May 30, 2018 For many of us summer finally appears to be on the horizon! It’s time to get load the car and head to the beach. Here are our favorite seven summer beach bag essentials. Sunscreen. First and foremost, whether sunny or cloudy, you need sunscreen to protect your skin. The safest ones are made with…
November 6, 2012 The check-out stands at your local grocery store are groaning from the weight of the all the Thanksgiving cooking magazines. Full of gorgeous photos of succulent sides, decadent desserts and a golden brown bird just waiting for you to dive into and devour. Those food photos can beckon you to add one…
March 6, 2014 March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. This is a very worthy cause that continues to have low visibility despite the fact that so many women suffer from the disorder every day. For this reason, we must work together to bring this issue to light. The Million Women March will take place in 53…
May 23, 2014 No doubt you’ve been seeing new grains cropping up in online recipes, health food blogs, and even on shelves in the stores. These grains are giving pasta some healthy competition. Just as kale is the new lettuce, grains like quinoa are the”grains of the moment”. There are also several other grains making…
March 21, 2013 If you’ve ever dealt with sciatica you know that any relief can be a lifesaver. Sciatica is caused by pressure or damage to the Sciatic nerve which runs from the lower back down each leg. The pain can radiate from the lower back, down either hip, and down the length of the…
February 3, 2012 The big day is almost here and whether you are single or attached, sometimes Valentine’s feels too commercial to bother buying overpriced flowers and gifts. Instead of going for the traditional present, spoil yourself and your Valentine with an at-home spa treatment. Take the night off. Do whatever it takes to get…
February 10, 2015 I try really hard to be aware of what I’m eating. I limit junk food and foods that are overly processed. I’m one of those people who reads the ingredient labels on everything I buy and tries to stay up to date on the latest health information. The one area that I…
November 14, 2011 The months after a new school year starts can involve significant changes for families. The busy schedules of school, homework, sports, after-school classes, and the holidays can contribute to stress, anxiety, and pressure for kids and parents alike. One solution to these problems is to bring the whole family together through yoga….
July 27, 2018 Exercise has both mental and physical benefits: it can make you happier, lower stress, keep you in shape, increase energy, clear your skin, increase memory, help with relaxation, and even help your sex drive! With so many benefits, we should all be motivated to get out of bed and hit the gym or…
November 20, 2014 Have you ever been accused of being selfish? Most of us have and most of us are guilty of having moments when we really are thinking only of ourselves. It’s not a bad thing to make yourself a priority but we also need to have a balance. Here are some suggestions for…
March 19, 2013 Great skin doesn’t happen overnight. It is a work in progress. If you want clear, youthful looking skin later in life then start working on it now. You Are Not My Sunshine Stay out of the sun. One of the best (and safest) things you can do to prevent signs of aging…
February 5, 2015 There’s no other way to say it to you, but 2015 is going to be the year of the butt. Give credit to the rise in pop stars and celebrities with infamous derrieres like Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj and now Iggy Azalea. These women put it all out there and have been…
July 9, 2011 In our Moms & Stress series, Lea Curtes-Swenson talks with leading experts on stress management and life balance. She brings you tips, tricks, and advice for understanding your stress and getting it under control – so you can enjoy your time with your kids and teach them to live stress-free too. Now…
February 13, 2015 My fruit basket usually overflows with apples, bananas, oranges and the occasionally kiwi. There are some blueberries in my freezer and we might have a few grapes, strawberries or melon in the refrigerator. But, honestly, I think everyone in this house is getting a bit bored of the same old-same old, no matter how tasty…
September 10, 2014 I can’t scream loud enough how much I love all of these campaigns that celebrate the different sizes and shapes of women’s bodies. I especially like the post pregnancy blogs that celebrate stretch marks, love handles, saggy boobs and more. I am a mom of three who marvels every day at the amazing…
March 21, 2018 Many more people are working from home, but they often sit in bed or find themselves at a desk in a dark corner. I work from home and spend so much time at my desk working. I started to wonder how I could make my home office a healthier place to be….
November 12, 2013 Relish in the autumn spirit with some festively fall juices and smoothies that are guaranteed to help you detox from all that post-Halloween candy and pre-Thanksgiving Day feasts headed your way. Load up on antioxidants, lots of seasonal fruits and vegetables to help keep you hydrated, maintaining your weight and feeling fit…
November 11, 2019 For most of us, it’s the busiest time of the year and often a time when we forget to slow down and nurture ourselves. While self-care is needed year-round, this season, it’s all about balance and making sure to carve out time for yourself. Pampering is often the first word we think…
August 9, 2018 The first HPV vaccine was introduced in the United States over 10 years ago. At the time it was recommended that girls, age 11 to 12, get the vaccine. In the fall of 2017 the United States made the recommendation that the vaccine should also be given to boys of the same…
January 26, 2012 ADHD, also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition that causes children and teens to have difficulty controlling their behavior. Until recently, ADHD was a condition that was only diagnosed in children between the ages of 6 and 12 years of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics released new ADHD…
January 24, 2017 January is Thyroid Awareness Month—how is your thyroid? Despite the prevalence of thyroid disorders, few people know much about this important gland, so now is a good time to boost your thyroid awareness. What is the Thyroid Gland? The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that can be found at the base…
June 7, 2012 Not everyone can bed like a pretzel, so why should you start practicing yoga? Stress: Yoga helps the “stress” factor. With the bombardment of stimulation from electronics, crowds, traffic, and the hustle and bustle of daily life, yoga provides us with much-needed down time. It teaches relaxation, relaxes the nervous system ,and…
March 1, 2017 The quality of our work life is often affected by the weather and time of year. In the summer, we often long for the great outdoors while covering extra shifts for coworkers who are off on vacation. In the winter, many people feel cooped up indoors and miss the long days and…
November 10, 2016 It’s that time of year. From Halloween through New Years’ Eve, many people have a tendency to pack on a few pounds—or more. Perhaps it’s the candy and sweets, or maybe it’s the cold weather, which makes it difficult to head outdoors for exercise. Whatever the reason, it’s easier to prevent weight gain than…
October 14, 2014 November 2, 2014 marks the day where we set the clocks back one hour for Daylight Savings Time (DST), also known as “fall back.” Each year we do this and each year we try to figure out why in the world we feel so off for the first three to five days. Avoid…
November 15, 2016 The holidays are fast approaching and with it a wealth of parties, activities, and manic shopping. It also (inevitably) brings about coughs, colds, and the flu. I’m definitely a proponent of the flu shot and vitamins, but did you know that there’s another way to help protect your immune system? Probiotics. Probiotics…
February 24, 2017 Fiber is a key component in a healthy diet. Maintaining a diet high in fiber can improve your cholesterol levels by lowering your bad cholesterol. A high fiber diet can also reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Here are some easy ways to add more fiber to your day:…
July 11, 2019 The dreaded chore of cleaning can drive anyone to frustration. We dust, vacuum, wipe and scrub, clean up the kid’s messes, and struggle to get fingerprints off doors. Then when someone in the house is sick, we run around wiping down doorknobs and light switches. Yet we often forget some of the…
May 11, 2012 For the athletic moms, who are willing to give up their valuable free time for the sake of a workout, you probably have specific needs and wants on Mother’s Day. Some of you may want to take a day off and hit the day spa for a massage and relaxing facial. Some…
February 27, 2014 This month, there has been a lot of emphasis on showing love to your partner, children and even your co-workers. Rarely, though, do we put as much effort into cultivating our relationship with ourselves. As we prepare for spring, why not direct some of those loving thoughts, feelings and actions inwards? Here…
December 24, 2013 The holiday bulge might be creeping up on you. Kick it to the curb and keep your New Year’s “healthier you” resolutions by taking up one of the top new fitness trends for 2014. No matter what your speed or fitness level there is a class or workout that can fit your…
October 12, 2012 Feel like you’re in a rut? Getting bored with your daily routine? It can happen to all of us, especially when we are busy being moms. The key is to try new things that add excitement, meaning and interest to your day. Things that make you feel more energized, empowered, vibrant or…
July 31, 2011 Let this post be a cheering section for you moms who need to hit the gym and build muscle as part of your fitness plan! I believe in the benefits of weight training so strongly, that I’d ditch a run, hike, swim, bike or climb for a strength training workout. Feeling strong,…
October 15, 2012 As parents, our children’s health and happiness is our number one priority. From making sure they’re happy at school – to looking after them when the’re sick in bed – there is nothing we won’t do for our kids. One aspect you may not have previously considered is your child’s vision. As…
July 29, 2014 One of the hot topics around our dinner table is whether or not we need to label food that contains genetically modified organisms (GMO’s). GMO’s are defined as an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Organisms that have been genetically modified include micro-organisms such as bacteria and yeast,…
April 18, 2018 If you’ve been in a relationship for a while, you can probably look back on the early days when your romance felt new and exciting. When we’re falling in love, we tend to be more adventurous and willing to overlook imperfections because having fun is more important than nitpicking. After a while,…
January 20, 2016 Eating gluten-free is becoming more and more common in the average household. Children and adults are finding that, even if they do not have Celiac disease, gluten can still be a digestive issue. Trying to find recipes that still taste like you are eating “the real thing” is sometimes hard to do, especially with children. This…
March 20, 2013 As moms we play hard, participate in sports, and are generally pretty active! We know how to take care of our children when they suffer injuries, but what about ourselves? A torn meniscus is a common injury. Here we will discuss what to do if you recently hurt your knee and/or experience…
November 16, 2016 When you hear the word “holidays” does your stress level rise? Does the thought of holiday baking, shopping for presents, and preparing for guests make you feel like taking the holidays off? If so, you aren’t alone. The holidays are a challenging time of year for many people. Not only are we…
March 15, 2018 In the summer, the warm temps and humid air keep our skin looking dewy and feeling supple but the cold of winter isn’t quite the same. Not only might your skin take on that signature ashen hue associated with the season, but it may also crack and peel. Is there anything you can…
October 24, 2011 Everyone wants a healthy smile, but did you know that some of the products you and your family use to maintain those pearly whites could contain harmful ingredients? Many people mistakenly believe that the personal care products we use daily (or more) have been tested for safety. The Environmental Working Group (EWG)…
September 3, 2013 The Illotibial Band (IT Band) is a long band of connective tissue that runs down the outside of your thigh from your hips down to your shin. It seems fairly inconsequential until it shortens. Suddenly it’s as if your leg short circuits all the time. An injured IT Band can cause you…
April 1, 2016 The weather is starting to warm up again, and I know summer will be here before I know it. I’ve already begun to think about barbecues and picnics, and I’m looking forward to entertaining friends and family this summer. One of the challenges of warm weather for me is not gaining any…
December 12, 2017 With the turn of the seasons, you’ve probably been inundated with commercials, articles, and conversations about New Year’s resolutions. These make me simultaneously excited and irritated. Visions of a well-toned me strolling a beach in the south of France while fluently conversely with a local have me resolving to go to the…
October 30, 2017 If you have holiday travel plans, you’re likely wondering how to stay healthy when you’re away from home. If you’re like me, any disruption in your routine often leads to the sniffles and a general run-down feeling during the trip, or a day or two after returning home. While traveling can be…