Health Journal Online

Tag: Months

  • Winter Wellness: 10 Ways to Stay Active and Healthy During the Cold Months (Target keywords: winter wellness, stay active, healthy)

    Winter Wellness: 10 Ways to Stay Active and Healthy During the Cold Months (Target keywords: winter wellness, stay active, healthy)

    As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, it can be tempting to curl up on the couch with a warm cup of tea and hibernate until spring arrives. However, neglecting one’s physical and mental health during the winter months can have negative consequences on overall wellbeing. That’s why it’s essential to prioritize winter wellness and find ways to stay active and healthy, even when the weather outside is cold and gloomy.

    Embracing Winter Wellness

    Winter wellness is all about taking care of one’s body and mind during the cold months. It’s about finding ways to stay active, eating nutritious food, and practicing self-care to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. By prioritizing winter wellness, individuals can boost their mood, increase their energy levels, and reduce the risk of illnesses like the common cold and flu. Whether it’s going for a brisk walk, practicing yoga, or simply taking a relaxing bath, there are countless ways to stay active and healthy during the winter months.

    Staying Active Indoors

    One of the biggest challenges of winter wellness is finding ways to stay active when it’s cold and icy outside. However, there are plenty of indoor activities that can get the heart rate up and keep the body moving. For example, individuals can try indoor swimming, join a gym, or take a dance class. Many community centers and gyms also offer indoor sports like basketball, soccer, and volleyball, which are great ways to stay active and socialize with others. Additionally, bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and lunges can be done in the comfort of one’s own home, making it easy to stay active and healthy without having to venture out into the cold.

    Winter Sports and Activities

    For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of winter sports and activities that can be enjoyed during the cold months. Skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating are all great ways to stay active and have fun, while also getting some fresh air and vitamin D. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also excellent options for those who want to explore the winter landscape without the need for expensive equipment or lift tickets. And for those who prefer something a bit more low-key, winter hiking and walking are great ways to get some exercise and enjoy the peacefulness of the winter landscape.

    Healthy Eating for Winter Wellness

    Eating a healthy and balanced diet is essential for winter wellness. During the cold months, the body needs plenty of nutrients to stay warm and energized, and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help to boost the immune system and keep illnesses at bay. Soups, stews, and hearty casseroles are all great options for winter, as they are warm, comforting, and packed with nutrients. Additionally, incorporating winter-specific foods like citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens into one’s diet can help to support immune function and overall health.

    Staying Hydrated

    Staying hydrated is essential for winter wellness, as the cold air can dry out the skin and mucous membranes, making it easier for illnesses to take hold. Drinking plenty of water, herbal tea, and warm broth can help to keep the body hydrated and support immune function. Additionally, avoiding sugary drinks and caffeine, which can dehydrate the body, can help to support overall health and wellbeing.

    Mindfulness and Self-Care

    Mindfulness and self-care are essential components of winter wellness. During the cold months, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and neglect one’s own needs. However, taking time to practice mindfulness, whether through meditation, deep breathing, or yoga, can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall wellbeing. Additionally, engaging in self-care activities like reading, taking a relaxing bath, or getting a massage can help to promote relaxation and rejuvenation.

    Getting Enough Sleep

    Getting enough sleep is essential for winter wellness. During the cold months, the body needs plenty of rest to recover from the physical and mental demands of everyday life. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and establish a consistent bedtime routine to help regulate the body’s internal clock. Additionally, creating a sleep-conducive environment, such as keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, can help to promote better sleep and overall health.

    Staying Social

    Staying social is an essential component of winter wellness. During the cold months, it’s easy to get isolated and withdrawn, but socializing with others can help to boost mood, reduce stress, and promote overall wellbeing. Whether it’s meeting a friend for coffee, joining a book club, or volunteering in the community, there are plenty of ways to stay social and connected during the winter months.

    Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder

    For some individuals, the winter months can be a challenging time due to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression that occurs during the winter months, and is characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, lethargy, and a lack of motivation. However, there are plenty of ways to manage SAD, including light therapy, medication, and talk therapy. Additionally, engaging in regular exercise, practicing mindfulness, and staying social can help to alleviate symptoms and promote overall wellbeing.

    Conclusion

    Winter wellness is all about taking care of one’s body and mind during the cold months. By staying active, eating a healthy and balanced diet, practicing mindfulness and self-care, and staying social, individuals can promote overall health and wellbeing, and reduce the risk of illnesses like the common cold and flu. Whether it’s going for a winter hike, practicing yoga, or simply taking a relaxing bath, there are countless ways to prioritize winter wellness and stay active and healthy during the cold months.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: What are some ways to stay active during the winter months?
    A: There are plenty of ways to stay active during the winter months, including indoor sports, bodyweight exercises, winter hiking, and snowshoeing.

    Q: How can I eat a healthy and balanced diet during the winter months?
    A: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help to boost the immune system and keep illnesses at bay. Incorporating winter-specific foods like citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens can also help to support immune function and overall health.

    Q: What are some ways to prioritize mindfulness and self-care during the winter months?
    A: Practicing mindfulness through meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall wellbeing. Engaging in self-care activities like reading, taking a relaxing bath, or getting a massage can also help to promote relaxation and rejuvenation.

    Q: How can I manage Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
    A: Managing SAD can involve light therapy, medication, and talk therapy. Additionally, engaging in regular exercise, practicing mindfulness, and staying social can help to alleviate symptoms and promote overall wellbeing.

    Q: Why is it essential to prioritize winter wellness?
    A: Prioritizing winter wellness is essential for promoting overall health and wellbeing, and reducing the risk of illnesses like the common cold and flu. By staying active, eating a healthy and balanced diet, practicing mindfulness and self-care, and staying social, individuals can take care of their body and mind during the cold months, and set themselves up for a happy and healthy new year.

    winter-wellness-10-ways-to-stay-active-and-healthy-during-the-cold-months-target-keywords-winter-wellness-stay-active-healthy

  • Months Before the ByHeart Recall, Babies Were Already Sick — Parents Ask Why Early Warning Signs Were Missed

    Months Before the ByHeart Recall, Babies Were Already Sick — Parents Ask Why Early Warning Signs Were Missed

    The manufacturer ByHeart issued a voluntary recall of all its powdered infant formula products earlier this November, following a multistate outbreak of infant botulism linked to the brand’s Whole Nutrition Infant Formula.

    However, several families say their babies fell ill months earlier, between late 2024 and mid-2025, after being fed the same product. This has raised concerns about whether early warning signs were overlooked.

    According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 31 infants across 15 states are suspected or confirmed to have developed botulism after consuming ByHeart formula during the period from 9 August to 13 November.

    Symptoms of infant botulism to watch for in babies who may have consumed the affected product include poor feeding, loss of head control, difficulty swallowing and decreased facial expression.

    Early Cases Spark Questions Over Outbreak Timing

    In California, the state health department confirmed that six babies who consumed ByHeart formula between November 2024 and June 2025 were hospitalised with infant botulism or suspected cases. A parent, in a conversation with the Associated Press, said they did not believe it was a coincidence.

    Despite these earlier illnesses, health officials say they could not establish a clear connection to the outbreak due to missing lot numbers and insufficient product samples. Dr Jennifer Cope of the CDC clarified that this does not necessarily mean the cases were unrelated.

    Expanded Recall After Bacteria Detected in Formula

    The investigation revealed that unopened cans of ByHeart formula have tested positive for Clostridium botulinum.

    On 8 November, California officials announced the confirmation of type A botulinum bacteria in an opened can linked to a recent case. ByHeart subsequently informed the FDA that tests conducted by independent laboratories on unopened cans also detected the bacterium. This prompted an expanded recall covering all lots, regardless of whether a specific illness had been reported.

    The FDA noted that while ByHeart accounts for roughly 1 percent of US formula sales, it has been associated with a disproportionately high number of the cases under investigation.

    Why Initial Cases Failed to Trigger Investigation

    For affected families, the situation has prompted frustration and confusion. As one mother asked: ‘Why did the cases beginning in August flag an investigation, but the cases that began in March did not?’

    The delay in linking the early cases to the broader outbreak appears to stem from several factors. Infant botulism is extremely rare, which complicates monitoring and trend detection. Symptoms can take weeks to appear and may initially resemble other conditions.

    Health authorities also stressed that many of the early cases lacked product lot details or retained formula containers, both of which are essential for laboratory testing and tracing the source. As a result, early clusters did not have enough statistical support to trigger a formal investigation until cases surged dramatically after August.

    Parents Urged to Stay Vigilant Amid Recall

    Ongoing enquiries by the FDA and CDC now focus on determining how contamination occurred, identifying any manufacturing or distribution issues and understanding why earlier illnesses were not flagged sooner.

    Parents are urged to remain vigilant and monitor babies closely for any symptoms, while staying informed about recall alerts.

    The incident underscores the need for stringent quality-control measures, robust supply-chain tracking and rapid regulatory action, particularly for high-risk products such as infant formula.

    While botulism linked to powdered formula is rare, this outbreak highlights how contamination in even small-market brands can lead to widespread risk.

    Authorities anticipate that the situation will lead to heightened scrutiny of formula manufacturing practices and environmental safety standards across the industry.

    Originally published on IBTimes UK

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  • UnitedHealth CEO Steps Down 6 Months After Brian Thompson Murder

    UnitedHealth CEO Steps Down 6 Months After Brian Thompson Murder

    The UnitedHealth CEO abruptly stepped down on Tuesday, six months after the CEO of UnitedHealth’s subsidiary UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was murdered.

    Andrew Witty cited “personal reasons” for stepping down from the top position. He was replaced by Stephen J. Hemsley, who previously served as the CEO from 2006 to 2017. Hemsley will continue to serve concurrently as chairman of UnitedHealth’s board of directors.

    “We are grateful for Andrew’s stewardship of UnitedHealth Group, especially during some of the most challenging times any company has ever faced,” Hemsley said in a press release. “The Board and I have greatly valued his leadership and compassion as chief executive and as a director and wish him and his family the best.”

    Additionally, the company stated it suspended its 2025 annual outlook to focus on “broadening to more types of benefit offerings than seen in the first quarter.” It added that “medical costs of many Medicare Advantage beneficiaries new to UnitedHealthcare remained higher than expected.” UnitedHealth’s outlook is expected to return in 2026.

    Thompson was fatally shot in New York on December 6, 2024. The shooter allegedly wrote “delay,” “deny” and “depose” on the bullets, seemingly in reference to a book criticizing policies for health insurance claims.

    Luigi Mangione, 26, was arrested in Pennsylvania five days later and accused of murdering Thompson. He was indicted on 11 New York state charges and four federal charges, including first-degree murder, murder in furtherance of terrorism and stalking. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is seeking the death penalty for Mangione’s federal charges.

    Originally published on Latin Times

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  • Stuck On Your Weight Loss Journey? Here’s Nutritionist’s Cheat Code To Shed Pounds In 3 Months

    Stuck On Your Weight Loss Journey? Here’s Nutritionist’s Cheat Code To Shed Pounds In 3 Months

    Feeling stuck in your weight loss journey, despite your best efforts? You’re not alone, many people may face a frustrating stage where progress slows. But according to a nutritionist, the key is not in a fad diet or extreme workout—it’s consistency. Here’s the cheat code to break through the stagnation and shed substantial weight in just three months.

    “Weight loss is a journey and the secret to seeing true and lasting results is by staying consistent and not perfect,” said Amaka, a certified nutritionist in an Instagram post, where she shared a cheat code to lose 20 kg (about 44 pounds) in three months.

    For those looking to kickstart their weight loss journey or those struggling along the way, here are some practical tips from her.

    Focus on low calorie diet:

    According to Amaka, the key to weight loss is maintaining a calorie-deficit diet while staying full. She suggests consuming low-calorie, high-protein meals to achieve this and recommends adding spices like cayenne pepper, turmeric, and cinnamon to boost metabolism for faster results.

    Amaka also recommends eliminating sugar and refined carbs, as an easy trick to reduce the waistline. “Practice 80/20 rule in your nutrition, where you eat healthy 80% and allow yourself to indulge in a cheat meal 20% to help you stay consistent and not restricted, fuels your energy and boost your mood to stay consistent on your journey,” she said.

    How to eat:

    Most people know what should go on their plate while dieting, but according to Amaka, how you eat your food is just as important.

    “Eat your protein and vegetables first before your carbs, it will make you full quickly, and you will struggle to eat your carb left on your plate,” she wrote. Taking smaller plates or bowls while serving food will help to trick your brain into feeling full.

    Drink water:

    Staying hydrated helps to nourish the body and control the hunger pangs. “Always drink water 5-10 minutes before eating your meal, it will help control your appetite,” she said.

    Exercise:

    Regular physical activity is essential for both weight loss and overall well-being. Amaka recommends strength training 2–3 days a week, as it helps build muscle and keeps the body burning calories even at rest.

    “Leave the scale completely, use pictures, your fittings in your old clothes, and body measurements to track your progress, they’re always accurate. Scale fluctuates, and has made me lose hope and stop my journey because I felt I was not making progress,” she added.



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  • Struggling To Stick To Your Resolutions? It Takes At Least Two Months To Build A Habit

    Struggling To Stick To Your Resolutions? It Takes At Least Two Months To Build A Habit

    As January comes to an end, many of us may be struggling to stick to our New Year’s resolutions. But don’t give up just yet. Researchers say it takes not just 21 days but at least two months to turn a new habit into part of your routine.

    A new study from the University of South Australia (UniSA) challenges the common belief that habits form in just 21 days. The researchers examined how long it takes to establish health-related habits, such as exercise, drinking water, taking vitamins, and flossing. The results of the meta-analysis that evaluated 20 studies conducted between 2008 and 2023, involving over 2,600 participants revealed that it typically takes around two months — and in some cases, nearly a year.

    The study noted that while certain health habits took a median time of 59-66 days, some may take as long as 335 days. “Sometimes we found that the simple behaviors, (like) if someone wanted to start flossing each day, might take someone a week to get into their routine, but more complex behaviors such as changing someone’s diet and physical activity can take a lot longer,” Ben Singh, co-author of the study told CNN.

    Singh also noted that people looking to build healthy habits, such as eating better or exercising more, may have greater success if they practice them in the morning when motivation tends to be higher.

    The researchers believe that the current findings would help “people set realistic expectations” about habit formation, encouraging them to stay committed even if progress feels slow.

    The idea that habits form in 21 days traces back to plastic surgeon Maxwell Maltz, who observed that his patients, whether recovering from nose jobs or amputations, typically needed about 21 days to adjust to their new appearance. This led to the theory that people in general would take the same period to adopt a new behavior.

    “There is the possibility that it will put people off and maybe discourage them and demotivate them. (But) some people (who) may think that it’s going to take them 21 days, but then after 21 days they’re still struggling, then at least this research and this evidence provides people with some realistic benchmarks that they can follow,” Singh noted.

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