How to Ensure Better Health During At-Home Workouts

Working-out on a regular basis can have exceptional health benefits. If you're going to be committed to working-out every day, though, it's important to do so in a way that helps prevent potential health concerns so that the benefits are maximized. By making some changes to your workout routine, you will be well on your way to good overall fitness without any setbacks. To help you get started on this quest, here are a few ways that you can ensure better health during at-home workouts.

Don't Get Dehydrated

Though it's easy to be on alert for dehydration when you're exercising outside, it can be far easier to let your guard down when you're working-out at home. During intense physical exertion, though, dehydration is a risk no matter where that exertion takes place. Therefore, it's important to have a steady water supply in the room where you do your workouts so that you always remember to drink plenty of fluids.

Avoid Contact with Others

Though a home gym is a great way to avoid unnecessary contact with others, you could still risk illness if you have a personal trainer coming to your home. To help avoid this risk, you can take part in virtual sessions to allow trainers, physicians, and other health professionals give you tips on how to take care of yourself. This allows you to get the expert advice you need without putting you or others at risk.

Proper Stretching

When you're in a hurry, stretching before a workout can seem like a waste of time. This is especially true when you're at home, since no one is there to critique your workout routine. It's vital, though, that you always spend a few minutes stretching before you begin your workout to ensure that you don't injure your body. It's also important that you stretch for a few minutes after your workout before you go on to your next task around your home. If you do experience a strain or injury, you can use telehealth  services to get the injury assessed. This will help you get back on your feet and working out again in no time.

Ensure Good Air Quality

If the air in your home is of poor quality, then working-out at home could put your health at risk. If there are volatile organic compounds, mildew, or other potentially harmful substances in the air, the extra breathing you do during a workout will amplify their effects in your body. Therefore, it's a good idea to have your air quality tested by an HVAC company to identify and correct any possible issues. This will ensure you're always breathing clean and healthy air during your workouts.Since there are fewer people to hold you accountable, it's easier to have "cheat days" when you're working-out at home. If you want to reach your fitness goals, though, you have to be just as diligent as you would be in a traditional gym. Keep your eye on the prize and you will amaze 

4 Ways to Care for Your Body for Better Athletic Performance 

Athletes spend a lot of time training in order to improve their performance. However, training is not the only thing that you can do to get the most out of your athletic performance. Taking care of your body will help you improve your performance. There are several things that you can do in order to take care of your body.

Rest and Recovery

Rest and recovery are just as important as your training regimen. If you over-train and do not get enough rest, then it will likely have an adverse effect on your performance. You will need to have at least one rest day a week to let your body catch up to all of the muscle strain you put it through. You will also need to fuel your body properly after you work out. Eat plenty of protein and drink water after you work out. Of course, on rest days, it still is helpful to do some basic stretches to avoid stiffness from the week’s workouts.

Eat Enough Carbs

You have probably been told that you should limit your intake. However, carbohydrates are a great fuel source. You should get 50 to 60 percent of your calories from carbohydrates. You should get your carbs from healthy sources, such as sweet potatoes, bananas, whole grains, and apples. Eating these at the beginning and middle of the day will help you maintain a high level of energy that will sustain you through your athletic endeavors.

Get the Proper Amount of Sleep

Many athletes make the mistake of treating sleep like it is a luxury. However, sleep deprivation can hinder your athletic performance. You should try to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. This allows your body to heal itself and build up the muscle tissue that you worked for during the day. It also helps rejuvenate your mind and solidify new exercise habits you have been practicing.

If you have trouble getting the proper amount of sleep at night, then you can take a nap during the day. While it’s best to be consistent in your sleep schedule, a quick 20-minute nap can help when you are feeling overly fatigued in your mind and body.

Get Professional Help

Even if you have been an athlete for a long time, you can still benefit by getting professional help. Nutritional experts like those in 7 Plan Coaching can help you bridge nutritional gaps between what you are eating and what you should be eating for your personal goals. Not only can getting professional help make it easier for you to find a healthy balance in your diet, but it can also help ensure you are getting enough of the nutrients that are essential for your particular lifestyle.

Quality Over Quantity

The amount of time that you spend working out is not as important as what you do while you are working out. You should focus on proper form while you are working out. You will get better results and reduce your chances of getting injured. Always incorporate warm ups, cool down time, and a wide variety of exercises to keep your whole body fit and loose during your workouts.

Keeping your body healthy is one of the keys to improving your athletic performance. You should take the time to rest and recover. You should also get guidance from a professional. Eating enough carbs and getting enough sleep will also improve your performance. Additionally, you should prioritize quality over quantity while you are working out.

STATEMENT FROM OMA - Opening of Indoor Bars in Ontario Potential Risk

TORONTO, July 17, 2020 /CNW/ - As some areas of the province move towards Stage 3 of reopening this Friday, the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is calling on government to rethink opening indoor bars. 

Reopening the economy is important for Ontarians' financial, social and developmental needs. At the same time reopening is not an all or nothing situation.  A balanced approach that considers the risk of disease transmission in different settings is essential to ensure a successful reopening that keeps safety a top priority.

"The evidence from other jurisdictions is that the reopening of bars carries significant risk," said OMA President Dr. Samantha Hill. "When people consume alcohol, inhibitions are lowered, making them much less likely to practise physical distancing, proper masking behaviours and good hand hygiene. Indoor locations with decreased air ventilation present a particularly high risk of transmission."  

In recent weeks coronavirus outbreaks tied to indoor bars have been occurring around the world with recent examples in Spain, England and the United States. Here in Canada, we have seen a spike in cases in Montreal many of which can be traced back to bars. New cases linked to bars have jumped from 30 to 45 in one day and that number is expected to rise. 

These outbreaks have led to tougher restrictions and in some cases lockdowns being imposed. It is important to note that in many of these cases, the bars were following public safety guidelines and yet transmission still occurred. If people are attending bars it is imperative that they continue to employ social distancing measures. 

"We know how important reopening is for business and Ontario's economy and we strongly urge the government to learn from other jurisdiction's mistakes when it comes to reopening bars," said OMA CEO Allan O'Dette. "We need to keep moving forward but caution is needed as we can't afford another full lockdown."

The OMA recommends that anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 self-isolate and get tested.

In May, the OMA released a white paper – Reopening Ontario to a 'New Normal': Five Public Health Pillars for a Safe Return– that set out a series of increased public health measures to be put in place for the province to reopen safely.

About the OMA
The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000 plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system.  

INDUSTRY LEADERS & DONORS ENSURE

SOUTHEASTERN GUIDE DOGS ALUMNI RECEIVE 

FREE DOG CARE 

Fromm Family Pet Food, Elanco preventatives and 

annual veterinary care provided to graduates at no cost  

(Palmetto, FL)—For over 35 years, Southeastern Guide Dogs has provided extraordinary guide and service dogs free of charge to people with visual impairments and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and other disabilities, thanks to the generosity of private donations. 

Now, in addition to providing these superbly trained dogs, Southeastern Guide Dogs can say that long term canine care is no longer a financial concern for its graduates. 

Thanks to Fromm Family Pet Food, Elanco, many generous veterinary practices, and individual donors, Southeastern Guide Dogs is now the only guide dog school in North America to ensure that guide dog and service dog graduates across the United States can receive premium dog food, monthly preventatives, vaccinations and yearly wellness visits free of charge. This one-of-a-kind program is saving guide and service dog handlers an estimated $1,000-plus out-of-pocket per year.

“We are deeply grateful to Fromm, Elanco, the veterinarians and private donors who are making it possible to offer these benefits to nearly 600 alumni,” says Southeastern Guide Dogs CEO Titus Herman. “The people we serve tend to experience a high level of unemployment and limited, fixed incomes, so these benefits are making a significant difference in the quality of their lives.” 

Bryan Nieman, one of the family members of Fromm Family Pet Food, notes that the company is impressed with – and deeply respectful of – the work of Southeastern Guide Dogs and the impact the organization has on the lives of graduates. “As a fifth generation family-owned-and-operated company, we appreciate the joy, freedom, and companionship these dogs provide their caregivers,” says Nieman. “Our commitment to excellence and unsurpassed quality is mirrored in the Southeastern Guide Dogs Organization, and we are proud to partner with them in the Alumni Support Program.”

Eric Lane, Senior District Manager for Elanco, shares that Elanco Animal Health is a purpose-driven company, “dedicated to giving back to our customers, causes and communities.” Their purpose, along with decades of scientific innovation, enables the company to help improve the lives of people, animals and the planet. Lane adds, “I have worked in the animal health industry for 37 years and representing our purpose by supporting the Alumni Support Program at a world class organization like Southeastern Guide Dogs brings us pride.”  

Guide dog graduate Rachel Weeks has first-hand experience caring for her guide dog, Plum, and a personal understanding of the value and impact of this new set of alumni benefits. She is applying her knowledge to overseeing the administration of the program at Southeastern Guide Dogs.  

“This is an amazing gift,” Weeks says. “I know exactly what it is like to walk into the vet office hoping the bill will not derail my budget. It is important to put food on the table for a family and also imperative for Plum and other dogs like her to receive top-of-the-line care. Our graduates can now go forward confidently to the highest level of independence and freedom.”

Find more information about the Alumni Support Program here.

Poor People’s Campaign tells Congress: You must pass moral agenda to help poor, low-income people of all races 

Poor People’s Campaign demands moral policy agenda in congressional briefing on Thursday 

The Poor People’s Campaign will demand a moral policy agenda to heal America in a congressional briefing Thursday as it follows up on its digital Mass Poor People’s Assembly and Moral March on Washington that drew millions of viewers. 

Legislators and other political leaders from both sides of the aisle have been invited to attend the digital briefing, where campaign leaders will lay out the specifics of the Moral Policy Agenda to Heal America: The Poor People’s Jubilee Platform. 

The agenda is grounded in constitutional and moral values and offers concrete solutions to end the ongoing, concurrent crises of the five interlocking injustices: systemic racism, systemic poverty, militarism, ecological devastation and the false moral narrative of extreme religious nationalism.

“It’s time that we lift from the bottom, which requires us to address all five of the interlocking injustices,” said Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, president of Repairers of the Breach and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. “We cannot put more money in systemic racism, corporate interests and the war economy than we do in living wages, health care, public education and guaranteeing equal protection under the law. Poverty is lethal; systemic racism is lethal; COVID-19 is lethal. This agenda demands what must be now and after the election to heal the nation.”

Also invited to attend are the tri-chairs from the 45 states where the Poor People’s Campaign is organizing, along with the campaign’s national partners and faith partners. 

The briefing follows the campaign's digital justice assembly on June 20th, when millions of people tuned in to the digital justice gathering to hear the reality facing 140 million people who are poor or low-income in the wealthiest country in the world and where 700 people die each day from poverty -- even before COVID-19. 

Also on that day, the campaign’s coordinating committees from 45 states and over 200 organizational partners, labor unions and religious denominations came together around the moral policy agenda to heal America. 

“Biblically, the Year of Jubilee was a time to release people from their debts, release all slaves and ensure that all people have what they need to thrive, not just barely survive,” said Rev. Liz Theoharis, director of Kairos Center for Religions, Rights and Social Justice and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign. “Our Justice Platform provides a way for this country to do the same with policies and budgets that lift people out of poverty and revive the economy with the promise of a brighter future for all.”

The sweeping platform offers a roadmap for lawmakers to take seriously the moral and constitutional principles upon which this country was founded: to establish justice, promote the general welfare, ensure domestic tranquility, secure the blessings of liberty and provide for the common defense.

In addition to Barber and Theoharis, the policy director for the Kairos Center and the Poor People’s Campaign, Shailly Gupta Barnes, will address the briefing. 

The briefing begins at 1 p.m. and lasts until 2:30 p.m. Thursday. It’s open only to the media and invited guests. Reporters can register here.

Health Food Innovator Edward & Sons Trading Company, Inc. – First To Introduce Miso-Cup® Instant Soup & Gluten-Free Baked Brown Rice Snaps® To American Consumers –Marks 40^th Anniversary Milestone

CARPINTERIA, CA., MARCH 8, 2018 - The first Whole Foods Market wouldn’t open in Austin, Texas, for another two years. The first Sprouts wouldn’t make its debut in Arizona for another 24 years. Vegetarians were relegated to the shadows in most supermarket settings, and for much of the population, the term Vegan sounded like something out of “Star Trek.”

The year was 1978 and the health food revolution was in its infancy. But a young man named Joel Dee with a vision of what the industry could one day become saw the future. And it was delicious.

As a young man, Joel worked alongside his two brothers and their father, Edward, in the family’s iconic New Jersey-based business, Smarties Candy Company. But, as fate would have it, Joel’s interests extended well beyond the confection industry.

“I was responsible for export sales at the candy company and found it difficult to maintain a healthy, satisfying diet while on-the-road,” Joel recalls today. “Health food stores sold wholesome foods that required a kitchen and a long cooking time, both in short supply to a `road warrior’ such as myself. Conventional supermarkets sold convenience foods that were laced with preservatives and artificial ingredients, which I was determined to avoid. To make things even tougher, I had recently become vegetarian, so my restaurant menu options were often limited to salad and potatoes... not exactly a balanced diet.”

Adds Joel, “I was a traveling salesman who needed portable, nourishing, easy to prepare vegetarian food without artificial ingredients, but I couldn’t find it anywhere in 1976 America. I wondered: Could I be the only person who wants this? I hadn’t planned to start a new business, but I felt somewhat obliged to.  If I wouldn’t take on the job of creating wholesome, vegetarian convenience foods, it occurred to me that no one else would either.” 

With that motivation in mind, Joel began a two year effort to develop Miso-Cup® instant soup mix and, with its launch in 1978, Edward & Sons Trading Company, Inc. was born. 

A History of “Firsts”                                                                                                                                                                              

As it turned out, introducing instant Miso-Cup soup would be only the first of numerous company innovations that would continue for the next forty years. In 1979, for example, Edward & Sons introduced Baked Brown Rice Snaps® whole grain, gluten free crackers, decades before American shoppers would demand gluten free groceries on a massive scale. Numerous “first-to-market” vegan organic products followed, including canned coconut milk, hearts of palm, pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges, Worcestershire sauce, croutons, panko, ice cream cones and many more. 

According to Joel, “We tend to do `firsts’ because that’s what we’re passionate about. We are driven to provide new options to our health-aware consumers, while creating markets for our ethical organic farmers and packers around the globe. We’re proud of our activities that protect native forests and support conversion from conventional to organic farming, which nourishes the environment while enhancing the well-being of everyone along the supply chain from farm to table.”

Indeed, Joel and his team have successfully developed so many different products over these past 40 years that they’ve chosen to create subsidiary brands to market and distinguish them all, including the flagship Edward & Sons® brand as well as Native Forest®,  Let’s Do Organic®, Let’s Do Gluten-Free®, More Than Fair®, Nature Factor®, Road’s End Organics®, Premier Japan® and The Wizard's®.  

Regardless of the brand name on the package, however, all products under the Edward & Sons umbrella are defined by the company’s longstanding commitment to excellent vegetarian food and to its enduring motto: Convenience Without Compromise.®

As Joel sums up, “We remain a vegetarian company that’s mission-driven to offer consumers delicious and nourishing convenience foods free of artificial ingredients. That’s how we’ve run the business for the past 40 years and it’s how I envision Edward & Sons to be run for the next 40 years - and beyond.”

4 Tips to Lose Weight for the Summer, and Keep It Off

Expert tips by Taylor Malham, Nutritionist and Product Education Specialist for Isagenix International

Summer is here, but it’s not too late for you to get in shape for the season — and stay in shape after it ends. Research shows that summer can be an ideal time for weight loss because warmer weather encourages healthier eating (fresh fruits and veggies) and better hydration. So, if you’re ready to kick off your summer slim-down, here are four of my favorite summer weight loss tips:

1. Don’t Skimp on Sleep: Sure, the days are a bit longer, but don’t let that hinder your sleep. Try to follow the National Sleep Foundation’s recommendation of seven to nine hours of quality sleep every night. Several studies have found that sleep restriction can alter the balance of hormones involved in controlling appetite, calorie intake, and metabolism. A recent study from Arizona State University found that when overweight individuals skimped on just one hour of sleep for five nights per week, they lost less body fat during a structured weight loss program. In other words, lack of sleep can cause you to feel hungrier and lead to overeating, making it easy to derail your weight loss efforts. While nothing replaces a good night’s sleep, if the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep aren’t happening, you could try squeezing in a quick 15-minute nap when a craving hits, as it can often provide a much-needed energy boost in place of a high-calorie snack.

2. Increase Your Fruit and Veggie Intake: Hot weather typically makes people more prone to craving lighter and fresher foods like fruits and vegetables, which also tend to be lighter in calories and can help support your nutrition and weight loss goals. Keep a variety of fruits and veggies in the house so you always have a healthy snack option when hunger strikes. Even better, have your fruits and veggies washed, chopped, and ready to go for convenience. Studies have shown that keeping a fruit bowl — and no other food — on the counter at home is associated with a healthier body weight in families. Give it a try. Keep healthy foods in plain sight and hide the sweets and treats in your home to see how it affects your family’s food choice behaviors.

3. Drink More Water: Many of us do this naturally during the hotter months. Staying hydrated and drinking more water can help minimize excess calorie consumption. Prioritize your hydration this summer. Carry a refillable water bottle with you or set alarms on your phone reminding you hydrate.

4. Eat Outdoors: Who doesn’t love an outdoor picnic or barbecue? When the weather is warm and sunny, there’s no better reason to take your meals outside. Not only is an outdoor meal with family and friends enjoyable, but warmer weather may even help slightly suppress your appetite. One study tested this theory and found that within a two-hour period, those eating in an environment with a warmer temperature (approximately 12 degrees Fahrenheit warmer) consumed almost 100 fewer calories than those in the cooler temperature.

eSmartr, Steve Aoki Partner on a Line of Cognitive Boosting Smart Compression Sleeves

Designed to Naturally Improve Mindfulness

MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 16, 2020 /CNW/ - Two-time Grammy-nominated DJ/Producer Steve Aoki and eSmartr partner to launch a limited-edition line of Smart Compression Sleeves that improve brain cognition without drugs and batteries or invasive measures. The 4-Sleeve collection, designed by Steve Aoki, will be available on July 15 at esmartr.com.

"As a creator who is constantly working, finding incremental gains to help expand my mental output is important," says Aoki. "The eSmartr Sleeve is part of my mindfulness routine, adding that extra mental boost whether I'm in the studio, working out, gaming, or relaxing."

The eSmartr Smart Compression Sleeve uses Cognitive Boost Technology. This proprietary pattern improves cognitive function when in contact with the skin, helping to reduce stress and anxiety, increase focus and attention, and improve memory and clarity. With nothing else like it in the market, the Sleeve is a tool that can elevate one's wellness journey, top-of-mind during these unprecedented times.

"Steve Aoki is passionate about mental wellness and naturally improving mindfulness, making him the perfect partner for eSmartr," says Jay Dhaliwal, eSmartr CEO. "We're excited about Steve's release and helping more people benefit from our technology."

On July 22, the media is exclusively invited, alongside Steve Aoki, to view the full collection via a Zoom Press Conference. The Steve Aoki collection captures Steve's personality and brand and will be available in the full arm and forearm options. eSmartr's first collaborative collection with Steve Aoki - the first of many to come with global brands - provides a 100% natural mental wellness solution for everyone to gain a mental edge.

Press Conference: July 22, 2020 @ 2:30 pm EST 
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3jSCLSCvTl6sKzrestoi0w

Press Kit: www.esmartr.com/epk/steveaoki

About eSmartr

A neuroscience and wellness company that makes mindfulness easy. The eSmartr Smart Compression Sleeve uses skin-to-brain Cognitive Boost Technology™, providing the mental edge to optimize performance. 

About Steve Aoki

Two-time Grammy-nominated DJ/Producer, Steve Aoki, is one of today's most successful American cross-genre artists. With over 2.8B streams on Spotify, Aoki's recently released "Neon Future IV" (April 2020), has rocketed in streams to date with singles like "Maldad" with Maluma and "Let It Be Me" ft. Backstreet Boys, amplifying his already lauded discography. 

THE AOKI FOUNDATION, supports organizations in brain science research that focuses on regenerative medicine and brain preservation.