At Home with Exercise

Written by Katie Hubbard. Posted in Features, Health & Beauty

Did you know that muscular strength decreases by about 1 percent each year after age 25? Over time this loss of muscle mass and strength can have a significant impact on overall health and quality of life. By adding a few simple home exercises you can improve your strength, energy and quality of life; without the hassle or the cost of joining a gym. Here are some affordable exercises that you can do easily at home. To complete this simple total-body routine you’ll need a stability ball, a resistance Read more [...]

Health and Fitness Tips: A Physical Therapist’s Role In the Management of Breast Surgery

Written by Kim Dickinson. Posted in Features, Fitness Tips, Health & Beauty, Monthly Issues

October is not only physical therapy month, but also breast cancer awareness month. Women, and men, across America are more aware now than ever before of the effects, treatment methods and choices provided after surgery. There are walk-a-thons, support groups, websites, television specials and even pink ribbons to bring awareness to all, along with the increase in treatment options for those suffering from the effects of breast cancer. Because of this, women are living longer and taking more preventative Read more [...]

How to Create a Cozy Home

Written by Ashley Cole. Posted in Health & Beauty, Monthly Issues

Those who know me know that fall is my favorite time of year. Crisp, cool air, changing leaves, chunky sweaters and a reason to redecorate. A home’s interior often reflects inspiration from the outside world, so it’s only natural to want to bring in the warm colors reflective of autumn. Here are the top ten ways you can transition your space into autumn: Pull up a throw Place throw blankets on chairs, sofas and beds. For a clean look, fold the throw in thirds lengthwise and tuck into cushions. Read more [...]

Fitness Tips: Reduce Stress with Yoga

Written by Kathy Stover. Posted in Features, Fitness Tips, Health & Beauty, Monthly Issues

The reduction of stress in our busy lives is one of the most sought out benefits of practicing yoga. We encounter stress, anxiety and anger in many forms throughout life. Financial burdens, emotional upheavals and the speed at which life proceeds in our modern society, all increase our stress levels. These factors tax the body and nervous system, adversely affecting the mind, which can cause unhappiness and even illness. How we deal with stress can affect our physical and mental health. Through Read more [...]

Back to School Packing a Healthy Lunch

Written by Melanie Shehan. Posted in Features, Fitness Tips, Health & Beauty, Monthly Issues

For many Michigan families, the end of summer means heading back to school.  The beginning of the school year brings to mind the sound of tardy bells ringing, the sight of yellow buses dropping off children for an exciting day of education and the smell of freshly sharpened number two pencils. Unfortunately, heading back to school also means the sometimes-dreaded task of packing our children a healthy lunch. Packing a lunch provides the benefit of knowing what your child is eating and ensuring Read more [...]

Get Wet for Low Impact Fitness

Written by Kim Dickinson. Posted in Features, Fitness Tips, Health & Beauty, Monthly Issues

If you have lower back pain from an injury or a genetic predisposition, or are interested in developing your core strength (your stabilizing muscles of the abdominals, back and hip abductors and adductors) to help prevent back pain, then water exercise or aquatic therapy may be just the thing for you. About 80 percent of the population is affected by back ailments at some point. Aquatic exercise or therapy can serve as a solution to these ailments. When exercises are performed correctly, the participant Read more [...]

Exercises to Improve Core Strength

Written by JakeCampbell. Posted in Fitness Tips, Health & Beauty, Monthly Issues

Working to improve your core strength has more benefits than just trying to get a six pack for beach season. Your core muscles (abs, obliques and lower back) play a vital role in almost everything you do. Whenever you push, pull, lift or throw, you use your core muscles, so it is important to keep them in good shape to keep yourself strong and  prevent injuries. There are many classes and programs available specifically geared toward improving core strength, such as Pilates and conditioning Read more [...]

Take Control of Your Image

Written by Shelley Davis Mielock. Posted in Health & Beauty, Image Focus, Monthly Issues, Personal Growth

I honestly believe I have the best job in the world. I love what I do and feel so blessed to be able to do it each day. There are, however, some downsides to being an image consultant. I am often asked for my advice and opinions when I’m out and about. I find this particularly fascinating because it’s people who don’t know me or my occupation doing the asking. What is really fascinating is that oftentimes, people don’t really want to my honest opinion — no matter how much they insist Read more [...]

Reduce Injury Risk with Strength Training

Written by Derek Sanders. Posted in Features, Fitness Tips, Health & Beauty, Monthly Issues

When our kids are young and just starting to play sports, we want to keep them safe. We buy them protective equipment and make sure they are taught the proper fundamentals to ensure safe play. We don’t like to think about it, but with sports participation come sports-related injuries. Most are minor injuries such as sprains and strains. Some, however, are more serious, such as fractures, dislocations, concussions or serious knee injuries. Serious knee injuries seem to happen every season, especially Read more [...]

Green is the New Black

Written by Kendra Anderson. Posted in Fashion, Features, Health & Beauty, Monthly Issues

Eco-Chic Styles for Spring

Long gone are the days of boxy hemp dresses and hippie-style clothing; eco-friendly fashion has turned eco-chic. Fashion designers and retailers have become more aware of the harmful effects clothing manufacturing has on the environment and are making eco-friendly fashion stylish and widely available. Look chic this season and keep a bounce in your step knowing you are saving the environment.


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