Sparkle Health News
In case anyone needs a reminder . . .
Perfection vs Relaxation
July may be just the right time for gathering with family, friends, and community.
But should I invite them to my house?
YES! When it comes to having company over, balancing the desire for a “perfect” experience with the need to relax and enjoy yourself is key!
Here’s a look at “perfection” versus relaxation and letting go when hosting:
Many of us can admit to at least striving for perfection . . . setting high, often unrealistic standards for yourself as a host (and other areas in life), which may lead to stress and anxiety. Focusing on minute details that guests are unlikely to notice, like match your napkins to the tablecloth or how clean baseboards are. Trying to manage every aspect of a gathering can leading to feeling overwhelmed and drained. It may even prevent you from inviting people altogether.
If we are able to relax a bit and let some things go often there is more room for joy and laughter. Remember that the primary goal is connection and spending time with loved ones, not achieving a flawless experience . . . no matter how hard we try there is no such thing.
Prioritizing making guests feel comfortable and welcome above having a perfectly spotless home or an elaborate meal. Giving yourself permission to be “imperfect”and acknowledging that things may not always go exactly as planned. Embracing “mistakes”as learning opportunities and practicing self-compassion when things don’t go according to plan. Focusing on what truly matters – the enjoyment of being together with your guests and your own experience.
When we are in balance we can focus on the BIG picture – a welcoming atmosphere, enjoyable food and drinks (BYO can be an opportunity for others to share their skills), and engaging conversation. Don’t be afraid to ask for or accept help! Delegate tasks, have someone organize a shared music playlist, bring instruments, make it a healthy potluck to lighten the load (share recipes), a couple of friends can bring the ice ~ ultimately friends love to be involved in the planning.
Menu, decorations ~ keep it simple. Opt for dishes you’re comfortable making, go for cold rather than hot items, pick a few flowers or herbs from your yard and place them around the house in mason jars. If you have a garden (or local farm stand) prepare a few beautiful salads with fresh veggies that you can make the day before. These thoughtful things are what create a warm ambiance.
Remember, your guests are there for YOU! They want to spend time with you and enjoy the experience. They are excited to be invited!
Lifestyle Education
Lifestyle medicine acknowledges that our daily habits have a big influence on our health. Eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep are all critical but just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to lifestyle medicine. We also need to pay attention to our daily exposures – that might mean looking at the cooking pans you use or the water filter on your faucet. It also may mean looking at the timing of your activities with the 24-hour circadian cycle.
Food
What we eat, when we eat it and in what state of mind can all make a difference in our health. When we talk about lifestyle medicine and food, the “right” diet or food plan for one person may be different than what is “right” for another. Aligning your dietary pattern to serve your health is what lifestyle medicine is all about. Our philosophy is “food is medicine” and every member receives a custom food plan.
Exercise
Our body was meant to move and figuring out how and when you are . . .
Exercise For Hypothyroidism
How can exercise help manage Hypothyroidism?
Exercise and Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when our thyroid glands do not produce enough of certain hormones, specifically triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The condition can be difficult to detect, and an imbalance can cause or influence a great variety of health problems. Hypothyroidism can produce symptoms such as dry skin, brittle nails, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, metabolic issues, and depression. There are several different causes that can lead to hypothyroidism such certain medications, radiation therapy, treatments for hyperthyroidism, thyroid surgery, and autoimmune disease.
Levels of thyroid hormones can affect your body as it relates to exercise in numerous ways. It can reduce the amount of blood pumped by the heart, reduce the amount of fat extracted from cells and delivered to muscles, and affect recovery rates, insulin sensitivity and bone metabolism. However, despite the challenges those with hypothyroidism may face when it comes to exercise, it can greatly benefit the health of those diagnosed with this condition.
Benefits of Exercise for Hypothyroidism
Symptoms such as fatigue, achy joints and weight gain can make it difficult for those with . . . CONTINUE READING
Online Courses Only $10
Now Available Anytime!
Take an hour to empower yourself through health education. Each course is led by Dr. Elisa Mercuro, DO, Functional Medicine Certified Doctor. You can walk away with the understanding needed to make healthy lifestyle adjustments and seek the proper health assistance you may need. Adding new courses each month . . .
Members Only In-Person Classes
Learn With Gina Toce, LMT, NH#7888
2 classes per month, complimentary to members of Sparkle Health.
Kick off Monday, July 14th
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
2nd Monday of each month, 6 pm
3rd Wednesday of each month, 12pm
Classes expected to be 60-90 minutes.
Topics: Stress, Calm App, Breathwork,
Meditation, EFT tapping, & More
CALL OR EMAIL TO ATTEND
What Patients Have To Say
Special Days In July
Mark Your Calendars
Awareness Days
July 1, Canada Day, Resolution Renewal Day, Slurpee Day, Freedom From Fear Of Speaking Day
July 2, I Forgot Day, World UFO Day, Stay Out Of The Sun Day
July 3, Compliment Your Mirror Day, International Plastic Bag Free Day
July 4, Independence Day, Invisible Day
July 5, Work Without Your Hands Day, International Cherry Pit Spitting Day, National Play Outside Day
July 6, International Kissing Day
July 7, Chocolate Day, Father-Daughter Take A Walk Together Day, Global Forgiveness Day, Tell The Truth Day, National Day of Rock n’ Roll
July 8, National Freezer Pop Day
July 9, National Dimples Day, National No Bra Day
July 10, Chronic Disease Awareness Day, Teddy Bears’ Picnic Day, Kitten Day
July 11, World Population Day, Cheer Up The Lonely Day, National Motorcycle Day, Collector Car Appreciation Day
July 12, Simplicity Day, Robin Hood Day, International Skinny Dip Day
July 13, Embrace Your Geekness Day, National Be Your Own Hero Day, World Cup Soccer Day
July 14, Shark Awareness Day, World Orca Day, International Nude Day
July 15, Be A Dork Day, National Give Something Away Day, World Youth Skills Day
July 16, World Snake Day, Take Your Poet To Work Day
July 17, World Emoji Day, Get To Know Your Customer Day
July 18, National Pajama Day, Park and Recreation, Professionals Day, Nelson Mandela International Day
July 19, Words With Friends Day, Toss Away The “Could Haves” and “Should Haves”
July 19, Canada’s Parks Day
July 20, Moon Day, World Chess Day, National Ice Cream Day
July 21, National Be Somebody Day, Global Hug Your Kid Day, National Get Out Of The Doghouse Day
July 22, Be A Good Teammate Day, Spooners Day, Hot Enough For Ya Day
July 23, Gorgeous Grandma Day
July 24, International Self-Care Day, Cousins Day, Tell An Old Joke Day, National Refreshment Day
July 25, Hire A Veteran Day, World Drowning Prevention Day
July 25, System Administrator Appreciation Day
July 26, Aunts and Uncles Day, One Voice, National Water Gun Fight Day
July 27, Take Your Houseplants For A Walk Day, Love Is Kind Day, Walk on Stilts Day, World Day for Grandparents and The Elderly, Parent’s Day, Auntie’s Day
July 28, National Milk Chocolate Day, National Waterpark Day, World Hepatitis Day
July 29, National Lipstick Day, Rain Day
July 30, International Day of Friendship, Father-In-Law Day, Friendship Day, National Share A Hug Day, National Whistleblowers Appreciation Day
July 31, National Mutt Day, National Love Day
Awareness Weeks
July 1-7 National Unassisted Homebirth Week
July 1-7 National Independent Living Week
July 6-12 Take Charge Of Change Week
July 4-6 Tom Sawyer Days
July 13-19 National Cancer Survivor Sibling Week
July 13-19 Therapeutic Recreation Week
July 13-19 Operation Safe Driver Week
July 20-26 Everyone Deserves A Massage Week
July 20-26 Restless Leg Syndrome Education & Awareness Week
July 20-26 National Parenting Gifted Children Week
July 20-26 National Independent Retailers Week
Awareness Months
Air-Conditioning Appreciation Days
Anti-boredom Month
Bereaved Parents Awareness Month
Cell Phone Courtesy Month
Dry Eye Awareness Month
Eye Injury Prevention Month
Family Reunion Month
Family Golf Month
Fireworks Safety Month
Freedom From Fear of Speaking Month
Hemochromatosis Screening Awareness Month
Herbal/Prescription Awareness Month
International Group B Strep Awareness Month
Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
National Black Family Month
National Blueberry Month
National Child-Centered Divorce Month
National Grilling Month
National HIV Awareness Month
National Ice Cream Month
National Make A Difference To Children Month
National Minority Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
National Purposeful Parenting Month
National Recreation & Parks Month
National Roadside Traffic Safety Awareness Month
National Watermelon Month
Picnic Month
Sandwich Generation Month
Self-Care Month
Smartphone Courtesy Month
Social Wellness Month
