If you can hear feet hitting the ground while you’re running, you're probably setting yourself up for injury. Excessive noise during running comes from bad form. Keep your feet close to the ground and try to use a quick, shuffling stride.
Don’t forget the American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. How are you getting your... Read More
You’ve probably heard that nature is good for you, but did you know there’s real science to back it up? A study from Stanford University found that 90 minutes in nature decreased activity in the areas of the brain associated with depression and anxiety. Furthermore, people living in urban areas are 20% more likely to develop anxiety disorders and 40% more likely to develop mood disorders. But don’t despair just because you live in the city, spending even just fifteen minutes in the park can significantly improve your mental health. So whenever you get the chance to get outside, take it.... Read More
You probably don’t need us to tell you that staring at your screen for too long is bad for your eyes. Luckily there are things you can do to limit the harm. One common technique is the 20-20-20 rule. Look away from your screen for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, focusing on a point 20 feet away. Position is another factor. Your screen should be 20-30 inches away, and you should be looking down at it at a 15-20 degree angle. Lastly, make sure your monitor brightness is appropriate. If your screen lights up a dark room, it’s too bright, and if it seems dull and gray, it’s too dim. Following... Read More
There’s no getting around it, carrying a backpack can be uncomfortable, fortunately, there are some rules you can follow to make carrying your bag less strenuous.
Rule 1: Your backpack should never fall more than 4 inches below your waist. Low-hanging backpacks put too much weight on your shoulders, which leads to bad posture, so keep your straps tight. Rule 2: Your backpack shouldn’t be more than 5-10% of your body weight. Limit your load if you can. Rule 3: Compartmentalize. If your backpack has different compartments, do your best to spread the weight evenly to avoid putting too... Read More
Don’t skip out on meals. It might seem like a good idea to forgo your lunch so you can leave more room for indulgence later, especially during the holidays. But, starving yourself will put you at risk of overeating and drinking which can lead to mindless munching. You’re better off to eat normal during the day and be thoughtful about the choices you make. Treat yourself to the things you may only have once a year, but remember each small holiday treat can average between 60-90 calories. The points add up.
DISCLAIMER: The contents and opinions expressed by Everett Clinic teammates... Read More
Energy drinks contain up to five times more caffeine than coffee. Although it seems like the solution to a lack of energy, there are negative side effects that come with it. Many can experience nervousness, irritability and rapid heartbeat when consuming these drinks. Many energy drinks contain high levels of taurine and some have 50 or more grams of sugar! If you track your sugar readings, you’ll see your blood sugar spike temporarily and crash, leaving you more tired than before.
My word of adviceSkip the energy drink. Instead have two glasses of icy, cold water.... Read More