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6 Tips for Healthy Holidays

Sherri Martin — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 14:00:40 +0000

We are right in the thick of the holidays now. Thanksgiving and Hanukkah have come and gone. Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s are nearly upon us.

While this is a time for love and laughter it is also a time for overindulging and too many sweets. With parties taking over your evenings and weekends, and the temptations of cookies and candy, it’s hard to stay on top of your health. Here are 6 tips for staying healthy during the holidays.

Don’t go hungry.
This is my number one rule at all times, not just the holidays. It is a huge mistake to go to a holiday party or a work function hungry. Go with a full stomach so you can graze and enjoy the food but not overindulge.
Get your workout in.
Be sure to get up and get your workout in early. It will help to kick your metabolism in to high gear and burn fat all day. This way you don’t have to worry about having a few cookies while out at night.
Offer to bring a healthy dish.
If you are going to a party where you are asked to bring something, bring something healthy. You can still bring your famous pecan pie, but bring something additional to balance it out. This way you know there is at least one option that’s good for you. Get creative; it’s easy to make little tweaks to make something more nutritious.
Always have water.
Water helps you feel full, but it also helps keep you hydrated to balance out any cocktails you may be indulging in. Drink lots of water with your meal, and be sure to have a glass between each alcoholic drink.
Pay attention to your portion sizes.
Don’t deprive yourself of your favorite holiday dishes, but do be mindful of portions. Portions are key when it comes to being sure you don’t over eat. Keep protein to the size of your palm, veggies to the size of your fist, carbs to the size of your hand cupped and sweets and sides to the size of your thumb.
Don’t forget to enjoy.
All in all, don’t forget the reason for the season. Obviously your health is important, but family and friends are important, too. Don’t beat yourself up for falling off track.

Wherever you are, whatever you are celebrating, I wish you a happy, healthy holiday season. Enjoy your time with friends and loved ones.

As you bustle about with travel or cooking or last-minute shopping, remember to find a quiet moment to breathe and put your feet up.

From my family to yours, Happy Holidays.

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2 Health Items to Bring When You Travel

Sherri Martin — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 14:00:52 +0000

Holiday season is upon us, which means you may have some plans for travel. Whether you are hitting the road or catching a flight, there are two things you should always make sure to bring with you.

First, bring any medications you and your loved ones will need while you are away. This includes daily medications, as well as any “as needed” medications. It’s best to bring them in their original package to ensure you use the right medication during travel. It also helps TSA agents at the airport identify what you have in your bag. If any of your prescription medications are running low, consider refilling them before you travel. It’s usually easier to do so at your own pharmacy rather than in a different location that may or may not have your particular store. Also, even if you’re not traveling, it’s a good idea to refill prescriptions before holidays, which may impact pharmacy hours.

Second, bring your health insurance card. If you keep your health insurance card in your wallet, you may be all set. Just remember, if you switch wallets for travel, be sure to grab your insurance card. Hopefully you won’t need it, but you never know what might happen while you’re away. One of your family members might get sick and need to visit a local clinic. You may need to fill or refill a prescription while you’re away. By taking your health insurance card with you wherever you go, you will be prepared for the unexpected and possibly avoid extra out-of-pocket costs.

Want more tips about health insurance? Get my book

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4 Ways to Maintain Your Breast Health

Francesca Saracino — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 13:00:48 +0000

Did you know that almost 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime? Maintaining your breast health is so important to preventing breast cancer. Today, we’re sharing four important things to do to keep yourself healthy and prevent breast cancer.

Thermography
Thermascans are much less invasive than mammograms. This process uses thermal imaging to look for “hot spots” on the breast. These hot spots are from blood flow to a specific area that cause abnormally high skin temperatures. If hot spots are found in breast tissue it can signify the presence of breast cancer. Thermascans are great to develop a baseline of breast health and can be done annually. They are also great for early detection as hot spots typically show up long before cancer does in the tissue.

Exercise

Any form of exercise is good to help prevent cancer, whether strength training, cardio or simply walking. But if you’re really trying to curb your cancer risk, consider doing Pilates. Pilates helps to build long lean muscles without creating bulk, which can pose a problem when trying to check for lumps.

Self-exam

Self-exams are so important. So many women do not do them but they are essential for early detection. Try to make this a weekly or nightly routine when you take a shower. Finding a lump early can be key to catching breast cancer before it spreads.

Iodine

Iodine is a trace mineral essential for normal metabolic function. The typical American diet is very iodine deficient, even for those who eat iodized salt. However, studies have found that iodine supplementation can reduce the occurrence of fibrocystic breast disease. Adding a liquid iodine supplement will help break up cysts in the breasts that could lead to cancer. It can also help with your metabolism and thyroid.

Whole foods

Eating whole, natural foods can be a huge player in preventing breast cancer. Be sure you’re getting a lot of nutrients from leafy greens and organic vegetables. Eat lots of lean protein and try to avoid processed foods and sugar. Sugar feeds cancer so it is best to keep sugar intake to a minimum.

Looking for tips on wellness? Pick up the Women’s Mind Body Wellness Summit. The summit contains 6 interviews from top female health professionals plus three videos from MyHealthSpin Founder Lori-Ann Rickard, as well as two bonus workout videos. Use promo code “BEWELL” to recieve 50% off!

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6 Health Habits to Teach Your Children

Francesca Saracino — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 13:00:24 +0000

Did you know that one in three kids are overweight or obese? Obesity is an epidemic that is now affecting children as young as 3 years old. September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and it’s never too early to start to teach your kids about how to live a healthy lifestyle. If they learn these things from a young age they will be less likely to become overweight and, therefore, lower their risk of developing type II diabetes, sleep apnea or bone and joint disorders. Today, we’re sharing 6 health habits to teach your children.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day

Kids need to eat breakfast in order to keep them full and focused while at school. Aim for something high in protein to hold them over. Studies have also shown that children who eat breakfast have a lesser occurrence of obesity than those who don’t. Plus it prevents bingeing when it comes to lunch or after school snacks.

Eat the rainbow
An easy way to teach kids about eating a wide variety of healthy foods is to tell them to eat the rainbow. Having a plate that’s full of many different fruits and vegetables in vibrant colors provides a lot of different vitamins and minerals.

Exercise is fun

A big mistake some parents make with kids is forcing them to play sports. I understand the idea behind it, but this philosophy may backfire. Let them try a sport; if they don’t like it, don’t force it. They need to learn that exercise is fun, not a punishment. If your child isn’t athletic encourage them to stay active in other ways. Activities such as playing tag or jumping rope are great ways to get the heart pumping.

Look at labels

Kids are never too young to know what’s in their food. Teach them about ingredients they should avoid eating such as high fructose corn syrup. If you give them the tools they need to eat healthy, they will make good food choices when you’re not around to help them.

Sleep is super important

Stress the importance of sleep. Make sure they know that electronics or TV are not allowed right before bed.

Self-love

One of the most important healthy habits to teach your children is the idea of self-love. Kids can be so hard on themselves and have no sense of self-worth. Teaching them to have love and respect for themselves is a huge key to success.

To learn more about nutrition for children, as well as how to get them set up for a healthy school year, pick up the Women’s Mind Body Wellness Summit. Dr. Jennifer Shell discusses how dangerous sugar is for kids and Alyssa Sullivan discusses nutrition programs in daycare. This summit also includes four other interviews from top female health professionals as well as two bonus workout videos, plus three inspirational videos from myself, MyHealthSpin Founder Lori-Ann Rickard.

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How You Can Change Your Diet to Improve PCOS

Francesca Saracino — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 13:00:39 +0000

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, more commonly known as PCOS, affects almost 5 million women in the United States alone. And sadly, many of these women are left undiagnosed. Today, we’re going to discuss the signs of PCOS and dietary changes you can make to lessen your symptoms.

Signs of PCOS

Weight gain or obesity

Typically, women with PCOS are overweight or even obese. And often times they hold their weight around the waistline.

Excessive body hair

It’s not abnormal for women to have body hair. What is more important is to pay attention to the location, as well as the color and thickness of it. Women with PCOS tend to have thick, coarse body hair on their face (typically the upper lip and jaw line), chest and back.

Oily and acne prone skin

Due to the increased hormone levels, women with PCOS often times have oily and acne prone skin.

Irregular menstrual cycles and infertility

PCOS is a result of increased hormones, typically the predominantly male hormone testosterone. One of the early signs of PCOS is missed or irregular periods. PCOS can also cause ovarian cysts and infertility if left untreated.

In order to help improve your PCOS it’s important to get to the root of the cause. Changing your diet can be a huge factor.

Avoid inflammatory foods

Foods that cause inflammation, namely wheat and dairy, can wreck havoc on anyone’s body, let alone those with PCOS. Try including anti-inflammatory foods, such as turmeric, blueberries, ginger and beets.

Be sure you’re getting enough iodine

Iodine is a naturally occuring trace mineral in the human body. It is essential for creating thyroid hormones. Iodine can also help prevent or reduce ovarian cysts, which are common with PCOS. To be sure you’re getting enough iodine you can try adding seaweeds to your diet. If that’s not up your alley, try eating some navy beans or taking a liquid iodine supplement.

Remove all processed food and refined sugars

Women with PCOS are predisposed to developing diabetes. Therefore, it is important to keep your blood sugar levels in check. Most boxed or processed foods are high in sugar. Try sticking to healthy, home cooked meals instead of those found in a box.

To learn more about how dangerous refined sugar is and how supplementation can help improve your diet and nutrition pick up the Women’s Mind Body Wellness Summit. Chiropractor Jennifer Shell discusses all you need to know about nutrition. The WMBW Summit contains 6 interviews from top female health professionals plus three bonus videos from MyHealthSpin Founder Lori-Ann Rickard, as well as two bonus workout videos. Use promo code “BEWELL” to recieve 50% off!

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4 Ways to Lessen the Impact of Atrial Fibrillation

Francesca Saracino — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 13:00:33 +0000

Did you know that over 6 million people suffer from atrial fibrillation in the United States alone? Atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, is an irregular, sometimes rapid, heart beat. Due to this A-fib can cause poor blood flow, lack of energy, fatigue, shortness of breath and heart palpation. Today, we’re going to discuss things you can do to strengthen your heart and improve A-fib.

Eat heart smart
Oily foods, such as fish, walnuts and avocados are full of heart healthy omega 3s. Also, blueberries and raspberries are high in antioxidants, which are heart smart.

Avoid excess salt
If you’re using regular table salt you want to be sure to avoid it in high quantities. Too much salt can cause high cholesterol and impact A-fib. If you like salt, try switching to pink Himalayan salt. It’s delicious and is full of trace minerals.

Hit the pavement
You don’t need to run to get the cardiovascular benefits of exercise. Brisk walking and weight lifting (even if the weights are light) can still get your heart pumping and help to strengthen it. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity at least five days a week.

Avoid caffeine
Unfortunately that morning cup of joe could be worsening your atrial fibrillation. Caffeine increases your heart rate which can trigger A-fib.

To learn more about the benefits of reducing sugar intake and how supplements can help improve your diet and nutrition, pick up the Women’s Mind Body Wellness Summit. Cardiologist Joan Crawford discusses everything you need to know about heart health.The Summit contains 6 interviews from top female health professionals plus three bonus videos from MyHealthSpin Founder Lori-Ann Rickard, as well as two bonus workout videos. Use promo code “BEWELL” to recieve 50% off!

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The 5 Best Alkalizing Foods

Francesca Saracino — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 13:00:42 +0000

Eating an alkaline diet is so important for many reasons. First and foremost, it is proven to prevent cancer. Cancer thrives in an acidic environment; therefore, if you keep your pH alkaline (7.2-7.4) cancer has trouble surviving.

Many of the foods present in the American diet are acidic, even though they are good for us. This includes things like proteins and some fruits. Therefore, it is always important to include alkalizing foods in to your diet. Today we’re going to talk about five of the best alkalizing foods to incorporate in to your diet.

Lemon
If you’re someone who follows a high protein high fat diet, i.e. something like paleo, it is extremely important to use lemons on a daily basis. One of the easiest ways to do this is to add fresh squeezed lemon into your water. Diets high in acid can cause kidney issues. And although lemons may seem to be acidic they are very alkaline, making it a perfect balance.

Almonds
Almonds are very alkalizing, but you have to be sure you get them raw. Although roasted and salted almonds are delicious, they don’t have the same benefit as raw almonds do.

Kale
This leafy green has been all the rage for a while now, and for good reason. All of the vitamins and minerals in kale make it a great alkalizer.

Quinoa
This plant based protein is another alkalizing food. Plus, it packs a huge protein punch for just a little seed.

Cucumber
Cucumbers are very high in water, in fact almost 100%. So they help to hydrate your skin and are full of antioxidants.

Looking for a healthy lunch for tomorrow? Why not combine all 5 of these foods to make a nutrient super-packed salad? Cut up some kale, chop some cucumbers, add a little quinoa, sprinkle on some almonds and for the dressing drizzle with some lemon juice. The lemon juice will help to cut the bitterness of the kale, and the quinoa will add some extra protein.

What to learn more about an alkaline diet? Check out the Women’s Mind Body Wellness Summit. It contains 6 interviews by top female health professionals plus two workout videos and 3 bonus videos on mind-body wellness with MyHealthSpin Founder Lori-Ann Rickard. Now including a bonus video from Dr. Jennifer Shell!

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6 Supplements to Avoid if You’re on Prescription Drugs

Francesca Saracino — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 13:00:33 +0000

We’ve been talking about supplements a lot lately. And while supplements can be vital to ones diet, it’s important to keep in mind that they must be taken safely. Also, you should never start taking any vitamin or supplement without consulting a healthcare professional. Even though a supplement can be considered safe by the FDA it doesn’t mean that it can’t cause interactions. July is Herbal/Prescription Drug Interaction Awareness Month so today we’re sharing 6 supplements you should watch out for if you’re on prescription drugs.

Grape fruit and St. John’s Wort
Not many women know this, and not many health care professionals warn young women about it, but grapefruit supplements, as well as St. John’s Wort, can interact with birth control pills. It can change how your body handles estrogen. Which is the whole point of a birth control pill, it prevents an egg from dropping by tricking your body in to thinking it’s already pregnant. Therefore, if the grape fruit extract messes with one’s estrogen levels it can cause a decreased effectiveness of their contraceptive.

St John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is an herb that has several contraindications. In addition to birth control, as mentioned above, it can interact with many other prescription medications. These medications include HIV drugs, cyclosporine (an immunosuppressive drug used after transplants), imatinib and irinotecan (chemotherapy drugs), verapamil (a calcium blocker used for hypertension), warfarin (blood thinner), digoxin (for managing high blood pressure) as well as methadone (pain medication). So as you can see, this herb has many dangerous contraindications.

Black Licorice
Licorice and licorice liquid is often times used to improve poor adrenal function. The adrenal glands are responsible for blood sugar control, blood pressure regulation and they can play a role in stress and fatigue. Black licorice is a great herb to help boost adrenal function, but beware if you’re on diuretics. This liquid can lessen their strength.

Coleus
Coleus, these beautiful variegated plants you see in peoples landscaping, is used for treating cardiac disorders. It helps regulate blood pressure and strengthens the heart muscle. But be careful not to mix this plant with prescription hypotensive drugs. It can drop blood pressure too low.

Korean Ginseng
Korean ginseng is an ancient herb used to boost the immune system. It can also help manage diabetes and improve memory. But don’t take this herb if you’re on MAOI’s for depression. It can cause drowsiness and more serious complications such as liver damage.

Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil is an herb that all women should know about, especially those who are of the age of menopause. EPO helps to lessen hot flashes. What woman wouldn’t want that? But this is a no-no for those with blood sugar issues. It can lower blood sugar and could potentially lead to diabetic coma. It can also increase one’s risk for breathing.

As you can see, many of the herbs listed above have important benefits. And can really help with many ailments. But as you can also see, these supplements can be extremely dangerous when mixed with the wrong prescription drugs. So you should always consult your physician before adding any vitamins or supplements to your diet.

To learn more about health and women’s health check out the Women’s Mind Body Wellness Summit. It contains 6 interviews by top female health professionals plus two workout videos and 3 bonus videos on mind-body wellness with MyHealthSpin Founder Lori-Ann Rickard.

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Facts About Fats

Francesca Saracino — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 13:00:01 +0000

We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat.” In some instances this may be the case, but when it comes to fat, this saying couldn’t be more wrong. Fat is an essential macronutrient and an important part of ones diet. Fat is the component that cells use to store energy and is used as a reserve for when food supply is low. Still think low fat is the way to go? Today, we’re going to clear fats name and discuss the facts about fat.

Not all fat is created equal
When choosing fats there are three types you should know, unsaturated fats or “good” fats, trans fats or “bad” fats and saturated fats.

Unsaturated fats are heart healthy and help to build strong bones. They can be found in fresh foods, lean meats and oils. Some healthy examples are salmon, almonds and avocados.

Trans-fat is an artificial fat created in a lab. Trans-fats are bad for your health and are mainly found in packed foods and contain hydrogenated oils. Keep in mind, just because a package says “no trans fat” doesn’t mean it’s trans fat free. The FDA allows foods with less than .5 grams of trans fat to claim they’re trans fat free. Also they usually swap the fat for sugar, which is a no-no.

Saturated fats are okay for your health but should be eaten in moderation. These foods include dairy and red meat.

It helps you absorb vitamins
There are four fat solvable vitamins; A, D, E and K. Fat soluble means that they dissolve in fat and are then absorbed in ones body. Therefore, if you don’t eat fats you won’t be able to utilize these vitamins. Also, if you take a supplement for any of these vitamins you should always take them with a fat meal. These vitamins are also essential all for bone building.

It keeps our skin full and supple
It is often times common for people who follow a low fat diet to have numerous wrinkles on their face and chest. Fat helps to build collagen which keeps skin firm and young looking.

It helps form steroid hormones
Fat is used to make hormones. Without fat these hormones wouldn’t exist in the body causing a wide variety of issues including thyroid problems.

It keeps your heart healthy
Diets that are high in unsaturated fats help to keep cholesterol levels low. If your cholesterol is too high it can block vital arteries, putting stress on the heart.

An added bonus? Including healthy fats in your diet can help you lose weight! That’s right, fat doesn’t make you fat, as long as you eat the right kind!

To learn more about women’s health check out the Women’s Mind Body Wellness Summit. It contains 6 interviews by top female health professionals plus two workout videos and 3 bonus videos on mind-body wellness with MyHealthSpin Founder Lori-Ann Rickard.

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How Seeing a Chiropractor Can Improve Your Nutrition

Francesca Saracino — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 13:00:24 +0000

When most people think of a chiropractor they think of back pain, neck cracking and not much else. However, chiropractors, especially those that are trained in Applied Kinesiology (AK) can help with so many other ailments. They work at getting to the root of the problem, as opposed to aiding what’s on the surface.

Several years ago I was having a hard time sleeping, I was fatigued and plain burnt out. I saw my chiropractor, Dr. Jennifer Shell, who got me on the right supplements, and now I sleep great! I was even having some digestive distress and she traced it back to popcorn, something I would have never thought bothered my stomach. I learn so much about nutrition every time I see here. Today I’m sharing how seeing a chiropractor can improve your nutrition.

They do nutritional response testing
This technique, more commonly known as muscle testing, looks for weakness in the tone of an organ. Simply by pressing on the acupuncture point of an organ and resisting the doctors push of your arm they can determine if an organ is weak. This could be due to a food that you eat or because you’re lacking in a specific vitamin and mineral.

They believe in whole food supplements
Chiropractors understand that it’s difficult to get certain minerals in your diet. For instance, the higher above the equator you live, the less iodine you get through your diet. Iodine is essential for many things including thyroid function and breast tissue health. They also recognize that many things deplete our stores of these nutrients and therefore must be supplemented. I recently met with Dr. Shell and she explained how almost everything we do decreases our magnesium levels, including eating sugar. To learn more about what she had to say check out the Women’s Mind Body Wellness Summit.

They focus on digestion
Another thing Dr. Shell mentioned is how some deficiencies can be due to poor absorption of vitamins and minerals in your gut. If your stomach can’t probably digest the food you’re eating you will be lacking in vital nutrients. A chiropractor can test for these things and can suggest a digestive enzyme if and when it’s appropriate. Most chiropractors also suggest taking a probiotic to keep the gut happy and healthy.

They understand that the nervous system plays a role in everything
Believe it or not, your nervous system has a control over every process in your body. It is also the center that sends messages to and from your brain. If there is miscommunication between your nervous system and your brain there is bound to be a disturbance. This can include disturbances in your diet. For instance, your stomach may not be able to communicate to you that it’s full, causing you to overeat. Getting an adjustment will probably realign your spine and balance your nervous system.

Receiving regular chiropractic care is great for your overall health and an excellent addition to your healthcare regimen! To learn more about what Dr. Shell had to say pick up the Women’s Mind Body Wellness Summit today! It includes 6 interviews from top female health professionals, 2 workout videos as well as 3 bonus videos on living with a mind and body in harmony from MyHealthSpin Founder Lori-Ann Rickard. As an added bonus if you purchase the summit today you will receive a bonus video from Dr. Shell about magnesium and supplementation. Use promo code “BEWELL” for 50% off.

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