Fitness Trackers for Sleeping

Earlier this week we talked about fitness trackers as a whole – how they can help keep you fit, and informed about your daily exercise habits. However, that's not all there is to these devices. They can also monitor your sleep. They'll keep track of just how much you're getting, how deep you're able to sleep, and how often you're moving or stirring at night. Just by wearing the device. Then each morning, leaving you with a comprehensive rest report.

For those who sleep without issue, this might seem unnecessary; you know how well you slept as soon as you woke up. But it's not that easy for everyone. Generally, those who have sleeping disorders don't even know that they have them. They might know they're tired or that they have a hard time staying rested, but they won't know specifics. 

Armed with such information, it can be much easier to diagnose a sleeping disorder, and to find out why you are unable to stay rested in the first place. Keep track of your sleeping patterns to create an extensive overview. You can also send this info to your doctor or sleep specialist to arm them enough data for an accurate diagnosis.  

Should You Track Your Sleep?

If you suffer from a sleeping condition, or are worried about the amount of rest you get at night, sleep tracking can be great place to start. It will help you determine your daily patterns and what might be wrong in the first place. 

They're also easy and affordable ways to add to your health, to check if your sleeping treatments are working, and to follow up when they aren't. For those worried about overall sleep patterns and schedules sleep tracking can be a great way to go. 

Talk to your healthcare professional or check back in for more information. 

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Nutrition Fads and How They Affect Trendy Consumers

There's no denying that foods can become more popular over time. With news reports, common demand, and in whatever ways restaurants have adjusted their cooking, some foods are just consumed more often than others. Then something else comes along and becomes equally popular for a certain amount of time. But if you're an informed consumer, one who listens to the media and is always out to try new recipes, chances are you try these fads. You might even jump in head first. But are all of them healthy? And what is following suit doing for your health?

In current trends, chances are they're simply adding nutrition. Items like kale, avocado, quinoa, and more have all made heavy waves in pop culture. However, it was not long ago that it was all about going carb-free, a method that allowed eaters to lose weight, for as long as they didn't eat carbs. Others argued that folks took the diet to an extreme and actually cut out healthy carbs, too. 

Condiments have long since been advertising as fat free, replacing traditional milk or sugar fats with outside ingredients to lower calorie counts. Though lately they've been adjusting labels from "fat free" to "all-natural" in order to accommodate eating trends.

Processed foods and drinks are even getting in on the action too. Likely as a marketing ploy, companies come out with limited releases that raise hype. Think Crystal Pepsi (1992-1993), Doritos and their mystery flavors, Lays' new recipes that must be voted on, and likely tens of flavors of Mountain Dew. Obviously these products are less healthy all on their own, but such adjustments often cause consumers to purchase far more than normal. Due to the urgency that comes from a limited time release. 

In any eating fad, however, it's up to the individual to ensure they're getting the proper amount of nutrition. Whether that means going to a medical professional (or a dietician), or intently reading labels, it's a method to ensuring your body is getting everything it needs. Trendy or otherwise. 

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5 Ways to Stick to your Workout Routine

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is that of getting in shape. With it, though, comes one of the least-made goals: staying in shape. Though folks of all ages and sizes vow to start eating better and going to the gym, it’s often an empty promise. Months later, the majority will be back to their old habits and eating (and acting) just as unhealthy as ever.

To avoid the odds in 2015, check out these tips to help yourself make better routines. And to stick to your resolution for the entire year.

5. Create Manageable Goals

Don’t try and start out too lofty or you’ll never stay on board. Look to a diet that encompasses nutrition, but doesn’t cut out everything you love. While it might sound like a compromise, it’s a way to ensure you’re eating better, but won’t eliminate so much that you’re unhappy (and therefore more likely to “cheat”).

4. Mark Milestones

Write your achievements down. Then, write down achievements you want to make happen. Whatever form helps you keep track of what progress has been made, and what’s on the way, do it. It works as a measurable way to look at real-time progress. 

3. Tell Friends

Whether they’re joining you or just acting as encouragement, telling others what you wish to do is a great way to stay on track. Others can help hold you accountable and remind you when you’re doing a good job. 

2. Eliminate Temptation

Throw out the junk food, remind yourself couch lounging is not an option (at least for too long at a time), and more. By getting rid of the habits you don’t want, you can help reduce them once and for all. 

1. Reward Yourself

After all that hard work, you’re going to need some continual motivation. Take yourself shopping, buy that new car accessory, or have a cheat day (just one!) and eat something you’ve been craving.

Just by giving yourself a little slack, you’re far more likely to stay healthy for the long haul, increasing your chances at staying on task throughout 2015.

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Improve Shopping With These Back-Friendly Tips

It’s that time of year again, when shopping – on all levels and scales – becomes almost a necessity. We spend the season browsing, DIYing, and purchasing for all our loved ones, hoping to find the perfect gift for everyone on our list. 

When heading to a store, however, that can call for heavy bags and browsing in tight quarters. And plenty of crowds to make the task more difficult – a less than enjoyable experience all around. For those who love the atmosphere of holiday shopping, it’s a small price to pay, but for those who experience regular pains or would rather do their browsing in peace, however, it’s a practice that’s better left untouched.

Depending on your shopping preferences, there are a number of remedies that can be followed. One of the most obvious choices is online shopping, where products can be browsed and bought all from the comfort of one’s home. But when items need to be tested in person, or you just prefer the overall allure of the mall at Christmastime, online shopping just doesn’t fit the bill. To avoid back pains without avoiding the store, consider back-friendly methods instead. Such as a shopping cart or basket (also a great place for your coat and purse, even if neither is “that” heavy). Park close to take packages to the car, or ask store workers if you can stash away heavier buys to pick up at the end of your trip. 

It’s also a good idea to wear quality shoes, which can leave the back more supported from the ground up. While proper posture can work to reduce back or neck aches, even when browsing store racks for hours on end. 

To gain the most out of your shopping efforts without developing a literal pain in the neck, look to these helpful body-friendly tips throughout the holiday season. 

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Can Hugs Make You Feel Younger?

Every now and then there’s a study that comes out with completely unique information. Whether it’s how to improve health, combat a certain illness, or just stats about how vitamins are affecting others, it gives us a glimpse into how we’re affected by everyday situations. But this latest release just may take the cake. Scientists are now showing results that hugs can make us feel younger. Providing what is known as the “cuddle hormone,” research shows that regular hugs can not only leave you more energized, but promote better bone and muscle health. All from just giving more hugs. 

The study was performed at the University of California, Berkeley, where it was found that the “cuddle hormone” or oxytocin helps those with muscle injuries heal more quickly. It’s a substance that the body creates and releases naturally when physical touching takes place. The study also found that oxytocin naturally decreases with age. But through regular touching – or injections of the substance – subjects were still found to heal at an increased pace whether suffering from a muscle or bone related injury.

The injections were also found to be safe, though natural versions of oxytocin appeared to have a better influence over patients. 

What the Results Mean

The research is in, folks, time to get hugging in order to feel younger. And to heal any ongoing injuries, especially those that involve the muscles or bones. It may not yet be doctor recommended, but that doesn’t mean patients can’t test out the theory for themselves. If it works, you can jumpstart your way to a speedy recovery, and if it doesn’t, all it cost you is a little up-close and personal time with those to whom you’re closest. Not exactly a con from any standpoint. 

To improve your health as well as your everyday mood, consider giving more hugs on a daily basis. 

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