Stress and the Impact on Your Skin

Someone recently asked this question: “I’m under a tremendous amount of stress and I noticed changes in my skin. Is there any connection?” The answer is a big, fat yes. One reason your skin changes when stressed is due to the over-secretion of the stress hormone cortisol. When over-secreted, it will look to replenish itself by borrowing components from our estrogen stores. Estrogen keeps us youthful so when stores become depleted, we age faster. (You know how someone “looks like they’ve had a hard life?” That’s the physical effects of over-secreted stress hormones.)

Another reason stress impacts your skin is because stress deteriorates the skin’s natural ability to protect against invasion. Pollution and toxins are harsh on the skin and alter the way the skin repairs and regenerates itself. This shows in tone and texture. Stress also decreases the elasticity of the skin, creating a more aged look. And, increased cortisol can prevent skin regeneration by slowing the rate of cell turnover, leaving skin dull. Continue reading “Stress and the Impact on Your Skin”

Read More

Which Dieter Are You?

While we think we can only have dysfunctional relationships with people, we can have them with food, too. See if you fit into any of these dieting profiles to identify where you are…and how you can free yourself from a lifetime of dieting.

1. The Serial Dieter – For you, dieting is a lifestyle. You’ve been watching your intake, counting calories and been consumed with your food intake for so long you couldn’t imagine life any other way. For you, food is the enemy, it can’t be trusted, it wreaks havoc on your body and your mind…it’s also an exhausting and frustrating way to live.

The solution – a great place to start is by getting in touch with your hunger versus eating due to appetite. With hunger, your body is telling you it needs to be fed as opposed to the clock, the size of the plate, the smell of something delicious or the commercial you just saw on TV. With appetite, the “need” for food is triggered by a thought, feeling or emotion and you’ll crave something specific. With hunger, you may feel dizzy, lightheaded, your stomach will rumble and just about any food will do. Continue reading “Which Dieter Are You?”

Read More

10 Tips to Reduce Stress in the Workplace

Workplace stress contributes to so many health issues including aging, weight gain, illness and disease. Feeling stressed during your workday? Here are a few simple tips to help you stress…less.

1. Learn how to say “no.” When you’re already overextended, taking on additional tasks will only create more stress and anxiety. Stop piling onto your full workload by learning how to say “no.”

2. Make your workspace work for you. Personalize your workspace with things that calm and soothe you. That could mean pictures of loved ones or photos of serene settings, something calming on your desk or even music playing softly around you. You can also download apps with sounds like waterfalls, birds, rain, wind or whichever sounds give you a sense of peace and serenity.

3. Keep things in perspective. Sure you have projects to finish and deadlines to meet, but stress is tied to many diseases and is a main reason for many emergency room visits. Is what you’re getting stressed over worth risking your health? Continue reading “10 Tips to Reduce Stress in the Workplace”

Read More

Stay Healthy as Seasons Change

What’s the secret to staying healthy throughout the year? The secret lies in our ability to be flexible and willing to change…just like the seasons.

Different seasons mean different weather, wardrobes, different seasonal fruits available and even different sports to play. It also means that as the days grow shorter or longer, and as the weather gets warmer or colder, we need to stay flexible and adjust our eating habits, exercise routines and lifestyles so we can remain healthy year round. So how do you do that? By starting each season with a customized lifestyle plan around your specific needs, goals, and preferences.

For example, it’s easiest for most of us to live a healthier lifestyle during the spring and summer. We’re showing a little more skin so we’re more aware of our eating habits, we may have access to more fresh fruits and vegetables, the days are longer and more conducive to being active and outside. During nicer weather, we’re also getting more vitamin D from the sun, which offers so many additional health benefits as well. Continue reading “Stay Healthy as Seasons Change”

Read More

Healthy Snacks for Spring Sports

Longer days and warmer weather go hand-in-hand with spring sports. As we eagerly shed our winter wardrobe – and any excess winter weight we may have gained during the “off season” –  it’s helpful to have some fresh, energizing but simple snacks on hand to give us that extra edge.

The best choices are snacks that are light and portable that we can easily pack and eat before or after a competitive game, match or tryout. Remember the saying, “If you fail to plan, then plan to fail”? Taking a few minutes to plan your snacking can make all the difference in giving you the sustained energy you need so you can get the most out of whichever sport you’re playing.

So, what are some snacks to choose which will fuel your body for maximum energy, health and endurance? Here are a few with the right mix of carbohydrates, protein and a touch of fat to give you loads of energy while helping you easily recover so you can “stay in the game” as long as you’d like. Continue reading “Healthy Snacks for Spring Sports”

Read More

Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
    read more..
  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
    read more..
  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
    read more..
  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
    read more..
  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
    read more..
  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
    read more..
  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
    read more..
  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
    read more..
  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
    read more..
May 2024
S M T W T F S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031