Managing back-to-school anxiety: Top advice for parents

2019-08-12T18:01:00

(BPT) – Going back to school after enjoying the long, sunny days of summer is a source of angst for many children, especially those who already struggle with anxiety.

“Parents should pay close attention to their children as summer winds down,” says Amy Edgar, APRN, CRNP, FNP-C, founder of the Children’s Integrated Center for Success (CICS), a multidisciplinary treatment center in Allentown, Pennsylvania. “Behavior changes and other indicators of stress are possible clues of their child’s school-related anxiety.”

Understanding the signs of stress

The return to school brings forward many potential stressors for children. In a survey published by the American Psychological Association (APA), teens reported that their stress levels peaked during the school year with homework, romantic relationships and peer interactions among the major challenges. For younger children, separation from parents is also a significant contributor to stress.

While anxiety coinciding with the school year is normal for children, parents should look for warning signs that their child may be struggling beyond what is typical. “There is a very common pattern and feature to the behavior of children who are under stress as it relates to school,” says Edgar.

Children who may be experiencing above-average difficulty coping may show changes in their behavior that include:

  • Significant changes in daily habits including loss of appetite, not sleeping and wetting the bed.
  • Increased signs of worrying, acting sad and withdrawing from social interactions.
  • Marked increase in physical complaints, such as tiredness, stomach pain and headaches.

“In school-age children, anxiety shows up most commonly in physical complaints, as well as shutdown behaviors like not doing homework and missing school activities,” says Edgar. “This anxiety can be a forerunner of even more anxious behaviors.”

When to take next steps

Given the abrupt transition from the casualness of summer to the rigors of school, Edgar advises that parents give their kids time to make the adjustment.

“Kids need time to adapt to changes in their routine,” says Edgar. “In the summer they stay up later, but when school starts they have to wake up earlier. As a result, they all experience fatigue and are a little less resilient during the first few weeks of school. After several weeks, many children recover from the change from summer and adjust to the demands of the new school year.”

For Edgar, what raises a red flag is when children are avoiding school-related activities or still exhibiting anxiety behaviors after the first few weeks of school.

“If children haven’t recovered after the first three weeks of school and are still showing signs of anxiety and stress, including irritability and oppositional behavior, then it’s time for parents to take a deeper look at what’s happening,” says Edgar.

As mental illness continues to escalate among children and teens, Edgar cautions parents to be wary of potential mental health issues as the underlying cause of their child’s back-to-school anxiety. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five children in the U.S. ages 13 to 18 have, or will have, a serious mental illness. NAMI also highlights that 37% of students with a mental health condition age 14 and older drop out of school — the highest dropout rate of any disability group.

“A mental health evaluation can help uncover underlying challenges that their kids may be struggling with,” says Edgar. “In some cases, the cause may not be anxiety at all, but rather deeper clinical issues such as attention challenges including ADHD and mechanical disabilities such as dysgraphia, which is a brain-based learning challenge that affects writing and fine motor skills.”

Finding answers with genetic testing

When evaluating children for mental health-related concerns, Edgar casts a broad net to best understand each specific child and the issues they are dealing with. This includes the use of a simple cheek-swab genetic test from Genomind, a Pennsylvania-based mental health care company. She sees genetic testing as a valuable tool in the front end of the evaluation process.

“We use the Genomind genetic testing service early on to help us understand each child and gain the neuroscientific data that may explain their behavior,” says Edgar. “Genetic testing enables us to build a portrait of the child. It helps us evaluate what’s going on with the child at the biochemical level and we use that information to guide how we can support them.”

Whether it’s helping children and parents address back-to-school anxiety or manage behavioral challenges and stress during the school year, Edgar says it’s critical to be proactive.

“The goal is to use every possible touch point in the life of a child to build a deeper understanding about your child,” she says. “When you understand the reasons behind the challenges they face, you can create a plan for their success.”


Gearing Up for a Happy School Year [Infographic]

2019-08-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – The new school year is like New Year’s for Kids — a chance for a fresh start and an opportunity to set intentions for the year ahead. This year Amazon is encouraging parents to go Happy School Year shopping, looking forward to the year ahead, instead of “going back” to anything. Whatever your School Year’s Resolution may be, we’ve gathered some data and tips to help make sure this year is the best yet!


Plant-Based Meal Solutions to Help Families Power through the Busy Back-to-School Season

2019-08-12T10:01:00

(BPT) – Ready or not, it’s that time of year when the kids go back to school and life seems to be busier than ever. Whether you’re rushing off to work, scurrying to get kids out the door, or simply trying to keep track of your family’s complex schedule — every parent could use a little help, especially in the kitchen. Here are some tips to help families power through the season, thanks to the wide variety of plant-based options now available:

1. Make-ahead breakfasts

Photo courtesy of Sailor Bailey

Experts say there’s nothing more important than a hearty, nutritious breakfast. It allows our body to refuel for the busy day ahead, which is especially important for growing children. The best breakfasts are those rich in protein, fiber, whole grains and minimal sugar. Since mornings can be one of the busiest times of the day, consider meal prepping a week’s worth of overnight oats for kids to eat at home or take on-the-go. All it takes is a few simple ingredients: fruit, oats and your favorite plant-based milk. Consider using a flavorful plantmilk to add taste to the oats with no added sugar, like Mooala kid-approved Coconut Oatmilk and Bananamilk. Mix all the ingredients, top with fruit, leave in the fridge overnight and voila — a better-for-you breakfast parents and kids will love.

2. Feel-good lunchbox finds

Photo courtesy of Daiya Foods

Studies show that eating well-balanced meals can positively affect students’ thinking skills, behavior and academic performance. However, when students find themselves hungry in the middle of a jam-packed school day it can be easy for them to gravitate toward quick options in vending machines and the cafeteria. Instead, set your child up for success by packing their lunchboxes with well-balanced, tasty snacks while choosing plant-based versions of lunchtime classics for the main course. Your kiddos won’t miss dairy with Daiya Slices. They offer the same incredible melt as dairy-based cheese and are a good source of calcium. Try adding them to veggie wraps or have your kids help make these grilled cheese roll-ups the night before school to save time in the mornings.

3. Afterschool munchies

If there’s one thing you can bet on, it’s that your little ones will be racing to the kitchen for a pick-me-up after a long day of learning. An afternoon snack is a great way to add valuable nutrients into your child’s day while managing their hunger until dinner is ready. A tried-and-true snack that will perk up and please any kid’s taste buds is apple slices with their choice of nut butter. No longer does peanut butter reign supreme, with options ranging from allergy-friendly sunflower seed butter to lower calorie coconut butter. You can even elevate this classic snack by creating apple slice cookies, where the slices are placed on sticks for dipping into various sauces, or by creating apple slice nachos with your kiddo’s favorite toppings. Inviting your children to help create this “custom” apple slice snack also provides a great way to bond with them after school activities and before homework takes over.

4. Beat-the-clock dinners

Photo courtesy of Melissa Baswell Williams of Bubby & Bean

Back-to-school time brings about big evening appetites and tight schedules, which means easy dinners are a must. The key to creating fast — yet, still nutritious — meals is to identify healthy shortcuts. Cut down meal prep time by picking up precut vegetables at the supermarket or jumpstart your next meal with these registered dietician-approved Plant-Based Protein Meal Starters. Offering quick heat-and-eat convenience, Loma Linda meals can be prepared in 60 seconds for a healthy and affordable solution to kickstart a sustainable dinner. Or next time you’re in need of a family-friendly 15-minute dinner, simply heat up some Loma Linda Taco Filling and serve with your favorite taco shell (or salad) and toppings. This recipe gets extra points for its protein content to help sustain your family through band or sports practice and homework. With the right recipes and products, it is possible to whip up a healthy and delicious dinner much quicker than even the fastest restaurant could deliver to your door.

5. Curb late-night cravings

Kids and parents deserve a little treat after a hard day of spelling tests, coloring inside the lines and traffic. One way to indulge your sweet tooth without crashing from too much sugar is DIY “Nice Cream.” Nice Cream is made from frozen fruits blended together for at-home, dairy-free ice cream without added sugar! All it takes is a food processor and your favorite frozen fruits — the flavor combinations are endless. Toss in a frozen banana, pineapple chunks, a few strawberries and before you know it you’ve created a velvety, guilt-free soft-serve! The next time you run to the grocery store, grab some frozen fruit to keep handy for when the cravings kick in.

Try these five tips for your busy family and you’ll be able to provide delicious, nutritious options the whole family will enjoy — from their early-morning meal to their late-night snack.


An aging family member is struggling with their chronic condition — what can you do?

2019-08-11T23:01:00

(BPT) – As we get older, the ones we love inevitably age too. For many, there comes a time where you are no longer just a son, daughter or family member — you’re a caregiver. Ensuring your aging parent or loved one is able to manage and afford their medical treatments can have an enormous impact on their health and quality of life.

Dan Klein, president and CEO of the Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation, the largest independent charitable organization dedicated to helping people pay their out-of-pocket costs for prescribed treatments, offers five simple ways you can help an aging family member manage their treatment — so you can both live healthier and happier lives.

1. Meet with their doctor or healthcare provider.

Building a relationship with their healthcare provider will help lay the groundwork for future communication and care management. Before attending an appointment, talk to your parent or family member about their needs and concerns, make a list of the medications they are taking and the renewals they may need and determine together what you’d like to accomplish. If drug costs are a financial burden, don’t be shy about asking for samples or if there are less expensive generic equivalents available.

2. Check in with the pharmacist.

Connecting with your parent or family member’s pharmacist is an excellent way to become familiar with their treatment plan and ask questions about potential side effects and interactions of prescribed drugs. Be sure to ask about mail order options offered by some insurance plans and specialty pharmacies, which can save money and time by delivering a three-month supply of medication directly to their home.

3. De-clutter the medicine cabinet.

It is common for those struggling with chronic or multiple illnesses, particularly in old age, to have multiple prescriptions from different healthcare providers, each with complicated regimens that may make it difficult to keep track of what pills to take and when. You can help by ensuring their medicines are organized, accessible and stored appropriately.

Auditing their medicine cabinet is a good place to start. Make note of anything that is running low and order refills where needed. You can visit fda.gov for information on how to appropriately dispose of medications that have expired or are no longer necessary.

A pill organizer box can help keep track of complicated treatment schedules and reduce the risk of missing a dose or doses. Free pill reminder apps, such as Medisafe Pill & Med Reminder, allow you to manage the accounts of multiple family members.

4. Review Medicare or insurance coverage.

Diagnoses and treatments can frequently change and it’s therefore important to ensure your parent or family member’s Medicare or insurance plan still meets their needs. It is worth paying particular attention to their prescription drug plan, which can differ year to year. Online tools, like The National Council on Aging’s Benefits Checkup Tool and Medicare Interactive sponsored by the Medicare Rights Center can help you review benefits and find the best option for them.

They may also be eligible for other Medicare programs — like a Low-Income Subsidy — that can lower out-of-pocket costs.

5. Find out if charitable financial assistance is available.

The PAN Foundation is one of several charities that provides financial assistance for out-of-pocket costs. You can learn more about patient assistance charities at panfoundation.org. You can also download FundFinder, a free app developed by the PAN Foundation that notifies you when assistance becomes available from any of the major charitable patient assistance foundations.


‘Show up for yourself’: WWE superstar shares top wellness tips

2019-08-11T05:01:00

(BPT) – With more than eight million followers on Instagram, WWE superstar, television personality and entrepreneur Nikki Bella is influential on and off the mat. She serves up beauty and wellness tips, plenty of inspirational thoughts, advice on exercise, relationships and developing a positive attitude in all aspects of life.

Recent Instagram posts reveal some of Bella’s most practical tips around setting up an “all-encompassing wellness routine” that anyone can create and follow consistently, every day.

Here are some of Bella’s top tips to stay in tip-top shape:

1. Eat the right foods

Sure, this seems like a no-brainer. But what does it really mean in practical terms? Bella says that you can eat healthier by adding veggies to meals each day, while subtracting or reducing some carbs like pasta.

“Incorporate more veggies into your favorite dishes,” advises Bella in a recent post. “I LOVE pasta, but the carbs don’t love me, so instead of having a full serving of pasta, I will cook half a serving of whole wheat pasta and add a ton of veggies so that the meal becomes more balanced and filling while still giving me my carb fix.”

2. Be conscious of what you put in and on your body

Bella advises using products that support a healthy lifestyle. She doesn’t leave out the importance of a healthy smile and good oral care, recommending Colgate Total SF toothpaste. She says it not only helps guard against bacteria that causes gingivitis and strengthens enamel, but also helps whiten your teeth. And unlike ordinary fluoride toothpaste, it not only benefits your teeth, but also your tongue, cheeks and gums.

“You can’t control everything about your health, but if you aren’t taking care of your mouth, that’s a huge miss,” says Bella. “Just like the rest of your body, your whole mouth needs some TLC. To kick my oral health up a notch (and keep my pearly whites staying pearly), I’ve been using the new Colgate Total. It protects sensitive teeth, improves morning breath and strengthens the enamel on your teeth. I’ve just started using it and I am already obsessed!”

3. Stay hydrated

Bella recently posted on Instagram that she sometimes has to get creative and “trick” herself into drinking more water every day to stay hydrated.

“A great way to trick yourself into drinking more water is to add fruit to it!” However, she also warns, “But be careful, fruit acids may have a harmful effect on your tooth enamel.”

4. Add more exercise to your daily wellness routine

Keeping up with exercise every day is hard for some, but Bella admits that she is addicted to exercising. What’s her advice for staying fit? Mix it up so you don’t get bored.

“Find ways to make working out fun so that it doesn’t become a chore!” Bella recommends, “Trying new fitness classes is a great way to do this.”

5. Focus on how you feel

Wellness starts with your attitude, and a good attitude helps you keep showing up. Bella recommends focusing on how you feel more than how you look.

“It’s not just about the results you SEE, but it’s more about the way you feel,” she posted recently. “I know that when I am not taking care of myself it puts me in a bad place mentally, so I’ve always made sure that my wellness routine is something that I can stick to regardless of where I am or what I am doing.”

In the end, wellness is about an attitude of taking care of yourself, and having that good attitude about yourself can help you set up a daily routine that makes time for you and your health — and stick to it.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself or compare yourself to others,” Bella says. “All that matters is that you show up for yourself and make an effort every day.”


Protecting you from credit and debit card fraud with artificial intelligence

2019-08-09T15:22:28

(BPT) – Imagine a thief gets your credit or debit card and decides to go on a shopping spree. The thief tries to buy a flat-screen TV, a new computer and a diamond ring. You have no idea this is happening, until you get a phone call from your bank or an alert from your mobile banking app. How did they know to flag these specific transactions as fraud instead of other things you have purchased?

Artificial intelligence.

How you stay protected while shopping

A sophisticated anti-fraud detection system from payment network Visa, called Advanced Authorization, uses artificial intelligence to look for possible fraud every time you insert, tap, touch or click to make a payment. It doesn’t know your name or exactly what you’ve purchased, but assesses activities and patterns to learn what typical purchase behavior looks like.

How well does this work?

Visa Advanced Authorization analyzed more than 127 billion transactions and prevented an estimated $25 billion in fraud in 2018. That’s no small feat considering there are more than 3.3 billion Visa branded cards worldwide that can be used at nearly 54 million stores.

How does this work?

The moment you pay at a store in person or online, the artificial intelligence gathers hundreds of pieces of information about the transaction, analyzing more than 500 factors that may indicate fraud. Some of the information analyzed includes:

* Has the account been used at this store before?

* What type of transaction is it — in-app, contactless, chip or magnetic stripe?

* Is the spending pattern out of the ordinary for the account?

* If a purchase is being made in person, is the location of the store unreasonably far from the location of a recent in-store purchase?

In about a millisecond, this information is assessed for the probability of fraud and sent to the cardholder’s financial institution, where the decision is made to either approve or decline the transaction.

Some people may long for the days when life was simpler and more analog. However, artificial intelligence is having a big impact in the effort to prevent credit and debit card fraud and is becoming more sophisticated every day. It’s fast, accurate and efficient, but also enables highly intelligent predictive analytics to help identify and prevent fraud before it can happen.

For many, this is yet another example of technology continuing to play a larger role in our lives — perhaps this time for the better.


Lack of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters critical barrier for victims with pets

2019-08-09T06:01:00

(BPT) – An estimated 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience some form of domestic abuse in their lifetime. Escaping abusive situations and starting over in a new and safe environment is an overwhelming experience for victims, especially when pets are involved. An added challenge is that very few (approximately 10 percent) domestic violence shelters in the U.S. currently accept and house pets. This leaves abuse victims with a difficult decision — flee to safety but leave their pet behind or stay with their abuser? Almost half of domestic violence victims choose to stay in an abusive situation out of fear of what might happen to their pet if they leave.

As those who live with pets can attest, pets do so much for their humans — they provide unconditional love and comfort, they demonstrate loyalty and devotion, and they teach people about care and compassion. Pets can also sense when their owners experience sadness or pain, and their physical presence can provide comfort and promote healing. In essence, pets and people are better together.

That’s why Purina has partnered with RedRover, a national nonprofit organization that helps people and animals in crisis situations, to create the Purple Leash Project. The Purple Leash Project not only raises awareness about this issue, but the program also helps provide funding and resources necessary to help more domestic violence shelters become safe, healing spaces for pets and people.

As part of the initiative, Purina is committing more than $500,000 to establish Purple Leash Project grants, which are awarded in partnership with RedRover to shelters across the country to fund renovations to make their shelter spaces pet-friendly. The Purple Leash Project aims to increase the number of pet-friendly domestic abuse shelters across the U.S. to ensure there are more resources available for survivors with pets in every state. Purina is also advocating for the cause at a federal level as a founding member of the PAWS Act Coalition, which helped pass legislation that will provide federal funding for domestic violence shelters to become pet-friendly.

How can you get involved in the Purple Leash Project?

Be vocal and spread awareness about this issue — Domestic violence is an issue that many people aren’t comfortable talking about. Don’t be one of them. Instead, use your voice to advocate for your neighbors with pets who may be struggling with abuse by raising awareness of the lack of pet-friendly options for domestic violence victims. Join the movement by visiting PurpleLeashProject.com to stay informed of all the ways to get involved. And post your support for the Purple Leash Project mission on social media using #PurpleLeashProject to take a stand for the shared belief that pets and people deserve to escape abuse and heal together.

Ask your local DV shelter how you can help Reach out to your local domestic violence shelter to see how you might be able to help the survivors in their care, and find out if it accepts pets now or is interested in finding resources to become pet-friendly (if so, tell them about Purple Leash Project grants). From volunteering to making donations of clothing, diapers, toys and other comfort items for people and pets, there are a lot of things domestic violence shelters may need to care for the survivors they serve.

Support the Purple Leash Project — The mission of the Purple Leash Project is to increase the number of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters, and with your help, the goal can be reached even faster. To donate to this cause by making a donation directly to RedRover and learn more about the Purple Leash Project and Purina’s commitment to making a difference, visit www.PurpleLeashProject.com.

If you or someone you know or love is a victim of domestic abuse, call or visit the Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 for support and resources: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Bilingual advocates are available. To find a DV shelter that accepts pets or offers services for pets, visit safeplaceforpets.org.


A change of heart: Research indicates there are newer effective ways to prevent cardiovascular issues

2019-08-07T16:00:00

(BPT) – Cardiovascular (CV) disease affects nearly half of all adult Americans[i] and is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Although it constitutes one of the most significant challenges facing the medical community, confusion remains around which therapies are best to manage the disease and prevent heart attack, stroke and death. For the 48% of adults in the U.S. with heart disease,[i] the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) continue to recommend statins for at-risk patients. However, doctors are prescribing statins alongside drugs that the latest research shows may not work.

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Doctors began prescribing extended release niacin in the 1950s and fenofibrates in the 1970s, first in France and then eventually in the U.S., to help patients with heart disease lower their cholesterol.[ii],[iii] Then, statins were approved in the late 1980s to help prevent CV risks such as heart attack, stroke and death from heart disease.[iv] Since then, tens of millions of people have been prescribed statins, many in combination with extended release niacin or fenofibrates.[v]

However, in just the last decade, studies have shown that extended release niacin and fenofibrates are not effective in reducing the risk of cardiac events, such as a heart attack or stroke, even in combination with a statin.[vi],[vii] For example, in a randomized, placebo-controlled Lipid Study of ACCORD (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes), researchers found a lack of efficacy for what was then a blockbuster drug — fenofibrate — in patients with diabetes who were taking statins.[vii] The largest study of extended release niacin, which included more than 25,000 people with heart disease, was published in The New England Journal of Medicine showing a similar lack of efficacy.[vi]

As data and studies continued to emerge, they illustrated that the potential benefit of extended release niacin and fenofibrates no longer outweigh the potential health risks when taken with statins.[vi],[vii] After this research was published, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took an unusual step in 2015 and withdrew its approval of extended release niacin and fenofibrates to treat cardiovascular disease in combination with statins.[viii] Yet, in 2018, the total number of prescriptions for these drugs was almost 11.5 million and many are prescribed in combination with statins.[ix],[x] It is important for consumers to reconsider if they should still be on these drugs.

“Statins have been a great advancement in the cardiovascular space,” said Norman Lepor, M.D., of Smidt/Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute and Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “But for many people, they’re not enough. Physicians, health care providers and patients should know that there are new scientific data regarding medications and treating cardiovascular risks, including elevated triglycerides and/or diabetes, and those that further reduce LDL-cholesterol.”

What You Can Do

Whether you have heart disease or not, playing an active role in and being aware of your health are critical for keeping your heart healthy. This includes diet, exercise, and consulting your doctor about new, proven options that can help reduce your risk of heart disease. The following questions, which you may want to discuss with your doctor, can help you take the first step in managing your heart health:

  1. What can I be doing to reduce my risk of heart disease?
  2. Is there new science available about the risks of heart disease?
  3. Is the treatment you’re prescribing approved by the FDA for treatment of my specific condition?
  4. Is there a newer, potentially more effective treatment out there?
  5. If I’m already using a statin, what is the best add-on for a holistic heart health treatment plan?
  6. If I’m using more than one medication for my heart health, how do I know it’s the most effective combination?


[i] American Heart Association. Cardiovascular diseases affect nearly half of American adults, statistics show. January 31, 2019. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/01/31/cardiovascular-diseases-affect-nearly-half-of-american-adults-statistics-show (Accessed on February 22, 2019).

[ii] Ganji SH, Kamanna SV, Kashyap ML. Niacin and cholesterol: role in cardiovascular disease (review). Nutr Biochem. 2003 Jun;14(6):298-305.

[iii] Lalloyer F, Staels B. Fibrates, glitazones, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2010;30(5):894–899. doi:10.1161/ATVBAHA.108.179689.

[iv] Harrington RA. Statins-Almost 30 Years of Use in the United States and Still Not Quite There. JAMA Cardiol. 2017 Jan 1;2(1):66. doi: 10.1001/jamacardio.2016.4709.

[v] Salami JA, Warraich H, Valero-Elizondo J, et al. National Trends in Statin Use and Expenditures in the US Adult Population From 2002 to 2013: Insights From the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. JAMA Cardiol. 2017;2(1):56–65. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2016.4700

[vi] Landray MJ, Haynes R, et al. Effects of Extended-Release Niacin with Laropiprant in High-Risk Patients. N Engl J Med 2014; 371:203-212.

[vii] ACCORD Study Group, Ginsberg HN, Elam MB, Lovato LC, Crouse JR 3rd, Leiter LA, Linz P, Friedewald WT, Buse JB, Gerstein HC, Probstfield J, Grimm RH, Ismail-Beigi F, Bigger JT, Goff DC Jr, Cushman WC, Simons-Morton DG, Byington RP. Effects of combination lipid therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus. N Engl J Med. 2010 Apr 29;362(17):1563-74.

[viii] Food and Drug Administration. Withdrawal of approval of indications related to the coadministration with statins in applications for niacin extended-release tablets and fenofibric acid delayed-release capsules. 4/18/2016. Available via this link: https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2016-08887.pdf

[ix] Fenofibrates annual sales report.

[x] Lovaza annual sales report.


5 tips to make the most out of your workout routine

2019-08-08T10:37:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re hitting the gym to get healthy, tone up or improve your overall well-being, there’s no denying that seeing results can be one of the most satisfying feelings. Noticing even the smallest change in the way you feel or look is reason enough to lace up your sneakers for another sweat session. However, when results seem to plateau or schedules get busy, you might begin to question your commitment to a fitness routine.

Whatever you do, don’t give up! Keep the below tips in mind to help maximize your fitness routine and stay on track.

1) Find a workout buddy

Instead of flying solo, bring along a friend so you can encourage each other during your workouts. Exercising with a buddy can breed a healthy form of competition, but it’s also a great way to hold you accountable. To help maximize the impact, try to pick a partner that is on the same fitness level as you and shares similar goals — you will want to be able to increase your intensity level and challenge each other as a team.

2) Fuel up

An active lifestyle requires proper nutrition — period. When regularly exercising, your body needs fuel for optimal performance and proper recovery. Before a workout, opt for healthy and easily digestible carbohydrates like brown rice, quinoa, whole-grain bread and pasta, fruits and vegetables to give you energy. Afterward, try a protein-packed snack like Emergen-C Protein Fuel and Superfoods. With 15 grams of organic plant-based protein and two full servings of 14 superfoods, the protein and superfood powder blend can help you make the most of your active time by providing the wholesome nourishment you need, along with supporting your natural defenses with a high potency serving of vitamin C.

3) Head to the weights

If your fitness goals include improving body composition and losing weight, you may want to introduce strength training into your regimen. While exercises such as walking, running and cycling can do wonders for your cardiovascular health and help burn calories, strength training with weights can elevate your metabolism for a longer period — meaning your body will continue burning calories even after a workout. Plus, strength training can target and tone those hard-to-reach muscles, improve balance and help protect your bones.

4) Switch it up

After a while, bodies can grow accustomed to the same exercise routine, often leading to stalled results. If you find yourself breezing through a workout, it’s time to switch it up and push your limits. Varying your exercises can challenge your mind and body, help burn more calories and prevent boredom. If you like to run long distances, try implementing sprint intervals. At the gym? Try out new equipment or vary your reps. Challenge your body and you may be surprised by the results.

5) Take a break

The last way to maximize your fitness routine has nothing to do with the gym at all. In fact, it requires you to skip the gym. Exercise provides many health benefits, but too many high-intensity workouts can backfire, potentially causing injury from overuse and hindering your results. Be sure to allow your body enough time to heal before hitting the gym again and try to work active rest days into your schedule, such as going for a light walk or bike ride.

Keeping these tips in mind can help you make the most of your fitness routine and magnify your efforts in the gym, on the track, in the pool or wherever you choose to exercise. Above all, don’t hesitate to ask fellow gym-goers for help or to make modifications when something feels off.

For more information about Emergen-C, visit www.emergenc.com.