Prevention January 2025

TAKE OUT YOUR PENCIL! This New Year, say no to the “R” word and focus on specifics instead. Setting goals boosts self-confidence and motivation, which promotes well-being, studies show. The key is to have a focused goal. So instead of resolving to exercise more, aim to walk two miles daily. Think about what will help you get there (say, putting it on the calendar) and why it’s important to you. PONDER, THEN RESPOND TO THESE PROMPTS: Write down one PERSONAL GOAL you will work to achieve this year. Write down a FIRST STEP you will take this week to reach your goal. Write down why this goal MATTERS TO YOU.…

DRINK TEA It’s sipping season, so cradle a cup of your favorite brew. Many types of tea (green, black, some herbals) are great sources of antioxidants and plant compounds that will deliver anti-inflammatory and other benefits to help you start 2025 off on a healthy note. DONATE BLOOD National Blood Donor Month is a great reminder to consider a life-saving donation. Someone in the U.S. requires blood and/or platelets every two seconds, according to the American Red Cross, and you can help maintain the nation’s blood supply. Visit redcross blood.org to find a local blood drive. TWEAK YOUR MORNINGS Rise and… go outside! Your sleep routine may take a hit when there are more hours of darkness (you may nap more or hit the sack earlier), but sleep experts say that…

1 All inflammation can impact your health negatively. A True B False 2 Which of these are used to treat chronic inflammation? A NSAIDs B Exercise C Meditation D Turmeric E All of the above 3 Is inflammation ever beneficial? A Yes—it reminds you to keep up healthy lifestyle habits. B Yes—it prompts the healing process when you’re hurt or sick. C No, inflammation is never a good thing. 4 Certain foods can trigger inflammation. A True B False 5 Which can be signs of chronic inflammation? A Joint pain B Constipation C Skin rash D All of the above E None of the above ANSWERS 1 ACUTE INFLAMMATION HELPS YOUR BODY HEAL, but chronic inflammation can hurt healthy cells and lead to permanent DNA damage. In fact, five of the 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. are linked to…

CHOOSE “TRUE” OR “FALSE” FOR EACH. #1 ONCE YOU BRING HOME A NEW PET, YOU REALLY SHOULDN’T SEND THEM BACK. ◯True ◯False #2 IT’S ALWAYS SMARTER TO GET A PUPPY THAN AN OLDER DOG WHEN YOU HAVE YOUNG KIDS. ◯True ◯False #3 IT’S NEVER OK TO LEAVE YOUNG KIDS ALONE WITH PETS. ◯True ◯False #4 WHEN YOU BRING HOME A PET, IT’S BETTER TO BE STRICT WITH THEM FROM THE START. ◯True ◯False ANSWERS 1 FALSE. “A lot of people say, ‘Once you commit, you commit for life,’ but it doesn’t work like that,” says dog trainer Michael Wombacher, author of Integrated Dog Training and Good Dog, Happy Baby. Plan with the shelter on a two-week window to assess whether your new pet pairs nicely with the family’s vibe. 2 FALSE. It might seem…

FISHERS FINERY SILK PILLOWCASE Talk about getting your beauty sleep: A silk pillowcase can help fight frizz and prevent you from waking up with crinkles or creases, and it’s cooling to the touch to promote better rest. Made from 100% mulberry silk, these are available in shades to fit any bedroom aesthetic—and for each purchase, the company plants a tree. (from $40, fishersfinery.com) RIND SNACKS It’s smart to eat more vitamin-rich fruits and veggies, especially during sick season. Sneak in extra produce by keeping this dried fruit on hand. It has no added sugar and contains the peel, so no nutrients are lost. We love the persimmon, peach, and apple combo and also coconut and watermelon. ($38 for six, rindsnacks.com) AQUAPHOR HEALING BALM STICK Win the battle against winter skin…

The Goal Aim to do this stretch at least twice a week—bonus points if you do it every day! CHECK OFF YOUR WEEK-ONE DAYS SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 Lie on the ground and use pillows, rolled-up blankets, or yoga blocks to prop up your upper back and head. Bring the soles of your feet together so your knees point out to the sides. Rest your arms at your sides. 2 Inhale through your nose, taking a big breath. Exhale slowly and fully through your mouth. 3 Repeat for five to 10 minutes. Double your benefits by making it meditative. Set yourself up and settle down in a quiet space where you can fully immerse yourself in the pattern of your breathing, focusing on the rise and…