5 Surprising Things That Could Harm Your Fertility
Sexual health expert warns about the hidden culprits which could prevent conception
1 out of every 8 couples struggle with infertility. Over 7.4 million women have sought fertility treatment, and that number will continue to grow as medical advancements make these options safer and more successful than ever before.
However, before you seek these interventions, sexual health expert and relationship therapist Dr. Laura Berman advises hopeful couples to first consider these top 5 things which could be harming your fertility.
- Ibuprofen. “Many men think nothing of grabbing a handful of ibuprofen whenever they have muscle aches after the gym or they are battling a headache,” says Dr. Berman. “However, a brand-new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that men who take ibuprofen on a regular basis could suffer from hypogonadism, which is a hormonal condition that could cause infertility in men.”
- Low iodine. “By now, most women know that being a healthy weight is an important factor when it comes to getting pregnant. Hence, these women tend to focus on the calories and carbs they consume, and the number on the scale. But a new study suggests that these women need to be focused on the amount of iodine they are eating as well. Women who are low in iodine have HALF the chance of conceiving as women who have a healthy level of iodine.”
- The wrong lubricant. “Couples know that they need to enjoy lots of love-making in order to increase their chance of conception, but when it comes to making babies, not all lubricants are created equal,” explains Dr. Berman. “There is only one lubricant on the market which has an FDA-cleared formula and is recommended for fertility enhancement, and that is ToConcieve.”
ToConcieve was created by ob-gyns in conjunction with Callitas Health Inc. (CSE: LILY, OTCBB: MPHMF, FWB: T3F2). The fertility enhancing gel is unlike any other fertility product on the market in that it actually encourages the woman’s body to create more of her own lubricant, which in turn may increase the activation of sperm and the woman’s chances of pregnancy. Unlike every other lubricant on the market, ToConceive doesn’t just add chemical lubricants to a woman’s body, it actually encourages her to make more of her own natural lubricant which not only adds to her pleasure, but also may improve her chances of natural conception.
“This ground-breaking product is going to change the way that couples approach their fertility journey,” says Dr. Berman. “Now they have something over the counter that they can use before they have to spend the time and money on interventions at the doctor’s office.”
- Too much red meat. “A new Greek study has found that women who eat a Mediterranean diet are more likely to be successful on their IVF journey than women who do not. In other words, eating a plant-based diet with lots of healthy fats (such as olive oil and avocados) and lean protein like fish could help you to become pregnant.”
- Air pollution and pesticides. “Shocking research has revealed that pollution in the air could actually lead to poorer quality of sperm and hence higher levels of infertility for many couples,” says Dr. Berman. “Other research has linked a high consumption of pesticides with a woman’s inability to become pregnant. These findings are good reminders that we need to eat clean and breathe clean if we want to have optimal fertility.”
For more on this topic or to speak to Dr. Berman about ToConcieve and how it can help improve a woman’s chance of becoming pregnant, please contact me.
About Dr. Laura Berman:
Laura Berman, PhD, is a world renowned sex and relationship educator and therapist; popular TV, radio and Internet host; New York Times best-selling author; and assistant clinical professor of ob-gyn and psychiatry at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago. Considered a thought leader in her field, Dr. Berman has helped countless couples build stronger relationships, improve their sex lives, and achieve a heightened level of intimacy through her TV and radio shows, books, columns and website, along with her private practice based in Chicago. Dr. Berman is a New York Times best-selling author of many books on sexual health and pleasure, a weekly columnist for the Chicago Sun Times, and host of the radio program “Uncovered with Dr. Laura Berman.” She has appeared on Fox News, CNN and the TODAY Show, as well as in The New York Times, USA Today, and every major woman’s magazine. Dr. Berman serves on the advisory board for The Dr. Oz Show and is a regular guest on The Steve Harvey Show.

International Curl Expert Shares Tips
For those with naturally wavy, curly hair of all coils and textures it may seem like an endless battle to find ways to tame the mane. Some may turn to relaxers, weekly blowouts or extensions. Others just want to master their natural hair in whatever mood it seems to be in. To help girls get a handle on their curls we connected with Maya Smith, founder of The Doux salon and product line of the same name both specializing in making the absolute most of the natural hair you’re born with. When it comes to healthy sculptured, cool looking curls of all types, Maya’s two decades of experience with curls worldwide makes her a true expert. Here she offers tips on how to calm crazy waves and unruly curls.
#1: My naturally wavy hair is flat at the top and then waves start in the middle with tighter curls at the back. HELP!
Genetics determine curl pattern and density. It’s totally normal, in fact, quite common for several different textures to exist on the same head of hair. These inconsistencies can cause the hair to look uneven, and are most apparent once the hair has dried. I created The Doux’s Mousse Def, to help define waves and curls in the less curly areas, and to combat frizz in the areas that are tightly coiled. To balance the look of curly and wavy hair, we recommend using a combo of a mousse on the straighter areas, and then a balm like The Doux’s Bonita Afro Balm Texture Cream for added stretch and control in the tighter areas. The goal here is to keep hair shiny, touchable, and soft. If shrinkage or frizzing remains an issue, don’t underestimate the power of a great haircut. Awesome products combined with a professionally-shaped set of layers is my signature Rx for accentuating curls that vary in texture.
#2: I have curly hair and let it dry naturally. The second it rains, I get frizzy at the roots. I find myself revolving my hairstyle around the weather report. HELP!
Thirsty hair will try to “drink up” moisture in the air if it’s not adequately hydrated.
The key to eliminating frizz due to humidity exposure is to make sure that the hair is thoroughly conditioned before styling products are applied. This exact problem is what inspired me to create a solution in the form of a Fresh Rinse Moisturizing Conditioner, followed by The Light Shine Mist helps to hydrate and stabilize the cuticle, making it less prone to reversion. For added control at the roots, we apply a small amount of Bonita Afro Balm, which is our secret weapon for keeping curly hair from swelling in harsh weather conditions. These products can be found at select Target stores nationwide and at TheDoux.com.
#3: I often wear my curly hair slicked back into a tight low bun or ponytail. Will this damage my hair?
Style in moderation. Traction alopecia is a major epidemic among women with textured hair. This is typically the result of too much tension being applied to scalp for an extended period of time, and usually occurs due to hair styling such as braids, extensions, and tight ponytails. To avoid irreversible thinning of the hair, it’s important to avoid hairstyles that place constant pressure on hair, particularly in the temple and nape areas. Ponytails and “slicked” styles should be taken down at night, and tight accessories, such as headbands or scrunchies should be worn less frequently.
#4: I wear my naturally kinky hair twisted and braided. How long could I leave this style in and how best to shampoo my hair while in this style?
I recommend shampooing once per week for hair with fine-to-medium density. I urge clients with high-density or extremely long hair, not to exceed more than 10 days without cleansing the hair and scalp. This helps eliminate bacterial growth that causes itching, flaking, and dandruff on the scalp. We use The Doux’s Sucka Free Moisturizing Shampoo to remove product build-up and dead skill cells, and Fresh Rinse Moisturizing Conditioner to soften, hydrate, and balance the hair’s pH. We’ve incorporated Shea Butter and Sea Silk to smooth the hair shaft and aid in moisture retention.
#5: What are some ingredients to avoid that many products for curly hair contain? Why is this damaging?
Petroleum-based “grease,” as well as products that contain mineral oil may be old-school favorites, but are often the cause of dry hair. Heavy products that aren’t water soluble can coat the hair shaft, disrupting the hair’s natural ability to retain moisture. This dryness may go nearly undetected, because the hair is covered in product, however, the underlying dehydration causes hair to be brittle and stubborn. We recommend cream-based products that shampoo out easily, and allow the hair to “breathe.”
About Maya Smith:
Maya Smith is an International Master Stylist and Founder of The Doux Salon and haircare line now available in Target. With over two decades of styling experience Maya dedicated two decades to cracking the code on curl care, maintenance and expert styling. When it comes to caring for one’s natural hair and styling it, according to NaturallyCurly, Maya is among the best there is.
While still in high school, Maya got her hair cutting license and graduated from beauty school. Soon after graduating high school, Maya began following her passion and worked as an assistant for celebrity stylist Tracy Johnson. She learned from Johnson and progressed as a hair stylist for celebrities and entertainers. Years later the military wife would relocate to Germany, where Maya opened up her first salon The HoneyComb, a mecca for textured hair care for women from all over Europe, The UK, and as far as Africa. Maya's unique system of textured hair styling sparked the development of The DOUX® haircare products, first launched overseas, and distributed throughout Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Currently, Maya leads a carefully selected team of stylists at The DOUX® Salon in Macon, Georgia and celebrated the arrival of The DOUX® in select Target stores nationwide. Maya Smith, wife, mom of 5 and savvy business woman is an example not just for women of color but for all women who believe their gifts can impact the world, striving for entrepreneurial endeavors with grace, ease and hustle.
Water Quality: How Does This Affect Your Body during Training?

Anyone undergoing athletic training requires a lot of water. Intense exercise leads to additional perspiration, and if your mouth feels dry, then you are already dehydrated. However, it is important to drink the right type of water to feel your best. When you are an athlete, you need the highest quality water to maintain your vital bodily functions. Here is how to choose the right type of water to improve your athletic performance.
Bottled Water from the Supermarket
If the water flowing from the faucets in your home doesn’t seem clean, then you should buy bottled water at the supermarket. You can find huge bottles of water, or you can buy small bottles of water to take with you to a local gym or other athletic venue. In addition to plain water, you can find water that has delicious flavors such as orange, berry or grape. The average person requires at least eight glasses of water a day, but as an athlete in training, you will need much more than that.
Enhanced Bottled Water with Nutrients
As an athlete, you also need additional nutrients, and fortunately, manufacturers make enhanced water that has added minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. When you are buying enhanced water, you may want to avoid the products that contain chemicals such as artificial dyes or sweeteners. With enhanced water, you can make sure that you are ingesting certain nutrients that are vital for improving your athletic performance.
Reverse Osmosis Water
Instead of buying bottled water, you can have a reverse osmosis-filtering device in your home to create water that is purer. The process of reverse osmosis will remove the minerals and ions from your home’s water. There are several ways to filter your water at home with reverse osmosis devices that attach to the main intake water system, or you can use smaller devices that attach to a kitchen’s sink. You can also attach a smaller device to your kitchen faucet, and there are pitchers available to make reverse osmosis water.
Water that Contains Carbohydrates
If you have trained for a longer amount of time, then it is essential to replace some carbohydrates. You can do this by drinking water that is sold as a sports drink. These watery beverages contain higher levels of magnesium, potassium and sodium along with sugar to replenish the minerals that you have lost while perspiring. Sports drinks are especially important beverages for athletes in training on a hot day.
You don’t need to drink the same types of water all of the time. Most of the time, plain water is enough to keep you hydrated while you are training, but you will enjoy drinking water more when you drink different varieties of water.
The Broadview Hotel selected as part of
Travel + Leisure's 2018 It List
Toronto’s iconic landmark recognized as one of the Best New and Newly Renovated Hotels internationally
TORONTO, ON – Travel + Leisure Magazine, a one-stop magazine for sophisticated travelers who crave travel tips, news and information, today announced its 2018 It List – an annual collection of the best new hotels around the globe. The notable list, presented to only 56 properties from 36 countries this year, featured Toronto’s own, The Broadview Hotel – the only Canadian property to make the list.
“What a great honour for The Broadview Hotel to be included in Travel + Leisure’s 2018 It List and featured alongside extraordinary properties across the globe,” said Les Mallins, hotel proprietor. “We are proud of our team, who have been working diligently to craft and deliver a unique hospitality experience that incorporates the deeply-rooted history of the property with the spirit of the east-end neighbourhood. We invite all, whether locals or travellers, to come and enjoy a little piece of Toronto’s past and future.”

The Broadview Hotel’s lobby Café + Bar.
Photo Credit: Worker Bee Supply
Located in the heart of Riverside, The Broadview Hotel is a historic east-end neighbourhood landmark with a wonderfully colourful past. The Broadview Hotel has been meticulously restored and cleverly reimagined as a 58-room boutique hotel and culinary destination. Designed by one of Canada’s most distinguished design firms, DesignAgency, the hotel is home to three food and beverage properties led by local restaurateurs Executive Chef John Sinopoli and Erik Joyal: ground-floor restaurant The Civic, lobby Café + Bar and Rooftop bar and lounge. Additionally, the hotel has become a charismatic gathering spot, hosting celebrations of all kinds with its distinct event venues.
The Civic, which takes its design cues from the flair and rustic glamour of film noir, recently launched its brunch program. On Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Café + Bar), guests can enjoy a mix of everything including the Benedict Quacker Family Reunion ($18) a take on Eggs Benedict made with duck confit, poached duck egg, duck fat and fresh thyme biscuit and duck fat Hollandaise, Green Eggs and Ham ($15) – parsley and tarragon deviled eggs with crispy pancetta, shaved Black Forest ham and sourdough toast and The Broadview Burger ($21) made with house ground Ontario beef chuck and brisket, pickled red onion, iceberg lettuce, Pommery mayo and mushroom ketchup (a historically-inspired sauce), all served with a side of fries.

The Civic restaurant at The Broadview Hotel.
Photo credit: Joel Levy

Brunch at The Civic.
Photo credit: Sarjoun Faour
For more information on The Broadview Hotel, please visit www.thebroadviewhotel.ca. Reservations for The Civic and The Rooftop can be made on the website. For large groups, please contact dinewithus@thebroadviewhotel.ca or call 416-362-8439.
About The Broadview Hotel
Located in the heart of Riverside at the corner of Queen St. E. and Broadview Ave., The Broadview Hotel is a 58 room boutique hotel, The Civic restaurant, lobby Café + Bar and Rooftop restaurants and bar. The Romanesque Revival-style building constructed in 1891 is a heritage property, as designated by the City of Toronto. Cleverly reimagined as a charismatic gathering spot, each space is infused with the spirit of the east end: it’s a place where international travellers relax alongside local residents. Drawing from The Broadview’s iconic façade, visitors and community members will enjoy a uniquely crafted hospitality experience.
Website: thebroadviewhotel.ca
Instagram: @BroadviewHotel
Twitter: @BroadviewHotel
Facebook: The Broadview Hotel
Hashtag: #BroadviewHotel
About Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure is the preeminent voice for the sophisticated, insatiable traveler, serving up expert intelligence and the most immersive, inspiring travel lifestyle content anywhere. Travel + Leisure captures the pure joy of discovering the pleasures the world has to offer—from art and design to shopping and style to food and wine. Whether the experience is in print or digital, T+L offers compelling reasons to get up and go. With a total global audience of more than 9 million, the Travel + Leisure portfolio includes the U.S. flagship and five international editions in Mexico, Turkey, China, India/South Asia and Southeast Asia. The U.S. edition of T+L, which launched in 1971, has an authoritative website, TravelandLeisure.com, and an extensive social media following of more than 12.5 million. Travel + Leisure also encompasses newsletters, clubs, retail stores, and media collaborations. |
10 Active & Adventurous Travel Ideas for Easter Holidays
The world is the most exciting adventure playground, as the old adage goes. So, this year, why not make the most out of your Easter break and grab the opportunity to get away, get moving and improve your health.
The hunt is over as Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists round up their top Easter getaways for active travel enthusiasts looking for some spring-time sunshine. From sun-soaked surfing on the golden coast of Morocco, to discovering a verdant tropical jungle in Bali; swap the hot cross buns with a hot wellness holiday and fill your Easter with adventurous memories to last a lifetime.
Climb a Volcano in Bali: Bali Discover Recover
In recent years Bali has become the best named travel destination; naturally, given its iconic tropical coastline, beauteous aquamarine coral reefs and pristine crater lakes. Dripping in lush vegetation, experience early morning jungle trekking at the foot of Mount Batur. Embrace the calming, peaceful atmosphere as you enjoy a pleasant sunrise walk to the top and truly experience the mystical wonder of an active volcano. After collecting unforgettable memories outdoors, kick off your hiking boots at a tranquil wellness retreat in time for a new adventure the following day.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 10 nights at Bali Discover Recover from £2,015pp or £2,740 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a Discover Recover programme, return flights and transfers.
Try Treetop Spoga in St. Lucia: BodyHoliday Yoga
BodyHoliday is an outstanding destination for those looking to combine physical and spiritual practices whilst indulging in soul-soaring paradisiacal views. Experience the hottest new workout trend with Spoga; a hybrid fitness class combining dynamic spinning with calming yoga in a luxurious glass treehouse. This workout will completely change your outlook on high-intensity workouts as the soothing yoga will totally repair your body afterwards, meaning no next day stiffness. After having worked your body, enjoy a spa treatment overlooking the beach to make the most out of your healthy holiday.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at BodyHoliday from £3,330pp or £3,350 single occupancy. Price includes accommodation, all-inclusive, a range of wellness programmes, return flights and transfers
Train like an Olympian in Thailand: Thanyapura
Boasting the world’s top sports and fitness coaches, focus on pushing your fitness boundaries with training at Thanyapura. Created for triathletes of all ages and abilities, maximise your endurance and reach your health goals through education, sport and wellness. Apart from hosting iron man races for experimental and ambitious travellers, the retreat also provides other wellness activities such as swimming, cycling and meditative training to teach strict mental focus. Their philosophy stresses the importance of mind-body connection and will ensure you return home with new found strength and inner-balance.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Thanyapura from £1,355pp or £1,550 single occupancy. Price includes accommodation, daily breakfast, a range of wellness programmes, return flights and transfers
Boxing and Biking in Sardinia: Forte Village Fusion Fitness
Set on the sunny Italian island of Sardinia, famed for its magnificent beaches, Forte Village is the activity holiday that outdoes all others. Reach your ideal weight with intensive boxing to strengthen your mind and muscles, before finding inner-peace with relaxation techniques. Later, ride your way to good health with mountain bike tours over the glorious mountains behind Santa Margherita di Pula. Their outdoor cardio sessions will allow you to explore the region’s fascinating spots while burning calories and boosting endurance.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights with Forte Village from £2,453pp or £3,755 for single occupancy. Price includes half board, Fusion Fitness ™ programme, return flights and transfers.
Try Kite-Surfing in Mauritius: Shanti Maurice Fusion Fitness
Amongst heavenly beaches and sparkling turquoise water lies Shanti Maurice; an Indian Ocean jewel with an extensive leisure programme dedicated to fitness and wellness. Enjoy a variety of workout offerings, from endurance-boosting beach runs and intense aqua spinning to mindful meditations. You won’t want to miss out on the recently introduced kite surfing area at the renowned watersports hotspot, Le Morne. Allow your body to rest following these exhilarating activities and unwind with an Ayurvedic massage at the luxurious NIRA spa.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights with Shanti Maurice from £2,480pp or £3,440 for single occupancy. Price includes half board, Fusion Fitness™ programme, return flights and transfers.
Try Yoga in the Mountains: Ananda Yoga
Discover the true meaning of contentment when admiring the majestic Himalayan mountain range, just on the doorstep of Ananda resort. Guests will explore the benefits of a gentle yet powerful practice of yoga, building a strong, determined mind and long lean muscles. To intensify the spiritual, calming experience, make use of Ananda’s adventurous walks and treks in the mountains to sharpen your focus and reset your mind. Return home revitalised and relaxed, with a newly-acquired sense of balance, both mentally and physically.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights with Ananda from £3,480pp or £4,140 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a yoga programme, return flights and transfers.
White Water Rafting in Costa Rica: Costa Rica Discover Recover
Considered one of the worlds’ most bio-diverse countries, this outstanding South American region boasts abundant flora and fauna just waiting to be explored. Dance in the rain and cloud forests during a catamaran tour including interaction with howler monkeys and tasting of traditional food and beverages. The highlight of this adventurous holiday is white-water rafting on the Chirripo River, a high-energy activity that features stunning sites like the Irazu volcano and Braulio National Park. After receiving an authentic insight of this exotic country, reset for the next day at a luxury wellness retreat.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 10 nights with Costa Rica Discover Recover from £2,425pp or £3,415 for single occupancy. Price includes accommodation, a Discover Recover programme, return flights and transfers.
Meditate and Catch Waves in Morocco: Paradis Plage Surfing
Located on the stunning coastline of South Morocco, Paradis Plage combines thrilling surf class and beachfront yoga with Arabic design and contemporary facilities. This healthy getaway is a mecca for all surf-enthusiasts, regardless if they are beginners or professionals. Grab your surfboard and catch the waves within minutes of waking up, whether during a guided group or solo session with the surf school. Clear your head and unwind as the calming waves bring you inner peace and leave you feeling totally restored.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights with Paradis Plage from £820pp or £1,240 for single occupancy. Price includes daily breakfast, a surfing programme, return flights and transfers.
Fitness, Juice and Yoga in Thailand: Phuket Cleanse
With an array of fitness and sports activities, such as interval training and different variations of yoga, Phuket Cleanse is ideal for any type of fitness aficionado. After nourishing your soul at yoga, nourish your stomach with Phuket Cleanses wholesome, scrumptious creations that will leave you feeling satisfied and refuelled. Combine your cleansing break with detox juices and inspiring educational cooking classes that will provide long-term benefits. Return home energised, healthier and fitter with an increased awareness of how to continue a more balanced lifestyle.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights with Phuket Cleanse from £2,240pp or £2,415 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness programme, return flights and transfers.
Trail Running around Lake Garda: Lefay Fusion Fitness
On the West shore of stunning Lake Garda, explore the region during a 2.5km running trail around the idyllic landscape featuring lemon trees, olive groves and a motionless silver-blue lake. Experience ultimate wellness luxury, whilst secluded in the mountains of Riviera dei Limoni. During your active break, choose from a variety of fitness activities, from innovative cardio sessions and body-sculpting circuits to a spiritual Qui Gong lesson in the garden. Set the tone for your future fitness regime and reap the benefits of your healthy holiday.
Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights with Lefay from £1,560pp or £2,210 for single occupancy. Price includes daily breakfast, a Fusion Fitness programme, return flights and transfers.

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Brainwaves show how exercising to music bends your mind
Headphones are a standard sight in gyms and we’ve long known research shows listening to tunes can be a game-changer for your run or workout.
Back in 2012, Brunel University London’s Costas Karageorghis likened music to a legal, performance-enhancing drug, cheating tiredness and sparking feel-good vibes.
But the precise brain mechanisms music triggers during exercise are less understood. That’s because monitoring technology is easily tricked by body movements, so scientists couldn’t know if the results would be the same outside the lab.
Now researchers have used portable electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring with interference shielding technology to measure three types of brainwaves during exercise. This lets them compare the brain’s electrical feedback while exercising outdoors to music, a podcast, or no soundtrack at all.
They found music rearranges the brain’s electrical frequency, causing a drop in focus but enhancing enjoyment 28% more than silence and 13% more than a podcast.
“The EEG technology facilitated measurement during an ecologically-valid outdoor task, so we could finally explore the brain mechanisms that underlie the effects of music during real-life exercise situations”, said Brunel psychophysiologist Marcelo Bigliassi.

Setting their own pace, 24 people walked 400m on an outdoor track to either a six-minute blast of Happy by Pharrell Williams, a TED Radio Hours talk about cities, or no sounds at all. Researchers used psychological scales to measure how good the walkers felt, what they focussed their attention on, how pepped or alert they felt and how tired they felt. Simultaneously they used EEG measurements and analysing software to plot their brainwaves across different band frequencies such as lower-alpha, upper-alpha, sensorimotor rhythm and beta.

Music distracted the walkers’ focus, but boosted their energy levels and enjoyment more than the TED podcast and not listening to anything. The podcast didn’t affect the walkers’ perceptual responses, such as how tired they felt, or their affective responses, such as how happy they felt. But it made them enjoy walking more than without a soundtrack. The study says the brain mechanisms behind these effects appear to be linked to a boost in beta frequencies in the frontal and frontal-central regions of the cortex.
“We showed that music has the potential to increase beta waves and elicit a more positive emotional state,” said Bigliassi. “This can be capitalised upon during other forms of exercise and render a given activity more pleasurable. People who struggle to engage in physical activity programmes should select appropriate pieces of music to exercise and see The Way It Makes You Feel.”
President Trump Could Use a Health Coach
By Darrell Rogers
President Trump’s physical last month was a national reminder that we all must work harder to live healthier. In his read out of the exam, White House physician Dr. Ronny Jackson said, “I think a reasonable goal over the next year or so would be to lose 10 to 15 pounds. We talked about diet and exercise a lot. He is more enthusiastic about the diet part than the exercise part, but we’re going to do both.”
Sound familiar?
Like the President, millions of Americans also struggle to adopt and maintain healthy habits. We all have heard, and probably even repeated them ourselves, the myriad of excuses ranging from a lack of time, energy, and motivation. The truth is getting and staying healthy isn’t rocket science. Most of us know we need to exercise more, eat healthier foods, and manage our stress better. The challenge is adopting healthy habits and making them stick. The science is in, people are way more likely to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors when they work with a peer.
What if the President, and more Americans, had a Health Coach to help along the way?
Health Coaches are partners, or coaches that engrain healthy habits. They are trained in changing behaviors and holding people accountable to their goals. They are also frequently similar in culture, language, experiences, and/or values with their client, which can help develop trust and a unique bond that can bring about total life transformation and lasting change.
Developing that lasting change requires commitment and motivation, and most often, these healthy tendencies develop over time, with guidance and support from friends, family, colleagues, coaches, and anyone else who encourages you and holds you accountable.
Health Coaches are the future of preventative health care. In fact, as one of the fastest-growing professions with over a billion dollars in revenues, there are now approximately 35,000 self-identified Health Coach practitioners nationally, and the Department of Labor projects a 21 percent increase for health and wellness professionals focused on preventative health – faster than all other occupations.
The health and wellness industry is an economic powerhouse. A recent report from the Global Wellness Institute forecasted that the market for health and wellness products will continue to boom in the future and named the United States as the dominant marketplace.
Health Coaches are a unique and powerful part of the health care system. Through helping Americans implement and maintain a diverse range of healthy behaviors, Health Coaches assist in transforming people’s lives and, in turn, dramatically lower health care costs. The CDC notes that chronic diseases from poor lifestyle choices are at the heart of our nation’s health care crisis and comprise approximately 75% of our health care dollars.
Now is the time for Congress to continue the tax reform momentum by expanding the ability of Americans to use tax-free dollars to improve their health and wellness and utilize life-saving preventative health care. Congress should act now to incentivize wellness, offer a host of preventive health care options for millions of Americans, and reduce chronic diseases that burden our nation’s health care system. This would also create additional, well-paying job opportunities in the health and wellness industry for thousands of Americans.
The bottom-line: Health Coaches have the ability to reduce overall health care costs by playing a crucial role in improving health and happiness, which can help in all areas of our lives and futures.
With the right Health Coach, I have no doubt that President Trump could achieve the goals Dr. Jackson recommended.
Rogers is the Interim Director for the International Association for Health Coaches, which is celebratingHealth and Wellness Coach Week from February 12th-18th.
Azrieli Foundation and Brain Canada launch grant program to develop the next generation of talent in Canadian brain research
MONTREAL, Feb. 14, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, the Azrieli Foundation in partnership with Brain Canada launched a program designed to accelerate novel and transformative research that will fundamentally change the understanding of the brain, in illness or health. The goal is to reduce the social and economic burden of neurological and mental health problems through prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment.
Naomi Azrieli, Chair and CEO of the Azrieli Foundation and Chair of Brain Canada, says that brain research holds the key to unlocking many diseases. "We know that the brain is interconnected and insights into one disease may illuminate issues in other diseases. Researchers who are exploring the brain are our modern-day pioneers, working to conquer the final frontier of science."
Investigators in the early stages of their careers are in a strong position to advance innovative research projects that are "high risk/high reward," but they often lack the preliminary data required to secure their first large grant. In fact, the Fundamental Science Review, commissioned by Canada's Minister of Science in 2016, listed the need to enhance support for early-career researchers among its recommendations. This program provides an opportunity to develop new lines of research on the fundamental properties and mechanisms of the brain and nervous system, to gather preliminary data and position these investigators for long-term scientific success.
"Brain Canada has always believed in the importance of supporting the next generation of researchers – training awards for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows are an integral part of our research programs," says Inez Jabalpurwala, President and CEO of Brain Canada. "With this new grant, we are bridging a gap by going beyond training awards to help early-career investigators launch their academic careers."
Supported by the Canada Brain Research Fund, the Early-Career Capacity Building Grant has the potential to be transformative at a time when there is a significant funding gap to support and retain Canada's brightest early-career investigators, who are well positioned to make major contributions to Canadian brain research.
About The Azrieli Foundation
For almost 30 years, the Azrieli Foundation has funded institutions as well as operated programs on the ground in Canada and in Israel. The Foundation supports scientific and medical research, higher education, music and the arts, Holocaust education, youth empowerment and school perseverance, architecture, and quality of life initiatives for people with developmental disabilities. www.azrielifoundation.org
About Brain Canada
Brain Canada is a national registered charity headquartered in Montreal that enables and supports excellent, innovative, paradigm-changing brain research in Canada. For two decades, Brain Canada has made the case for the brain as a single, complex system with commonalities across the range of neurological disorders, mental illnesses and addictions, brain and spinal cord injuries. Looking at the brain as one system has underscored the need for increased collaboration across disciplines and institutions, and a smarter way to invest in brain research that is focused on outcomes that will benefit patients and families. Brain Canada's vision is to understand the brain, in health and illness, to improve lives and achieve societal impact.
The Canada Brain Research Fund is an innovative partnership between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada) and Brain Canada, designed to encourage Canadians to increase their support of brain research, and maximize the impact and efficiency of those investments. Brain Canada is raising up to $120 million from private donors and non-federal partners—now numbering more than 100—which is being matched by Health Canada on a 1:1 basis. The Fund supports the very best Canadian neuroscience, fostering collaborative research and accelerating the pace of discovery, in order to improve the health and quality of life of Canadians who suffer from brain disorders.
To find out more, visit: www.braincanada.ca
SOURCE Brain Canada Foundation
National Random Acts Of Kindness Contest Hosted By Real Estate Marketing Leader, Parkbench
Parkbench.com one of the fastest growing real estate marketing startups in North America with more than 1000+ realtors is running a national Random Acts Of Kindness Campaign February 12-February 17 in honor of National Random Acts Of Kindness Week.
Real estate professionals who are a part of the Parkbench.com community in the following cities will be participating in a week long celebration of Random Acts Of Kindness in their city. Cities include: Denver, Houston, Phoenix, Vancouver, Orange County, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Seattle, Tampa, Miami, Austin, Las Angeles, Nashville, Atlanta, Oklahoma City, San Antonio and San Diego.
"The entire company Parkbench is built on this motto - give value first, and have faith you will receive something in return. And why not give it randomly and see people's awesome reactions", states Grant Findlay-Shirras, CEO of Parkbench and creator of the Local Leader® Marketing System.
Parkbench.com's mission is to make neighborhoods stronger, both socially and economically, and what better way to do this than for a team to give value to their neighborhood, and to create a contest for their clients to give value to their neighborhood.
"We believe everyone should shop local, play local, and work local. All we do at Parkbench is try to help local businesses have more success in their neighborhood, and give value to the people who live and work in the community. What better way to reinforce this message than to participate in the Random Acts of Kindness Campaign" states Amanda Newman-Shirras, President of Parkbench.
To follow Parkbench's Random Acts Of Kindness Campaign follow them on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/parkbenchfamily/
Realtors That Are Partaking In This Include:
John Donahue Realtor in Rancho Orange County, California
Kari Adams Realtor in Princetown, New Jersey
Diana Moss Realtor in Houston, Texas
Kerry Boccella Realtor in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Katie Roberts Realtor in Denver, Colorado