Wellness

September is National Recovery Month. Recover Alaska and organizations around the state are hosting a number of events dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of alcohol and substance misuse in honor of Recovery Month.

The trauma of surviving a disaster can impact mental health for decades. Studies show that meditation can help reduce feelings of depression, anxiety and even physical pain following trauma related to surviving a disaster. Meditation offers tremendous healing benefits, including stress reduction. It also aids in coping with flashbacks, allowing people to better focus on the present.

I sit in my office with phones and internet down. Staff has scattered to coffee shops, and our provider cannot service us until tomorrow. I feel anxious, angry and out of touch. Disconnected is distressing.

With kids back in school this month, it is harder to avoid germs and illness.

With today’s hurried pace, it’s important to create time to chill out. Meditation can help return the focus that’s often lacking. You don’t even have to go to a retreat. Check out these apps (even for kids) that can help you keep your mind and body tranquil:

With Fourth of July upon us, the Alaska Nurses Association offers important health and safety advice that applies all summer long:

Researchers at the University of Alaska are pioneering a cutting-edge technique to target cancer, something that could bring the world one step closer to finding a cure for the disease. Seven months ago, a breakthrough occurred when initial immunotherapy testing on mice with cancer resulted in their tumors completely disappearing.

An estimated 29 million Americans have type 1 (T1D) or type 2 (T2D) diabetes. Both share warning signs, including increased hunger, thirst and frequent urination. Here’s a breakdown of their differences:

While paid vacation time has become an expected workplace perk, new research shows Americans are not always using it. In 2017, Americans gave up 705 million vacation days and forfeited 212 million – meaning they couldn’t be rolled over or paid out – equating to $62 million in lost benefits.

One thing not trending this June? “Dad bods.” June is National Men’s Health Month, and because it’s never too early to be proactive about your health, here are some ways you can take charge:

Therapy can be used in a variety of ways. Sometimes therapy is used to reach a goal; other times it’s used to achieve a life change or as a way to discover who you are at your core. Counseling is a tool to use as you wish, and your therapist is there to guide and assist in the process.

Feed the Children distributed its 1 millionth H.E.L.P. (Homeless Education and Literacy Program) backpack with community partner support. H.E.L.P. promotes school attendance and completion across the nation.

Each February, American Heart Month reminds us to pay attention to our heart health and raises awareness about the leading cause of death for both men and women: heart disease.

Regardless of what business you’re in, many offices share a common similarity: a sedentary work culture. Studies show sitting is a major contributor to employee health issues. Try these simple tips to minimize the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle and create a ripple effect that could change office culture for good.

We’ve all heard that in order to reduce stress, we should “reconnect with nature.” However, science suggests that we may not be taking this advice literally enough.

We’ve all been touched by heart disease in some way, whether it’s a parent, spouse, child, friend or yourself.

At Volunteers of America Alaska, our mission is to prevent adolescent substance abuse before it escalates. We provide a grassroots, community approach, raising awareness of the harmful effects alcohol and drug use have on the development of youth.

Like most, our team made New Year’s resolutions related to our health and happiness.

From Ketchikan to Kaktovik, children across Alaska will gather at 10 a.m. on Feb. 22 in school gyms, recreation centers and classrooms over a live video feed and participate in a half-hour of fun physical activity for PLAAY Day 2018, an Alaska Sports Hall of Fame initiative, with connectivity provided by GCI, Alaska’s largest telecommunications and technology company.

No one said you have to fit in, but these fitness trends for 2018 might have you joining in with the crowd!

It’s a new year, and we’re halfway through winter. Stay healthy and happy with these three winter wellness tips:

Even in winter there are races held across Alaska. Training for and participating in them can be a great way to stay active.

Exercising in winter requires some extra effort. From the gear to bundling up, we know there are a few more barriers to entry than a jog around the neighborhood on a sunny summer evening. But, effort burns calories! Here are some seriously fun winter activities and the per-hour calorie burn that will help you maintain your fitness goals year-round. Keep in mind that the results may vary based on levels of exertion.

Resolutions may be cliché, but often January serves as inspiring motivation to initiate a happier and healthier you. The hardest part (besides sticking with it) is choosing which habit to makeover.

Whether your idea of a perfect pet is one that snuggles with you or is a great adventure buddy, health benefits of having a four-legged companion reach far beyond the smile they put on your face.

Activated charcoal may not actually cure everything, but it’s currently one of the hottest health and beauty ingredients. Made from heated coconut shells and available as a powder or pill, it binds to toxins and flushes them out.

Seasonal affective disorder has little effect on some, but it hits others hard. Some swear that light therapy is the solution. Use a bright light for minutes a day to banish the winter blues? Great!

The holidays are over. For most, that means getting back to work. So, what can you do to be a little healthier in the office at your desk? Why not try deskercise?

The battle of the bulge gets tricky when traveling. But there’s no need to ditch your routine and compromise your exercise plan when you’re on the road.

One Word 365 says by choosing your word, it becomes the compass that directs your decisions and guides your steps.