June 17, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Golfing Cape Ann and Special Gifts for Father’s Day

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Father’s Day is almost here! Looking for a Gift for the Special Men in Your Life? Here are some ideas for those that love to golf – A round of golf at their favorite course. Golf lessons with a pro. A gym membership for improved fitness, strength and flexibility to avoid injury and improve their game. Or, for a Unique Gift – a Session of ‘Hypnotherapy for Improved Golf.’

Improve Your Game With Hypnosis

Golf opportunities on Cape Ann –

Bass Rocks Golf Club. Gloucester MA
Cape Ann Golf Club. Essex MA
Rockport Golf Club. Rockport MA

For more information on golfing on Cape Ann – http://capeannvacations.com/wordpress/golf-gloucester/

Golf is Exercise for the Body and the Brain. For those that don’t think of golf as exercise, golf entails walking, balance, flexibility and coordination for the body. Plus mental focus and concentration for the mind.

Walk the Course – for more exercise walk and enjoy the natural surroundings of Cape Ann. Incorporate ‘walking meditation’ from ball-to-ball and hole-to-hole for added health benefits.

Research shows that just a half-hour of moderately intense exercise a day can improve your health and extend your life.

For more information on health benefits of golf and benefits of exercise overall – http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/golf_exercise

Incorporate a training program to avoid injury. Study shows that “Implementing a training program that includes flexibility, strength, and power training with correction of faulty swing mechanics will help the golfer reduce the likelihood of injury and improve overall performance.”

Sources – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3445090/ and http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19387406

Hypnotherapy to Improve Your Golf Game. Recent study shows that “hypnosis may positively control emotions, thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. Hypnosis can help you feel more relaxed, confident and in control. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11219648

Golf is a Mental Game – Relax, Visualize, Believe and Succeed!

This hypnotherapy program from Dreamtime Wellness™ is for golfers wanting to

Feel more comfortable on the course
Improve scores
Lower handicaps
Have more FUN!

Discounted Gift Certificates Available Through Monday, June 22nd. To Order – Call 978-283-4258 or Email: info@DreamtimeWellness.com. Gift Certificates can be sent via email for faster delivery. Contact us for details.

Lower Your Score. Have More Fun.

Gift certificate is for a private one-on-one session of hypnotherapy. In this session you will learn simple techniques for relaxation and self-hypnosis and receive a recording for ongoing reinforcement.

SAVE $20.00 when you purchase a gift certificate by June 22nd! Mention GMG and SAVE $10.00 YEAR ROUND when you purchase a gift certificate. *Dreamtime Wellness™ Gift Certificates can be applied to other services and hypnotherapy sessions can be used towards other healthy positive goals. (Note: some restrictions for hypnosis apply. Contact us with any questions.)

Teach Your Children Well

However you Celebrate Father’s Day, Enjoy a Beautiful Day! ~ Karen

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Reiki Teacher/Shihan, Tobacco Treatment Specialist. In addition to a private wellness business, Karen has been employed as the RN/Reiki Provider and Hypnotherapist at NSMC, RN/Reiki Provider at Mass General Cancer Center (Danvers and Boston,) and currently is the RN/Reiki Provider at Lahey Danvers Outpatient Center/for the Pain Management Integrative Healthcare. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™ Since 2000. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit. More information can be found at –www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other health care worker. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the authors are affiliated.

June 13, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Keep Cape Ann Safe and Clean – Dispose of Medications and Sharps Safely

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Posted on GMG -Addison Gilbert Hospital’s Medication Disposal Day –

Saturday. June 20th.

Great that AGH is offering this! This is a great opportunity to Safely Get Rid Of any unused, expired and leftover medications!

Leftover medications should NOT be tossed down a sink or toilet, where it can potentially pollute the water supply and injure humans or wildlife.
Never put unused medications, vitamins/supplements or needles into the trash either, where they could accidentally injure someone or get into the hands of children.

SAFE DISPOSAL OF MEDICATIONS AND NEEDLES IS NECESSARY

The Gloucester police station has a ‘year-round’ drop box in their lobby to drop off medications. Danvers, Ipswich and Peabody police stations also have medication drop-off programs. Peabody police station has two drop boxes in the lobby of the police station where residents could deposit old medication bottles, as well as used syringes and needles. Other communities participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day or have semi-regular prescription drug disposal days. Some programs may be for ‘Residents Only.’ Check with your city!

http://www.gloucester-ma.gov/index.aspx?NID=228

Safe Disposal of SHARPS (Eg. needles, syringes, lancets, infusion sets) –

Not just for drug abuse! Anyone with Type I (insulin-dependent diabetes) or using home infusions and injections (chemotherapy/antibiotics/anticoagulants, etc.) need to dispose of these items properly and safely. This goes for pets and veterinary supplies too!

http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/Sharps/default.htm#whataresharps

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/Sharps/UCM278775.pdf

Not only a public health issue, improper disposal of drugs can also have a negative impact on the environment. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the improper disposal of unused medications by flushing them or pouring them down the toilet or sink may be harmful to fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. This can also occur from improper disposal of detergents, paints, fragrances, fire retardants, disinfectants, plastics, resins, pesticides, and insect repellents. Studies have shown that the endocrine systems of certain fish and wildlife have been affected by exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds.

Frog Pollution pharma2

Sources and More Information for Safe Disposal Can Be Found Here –

http://www.awarerx.org/get-informed/find-disposal-information#Local

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUp dates/ucm101653.htm

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/drugs-in-the-water

http://www.awarerx.org/get-informed/find-disposal-information#Local

http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/

http://www.innerbody.com/image/endoov.html

http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.highlight/abstract/6116/report/F

http://www.phrma.org/safe-use-disposal

Help the Gloucester Fishermen – Don’t Pollute!

Male Fish Bearing Eggs. Pollutants such as Endocrine Disruptors have been shown to affect fish reproduction, growth and development.

http://www.peer.org/campaigns/public-health/pharma-pollution/

http://www.greenfacts.org/en/endocrine-disruptors/endocrine-disruptors.htm

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1095643314000890

http://www.peer.org/campaigns/public-health/pharma-pollution/

When in doubt, don’t just throw it out or down the drain where it can pollute the water supply of humans and wildlife. Check with your local government before disposing medications and chemicals.

And Enjoy a Safe, Healthy and Beautiful Cape Ann. ~ Karen

Andrew’s Point

~ Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Reiki Teacher/Shihan, Tobacco Treatment Specialist. In addition to a private wellness business, Karen has been employed as the RN/Reiki Provider and Hypnotherapist at NSMC, RN/Reiki Provider at Mass General Cancer Center (Danvers and Boston,) and currently is the RN/Reiki Provider at Lahey Danvers Outpatient Center/for the Pain Management Integrative Healthcare. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™ Since 2000. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit. More information can be found at –www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

June 6, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

June is PTSD Awareness Month

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

June has been designated PTSD Awareness Month by the National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder resulting from exposure to a single or multiple traumatic events, such physical or sexual assault, natural or man-made disaster, and war-related combat stress. Symptoms of PTSD include persistent intrusive thoughts and distressing dreams about the traumatic event, triggered emotional responses to reminders of the trauma, efforts to avoid thinking or talking about the trauma, and persistent hypervigilance for cues that indicate additional danger or trauma re-occurring.

PTSD Statistics –

According to the National Center for PTSD,

about 7 to 8 percent of the U.S. population will have PTSD at some point in their lives.
about 5.2 million adults have PTSD during a given year.
Veterans with PTSD by service era:
- Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom: About 11-20%
- Gulf War (Desert Storm): 12%
- Vietnam War: Estimated that 30% of Vietnam Veterans have had PTSD in their lifetime.
- Estimated # of Veteran suicides per day – 20 (Source: CDC)

Some Symptoms of PTSD –

Anxiety and/or Depression
Sleep Disturbance and Nightmares
Irritability and outbursts of anger
Difficulty concentrating
Hypervigilance (on constant “red alert”)
Feeling jumpy and easily startled
Substance Abuse
Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings

**Anyone can get PTSD at any age. If you or someone you know are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your physician for assistance.

Some Treatments for PTSD –

Counseling – Psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Family
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Medications for anxiety/depression

Complementary and Integrative Therapies for PTSD –

Acupuncture
Hypnosis
Meditation
Qi Gong
Reiki
Relaxation Techniques
Yoga

Many hospitals in the Boston area now advertise integrative healthcare programs. Fort Hood (TX,) Fort Belvoir (VA) and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (MD) offer integrative healthcare services to veterans (Eg. massage, reiki, reflexology and yoga.) A 2008 American Hospital Association survey found that 84 percent of hospitals reported patient demand as the primary rationale in offering complementary and integrative medicine services.

~ Ask your physician about ordering counseling and integrative services for PTSD, stress and/or pain management. When in the hospital, ask if these services are available. ~

Sources and for More Information –

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/basics/treatment/con-20022540

http://www.helpguide.org

http://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/PTSD

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml

http://www.cause-usa.org/main/home.cfm?PageID=47

http://www.veteranstoday.com/2009/04/01/army-s-new-ptsd-treatments-yoga-reiki-bioenergy/

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml

(*Flag photo shared with permission of Jay Albert. http://capeannimages.blogspot.com. Thanks Jay!)

My Pledge – Veterans diagnosed with PTSD can sign up for a FREE sample session of Reiki during the month of June. Reiki (ray-kee) Ryoho is a Japanese healing method/art that is offered through light or non-touch to create a relaxed state of mind and body. Reiki is offered for relaxation, stress reduction and pain relief, offered as part of an integrative healthcare program. Note: Reiki is not meant to take the place of conventional medicine or healthcare, but is intended as supportive care.

Relax and Restore with Reiki

To Schedule a Sample Reiki Session During the Month of June – Email – info@dreamtimewellness.com or call – 978-283.4258. Register Early. Space is limited. FREE Sample Sessions will be offered to Veterans with a diagnosis of PTSD – Wednesdays in Danvers MA at Lahey Outpatient Center, Danvers MA. Thursdays at the North Shore Medical Dental Center, Peabody MA.

Ongoing Dreamtime Wellness™ Reiki Shares/Clinics (‘By Donation’) –

‘Community Reiki Share’ first Tuesdays in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA
‘Reiki Clinic’ – second Wednesdays in Danvers MA

‘Reiki Shares/Clinics’ are an affordable way to experience the relaxation benefits of Reiki.

All Levels of Reiki Training Available at Dreamtime Wellness™ – Thorough, supportive training for those that wish to learn Reiki as a tool for ‘relaxation, stress reduction, and pain relief,’ for self-care, with loved ones or at advanced levels, you may wish to work in a professional setting.

When people ask about Reiki, I often think of the Mikey cereal commercial – “Try It, You’ll Like It.” Reiki is best explained through the experience of a session. ~ Karen

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May 1, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Fund Raiser ‘Reiki Share’ for Gloucester’s SeniorCare, Inc

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Monthly ‘Community Reiki Share’ offered in Manchester-by-the-Sea at the Manchester Community Center – on the MBTA Train line; wheelchair accessible.

Each month a local charity is designated to receive a portion of the proceeds. We are using ‘Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs’ to select which charity to team with. The first step being – Basic Physiological Needs (Air, Water, Food, Shelter.) The steps to ‘Realizing One’s Full Potential!’

Charities have included – Open Door Food Pantry, Beverly Boot Straps, (January,) Wellspring House (February,) Action Inc. (March,) Cape Ann Animal Aid (April.) And this month – SeniorCare, Inc. SeniorCare Inc. provides and coordinates services and information to elders and people with disabilities, enabling them to live independently at home or in a setting of their choice while remaining part of their community. SeniorCare, Inc. – http://www.seniorcareinc.org

Let us know if you have a charity and would like to team up with us for June!

Continue reading →

April 21, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Celebrate ‘Earth Day’ on Cape Ann – Tomorrow, April 22

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

‘Earth Day’ is Tomorrow – April 22nd! Celebrate on Cape Ann!

Tomorrow is the 45th Anniversary of Earth Day, what many consider to be the beginning of the environmental movement.

http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-history-movement

Spend the Day in a Healthy Way ~ Celebrate and Enjoy Nature on Beautiful Cape Ann!

Sun Setting on the Annisquam River

Walk, mediate, dance, or sing as you enjoy one of the many beautiful beaches – Wingaersheek, Good Harbor, Long Beach (Gloucester,) Cape Hedge, (Rockport), Singing Beach (Manchester)
Sit and meditate or gather shells at one of the smaller beaches – Plum Cove (Gloucester,) Niles Pond, Black and White Beaches (Manchester) Front and Back Beach (Rockport) or along the salt marsh (Essex.) Enjoy diverse nature, animal and bird life.
Kayak or canoe the Essex or Annisquam Rivers. (*Be prepared for cold water temperatures!)
Bike along Route 127 or Bass Rocks, a favorite place for artists, and enjoy waves crashing on the rocks. (Be sure to wear a helmet!)
Hike or mountain bike thorough undeveloped woods in Dogtown and be transported back in time. Explore the Babson Boulders, inscribed with virtues such as – ‘Help Mother,’ ‘Study.’
Enjoy a panoramic view of Cape Ann from Pole’s Hill (Gloucester.)
Enjoy leisurely strolls at Coolidge Reservation (Manchester,) Halibut Point State Park (Rockport) Ravenswood (Gloucester) and Cox Reservation (Essex.)
Make time for a picnic lunch at Stage Fort Park or Manchester Harbor
Enjoy digging in the warm earth and plant a tree, some flowers, start a vegetable garden.
Take a pair of gloves and a plastic bag and clean up litter wherever you go. Every little bit helps!

If you can’t make it to Cape Ann tomorrow, spend some time in the outdoors wherever you can – enjoy the sun on your face, a cool breeze, rivers, ponds and oceans, smell the fresh air, the scents of spring and renewal wherever you are! Enjoy a ‘daily attitude of gratitude’ of all that we reap from the earth, and be sure to ‘give back’ in return.

If you can’t get out, enjoy the meditative sights and sounds of ‘Spring Thaw 2015’ –

~ Happy Healthy Earth Day! ~ Karen

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™ Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

April 18, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Healthy Hummus

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

‘Healthy Hummus’ –

Hummus has its roots in the Middle East as ‘Hummus bi tahini.’ Hummus typically is made by combining cooked, pureed chickpeas (a legume) with tahini (sesame) paste, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Other legumes* can be used in place of chickpeas, such as soybeans, black-eyed peas and black beans. Low-fat yogurt can be used instead of sesame paste.

* Legumes – “a class of vegetables that includes beans, peas and lentils — are among the most versatile and nutritious foods available. Legumes are typically low in fat, contain no cholesterol, and are high in folate, potassium, iron and magnesium. Legumes also contain beneficial fats and soluble and insoluble fiber. A good source of protein, legumes can be a healthy substitute for meat, which has more fat and cholesterol.” (Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/legumes/art-20044278?reDate=18042015.)

Hummus is a source of healthy protein, carbohydrate, oil and fiber. **

** Keep in mind, even healthy foods require portion control for healthy weight! **

(1/4 cup/4 Tablespoons hummus = approx. 100 calories **)

Hummus: A Healthy Snack, Condiment, or Meal. Enjoy hummus as a dip with healthy vegetables such as carrots, peppers, celery, cucumbers, or squash. Make a healthy sandwich using hummus in place of mayonnaise. Add hummus to a salad for as a healthy protein.

http://www.webmd.com/diet/hummus-recipe-and-benefits

Homemade Hummus and Other Healthy Recipes can be found in Cooking Light –

http://www.cookinglight.com/eating-smart/smart-choices/healthy-snacks/healthy-snack-hummus-carrots

For nutritional recommendations, consult a physician, chiropractor, nutritionist or dietitian. Diane Dube, RD, LDN. http://www.DubeNutrition.com. Terri Smith, RD, LDN, CDE who has worked at the North Shore Medical Center’s (NSMC) Cardiac Rehabilitation and Heart & Wellness. Sue Miller, RD, LDN at http://www.Metrowest Nutrition.com. Melinda Vaturro, RN, LDN private practice in Stoneham and Tewksbury. To Contact Addison Gilbert Hospital’s dietitians and diabetes educators – http://www.beverlyhospital.org/locations–services/health-services/weight-management/weight-management-overview.

Join me for a lecture this Tuesday. April 21st at Dube Nutrition. 2 First Avenue, Centennial Park, Peabody MA. 6:30 pm – 8 pm. For Details/To Register: Email Diane – info@DubeNutrition.com.

Stay tuned for upcoming nutritional information from Licensed Dietician and Diabetes Educator, Terri Smith, MA, RD, CDE, from North Shore Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation.

Join me for a lecture this Tuesday. April 21st at Dube Nutrition. 2 First Avenue, Centennial Park, Peabody MA. 6:30 pm – 8 pm. For Details/To Register: Email Diane – info@DubeNutrition.com.

Happy, Healthy Meal Planning! ~ Karen

PS. Be sure not to confuse ‘Hummus,’ with ‘Humus’ – the dark, organic material that forms in soil when plant and animal matter decays. When plants drop leaves, twigs, and other material to the ground, it piles up. This material is called leaf litter.

~ ‘Humus, good for the soil. Hummus, good for the soul.’ ~ 😉

Humus

~ Enjoy a Happy & Healthy Weekend, Karen

April 18, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Sabra Hummus Recall Alert!

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit

Hi Joey. I first saw this on the SeniorCare, Inc Facebook page and thought it would be good to share with Good Morning Gloucester’s Cape Ann Wellness to help ‘spread the word.’

‘Sabra Hummus Recall’ due to possible bacterial (Listeria) contamination. Sabra has recalled 30,000 cases of hummus. More information can be found below –

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm441863.htm

Thanks to Gloucester’s SeniorCare, Inc. for getting the word out. Good to know!

Eat Safe, Be Safe! ~ Happy, Healthy Weekend, ~ Karen

~ Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™ Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

February 28, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Importance of Controlling High Blood Pressure

More Information on ‘Cardiac Risk Factors’ in Honor of February ‘Heart Month.’

#1- STOP Smoking if you smoke. There are resources to help! (Contact us privately for confidential information on how to stop.)

This winter as people were out in the cold shoveling, I have overheard a number of them say as they were huffing and puffing, – “I wish I had never smoked!” Stopping smoking at any age can help improve your overall health! (www.lung.org)

#2- Control Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure (HBP) has sometimes been called “the silent killer.” People typically do not have symptoms when they have HBP and may not be aware that it is damaging arteries, heart and other organs.

Have your physician check your blood pressure. Follow their advice for treatment. If they prescribe medication to treat HBP, take as directed. Do not stop taking your medication unless you discuss with your physician first. If you experience symptoms of lightheadedness or dizziness while on the medication, have your blood pressure re-checked and any medication adjustments under the guidance of your physician.

High blood pressure if left untreated can result in:

Heart Attack
Heart Failure
Aortic Dissection and Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
Stroke
Peripheral Artery Disease
Vision Loss
Erectile Dysfunction
Angina
Kidney Damage

Contact Your Physician if you have further questions about high blood pressure, other cardiac risk factors and how to stop smoking. (For more information about cardiac risk factors – www.aha.org)

Take Good Care of Your Heart All Year Round! ~ Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N.

At Dreamtime Wellness™, we offer education and tools for self-care, relaxation and stress management that are helpful for ‘heart health.’ Contact us with any questions – info@dreamtimewellness.com. or www.dreamtimewellness.com.

February 14, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Celebrating Valentines’s Day and Heart Month

Happy Valentine’s Day!

“Loving Others Begins With Loving Your Self. Self-Love Begins with Self-Care.”

February is ‘Heart Month’ and Valentine’s Day is a great time to remind everyone to take good care of themselves. This month Dreamtime Wellness™ is focused on ‘Heart Health’ because heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. (http://www.cdc.gov)

YOU CAN Control Some of the Risk Factors, Such as –

High Blood Pressure; when uncontrolled is the #1 Cause for Heart Disease
- THE GOOD NEWS- You can better control blood pressure through diet, exercise, healthy weight, relaxation and when needed, medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Tobacco Use; Smokers are at 2-4 x the Risk for Developing Heart Disease (www.aha.org)
- THE GOOD NEWS – Within minutes of stopping smoking you experience health benefits! Contact us with advice on how to stop.

High Cholesterol – levels are affected by affected by age, gender, heredity and diet. Recent news reports remind us that a diet high in saturated and trans fats that raises the unhealthy LDL cholesterol. (Good News for our local fishermen and lobstermen!)
- THE GOOD NEWS – You can help control your cholesterol levels through exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding saturated and trans fats.

Obesity – People with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher are considered obese. (www.aha.org)
- THE GOOD NEWS – By losing even 10% from your current weight, you can lower your risk of heart disease.

Inactivity – Studies show that 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every week will reduce your risk of heart disease by about 30%.(www.world-heart-federation.org)
- THE GOOD NEWS – Regular, moderate physical activity helps prevent heart and blood vessel disease.

Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, If you have diabetes, it’s especially important to work with your healthcare provider to manage it and control any other risk factors you can.
- THE GOOD NEWS – The risks are lessened through healthy diet, healthy weight, exercise, relaxation and when needed, medication as prescribe by your doctor.

Notice, ALL of these risk factors helped through EXERCISE! On Cape Ann there are plenty of places to enjoy indoor and outdoor activity. We’ll be sharing more health tips on GMG in the coming days, weeks, and months. And local CSA’s help provide ‘farm to table’ fresh food. The Farmer’s Markets and http://www.farmfresh.org/food/farm are great resources for local healthy food.