleep space is a quiet area.  If you find that there are noises that are waking you up
try to move them or use earplugs at night.  Avoid any sleep disturbances.

How To Find The Right Pillow

#5 – Get Good Quality Pillows & Mattress

The average good quality bed typically has a life span of 10 years.  If your mattress is old and expired, than switch it out or invest in a new one.  I say invest because it truly is a solid investment.  The average person spends eight hours a day in their bed (sleeping or trying to sleep).  You use your bed every single day for years.  Therefore, a quality mattress is key to quality sleep!

If you’re sleeping on your side use one good quality pillow rather than a stack of pillows.  If you are sleeping on your back, use a small thin pillow.  Click here to take the pillow test.

Also, avoid sleeping on your stomach!  Need help picking the perfect pillow for you?  Click here to learn about all things pillows from the pillow doctor himself!

I hope you now know how to get more deep sleep and that these simple tips help you  improve your quality of sleep.  Of course, there’s many more things that you can do to help improve your quality of but this is a perfect place to start.

Also, something to consider if you have symptoms of exhaustion, anxiety and sleep disturbances is adrenal fatigue.  Click here to find out if you have adrenal fatigue and ways you can fight back naturally!

Have a wonderful night sleep tonight and sweet dreams!

Family Health Advocacy
Colin Swala
Categories Family Health Tags how to choose the best pillow, How To Get More Deep Sleep, insomnia, sleep schedule Leave a comment

The Ultimate Top 10 Personalized Gifts For Dad

January 18, 2022June 19, 2020 by Colin Swala
personalized gifts for dad

Are you in need of some inspiration this Father’s Day? Perhaps for personalized gifts for dad? Well, Father’s Day is just around the corner and with that comes a sense of responsibility!

You want to give your dad something special to remind him how much you love and appreciate all he’s done for you.  Whether it was helping you take your first steps, teaching you how to ride a bike or offering some much needed guidance, your dad was always there.  So thank him by giving the ultimate gift this Father’s Day.  Something that will add value and perhaps years to his life, the gift of good health!

Before diving into my gift giving guide, I want to take a moment to start a discussion about the underlying theme of this list.  Let’s face it, there are a lot of men out there that need some extra TLC when it comes to their health.  So many of them avoid early warning signs and don’t seek help until the problem becomes debilitating either emotionally, mentally, physically or all 3.

prostate cancer

One of the biggest effecting the men in our lives is their prostate health.  Spend time with your dad this weekend and start this important discussion.  Educate him on the prostate cancer stages.  Learn what the prostate cancer signs are and what to do if you are experiencing them.  Help your dad live a healthy, stronger life just like they’ve been helping you!

How To Get The Best Personalized Gifts For Dad

I’m a big believer in gifts that keep on giving, especially when it pertains to health. So, for the ultimate personalized gifts for dad, think about what makes him special and have some fun with it. Adding some cheeky humor to any personalized gift is always a win in my books.

So without further delay, Here are my Top 10 Ultimate Personalized Gifts For Dad to help keep his health rocking for years to come!

nuts

Nuts About Dad!

Provide your ‘pops’ with a basket full of everything NUTS!  According to a recent study, “nuts may help us live longer, healthier lives.  In fact, new research shows that people who eat a daily handful of nuts have improved longevity, lower risk for chronic illnesses like heart disease, and are generally leaner than those who do not eat nuts.” – Longevity in a nutshell.

Healthy Nuts Includes:
  • Walnuts
  • Hazelnuts
  • Brazil nuts
  • Pine nuts
  • Almonds
  • Peacans
  • Macadamia nuts

Select a variety of nuts he will enjoy with some personal added items such as a nut cracker and storage containers.  Click here to learn about the health benefits of nuts including key proteins, nutrients and anti-oxidants.

If you feel like getting a little cheeky you can add something special for your dads ‘goods’ as well.  Saxx men’s underwear is specially designed for all dads parts for superior comfort and comes in several patterns, so have some fun with this one!

golf

Take Dad Clubbing

Golfing contains mental, physical and even social health benefits.  It’s a low impact sport that gets the blood flow pumping, which can decrease heart disease and even lower bad cholesterol.  It’s also known to help lower stress, increase vision and help you get a better night sleep.  So treat dad to a round of golf this Fathers Day.  You may even discover for yourself some of Golf Digests 11 Little Known Benefits of Golf.

In fact, for some extra fun, I would recommend typing up their checklist to see how many out of the 11 you and he get to experience (chuckle).  For a full list of benefits, click here to read, The Top 10 Health Benefits Of Golf!

sunglasses

Love At First Sight

It’s no secret that as we get older our vision can begin to decline if you don’t take the proper care and precautions.  With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy for dad to take his vision for granted.  Help protect his vision for years to come with a new pair of sunglasses.

It’s important to select ones that have 100% UV protection to filter both UVA and UVB rays.  However, there are a number of other things to consider before buying him new shades.  Click here to get ‘eyesmart’ and read The American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Recommended Types of Sunglasses.  With all the different selections available, it’s more important than ever to know exactly what to look for when shopping for sunglasses.

bbq

King Of The Grill

Did you know grilled vegetables retain more of their vitamins and minerals?  And meat cooked over an open flame actually preserves more riboflavin and thiamine?  All these important vitamins and nutrients play a vital role in a healthy diet.

So this Father’s Day get dad some ‘new tools‘ to encourage him to grill all season long.  This can include;

  • Vegetable grilling basket
  • Stainless steel skewers perfect for vegetable shish kebabs
  • Wooden plank in Cedar (chicken or pork), Alder (salmon and seafood), Hickory (beef or pork), and Maple (ham, chicken, bacon)
  • Healthy grilling recipe book for inspiration
  • Wireless grill thermometer
  • Magnetic BBQ grill light

For further idea’s, click here for 16 Father’s Day Gifts Every Grill-Obsessed Dad Will Love. Also, click here to read, How To Prepare A Tastier, Healthier BBQ In Just 10 minutes!

watch

For The Dad Whose TECH-nically Perfect!

When it comes to technology, finding the right gift for dad might seem overwhelming as the possibilities are seemingly endless.  Here are my top 3 tech recommendations sure to make your dads life a little healthier and easier.

GPS Watch

  • keep track of time, speed, distance and heart rate.  Some such as the can also track sleep, steps and play music from your own personal playlist AND contains dynamic personal coaching among a variety of other cool features. Click here to read, Best running watches 2020: the perfect GPS companions for your workouts.

Google Home

  • a Wi-Fi speaker that doubles as a smart home control hub and a personal assistant for dad (and the entire family).  The Google Home in particular is great because it’s compatible with a lot of different brands and devices.   Perfect for dads with mobility issues and seniors since you can set it up to turn lights on and off, adjust the thermostat, open or close blinds and shades, control music, change the TV channel, lock or unlock doors, all without getting up.  PLUS if there is an emergency and he is unable to access his phone, he can use his voice to activate his google home and call for help.

Tile Tracker

  • Fathers can be forgetful!  Help dad save time and frustration by getting him a tile tracker to keep track of all his important things such as his keys, luggage and ipad.  It can really attach to pretty much anything!

For a full list of amazing tech savvy gifts, click here to read, The Best Father’s Day Gifts for Techie Dads.

bees

The Birds & The Bees

I threw this one in here for some tongue and cheek fun.  I’m sure we all remember that awkward talk with our parents about “the birds and the bees” so why not put together a special little basket to say thanks!

Consider putting together items such as:

  • A bird watching book
  • Binoculars
  • Natural raw honey
  • Beeswax candles
  • Body butter
  • Mustache wax
  • Soap

There are over 100 different things that are made of beeswax so have some fun putting together this personalized basket special for your pops.  Although this was inspired by humor, there are some amazing benefits of honey and beeswax!

Honey is often used as natural sweetener but it actually has several nutritional and medicinal properties as well.  It has anti-inflammatory properties which can be used to calm a common cough.  It’s loaded with antioxidants which can prevent cell damage and assists the with the absorption of calcium which is essential for brain health.  Honey even contains antibacterial properties that can disinfect and protect your wounds from certain types of bacteria.

According to Healthline
  • Raw honey is rich in enzymes and antioxidants, while beeswax contains long-chain fatty acids and alcohols — all of which may benefit your well-being.
  • Research suggests that they may help reduce your risk of diabetes, dementia, heart disease, and even certain types of cancer
  • Honeycomb may benefit your heart by increasing blood flow and “good” HDL cholesterol levels while lowering blood pressure, triglycerides, and “bad” LDL cholesterol.
  • Honeycomb may strengthen your body’s defenses against fungi and some types of disease-causing bacteria. It may also help protect your gut against certain parasites. However, more human research is needed.
  • Honeycomb tends to raise blood sugar levels less than refined sugar. What’s more, compounds found in honeycomb may help lower insulin resistance — but more studies are needed.
  • Beeswax alcohols found in honeycomb may improve liver function and reduce symptoms in people with liver disease. However, more studies are needed.
walking

Walking In His Footsteps

As we get older the simple joys of being outdoors and one with nature seems to be all in the past.  We get stuck in our busy work week routines and spend what little free time we have winding down in front of the TV or ipad.  This is when it’s important to remind dad of the common phrase, “use it or lose it“.

People who are inactive are more prone to health issues such as:

  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Certain types of cancer

Therefore, in order to keep dad’s body healthy it’s imperative that he stays active. So this father’s day, start by telling your dad to “go take a hike” by providing him with a map of local trails in your area.

Hiking Benefits

According to Marc Faktor, Certified Exercise Physiologist hiking;

  • Lowers stress levels, improved mood, and enhanced mental well-being
  • Reduces risk for heart disease
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Lowers cholesterol levels
  • Improves control over healthy weight
  • Lowers body fat
  • Improves bone density
  • Improves osteoarthritis outcomes
  • Increases flexibility and coordination
  • Overall a better quality of life
  • Enhances relationships with friends and family

Next, make sure to get dad the right pair of shoes. This is so important especially if you find your dad is already prone to foot discomfort or pain when walking.

For further information on ways to make hiking more comfortable and avoid injury to ensure you pick the best personalized gifts for dad, click here to read, The Most Common Cause Of Foot Pain! and Knee Clicking When Walking? Discover Why!

sleep

Sweet Dreams

Getting a good night sleep is one of the most valuable things you can do for your health and well-being.  It’s said that , “the more you invest in your sleep, the bigger return you will see in everything else that you do”.

A good nights rest enables your mind and body to recharge.  Allowing yourself to think, feel and perform better throughout the day.  In contrast, people who don’t get enough sleep can suffer from;

  • Heart disease
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart attack
  • Heart failure
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes

For more information about the risks of sleep loss click here to read, 10 Surprising Effects Of Lack Of Sleep.

Now that you know the importance of sleep, here’s what you can do to help your dad get some well deserved zzz’s.

Start by getting a new pillow.  Your pillow plays an important role as it supports your head and neck and should maintain proper alignment to the spine.  If your pillow is too hard or too soft it can cause pain and discomfort for days and even weeks to come.

The Pillow Test

Next, consider getting a weighted blanket.  The feeling you get from a weighted blanket is commonly refereed to as a ‘gently hug‘.  Talk about one of the ultimate personalized gifts for dad! Who wouldn’t want the constant feeling of a gentle hug??

Recent reports claim this blanket helps those who suffer from several health concerns including insomnia, depression and anxiety.

Some people also claim it has helped with their restless leg syndrome (RLS) and even fibromyalgia flare ups.  To learn more about the potential health benefits and what to look for, click here to read, What’s the Deal with Weighted Blankets?

For additional support for fibromyalgia and information on sleeping concerns, I strongly recommend reviewing the following links:

  • Online Fibromyalgia Test
  • Living with Fibromalgia
  • Foods To Avoid With Fibromyalgia
  • Bedtime Woe’s? – 5 Simple Tips For Blissful Zzzz’s
  • The Healthiest Sleep Postures
meditation

Give Dad A Time Out!

I strongly believe more people could benefit their health naturally if they would just  meditate before they try to medicate themselves.  Meditation has been proven time and time again to reduce stress, lower anxiety and fight depression in addition to a plethora of other things.  Help your dad find his inner peace by introducing some zen into his life. Take a look at some of these personalized gifts for dad.

Top 5 Best Meditation Tools according to Mellow:

  • Zafu and Zabuton meditation cushion set
  • Headspace
  • Muse headband
  • Essential oil diffuser
  • I Am Here Now: A Creative Mindfulness Guide and Journal

Also, consider getting dad an audio book to help him get into the swing of things. Understanding Meditation 21 Days Audio Program is an example that’s great for beginners and even those who already enjoy the benefits of meditation.

For further reading click here to explore, The Healing Power Of Mantra Meditation and Meditation isn’t Supposed to be Frustrating!

dad

For The Dad That Has EVERYTHING!

One of the best gifts you can give, especially for those who have everything, is the gift of helping others.  There is truly no better feeling then knowing you have made a huge difference or impact in someone else’s life!  This Father’s Day, reach out and help a fellow father in need, consider donating to a local charity.

Unicef for example offers a Father’s Day Gift Catalog that you can select on behalf of the special person in your life.  This thoughtful gift is surely something your dad can be proud of, knowing your contribution on his behalf will change children’s lives around the world. Click here to find a Survival Gift from their online catalog today.

For additional idea’s on how to make a more personal donation and find a charity based on the likes and passions of your dad, click here for 7 Father’s Day gifts that can make a real difference.

Well, there you have it, my Top 10 Ultimate Personalized Gifts For Dad!  I hope you were able to find inspiration, guidance and of course humor in my suggestions.

Live well.  Be well.

Family Health Advocacy
Colin Swala
Categories Men's Health Tags best father's day gift ideas, best gifts for dad, father's day, personalized gifts for dad Leave a comment

Fun In The Sun

January 18, 2022May 29, 2020 by Colin Swala

Looking to have some fun in the sun but worried about all the risks? Well I have some good news. Sunshine is not the cancer-causing enemy that we once thought it was. In fact, we actually need sunshine almost like we need food.

Proper Exposure to Sunlight Can:
  • Balance our circadian rhythm
  • Help to enhance our mood
  • Help our bodies to become a Vitamin D factory

But what does ‘proper exposure to sunlight’ actually mean? Well, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are some simple steps to ensure you are safeguarded from the suns adverse effects.

sun safety

Fun In The Sun

First, please note that sunscreen/sunblock is NOT a way to justify prolonged exposure to the sun. Rather, it helps to decrease damage caused by UVA and UVB rays which can be attributed to:

  • Skin damage such as ‘sun spots’, discolouration, wrinkles/premature aging
  • Skin Cancers such as Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma and Melanoma
  • Eye damage such as Cataracts
  • Immune depression

How to Choose the Best Sunscreen

Sun Safety Tips

  1. Minimize Mid-Day Sun Exposure – According to WHO UV rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Therefore it’s best to limit or avoid the sun during this time.
  2. Cover Up – Always try and included wearing items such as sunglasses, wide brimmed hats and UV protective clothing. This will help protect yourself against harmful UV damage.
  3. ALWAYS Wear Sunscreen/Sunblock – Many of us now know the importance of wearing sunscreen on hot sunny days but did you know it’s just as important to wear it on those cloudy days too? That’s right! Clouds work to filter out the sunlight but only block approximately 20% of the UV rays.  That means you can still be exposed to a whooping 80% of  UV rays. Click here read the best sunscreen product review.
  4. Check The UV Index – The higher the number, the stronger the sun’s UV rays are.  The UV Index can range from 0 – 12+. This is something I monitor carefully as my fair skin burns in approximately 3.5 minutes (I’m not kidding).
  5. Spend Time In The Shade – Now I know this seems like a no brainer however you still need to be careful even in the shade. Not all shade is created equal.  For example a sun umbrellas may block the sun but still allow UV rays to penetrate through. So you should always be cautious and wear sunscreen.  Also, you need to understand that your surroundings play a large role even in the shade. This is because the strength of UV rays can vary based on what kind of surface they bounce off of.

Examples Of UV Reflection Strength In The Shade:

  • Sand – 15% exposure to reflected UV
  • Seafoam – 25% exposure to reflected UV
  • Grass, soil, water – less than 10% exposure to reflective UV

Final Thoughts

Enjoy the sun! But consciously and in small amounts. Be sure to share and incorporate these sun safety tips with your family before enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

Family Health Advocacy
Colin Swala
Categories Body, Family Health Tags best sunscreen, fun in the sun, sun safety tips, vitamin D Leave a comment

Mother’s Day Top 10 Gift Idea’s!

January 18, 2022May 9, 2020 by Colin Swala
Mother's Day

Being a mother, I can honestly say it is one of the hardest and challenging but most rewarding jobs in the entire world.  However, it wasn’t until I had my own children that I realized the true strength and selflessness of my own mother and why recognizing Mother’s Day is so important.

A mother’s love is truly unconditional and their comfort and support, irreplaceable!  So, this Mother’s Day, why not take the time to give thanks by giving her arguably the best gift out there?  The gift of good health!

Here is a list of my top 10 healthy Mother’s Day Gift Ideas.

1.  Smoothie Maker

essential gift

Whether you’re a new mom, working mom or just simply a MOM, you know how busy your day can get, especially mornings!  It’s because of this, most moms don’t get a chance to eat properly (or at all).  This can not only effect their energy levels but also emotional well-being.  This is why I LOVE making smoothies!  You can quickly add all the nutrients you need to fuel your body right and take it with you on the go.

Click here for my favourite go to recipe for a morning breakfast smoothies.  And, if you go with a traditional juicer, be sure to read why you should, Stop Throwing Away Juice Pulp! Do This Instead.

2. Smartwatch Or Fitbit

A Smartwatch or Fitbit is easily among the best fitness gifts to give your mom this Mother’s Day as it can help boost her motivation and overall fitness.  Most Smartwatches and Fitbits track heart rate, calories burned and steps while offering handy tips for a healthy lifestyle.  Some even display texts and emails ensuring mom can always stay in the loop even while working out.

Click here to compare features on Fitbit Versa vs. Apple Watch.

3.  A New Bike

If your mom is an outdoor enthusiast, then surprise her with a new set of wheels!  A new bike can take her on and off the road for an excellent adventure.  It is also an excellent workout.  Look for a model with with multiple speeds and in your mom’s favourite colour for an added personal touch.

For additional help, click here for The Complete Guide to Buying a Bicycle.

4.  A Foam Roller

I’m sure this next suggestion is leaving some of you scratching your heads.  However, when your mom starts her workout with a stretch, it will help her reduce or even avoid aches and pains.  A foam roller serves double duty by stretching and soothing sore muscles allowing your mom to unwind physically and mentally before embarking on the main workout or perhaps just the rest of her day.  Look for a design featuring ridges for added knot-busting power.

Click here for 7 Foam Rolling Exercises Your Body Is Begging You To Do.

5.  Resistance Bands

Again, this may not seem like an obvious choice however a set of resistance bands have many benefits.  Not only are they a great alternative to heavy weights but they can help her up her fitness game and increase her strength.  The resistance bands are portable, lightweight and easily included in most stretches and routines for maximum results.

Click here for 2019’s Top 5 Resistance Bands.

6.  Wireless Headphones

These are a great choice to help mom get motivated and moving.  Because they are wireless you never need to worry about those annoying wires getting in the way or accidentally ripped out.  Your mom can listen to her favourite playlist or audio book completely uninterrupted regardless of her activity.

Click here for 5 things to consider before buying your next pair of wireless headphones.

7.  Sneakers

What woman wouldn’t want a new pair of shoes?  Getting your mom a lightweight, comfortable sneaker will help her go the extra mile and look great doing it.  Since cross-training requires a different type of shoe than weightlifting or jogging, consider the activities she enjoys the most before purchasing just any kind of sneaker.

Click here to read, How To Choose The Best Running Shoes.

 

8.  A Beautiful Gym Bag

Courtesy of @kustomkreations4

You can never go wrong with a gorgeous gym bag.  It will help her carry her workout gear and water bottle to the gym in style.  For an added touch include items such as a personalized towel or water bottle to place inside with an inspiring message.

9.  Asian Bamboo Steamer

This is the perfect gift for those who love to cook.  This steamer is ideal for low-fat meals that can practically cook themselves while maintaining their flavor, vitamins, and nutrients.  Buy her a two-tiered one so that she can throw fish (tilapia, snapper, and salmon) on one level and veggies (bok choy, leek, carrots) on the other.

Click here for The Best Bamboo Steamer And 6 Things You Need To Know About Them.

10.  Tea Kit

Surprise your mom with a gourmet tea kit.  Tea is high in disease-fighting anti-oxidants which can improve her health.  Get her a selection of herbal, white, green and black teas.  Also, try pairing the tea with an electric kettle.  It will bring water to boil faster than the normal teapots and as a bonus for forgetful moms they switch themselves off.

Click here to learn more about the Types of Teas and Their Health Benefits.  Also, for more information on antioxidants, click here to read, Antioxidants – Can They Be Boosted With Chiropractic Care?

Now, I know for many of us Mother’s Day is going to be a lot different then those in the past due to the restrictions of Covid-19. So, here is a video to help insprire you of additional things you can do for your mom to make her feel special!

Mother’s Day Gifts During Quarantine

I hope this list has helped inspire you to give your mom something special that she may not have considered for herself and that will impact her life in a big way.  As an added bonus, click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter which includes amazing natural health articles and inspiring recipes.

Family Health Advocacy
Colin Swala
Categories Family Health Tags awesome gifts for mothers day, best ideas for mother's day presents, mother's day, mothers day activities, the best mother's day gift ideas, what to buy wife for mother's day Leave a comment

Kale Benefits One And All

January 18, 2022May 4, 2020 by Colin Swala
kale benefits

Kale, sometimes called ‘the king of greens’, is considered as one of the world’s healthiest foods. It’s packed with various nutrients that support healthy hair, skin, and bones. But kale benefits so much more than just that!

Kale benefits cardiovascular health and enhances digestion as it’s a great source of fiber. Furthermore, this leafy winter vegetable is also packed with:

  • Antioxidants
  • Vitamin K
  • Chlorophyll
  • Calcium

How To Love Kale?

Whether you like, love or detest vegetables, I bet there is one or another forms of eating kale that you will enjoy such as:

  • Kale chips
  • Kale in a smoothie
  • Steamed kale
  • Tossed kale in a soup or salad
  • Packed into a burger
super food

All Hail Kale!

Put Kale in the ring with spinach and broccoli and you have a good fight! However, if we’re taking bets, I’d put my money on kale for its nutrient density! Not sure where you stand? Check out the top 7 health benefits of kale and let’s see who you decide to cheer on!

Eating Kale Everyday Will Do This To Your Body

Top 7 Health Benefits Of Kale

Kale Contains Vitamin K

Vitamin K1 is known as the coagulation vitamin, since it helps the body’s blood clotting mechanism. Clotting is important because it helps prevent your body from bleeding too much when you are injured.

Also, Kale contains vitamin K2, which is known to activate over 17 proteins. For instance, vitamin K2 activates osteocalcin that is required for bone formation. Therefore, vitamin K improves bone strength

Kale Helps Keep Inflammation At Bay

Although known for its potent source of anti-inflammatory properties, kale also contains a variety of antioxidants which help protect our bodies against cellular damage.

Inflammation is a trigger for diseases and premature aging. However, antioxidants help in counter acting our inevitable daily exposure to oxidative stress.

naturally lower blood pressure

Kale Is Nutrient Dense And Detoxifying

First off, it’s no surprise many people have favored this vegetable as one of the top diseases-fighting food. Afterall, kale protects the heart and lowers blood pressure. In fact, studies have indicated that eating kale can lower cholesterol.

Furthermore, the high values of calcium, potassium, and magnesium in kale also help lower blood pressure as the presence of these chemicals helps counter balance the notorious effects of sodium present in the body which can often lead to high blood pressure.

how to protect your vision

Kale Protects Against Vision Loss

The presence of lutein and zeaxanthin in kale help protect the eye lens and retina. Research also indicates that it also helps in fighting the two common eye diseases; cataracts and macular degeneration.

Additionally, it contains beta-carotene that helps shield the ocular eye tissues from harmful ultraviolet light damage.

improve digestion

Kale Helps With Digestion

This leafy veggie is made from fibrous material. Hence, like other leafy greens, is excellent in aiding digestion. However, if you want to get maximum benefits from kale, it is recommended that you also eat the stems which contain a high quantity of prebiotics.

The stem might be appearing rough when taken raw. However, when sautéed in olive oil, it is delicious and can help you in fighting indigestion in addition to acting as a treat to your health.

how to achieve healthy hair and skin

Kale Helps Maintain Healthy Hair And Skin

Kale is known to be high in beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is converted by the body into vitamin A, which is required by the body. The nutrients available in kale enables all body tissues to grow including the hair and skin. Moreover, it’s also essential for the production of sebum; an oil which keeps the skin moisturized.

Human eyesight, immune, and reproductive functions rely on vitamin A which is present in kale. Cooked kale provides 53.3 milligrams of vitamin C which is required to build and maintain collagen. Collagen is a crucial protein which provides structure for our hair, bones, and skin.

how to cook kale

Kale Can Be Served In A Multitude Of Ways

Kale is a vegetable that you can have a lot of fun with. It can simply be:

  • Chopped up and served in a salad
  • Baked
  • Made into kale chips with the flavor of your choice
  • Steamed
  • Fried
  • Stacked in a sandwich
  • Tossed into soup

Including kale in your diet is one healthy and fun way to stack up on nutrients!

Family Health Advocacy
Colin Swala
Categories Family Health, Nutrition Tags achieve healthy hair and skin, anti-inflammatory, how to cook kale, improve vision, kale benefits, naturally lower blood pressure Leave a comment

What Is Arrowroot? Nutrition, Benefits And Uses

January 18, 2022April 20, 2020 by Colin Swala
what is arrowroot

I was talking with a friend of mine the other day about some health issues I was having. After my quick rant they asked me if I had tried arrowroot. “Arrowroot??” I said.  “What is arrowroot?”

Here is what I found out and why I believe it should become a household staple!

what is arrowroot

What Is Arrowroot?

The Arrowroot plant іѕ nаtіvе tо Cеntrаl аnd Sоuth Amеrіса аnd thе Caribbean.  However, it саn аlѕо bе fоund in other tropical regions of the wоrld ѕuсh аѕ Southeast Asia, South Afrіса, Auѕtrаlіа, аnd іn Flоrіdа.

Thе arrowroot рlаnt can grow as tall аѕ six fееt and can be used in a variety of forms.  As a powder іt is:

  • Odorless
  • Glutеn-frее
  • Lоw-рrоtеіn
  • Whіtе coloured starch

Thе herb іѕ еxtrасtеd from thе flеѕhу roots (rhіzоmеѕ) оf the arrowroot рlаnt.  This is done through a соmрlеx process оf wаѕhіng, рееlіng, soaking, then drуіng in thе sun.  Thе rеѕult is a fine, white powder wіth the ѕаmе tеxturе аnd арреаrаnсе аѕ соrnѕtаrсh.

how to use arrowroot powder

What Is Arrowroot Powder Used For?

Arrоwrооt іѕ рrіmаrіlу uѕеd for іtѕ soothing bеnеfіt and its effect іn dеаlіng with diarrhea as it rеlіеvеѕ:

  • Excessive асіdіtу
  • Nausea
  • Indіgеѕtіоn
  • Cоlіс

In addition to a a mіld lаxаtіvе. Furthermore it can be used tо trеаt аthlеtе’ѕ foot. Nоt bесаuѕе іt is antifungal but bесаuѕе thе starchy роwdеr rеmоvеѕ moisture whеn ѕрrіnklеd іn ѕосkѕ.

Arrowroot соntаіnѕ саlсіum, саrbоhуdrаtеѕ, аnd оthеr nutrіеntѕ and іѕ еаѕіlу digested. Therefore it’s a great source оf nutrіtіоn fоr іnfаntѕ, реорlе rесоvеrіng frоm іllnеѕѕеѕ (еѕресіаllу those оf thе bоwеl), аnd those оn restricted dіеtѕ.

Thе herb іѕ considered by some tо bе еаѕіеr оn the stomach thаn other fоrmѕ of ѕtаrсh. Thоugh mоrе еxреnѕіvе than соrnѕtаrсh, аrrоwrооt іѕ also used іn thе kitchen to thicken soups, ѕаuсеѕ, оr соnfесtіоnѕ.  Vegetarians uѕе іt іnѕtеаd оf еggѕ іn breads аnd deserts.

Everyday Magical Things ~ Arrowroot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfDf62SIB_s

How Arrоwrооt Powder Imрrоvеѕ Hеаlth

Thе hеаlth bеnеfіtѕ оf аrrоwrооt flour vаrу wіdеlу.  When соnѕumеd, it contributes tо a healthy dіgеѕtіvе system, аѕ thе ѕtаrсh wоrkѕ аѕ a laxative.  Also, dосtоrѕ оftеn rесоmmеnd arrowroot fоr реорlе who are nаuѕеаѕ or vоmіtіng, аѕ іt іѕ natural and рrоvеn tо reduce nаuѕеа. It іѕ also high іn саlсіum аѕh, whісh assists wіth stabilizing the acid levels іn thе bоdу, mаіntаіnіng a healthy іmmunе ѕуѕtеm.

weight managment

Weight Management Miracle

Mаnу people utilize аrrоwrооt flоur as a wеіght-lоѕѕ ѕubѕtаnсе. Mainly because the роwdеr thickens mеаlѕ when incorporated, but also because it hаѕ a vеrу low fаt content аnd nеxt tо nо саlоrіеѕ.  Bу adding the роwdеr іn during сооkіng, it еxраndѕ the аmоunt of food, without multірlуіng thе саlоrіеѕ.

Click here for a vanilla pudding cake recipe using arrowroot!

potassium health benefits

Power of Potassium

The arrowroot plant also contains potassium.  Pоtаѕѕіum works tо соntrоl thе heart rate and ѕtаbіlіzе blood рrеѕѕurе.  Heart and blood-related problems саn lead tо a plethora of ѕеrіоuѕ оf dіѕеаѕеѕ. Thus, so mаnу people choose tо іnсоrроrаtе аrrоwrооt іntо their diets tо avoid thіѕ.

Arrowroot is аlѕо a mаіn іngrеdіеnt іn bаbу роwdеrѕ, bесаuѕе оf іtѕ ѕmооth аnd ѕооthіng рrореrtіеѕ.  It іѕ bеnеfісіаl in аnу ѕkіn роwdеr оr lotion, as іt calms irritation аnd assists with the healing оf аnу rаѕhеѕ оr impurities.

precautions of arrowroot

Arrowroot In Summanry AND Precautions

  1. Arrowroot hаѕ аntі-іnflаmmаtоrу and antiseptic рrореrtіеѕ аnd may be аррlіеd as аn оіntmеnt оr роultісе.
  2. Arrоwrооt роwdеr, which is bаѕісаllу flavorless, іѕ оftеn mіxеd with juice оr оthеr bеvеrаgеѕ bеfоrе ingestion. However, be саrеful tо mіx аrrоwrооt wіth соld water first bеfоrе putting in аnуthіng hоt оr it wіll bе сlumру lіkе ѕmаll dumрlіngѕ.

Arrоwrооt should bе uѕеd wіth саutіоn fоr сhіldrеn, wоmеn who are рrеgnаnt оr brеаѕt-fееdіng, and people wіth liver оr kіdnеу disease.  There аrе no ѕіgnіfісаnt ѕіdе еffесtѕ whеn uѕеd іn thе recommended dоѕаgе and is nоt known to interact аdvеrѕеlу with any drug or dіеtаrу ѕuррlеmеnt.

Tо аvоіd соnѕtіраtіоn, соnѕumеrѕ should nоt tаkе аrrоwrооt wіth other medications оr dіеtаrу supplements uѕеd tо аllеvіаtе dіаrrhеа. It hаѕ bееn ѕuссеѕѕfullу соmbіnеd wіth mіlk, lеmоn аnd оthеr fruit juісеѕ, оr ѕugаrѕ wіthоut apparent hаrm.

There аrе mаnу ways уоu саn enjoy thе benefits of аrrоwrооt. Thе important thіng is tо mаkе sure thе form іn whісh уоu соnѕumе it will gіvе уоu all thе benefits іt offers.

Family Health Advocacy
Colin Swala
Categories Family Health, Nutrition Tags arrowroot benefits, arrowroot nutrition, arrowroot plant, arrowroot powder benefits, what is arrowroot, what is arrowroot powder Leave a comment

Asthma In Kids Can Be Decreased By Just Doing This!

January 18, 2022April 3, 2020 by Colin Swala
Asthma In Kids

Every parent wants to do what is best for their children. But, is having a family dog, a good idea, especially when it comes to asthma in kids? Well, I strongly woof you to appreciate that Fido has served your children well and has actually reduced their chances of developing childhood asthma!

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a sporadic inflammatory disease that affects the airways and the lungs and is one of the leading chronic inflammatory diseases in children worldwide. Often, it presents as tightness in the chest, shortness of breath and wheezing sounds.  It can be very scary to experience!

kids health

What Causes Asthma?

Asthma is often triggered by airborne environmental and genetic factors that include:

  • Mold spores
  • Animal dander
  • Mites
  • Dust
  • Pollens

Asthma cannot be cured completely; but with a proper lifestyle, it can be well managed and controlled. However, what if we could drastically reduce the risk of developing it in the first place?

How dogs can reduce the risk of childhood asthma

Asthma Study

Research confirms that having a family dog could have several health benefits, including decreasing your child’s risk of developing asthma. According to a research carried out by Dr. Tove Fall, a professor of epidemiology at the Uppsala University, children from the time of birth, raised with dogs, had an estimated 15% decreased asthma cases than children who were not raised with dogs.

This Swedish nation-wide study tracked 650,000 babies and found that babies who live on farms or have frequent exposure to farm animals within the first year of life, can reduce their risk of asthma by 52%. The results were robust and independent of parental asthma or whether the child was first-born.

Furthermore, kids who grow up with family dogs have a 15% lower risk of developing asthma, compared to kids who did not grow up with a dog.

Later, a 2018 follow up study was done to determine if the sex of dog or number of dogs would have an impact on results and here’s what it showed.

  • Children exposed to female dogs had lower risk of asthma compared to those exposed to male dogs.
  • Children with two dogs or more had lower risk of asthma than those with one dog only! 
best dogs for kids

In Conclusion

What we have learned from these studies is that pregnant women and young children can safely play and share time with farm animals and dogs knowing that it may indeed be serving them well. Especially when it comes to asthma in kids! The idea is that animals provide the body exposure to germs and microbes which improve immune function. 

However, if your children are older and have allergy induced asthma from dogs, adding a family dog to the equation is not the answer!  Research showed that exposure within the first year of life reduced the risks of asthma. This doesn’t necessarily mean your family can’t have a dog. There are some low to non-shedding breeds that some allergy and asthma sufferers are not sensitive to. These breeds include but are not limited to:

  • Poodles
  • Wheaten Terriers
  • Shih Tzu
  • Brussels Griffon
  • West Highland White Terrier
  • Maltese Terrier

It is important to meet and share time with a possible future fur-family member to test allergy sensitivity before making the commitment. If you are thinking of planning a family in the future, maybe having Fido join the team first would be a strategic health move! 

Other Articles You May Enjoy
  • How To Create A Healthy Home Environment
  • Breastfeeding and Immunity
  • Supporting Healthy Brain Development In Children
Family Health Advocacy
Colin Swala
Categories Children's Health, Family Health, Featured Tags asthma in kids, asthma prevention, asthma symptoms, kids health Leave a comment

What Is Social Distancing?

January 18, 2022March 21, 2020 by Colin Swala
Social Distancing

You’ve probably heard the advice by now that to slow down the spread of coronavirus (or the Covid19 pandemic); we need to practice social distancing. But what is social distancing? Well, the concept is meant to curb the spread of the virus by avoiding close contact with people in public spaces, where the virus is easily transmitted through viral particles when sneezing or coughing and touching contaminated services.

Click here to read, What Is Coronavirus?

What Is Social Distancing?

It’s disappointing to hear that social gatherings are being cancelled such as:

  • Sports events
  • Festivals
  • Weddings
  • Visits with friends and family
  • Birthdays
  • Playdates

However, there is a significant health benefit to following these measures. These cancellations help to slow or even stop the spread of disease. Thus preventing overcrowding of the health care system and allowing proper care for patients more readily over time.

Canceling social gatherings is just one example of social distancing. Currently, the recommendation is to stay at least 6 feet away from other people in any environment outside your home. Experts agree that this is one of the best ways to reduce your chances of contracting COVID-19.

What is social distancing? This is the clearest explanation you'll hear

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDvpTp2sN0E

Why Is Social Distancing So Important?

The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic as the numbers of new cases continues to grow worldwide. Therefore, it is essential for you to understand how the virus is spread from person-to-person to reduce your risk of getting sick and infecting others. COVID-19 is most likely spread through:

  • Direct contact with a person who has been recently infected; 24 hours before the surfacing of their symptoms.
  • Close contact with a person who’s already confirmed with infection and coughs or sneezes close to you.
  • Touching surfaces or objects (such as door handles or tables) contaminated from a sneeze or cough from an infectious person and then touching your mouth or face.

It’s for this reason that you’re urged to allow more space between you and others in order to make it harder for the virus to spread.

Click here to read, How To Prepare For The Coronavirus.

What To Do When You're Stuck At Home | Activities While Social Distancing

Social Distancing At Home

Here’s what you can do at home to curb the spread of the virus.

  • Stay home if you can
  • Wash your hands with soap or hand sanitizer
  • Practice good hand, sneeze and cough hygiene
  • Disinfect surfaces
  • Increase ventilation in homes or adjust your air conditioning
  • Visit shops sparingly better yet start buying goods and services online

 If a family member is sick, here is how you can care for him/her:

  • If possible, care for the sick person from a single room
  • Keep the number of caregivers to a minimum
  • Close the door to the sick person’s room and open the windows
  • Both the caregiver and the sick person should wear a surgical mask when in the same room
  • Give extra caution and closely monitor vulnerable family members, including people over 65 years and those with chronic illness.

Click here to read, How To Get Tested For The Coronavirus.

work from home

Social Distancing In The Workplace

Here is what can be done at the workplace:

  • Stay at home if you’re sick
  • Keep your distance and avoid handshaking
  • Hold meetings through video conferencing
  • Defer large meetings
  • Hold mandatory meetings in the open air
  • Sneeze and cough into your sleeve rather than your hand
  • Use hand sanitizers throughout the day and regularly disinfect high touch surfaces
  • Adjust AC and improve ventilation
  • Avoid non-essential business travel

 

Family Health Advocacy
Colin Swala
Categories Family Health, Featured Tags social distancing at home, social distancing at work, what is social distancing, why is social distancing important Leave a comment

Keto Friendly Vegetables

January 18, 2022November 7, 2019 by Colin Swala
keto friendly vegetables

Most vеgеtаblеѕ are vеrу low in саlоrіеѕ аnd nеt саrbѕ whіlе being high іn healthy fіbеr and vаluаblе vіtаmіnѕ аnd mіnеrаlѕ.  All in which уоur bоdу nееdѕ for орtіmаl hеаlth. However not all vegetables are created equal. This is especially important to recognize for people looking for keto friendly vegetables to include in their diets as some contain high amounts of sugar.

Click here to read, “Keto Nutrition – 10 Common Mistakes People Make & How to Fix Them”.

Eating рlеntу оf vеgеtаblеѕ can help reduce уоur rіѕk for many chronic dіѕеаѕеѕ іnсludіng;

  • Diabetes
  • Hеаrt disease
  • Strоkе
  • Cеrtаіn саnсеrѕ

In fact, оnе ѕtudу fоund thаt еаtіng just оnе extra ѕеrvіng оf lеаfу grееnѕ a day rеduсеd thе risk оf tуре 2 diabetes bу 14%.

broccoli benefits

Vegetables аlѕо contain аn array of аntіоxіdаntѕ аnd оthеr dіѕеаѕе-fіghtіng compounds that аrе vеrу difficult tо get anywhere еlѕе.

Plant сhеmісаlѕ саllеd рhуtосhеmісаlѕ hеlр rеduсе іnflаmmаtіоn аnd eliminate carcinogens.  In addition, studіеѕ hаvе rереаtеdlу shown that people wіth hіghеr vеgеtаblе іntаkе hаvе;

  • Lоwеr rіѕkѕ оf high blood pressure аnd ѕtrоkе
  • Lоwеr rіѕkѕ оf сеrtаіn types оf саnсеr
  • Rеduсеd rіѕk of kіdnеу ѕtоnеѕ аnd bone lоѕѕ
  • Hіghеr ѕсоrеѕ оn соgnіtіvе tеѕtѕ
  • Hіghеr аntіоxіdаnt lеvеlѕ
  • Lоwеr bіоmаrkеrѕ for оxіdаtіvе stress
  • Lоwеr rіѕk fоr Alzhеіmеr’ѕ disease
  • Fewer digestive рrоblеmѕ
  • Lower risk fоr еуе dіѕеаѕеѕ

Vеgеtаblеѕ Are King Amоng Lоw-Nеt Carb Fооdѕ

Mаnу of thеѕе bеnеfіtѕ аrе actually duе tо thе hіgh fіbеr content іn vеgеtаblеѕ. The fiber in vegetables іѕ broken dоwn іntо hеаlth-рrоmоtіng ѕhоrt-сhаіn fatty асіdѕ (SCFAѕ) by уоur gut bасtеrіа. SCFAѕ have bееn ѕhоwn tо lеѕѕеn your rіѕk оf inflammatory diseases. Yоur lіvеr соnvеrtѕ these short-chain fаtѕ іntо ketones thаt nоurіѕh your bоdу and рrоvіdе іmроrtаnt ѕіgnаlіng funсtіоnѕ.

Thе bеѕt tуре оf vеgеtаblеѕ fоr a ketogenic dіеt are hіgh in nutrients and lоw in саrbоhуdrаtеѕ. Thеѕе, as most of уоu can guеѕѕ, аrе dаrk аnd lеаfу. Anуthіng that rеѕеmblеѕ spinach оr kаlе wіll fаll into this category, and wіll be thе bеѕt thing tо include іntо your everyday diet.

If уоu’rе looking for low саrb vegetables thаt aren’t leafy grееnѕ, think аbоut thе ones thаt grоw аbоvе grоund. Thеѕе include lеttuсе, cucumbers, brоссоlі and саulіflоwеr.

keto friendly

Keto Friendly Vegetables

  • Aspearagus
  • Brocoli
  • Mushrooms
  • Spinach
  • Cauliflower
  • Kale
  • Cucumbers
  • Brussel sprouts
  • Tomatoes
  • Celery
  • Green beans
  • Olives
  • Zucchini
  • Swiss Chard

Alwауѕ do your best tо аvоіd ѕtаrсhу vegetables as they аrе high in саrbоhуdrаtеѕ.

keto dos and donts

Non-Keto Friendly Vegetables

  • Potatoes
  • Peas
  • Cоrn
  • Yuсса
  • Pаrѕnірѕ
  • Yams
  • Lеgumеѕ

Hіgh Stаrсh Vegetable

As a gеnеrаl rule of thumb, thе sweeter thе vеgеtаblе іѕ – thе more ѕugаr it has in it. Yоu wаnt to ѕtау away from thіngѕ ѕuсh аѕ carrots, ѕԛuаѕh, оnіоnѕ and рерреrѕ. Of course, уоu саn еаt thеѕе in mоdеrаtіоn but уоu nееd tо wаtсh уоur intake.

For more information about all things keto, click here to read, “keto For Dummies – Beginners Guide For Keto”.

Family Health Advocacy
Colin Swala
Categories Body, Nutrition Leave a comment
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