Exercise & Nutrition, Self-care
10 Ways to Improve Your Health this Spring
There’s something about spring that brings a sense of renewed hope and possibility. With the new season upon us, it’s a great time to re-evaluate your health goals and set a plan to put your best foot forward. Here are some simple steps to recommit and embrace a healthier you.
1. Enjoy the great outdoors
Going outside for a walk, bike ride, or hike is a great way to support your physical and mental health. We know that cardio gives us endorphins, and endorphins make us happy. Research also shows that the vitamin D we gain from sunlight can boost serotonin levels, which can help regulate mood and reduce depression.
2. Declutter your home
According to the KonMari cleaning method, if it doesn’t “spark joy,” you should let it go. This simple approach to decluttering your space can help you to eliminate things that could be weighing you down. Getting rid of excess physical things can have mental health benefits by helping you feel calmer and more in control.
3. Eat fresh foods
Eating foods that are fresh in season is a natural way to nourish your body and support your overall health. Many fruits and veggies reach their peak ripeness in spring, including apricots, strawberries, cherries, grapefruit, and asparagus. If you have access to a local farmer’s market or specialty grocery store, you may opt to try fresh produce that you haven’t tried before like garlic scapes, kohlrabi, nettles, and ramps.
4. Stay hydrated
You’ve heard it before, but staying hydrated is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support your health. Fun fact: your body is made up of about 70% water, so drinking enough water is key to your health. If you’re finding it hard to get your recommended daily water intake, try drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning when you wake up and before bed. If you don’t like the taste of water, you can also try investing in a water filter or infusing lemon or cucumber in your water to give it a spa-like feel.
5. Take your work meetings outside
For those of us working from home, the conference call fatigue is real. If you’re stuck on back-to-back virtual meetings, try taking a call on the road. A walking meeting can help re-energize your brain and is a healthier alternative to sitting all day.
6. Practice sun protection
While the sun’s rays may not seem as strong as they do in the summer months, the truth is you can still be exposed to damaging UVB rays during cloudier days. It’s important to still wear SPF on your face or other areas exposed to the sun during spring.
7. Watch for allergens
The flowers are blooming and gardens are looking lush, but unfortunately that means outdoor allergens like pollen are also abundant. Using a nasal saline spray can help flush out your nasal passages from these harmful irritants. If you suffer from more severe allergic conditions like asthma, you may want to consider limiting time outdoors and keeping a close eye on daily air quality readings.
8. Practice a digital detox
With more time spent at home, it’s easy to be glued to our computer, TV, and phone screens all day. Too much screen time can lead to trouble sleeping, chronic neck and back problems, and anxiety. Spring is the perfect time to practice limiting screen time and instead find time to connect with loved ones or enjoy the outdoors. Many smart phones now allow you track your daily screen time, so you can make efforts to reduce it.
9. Express your gratitude
In today’s busy world, we’re so often focused on what’s next on our to-do list, that we don’t always take the time to pause and acknowledge what we have accomplished. Journaling is a great way to reflect on what you’re thankful for both personally and professionally. Acknowledging these moments of gratitude can lead to more positive thinking and feelings of satisfaction.
10. Schedule your doctor’s appointments
If you’ve been putting off seeing your healthcare provider, now is a great time to carve out time for yourself to be proactive about your health. If you haven’t received your annual well-woman exam, it’s not too late to schedule one!
As women, we spend so much time caring for others in our lives, that we may forget to care for ourselves. This spring don’t forget to find some time for you. And of course, your Axia Women’s Health care team is always here for you to help you cultivate the healthiest version of yourself!
As women, getting enough vitamin D is crucical to supporting our bone health. 🦴💪🏻Vitamin D also been linked to other aspects of health including autoimmune disease risk, heart health and cognitive function. 💗🧠While we can’t always rely on the sun, there are other ways to increase vitamin D intake in the winter months. Follow @axiawomenshealth more helpful women’s health tips! 👍🏻
#womenshealth #vitamind #reelsinstagram #bonehealth #vitamindtherapy
Have you had a heart-to-heart with your Axia Women`s Health provider? 💜 No matter your age or how fit you feel, having a conversation about your risk factors for cardiovascular disease is important for all women. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death or women in the US. But, with proper knowledge and prevention techniques you can help lower your risk. Let`s start the conversation!
#hearthealthmonth #hearthealth #goredforwomen
For women who are just beginning to feel the effects of the change of life, menopause can be mystifying, but it doesn’t have to be. Menopause expert, Dr. Joann Richichi with Axia Women`s Health, offers advice in an interview with Better Nutrition.
#menopausesupport #hormonesupport #hormonalhealth #hotflashes #aging #fiftyplus #perimenopause #menopause #over50 #50andfabulous
Despite increased awareness around heart disease, research shows only half of women recognize heart disease as the number one killer of women. Fortunately, it`s also highly preventable. ❤️When it comes to heart health, there are four numbers every woman should know. Knowing these numbers can help you determine your risk and to work with your provider to take action! 💪🏻
#hearthealth #knowyournumbers #goredforwomen #womenhearthealth #hearthealthmonth❤️
Mark your calendar! In honor of National Diabetes Month, Stephanie Klein, a Registered Dietitian, with our friends at @simplex_health will be joining us for an IG Live on Tuesday, Nov 16 at 12 pm ET to discuss gestational diabetes.
We`ll be covering everything from risk factors, tips on how to manage gestational diabetes, and other helpful nutrition advice. Tune in live for our Q&A or shoot us a DM/comment below with a question you`d like to see addressed during the live.
#IGLive #DiabetesMonth #GestationalDiabetes #Nutrition #pregnancynutrition
Gestational diabetes (a form of high blood sugar during pregnancy) affects up to 14% of pregnant women in the US each year. Left untreated, it can pose serious complications for both mother and baby. Read on for Jamie’s story of managing gestational diabetes through the help of her Axia Women’s Health care team and our partner @simplex_health
Photo credit: Jamie S. and her son A.J. born September 4, 2021
“I was caught off guard when I first learned I had gestational diabetes. I felt healthy and was focused on eating well. I didn’t sense that anything was off. Fortunately, my OB/GYN Dr. Cynthia Alessio (Axia`s Women`s Health Associates of Bucks County) caught it early through a screening test at 24 weeks.
Dr. Alessio enrolled me in a nutrition program with Simplex Health where I learned what to eat and how to monitor my sugars. The best part of the program was the ease with which I could contact my nutrition consultant. She was so easy to work with, and made it clear that if I ever needed her, she was only a text or call away. When juggling many different doctor`s appointments, this convenience and flexibility was so helpful.
For other women facing a gestational diabetes diagnosis, I think the best thing you can do is find and stick to a diet regimen early. Pregnancy is temporary, but gestational diabetes could have lifelong effects if you don’t treat it early.”
Visit link in bio and click "Gestational Diabetes Resources" for more info on our personalized nutrition program.
#myaxiajourney #gestationaldiabetes
The answer is….true. Research shows a drop in a woman`s estrogen after menopause may contribute to higher amounts of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad" cholesterol. High cholesterol is one of the leading risk factors of heart disease. High cholesterol usually has no symptoms. Fortunately, a simple blood test can screen for high cholesterol and can help you stay in control of your health!
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.#cholesterolawareness #cholesteroleducationmonth #knowyournumbers❤️ #hearthealth #heartdisease
Being pregnant during the summer months can be rough! 😩Your body temperature is already elevated, and the summer heat can make things even more uncomfortable.
We asked one of our OB/GYNs and mama-to-be Dr. Jessica Arendal to share her summer pregnancy tips with us. 🌞
For Dr. Arendal`s full list of tips, visit link in bio and click "Summer Pregnancy Survival Guide."
#summerpregnancy #summerpregnancyproblems #pregnancyhacks #nutrition #healthysummerfoods #AskAxia
