Positive Health Vibes

More Americans are “Going Organic!” and the U.S. organic food market is expected to reach $60 billion by 2022! Learn what makes an agricultural food product “Organic”, and the reasons why it’s healthier to eat organic foods compared to non-organic foods!

Food and beverage products labeled “All-Natural” were chosen by 73% of Americans. However, not every ingredient in a food or beverage product that comes from crops like corn, soy, and cereal grains is “natural” or naturally good for you! Find out which ingredient that the World Health Organization (WHO) considers carcinogenic has been found in “All-Natural” foods.

The U.S. is the largest consumer of High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), an added sugar in processed foods that has been linked to health issues, like obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. Learn which major crop is used to manufacture HFCS and how foods and beverages processed with this sugar additive affect the 6 in 10 Americans who eat more sugar than is recommended by dietary guidelines.

Did you know that 20% of Americans are living with chronic pain? Learn more about pain and illnesses associated with chronic inflammation- and the types of foods that help fight inflammation!

1 % percent of Americans avoid eating gluten due to a digestive disorder called Celiac Disease and 6% of Americans follow a gluten-free diet because they have a gluten intolerance. Find out the reasons why a gluten-free diet is the only treatment to help manage the symptoms of each of these conditions, the healthiest food choices for a gluten-free diet, and why those who can tolerate gluten are “Gluten-free!”

Did you know that 7 in 10 Americans drink coffee at least once a week and more than 60% of Americans drink a cup every day? Regular or Decaf? Learn more about both and why enjoying a cup of coffee may be good for your health!

Did you know that having fun in the sun may cause your body to absorb more than ultraviolet radiation? Ultraviolet or UV radiation is associated with skin damage, but the “bright side” is Vitamin D! According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, too much sun exposure can lead to skin damage and cause skin cancer- but not enough can result in a Vitamin D deficiency and risk of illness. Find out more about the harmful effects an excess of ultraviolet radiation has on your skin, sun protection, and ways an adequate amount of ultraviolet radiation maintains health and is used for treatment.

Treat yourself to an interview with a massage therapist! Christina Wood, a Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapist (LMBT) at Harbor Salon and Spa with more than 20 years of experience, shares her knowledge about the healing aspects of massage therapy, which is a form of complementary alternative medicine. Learn why massage therapy is used for many health-related purposes, such as reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, pain relief, rehabilitation from sports injuries, wellness and relaxation! For more information about Christina Wood, LMBT’s massage services at Harbor Salon and Spa, visit: www.HarbourSalonandSpa.com

Did you know Americans eat chocolate 2-3 times a week, and more than 80% of Americans give chocolate as a gift for seasonal occasions like Valentine’s Day? That’s a lot of chocolate! ...and while this large percentage of chocolate consumption represents a wide variety of creamy, sweet and savory chocolate bars, truffles, cups, and kisses!...pure Dark Chocolate in particular is good for your heart. Learn what nutrients make this type of chocolate healthier for your heart compared to other types of delicious chocolate!

Dancing is scientifically-proven to be good for your mental and physical health and promote a sense of well-being. Learn about the many benefits of dancing!

Learn how sufficient sleep improves the health of your mind and body!

Did you know that people who are more grateful may experience better health? Learn about the mental and physical benefits of gratitude!

Learn what a “soft drink” like soda is, the main ingredient it contains, what it does to your body- and then decide whether or not you want to drink it!

After water, tea is the most popular beverage consumed in the world! Teas naturally provide plant-based polyphenols and many other nutrients. Learn which teas are favored among different countries around the globe, and the health and medicinal benefits of these ancient teas.

Did you know that herbs and spices provide more than just flavor? Learn which nutrients are in a variety of herbs and spices as well as their many health benefits!

Washing your hands and cleaning frequently used surfaces are health practices that help reduce the spread of the cold and flu, but what about food? Learn which vitamin and mineral-rich foods boost the immune system and help prevent and reduce illness to keep you healthier throughout the year!

Discover the many benefits of walking at a moderate pace and how often health experts recommend you walk to have a positive effect on your mood, improve heart health, manage pain, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and improve body composition!

Did you know that 90% of adult Americans consume more than twice the amount of sodium in their diet than what is recommended to maintain good health- and reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke? Find out which foods put you at a higher risk and how to maintain a low-sodium diet.

Brace yourself for an interview with a spine doctor... about strength training! Dr. Rhett King, DC of King Chiropractic is a competitive powerlifting athlete who weighs in on the pros of having a properly aligned spine; and recommends a strength training method that reduces back pain, improves posture, helps manage weight, and strengthens your core while incorporating the most muscle mass. Sure, an interview with a chiropractor might crack you up!- but once you learn about advantages of strength training combined with chiropractic care... you might consider making a few adjustments to your workout routine. For more information about King Chiropractic and their wellness maintenance programs, visit: www. KingChiro.net

Cardiovascular activity strengthens the heart and lungs, and maintains the health of the circulatory system, which carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. This endorphin-releasing exercise has many positive impacts on both physical and mental health. Get ready to for a blast of cardio!