May 2012 Letter from the Editor

May 1, 2012 by
family health

Wow!  The school year is already winding down, summer is around the corner, and we’re honoring several important causes this month!  May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, Mental Health Month, and Arthritis Month.  Do one of these focuses resonate more with you? As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist, I encourage you to keep a comprehensive wide-lens view of health.  If we sit on the couch all day watching TV, eating fast food, scarcely exercising, having little family involvement/ communication, our mental health will no doubt be affected.  Feeling … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Mental Wellness, Motivation, Physical Illness

The connection between physical and mental health

May 1, 2012 by
Brain Health

In my last article I emphasized the importance of particular micronutrients, such as Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin D, optimally obtained from a well balanced, high nutrient diet. Today I would like to share some exciting scientific discoveries proving the impact of exercise on mental health. Long-distance runners and triathletes have frequently been observing the “runner’s high”. With the help of fMRI (functional MRI) studies, cognitive neuroscience is now able to observe the physiological correlates of this phenomenon. When we work out, preferably aerobically, and keep our heartbeat in a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Integrative Wellness, Mental Wellness, Physical Health

Family Event Night

April 1, 2012 by
family running

This month's eFit for Life challenge relates to family bonding.  One suggestion I usually have for families who bring their children in for therapy is to schedule a weekly family event or activity night.  Most families are able to find one evening each week that can be designated as family night...for some families a weeknight is easier, others choose a weekend evening.  The event for the evening can be selected in various ways...family members can rotate who selects the activity for the evening, or they select the event from a family event jar containing ideas in which all family members have … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Child/Teen Health, Mindful Parents

Soda consumption is putting your health at risk

March 4, 2012 by
soda

Love this quote: "Change before you have to. Jack Welch" As part of the IFIT FOR LIFE's action steps for a healthier lifestyle; we’re going to outline facts about drinking sodas. Sodas are artificial colored, artificially sweetened, and full of empty sweet calories made from high fructose corn syrup. There are numerous studies that indicate the negative health impact of sodas.  The Childhood Obesity Research Center at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine did a study demonstrating findings of higher than normal levels of fructose in numerous brand name sodas. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Family Nutrition, Nutrition, Physical Health