By StatePoint

We hear a lot about the important nutrients in vegetables and fruits, but the health benefits of eating seafood regularly aren’t always in the spotlight. It should be a no-brainer when it comes to seafood, which is packed with omega-3s. Yet, most Americans only eat one serving of seafood a week.

Here are some evidence-based facts to help set the record straight.

1. How much seafood should I be eating?

Studies show that seafood benefits your heart, eyes and brain, and may also help you fight chronic diseases and memory loss. The 2015 Dietary Guidelines encourage all Americans to eat at least two servings of seafood each week. That’s double the amount most people currently eat. To reap the range of nutrients found in seafood, try to get a variety of fish in your diet, including shrimp, salmon, canned/pouched tuna, tilapia and pollock.

2. What if you’re pregnant?

Seafood is especially important for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as young children, since it is one of the only natural food sources rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA are critical for brain and eye development, supporting the old adage that fish really is “brainfood.” One recent study shows that moms-to-be who ate fish two to three times each week had babies that reached milestones — such as imitating sounds, recognizing family members and drinking from a cup — more quickly than children born to mothers who didn’t eat fish regularly during pregnancy. Another recent study found that pregnant women who ate at least two seafood meals each week helped boost their child’s IQ up three points by age 9. Learn more about the best fish to eat during pregnancy at AboutSeafood.com/seafood-pregnancy.

3. How to get more seafood.

Incorporating more seafood into your diet doesn’t need to be a challenge. It’s easy to get the recommended two to three servings each week by simply swapping out the protein from your favorite dishes with seafood. For example, chicken tacos become fish tacos, and grilled steak salad becomes grilled shrimp salad. What’s more, seafood is just as healthy whether it’s fresh, frozen or canned, making it a convenient item to stock up on when shopping, and ultimately helping you eliminate wasted food in your household.

4. Start the day right.

Nutrition experts recommend incorporating protein into your breakfast as a way to boost metabolism and balance your blood sugar levels for the entire day. Kicking off the morning with tuna avocado toast or salmon on a bagel will help keep you feeling fuller for longer, prevent cravings before lunchtime and help you reach your weekly seafood goals.

More nutrition facts, recipes and other resources can be found at AboutSeafood.com.

For better wellness, give your health a boost by eating a variety of seafood at least twice a week.

By StatePoint

Spring is an ideal time to get active outdoors and kickstart a fitness regimen that can carry you into beach and pool season.

Need some motivation? Try out these ideas for getting started and sticking with the program.

Get Social

A personal trainer can be expensive, but a friend is free and potentially just as motivating. Besides, a little friendly competition never hurt anybody. Find a buddy to join you for runs and hikes, and with whom to hit the new HIIT class — that’s high-intensity interval training — or spot you in the free weights section of the gym. Joining an organized run crew, cycling club or other fitness group can be another great way to keep yourself inspired to move — as these meet-ups can be fun social events in addition to a great workout.

Gear Up

New wearable technology is not only fun, it can help you analyze your daily movement and workouts. See how much progress you make with wearable devices like the GBA800 Training Timer, a water- and shock-resistant watch that comes equipped with a three-axis acceleration sensor tracking your step count, a countdown timer that allows for up to 20 timer combinations, as well as 200-lap memory. With the download of the dedicated G-SHOCK Connected app to a smartphone, the watch can even track movement and support daily fitness. Employing a new algorithm, the app displays a graph breaking down daily steps taken in each of five metabolic equivalent (MET) levels, from data based on your step count and walking pace. It also displays the exact location and time where the wearer’s calories were burned, while measuring MET levels, making it useful for interval training.

Give it a Purpose

Find your motivation and dedicate your workouts to this purpose. One great way to do this is to sign up for a competitive athletic event that requires training. Whether that’s an obstacle course, a triathlon or a 5k foot race, having such an event on your calendar will provide the daily motivation you need. Check out free training plans that can offer you guidelines for the best way to prepare for each type of event. Need further incentive? Use the event to raise money for a cause that matters to you.

From new friends to new gear, you can make getting active this spring easier with the right motivational elements.

By Statepoint

Suffering from itchy, watery eyes? You may have ocular allergies or you could have another issue entirely, such as chronic dry eyes. Experts say that getting the correct diagnosis is the only way to treat symptoms properly.

“Chronic dry eye often mimics the symptoms of seasonal allergies and must be approached entirely differently,” says Arian Fartash, VSP network optometrist. “Many over-the-counter allergy treatments can actually make dry eyes worse, so make an appointment with your eye doctor to determine the exact cause of your discomfort.”

If your itchy and watery eyes are diagnosed as ocular allergies, Dr. Fartash recommends taking the following steps.

• Limit your exposure to pollen on high pollen count days.

• Wash your face after being outside to reduce the amount of pollen on the skin.

• Use cold compresses for some added relief.

• Don’t rub your eyes, as this will increase your body’s overreaction to the irritants.

• Remove contact lenses, which can attract allergens that accumulate throughout the day. Consider wearing your glasses or switching to daily disposable contacts during allergy season.

• Try over-the counter eye drops. There are a number of allergy drops that are formulated to relieve itchiness, redness, and watery eyes. But consult your optometrist to find out which are the best recommended.

• Consider prescription medications. If the symptoms won’t go away, you might need something stronger. Go see your eye doctor to discuss if a prescription medication is right for you. You can find a doctor local to you by consulting the VSP-network at vsp.com/find-eye-doctors.

Don’t suffer this season. See your best and feel your best by getting your eye symptoms properly diagnosed and treated.

By StatePoint

We hear a lot about the important nutrients in vegetables and fruits, but the health benefits of eating seafood regularly aren’t always in the spotlight. It should be a no-brainer when it comes to seafood, which is packed with omega-3s. Yet, most Americans only eat one serving of seafood a week.

Here are some evidence-based facts to help set the record straight during National Nutrition Month.

1. How much seafood should I be eating?

Studies show that seafood benefits your heart, eyes and brain, and may also help you fight chronic diseases and memory loss. The 2015 Dietary Guidelines encourage all Americans to eat at least two servings of seafood each week. That’s double the amount most people currently eat. To reap the range of nutrients found in seafood, try to get a variety of fish in your diet, including shrimp, salmon, canned/pouched tuna, tilapia and pollock.

2. What if you’re pregnant?

Seafood is especially important for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as young children, since it is one of the only natural food sources rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA are critical for brain and eye development, supporting the old adage that fish really is “brainfood.” One recent study shows that moms-to-be who ate fish two to three times each week had babies that reached milestones — such as imitating sounds, recognizing family members and drinking from a cup — more quickly than children born to mothers who didn’t eat fish regularly during pregnancy. Another recent study found that pregnant women who ate at least two seafood meals each week helped boost their child’s IQ up three points by age 9. Learn more about the best fish to eat during pregnancy at aboutseafood.com/seafood-pregnancy.

3. How to get more seafood.

Incorporating more seafood into your diet doesn’t need to be a challenge. It’s easy to get the recommended two to three servings each week by simply swapping out the protein from your favorite dishes with seafood. For example, chicken tacos become fish tacos, and grilled steak salad becomes grilled shrimp salad. What’s more, seafood is just as healthy whether it’s fresh, frozen or canned, making it a convenient item to stock up on when shopping, and ultimately helping you eliminate wasted food in your household.

4. Start the day right.

Nutrition experts recommend incorporating protein into your breakfast as a way to boost metabolism and balance your blood sugar levels for the entire day. Kicking off the morning with tuna avocado toast or salmon on a bagel will help keep you feeling fuller for longer, prevent cravings before lunchtime and help you reach your weekly seafood goals.

More nutrition facts, recipes and other resources can be found at AboutSeafood.com.

This National Nutrition Month, give your health a boost by eating a variety of seafood at least twice a week.

By StatePoint

What’s more important: diet or exercise? Anyone who’s tried to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle has likely asked this question.

Sixty-eight percent of people want to lose 10 pounds or more, according to a recent Harris Poll on behalf of Nutrisystem. March is National Nutrition Month, and a good time to get started on your goals. So, should you focus on diet, exercise or both?

When it comes to weight loss, the split should be roughly 80 percent focus on what you eat and 20 percent on exercise. The logic is simple, say experts.

“It’s all about calories in and calories out. If you’re eating less and exercising, you’re going to burn more calories,” says Courtney McCormick, corporate dietitian at Nutrisystem. “However, exercise often makes us hungrier, which is why many people who only change their exercise habits don’t see the scale move.”

To achieve a healthier lifestyle and shed weight, consider these quick tips that combine both diet and exercise.

• Eat more often: A 2015 study from the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that on average, people who ate six times or more daily consumed fewer calories, had a lower body mass index, and ate more nutrient-rich foods than those who didn’t eat at least six times a day. Eating smaller meals every three hours keeps you feeling full, controls blood sugar and helps boost metabolism.

• Watch portions: American portions have become too big; and those used to dining out may consider restaurant portions to be correct, when they’re often four times as large as what’s recommended. Learning portion control is key to losing weight. When eating out, ask for a to-go box and save half for later. You can also turn to plans, like Nutrisystem, which deliver portion-controlled meals to your home.

• Veg out: Vegetables are low in calories, high in filling fiber and loaded with nutrients. For breakfast, add spinach to an omelet; at lunch, pile your sandwich high with fixings like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, or use lettuce as a wrap instead of bread. During snack time, munch on carrots dipped in hummus or blend kale into a fruit smoothie.

• Drink more water: A study found that when people drank six cups (48 ounces) of cold water, they increased their resting calorie burn by up to 50 calories each day. Another study found that dieters who drank two eight-ounce glasses of water before meals lost 36 percent more weight over three months than those who didn’t sip before sitting down to eat. So, fill up that water bottle!

• Get moving: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend 150 minutes of aerobic activity weekly, but research suggests that it doesn’t matter if you exercise for two-and-a-half hours straight or break it up into 10-minute chunks. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day then build up to 60 minutes when you’re ready.

More diet and exercise tips can be found at leaf.nutrisystem.com.

Remember the key to meeting your weight loss and health goals is to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Focus on eating better and moving more and you’ll be on the right track.

Running shoes – woman tying shoe laces. Closeup of female sport fitness runner getting ready for jogging outdoors on forest path in late summer or fall. Vintage effect style pictures.

By StatePoint

In a fitness rut? Instead of simply attempting to lose weight or drop a clothing size, consider placing a more positive spin on your objectives. Whether your stated goal is to try new sports and hobbies or to get in touch with nature, you can better refresh yourself by setting goals that help you get in shape while appreciating your surroundings and having fun.

Try Something New

Testing out new sports and hobbies doesn’t need to require a giant time or financial commitment. There are plenty of ways to dip your toe in the water. Thanks to online marketplace coupon services, it’s easy find discounted access to local experiences like orienteering and rock climbing classes, fishing excursions, white water rafting journeys and more. Consider giving your fun and fitness goals a recharge by trying out something completely different.

Make More of It

Whether you’re hiking, biking, skiing or trying any other new outdoor sport, consider making the most of your excursions with tech gear that enhances the experience. For example, the PRO TREK Smart Outdoor Watch WSD-F20 from Casio, powered by Android Wear 2.0, has GPS capabilities, a full color map display and water resistance of up to 50 meters, making it well suited for rugged adventures. Because it can be used offline in areas without cellular service, it’s can free you up to go farther off the beaten trail. Find a great fishing spot or vista on a hike? Spot some beautiful wildlife on the trail? Its Location Memory app instantly reads a user’s current location, so you can add notes to otherwise unmarked map spots. Additionally, Casio’s Moment Setter app gives users an opportunity to automatically receive important alerts, such as best fishing times, rest break intervals, and sunrise/sunset times.

Get Competitive

Having a race or competition up ahead on the calendar can be the motivating force that drives you to get off the couch, get fit and enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s a 10k, obstacle race or a triathlon, training for such a competition can have cascading effects, leading to new healthy habits beyond more frequent workouts, such as getting more rest and hydration and eating a healthier diet. Completing your goal can be a truly rewarding experience.

When it comes to your health and wellness, think beyond the scale. Refresh your body and mind with new experiences that lead to healthy habits.

By StatePoint

Talking to your doctor about any health concern can be tough, particularly when symptoms catch you by surprise or cause concern. And when it comes to Parkinson’s disease (PD), experts say there are many symptoms that often go unreported at doctor’s appointments, making them difficult to diagnose and treat.

For example, many people are aware of visible symptoms associated with PD, like resting tremors and loss of balance. However, more than half of people living with Parkinson’s also experience a lesser known aspect of the disease — hallucinations and delusions.

“Over time, these symptoms may increase in frequency or become bothersome, as a person with Parkinson’s becomes less able to distinguish between what is real and what’s not. Fortunately, these symptoms often can be addressed.” says Neal Hermanowicz, MD, director of the Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders Program at the University of California, Irvine.

To help you prepare for your appointment with a PD specialist, Dr. Hermanowicz says to consider the following statements, and if they apply to you, to tell your doctor at your next appointment.

• I sometimes feel out of touch with reality.

• Others tell me that what I am hearing, seeing or sensing (e.g., people, animals or objects) are not actually there (hallucinations).

• I have beliefs or fears that a loved one (perhaps a spouse, caregiver or friend) is stealing from me or being unfaithful (delusions).

Dr. Hermanowicz also suggests that caregivers prepare for the next appointment by considering the following statements and speaking to their loved one’s PD specialist if any of them apply.

• I have observed my loved one interacting with things, seeing things or sensing things that are not there (hallucinations).

• My loved one has had false beliefs toward me or others, such as believing someone is stealing from them or being unfaithful (delusions).

• These experiences have affected our daily life.

Learn more about hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s and download resources that will help initiate these critical conversations at MoretoParkinsons.com.

If you or someone you care for is experiencing these symptoms, you are not alone and you may be able to get help. Talk to a PD specialist to learn more about available treatment options. Be prepared for your next appointment by ensuring the conversation first starts at home.

By StatePoint

Aging is a fact of life, and your skin is no exception. However, experts say that there is a lot you can do to help your skin at all stages of life.

“By spotting signs that your skin is maturing, you can take steps to intervene early, helping skin stay as healthy and youthful looking as possible,” says Dr. Roger Ceilley M.D., a nationally and internationally recognized dermatologist with over 30 years of experience.

To tackle age-related skin issues, Dr. Ceilley recommends the following tips.

• Around age 40, begin examining your skin for changes. You’ll get a better understanding of your skin’s specific needs so you can address them accordingly. Be careful not to focus only on the face, as you may wind up playing catch-up with the rest of your skin late in the maturing process.

• According to Dr. Ceilley, the levels of collagen, elastin and fatty tissue important for making skin appear plump and youthful begin to diminish as you age, causing thinner-looking skin. Help counteract this process with a moisturizing cream or lotion that contains skin-nurturing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol, glycolic acid and niacinamide. These can be found in products such as DerMend Fragile Skin Moisturizing Formula from the new DerMend Mature Skin Solutions line. In addition to those ingredients, the lightweight cream also features five critical ceramides to help make skin more resilient and fresher looking.

• A well-balanced diet promotes healthy, younger-looking skin. Make sure you are eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats each day.

• Thin, fragile skin can bruise more easily. Medications such as blood thinners may leave skin especially vulnerable to bruising. To help, keep a product on-hand like DerMend Moisturizing Bruise Formula which contains a blend of ceramides, alpha hydroxy acid, arnica oil and retinol.

• Dr. Ceilley also advises using gentle, unscented products when bathing or showering. Scented soaps, cleansers and alcohol-based products can leave aging skin feeling irritated and dry. Be sure to wash gently and avoid scrubbing or over-exfoliating as this can further irritate the skin.

• Itchy skin is not only a nuisance, but it can keep you from being comfortable and prevent a good night’s sleep, which can be detrimental to one’s health at any age. Though doctors are not certain why, itchiness is a very common problem in maturing skin. To temporarily relieve discomfort, use a steroid-free, anti-itch product containing pramoxine hydrochloride 1%, which can rapidly interfere with the itch/scratch cycle, helping to calm skin and allowing you to have a better night’s sleep.

• No matter what age you are, protect your skin from the sun and use sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher. Sun exposure throughout your lifetime can cause a myriad of skin problems as you get older including skin cancer, deep wrinkles, thinning skin, dark spots and broken capillary veins.

“Your skincare should be specific to your needs,” says Dr. Ceilley. “Watch for signs of aging and then adopt a routine that addresses every inch of your skin.”

For more information, please visit http://www.Dermend.com or http://www.FerndaleHealthCare.com.

By incorporating these tips along with specially-designed mature skincare products into your daily beauty routine, you can help tackle age-related skin conditions and help maintain healthy-looking skin for life.