Susan U. Neal's Blog, page 3

How to Prevent UTIs

Aging brings challenges. My least favorite one, so far, has been the attack of persistent UTIs. Menopause seemed to have opened that door. Anyone who has experienced a urinary tract infection will know immediately if she gets another one. How can we avoid UTIs without using antibiotics?

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Wisdom’s Guide to Wellness: Exploring the Seven Pillars for Life

Are you wellness-wise? Healthy living encompasses making wise choices that promote our overall wellness, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Sadly, many individuals disregard their overall health by indulging in unhealthy food, living a sedentary life, neglecting their mental well-being, and giving little importance to soul care. We desire complete wellness while neglecting the disciplines to achieve it. 

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5 Strategies to Unlock Peace for Neurodivergent Minds

We're neurodivergent, not broken. Perhaps we're superhumans who don't need gimmicks to achieve productivity because we achieve it in a way most people don't understand. Neurodivergents think, react, and plan differently. Remember, these "expert" recommendations are often based on an ideal rather than reality. 

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Choosing Wisely: The Shopper’s Guide to the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen

As we embark on our journey toward a healthier and more spiritual life, it is vital that we make informed choices about the food we bring into our homes and how it aligns with our values of wellness. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) annually releases two crucial lists for health-conscious shoppers like us—the "Dirty Dozen" and the "Clean Fifteen." These lists, updated every year, help us discern the fruits and vegetables that are most and least contaminated with pesticide residues, guiding us in making choices that honor our bodies. 

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Unlocking the Power of Epigenetics:

Did you know that a family history of conditions such as cancer or dementia doesn't automatically dictate your health future? The concept that our genes determine our health is outdated, thanks to advancements in the field of epigenetics. This promising area of study demonstrates how our behaviors and environment can profoundly impact gene activity. 

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Healthy & Unhealthy Relationships Affect Our Mental, Emotional, and Physical Health

Healthy relationships with family, friends, parents, siblings, cousins, or co-workers play a vital role in our lives and are part of a healthy lifestyle. But not all relationships are healthy or good for us. An unhealthy relationship can add tension, lead to feeling distracted, and reduce our productivity at school or work.  

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How to Survive and Thrive in a Season of Caregiving

Whether you find yourself caring for a grandparent, spouse, child, or sibling, you’ve probably concluded that you’ve bit off more than you thought you could chew. While there is no easy solution to navigating a difficult season of caregiving, there are helpful ways to cope. 

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The Importance of Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise

Many people who work out have their favorite exercises; however, to be fully fit, both aerobic and anaerobic exercises should be combined in a workout regimen.  

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Exercise – The Burner and Builder

Exercise burns calories and builds muscle and bones. It is a necessity for good health at any stage in life, especially for senior citizens. Many health problems faced by older people might have been avoided if exercise had been part of a daily routine. Any movement burns calories. I could write a weight loss book in one sentence: “If you burn more calories than you take in, you will lose weight,” end of book. I coauthored  Lose the Weight, and Keep the Faith, with Nick Gaglione, a fitness trainer.  “Cut and burn” was the crux of our message. If you cut calories and burn calories through purposeful exercising you will lose weight. To lose a pound a week, you must burn 3500 calories more than you consume.

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Three Links between Spirituality and Healthy Living

Our spiritual health directly influences our physical well-being. To take advantage of these influences, we need to challenge our minds, build connections with others, and stretch our bodies. These influences are particularly important as we age. Mind and body are interdependent, so these influences should not come as a surprise.

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