Continuing Education for Health Coaches
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Sterling Wellness Solutions puts great emphasis in training and equipping its employees to become educated and qualified leaders in the industry. Pictured here are a few of Sterling’s Health Coaches participating in a Health Coaching continuing education certification course at the Cooper Institute in Dallas, TX. The Cooper Institute is internationally known for its groundbreaking research, training, and health promotion in the fitness and wellness field. Visit http://www.cooperinstitute.org/ to learn more about their health and wellness resources available to you.
How Much is Too Much?
By · CommentsWe often talk about the empty calories we consume through our beverages, especially alcoholic ones. The reality is, that consuming too much alcohol can effect more than just your waistline. Like most things in life, moderation is the key to responsible alcohol intake. When choosing a healthier alcoholic beverage, consider red wine for its high antioxidant content, light beer, or mixing equal parts seltzer water and wine to create a low calorie spritzer.
Overindulging on a regular basis can take a physical toll on the body leading to liver cirrhosis, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, sleep disorders, and birth defects. So how much is too much? Heavy drinking is considered 4 drinks a day/14 drinks a week for men, or 3 drinks a day/7 drinks a week for women. Not only does the social isolation of binge drinking and alcoholism effect your health, but it affects those around you as well. Heavy drinking can lead to greater chances of accidents and injuries. If left uncontrolled, alcohol abuse can cause severe depression, anxiety, injury, and even death. Since binge drinking and alcoholism should not be taken lightly, many resources are available if you or someone you know may be a risky drinker. For more information visit Alcoholics Anonymous, The Help Guide, or Smart Recovery.
Healthy Treats for your Peeps
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Before little bunny foo-foo hops into your house with baskets of festive sweet treats, consider substituting them for a few healthy alternatives. Although children (and adults!) are drawn to high sugar, high fat, artificially colored food-like substances, try introducing healthier options of snack items and toys in lieu of candy and chocolate. Children are taught by example, so encouraging healthy behaviors at a young age can create a lifetime of positive health habits. Offering kids toys that encourage movement is a great choice. Consider giving games, sports equipment, or puzzles. Sidewalk chalk, sunglasses, and a new swim suit can get a child anticipating the warm months ahead. To satisfy the sweet tooth, opt for dark cocoa instead of milk chocolate, fruit snacks made from real fruit, oatmeal cookies, or rice krispie treats.
Although everyone experiences stress at some point in their lives, the perception of the stress plays a big part in the emotional and physical response. Stress affects the immune system and can contribute to obesity, heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. To manage the stress in our everyday lives, consider the following techniques:
Evaluate the Situation- It’s easy to exploit a minor situation into a five-alarm frenzy. Ask yourself if this is really something worth stressing over. Will worrying get you anywhere?
Be Physically Active- Move. Find an activity you enjoy, and schedule it into your calendar. Exercise burns anxious energy and releases feel good endorphins to improve your mood. There’s a reason they call it the ‘runner’s high.’
Choose and Lose- Choose your priorities wisely, and lose the rest. Write down the things that matter most to you and rank them in
order of which ones deserve your most attention. Determine what is important to you, and don’t get stressed out over the things that aren’t.
Practice Stress Relaxation Techniques- Deep breathing, yoga, mindful meditation, and prayer can all clear the mind of clutter. Consider setting an alarm or chime to go off every hour as a reminder to take 5-10 slow deep breaths, and do slow neck and shoulder stretches to relax tension.
For more information on stress relaxation techniques, visit the American Institute of Stress or the Mayo Clinic.
Stretch Away Pain
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Stretching has been ingrained in us as part of a necessary physical activity since elementary school PE class. This convenient exercise can be performed almost anywhere, from living room floors to office cubicles. As we age, our muscles naturally lose flexibility and mobility, increasing our need to stretch regularly. Some of the greatest benefits from stretching include a reduced chance of major joint replacement surgeries of the knees, hips, and shoulders. Stretching can decrease the risk of back injuries and workplace traumas like carpel tunnel, tendonitis, and tennis elbow. As if that’s not argument enough to get flexible, frequent stretching can even reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis or stiffness and pain in joints, the #1 cause of disability worldwide. Stretch at least 2-3 times a week, and always after exercising once muscles are warm. Click here to view stretching exercises for the workplace.
Direct Access Lab Testing Testimony
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Rene L., 26 Dallas, TX
“I hadn’t gotten blood work done before, but I wanted to check the current status of my health. I called Sterling Wellness to discuss what type of lab work I should get done to test all of my levels. Jessica was a big help in explaining which tests I should run and what the results would tell me. I ordered my labs at a location in Dallas, TX and was in and out in 10 minutes. I got a call from Sterling 2 days later to go over the results with me to let me know what they meant. Turns out everything’s great! Couldn’t be more pleased with the results and how the process was handled. It was very comforting to speak to someone about my results in the comfort of my home and who could answer all of my questions. I highly recommend Sterling Wellness for lab work.”
Peanut Packed Nutrition
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Did you know that the peanut is not actually a nut but a legume related to beans and lentils? You could say good things come in small packages when referring to these popular shelled bite-sized snacks. Peanuts have a higher antioxidant capacity than grapes, green tea, and tomatoes. As a naturally cholesterol free food, peanuts contain more than 30 nutrients and phytochemicals. America’s favorite way to eat these gems is undoubtedly in the form of peanut butter. Peanuts and peanut butter provide a great source of protein, folate, and heart healthy monounsaturated fats. For those concerned with peanut allergies, almond butter and cashew butter are great alternatives to peanut butter, providing comparable protein and nutrient concentrations. Whether you like your peanuts raw, boiled, or in a spread, keep moderation in mind. Peanuts and peanut butter are high in calories, so be mindful of serving sizes. Visit the National Peanut Board for more nutrition facts and recipes.
Jessica Habetz is a Client Services Coordinator and Administrative Associate Team Leader for Sterling Wellness Solutions.
A: Our Direct Access Lab Testing is an extremely easy and affordable way to have lab work done. You can order lab work for numerous tests without visiting your physician. Confidential testing allows patients to keep lab results out of their medical records, and away from potential insurers. To order a test, simply log on to Sterling Wellness Solutions website, and click on the Sterling Labs tab. The testing categories are listed on the left hand side or you can enter search words in the search box in the upper right corner. Sample tests include general wellness panel, cardiovascular and cholesterol panel, prostate and thyroid testing, STD testing, liver and kidney function, and many more! Add the test you would like to order to the cart and proceed to secure checkout. After you checkout, print the order and bring it with you to any LabCorp in the U.S. and have blood work drawn. Some tests may require you to fast for 8-10 hours prior to getting screened. Results are printed in our central office and an experienced nurse or health coach will contact you with the results within 2-3 business days. A copy of your results can either be securely emailed or mailed directly to you. For more information about our Direct Access Lab Testing services call 1.800.838.0337 or visit our Sterling Labs page.
Direct Access Lab Testing
By · CommentsOur Direct Access Lab Testing is an extremely easy and affordable way to have lab work done. You can order lab work for numerous tests without visiting your physician. Confidential testing allows patients to keep lab results out of their medical records, and away from potential insurers. To order a test, simply log on to Sterling Wellness Solutions website, and click on the Sterling Labs tab. The testing categories are listed on the left hand side or you can enter search words in the search box in the upper right corner. Sample tests include general wellness panel, cardiovascular and cholesterol panel, prostate and thyroid testing, STD testing, liver and kidney function, and many more! Add the test you would like to order to the cart and proceed to secure checkout. After you checkout, print the order and bring it with you to any
LabCorp in the U.S. and have blood work drawn. Some tests may require you to fast for 8-10 hours prior to getting screened. Results are printed in our central office and an experienced nurse or health coach will contact you with the results within 2-3 business days. A copy of your results can either be securely emailed or mailed directly to you. For more information about our Direct Access Lab Testing services call 1.800.838.0337 or visit our Sterling Labs page.
Colorectal Cancer Screenings Save Lives
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Early detection is the best way to prevent colon cancer. Colon cancer is the third leading cause of death due to cancer in America. The American Cancer Society recommends all people over the age of 50 get a colonoscopy every 10 years. Knowing your family history may determine if you need a colonoscopy before the age of 50. If you or someone in your immediate family has a history of inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, or digestive problems, a colonoscopy may be recommended at an earlier age. During a colonoscopy screening, the doctor is able to remove polyps or pre-cancerous lesions and send them off for a biopsy. Polyps are generally benign in early stages, but if left undetected, they may grow into cancer. If an abnormal test is returned, a patient may be asked to have a repeat colonoscopy in two to five years. For more information on colon cancer screenings, visit the Centers for Disease Control.