I don’t know about you but I am guilty of Tech overload. Once I pick up my phone, hours can pass before I realize the time I have spent glued to the screen. Sometimes that is productive, like when I am doing research. Other times it isn’t, like when I scroll through Facebook or Pinterest. Some games help our brain like Words with Friends or chess. Some games don’t. So we can’t lump all screen time together as harmful but often … Continued
Why in the world are kids carrying around 20 lb textbooks in their backpacks when everything has the ability to be digital? Don’t even get me started! Suffice it to say, they are, and it’s a pain in the back…and neck, and shoulders. The strain of continuous use of over-weighted backpacks is significant and can contribute to a multitude of issues such as: A strain on muscles Muscle fatigue Compression of the spine Misalignment of the neck, spine, shoulders, and … Continued
When you have been looking down at your phone so often that the muscles in your neck change their resting length and your vertebrae shift position from a forward curve to a straight or reverse curve you have developed a condition that is now referred to as text neck. Think of your head as a bowling ball and the muscles in the front and back of your neck as rubber bands. When you hold your head up straight the muscles … Continued
Before lemons were brought to Europe by the Romans, crushed sumac berries were added to food for its tart and sour flavor. This dark red berry is also a wonderful health food because of its antioxidant properties. Remember back in 7th grade science class when the teacher talked about electrons, protons, and neutrons? Yeah, me either, but when the electron shell isn’t completely filled it can cause it to be unstable. This unstable molecule is called a free radical. Oxygen … Continued
When we talk about lack of focus the first question to ask is, why is it missing? Aside from a clinical diagnosis of ADD or ADHD, the most common causes I see in my practice are: Blood sugar imbalance Poor sleep quantity or quality Toxicity Nutrient Deficiencies Food and Chemical sensitivities Note that a lack of focus is not a deficiency of pharmaceutical stimulants or caffeine. It helps to have a functional medicine practitioner guide you and perform lab tests … Continued
Every time I research a subject I end up going down a rabbit hole of information. That happened when I was researching a post I’m writing on focus. Caffeine is commonly used to help with focus and kids are always asking me why energy drinks are so bad for you if they contain the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee or a supplement for focus. After 15 to 30 minutes of consuming caffeine, you will experience a heightened … Continued
Focus drugs sales, also called smart drugs, like Adderall and Ritalin are at an all-time high. In our dog-eat-dog world, everyone from elementary students to college students to business owners are looking for leverage. Often times this comes in the form of performance. Focus drugs, energy drinks, and even some nutritional products are being used to enhance performance, productivity and focus. From parents to professionals, the question being asked is: Can they get the grade? Will I be able to close … Continued
A holistic medicine cabinet is essential for every home. The side effects of over the counter medications are many and not necessary when we have such great natural alternatives. My kitchen and bathroom are so full of supplement bottles that it’s a danger to open the cabinets for fear of a bottle avalanche. You don’t have to have cabinets like mine. I’ve shortened the list to what I think is essential because you don’t need to be overwhelmed and because … Continued
The Green Breakfast Bowl is this month’s featured recipe. It’s a delicious way to sneak in some dark green veggies and some brain-boosting avocado. Breakfast can be the hardest meal to eat healthily. When faced with bagels, cereal, pancakes, muffins, and waffles it’s hard to reheat dinner and enjoy it. Breakfast can be a beautiful thing. A time when you dust off the sleepiness of the night and welcome in the blossoming of the day. Poetic, right? But seriously, breakfast … Continued
Ugh, back-to-school lunches can strike terror in the heart of a health-minded parent. At least it did for me. Summer is a great time to let our guard down and indulge in summer fun. Sugared cereal, ice cream, and s’mores are typical summer fare. Once we return to reality, and back-to-school/back-to-work, we reign in our eating habits and look to a healthier diet. One of the most frequent questions I get asked is “what to pack for school lunches?” So, I’d … Continued