eNewsletter March 4, 2020
DID YOU KNOW that too much time sitting still, or sedentary behavior, is linked to an increased risk of depressive symptoms in adolescents?
According to a new study in The Lancet Psychiatry, an additional 60 minutes of light activity (such as walking or doing chores) daily at age 12 was associated with a 10% reduction in depressive symptoms at age 18. It doesn't just have to be intense forms of activity that are good for our mental health, but any degree of physical activity that can reduce the time we spend sitting down is beneficial.
COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) UPDATE
There has been an increase in the number of Americans diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as several deaths. While the risk of contracting the virus is still very low, there are universal precautions one can take. These recommendations are not just applicable for COVID-19, but for preventing other viruses linked to the common cold, influenza, the stomach flu, and more.
Do not touch your face. If you do touch your face, make sure it is with clean hands.
Avoid or severely limit sugar. This includes added sugar, sweets, sugary beverages, or any other sugary product that is not naturally occurring (i.e., fruit is fine). Sugar weakens the immune system more than any foodstuff.
Don't stress. If you are stressing yourself out about COVID-19, this will compound the daily stress you already incur. If you're doing everything you can to optimize your diet, taking your supplements, and adhering to optimal lifestyle choices, you're doing all you can. Don't let the media perpetuate your anxiety!
We have received an inordinate number of requests to recommend natural substances geared towards virus overload prevention. Let us be clear: there is no miracle pill. However, our long-time "go-to's" for assisting the immune system are Monolaurin, a naturally derived coconut ester, and zinc (oral dose along with either lozenge or liquid for the throat and sinus area). Before taking, always consult your health professional to assess your individual needs.
Find our detailed recommendations for viral overload prevention in our Cold & Flu Action Plan.
The CDC has an informative FAQ page, which they continually update and includes myriad preventive tips.
AND NOW FOR SOME GOOD NEWS!
Steve & Bonnie: Authors of a new study in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics have stated that sugar content is the most important factor for people when making healthy food choices, overriding fat and salt. Foods with high sugar content were by far perceived to be the worst for health with study participants avoiding these products.
This is exciting because the more that we eschew sugar, the more it forces food producers to adjust and offer healthier fare.
We're starting to get it!
On another note, in a survey assessing Americans' health-related behaviors and attitudes found 71% rate their overall health and wellness as good (54%) or excellent (17%). The Whole-Person Health Poll was conducted by The Harris Poll.
According to the survey, we're getting enough sleep, not burning themselves out at work, and, on average, exercising more than twice the recommended amount.
When asked what areas in their lives are most in need of improvement, the top two choices among Americans were physical health and financial stability, followed by mental health and environmental health improvement (i.e., pollution, climate change).
Walking was the top physical activity reported by those who exercise, followed by strength training/weight lifting, running, cycling/biking, yoga, sports, high intensity interval training, swimming, Pilates, and other (10%).
When asked to rate their support network/community (i.e., friends, family, colleagues), 70% of those who say they have a community said it is good or excellent.
This is great news.
SLEEP UPDATE
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