• Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky explains how prolonged stress causes a range of mental and physical conditions. Gain insight on how to control stress responses.
• Twinkie, Deconstructed by Steve Ettlinger explores the origin, processing, and dangers of common ingredients in our modern food supply.
• Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink brings insight and awareness to how much we’re eating and why we eat when we aren’t hungry. Recognize secret triggers that cause us to overeat.
• In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan gets back to the basics of nutrition; “Eat food, not too much, mostly plants.” If the food-like substances we consume today wouldn’t be recognized by your great-grandmother, don’t eat it.

Many best selling health books offer advice to improve your diet or fitness, but always be aware of sound medical research and ask your physician before starting a new health regimen. To view more books on health and wellness, visit the New York Times Best Sellers list.

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• Juicing- A juicing machine extracts juice from whole fruits and vegetables. Seeds and skin are usually removed during the juicing process leaving behind the pulp that contains fiber and other nutrients.

• Smoothies- Smoothies can be made in a blender by tossing fruits, vegetables, yogurt, ice, flax or protein powders. Unlike juicing, smoothies keep the pulp and no nutrients are wasted.

Claims have been made that juicing and smoothies can promote weight loss, prevent cancer, and aid in nutrient absorption. While juicing and smoothies can help you meet the daily requirements, one should not depend solely on a beverage to meet all these needs. It’s also important to take calorie count into consideration, as it’s easier to consume more calories when you drink them.  Click here to view juicing and smoothie recipes.

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The life expectancy of men in America is 76 years. Women on the other hand, tend to live a few years longer, to 81 years of age. The #1 cause of death for men is heart disease, followed by cancer and accidents or injuries. Men also show higher risks of stroke, diabetes, and suicide than their female counterparts.

Celebrate dad this Father’s Day by encouraging him to schedule an annual wellness exam with appropriate lab work. Visit Men’s Health Month to find information about recommended ages for preventative screenings, a men’s health library, and a calendar of events. You can also learn more about local screenings, health fairs, and events.

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“I’ve always been one to keep up with health and wellness checks, so I was thrilled to learn that Sterling Wellness offered direct access lab testing for such a reasonable cost. I took advantage of the General Wellness Panel and two additional tests; C-Reactive Protein (that shows cardiac risks) and Vitamin D;  I went to a Labcorp in St. Louis, and exactly two days later a very polite and knowledgeable nurse from Sterling Wellness called me to review my lab results.   

Kudos to Sterling Wellness for making preventative wellness checks so easy and affordable!”   

-Juanita H., Missouri

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1) Bring a “runway” to work- Pack your sneakers for a lunch time jog with colleagues.

2) Change Happy Hour into Running Hour- Relax over miles instead of cocktails.

3) Strike new ground- Take the road less traveled for new scenery.

4) Make running run in the family- Get the whole clan involved in a jog around the block.

5) Choose a running resolution- Start a new fitness goal!

Join a group run in your city or schedule to host a new meet up in your neighborhood. For more information on National Running Day or to proclaim why you run, visit the National Running Day homepage.

The post Renew Your Resolution for Running appeared first on Sterling Wellness.

Click Here to View the LBGH Worksite Wellness Award!

Sterling Wellness Solutions is proud to join LBGH as they honor business building a healthier, more productive Louisiana. 

Click here to access the LBGH application page. Please print the application prior to completing on-line. You will need to submit the CEO Sign Off sheet. The CEO Sign Off sheet must be submitted to LBGH. Need help with your application? Contact Sterling today!

 

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When performed regularly, benefits of Tai Chi can range from better sleep, decreased stress, increased flexibility and stamina, and less joint pain. Most forms of Tai Chi practice a mind-body connection bringing mental clarity and relaxation. Many local gyms offer Tai Chi classes although exercise videos are also readily available. To watch a short clip of Tai Chi, click here.

The post Fight Stress with Tai Chi appeared first on Sterling Wellness.

Aside from culinary uses, lemons can also be used as a natural remedy for cleaning, beauty, and alternative medicine. The acid in lemons can dissolve stains and act as a deodorizer. For a daily boost of the benefits of lemon, add sliced lemon to your ice water. Learn more ways to incorporate fresh lemon into your diet with these lemon recipes.

The post From Lemons to Lemonade appeared first on Sterling Wellness.

Marie Beechy, RN, Primary Care Nurse

A: Workplace stress is a common occurrence. Most people today are trying to juggle having a family, building a career and maintaining some semblance of a personal life. These three tips will help you keep the stress from becoming unmanageable:

1. Deal with difficult situations ASAP- Avoiding a tough subject is one of the biggest causes of workplace stress. Don’t wait until the boss approaches you about a problem. Take charge, and set the time and place to address it sooner rather than later. When you take control of a problem, it loses some of its stressful power over you.
2. Let go of some ‘obligations’- A lot of the stress we feel at work or home is a result of overbooking our lives. Learn to say no to things that aren’t a top priority and focus on the things that are truly important.
3. Develop a mental list of coping skills- When the stress gets too high, stop and take action. Taking a 10 minute walk, calling a trusted friend, or practicing a mediation moment can make all the difference in reducing your stress.

Stress can build up quickly unless you make time to deal with it on a regular basis. For more ideas and techniques on dealing with stress, visit the HelpGuide.

The post Q: “How do I deal with the stress I experience at work?” appeared first on Sterling Wellness.

Although the US Food and Drug Administration has classified HFCS with the label “generally recognized as safe,” others argue that the ingredient is harmful to humans. Some researchers believe the inception of HFCS into the food supply has a direct correlation to the increase in obesity, type II diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, studies have found that HFCS can alter the appetite-regulating hormones Leptin and Ghrelin causing your brain and stomach to think you are still hungry even after a big meal.

High Fructose Corn Syrup and table sugar both contain 4 calories per gram. Doctors and Dietitians agree that too much sugar in any form can be harmful. Since studies are still inconclusive about the direct effects of HFCS, limit processed foods that contain the sweetener and stick to fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Learn more about the controversy surrounding this ingredient from WebMD and the Mayo Clinic.

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