Social Wellness: A Key To General Wellness

Health     Elizabeth Scott, M.S., your About.com Health Editor     You may instinctively feel that having supportive relationships can help you feel happier in your life, but do you know all the facts about the impact of your social life on your health?  Supportive relationships can stave off stress, help you take on healthier habits, improve your health in many different ways, and even lead to a longer life.  Conversely, negative social experiences like conflict and loneliness can have a damaging effect on your health as well.  Because July is Social Wellness Month, now is a perfect time to learn more about the benefits of a healthy social life, and work on making the most of your social circle.  Read on for some of our best relationship-related resources from About.com’s Health Experts. Want more from About.com Health? Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or visit our Pinterest page for healthy living tips for you and your family.     The Benefits of Social Support   As you know, social support can benefit you in many ways.  Here are just some of the positives you gain from a healthy, supportive circle of friends. READ NOW Relationship Research for Stress Relief You've Got to Have Friends: Happy People Have Stronger Social Ties Athletes With Supportive Friends and Family Are More Successful How Do Relationships Improve Aging?   The Damage Of A Lacking Social Circle   Conflicted relationships, loneliness, and other negative social experiences can take a toll on your health and happiness.  Learn more about what to avoid, and why it pays to invest in social wellness. READ NOW Loneliness: Deadlier than you think How Bad Relationships Affect Your Health What Other People Think Is Important To Health And Happiness How Social Interaction Helps Senior Health: Loneliness Can Make You Sick   How To Use Social Support To Your Advantage   How can you use social support to increase your personal wellness? The following are proven ways that social wellness can lead to physical wellness. READ NOW Simple Ways to Get Emotional Support When You Diet Six Steps for Having a Life with IBS: Finding Social Support Stay Mentally Healthy with Strong Social Connections Best Ways to Make Exercise Social Use Social Networking to Find Healthcare Information   When Social Support Is Vital   When we face more serious challenges to our health and wellness, sometimes having a supportive circle is more necessity than luxury. Here are some resources for cultivating support when you need it the most. READ NOW Social Support for Panic Disorder: How to Build a Support Network Developing Healthy Relationships to Maintain Abstinence From Alcohol Social Support and Lung Cancer Survival How to Support Your Spouse Through Health Issues Finding Emotional and Social Support During Breast Cancer Treatment Finding Support for PTSD: Seeking out and Establishing Social Support   Follow us on:       ADVERTISEMENT More from About.com Sign up for Shareables! An every-morning rundown of the day in history, with headlines and trends produced by your pals at About.com. Click here to sign up! It's free (of course) and we think you'll like it! Want More From About.com? Check out our social channels tailored to every interest! Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Health newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If you would like to unsubscribe from all newsletters sent from About.com, please send an email to optout@about.com with "Unsubscribe" as the subject line. Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2014 About.com

New Ways To Get Out And Get Moving!

Health From Elizabeth Scott, M.S., your About.com Health Editor Exercise carries benefits for longevity, fitness, stress management, and overall wellness, as you may already know; outdoor exercise brings unique benefits as well. If you’re not getting as much physical activity as you could, now is the perfect time to change that by getting outside and moving!  Get motivated by learning even more about the benefits of exercise.  You can make it work for your particular situation by discovering new options for workouts that can fit well with your personality and lifestyle.  Take advantage of summer; this week can mark the beginning of a new workout habit that really enhances your health and provides you with some fun at the same time.  (Just don’t forget your sunscreen!) -- Elizabeth Scott Want more from About.com Health? Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or visit our Pinterest page for healthy living tips for you and your family. Specific Benefits of Outdoor Exercise If you’re not taking advantage of beautiful weather with regular outdoor workouts, you’re missing out on something great!  Here are some of the specific benefits of getting exercise outdoors. Is Exercising Outdoors Good For Your Longevity? Outdoor Exercise Helps Depression Treadmill or Outside Walking - Which is Better? Outdoor Workouts: What To Try If you’d like to start getting exercise outside, there are several easy options for beginners—you may want to try a few and see what you like most.  Here are some of our favorite beginning outdoor routines to try. Beginners' Outdoor Circuit Workout Track Circuit Workout for Outdoor Exercise 10 Weeks to Health and Fitness for Seniors More Advanced Outdoor Workouts If you’re no stranger to exercise, you may be wondering if an outdoor workout can match what your gym can offer, and you may be surprised!  Here are some outdoor workout plans for those who already exercise regularly but are new to outdoor workouts. An Advanced Outdoor Circuit Training Program More Outdoor Circuit Workouts 30 Days to Greater Health and Fitness Exercise For Those With Specific Needs If you have asthma, osteoarthritis, or many other conditions, you may have more concerns than the average person who wants to start a new exercise routine. The good news is that there are outdoor exercises that work well for many unique situations!  Here are some of the best from our About.com Health experts. Outdoor Exercises for Type 2 Diabetes Exercise and Depression: Benefits and How To For Those Living With Depression Benefits of Exercise in Asthma Bicycling: Optimal Exercise for People with Osteoarthritis Additional Exercise Resources What's the Best Time of Day to Exercise? How Exercise Benefits Your Health & How to Begin Don't Get Dehydrated! Use This Hydration Calculator To Stay Healthy   More from About.com Sign up for Shareables! An every-morning rundown of the day in history, with headlines and trends produced by your pals at About.com. Click here to sign up! It's free (of course) and we think you'll like it! Want More From About.com? Check out our social channels tailored to every interest! Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Healthy Eating newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If you would like to unsubscribe from all newsletters sent from About.com, please send an email to optout@about.com with "Unsubscribe" as the subject line. Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2014 About.com   Follow us on:

Shield Yourself From The Sun

Health From Elizabeth Scott, M.S., your About.com Health Editor Now that summer is in full swing, it’s important to remember how to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays.  Sunburns are painful, but there are many other dangers of overexposure—which can happen more quickly than you realize—that you may not be aware of.  There are also more ways to protect yourself from the sun than sunscreen alone, though it is an important tool.  Here’s what you need to know about sun protection, from the basics to the finer points; protect yourself and your family, and you can more safely make the most of those long summer days. -- Elizabeth Scott Want more from About.com Health? Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or visit our Pinterest page for healthy living tips for you and your family. Why You Need UV Protection The sun’s UV rays can be pretty intense, particularly during the long days around the summer solstice, which occurred over the weekend.  Learn more about the damage the sun can do to your skin and your overall health—you may be surprised by how important it is to have a plan for UV protection. Sun Exposure And Your Health UVA Rays, UVB Rays, And The Damage They Cause UV Radiation And Your Skin Facts About Melanoma Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer: What Are The Risks? All About Sunscreen Sunscreen is a very effective and convenient tool for sun protection.  Facing the sunscreen aisle can be confusing, however, because there are so many different options.  Here’s what you need to know to choose the sunscreen that works best for yourself and your family. How To Choose The Best Sunscreen What's The Difference Between Sunscreen and Sunblock? What Is SPF? Sunscreen That Won't Cause Breakouts Baby Sunscreen: Important Facts Every Parent Should Know More Ways to Protect Yourself From The Sun Sunscreen is vital to have on-hand during summer, but it’s not the only option for sun protection.  The following are other important sun protection strategies to keep in mind. Beyond Sunscreen: Vital Tips For Parents How To Maximize SPF UV Protection For Your Hair Protect Your Pets Sun Protection With Clothing What You Need To Know About Skin Cancer Skin cancer is the most dangerous potential risk of overexposure to UV rays, and it is vital to know how to recognize it in addition to working to prevent it.  Here’s what everyone should know about skin cancer. All About Skin Cancer Skin Cancer Risk Factors Types of Melanoma Q: Can You Wear Sunscreen In A Tanning Bed? How To Do A Skin Self-Examination More About Summer Safety 8 Summer Safety Tips To Remember Avoid Summer Hazards Quiz: How Safe Will Your Kids Be This Summer?   More from About.com Sign up for Shareables! An every-morning rundown of the day in history, with headlines and trends produced by your pals at About.com. Click here to sign up! It's free (of course) and we think you'll like it! Want More From About.com? Check out our social channels tailored to every interest! Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Healthy Eating newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If you would like to unsubscribe from all newsletters sent from About.com, please send an email to optout@about.com with "Unsubscribe" as the subject line. Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2014 About.com   Follow us on:

Vitamins and Minerals: What You Need To Know Now

Health From Elizabeth Scott, M.S., your About.com Health Editor Consuming a variety of foods (including many vegetables and fruits) is an ideal way of ensuring that there are many vital vitamins and minerals in your diet.  However, vitamin and mineral supplements provide a simple and convenient way to make up for anything that your diet may lack.  Learn more about how to safely and effectively use these supplements to your advantage. -- Elizabeth Scott Want more from About.com Health? Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or visit our Pinterest page for healthy living tips for you and your family. Vitamins And Supplements: What You Need To Know What vitamins should you take, and how can you most effectively do so? Here's what you need to know to make vitamin and mineral supplements work for you. Which Vitamins And Supplements Are The Most Beneficial? Supplements: With Food Or On An Empty Stomach? What Are The Highest Doses of Vitamins You Can Safely Consume? Important Info About Gummy Vitamins For Kids Specific Vitamins and What They Do Each vitamin and mineral affects your health in a unique way. Do you know what makes each one important, and which ones are the most valuable to your personal wellness? Here are some pertinent facts you should know. Important Basics About B Complex Vitamins Health Benefits of Vitamin C Vitamins and Minerals You Need For Detoxification Vitamins, Minerals, and Specific Health Circumstances When you are affected by certain health issues and conditions, you may have unique needs for vitamins and minerals as well. Here are some special things to consider. Vitamins for Depression: Could A Good Vitamin Supplement Be Just What the Doctor Ordered? Smoking and Vitamin Depletion Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies And IBD 9 Nutrients You Need If You're Gluten-Free All About Prenatal Vitamins Many women take prenatal vitamins, even if they do not usually consume vitamin and mineral supplements because of all the benefits that can come with them. Learn more myths and facts about the safe consumption of prenatal vitamins. Prenatal Vitamins: The Basics 4 Myths About Prenatal Vitamins 5 Problems with Prenatal Vitamins, Solved! More About Vitamins 5 Things To Know About Dietary Supplements And Children Who Needs Multivitamins? Benefits and Risks of Taking Dietary Supplements   More from About.com Sign up for Shareables! An every-morning rundown of the day in history, with headlines and trends produced by your pals at About.com. Click here to sign up! It's free (of course) and we think you'll like it! Want More From About.com? Check out our social channels tailored to every interest! Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Healthy Eating newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If you would like to unsubscribe from all newsletters sent from About.com, please send an email to optout@about.com with "Unsubscribe" as the subject line. Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2014 About.com   Follow us on:

Relax—We’ll Show You How It’s Done!

Health From Elizabeth Scott, M.S., your About.com Health Editor The daily challenges of life can be taxing both physically and emotionally.  And what’s worse is that the more stressed you feel, the more reactive to stress you may become.  Carrying physical tension in your body can affect your overall wellness, so it’s important to have relaxation strategies that work for you.  This week, the health experts at About.com are bringing you information and tips to help you to relax both physically and emotionally.  Learn more about why this is important, and find strategies for making it a regular habit, and enjoy your week! -- Elizabeth Scott Want more from About.com Health? Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or visit our Pinterest page for healthy living tips for you and your family. Importance of Relaxation When stress becomes chronic, it can take a heavy toll on your health and happiness. Learn about the toll of chronic stress and how relaxation can be the key to avoiding much of the fallout. Chronic Stress And The Role Of Relaxation What Is Stress Doing To Your Health? Stress and The Risk Of Chronic Disease How Does Stress Cause Heart Disease? Relax Your Mind The mind is a powerful tool for relaxation. Learn how you can release tension in your body and powerfully combat stress using mental strategies. Visualizations For Relaxation Meditation Menu: Try A New Meditation Relaxation For Those With Anxiety Relax Your Body Physical relaxation techniques can help you to feel more relaxed emotionally and can help you to release tension in your body. Here are some easy and effective relaxation techniques you can start using right now. How To Practice Body Scan Meditation Progressive Muscle Relaxation: How It Works Yoga Stretches To Practice At Your Desk Habits For Relaxing Each Day Making tension-taming strategies a habit can help you to remain peaceful and relaxed, preemptively fighting tension in your body and mind. Here are some of the most effective habits you can work into your lifestyle. Popular Relaxation Techniques You Can Practice Daily Gentle Yoga Stretches For Relaxation Five-Minute Pilates Strategies For Relaxation Additional Relaxation Resources Basic Visualization For Relaxation In Labor Manage Phobias With Relaxation Relaxation For Chronic Pain   More from About.com Sign up for Shareables! An every-morning rundown of the day in history, with headlines and trends produced by your pals at About.com. Click here to sign up! It's free (of course) and we think you'll like it! Want More From About.com? Check out our social channels tailored to every interest! Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Healthy Eating newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If you would like to unsubscribe from all newsletters sent from About.com, please send an email to optout@about.com with "Unsubscribe" as the subject line. Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2014 About.com   Follow us on:

Start the Day Off Right!

Health From Elizabeth Scott, M.S., your About.com Health Editor Few habits affect your life as much as the ones involved in your morning routine; the way you start your day affects the entirety of said day.  As the days become months and years, one or two morning habits, such as eating a healthy breakfast or engaging in regular exercise, can have a significant impact on your overall health and wellbeing long-term.  That’s why today’s focus is on your morning routine, and how you can make it healthier and more enjoyable with a solid breakfast and some exercise.  Create habits that can change your life, starting now! -- Elizabeth Want more from About.com Health? Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or visit our Pinterest page for healthy living tips for you and your family. Why Breakfast Matters In A Big Way Many people think of breakfast as something that’s nice to have, but okay to skip of the schedule becomes tight.  Here’s why you should think twice about skipping breakfast, with ideas of what to do instead. Don't Skip Breakfast! Healthier Alternative Strategies How A Healthy Breakfast Boosts Your Metabolism Too Rushed? How To Have A Healthy Breakfast At The Office Healthy Breakfast Guidelines To Remember The right breakfast can set you up for the rest of the day, whereas the wrong meal can spell sabotage. Here's what you need to know to do breakfast right. Healthy Breakfast Dos and Don'ts How To Ruin A Healthy Breakfast Myths and Facts About Breakfast Your New Favorite Breakfast Recipes Understanding that breakfast is important is one thing; having the know-how to create a breakfast that suits your needs deliciously is a little more involved than simply deciding to eat. Here are some breakfast ideas worth remembering. Quick and Easy Breakfast Plans Low-Carb Breakfast Menu Ideas Quick and Simple Breakfast Ideas How To Choose A Breakfast Cereal Why and How To Get Moving In The Morning For those who aren’t “morning people” (and therefore may need a little more convincing), here are some reasons to exercise in the morning, and some tips to get you started! How To Maintain A Morning Exercise Habit The Best Time Of Day For Exercise Is... How To Burn Fat With A Morning Workout Should You Exercise On An Empty Stomach? Special Dietary Considerations How To Fit A Diabetes-Friendly Breakfast Into Your Day Breakfast Ideas For Those On A Low Glycemic Index Diet Gluten-Free Breakfast Ideas   More from About.com Sign-up for Shareables! An every-morning rundown of the day in history, headlines and trends produced by your pals at About.com. Please sign up it's free (of course), we think you will like it! Want More From About.com Check out our social page tailored to your interest! Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Healthy Eating newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If you would like to unsubscribe from all newsletters sent from About.com, please send an email to optout@about.com with "Unsubscribe" as the subject line. Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2014 About.com   Follow us on: