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10 Ways To Keep You Strong For The Transitioning Season

Fall is right around the corner, which means it’s time to bundle up and prepare your body for the cool weather to come. The immune system is a large collection of different cells that have a primary goal to protect your body and attack foreign organisms or matter. Keeping these natural defenses strong is very important for transitioning into the new season and involves a variety of strategies. Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O., a New York City Osteopathic Physician board certified in family and anti-aging medicine is sharing his top 10 ways to keep you strong for the transitioning season.

  1. Exercise on a daily basis: The minimum should be a half hour of walking continuously so as to increase oxygenation to tissues as well as deliver vitamins minerals and hormones to these cells. 
  2. Be sure to get good deep restorative sleep: This should be at least six hours every night. Sleep deprivation not only makes us tired, but decreases function in almost all organs. 
  3. Keep chemicals and preservatives out of the diet: We should eat as organically as possible, with the diet comprised of a variety of vegetables, fruits and good protein sources.
  4. Test your blood for vitamins, minerals, and hormones: Thousands of studies over many years have described that vitamin deficiency is correlated with degenerate disease we can give me in response among many others. This test will guide you as to exactly what nutrients you're deficient in, and what you should take. “There is no better test than this,” says Dr. Calapai. 
  5. Do not smoke cigarettes: This is a no brainer for most, as they contain thousands of dangerous chemicals, which can lead to a low immune system. But if you can't quit smoking completely, give one of these trendy vape devices a shot. 
  6. Be careful with exposure to alcohol: This can have the variety of effects that are hurtful to the body if done in excess 
  7. Maintain a clean home environment: In areas where you spend the most time, make sure that surfaces are cleaned with products that can kill germs or viruses. Use HEPA filtration systems to capture particulate matter including dust, allergens or organisms that can make you ill. 
  8. Wash your hands thoroughly and a few times during the day and avoid other people that have chronic infection, flu or a virus. 
  9. Try to minimize stress, anxiety and irritability: Taking a break for a few minutes during a stressful day can make the stress response much less progressive.
  10. Lastly, be sure to visit your doctor for routine testing and physical exam inform: This ensures you are constantly aware of what is going on with your body.
About the doctor:  Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed the "The Stem Cell Guru" by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer's, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson's. He has worked with Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Gotham's, Donal Logue; and as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers. Connect with him via twitter @drcalapai or at www.drcal.net
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The Detox Dream: Simple Ways To Look And Feel Fabulous

Have you overdone it over the festive period or are you desperate to stick to a New Year’s resolution and get healthy in 2017? If so, you’ve come to the right place. At this time of year, the word detox tends to get bandied around, as well as look to undo the indulgence of the last few weeks, and get back on an even keel. You don’t have to go into overdrive and eat nothing but juice for the next few months, but it is helpful to treat your body to some much-needed TLC. Here are some simple ways you can embrace detoxing in a healthy way, and ensure you look and feel fabulous in the months ahead.

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Rest

You’ve had a week off, but you probably feel like that you could do with a month-long vacation afterwards. Even if you don’t work over the festive period, it tends to be a busy time, and before you know it, those hotly anticipated days off have been and gone. If you’ve had a hectic few weeks, take time to chill out, and rest. January, with its long, dark nights, is the perfect time to cozy up, enjoy some nights in, and try and catch up on lost sleep. Try and get into an effective sleep routine, which ensures that you get enough sleep every night. If you have children, you probably try your hardest to get them to bed on time, so apply the same level of commitment to your own sleep regime. If you need eight hours every night and you’re up at 6 am or work, aim to head up to bed at 10 pm. Some nights won’t go to plan, but if you get used to a timetable, you should find it much easier to get the sleep you need. 

If you have trouble switching off, do something relaxing before you go to bed. Read a book, do some coloring or run yourself a bubble bath. Anything you find enjoyable that doesn’t require you to concentrate too much should work a treat. 

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Take a break from drinking

The festive season is probably the most heavy duty when it comes to alcohol consumption. Even if you don’t usually drink much, you may find that your intake soars during the holidays. Drinking excessively takes its toll on your liver, and it can also lead to dehydration and sluggishness. If you feel like you’ve partied too hard, or you’ve drunk too much, try and take a break from alcohol. Many people attempt dry January every year. If you don’t want to give up alcohol altogether, this is fine. Just make sure that you take it steady and stick to the recommended weekly intake of 14 units. 

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Cleanse your body and mind

Have you been feeling stressed of late? Have the last few weeks finally caught up with you? Do you feel tired or are you under the weather? If so, why not take steps to cleanse your mind and body? Take some time out to recharge your batteries, and avoid making plans for a couple of weeks. Spend your weekends relaxing, and leave work at the office. 

There are lots of ways you can detox. If you search online, you’ll come up with all kinds of weird and wonderful suggestions. You can try techniques for size, or stick to simple methods that work well for most people. One of the easiest things you can do is cut out sugary, caffeinated drinks and drink water, green tea and lemon-infused hot water. These fluids are natural cleansers, which will clean your body and rid you of toxins without you having to endure awful tastes or grueling diets. If you’re interested in finding out more about the benefits of drinking lemon water, take a look at www.thealternativedaily.com/lemon-remedies/

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Eat the right foods

Have you spent the last few weeks grazing on buffet leftovers or demolishing boxes of chocolates? Most of us indulge at Christmas, and the New Year is the perfect time to get back to your normal eating habits, and try and embrace a healthy diet. Your diet is so important for all aspects of your health, and eating well really doesn’t have to boring. There are loads of great recipes and cookbooks out there, and you can try a whole range of different foods. You don’t have to survive on salads for the next three months. It’s hugely beneficial to include a broad spectrum of fruit and vegetables in your diet. These foods are packed with essential nutrients, and the more you can eat, the better. It’s also advisable to think about the way you cook and prepare food. Grilling, baking, and roasting are better for you than frying. If you are frying food, use coconut or olive oil, rather than sunflower or vegetable oil. If you’re looking for more simple healthy eating tips, it’s worth visiting http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/Nutrition/Tips-for-Eating-Healthy_UCM_457979_Article.jsp#.WG4kGPmLTIU

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Get moving

Exercising is a powerful waste disposal method, which enables you to remove toxins and cleanse your body from the inside out. Sweating is designed to cool us down when we get hot, but it’s also a means of removing toxins through the skin. Exercise also boosts circulation and kidney function. The kidneys are your body’s filters, so they play an important role in detoxing. When you hear the word exercise, you may be filled with dread at the thought of even stepping into a gym. The goods news is that you don’t have to lift weights or run for miles on a treadmill to get in shape. There are hundreds of different activities you can try. Join a tennis club or offer to walk your neighbor’s dog every day. Try martial arts or enroll in a trampolining class. As long as your heart’s pumping and your muscles are working, you’re on the right track. 


It’s that time of year when we all feel the need to undo a bit of overindulgence and give detoxing a go. If you’re keen to get in shape, boost your energy levels, and recover from the last few weeks, take these suggestions on board. Hopefully, you’ll be looking and feeling fantastic in no time at all. 
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Keeping Your Kids Healthy With Sports

What better way to bring up well-rounded young individuals than with sports? Engaging your kids in sports gives them the opportunity to try out their skills and talents and discover new things about themselves. These days, with all the competition parents face when ensuring the health and well being of their little ones, it’s essential to find a fun-filled activity for our kids to let them enjoy the perks of being fit not only when they're young.

No matter what activity your children are involved in, they’re bound to experience tons of benefits that will ensure they grow up to be happy, healthy, and well-rounded individuals.

Physical Activity

Sports provide children with necessary physical activity to stay fit. With combinations like video games and fast food, our kids are on the highway to poor health and might suffer the consequences later on. Engaging them early in sports gives them the upper hand they need to fight off the unhealthy lifestyle which is caused by most food and recreational choices today.

Socialization

It’s important to teach our kids early the value of making friends and teamwork. This gives them a much better idea as to how to act around other people, also enhancing their ability to interact with those who are different and to embrace and accept diversity as a common thing in today’s society.

Self-esteem

Kids learn more about themselves with sports, which helps build self-esteem. Being an essential part of a team – whether they’re out on the field scoring points, or on the benches supporting his or her teammates all the way, children learn their worth as a member of a team and thus learn the value of being themselves.

Coupon Convenience – Saving Up On Spending With Coupons

Some parents may worry that sports are bound to come with a lot of expensive classes, gear and accessories you might simply not be able to afford. Sometimes you can just wait for the season-ender sales to come rolling around the corner, but it’s not always practical, and purchasing things at full price may not be the choice you want to make. One of the best ways to save money these days even when the season’s just beginning is with coupons. There are lots of neat places to find budget-saving clippings – in magazines, newspapers and, most conveniently, on the Internet.

Visit such websites as Discountrue.com and keep an eye out for Kohl's coupons that will help you buy everything you need at a budget price. And by using coupons you can save up not only on sports equipment but also countless other products - from home and kitchen ware and supplies, to food and beverages to stock up your fridge. You can even save up on your gas spending as well, if you find the right discount codes at the right places. Remember, living in trying times like these calls for smart decisions to keep a household up and running. Keep an eye out for coupons that are specifically aimed at any products you might like to buy for your family and keep that savings account alive by cutting out a few cash outs here and there.

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The Women's Roadmap To Health

National Girlfriends Day was earlier this month, but it's always a good thing to have a friend remind you about keeping up with your annual wellness check-ups. It's easy for time to pass you by or to just put it off. Joining forces with your friends can be the push you need to get things done. My doctor even has a group of girlfriends who all schedule their annual woman's check-up in the same week and get together in one evening for margaritas to celebrate each other getting their health screenings done. I think that is such a cute idea.

Check out the infographic below from Oscar Health Insurance Company for details on what specific screenings you should have done and when. They're a new company wanting to shake up the health care field and help their members be proactive about their health through their various incentives. If you're in these areas, check out their health insurance plans in New Jersey and New York. Feel free to share with your girlfriends and family members.

Go here for additional information. Be well! xoxo
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National Women's Health Week is May 10-16- Tips for staying healthy #NWHW


Did you know that Mother's Day kicks of the 16th annual National Women's Health Week? As women, especially moms, it is so important to take charge of our health. I am officially in my forties and have been staying active in keeping up with different areas that affect my overall health and well being. Regular doctor's visits, a healthy diet and exercise are a must as well as a good oral care regimen. I just went to my doctor last week to get labs done and learn the latest updates on my current health. It turns out that my vitamin D levels have dropped extremely low again. Normal levels are between 30-100 and mine was at 19. I'm so glad I met with my doctor and found this out. It explained a lot in regards to how I have been feeling lately. I can now take the steps necessary to get my levels back up so I can have the energy to do all that I have to each day. 


To inspire women to lead a healthier lifestyle, Colgate recommends women follow these small steps provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health:
  1. Visit a doctor or nurse to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings. Schedule your annual well-woman visit on National Women’s Checkup Day, Monday, May 11. Use this time to discuss your health goals, concerns or questions.
  2. Get active. Try to incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine. Walk or bike to work or park your car further away from your destination.
  3. Eat healthy. Making healthier food choices can be as simple as using a smaller plate at meals to help control portions or choosing water instead of soda and other sugary drinks.
  4. Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress. Try and set aside at least 15 minutes each day in your busy schedule to do something for yourself.
  5. Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, texting while driving, and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet.
Be sure to follow Women's Health on Twitter  and Facebook for important updates and take the pledge to help take control of your health. As women, we have to be strong and present for so many people, we must not forget about ourselves. Wishing you all a very Happy Mother's Day! xo


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Drink MORE water with the New PUR Ultimate Pitcher

Happy New Year! I can't believe it's 2015 already. I admit, I'm not into New Year's resolutions at all. I am a goal setter more than anything. One goal I have had for many years was to increase my water intake. I have noticed that water affects me in so many ways. If I don't drink enough I will notice that my skin is dry or my muscles ache. I don't feel well overall when I have not had at least 80 ounces a day. I know most people have a hard time drinking water, but really want to improve. One great tool is to have a dedicated container filled with the amount you need for the day. You can easily gage your progress that way. The new PUR Ultimate Pitcher is perfect to get your water-drinking goals under control. It comes in a 7-cup and 11-cup size. The 7-cup is perfect to start out with. It is also an earth friendly option over expensive water bottles that end up overtaking landfills.

The overall design of the pitcher is absolutely brilliant! The space-saving shape makes it easy to store in your refrigerator, especially the door. Not everyone has a water filtration system on their fridge so this is wonderful to have. It is easy to fill with a thumb activated lid, has a comfort grip handle and has a covered pour spout to prevent odor and particles from getting into your clean water. PUR Ultimate Series featuring MAXION filtration technology. MAXION technology is PUR’s highly specialized formula for maximum contaminant reduction.

PUR Ultimate Pitchers are certified to reduce contaminants including by-products from chlorine, mercury and industrial pollutants (to name a few) and remove twice as many contaminants as Brita’s filters. Keep track of your filter life with a built-in Electronic Filter Life Indicator. The indicator flashes green, yellow or red so you'll always know when it's time for a replacement filter. I absolutely love this feature. The filters are recyclable and pitchers are BPA free.

Your water tastes clean and refreshing, similar to bottled water. I will be keeping my 7-cup Ultimate Pitcher on my office desk so I don't forget or make excuses why I didn't drink enough. Makes PURfect sense!

You can find the PUR Ultimate Pitchers at select retailers and at PURwater.com, starting at $16.99. Be sure to follow PUR on Facebook and Twitter for product updates and promotions.

I received a complimentary pitcher for testing purposes. All opinions are 100% my own as always. 
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