In Partnership with Chronomics' Breakthrough Evolution for Preventive Healthcare

HONG KONG, Feb. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- S-CELL, in partnership with Chronomics, is the first company in Asia to introduce Healthspan, the most advanced epigenetic testing service in the world. Chronomics was established in 2017 and later officially launched the epigenetics testing kit in hopes to lead a revolution on preventive healthcare.

The biological aging wellness calculator comes with a simple test procedure. Starting with a provided test kit, a saliva sample shall be conducted in the comfort of the individual's residence and will be sent back for researchers to process DNA methylation data. Chronomics then provides detailed and organized results on overall health status, including specific lifestyle and environmental biomarkers that contribute to the current results. Within 6-8 weeks, data can be accessed through an official digital platform for the users to track and personalize health management with the guidance of their health experts.

"By bringing advanced epigenetics into the mainstream, this is the start of true and personalized health management," says Chronomics CEO, Dr. Tom Stubbs, who holds a PhD at the University of Cambridge in the epigenetics of aging. He is a specialist in Epigenetics, Machine Learning, and Computational Biology.

A core point of Healthspan and of which sets it apart from other health tracking methods is the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS). It is an advanced technology that enables researchers to look into biological systems in a next-level capacity than ever made before. Through DNA sequencing, experts of the Chronomics team are able to interpret highly accurate data and expand the knowledge into recommendations to meet the personalized health goals of the patient.

"It allows us to expand the range of things that we quantify beyond biological age," said Dr. Daniel Herranz, CSO and co-founder of Chronomics on the utilization of next-generation sequencing. He also has great expertise in computational epigenetics from acquiring a PhD at the European Bioinformatics Institute. "At the moment people are really obsessed with biological age as the only thing to be measured and it's a great start but our vision in Chronomics is to actually break down the different resources that make up your biological age and by doing this, we can act on more specific aspects of your biology," he added.

John Gong, founder and chairman of S-CELL, also talked about the benefits of the technology towards aging. "Healthspan's cutting edge technology allows us to accurately know and understand key factors that are influencing our Aging and how diet, exercise and health supplementation can slow Aging and improve our Healthspan." This partnership helps in emphasizing the significance of understanding epigenetics for a sustainable healthcare system. The biological wellness solution in the form of a highly accurate test kit puts customers on a new level of ease and opportunity for personalized health management.

There have been discussions on the current burden of non-communicable diseases. The stated fact that we are living longer, yet sicker is a huge concern in the healthcare and epigenetics industry. Chronomics stated the need for a paradigm shift in medicine - switching the focus from the treatment of one disease into the prevention of multiple diseases. S-CELL and Chronomics push biological wellness to a new level through this cutting edge technology.

About S-CELL

S-CELL Health & Beauty aims to improve people's quality of living through the creation of breakthrough cellular health supplements that support wellness and aging. S-CELL offers solutions for healthier skin, brain, vision, joints, weight management, and more extended health benefits. Products are made from the breakthrough synergy of the finest natural ingredients from both sides of the world together with the latest advancements in technology.

Press Contact:Email: cs@vita-sc.com Phone: +852 63542288

About Chronomics

Chronomics is an epigenetics testing company headquartered in Norwich, England. They also specialize in the capability to analyze deep and advanced biological data for continuous evolution in the preventive healthcare industry.

Press Contact:Email: chronomics@agencybrazil.com

SOURCE VITACELL INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD. S-CELL

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S-CELL Becomes the First in Asia to Introduce Consumer Epigenetics Testing and is the Most Advanced Test in the World - Yahoo Finance

Mike Parrys Damascene moment came when his daughter asked him for a football and a tennis racquet for Christmas, and it occurred to him that he was in no shape to kick or hit a ball around. Up to that moment, the 47-year-old hadnt given much thought to his health.

Despite the fact that I was creeping towards my late forties, it didnt occur to me to be worried. It just wasnt something I was particularly interested in, and there wasn't any reason to make time for it, he says. Every morning, hed head straight to his desk job, skipping breakfast. His evenings were taken up by client appointments or a decompressing drink at the pub.

But major lifestyle overhauls are rarely easy. Knowing he wouldnt be able to do it alone, Mike signed up with a personal trainer at Ultimate Performance gym in Manchester. It was nine miles away, and everybody said I was mad to go there every day. Having not stepped in a gym for over 20 years, I was also concerned about whether I would even fit in, whether it was something I could actually do, whether I would be embarrassed. It was pretty much a new world for me.

Parry was also managing existing injuries to his elbow and shoulder, so his training had to be accordingly. There was always something the trainers could come up with that would allow me to do exercises in a certain way without affecting existing or historical injuries.

The major changes to his diet and routine were tough for the first few days. "I was on a low-carb diet to start with, and I did start to feel a bit tired, which apparently is common," he says. But within a week, I started to feel more alert, less sluggish. I was a lot more active, and I was actually sleeping seven to eight hours a night.

Now, more than five stone lighter, he still finds his transformation somewhat baffling: You often see these before-and-after pictures on social media and you think, Yeah, OK. I didnt consider that it could one day be me. All I wanted to do was be in a position where I could play sports with my daughter. His confidence has also improved hugely: "I am able to buy clothes that fit me properly, that look good as well, that allow me to go out and socialise in places that I wouldnt have necessarily gone before."

As for his daughter's verdict? She said how incredibly proud she was and that I should carry on no matter what.

Parry trained three times a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. In order to recover faster in between sessions and further improve his cardiovascular system, he also had to perform 10K walks in between sessions. Here are some of his go-to supersets, from trainer Anthony Paulhe.

1A: Static Lunge x10 Parry started with 10 reps, building up to 15, eventually adding weights when he was confident with the movement.

1B: Diverging Row x10 Lunges were paired with 10 reps of this posture-improving back exercise. After 10 reps, go back to the lunge, for three rounds total.

2A: Hack Squat x10

Pause at the bottom for a second to strengthen the glutes and quads in the weakest position of the exercise.

2B: DB Shoulder Press x10 By alternating between upper- and lower-body, both body parts get more rest for greater quality of execution. Do three rounds.

3A: Prowler Push The prowler is a valuable exercise, requiring low skill and technique. Charge back and forth across the length of your gym.

3B: The Plank As well as building core strength, the plank teaches proper hip and shoulder positioning. Repeat for three rounds, or five if you're fit enough.

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How This Reader Lost 5 Stone and Built a Midlife Six-Pack - Men's health UK

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Much has been spoken of Henry Cavills punishing diet and exercise regimes, unsurprisingly for someone synonymous with Superman, with real-life comic-book good looks. Since taking on the role of genetically enhanced monster slayer Geralt of Rivia, The Witcher workout (involving daily fasting, cardio and weights session) has become a big search term, while his intense dehydration diet employed for shirtless scenes went viral. But behind the cape or leather armour donned for his characters, the British actor has some relatable rituals that non-superstars (or superheroes) can easily employ.

Cavill confirms there's a lot of gym work in his weekly schedule. When hes shooting a movie or series, to make sure that I can survive it, he trains twice a day.

Yes, its definitely for aesthetic reasons, he admits, but its also for the ability to actually manage an arduous shoot for seven to eight months or whatever it may be. Working 14-hour days does take its toll.

Regardless, his ethos is about trying to stay as healthy as possible. That means clean eating, too.

The most important thing for diet is knowledge and preparation, he tells us. And its very difficult for us as people who are busy running around doing our jobs to gain all that knowledge. His solution? If you can find a person or company who can do the knowledge part for you, so you know what your goals are, they can at least give you the information so you can do food prep, for example. This is is enormously helpful, Cavill says, allowing you to be in control of your nutrition.

I have found food prep to be a massive saving grace for me, time-wise and health-wise

I have found food prep to be a massive saving grace for me, time-wise and health-wise, because then I know what Im having and when. Therefore, he can eat as cleanly as possible when working, and then once a week Ill have a meal that I really want to have and thatll be off-diet.

Cavill will suffer for his art, but he knows its just that. On The Graham Norton Show he recently revealed how he would limit his water intake when filming for The Witcher. On the first day youll have a litre and a half, and the second day half a litre, and then the third day, no water, and youll shoot on the fourth [day], he explained.

Will this be a repeat performance? When it comes to shirtless stuff I would absolutely do it again, he says. But I do not recommend it: its not healthy. It doesnt feel good but it does look good! He tells us he only does the the light version of it, (apparently bodybuilders go hard). But for me, if it sells a character to an audience then yes absolutely Ill do it, but if its going to be a risk to my health, then no.

The actor knows that he has a professional trainer observing him, making sure that Im okay and that I have all the right things going into my system. For us mere mortals, its the opposite of what hed recommend.

Dehydration diets aside, Cavill is water obsessed. I was looking to start my own water [brand], he tells us, I was researching various springs around the UK; I wanted it to be environmentally responsible and ethical. He then met David and Bonita Spencer-Percival, founders of No1 Botanicals, who extract the compounds out of herbs and make pure botanical drinks with them.

Cavills now partnered with the couple, enabling him to drink a lot of the No1 Rosemary Water. It completely replaces my regular water intake, he reveals. I love the stuff. The only time I dont [drink it] is when Im in the gym because then I have electrolytes.

This completely replaces my regular water intake

To grasp the botanical science behind it, Cavill made a short documentary in Acciaroli, Italy, to see why the villagers are living long, happy, healthy lives. Indeed, they consume heaps of rosemary, but he assures us theres heavyweight science beneath the romantic concept.

Indeed, Cavill feels it himself. I realised quite quickly that my body was craving it. It really wanted it, and I started to feel better when I was drinking it. I noticed a massive difference when I was working on The Witcher - in prep when I had a window to do all my work for the day I was drinking this stuff and instantly felt sharper. The brain just started firing and it really, really helped.

The tangible health benefits of ancient herbal wisdom is becoming apparent to Cavill.

While he wasnt conscious to include herbs in his diet before, now that Im learning about super herbs, and they are important to include he feels. Especially if you want to live your life to the fullest; if you want to take full advantage of everything the body and mind is keyed to do. So, we can all play Superman?

Its as simple that, he adds. If you start putting this stuff in your body, it works better and more efficiently.

Does warm lemon water have any health benefits?

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What we can all learn from Henry Cavill's health and wellbeing rituals - harpersbazaar.com

Photo by Chad Hsieh

The amount of carbohydrates available on campus has an effect on a students lifestyle and diet, according to students and exercise and sports science professor on campus. They said a balanced diet of refined and unrefined carbohydrates is important for a healthy lifestyle. In reality, they added anyone can eat whatever they want if they exercise accordingly.

Joel Reece is a BYUHawaii assistant professor in Exercise and Sports Science. Reece said he believes the presence of carbohydrates on campus is not great. He said, I think carbohydrates are a good thing for us. Often times, carbohydrates are looked at as being bad, but carbohydrates are the thing that provides energy for us.

Our body wants us to use carbohydrates as energy before any other macronutrients. Carbohydrates are one essential macronutrient that we can use for energy our body can use for energy I think maybe the misconception about carbohydrates is like a simple carbohydrate versus a complex carbohydrate or carbohydrates from whole grains versus refined.

Reece added, Maybe there are too many refined carbohydrates on campus.

Tale of two carbohydrates

The healthy balance between refined and simplified carbohydrates can affect a healthy diet, said Reece. According to medicalnewstoday.com, Unprocessed carbs contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, processing them removes nutrients and results in refined carbs, which people sometimes refer to as empty carbs or empty calories.

Refined carbs provide very few vitamins and minerals. The body processes refined carbs quickly, so they do not provide lasting energy, and they can cause a persons blood sugar to spike.

According to Reece, refined carbohydrates, when eaten, could be either used as energy or later stored, but too much refined carbohydrates cannot be converted into energy and instead converts into fat stored in the body.

Although carbohydrates turn into sugar once consumed, sophomore Jeffery Tang, a biology major from California, said he doesnt think food plays a huge role in fat. He said people can eat whatever they want as long as they have the right amount of exercise. Tang said he was able to eat whatever he wanted due to balancing both calorie intake and exercise.

He shared from personal experience. I used to have to eat 8,000 calories a day to maintain my body weight. If I started not eating 8,000 calories then I would lose weight. Thats why with [the] right amount of exercise, you can eat any amount of food you want.

Brec Jorgenson, an undecided freshmen from Utah, said, I think that carbs are a good thing on campus. Carbs should be an important part of a students diet, but not overdone.

Jorgenson shared he thinks its not necessary to withdraw carbohydrates from a diet, but instead, its better to limit the amount of refined carbohydrates in a diet. The best thing to do is to balance both types of carbohydrates and exercise.

I believe that students put in enough time [studying and staying active] that carbs will help them keep going. I do believe that loading up on carbs and not adding exercise into someones weekly schedule will not be helpful in the long run.

Continued here:
Joel Reece encourages students to know their eating habits and avoid excessive refined carbohydrates - Ke Alakai

The ketogenic diet - or 'keto' for short - is a high fat, low carb, restrictive eating plan that promises to help you lose weight.

It has also been deemed effective in treating epilepsy, but has been widely criticised by nutritionists for being restrictive and extreme.

Now a study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology, warns of another concern - keto may have an unexpected side effect of weakening athletes' bones during intense training.

Researchers from the Australian Institute of Sport and Australian Catholic University looked at 30 elite race walkers (25 male and five female) over three and a half weeks of intense athletic training.

About half of the group were assigned to a low carb, high fat ketogenic diet, getting between 75 and 80 per cent of their daily calories from fat. The other half stuck to a high carb diet. Both groups consumed the same amount of calories, relative to their body weight, and both groups ate a moderate amount of protein.

The team found that the athletes on the keto diet showed greater signs of bone breakdown than they had at the start of the study. Athletes on a high carb diet, however, showed no significant difference, according to the test results.

After reintroducing carbs into their diet, the keto athletes saw some improvement in their bone health, but they weren't back to full strength, the researchers found.

These results suggest that the ketogenic diet somehow sped up the breakdown of athletes' bones during intense exercise, and inhibited recovery, although it's not exactly clear how.

The new findings come alongside other criticisms of the diet, with experts suggesting that keto is only safe and effective over a short period of time.

Some experts have even warned that a longterm keto diet can damage the heart muscle.

"We believe that the keto diet may affect bone metabolism due to the downstream effects of low-carbohydrate availability on certain hormones, along with other factors," said Louise Burke, lead author of the study and head of sports nutrition at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra

It is not clear from this study how the keto diet will affect bone health over a longer period of time and whether athletes may be able to adapt the diet to reduce symptoms.

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Following a keto diet could weaken your bones and increase your risk of injury - Luton Today

Start (Dec. 31): 447 lbs.

Two weeks ago: 433 lbs.

This week: 437 lbs.

Total lost in 2020: 10 lbs.

Shortly after writing these words two weeks ago, I began to struggle: Although I have not yet struggled with any major issues so far this year, I know that eventually life will knock me down again, and Ill have to work hard to get back up.

Yup, I got knocked down, and now Im back up again.

It all started with my new work schedule and a special project that required a lot of long days, extra attention to detail and creativity. Needless to say, it took a lot of energy out of me, and when I dont have the energy, I dont have the will power to behave. Ill start making excuses as to why I cant exercise and justifications as to why its OK to eat that junk food or drink that beer.

When things get busy at work, sometimes the dishes dont get done in a timely manner, and after a long day, the last thing I want to do is wash dishes so I can cook a healthy meal. I end up choosing the quicker option of picking up food, such as frozen pizza, that I can just pop in the oven. The next day, its something else, then something else, and before I know it, Im out of control.

A little extra sleep helps. So does exercise, especially when you are forced to get the exercise.

After the snowstorm last Friday, for example, I had to shovel about 18 inches of snow out of the driveway so we could get the cars out. On Friday night, I moved all the snow from my wifes side of the driveway to my side of the driveway in front, behind and on top of my 2012 Ford Focus. You couldnt see my car at all.

On Saturday, I was busy announcing the Gala Parade in front of the town hall for the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival and was too tired afterward to shovel.

On Sunday, I spent three hours shoveling my car out, taking breaks by sitting on the front steps of my house and listening to the blue jays make all kinds of noise. It had warmed up, too, so it was pleasant. I actually enjoyed it. It was meditative, if that makes any sense. I was at peace while I was out there. It helped me recharge and get back on track.

Even with two weeks of questionable behavior eating junk food, meat and drinking a six pack of beer Im still 10 pounds down for the year.

I have a feeling my struggles will continue in the coming months, as I feel cabin fever setting in, and spring isnt coming anytime soon. Thats usual this time of year. With almost four months of winter weather, its getting me down, and I feel the need more than ever to reach for comfort food.

In April 2014, when I was down 60 pounds on the first round of the Lake Placid Diet, I wrote about cabin fever and how I was self-medicating:

I keep placing sunshine on my daily list of positives when the sun is out. Even then, I continue to find myself in a dark place this time of year.

With the long winter almost over, tax day reminds me of finances, which always give me stress, especially after learning last week that its going to cost $700 to fix my car. I hate money problems.

I also hate this time of year. Ive been suffering from cabin fever for almost three months, and its getting worse. There is no spring break in my world, so theres no hope Ill get better any time soon. My spirits could be lifted if I took a small break, but where would I go? I cant afford to travel. And spring break in the Adirondacks doesnt cure cabin fever, not with fresh snow on the ground this week. So Im stuck with the urge to self-medicate with food.

I go through short periods of depression once in awhile. Thats normal, isnt it? I even find myself enjoying the melancholy. Its a good time to reflect on whats important in life. But the depression is always deeper in March and April.

Before starting this column, I shut the blinds in my office, closed the door and turned off all the lights except for a warm antique desk lamp my mother gave me. Its just me, the light, and the computer, and Im doing what I like best writing. Its therapeutic.

Foods always been my answer to depression, not alcohol, illegal drugs, medication, therapy or religion. I keep rubbing my eyes, searching for answers and not finding any. I just find more questions and the uneasy craving for food, knowing all the time that stuffing my gut wont solve a thing.

Still, it makes me feel better in the short term. Over and over, one day after another, giving myself a high with food, kept me going for years. But its an addiction I want to break, one that the Lake Placid Diet was designed for.

I spent years looking forward to dinner as the highlight of my day, and on weekends, it would be breakfast, lunch and dinner. I would just eat and eat and eat. It was a time to enjoy food behind closed doors, leaving the stresses of everyday life for a short time while I indulged in the guilty pleasures on my plate, feeding myself well past the feeling of being full. I dont drink a lot of alcohol, and I dont smoke or do drugs. Food is my addiction.

I cant promise that when I see you next Ill be out of this funk, but I will promise to try not to self-medicate with food. And Ill still be seeking that sunshine until I finally feel better.

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Gearing up for my annual battle with cabin fever - Lake Placid Diet by Andy Flynn - LakePlacidNews.com | News and information on the Lake Placid and...

The disruption to shift workers natural bodily rhythms may play a part in their increased risk of disease, according to a new study.

Every human body runs on a 24-hour clock. This system, known as the circadian rhythm, uses factors such as daylight to determine when a person sleeps and wake.

It also has an effect on bodily functions such as metabolism and cognition. However, in the modern age, technology and varying working hours can disrupt this delicate balance.

Conflict between a persons natural bodily rhythm and the way they live can have a number of detrimental effects, including hormonal changes.

These alterations can lead to metabolic syndrome. This is a condition that increases a persons risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Night shift workers, who make up almost around a fifth of the United States workforce, are more likely to experience these effects than others. Not only are they more likely to develop sleep disorders, they are also at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes than other workers.

Also, people who work irregular or rotating shifts may face an even greater risk of sleep problems and metabolic syndrome.

Previously, researchers believed that the lifestyle habits that tend to go hand-in-hand with shift work was responsible for this increased risk. However, no solid evidence exists to back up this belief.

Researchers are therefore beginning to dig deeper into the relationship between shift patterns and metabolic syndrome.

A new review in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association did exactly that, focusing on the circadian rhythm.

Examining a number of studies and clinical trials from 2018, the review authors used the findings to propose ways of reducing the circadian impact of shift work, such as optimizing sleep and diet.

Its true that getting enough sleep, eating right, and exercising are critical to everyones health, says lead study author Kshma Kulkarni, from the Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in California.

However, the nature of shift work is so disorienting and discordant with those principles, we really need to help people in those jobs strategize ways to get what they need.

It is not only individual workers who can help. Employers and healthcare professionals also have a responsibility to make changes.

Good quality sleep is one of the simplest ways to prevent detrimental health effects. Shift workers themselves should try to sleep for 78 hours at the same time every day, suggests Kulkarni.

In order to aid the bodys natural cycle, workers should try to sleep in the evening, or as close to the evening as possible. They can take naps earlier on, and these should last between 20 and 120 minutes.

Moving away from rotating shift patterns is one way employers can help in this area. Kulkarni also suggests that employers should ensure that shifts begin before midnight and last for no longer than 11 hours.

Nutrition is another element to tackle. Research has shown that shift workers tend to miss meals and opt for sugary snacks instead.

Eating three meals per day is vital, says Kulkarni. These meals, along with any snacks a person has, should include a good amount of protein and vegetables.

Consuming more calories earlier in a persons day is also a beneficial step to take. Employers should therefore try to schedule breaks earlier in a shift and offer more healthful snack options.

Shift workers should also try to take exercise levels into account. Kulkarni recommends working out around the same time each day, at least 5 hours before bedtime.

It may be best to prioritize aerobic exercise, such as running and dancing, as this may boost the quality of a persons sleep.

These three factors are not the only lifestyle choices that may benefit shift workers.

Sufficient light exposure may also help. Certain light sources can alter a persons circadian rhythm to their advantage.

Night workers should try to increase their exposure to light before shifts and throughout. Installing high intensity lights in workplaces can also help employees feel more awake.

It is also important to avoid blue light 23 hours before going to sleep.

Kulkarni and colleagues also believe that medical treatment is of interest.

Medications that help control the sleep cycle, such as certain benzodiazepines and antidepressants, may benefit people at risk of metabolic syndrome.

Similarly, a physical technique called osteopathic manipulative treatment can reduce the amount of time shift workers spend trying to fall asleep.

It is critical we address the health issues facing people in this line of work, Kulkarni explains, particularly because the strength of our economy and safety of our society depend heavily on night shift workers.

To prevent metabolic syndrome, healthcare professionals should check workers especially those in sectors including hospitality and the emergency services for signs of a disrupted circadian rhythm.

With early detection, a person can successfully implement lifestyle modifications and treatment regimens.

However, further research is necessary to determine the most effective strategies.

Original post:
Using the bodys natural cycle to improve shift workers health - Medical News Today

Its been said that a thousand-mile journey begins with one step. Similarly, a journey to a healthier you begins with just one consultation.

There are an endless number of reasons why our health starts to slip away from us as we get older. A demanding career, family commitments, age and injury all these things can impact our ability to adhere to a program focussed on healthy living.

But the good news is that there are people here to help.

Live Well Exercise Clinic is a state-of-the-art exercise facility that provides professional fitness training and healthy lifestyle coaching to members of any age, shape or size. By using exercise as medicine, the expertly trained and educated staff at Live Well coach members on developing healthy habits that lead to sustained lifestyle change and improved quality of life.

Live Well Exercise Clinic in Lynn Valley has been open just over a year now and has already helped dozens of clients on their journey to find their way back to a healthier self.

Take Live Well member Tanja for example. Fed up with the constant guessing game of which diet and which gym would serve her best, Tanja decided to seek professional help to finally find a long-term solution to her health concerns.

Like many others, I have been yo-yo dieting for the majority of my adult life and stuck on the weight loss and weight gain cycle for years. I have tried every diet program and joined just about every gym, says Tanja.

Thats when she found Live Well.

Live Well fosters a friendly and welcoming community, and this motivates me to keep coming to exercise classes. Sessions are structured so that there is a different educational and inspirational component with each visit. Also, if something is not quite working for me, staff is always on hand to answer my questions and help me adjust my own personal program to suit my needs, says Tanja.

I have learned to incorporate (and even enjoy) regular exercise in my life again. Along with gaining more muscle strength and stamina, I also noticed that after a few months of doing the Live Well program I had less knee and joint pain! I feel physically stronger and more confident, and I am enjoying exercising my body and treating it well.

Unlike Tanja, Live Well member Tory had apprehensions about exercising for years due to her fear of injury, anxiety and lack of preparedness but after years of stagnant living she soon found that she couldnt delay her health journey any longer.

I spent years trying to get fit and lose weight, trying all sorts of things but nothing worked until Live Well. My balance was bad, my strength was minimal and I was scared. My whole life Ive taken horrible falls, many with serious injury, says Tory.

Since Ive been with Live Well, I have not fallen at all. The trainers are so amazing, if something doesnt work for you or you feel unwell they find an exercise you can do. Everyone has a different program with exercises just for them. There is no competition, the gym feels more like a sanctuary than a gym.

Some members have found inspiration to seek out and sustain healthier habits together like married Live Well couple Irene and Lloyd.

Lloyd and I both realized we needed to have some structured exercises as we age and we wanted it to be in a safe and supervised environment so that we could maintain and build strength, flexibility and stamina, said Irene.

Lloyd saw an ad for Live Well, looked into it and suggested we go. It has been a very positive and enjoyable experience. The groups are small, the exercises are designed for each individual and we work and advance at our own pace. It isnt a competitive environment and everyone in each session is at a different level.

Whatever the reason for seeking out Live Well, each member is able to find the safe and secure environment that they need to flourish. With just one consultation, the journey to a healthier you begins. Come visit us today and let us show you the path to a lifestyle youll be happy to have.

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Start your Health Journey with Live Well Exercise Clinic - North Shore News

Cramps are involuntary, localized muscle contractions that are often painful. Leg cramps typically affect the calf muscle, though they can occur in other parts of your leg as well (1).

These contractions commonly occur at night and can last seconds to minutes. Most leg cramps are over in less than a few minutes (1).

Although their exact cause isnt always clear, multiple factors, including pregnancy, medical treatments, insufficient blood flow, and the use of certain drugs, may increase your risk.

The keto diet may make you more susceptible to leg cramps for several reasons (2).

A potential cause of leg cramps is an electrolyte imbalance.

Electrolytes are minerals that are essential for critical functions in your body, such as cell communication. They include sodium, magnesium, chloride, potassium, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonates (3).

If your levels become depleted, your nerve cells may become more sensitive. In turn, this leads to pressure on nerve endings, which may cause muscle spasms (4).

When adapting to the keto diet, your body may lose more electrolytes through urination in response to decreased levels of blood sugar and the hormone insulin (5).

This loss is typically greatest during the first 14 days of transitioning to keto, so muscle cramps related to electrolyte imbalance may be worse during this period (5).

People transitioning to the keto diet often urinate more due to factors like reduced insulin levels and increased sodium excretion. In turn, increased urination can lead to dehydration, another potential cause of leg cramps (1, 5).

Dehydration is one of the most common keto side effects and may thus increase your risk of leg cramps (6, 7, 8).

All the same, evidence is mixed and more studies are needed (9).

Several other factors may also cause leg cramps.

For example, certain medications, such as diuretics, asthma drugs, and statins, are associated with an increased risk of these pains (10).

Additionally, sedentary habits, old age, strenuous physical activity, and medical conditions like liver and kidney failure are associated with leg cramps (11, 12).

People on the keto diet may experience leg cramps due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Other causes of leg cramps include sedentary habits and certain medications.

Aside from leg cramps, other symptoms associated with the keto diet include headaches, constipation, and fatigue collectively known as the keto flu.

These symptoms may likewise be caused or worsened by dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, making prevention all the more important.

The best way to prevent and treat leg cramps on keto is to ensure that youre eating nutritious foods, supplementing if necessary, and staying properly hydrated. Here are a few tips:

If you have persistent or extreme leg cramps, you should visit a health professional to ensure that youre not experiencing symptoms of a more serious medical condition.

Staying hydrated, consuming plenty of electrolytes, and engaging in gentle physical activity may help reduce your chances of leg cramps on keto.

While many people swear by the keto diet, transitioning to a very low carb, high fat diet can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, including leg cramps.

Nonetheless, making a few simple changes to your diet and lifestyle, such as staying hydrated, eating plenty of electrolyte-rich foods, and engaging in gentle activity, may help treat and prevent keto-associated leg cramps.

If youre experiencing leg cramps, try out a few of the tips listed above but remember to visit your healthcare provider if your cramps are persistent or extreme.

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By Swati Srivastava | 02/14/2020

According to Nursing Assoc. Prof. Samuel Green, mindfulness is defined as being present in any situation.

With classes, extra-curricular activities and limited budget, it can be hard for students to always maintain healthy lifestyles. Many students try to eat a balanced diet, exercise and meditate or practice self-care. At times, it may be difficult to establish a routine, but various communities and programs on and near Grounds can help them keep up with their goals.

Many choose to practice mindfulness, which is the act of focusing attention on the present moment while acknowledging thoughts and emotions that arise. Mindfulness has been shown to help reduce stress and boost overall mood and health. Mindfulness practices are taught in various University classes as well as drop-in classes from organizations such as the Contemplative Sciences Center and the Mindfulness Center.

Jon Kabat-Zinn, American professor emeritus of medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, was a key figure in the development of mindfulness practice in the United States. Hypothesizing that mindfulness may help patients experiencing chronic pain, Kabat-Zinn created the eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program in 1979. It went on to become the precedent for mindfulness programs and classes throughout the country.

According to Nursing Assoc. Prof. Samuel Green, mindfulness is defined as being aware in any situation.

The point is to be present with whatever comes up, [whether it is] pleasant, unpleasant or neutral, Green said. As a result of doing that over and over and over again, the mind becomes less reactive.

Studies have further shown mindfulness helps those who are suffering from chronic pain, including people who rely on opioids as painkillers.

Green and John Schorling, director of the Universitys Mindfulness Center and professor in the University School of Medicine, explained that the exact mechanism by which mindfulness provides physiological benefits is not yet well understood. But researchers have been able to conclude that it helps reduce levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. This reduction can lead to benefits, including better immune system function and decreased inflammation.

Schorling also mentioned that mindfulness has been shown to decrease the feeling of burn-out in healthcare providers. In addition to MBSR classes, the Mindfulness Center also offers a class specifically designed for the University Health Systems employees. Although it is based on MBSR, the Mindfulness for Health System Employees class focuses on teaching employees to balance self-care with patient care via mindfulness, Schorling explained.

We often use the airline analogy in case of a drop in cabin pressure, put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others, Schorling said in an email to The Cavalier Daily.

Although the Mindfulness Center is open to the greater Charlottesville community, the classes require a fee and are not aimed at students, Green explained. Instead, for University students he teaches a class in the School of Nursing. Green said that students often say they wished they had taken the class earlier and explained how it helps them.

Students who are pretty good about doing the daily practice, after three or four weeks, find that they're getting that 20 minutes back in the rest of the day because they're more focused, and they get work done faster and better, Green said.

Diane Whaley, education professor and director of lifetime physical activity program, explained that the kinesiology department also offers many mindfulness, meditation and yoga classes for University students. Due to the increasing popularity of these classes, the department also offers a yoga class KINE 1410 with one section reserved exclusively for first-year students.

These kinesiology classes, as well as Greens class, are all one credit and are graded as credit or no-credit rather than being assessed using the letter-grade scale. The classes have a strict attendance policy, as they involve practicing mindfulness in person.

Whaley highly encourages students to try these classes.

"I think one of the misconceptions is that it's hard to do or you have to spend a lot of time doing it and that's just not true," she said. The first important step in alleviating stress is recognizing it, and mindfulness gives us that break to take a step back and say, what am I worried about?

In addition to academic classes offered by the University, students can attend drop-in classes at the Contemplative Sciences Center. Leslie Hubbard, program director for student engagement and contemplative instruction at the Center, explained that its vision is to promote student flourishing in other words, help students reach their full potential and wellbeing.

Robin Albertson-Wren, an instructor at the Contemplative Sciences Center, encourages students to attend drop-in meditation and mindfulness classes offered at Clemons Library. Students can enjoy these classes for free, and Albertson-Wren noted that most of the classes are conveniently located in Clemons.

Whaley, Green and Schorling echoed the sentiment of taking a class to help students keep up with mindfulness practices and integrate them into their schedules.

Albertson-Wren also suggested using daily concrete tasks, such as picking up keys or walking through a certain door, as times to pause slightly and take a few deep breaths.

Lastly, Whaley emphasized the importance of college students taking time now to prioritize self-care practices.

It's really important, I think, to establish these habits now before you get into your careers, because if you're thinking you're going to balance your work-life ten years down the road, that's very difficult to do, Whaley said.

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Various classes offer students and community opportunities to practice mindfulness - University of Virginia The Cavalier Daily