Proper stretching helps you strengthen your muscles and increase your flexibility. And post-workout stretching can help reduce the buildup of lactic acid, which can lead to muscle cramps and stiffness. Hold each of the following stretches for 10 to 30 seconds and stretch evenly on both sides. There will be a mild discomfort with a good stretch, but it should never feel painful. Be sure … Continue reading Walking 101: cool-down stretches
Walking is the ideal workout for many people. It’s easy, accessible, inexpensive, and virtually injury-free. Besides helping you lose or maintain weight, a regular walking program can help lower your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and osteoporosis. You should see a health care provider before you begin walking if you have a chronic condition or if you’re older than 40 … Continue reading Walking 101
Anxiety is the most common mental-health disorder in the United States, affecting nearly one-third of both adolescents and adults. According to new research, millennials have become the most anxious generation in history. This episode discusses what anxiety is, what causes it, and how it can be treated. Continue reading {Video} Diagnosing and treating anxiety
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas partners with New Directions to provide behavioral health screenings, resources and support to our members. Over the past year and a half, we’ve all spent quality time in the comfort of our own homes. While your home may be a safe place to quarantine during a pandemic, it’s still possible for the unexpected to happen. And if it … Continue reading {Guest post} Plan for unexpected emergencies at home
The term “sandwich generation” was coined to describe a group of Americans who are caring for children under the age of 18 and older relatives at the same time. Today, millions of families are facing the dual challenge of sandwich caregiving as the population ages and Americans are having children later. This episode focuses on these caregivers. With an aging population and a generation of … Continue reading {Video} Caregiving: The Sandwich Generation
As we head into peak sunscreen season, it’s a good time to review how to best protect our skin from the dangers of sun exposure. We know we need sunscreen, but with so many lotions, potions, creams and sprays, how do we know if we are really protecting ourselves against burns or worse…cancer. The following tips can help reduce risk and maximize your protection. Choose … Continue reading Keeping your skin safe from summer rays
Regular physical activity and healthy home cooking are two of the best things you can do for your body. But how do you find more time for both? Combine them! With these cook-friendly exercises, you can squeeze in some extra activity while waiting for the veggies to steam. Soup-Can Arm Raises Grab two cans of soup (or use 2- to 5-pound bags of dried beans … Continue reading Get moving while dinner is cooking
A shiny red sports car. Bottles of supplements. Even a bit of plastic surgery. These are the stereotypical signs of what’s long been known as the midlife crisis. In truth, only about 10 to 20% of adults in their 40s, 50s and 60s revisit their youthful rebellion. But the middle years are undoubtedly a time of transition—and opportunity. Here’s how to make changes for the … Continue reading The new, healthy kind of midlife crisis
