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5 reasons your business needs professional photography

2021-01-05T07:01:01

(BPT) – If you’re a business owner, you’ve probably needed to reinvent your business more than once, especially after this unprecedented year of change. While you strive to stay top of mind with your customers and attract new ones, you may also be adapting to increased online and remote commerce and services, while at the same time finding ways to make in-person interactions safer for employees and customers alike. That’s a lot to handle all at once.

Staying relevant during turbulent times means maintaining a smart marketing strategy. Making sure all your consumer-facing content is up-to-date, informative and attractive is a big part of keeping your business going — through the holidays and beyond.

The first thing your customers often see these days is your website. Is your content current? Do you have appealing visuals throughout your site, from your home page through your product pages? Are you also creating a direct mail campaign or revamping your in-store signage? Do you have up-to-date, high-quality headshots and other photographs for all of your social media channels?

All of these vital marketing strategies require top-notch photography.

Here’s why professional photography is the best investment you can make in your business, especially now.

1. You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression

The first impression your business makes — through its website, social media presence, flyers, direct mail and signage — relies on high-quality, striking visuals that draw customers’ attention and make them want to do business with your company or buy your products.

Your company’s leaders and employees need high-quality headshots to use on social media channels and company materials, to make the best impression on business partners and clients alike.

Having inadequate or unprofessional photography on your company website or other materials means you won’t be able to cut through the noise of the competition — losing valuable business, possibly for good.

2. A professional photographer gets results

You’ll see the difference in all of your company’s photos when you hire a professional photographer. Because professional photographers are highly trained, skilled and experienced, you’ll know that the photography for your business is getting the professionalism and technical experience it needs — and deserves. Professionals know how to achieve great results, every time.

3. Professional photographers will present your business in the best light (literally)

Members of Professional Photographers of America (PPA) are knowledgeable about art, lighting and posing — and they work in a variety of specialties. Most important, they know how to work with your staff and combine the best possible elements to create images that fit the unique style of your business, making just the right impression that’s so crucial for attracting customers.

These days, your business needs an impressive social media presence to generate buzz. Social media depends on striking images to capture your target audience’s attention and establish a connection. With quality photographs that make your employees’ headshots stand out, or that showcase your events, service and products with skill and flair, your company will shine.

Professional photography helps you establish and communicate your company’s unique brand identity. Relying on stock images for your marketing content and social media won’t make your business stand out from the crowd.

When you hire a professional photographer, you will be getting the best quality results, customized to you and your business. Good quality photography represents your brand the way you want it portrayed — and high-quality photographs imply that your business produces high-quality services or products.

4. Professionals know what questions to ask

A trained, experienced professional photographer will know what questions to ask to understand your business and your brand. They will work with you to fully understand the tone of the communication of your business, to make sure all the images they create are infused with that tone — and your brand’s personality.

5. They are business owners, too

Just like you, professional photographers are business owners. When you hire a professional photographer, you know you’re getting someone who is willing to go the extra mile to deliver the best possible images for your company. Professional photographers thrive on customer service and satisfaction, and they continuously aim to produce products that exceed their customers’ expectations.

Because they’re professionals, they know how to achieve great results, every time. That means you’ll get a strong collection of images that tell the story of your company or highlight your products, not just a few lucky snapshots. Working with a professional photographer means you’ll be collaborating with someone who knows how to produce a quality image — for any purpose, and under any circumstances.

Need to locate a professional photographer for your business? Visit FindAPhotographer.com.

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5 tips to help seniors exercise during the pandemic

2021-01-05T12:41:17

(BPT) – By now, most seniors are aware that they’re among the most vulnerable demographic groups when it comes to contracting COVID-19.

That said, a recent nationwide poll by Tivity Health, a national provider of senior fitness, nutrition and healthy lifestyle solutions, including SilverSneakers, a community fitness program designed for older adults, indicates many are probably not getting the exercise they need to maintain optimal health.

In the poll, 46% of adult and senior respondents said the pandemic is preventing them from attending in-person exercise classes at local gyms, although 84% noted they’ll return within a month once attendance is deemed safe by authorities.

A core challenge is reduced gym access, as quarantines prove problematic for many older Americans trying to continue exercise regimens. Exercise remains critical for seniors to maintain a healthy immune system that’s able to fight off disease. Regular workouts can also increase balance and strength and help prevent falls.

For seniors, falls are an all-too-common threat and crisis; Johns Hopkins University reports that 25% of adults 65 or older fall, and three million are treated in emergency rooms each year for injuries caused by falls.

“This pandemic has brought great challenges and stress for seniors. But the good news is, there are ways to exercise safely and maintain an active lifestyle,” says Tivity Health president and CEO Richard Ashworth. “Exercise is vital for maintaining optimal health, and through easy-to-access digital and in-person options, it is our hope seniors can continue or renew exercise regimens quickly and safely.”

Maintaining regular exercise during COVID-19 need not be difficult. If you’re a senior wanting to maintain effective workouts each day, here are some tips you can follow even if you’re practicing social isolation.

1) Start slowly. If you haven’t been exercising, you’ll want to ease into your new routine gradually. Studies indicate just two weeks of inactivity (or a 75% reduction in daily steps) can decrease your muscle strength by 8%, while dropping 1,000 to 1,500 steps each day can raise inflammation and blood pressure. Jump-start your new regimen with safe exercises like squats, wall push-ups, light weightlifting regimens and taking walks (keeping distance from others for safety).

2) Subscribe to a digital exercise program. You do not need to leave your home to exercise each day. That’s especially true if you sign up for a high-quality digital regimen that fits well with your exercise goals and preferences.

In fact, 56% of seniors responding to the poll said their future workout plans call for participating in online classes two to three times per week. Instructor-led online exercise sessions are being offered to all SilverSneakers members. In addition, free Facebook Live classes led by SilverSneakers national trainers are broadcast multiple times a week. The national fitness membership organization designed the virtual series to help seniors stay in shape while still following precautions during the pandemic.

3) Avoid prolonged sitting. Even if you must set a timer to remind yourself, take frequent breaks from sitting and engage in rejuvenating strolls — or simply take part in activities that involve standing. The point is to avoid being sedentary for long intervals of time.

4) Use others as motivation. In the poll, 44% of responding seniors said they’re motivated to return to their fitness centers to see and socialize with friends. If you feel more motivated when not exercising all by yourself, you might optimize FaceTime, Zoom or even a quick phone call to interact with fitness-minded others as you work out at home.

5) Check out local fitness centers. Before attending local gyms, learn what they’re doing to keep their customers safe and to align with recommended CDC guidelines. If you feel safe enough to participate, exercise in open spaces where you can maintain six feet of distance from others. You might also check out low-intensity options such as water exercise classes, yoga or Tai Chi.

Whether you’re staying at home or practicing safe social distancing while out and about, there’s no need to give up the exercise that can help you maintain optimal health during the pandemic. Take steps now to ensure you’re taking good care of yourself through age-appropriate workouts and movement.

For more information, visit silversneakers.com.

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What are postbiotics and why should they be part of your daily routine?

2021-01-04T21:01:00

(BPT) – Many of us are looking for ways to be more proactive about our health. One way to accomplish that is by adopting more healthy habits to support our immune systems.

“In addition to adequate sleep, exercise, eating a balanced diet and managing stress, it’s also important to support gut health,” says Keri Gans, a registered dietitian, certified yoga teacher and author of “The Small Change Diet.”

“Most people don’t realize how gut health influences the immune system,” Gans says. “It may seem like these two things are two unrelated functions in the body. But it just so happens that a majority of our immune cells originate from the gut.”

She goes on to explain that a daily routine that maintains healthy gut microbiomes is an important way to support your natural defenses. And one way to do that is through focusing on postbiotics.

Postbiotics: A simpler route to support immune function

Many health-minded people are already familiar with probiotics and prebiotics, which have been touted for their contributions to a healthy gut microbiome that supports the immune system. But when you understand how these interact with your gut, a third and simpler option emerges: postbiotics. It’s the “biotic” you may not yet have heard about.

Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that can be added to your diet from taking supplements or functional foods with added probiotics like yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi. Prebiotics provide the bacteria the “food” that is needed to kick off a fermentation process. That fermentation process creates beneficial metabolites which are part of the foundation for a healthy gut microbiome.

Beneficial metabolites can also be created outside of your gut through fermentation using yeast or bacteria. These metabolites are called postbiotics. Fermented outside the body, postbiotics are beneficial because they deliver those good metabolites without the bloating or gas that fermentation can sometimes cause within the gut. While you can get postbiotics by eating fermented foods, to be sure that you are getting the right composition of metabolites shown to have immune and gut health benefits, it’s best to look for postbiotics that are backed by clinical research.

Now that you know the relationship between probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics, we’ll talk about the core benefits of integrating postbiotics into your diet to support immune function.

A simpler solution: If you’ve been taking the traditional probiotic-prebiotic approach to getting your gut into balance, it can be something of a guessing game to ensure you’re consuming the necessary amounts of soluble fiber (prebiotics) and fermented foods (probiotics) through diet. Postbiotic supplements can provide a simpler way to support your gut and immune system. Not only that but unlike probiotic supplements, postbiotic supplements contain no live cultures, so they’re more stable and have a longer shelf life.

Proactive immune support: The postbiotic EpiCor® is clinically shown to support the immune system and gut health. To access this support, however, it’s not something you specifically take on those times when you feel like your natural defenses need a helping hand. Rather, think of postbiotics as providing proactive maintenance for your immune system 365 days of the year.

Easy to access: Consuming fermented foods can help add postbiotics to your diet. Examples include kombucha, yogurt, certain cheeses, and bread. The good news is some of your favorites can bring reinforcements to your gut! However, the challenge is knowing whether diet alone can provide the adequate support that you’re looking for. Taking these foods into consideration, supplements that contain postbiotics can be a simpler route for daily immune support.

“I’ve always said that making small changes to your daily habits can make a huge impact on your health and well-being,” Gans says. “Adding more fermented foods to your diet, taking a daily supplement that contains postbiotics, is a simple but effective way to get year-round support.”

When looking for supplements that contain postbiotics, look for EpiCor on the label. EpiCor fermentate is a postbiotic, whole food ingredient, meaning nothing is extracted or purified; it acts like a multivitamin for your immune system. Additionally, clinical studies indicate EpiCor fermentate helps positively modulate the gut microbiome and may also help support nasal comfort year around.

EpiCor is found in several well-known supplement brands including Country Life and Healthy Origins. For more information and a full list of products, visit epicorhealth.com.

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Tips to bring joy to seniors all year long

2021-01-04T11:50:55

(BPT) – Many seniors and their loved ones are taking special precautions to stay healthy, including limiting or eliminating visits and other activities that can cause COVID-19 to spread. That’s because the older you are, the higher your risk of severe illness from the coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While these important steps help keep seniors physically healthy, they can have a negative impact on mental well-being. Many elderly people already felt isolation before COVID-19 limitations. Now that many activities and interactions they previously enjoyed are no longer an option, this can be particularly disheartening.

In fact, 76% of people 65 and older are anxious to spend time in-person with their loved ones, according to a COVID-19 impact study by Comfort Keepers, providers of senior in-home and respite care. What’s more, 57% are eagerly awaiting the chance to embrace a loved one as soon as they can.

“Seniors are struggling with the emotional impact of isolation now more than ever due to COVID-19,” says Carl McManus, CEO, Comfort Keepers North America. “Fortunately, with a bit of creativity and outside-the-box thinking, friends and family can still bring joy to older loved ones to elevate the human spirit even from afar.”

McManus and the experts at Comfort Keepers share their top tips to bring joy to seniors in a safe manner:

Send joy in the mail: Many seniors still hold close the art of the handwritten letter, so try sitting down and writing out your thoughts to share with a loved one. An alternative would be a greeting card with a salutation and positive thoughts for the future. While sending mail for special occasions is always a welcome idea, consider sending letters periodically just to brighten the day.

Share meaningful memories: Show seniors you’re thinking about them by sending imagery of your times together over the past few years. This could be a photo either via text, email or mail. You can also have children paint or draw their favorite memories with senior loved ones. A picture is worth a thousand words and by sharing imagery of meaningful experiences you’re showing that you cherish time together also. And sharing photos can help older adults feel connected and loved.

Make movie magic: Plan a time to virtually connect and watch a joyful movie together. It might be a classic, an option that’s been on your must-see list for a while, or a new release. A video meeting app can work best for this activity as it allows for easy interaction as you watch your flick, plus you can see each other’s reactions throughout the movie. For seniors who are less comfortable with technology, consider sending them your favorite film and theater treats to enjoy, and share your thoughts together later over the phone.

Name that tune: Music is a special part of the human experience and our favorite songs can bring a smile any time of the year. Take time to make a playlist of your loved one’s favorite music and send it as a gift in whatever manner is most easily accessible, digital or on CD. You can also plan a list of different songs and play them on random and guess to see who gets the most song titles right the fastest. Video and phone calls are also a great time for a sing-along or impromptu serenade!

Get grandkids in on the fun: For grandparents, grandkids are their pride and joy. Invite your kids of all ages to participate in activities, including singing contests, book reading, board games, crafts and more. Even a simple conversation sharing their interests, what’s happening at school and any craft projects is a pure joy. Also consider asking grandma and grandpa to have a Zoom class to teach kids a treasured craft, activity or recipe. And many seniors love to connect with children in their community, so consider having kids write cards or draw pictures for seniors that may be feeling lonely or isolated.

Become baking buddies: If you both have the ability, it can be a fun experience to bake together simultaneously. You might try a new recipe or one that is a family tradition. Get all the ingredients ready and then set a time to meet online virtually to start chopping, mixing and blending until you bake and compare results. Kids love participating in kitchen adventures as well. You can also make your favorite treats and gift them to seniors in your local area.

“Having a connection is so important to so many seniors, which is why a simple act of kindness can mean the world even if that looks a little different this year,” says McManus.

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Dairy farmers work to care for the environment

2021-01-04T13:11:52

(BPT) – A gallon of milk. Cream for your coffee. A pat of butter. Whether you’re enjoying a yogurt on the go in the morning or family night at home with a cheese and veggie pizza, dairy has been an enjoyable and nutritious part of daily life for generations. Throughout that time, America’s dairy farm families have provided an essential service to nourish their communities, during good times or bad.

Did you know those same dairy farmers are also taking care of the planet? America’s 34,000 dairy farm families are directly connected to the land and have a long history of care for the environment and responsible dairy production.

Since 2007, the dairy industry worked together to reduce the carbon footprint of each gallon of milk by 19%, using 30% less water and 21% less land, as seen in the Journal of Animal Science (2017). Now, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, established under the leadership of dairy farmers and dairy companies, set aggressive, industry-wide sustainability targets for 2050:

  • Become carbon neutral or better;
  • Optimize water use while maximizing recycling;
  • Improve water quality by optimizing utilization of manure and nutrients.

Recognizing the challenges facing the planet, farmers across the U.S. are adopting conservation practices, caring for their cows, recycling water and even generating clean energy to help make dairy an environmental solution.

One such farmer, Dirk Young of Twin Birch Dairy in Skaneateles, New York, maximizes his operation’s resources with a combination of climate-smart practices. He uses an anaerobic digester to make cow bedding and crop fertilizer out of cow manure, and he also partners with an environmental group to ensure the water quality of New York’s Finger Lakes meets the highest standards for his community. As a result, the water quality surrounding his dairy farm has improved downstream and upstream.

For Lloyd and Daphne Holterman, healthy cows and a healthy planet go hand in hand at Watertown, Wisconsin’s Rosy-Lane Holsteins dairy. They improved their production so cows can produce more milk per pound of feed, and the farm has not used antibiotics on its milking herd in over seven years.

Oregon’s largest dairy farm, Threemile Canyon Farms in Boardman, has little to no waste, thanks to its closed-loop system. Highlights from the dairy’s system: mint harvest byproducts are included in the cows’ feed; manure is used as fertilizer; and its anaerobic digester produces renewable natural gas. On the farm, it powers natural gas vehicles, which reduce fuel emissions by 80% compared to diesel fuel.

U.S. dairy farmers recognize the challenges facing the planet require more than just individual action. That’s why the U.S. dairy community is building on a long-standing history of environmental stewardship and collaborating on ways to accelerate the pace of continuous improvement to become an environmental solution, laying the roadmap to responsibly feed families for generations to come.

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Start the New Year with a new food-itude

2021-01-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – 2021 will be a fresh start for us all. And to kick the year off right, many families will be committing themselves to eating better. So why not set yourself up for success by making a few small changes that will help make your big resolution more attainable?

Here are a few simple ideas and easy steps you can take that will help that New Year’s resolution stick:

Make a weekly plan

You don’t need to micro-manage yourself to create a weekly menu that’s easy to stick to. Choose one day each week to pick out your meals, and on that same day, make a list of the items you’ll need to pick up at the store. Use a note-taking app for your grocery lists that you can update as needed.

As you’re searching for meal-planning inspiration, check that your meals are balanced and include:

  • Quality proteins — seafood is often a healthier substitute for meats (you can rotate between fresh, canned and frozen options)
  • A variety of colorful veggies
  • Whole grains as opposed to refined grains

When choosing your meals in advance, keep convenience in mind. Is it easy to make? Does it require a lot of prep work? Is it something the whole family will eat?

Favor your freezer

Frozen food can shave off a lot of time from your dinner prep. When shopping, look for lean protein, like SeaPak Coconut Cod, to stock your freezer, then you’ll be set for the week ahead.

Frozen seafood is high in protein and low in calories. Try pairing it with coconut rice, zoodles or couscous. Garnish with tropical flavors like mango salsa or lime for a delicious workday meal! Or add sauteed spinach and veggies for a quick dinner.

Prioritize the protein

Reach for healthy protein options at every meal. Challenge yourself to try something new and change up your routine. For example, fish and shrimp are easy swaps for ground beef or chicken when making pizza or tacos, raw nuts or edamame are perfect for when you’re craving a crunchy snack, and lentil or chickpea pasta is a great alternative to traditional pasta options.

Prep your pantry

Do a quick pantry inventory: Choose your favorite shelf-stable foods and arrange them front and center so they’re top-of-mind while meal planning. Donate all items that are not out-of-date but that you don’t expect to use anytime soon.

After it’s organized, refer back to your cupboard for meal inspiration. Rice is an excellent complement to your protein and veggies will brighten up any meal.

Set yourself up for success this year by making sure you have healthy, convenient foods in your pantry, fridge and freezer. A little planning makes it that much easier to stick to your goals.

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New Year’s resolutions you can actually stick to

2021-01-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – It’s always a good idea to commit to improving your well-being or creating healthy habits in the new year, but if you approach your resolutions as something you want to do versus something you should do, you’re much more likely to follow through on your goals. So, why not rethink the whole new year’s resolution premise? What have you always wanted to do, but never given yourself permission to spend time pursuing? Here are a couple nontraditional resolutions that you might actually want to stick to.

1. Dance like nobody’s watching

In the comfort of your own living room, you don’t have to worry about what you look like — literally, no one will be watching — so it’s easy to learn how to dance.

Look for YouTube videos with tutorials on dancing and see what catches your interest! Whether it’s an old-fashioned Charleston or the Woah, you can enjoy the thrill of movement, alone or with your partner. You could even try a new dance each month to keep it fresh all year long — there are so many types, and there are guides all over the internet!

Not only is dancing a ton of fun, it’s also a great form of exercise.

2. Learn a new language

Exploring a new language is enriching and fun — and it also keeps your brain active while allowing you to explore other cultures. Already know a bit about a language, but haven’t put your skills to good use since high school or college? What better resolution than to brush up on learning a language?

Becoming fluent is a great way to boost your confidence, and it’s easy to get started with apps like Rosetta Stone. Rosetta Stone helps you get ready for real-world conversations by using a “Dynamic Immersion” approach with exercises that take advantage of the brain’s natural language processing ability. In short, that means it helps you learn fast.

Rosetta Stone offers 25 different languages for you to choose from. Their program is mobile-friendly, so keeping up with your learning will be a breeze.

3. Boost your career

Looking to advance your career? These days, classes, training courses and certifications are right at your fingertips. Where to start, though?

First, figure out what skills would help you develop an edge in the job market, allowing you to move ahead or even change careers. Second, seek out experts and companies in that field who can point you toward learning resources.

Better yet, consider combining two resolutions into one. Learning a new language is one sure way to boost your resume. What countries does your company do business with? Who are your company’s business partners and customers? Learning their language can be a great way to stand out from the crowd when it comes to the next round of promotions.

4. Plan future adventures

Yes, most travel plans are on hold right now — especially international travel. But there’s no reason you can’t make a resolution to plan your next overseas adventure.

Where have you always wanted to go? Research the area and make a plan to learn more about the geography, cuisine and history of that region. Prepare yourself for your future trip by learning how to speak like a local, understand the signage, and find your way around easily! Having time to plan and practice means you’ll be that much more prepared when you get there.

5. Create culinary masterpieces

You can start with a modest goal — like making more plant-based dishes or using healthier cooking methods. But why not expand your skills? Thanks to cable channels devoted to cooking, plus countless how-to’s on Instagram and YouTube, you can find classes and tutorials on making just about anything that sounds tasty — right in your own kitchen. Even better, if you’re planning a trip (see #4) in the future, why not match up your culinary ambitions with your plans, and try making one of the signature dishes native to your next destination?

New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be all about putting yourself through grueling new regimens. Find resolutions that bring real enjoyment and meaning to your life, and they’ll stick with you for even longer.

there’s no better time than the present. The amount of time andinvestment that you thought you needed to learn a new language, might surpriseyou”

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Feeling a cold coming on? Do these 3 things right now

2020-12-31T13:01:00

(BPT) – Colds can make you feel run down and miserable. The last thing you want is the coughs, the sneezes and a run-down, foggy head feeling to hang on for weeks on end.

So, that begs the question: What can you do to get through this bug as quickly as possible?

“Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for the common cold but there are some things you can do to line up your body’s natural defenses when you first start noticing symptoms,” says Dr. Jake Deutsch M.D., Founder and Clinical Director of Cure Urgent Care in New York City.

What that means is taking action immediately. If you’re feeling sniffly or have a tickle in your throat, it’s time to put a quick plan into motion. Here’s the recipe for relief:

1. Make a date with your pillow: Sleep lets your body rest and heal. Not getting seven to eight hours of shut-eye every night makes you more susceptible to catching a virus. Plus it can prolong your recovery time, according to the Mayo Clinic. When you feel a bug coming on, try an earlier bedtime to make sure you’re getting the extra rest you need. And if you feel sleepy and run-down during the day, that’s your body telling you to take a break. Give yourself permission for a quick nap, if your schedule allows.

2. Drink plenty of water: During a cold, your body will need more fluids; in fact, being sick puts you at risk of dehydration. To make sure you’re getting enough, download an app that lets you track how many ounces you’re drinking a day. Think about keeping your favorite teas on hand too, as the hot liquid loosens congestion.

3. Get your dose of zinc: To shorten the duration of your cold, an effective product to try is Zicam® Cold Remedy RapidMelts®, available at Walmart. Its clinically proven homeopathic formula taps into the power of your body’s natural defenses to shorten colds. If you want to be better faster, take it at the first sign of a cold.

BONUS TIP … Watch a funny movie: As you’ve probably heard, there’s a link between stress and depressed immune function. On the flip side, laughing triggers increased production of antibodies and T-cells that help fight off infection, according to research described in Science Daily. Streaming a comedy is the perfect pairing with a quiet, restful evening at home to get you on the road to recovery.

“Although it may seem simple, completing these easy steps are the most important things you can do to support your immune system,” says Dr. Deutsch. “Aside from rest and relaxation, the single most proactive thing you can do is to take Zicam at that very first hint of a cold to get better faster.”

To shorten your cold, adopt these healthy habits and turn to clinically proven Zicam® Cold Remedy. To learn more, visit zicam.com.

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Why you might need more than a multivitamin

2020-12-31T07:05:00

(BPT) – Did you know multivitamins were created during World War II, in order to help Americans address food shortages during the war? And multivitamins have been popular ever since, helping people make up for nutritional and dietary deficiencies. Not everyone is successful at getting all the nutrients they need from the food they eat, so multivitamins seem like a reasonable catch-all to stay healthier.

But the science of nutrition has changed a lot since the 1940s, and the fact is, multivitamins are a one-size-fits-all approach to an extremely individualized issue — your body and its unique needs. What you may require to best support your personal well-being is unlikely to be the same as what your neighbor needs.

A new survey for Persona Nutrition by Wakefield Research reveals that almost half (47%) of Americans say it’s even more important to take a daily multivitamin now than last year. Most people look to multivitamins for specific health challenges, including:

  • 53% for supporting their immune system
  • 44% to have more energy
  • 26% to maintain a healthy weight
  • 24% to support a good night’s sleep
  • 24% to maintain a healthy stress level

However, a multivitamin might not contain the exact nutrients to help all people with those health concerns. In addition, vitamin supplements can also have a potentially negative effect on — or interaction with — other medications you may be taking.

How to determine your vitamin and supplement needs

Answering simple questions about your health history, lifestyle and medications in the online assessment at PersonaNutrition.com will reveal your personalized plan for recommended vitamins and supplements in 3-5 minutes.

“At 50, I’ve learned that I need more than a multivitamin to tackle my sleep and digestion challenges, so I love having all of my vitamins and supplements – like melatonin, peppermint, vitamin D, ginger, omega-3 and probiotic – organized with my multivitamin in daily packs,” said Kelly Ripa, award-winning host and executive producer of LIVE with Kelly and Ryan. “It’s reassuring to connect with Persona’s nutritionists whenever I have a question or want to try a new combination of vitamins – they really take the guesswork out of my vitamin routine.”

The company’s proprietary algorithm used for the assessment is based on scientific research reviewed by a team of doctors and nutritionists, factoring in your lifestyle, individual needs and current prescription medications to provide doctor-formulated vitamin and supplement recommendations that are as unique as you are.

“Especially for those with specific health concerns, whether stress and sleep problems, energy levels or immunity concerns, a multivitamin alone is not going to supply sufficient or targeted nutrition,” said Courtney Jackson, MPH, CN, director of nutrition research at Persona Nutrition. “We feature daily nutrition coaching from on-staff nutritionists, a robust database to scan for potential drug-nutrient side effects — and we complement our high-quality multivitamin with specific nutritional supplements that are aimed at supporting each person’s health issues and diets.”

Top health concerns

Jackson points out the company’s approaches to address three of the primary health concerns of Americans right now.

  • Your immune system. Health-conscious consumers today are looking for ways to support their immunity. “It’s important to remember that the immune system is just that — a system,” says Jackson. “Your multivitamin should be paired with good lifestyle habits and complemented by immune-supporting supplements like quercetin, garlic or even additional vitamin D, when needed.”
  • Fatigue. Vitamin deficiencies can lead to fatigue. If you are already regularly taking a multivitamin, you might consider having bloodwork done at your next wellness visit to look for other issues. If you have done so and still experience low energy levels, it may be a good time to complement your multivitamin with natural nutrients, including fermented ginseng or adaptogenic cordyceps.
  • Sleep problems. During challenging times, getting enough sleep is even more important than ever. While vitamins and minerals can play a role in your ability to fall asleep and sleep soundly, taking a multivitamin alone likely isn’t doing the trick. Consider supplementing your vitamin with sleep-inducing ingredients such as L-Theanine, hops extract and melatonin to support sleep quality and reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep.

It’s time to swap your one-size-fits-all multivitamin for a more scientific, personalized approach to your nutrition, so you can give your body what it truly needs, not what your neighbor needs.