Like most chronic conditions, diabetes is a disease that–while serious–should not deprive you of a long and fulfilling life. With that said, you might be feeling overwhelmed at the vast amount of information there is to know about the condition. If this is you, fear not! This article will cover the Diabetes Basics…which is essentially what you need to know in order to gauge how well you are managing your diabetes.  In other articles, I will discuss how to eat successfully with diabetes by presenting two ways of meal planning (the Plate Method and Carb Counting). Together, you will be equi ..read more

Have you ever thought of something you either wanted to do (“I want to lose weight“) or felt like you should do (“I should eat healthier“), but you just cannot get yourself to take the first step, because the task seems too overwhelming or out of reach? Or maybe you start making changes, but then after a while start to feel discouraged at your apparent lack of progress? If so, you are not alone. Starting today, I want you to begin incorporating something into your life—a way of goal-setting called the Action Planning technique. The purpose of an Action Plan is to set you on the road towards yo ..read more

Your diet, as most people know, is a big component of healthy living. There’s even much truth to the idiom, “You are what you eat!” However, when it comes to living with chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, having the right diet becomes even more important, as the foods you eat can make a huge difference not only in the symptoms you experience day to day, but also in the way your chronic conditions progress over time. What this means is that with the right diet—aka the heart healthy diet— you can take control of your health by helping to slow or even ..read more

Do you ever get headaches? Do you sometimes hesitate to pop a pill or find yourself without pain medications? I do. Therefore, I would like to share with you a technique that I find personally helpful for head and neck discomfort that you too can easily do anytime, anywhere. This techniques uses the activation of pressure points to relieve your headache symptoms and can provide instant relief. Headache Pressure Points: How they Work Many headaches–especially those brought on by stress, fatigue, or anxiety–are caused by tightness in the neck and facial muscles that in turn diminish local blood ..read more

Perhaps you’ve been told you have “high blood pressure.” Or maybe you checked it yourself one day and noticed that it was 146/90. What now? Today I will discuss some ways in which you can improve your own blood pressure without taking medications. But before I do, let’s first answer an important question: What is hypertension and what’s the big deal? Blood Pressure: Understanding the Basics Systolic pressure (top number) = Pressure in your arteries when your heart squeezes to push blood through your body. Diastolic pressure (bottom number) = Pressure in the arteries when your heart relaxes and ..read more

In a previous article, I presented the four fundamental aspects of stress management. This article will discuss several practical things that you can do to combat and manage the daily stresses you encounter.   Need immediate de-stressing? This article on instant relaxation techniques will help you relax fast.  How to Manage Daily Stress: 5 Tips #1 Make Time For Fun and Relaxation As daily stress builds up and you get busier with life obligations, it’s often easy to forget about your own needs. Therefore, one critical component of managing the stresses of daily life is the priori ..read more

Omega-3 fatty acids and omega-3 foods. The benefits of fish oil.  No doubt you’ve heard these mentioned before. But is it all true?  While this article will present the fundamentals of omega-3 fatty acids—what they are, how much you need, and how you can get them naturally—be sure to check out the article focused on fish oil supplements and their benefits, with a discussion on what is known about them, what has changed, and what you need to be aware of. In this way, you will be empowered to make the best decisions for your personal health.  A Guide to Omega-3 Fatty Acids What ar ..read more

Have you ever had a heart attack or have been told you have heart disease? Does your doctor still recommend getting regular physical activity, but you are worried about exercising with a heart condition? Getting enough physical activity is important for your overall health and is particularly important for heart health. However, many people who have had a heart attack or live with chronic pain are often hesitant or apprehensive when it comes to exercising. If this sounds like you, read on, as this article will give you essential tips on how to exercise safely after a heart attack or a diagnosi ..read more

Chocolate is one of the world’s most beloved treats, enjoyed by millions of people across the globe. For many, the sweet and indulgent flavor of chocolate is enough to make it a favorite dessert, snack, or comfort food. However, beyond its delicious taste, chocolate has been found to offer a wide range of health benefits. In this article, I will discuss the health benefits of chocolate, including the compounds and mechanisms that make it beneficial. I will also discuss how to select the most beneficial chocolate and how to consume it in moderation to maximize its benefits while maintaining a h ..read more

In a world that often feels stressful and overwhelming, finding ways to increase our happiness and well-being can be a valuable pursuit. Fortunately, there are many ways to boost your mood and improve your overall sense of contentment. In this article, I’ll explore seven proven strategies to help you be happier and healthier, the scientific evidence behind them, and how to easily incorporate these tools into your life. 1. Practice gratitude One of the most effective ways to be happier is to simply practice gratitude. Cultivating a sense of gratitude is a simple yet powerful way to increase ha ..read more