Make a Holiday Plan!

Do you have a healthy plan for the holidays? How do you plan to survive the food, stress, and busy schedule with little time to exercise? MAKE A PLAN!!

Although the holidays may seem far away, they will be creeping up before you know it. And so will those unwanted holiday pounds if we don't put a plan in place to keep on track this holiday season. So just as you schedule meetings and doctor appointments and make holiday shopping lists, make sure you continue to schedule time for exercise and relaxation as well as pre-plan meals and grocery lists throughout the next few months. Preplanning is crucial to staying on track. For more help in planning exercise relaxation and healthy meals into your schedule, check out some of our healthy recipes, studio class schedule, and 8-week Stress Management program at www.lakehealth.org and click on the Wellness Institute icon.

Finances are an Important Part of Our Well-Being

Just as food records help us to understand and become aware of our eating habits, tracking our spending makes us more aware of our financial habits. A month is a good amount of time to follow your spending habits. You will see what expenses are needed on a monthly or weekly basis. This will also help you to determine if you are making reasonable and responsible purchases. The holidays and the New Year are just around the corner. Not only will this exercise help with holiday budgeting, but it will also help you start off the New Year on the right financial path.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Are you Breast Self Aware?

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recommends that you:

1. Know Your Risk

   • Talk to your family to learn about your family health history
   • Talk to your doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer

2. Get Screened

   • Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk
   • Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
   • Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year starting at 40

3. Know What is Normal for You

   • See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes:
     • Lump, hard knot or thickening
     • Swelling, Warmth, redness or darkening
     • Change in the size or shape of the breast
     • Dimpling or puckering of the skin
     • Itchy, scaly, sore or rash on the nipple
     • Pulling in of your nipple or other parts
     • Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
     • New pain in one spot that does not go away

4. Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

   • Maintain a healthy weight
   • Add exercise into your routine
   • Limit alcohol intake

Source: http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/BreastSelfAwareness.html

Make Use of Pumpkin Seeds!

Seeds are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber and healthy fats. Pumpkin seeds have a mildly, nutty flavor that would work well in salads, trail mixes, breads/muffins, breakfast cereal, or yogurt. So as you carve out your pumpkin this year, save the seeds. You can then toast them, in a skillet, oven or microwave. Just be sure to leave the salt behind when making these healthy treats.\

Start Your Day with Stretching!

Most people don't think about how to begin their day. They roll out of bed and jump right into the day.  A good stretching routine in the morning can help clear your mind and get you energized for the day.  This can help better prepare you to deal with the stressors that may come your way throughout the day.  Not sure where to begin, check out our early morning Gentle Yoga class at TriPoint. The class meets on Wednesday mornings from 6 am - 7 am.  For more information classes held at the Wellness Institute, please contact the Best of Health at 440-953-6000.