midnightattufts
Today's Medical Marvels
Loving modern medicine and history's advances.
828 posts
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
Last Seen Blogs
kyymie
sup
hangnoidianhatban
Hàng nội địa Nhật Bản
ignietsanguine
saved
holyfartwhispers
Untitled
envyliciafox
Envylicia Fox
Text
Blend technology and the traditional to get a better night’s sleep
http://olympichottub.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/2013-03-29-soak-yourself-to-sleep_0-300x200.jpg
March 1 ,2019 – SLEEP! I don’t know about you, but it seems the older and busier I get, the more this precious commodity eludes me.
I mentioned in one of my recent blogs that I had just been in Europe for two weeks. I have never been in another time zone for that long before, and my body certainly let me know it! The first 3-4 days I was in Italy, I struggled to get acclimated to the current time zone. I flew home from London this past Friday, and I THINK I’m just now finally getting to normal in terms of sleeping through the night. It’s been a three-week period of hoping to get four hours of uninterrupted sleep…certainly not enough in my book!
The Centers for Disease Control notes that a third of adults in the U.S. feel they don’t get enough sleep. It’s recommended that adults get at least seven hours of sleep a night. This seems to be the magic number to allow our bodies to recharge, feel rested, keep our immune system bolstered, and have the energy and mental acuity to go about the day.
With all the technology out there in this 24/7 world, it stands to reason that there might “be an app for that”. Well, as it turns out, I was watching Good Morning America this morning and voila! They had a segment on a couple of apps available to help you get that all important slumber. I have nothing invested other than to share what I heard. (I have, however, already downloaded one of these apps and intend to give it a try!)
Calm This app has a bend on bedtime stories. Being an avid reader, this piqued my interest. The stories you listen to on the app are based on cognitive behavioral therapy to encourage sleep. It’s all about the timbre of the voice you’re listening to (one of the voices you hear reading to you is Matthew McConaughey, for example), cadence, and the actual story itself. Aside from the bedtime stories, there are also breathing exercises to help you relax and ready your body for slumber, and meditation segments as well.
Sleep Cycle This was the app I downloaded already and intend to try. One of the keys to good sleep is waking up on a regular schedule daily. My body tends to have conditioned itself to do this already over the last 5-6 years. Regardless of when I do go to bed, it seems I always wake up sometime around 7 a.m. Sleep Cycle tracks the time you go to bed, the quality of your sleep, and the amount of time you spend in bed. It will give you percentages on tasks you perform that will help increase sleep quality, like drinking tea or working out, as well as tasks that will hinder sleep—drinking coffee, having a stressful day, or eating too late in the evening. This app uses the mic on your phone to listen to your breathing as you sleep. Why? Breathing rhythm when you sleep is also connected to when you’re in REM “deep” sleep. One of the things the app will do is monitor the right point around your normal target wake-up time to gently waken you during the point where you’re in light sleep vs. REM sleep. This allows your body to emerge from slumber at the best time to start your day. There are a lot of other functions on the app that are fascinating that I intend to explore.
Given that it’s well documented that hot tubbing an hour or so before your scheduled bedtime helps ready your body to relax and get ready for sleep, it stands to reason that incorporating use of the Calm app and its breathing exercises, meditation and bedtime stories after a hot tub soak might actually improve your chances of falling asleep quickly and getting to that precious REM sleep faster. It would also be interesting to head out to the hot tub for your pre-bedtime soak and use Calm’s breathing exercise and meditation functions during your soak. It would seem that doing one or both of those would help your body further reap the benefits of a soak, and really set you up for a terrific night’s sleep.
On the flip side, the Sleep Cycle app could help you track your ongoing sleep patterns, help you identify behavior you should modify or curb to get a better night’s sleep, and see how hot tubbing on one night vs. another is benefitting your body’s ability to get that all important seven hours of shut eye.
Sometimes, technology can work in our favor when it comes to our health & well-being. If you’re one of those folks who, like me, would love to capitalize on a little more of that much-needed slumber, try downloading one or both of these apps and give them a try.
Other tips for a good night’s sleep
Avoid TV and computers for an hour prior to bedtime
Eat nothing after 7 p.m.
Skip caffeine and alcohol in the hours before you hit the sack
Increase physical activity/exercise during the day
Make your bedroom a quiet dark relaxing space
Lower the temperature of your room for sleep
Have your head hit the pillow for slumber at roughly the same time each night
Consider aromatherapy made of essential oils to mist your pillow with prior to sleep. One that looks especially good to me is L’Occitane en Provence’s Aromachologie Pillow Mist
Sweet dreams!
http://olympichottub.com/hot-tubs-sauna-blog/2019/03/blend-technology-and-the-traditional-to-get-a-better-nights-sleep/
0 notes
Text
Winter Skin Tips
http://blog.spaweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/light-2812881_1920.jpg
During the winter months, skin can dry out, leaving you feeling itchy, blotchy and uncomfortable. Lathering on moisturizers and lip balms isn’t always effective and can even leave you feeling less hydrated than before. That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite winter skin tips to keep your skin happy all winter long.
Turn on the humidifier
Dry skin is never fun and waking up with a bloody nose or lip in the morning is the worst symptom of winter. If that’s you, try purchasing a humidifier for your bedroom to keep things comfy. The humidifier will keep your skin hydrated– and it can keep you healthy throughout the winter.
Limit shower time (and keep it cool!)
We get it– there’s nothing we love more than a long hot shower full of steam when it’s frigid outside. But this winter, you might want to stay away from those hours in the shower and keep things quick and cool. Hot water dries out your skin, so try to keep the temperature as lukewarm as possible — and don’t spend too long in there.
Choose the right products
During the winter, you know you need to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. But choosing the right products is key! Our favorite hydrating ingredient is hyaluronic acid, so look for that highlighted on your moisturizer. Don’t forget the SPF this winter either! The sun is still out and you need the protection. Check out our full list for the perfect dry skin routine this winter.
Try dry brushing or other forms of manual exfoliation
Dead skin can flake off during the winter and leave your skin rough, bumpy and itchy. Exfoliation is an important way to get rid of that dry skin, but some chemical exfoliants can dry your skin out even further. That’s why we recommend a manual exfoliation technique for the winter — either a body scrub or dry brushing. Search for dry brushing spa treatments in your area here.
Choose a hydrating, soothing facial at the spa
Our favorite way to treat our skin every season is at the spa! If your skin is feeling dry and your face is revolting, choose a hydrating, soothing facial at the spa. The esthetician will work with you to create the perfect treatment for your skin type and concerns. Whether you need a soothing jelly mask or a thorough exfoliating treatment, this is the perfect way to treat your skin to whatever it needs this season. Search for facials in your area here.
How do you prevent dry skin in the winter months? Let us know in the comments below!
[Read More ...]
http://blog.spaweek.com/2019/03/01/winter-skin-tips/
0 notes
Text
Protected: Broken Brain
http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png
This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:
Password:
[Read More ...]
https://drhyman.com/blog/2019/03/01/broken-brain/
0 notes
Text
Secrets of the Brain and Heart with Dr. James Doty
https://drhyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Broken-Brain_episode44-04.jpg?v=1.1
Download MP3
We each possess an extraordinary power to realize our greatest potential and live the life we want. Dr. James Doty is living proof of that. Having grown up in an environment of poverty and neglect, James Doty was 12 years old when he walked into a magic shop and met an extraordinary woman who introduced him to a series of teachings that changed the trajectory of his life. He overcame great odds en route to becoming a renowned neurosurgeon, neuroscientist, and one of today’s leading voices on the power of love and compassion.
On today’s Broken Brain Podcast, our host, Dhru, talks to Dr. James R. Doty, a professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Stanford University School of Medicine, and the founder and director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University of which His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the founding benefactor. He is also the New York Times best selling author of Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon’s Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart.
In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Doty talk about how compassion and social connection have a powerful effect on our health, happiness, and well-being. They discuss inspiring teachings to help us master four central techniques: relaxing the body to become present and honor our highest values, training the brain through meditation and mindfulness, opening the heart to foster true connection, and clarifying our intentions as we navigate the journey of our lives.
In this episode, we dive into:
Dr. Doty’s story growing up with an alcoholic father and chronically depressed mother (3:18)
Adverse childhood experiences and how they affect the nervous system (6:33)
The first lesson from the Magic Shop – Relaxing the Body (9:28)
Why magic works (13:07)
Teaching kids how to regulate their emotions (17:53)
The second lesson from the Magic Shop – Taming the Mind – (21:11)
The heart-brain connection (32:00)
Heart rate variability and compassion (35:37)
How our diet affects our emotional state (37:44)
The third lesson from the Magic Shop – Opening the Heart (38:34)
How to cultivate compassion (48:20)
The Alphabet of the Heart exercise (51:17)
Learn more about Dr. Doty and his work (60:12)
I know you’ll love this episode of The Broken Brain Podcast as much as I did.
Wishing you health and happiness,
Mark Hyman, MD
PS – For more on Dr. James Doty, be sure to follow him on Facebook @jamesrdoty, and on Twitter @jamesrdotymd. Check out his website http://intothemagicshop.com. You can find his book, Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon’s Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart, right here, and his newly released audio learning course, Lessons from the Magic Shop: A Heart-Centered Program to Manifest a Life of Compassion, Purpose, and Transformation, here. Lastly, you can find the Compassion Beads from the San Antonio peaceCENTER here.
[Read More ...]
https://drhyman.com/blog/2019/02/28/bb-ep44/
0 notes
Text
The Secrets to Creating a Healthy Immune System
http://img.youtube.com/vi/g8M--oV1qv8/0.jpg
The immune system: we hear about it all the time, especially this time of year as cold and flu season is in full swing.
But there’s a lot more to it than just your susceptibility to a runny nose. 50 million people suffer from immunologic diseases, ranging from an overactive immune system (autoimmunity) to an underactive one (immunodeficiency), and many stages in between. The field of immunology is much more expansive than you might think, spreading into neurology, gastroenterology, epigenetics, psychosocial health, and even mindfulness and gratitude.
My guest on this week’s episode of The Doctor’s Farmacy, Dr. Leonard Calabrese, is an expert in immunology and rheumatology.
In fact, he is a Professor of Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University and Vice Chair of the Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases. Dr. Calabrese is the director of the RJ Fasenmyer Center for Clinical Immunology at the Cleveland Clinic and holds joint appointments in the Department of Infectious Diseases and the Wellness Institute. Dr. Calabrese has made significant contributions to science in the fields of chronic viral infections and autoimmunity and vascular inflammatory diseases of the brain. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the advancements of immunology and wellness.
Right off the bat, it’s clear that Dr. Calabrese truly loves what he does. He strives to combine targeted immunologic therapies with the emerging science of wellness practices to provide patients with the most robust and innovative care. There is not a single patient who doesn’t ask, “What else can I do?” Dr. Calabrese recognized this early on and feels the incorporation of wellness principles—like exercise, diet, sleep, and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques—are empowered ways to support self-care.
One of the topics I get most excited about in this episode is the immunology of joy and gratitude and how the right practices to support these areas of life actually improve the immune system. This is also where stress ties in, and science continues to reveal the dramatic impacts of stress on the immune system. Dr. Calabrese shares fascinating clinical results on addressing stress and practicing immunologic strength training.
We dive into all this and so much more, like inflammation, meditation, and modifying genetic predispositions, on this week’s episode.
I hope you’ll tune in.
Wishing you health and happiness,
Mark Hyman, MD
[Read More ...]
https://drhyman.com/blog/2019/02/27/podcast-ep42/
0 notes
Text
Five tips to help avoid cloudy hot tub water
http://olympichottub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/HotSpring-Limelight-2018-Pulse-AlpineWhite-CoastalGray-Lifestyle-couple-002-SMALL-300x200.jpg
2018 Hot Spring Limelight Pulse Lifestyle Images
February 26, 2019 – You head out to the hot tub, weary from your long day and looking forward to that hot tub soak. You lift the cover off the hot tub and—waaaah! The water’s not looking crystal clear and ready for a soak. What to do?
There are a number of reasons that hot tub water starts to look less than stellar. Here are a few things to consider to keep your water looking perfect.
Keep your water balanced. WAY too often we talk to customers about their water care and find out they rarely test their water. Yikes! I don’t know about you, but I think we hear enough stories in the news about how much harder it is to keep disease at bay and develop antibiotics to conquer them. Why put yourself into hot tub water that’s not properly balanced?? Balanced water allows your sanitizer avoid getting destroyed by low pH, leaving it available to kill the crud we leave behind after a soak. Test strips are inexpensive and take seconds to use.
Don’t introduce extra “stuff” into the water. It’s a bore to think about showering before a soak, and often it’s unnecessary. BUT—if you’re someone who wears a lot of lotion, makeup, or hair product, all those things can not only make your water cloudy, it can also cause significant foaming in the water. At the very least, taking some of that off with makeup remover will help alleviate the chance those products could impact your water’s clarity.
Sanitize your tub’s water after every soak. Again, I’m always shocked at how many folks tell me they go out for a hot tub, soak, and then DON’T add anything to kill bacteria when they’re done! Here’s a newsflash: Every time we humans go into a hot tub for a soak, we leave “crap” in the water. You must add something after soaking to kill any bacteria/germs left behind!! This is not an option—it’s a requirement as a responsible hot tub user. Be sure you set yourself (and others!) up for safe soaking every time. Sanitize!
Regularly clean your filters. Your filters are key to the cleaning equation of your hot tub and have a significant impact on water clarity. Filters should be cleaned monthly—and not just by rinsing them with a garden hose. You need to use a filter cleaner to degrease the sleeves of the filter and make sure those sleeves are able to properly clean and filter your tub’s water. Filters should also be replaced every couple of years. Limping along with old filters that can’t keep up with cleaning your tub’s water properly is not a smart idea. Safe clean water requires good clean filters.
Regularly add clarifier. Adding a weekly dose of clarifier is an excellent way to help keep your water looking crystal clear. Clarifier works at binding up anything that can make your water cloudy and getting it captured by your filters, leaving your water sparkling. We like Natural Chemistry’s Clarifier, as it’s non-toxic and organic.
Take the necessary steps to keep your water looking terrific! That way, when you head out to the tub to take that all important soak, you’ll be able to breathe a sigh of relief and say “Aaaahh!” when you step into the tub instead of “Waaaah!” when you lift the lid.
http://olympichottub.com/hot-tubs-sauna-blog/2019/02/five-tips-to-help-avoid-cloudy-hot-tub-water/
0 notes
Text
8 Ways to Take Charge of Your Health
https://drhyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/katie-smith-104748-unsplash.jpg?v=1.1
Wellness is more than just eating right and exercising; it’s also much more than just feeling “okay.”
Feeling well means feeling whole, balanced, vibrant, and alive. And there are many moving pieces that we can tap into to feel empowered in our own wellness journey.
The key focus areas that I always recommend my patients pay attention to are community, spirit, emotional health, relationships, nutrition, movement, purpose, and mindset. Within these areas, we can have a dramatic influence on our immediate and future health.
There is so much you can do to help yourself to prevent, treat, and heal dis-ease no matter what situation you’re in. You have the power to change your health and these areas are where it all begins.
Community
I often see patients who feel they are doing everything right. They are eating nutrient-dense foods, getting adequate sleep, going to the gym…but they just don’t feel good. When I ask about their community and social connections they’re often surprised. But when we dig in and get to the real truth—loneliness, social isolation, and a lack of feeling that they belong—it becomes painfully clear that this is the missing link. And science shows us that a sense of community is correlated to longer, healthier, and happier lives. Volunteering, joining a class, and prioritizing time with loved ones are all ways to strengthen your social bonds and support your health in the process. Get involved in things you care about and your community connections will naturally fall into place.
Spirit
A sense of spirit is like a very strong self-awareness, encompassing our inner passions, values, and beliefs, everything that makes us, us. And when we are tuned in to it we are better able to navigate the ups and downs of life. Our values and personal truths keep us grounded in integrity and deepening this connection to ourselves gives us strength and resilience. No matter what your religious or spiritual practices, you can tap into your individual sense of spirit by doing daily “gut-checks” to listen to your intuition and taking quiet downtime to reflect, journal, meditate or pray—whatever helps you feel more connected to yourself.
Emotional Health
Our emotional health impacts our physical health, there is no way around it. I’ve overcome some of my own emotional barriers in the past; traumas and toxic beliefs are scary to unpack but when you do you give yourself freedom and the opportunity for dynamic growth. Work with a coach, speak up for yourself, let your feelings out. Deciding to focus on your emotional health as much as your physical health will have big payoffs for your wellness and happiness throughout life.
Relationships
Just as community is essential to our wellbeing, so are our individual relationships. Do the people in your life lift you up, inspire you, give you joy? Or do they pull you down, cause stress, and create conflict? The relationships we experience have a cumulative effect, impacting both short- and long-term health. Recognizing and releasing a toxic relationship can be as powerful for our health as eliminating an environmental toxin. Spend time and energy supporting the relationships you do have and don’t be afraid to cultivate a new friendship with someone you’re interested in getting to know better, chances are they could use a new friend too.
Nutrition
I’m always talking about the power of food, and for good reason! What we fuel our body with affects everything—energy levels, weight, immune system, hormones, all of it. And though the nutritional landscape can get confusing with all of the diet wars (Vegan? Keto? Low-carb?) there is one major thing that all experts agree on: eat plenty of colorful vegetables. Think about eating the rainbow each and every day and you’ll be on the right path. Then, incorporate clean high-quality protein sources that suit your morals, like grass-fed beef or organic gluten-free tempeh, along with plenty of healthy fats like avocados, walnuts, olive oil, and coconut. A few simple dietary tweaks can make a world of difference in how you feel.
Movement
Exercise is called a polypill because it does so much to benefit the entire body. Cardiovascular health, mood, metabolism, bone strength, the list goes on and on. But you don’t have to go to the gym to move your body. Find an activity you like, something that is fun, and make it part of your wellness routine. Even a walk outside can work wonders. I love to get together with a friend and play tennis or go to a yoga class; not only do we both feel good getting the physical activity we also support and encourage each other to make it a regular habit.
Purpose
Research shows having a sense of purpose actually relates to living a longer, happier life. When we feel we are sharing our unique gifts with others we feel useful, appreciated, validated, and meaningful. Think about what you feel you are best at, what you enjoy the most, and how you can put those things together to participate in a cause that matters to you.
Mindset
Our mindset is what brings it all together. We have to get in the right headspace to help ourselves stay healthy and reach our goals. Your mindset is your collection of attitudes—how you respond to challenges, express gratitude, manage your time, and take care of yourself are just some of the parts of your life that you can assess to get a better understanding of your mindset. One study found that those with a “stress-is-enhancing” mindset, as opposed to a “stress-is-debilitating” mindset, had fewer psychological stress responses like anxiety, depression, and anger. So take some time to shift your perspective into a more positive light and your entire body will reap the benefits.
You can nourish yourself and cultivate lasting wellness using these key principles. I’ve personally experienced the powerful shifts that are possible using a holistic, functional approach that supports the body, mind, and spirit; take your first step today.
Wishing you health and happiness,
Mark Hyman, MD
[Read More ...]
https://drhyman.com/blog/2019/02/26/8-ways-to-take-charge-of-your-health/
0 notes
Text
When you see what’s new in 2019 on Hot Spring Spas, you’ll say “Yes, please!”
http://olympichottub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/HotSpring-Limelight-2018-Pulse-AlpineWhite-CoastalGray-Lifestyle-couple-002-SMALL-300x200.jpg
February 22, 2019 – With most of the winter weather (I hope!) behind us, it’s time to truly look forward to spring, which is just around the corner. I know many of you have had hot tub dreams for so long, and you’ll be looking at your backyard at that spot you visualize your dream hot tub to reside.
Well, 2019 is absolutely the year of Hot Spring Spas, and you should absolutely make it the year to make the investment into your health & wellness! The upgrades made to the 2019 Hot Spring Highlife Collection elevate it to a whole new level of healthy safe soaking, energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness. There really is nothing else like it in hot tubs today.
Here are some of the exciting features now standard on Hot Spring Spas:
A substructure that’s eco-friendly. Say goodbye to tubs built with a wood frame and base. The wood sub structure in Highlife Collection Spas has been changed to a polymeric one made of recycled materials. No wood to ever worry about degrading over time. One of the hidden things that will increase the durability of your hot tub.
Increased energy efficiency. The new substructure also features a base pan. This is the surface that comes in contact with your yard, deck, concrete pad, etc. Engineers designed this to avoid any moisture absorption into the bottom of your tub. And, it’s been created with a honeycomb design, so the entire base doesn’t even meet the ground, reducing the transference of cold from anything your tub sits on and reducing energy usage. Innovative, durable, and smart.
The healthiest water for soaking. The exciting new FreshWater Salt System takes salt water soaking to a whole new level. This new system has easy-to-replace cartridges that require no maintenance and operation from the control panel that is very simple. There’s no reason to continue with dinosaur water care using bottled products added over and over and over. AND—with proper attention from you, water changes can be reduced to only once a year! Better for your skin, better for your health, better for the environment.
Wireless Controls. Hot Spring introduced this state-of-the-art control system five years ago on limited models. It’s now standard on all Hot Spring Highlife Collection Spas. Large display icons and temperature readings make it easy for anyone (even a sight struggling guy like me) to see it easily. The LED screen is bright and intuitive. While it nests in the front of the tub on the bartop when not in use, it can be easily handheld for operation anywhere from the tub once you’re in for a soak.
Tri-X These filters are amazing assistants for crystal clean water and further support Hot Spring’s effort to be environmentally conscious hot tub providers. Forget tossing old poly-sleeve filters every couple of years! These filters, made of a porous rigid material, last 4-5 years and clean easily in the dishwasher! With each containing 65 square feet of filtration, you have amazing cleaning capacity for safe soaking and peace of mind.
New luxe cabinet and shell color options. A design team re-imagined the cabinet styling of the Highlife Collection to perfectly complement outdoor furniture. The result is a sleek sophisticated exterior with six color options to perfectly synch with your design ideas. The shell colors perfectly align with the cabinets for a high design look not found anywhere else in the hot tub industry.
Whew! Is that enough? Actually, it’s not! Because, along with all of these amazing updates, you still have tried and true exclusives that really make Hot Spring the hot tub to own: Moto-Massage DX jets that sweep up and down your back for a full massage; 100% no-bypass filtration for ultimate safety and clean water; whisper quiet cleaning and filtration with the SilentFlo 5000 circulation pump; floor drain for easy cleaning when it’s time for a water change.
But that’s not all! There’s also a wonderful new addition to the Hot Spring Collection for 2019. The Triumph is a thoughtfully designed tub for four that has enjoyed great success for Hot Spring internationally. By offering this model in the U.S., we have a wonderful answer for those that desire two lounges in their hot tub. This tub will definitely make you feel like you’re living the Highlife!
There’s much to be excited about, and it’s absolutely the time for a Hot Spring Highlife Collection tub! As Alice, our co-founder used to say, “A house is not a home without a Hot Spring”.
Visit one of our showrooms today and find out why!
http://olympichottub.com/hot-tubs-sauna-blog/2019/02/when-you-see-whats-new-in-2019-on-hot-spring-spas-youll-say-yes-please/
0 notes
Text
What You Need to Know about Heart Health and Your Risk
http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png
Heart health month is here! Each February, we partner with the American Heart Association to raise awareness about heart disease. We’re giving away a pair of Louboutins and a Motiv Ring to two lucky winners! For each entry, we’re going red and donating to the American Heart Association. Enter for a chance to win here.
Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women and there are a lot of factors that affect your risk. We’ve rounded up some of the major risk factors that you can and can’t control – and what you can do to decrease your risk for heart disease.
Risk Factors
Age: Unfortunately, age is one of those factors that we can’t do anything about, but it’s an important one. As we age, our chance at developing heart disease becomes more likely, so be aware of your risk and ask your doctor if you should consider getting a stress test.
Smoking Tobacco: One of the biggest risk factors in developing heart disease is being a smoker. Even if it’s a casual habit, stop smoking today. Another tip: avoid secondhand smoke like the plague. This is one of the largest risk factors in developing heart disease.
High Blood Pressure & High Blood Cholesterol: High blood pressure and high cholesterol are two major risk factors when it comes to having a healthy heart. If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, talk with your doctor about dietary changes you can make to lower your risk.
Obesity & Being Overweight: Being obese or overweight is another major factor when it comes to heart disease. Stick to a healthy diet and develop an exercise plan to lose weight, stay active, and decrease your risk for developing heart disease.
Stress Levels: Another big factor? Stress levels. If you work in a stressful job or have a high-stress lifestyle, try to find a way to relax and decrease stress levels: like practicing yoga, writing in a journal, or taking a hot bath.
Ways to Decrease Your Risk
Stop Smoking: If you’re a smoker, the biggest way you can decrease your risk is to quit smoking as soon as possible. Talk with your doctor about how you can quit today.
Be physically active: Exercise doesn’t have to mean committing to an intense, rigorous routine everyday. Any amount of physical activity helps your heart and lowers your risk of heart disease. Start by going on a long walk in your neighborhood a few day a week.
Enjoy a variety of nutritious, heart-healthy foods: We’ve rounded up some of our favorite heart-healthy foods here, so get cooking! Vary your diet and stick to healthy, low-calorie, heart-healthy foods.
Look after your mental health & get enough sleep: Take care of yourself! As we mentioned, stress levels can lead to an increase risk for heart disease, so take care of your mental health and make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
Get up throughout the day and don’t stay seated for too long at one time: We get it – if you work a desk job, it can be hard to keep moving and getting up throughout the day. But when you can, make sure you stand up, stretch, and go on a short walk. Sitting for too long is another risk factor for developing heart disease, so try to keep your blood flowing throughout the day.
Show us how you’re going red for heart health month! Tag us in your posts with #MySpaWeek and don’t forget to enter our 7th annual Heart Over Heels Giveaway!
[Read More ...]
http://blog.spaweek.com/2019/02/22/need-know-heart-health-risk/
0 notes
Text
One thing you should do every day
https://drhyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/radu-emanuel-15870-unsplash.jpg?v=1.1
Meditating, or “napitating” as I like to call it, has changed my life.
I have a million responsibilities every day, like multiple jobs and companies to run, a wife, kids, friends, travel, and plenty of patients I want to show up for. It can all seem really overwhelming at times. That was until I started meditating regularly.
Before becoming a doctor, I studied Buddhism, so decades ago I had learned to embrace the power of meditation. But when I entered medical school and found myself on call for long shifts and working crazy hours, it slipped out of my rotation. My health, happiness, productivity, and relationships suffered. Now I realize, we need meditation during those hard times more than ever.
I was lucky enough to meet my good friend Emily Fletcher several years ago and convince her to be my personal meditation teacher. Her approachable style is realistic and geared towards improving performance in all areas of life, without making you feel like you need to become a monk to be successful. Once I started meditating again I quickly realized what I had been missing—I am more energized, focused, present, and happy when I meditate regularly and my life really just flows in a smoother state.
Emily combines the concepts of mindfulness, meditation, and manifesting to create the Ziva Technique, which she now teaches to thousands through her online programs. She also just released her first book, Stress Less, Accomplish More, to make meditation even more accessible to the masses.
If you missed this week’s Doctor’s Farmacy Podcast episode, Emily joined me to discuss the amazing results meditation can produce and talk about the science behind its benefits. From immune support to better sleep and even better sex, meditation affects the body on a cellular level and helps to clear the massive amount of stress we’re up against each day.
Throughout our conversation, Emily shares inspiring stories and tips that will have you ready to start your own practice right away. She gets it, we’re all busy, but by setting aside just 2% of our time each day we can function at a higher level the other 98% of the time. Why wouldn’t we do that?
I know you’ll love this episode, I hope you’ll tune in.
Wishing you health and happiness,
Mark Hyman, MD
[Read More ...]
https://drhyman.com/blog/2019/02/21/one-thing-you-should-do-every-day/
0 notes
Text
Infrared Sauna Cleaning 101: Sauna Maintenance & Care Tips
http://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png
Investing in an infrared sauna is the ultimate step toward investing in your health. Just like you need to take care of your body to keep it running smoothly, you need to take care of your infrared sauna. Making sure you take proper care of your infrared sauna ensures you’ll be able to enjoy its...
Read More
[Read More ...]
https://infraredsauna.com/blog/infrared-sauna-cleaning-101-sauna-maintenance-care-tips/
0 notes
Text
Supercharge Your Love Life & Career Through Meditation with Emily Fletcher
https://drhyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Broken-Brain_episode43_EmilyFletcher-04.jpg?v=1.1
Download MP3
According to Harvard Medical School, stress is an epidemic that is responsible for 90% of all doctors visits. It can negatively impact our relationships and our ability to perform at the top of our game. It’s become so widespread that we accept it as “normal” to have insomnia, digestive issues, and chronic anxiety. It’s clear that stress reduction needs to be a part of our personal wellness routines.
On today’s Broken Brain Podcast, our host, Dhru, talks to Emily Fletcher, the founder of Ziva Meditation and creator of The Ziva Technique. She’s been named one of the top 100 women in wellness to watch, has taught more than 15,000 students around the world, and has spoken on meditation for performance at Google, Harvard Business School, Viacom, and Wanderlust. Ziva graduates include Oscar, Grammy, Tony, and Emmy award winners, NBA players, Navy SEALs, Fortune 500 CEOs, busy parents, and social entrepreneurs. Her debut book, Stress Less, Accomplish More, was just released by HarperCollins on February 19th.
In this episode, Dhru and Emily break down the topic of stress and how we can use meditation to truly help us accomplish more, feel better, and live life with more intention. They also talk about how meditation can impact our sex life, performance, and enjoyment of life. Throughout their talk, we hear about the science of meditation and the positive effects it has on cellular aging. And Emily dismantles the #1 myth about meditation and discusses how to bring meditation into your life in a practical and tangible way.
In this episode, we dive into:
How meditation can up-level our performance in the bedroom (5:30)
Mirror neurons and how they affect our sex lives (8:03)
Emily’s Come to Your Senses mindfulness technique (10:54)
The connection between sexual energy and creative (15:32)
Emily’s new book, Stress Less, Accomplish More and the inspiration behind it (16:45)
Emily shares her story and how she got into meditation (20:34)
Case studies of Emily’s students (22:30)
The science of meditation and how it impacts the brain (28:30)
How meditation supported Emily through her pregnancy and how she incorporates into her life as a new mom (36:03)
How meditation is a tool to build resilience (42:46)
How meditation lengthens telomeres and slows the rate of cellular aging (45:12)
Meditation and community (55:05)
The Ziva Technique (59:24)
Learn more about Emily and her work (62:59)
I know you’ll love this episode of The Broken Brain Podcast as much as I did.
Wishing you health and happiness,
Mark Hyman, MD
PS – For more on Emily Fletcher, be sure to follow her on Instagram @zivameditation and @emilystellafletcher. Check out her website https://zivameditation.com. You can also find her new book Stress Less, Accomplish More, right here
[Read More ...]
https://drhyman.com/blog/2019/02/21/bb-ep43/
0 notes
Text
Eat These Foods for a Healthier Heart
http://blog.spaweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/petra-cigale-128139-unsplash.jpg
February is Heart Health Month! Every year, Spa Week goes red for heart health by giving away a free pair of Louboutins! Enter to win here – for every entry, we donate to the American Heart Association to fight back against heart disease.
Taking care of your heart is so important, so we’ve rounded up 10 of the best, most heart-healthy foods you can get.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Full of vitamins and nutrients and light on calories, leafy green vegetables are an important part of any healthy diet. For heart health, they’re a great source of vitamin K, which can help reduce blood pressure.
Dark Chocolate
Yep, dark chocolate is on this list! Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and has been shown to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
Whole Grains
Add some brown rice to your taco bowl! Whole grains are a great source of fiber, which is an important part of your diet and can help reduce the risk of heart disease while lowering your bad cholesterol.
Berries
Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, oh my! These berries are full of antioxidants, which are important in preventing heart disease and keeping your heart strong and healthy.
Salmon
Omega-3, or good fat, is an important part of a healthy diet and a crucial way to keep your heart healthy. One of the healthiest fatty fish you can eat is salmon. It’s full of omega-3, which decreases blood pressure and other risk factors associated with heart disease.
Almonds
Almonds are full of a ton of great nutrients, fiber, and healthy fats. In addition to being great for your body and a helpful snack while trying to lose weight, almonds reduce bad cholesterol, lowering your risk of heart disease.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is full of the good kind of fat and antioxidants, so add this delicious ingredient to salads, veggies, and pretty much anything else you can think of! One study showed that those that add olive oil to their diet have a 35% lower risk of developing heart disease.
Green Tea
Green tea has ton of health benefits and is a great way to help you lose weight and burn fat. For your heart, green tea can lower cholesterol and blood pressure, two major risks in developing heart disease!
Chickpeas
Chickpeas (and some other lentils and beans) are a great source of fiber – that magical ingredient that lowers your bad cholesterol. Just make sure you look for cans that are low-sodium or no-salt-added!
Red grapes
You may have heard that red wine is good for your heart — in moderation — and that’s because of the benefits of juicy red grapes. They are full of resveratrol, which keeps your blood flooding and benefits circulation.
What foods do you eat to take care of your heart? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to enter our 7th annual Heart Over Heels Giveaway!
[Read More ...]
http://blog.spaweek.com/2019/02/20/eat-foods-healthier-heart/
0 notes
Text
Why Meditation is the New Medicine
http://img.youtube.com/vi/4W3_lGfZQbw/0.jpg
If there was something you could do every day to boost your focus and productivity, feel energized, reduce stress, sleep better, maintain a positive outlook, and support whole-body health, wouldn’t you do it?
It’s for all these reasons, and more, that I consider meditation a foundational pillar to good health. I used to think I didn’t have time for meditation but now I know I don’t have time NOT to do it—it’s become that integral in helping me manage all of my other many responsibilities and passions. Since starting, I’m happier than ever, have found the love of my life, and my business is rocking.
Today, on The Doctor’s Farmacy Podcast, I talk to my good friend and personal meditation teacher, Emily Fletcher, about meditation for the modern world. Emily is the founder of Ziva, the creator of The Ziva Technique, and regarded as a leading expert in meditation for high performers. Her debut book, Stress Less, Accomplish More, was just released.
As we dive into our talk, Emily shares the story of how she found meditation. Her high-demand job as a Broadway performer was resulting in non-stop stress and insomnia, along with accelerated signs of aging. A fellow performer shared her secret to staying calm and focused with Emily—meditation—and after just one practice Emily slept through the night for the first time in years. That was enough to turn her on to the power of meditation and eventually led Emily to spend three years in India studying it; she now shares that passion with others by teaching the Ziva method.
Throughout this episode, you’ll hear about so many of the amazing benefits of meditation, like providing the nervous system a rest five times deeper than sleep. It is possible to let go of the stress we’ve all accumulated throughout life; Emily explains how this works down to the cellular level. We know that stress makes us stupid, sick, and slow and it also leads to dementia, which is why a meditation practice is such an important part of self-care.
Emily also digs into mindfulness and manifestation, the two other arms of the Ziva technique and why including these with meditation helps us stay more present and move our lives in the direction of our dreams.
We talk about this and so much more on this week’s episode. I hope you’ll tune in!
Wishing you health and happiness,
Mark Hyman, MD
[Read More ...]
https://drhyman.com/blog/2019/02/20/podcast-ep41/
0 notes
Text
Beating Emotional Eating
https://drhyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/bethany-newman-61417-unsplash.jpg?v=1.1
We’ve all been there: A few bites of pie turns into two pieces, one cookie turns into a whole sleeve.
There’s a reason for this, and no it’s not a lack of willpower. Foods like sweets, as well as extra salty and fatty foods, are called “hyperpalatable,” and they take over the brain, releasing pleasure chemicals like dopamine and making us want more, long after the belly is actually full.
The result is overeating followed by cravings for more of the same unhealthy stuff, in an effort to feel happy again.
Food addiction is no joke—it’s as real as drug addiction and activates the same reward center of the brain. In fact, recovering drug addicts or alcoholics often turn to food as a new coping mechanism. And think about how accessible junk food is! It’s everywhere, it’s no wonder so many people are addicted to food that is harming their health. It’s estimated that 5 to 6% of the general population suffers from food addiction, with women being twice as likely as men.
That drive to receive more feel-good chemicals from food is also a factor behind emotional eating. Many turn to food as a form of comfort, whether it’s because they can’t tolerate difficult feelings or have no other forms of pleasure, and it leads to a dangerous dependence and an emotional disconnect.
The good news is that there are so many things you can do to reset your brain, un-hijack your tastebuds, and cultivate a healthier relationship to food.
If you missed this week’s episode of The Doctor’s Farmacy, my guest Lisa Lampanelli walks us through her personal struggles with food and emotional eating.
After stuffing her feelings down for years and turning to food as therapy, Lisa eventually turned to bariatric surgery. She successfully lost 100 pounds and began doing the deep emotional work to get to the root of her disordered eating. Lisa’s efforts changed more than just her health—she realized her true calling was to be a life coach and help others overcome food and body-image issues.
I know you’ll love Lisa’s inspiring story from this episode. I hope you’ll listen in.
Wishing you health and happiness,
Mark Hyman, MD
[Read More ...]
https://drhyman.com/blog/2019/02/18/beating-emotional-eating/
0 notes
Text
Are hot tubs covered by health insurance?
http://olympichottub.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/mpd-accessories-img-ht-steps-cover-lifter-1-248x300.jpg
February 15, 2019 – We get the question from customers inquiring if they might be able to get a hot tub purchase either partially or completely covered by their health insurance provider. I know in years past I’ve had a few customers that were successful at this. But truly, I hope you’ll never be ill enough or suffer chronically from a condition that would make it viable.
Still, there could very well be instances where a doctor might think about recommending a hot tub as part of your strategy to deal with a condition or illness.
Hot Spring Spas, the brand of tub we’ve offered since 1982, has written a very comprehensive article about things to think about if you’re in a situation where this question arises. We’re reprinted it below with their blessing in the hopes it can help!
Whether you suffer from intermittent aches or chronic pain, you might be wondering: are hot tubs covered by health insurance? The answer depends on a few things: your health insurance company, your specific health insurance policy, and the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor.
A hot tub may be covered by your insurance company if your doctor prescribes spa hydrotherapy as treatment for a specific medical condition. When filing your claim, be sure to include all relevant medical documentation—X-rays, MRI results, and other test results that support your doctor’s diagnosis.
Be aware, however, even with a prescription and thorough documentation, your claim may be rejected because some policies specifically exclude hot tub coverage. Many health insurance companies deem home spas personal care equipment rather than necessary medical equipment. As a matter of recourse, you can always consider changing providers or coverage. A new insurance provider or policy might cover your hot tub. Before taking that step, though, you’ll want to evaluate the cost of a new policy and consider the many benefits of hot tub ownership. The costs of owning a hot tub may outweigh the cost of changing policies. Also consider any waiting period that might be involved in new coverage.
If you were injured as the result of the actions of another person or entity, such as a business, the insurance company of the party at fault may cover the cost of prescribed hot tub therapy. If you were injured in an automobile accident seek coverage for doctor-prescribed therapy from the party at fault, consult your lawyer for advice. If the other party’s auto insurance company denies your claim, your own auto insurance policy might cover treatment.
Disclaimer: This information should not be construed as medical or legal advice. For advice on which treatment may be best for your condition consult a licensed medical professional. For advice concerning insurance claims, consult a licensed attorney.
http://olympichottub.com/hot-tubs-sauna-blog/2019/02/are-hot-tubs-covered-by-health-insurance/
0 notes
Text
How to Pursue Your Passion
https://drhyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/cristian-escobar-297114-unsplash.jpg?v=1.1
When we truly look at our lives, even the messy, uncomfortable, shameful parts, we are able to move on and discover what brings us joy.
That’s what my guest on this week’s episode of The Doctor’s Farmacy is all about. Lisa Lampanelli went from famous comedian with a food addiction to life-coach specializing in food and body-image issues… after she did the deep emotional work to get to the root of her problems.
Lisa believes when we stop catastrophizing and write down what it will really take to reach our goals, we see just how achievable they are. She acknowledges that change doesn’t come easy and it can be hard to fight old habits, but every step in the right direction counts.
Throughout our conversation, Lisa’s vulnerability will have you feeling like you’re talking to a friend—one with some amazing tips on making positive changes and pursuing your passion. Being open and vulnerable allows us to get closer to others and make fulfilling connections while gaining a valuable perspective of ourselves; Lisa’s story will motivate you to open up.
Lisa and I talk about her struggles with emotional eating, relationships, and self-doubt and how she overcame her fears to pursue a career she truly loves. I know you’ll be inspired by this episode, be sure to listen in.
Wishing you health and happiness,
Mark Hyman, MD
[Read More ...]
https://drhyman.com/blog/2019/02/15/how-to-pursue-your-passion/
0 notes