Thousands of Athletes Battle Fire and Barbed Wire During Spartan’s Tri-State Obstacle Race Weekend in Vernon, NJ

April 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

World’s Largest Obstacle Race and Endurance Brand Brings Racers of All Ages and Skill Levels to Mountain Creek Resort for Two Days of Competition.

WHO: Thousands of competitors of all ages and skill levels, including kids 4 years old and up WHAT: Grit and endurance collide at Spartan’s Tri-State obstacle race weekend, which will bring thousands of athletes to Mountain Creek Resort to compete in the brand’s toughest races, the 12+ mile 30-35 obstacle “Beast” and the 30 mile, 60+ obstacles Ultra, where they will conquer obstacles including the Spear Throw, Barbed Wire Crawl, Monkey Bars and Fire Jump. A Spartan Kids race course features age-specific distances and obstacles for kids four – 13-years old.

The weekend also features a 12-hour “Hurricane Heat,” a unique endurance event, traversing on and off the Spartan race course. Hurricane Heat participants work together in teams to complete any and all challenges set before them. Spartan events focus on sport and athleticism, pushing the bodies and minds of competitors to the limit across miles of unforgiving terrain while they conquer signature obstacles. With more than one million annual participants and more than 200 events across more than 30 countries, Spartan is the world’s largest obstacle race and endurance brand.

WHERE: Mountain Creek Resort | 120 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462

Spartan Race is the world’s largest obstacle race and endurance brand, and the first in-sport to feature timing and global rankings. With more than 200 events across more than 30 countries in 2018, Spartan Race will attract more than one million global participants offering open heats for all fitness levels, along with competitive and elite heats. The Spartan lifestyle boasts a community of more than five
Saturday, April 28, 2018 Sunday, April 29, 2018 6:00am-TBD Ultra Elite Race 9:00am-TBD Beast Elite Race 6:30am-TBD Ultra Open Race 9:30am-TBD Beast Open Race 7:30am-TBD Beast Elite Race 9:00am-TBD Kids Race 8:00am-TBD Beast Open Race 9:00am-TBD Kids Race 5:00pm-TBD Hurricane Heat.
Millions of passionate social media followers, health and wellness products, training and nutrition programs, and a popular NBC television series, which has made obstacle racing one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Spartan Race events feature races at three distances, 3+Mile/20+ Obstacle “Sprint,” 8+ Mile/25+ Obstacle “Super” and 12+ Mile/30+ Obstacle “Beast,” culminating in the Reebok Spartan Race World Championship in Lake Tahoe, Calif. Visit http://www.spartan.com for more information and registration.

Filed Under: fitness, health Tagged With: , ,

Summer Safety Must-Haves for Children!

April 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Getting ready for summer travel? You’ll want to know about these items to help keep the kids healthy and ouch-free.

BugBand Be Prepared Kit
www.bugband.net

BugBand Insect Repellent Wristbands and BugBand Towelettes have been combined in a unique insect repellent kit, perfect for your child heading off to summer camp or enjoying outdoor activities! Licensed by the Boy Scouts of America through their prestigious “Be Prepared” Brand, BugBand has combined the long-lasting power of their Insect Repelling Wristbands with the potent heavy-duty protection of BugBand Towelettes in one kit. Perfect for weekend outings or summer camp, this DEET-Free Insect Repellent Kit has it all. http://www.bugband.net/guide_scouting.html

CUROXEN
www.curoxen.com

Cuts, scrapes and boo boos… with little ones, these are inevitable! Be prepared at all times by tucking CUROXEN into your first aid kit at home, or into your purse, diaper bag, or backpack while on-the-go! CUROXEN is a safe, organic, & natural wound cleaning product for your child’s cuts and scrapes that effectively kills bacteria. Providing a safer alternative to petrochemical and drug-based wound care that actually works, CUROXEN is made with just three ingredients you’ll recognize from nature, which include Olive Oil, Calendula, and Lavender Essential Oil. CUROXEN does NOT contain synthetic drugs, including antibiotics, petroleum-derived products, artificial chemicals, or silver.

For those who are careful about what we put into and onto our — and our children’s — bodies, CUROXEN’s ultrapure, ultrasafe formulation is a relief. All-natural and safe for adults, children and even pets, CUROXEN kills more than five times the amount of bacteria as its competitors. To learn more about CUROXEN, please visit www.curoxen.com.

 

BuddyPhones PLAY Headphones
www.buddyphones.com

With summer on the horizon, playing is top of mind! The NEW BuddyPhones PLAY Headphones were created to encourage safe play so that little ones can play, explore and learn without parents having to worry about their hearing safety. BuddyPhones PLAY headphones have four distinct safe listening modes for different listening needs to minimize the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, including Toddler Mode, Kids Mode, Travel Mode, and StudyMode. Like all BuddyPhones, PLAY are extremely durable, made from strong, sturdy materials and designed to last. The foldable headband is made of specially calibrated polypropylene so it can be bent and pulled without snapping. They can be fully adjusted to different sizes and are tailored to fit kids comfortably with pillow-soft hypoallergenic ear cushions for maximum coziness.

Adding to the fun is an option for kids to share a single device by connecting up to four headphones with the BuddyCable sharing system. This sharing capability minimizes the need for multiple devices and encourages kids to play together. Each BuddyPhones PLAY also comes with an extensive set of illustrated colorful stickers that give kids the opportunity to decorate the headphones themselves, encouraging creativity. The optional travel kit includes a protective hard case with a water-resistant zipper and an airplane plug that makes the BuddyPhones easy to transport. Learn more at www.onanoff.com and www.buddyphones.com.

Filed Under: health, review, safety Tagged With: , ,

SunSafe RX to Protect Your Skin

April 18, 2018 by 2 Comments

At our house, we are always looking at new ways to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful effects.  Some of us, mostly the men of the house, burn with just the mention of Summer, let alone the actual sun.  But we are trekkers and must be in the sun, so what to do? Well, lots of sunblock, for one.  We also found a product called Sunsafe Rx.  Sunsafe Rx is a natural supplement which helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays from the sun.  All you do is take them daily as directed and the benefits last all day long.  Not only does this help with sun protection, but also has anti-aging benefits.

There are powerful antioxidants in Sunsafe Rx which are good for both your skin and your eyes.  All the ingredients in Sunsafe Rx are natuaral and proven to help skin health.  Sunsafe Rx is also made in the USA, and is manufactured and tested in an FDA-regulated GMP-certified facility.  Sunsafe Rx prevents skin aging by preserving collagen and elastin and inhibiting the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun spots.  For your eyes, lutein and zeaxanthin protect from the oxidative stress of UV rays and may help fight the causes of age-related macular degeneration.  This is probably the only sun protection you actually want ending up in your eyes. Sunblock, not so much.  Sunsafe is great not only for those sunny Summer days but for year round, whether in the sun or not.  Some extra health boosts for your skin and eyes are never a bad thing. SunSafe Rx is available now on their website sunsaferx.com and retails for $29 for 30 caplets and up to $89 for 120 caplets.

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To Write Love on Her Arms Founder Jamie Tworkwoski To Speak At NCSP’s “Rally To Prevent Suicide” In Washington, D.C. this Saturday, April 21st

April 18, 2018 by Leave a Comment
To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) announces founder Jamie Tworkowski will speak at the National Council for Suicide Prevention’s (NCSP) first national Rally To Prevent Suicide this Saturday, April 21st from 5:30pm-6:30pm on the West front steps of Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Alongside the NCSP, the National Council for Behavioral Health, the American Psychological Association, the Cohen Veterans Network, and other leading health organizations, TWLOHA will add their voices to the call for Congress and the President to make suicide prevention a public health priority. For more information, please visit: www.rallytopreventsuicide.org.
On the upcoming event, TWLOHA founder Jamie Tworkowski shares: “We’re so excited to participate in the Rally to Prevent Suicide. It’s an honor to stand alongside so many organizations and individuals who are working hard to save lives. We’re proud to represent the TWLOHA community on Saturday in Washington, and you’re certainly invited to join us!“
Between 1999 and 2015 suicide claimed 604,878 American lives and an estimated 15 million more attempts. Current data indicates increases in middle-age adult suicides and in youth (ages 5-14) suicides reaching a 40-year high, compounded by 20 veteran suicides every day and additional active duty military suicides daily.
Everyone is welcome to attend the Rally to Prevent Suicideand show their support for improving the mental health of all Americans and preventing the tragedy of suicide. Attendees will be able to hear from top leaders in the field of mental health and suicide prevention and listen to stories of hope and resilience from individuals who have struggled personally and families who have lost loved ones to suicide.
To Write Love on Her Arms is a nonprofit dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. It exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery. Since its start in 2006, TWLOHA has donated over $2 million directly into treatment and recovery and answered over 200,000 messages from over 100 countries.
This past September, TWLOHA wrapped its 6th annual campaign to honor National Suicide Prevention Week and World Suicide Prevention Day. The organization was overwhelmed by the amount of love and support shown during this year’s campaign, titled, “Stay. Find what you are made for,”during which over $103.5K was raised for treatment and counseling. The campaign was shared by supporters all over the world, including NBA player Kyle Korver, US Women’s National Soccer Team stars Alex Morgan, Christen Press, and Ashlyn Harris, actress Shantel VanSanten, Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman, Dustin Kensrue of Thrice, actress and singer Debby Ryan, The Ready Set’s Jordan Witzrigreuter, and Jess Bowen of The Summer Set, all of whom were featured in a special video message directed by Dustin Miller, a Florida-based filmmaker and longtime TWLOHA collaborator: https://youtu.be/37cB2CQt_YA.
WHAT: “Rally To Prevent Suicide”
WHO: National Council For Suicide Prevention, TWLOHA Founder Jamie Tworkowski, and more
WHERE: Capitol Hill | West Front Steps | Washington, D.C.
WHEN: Saturday, April 21st | 5:30pm-6:30pm
National Council for Suicide Prevention:
The National Council for Suicide Prevention, a national coalition of seven leading nonprofits working to end suicide in the United States, works to advance suicide prevention through leadership, advocacy, and acting as a collective voice for those impacted by suicide.
Filed Under: charity/notforprofit, health Tagged With: , , ,

2018 World Health Run – Run With Us or Follow Along on Social! #GlobalHealth #Running #HealthForAll #PeaceCorps @WorldHealthRun

April 6, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Follow us on social media tomorrow as we participate in the very first World Health Run!

In order to raise awareness of health equity, health as a human right, the many challenges some people face in seeking health care, and the challenges that health systems face in trying to provide comprehensive care, we are gathering stories and reflections from individuals around the world. We will highlight responses to questions on social media in the hopes of encouraging an open conversation that represents everyone.

Please go to www.RealVoices.World to participate!

We are very proud that this event offers the opportunity for individuals and groups to support some pretty terrific organizations and their high-quality work.

We are all proud, of course, to be a part of the Consortium of Universities for Global Health. The 2018 conference was inspiring and we were thrilled to be a part of it. In addition, the Rotary Club of Chicago, National Peace Corps Association, and Peace Care are collaborators in this effort. Take a look at their websites to see what kind of work they do. We’ll be telling you more about them through social media, as well.

In addition, this run supports many local organizations and the communities with whom they partner around the world. We will distribute a report several weeks after the run to let you know about these groups, and we will distribute a follow-up report later in the year to let you know about the impact of our collective effort.

Our principal goal is to raise awareness about health equity in the U.S. and Globally. If you are keen to learn a bit about the topic, the World HealthOrganization is a great place to start.

Did you know that:

  • In the U.S., “Native Americans and Alaska Natives have an infant mortality rate that is 60 percent higher than the rate for their white counterparts. 1 In 2013, infants born to African American mothers experienced the highest rates of infant mortality (11.11 infant deaths per 1,000 births), and infants born to Asian or Pacific Islander mothers experienced the lowest rates (3.90 infant deaths per 1,000 births).2” 3
  • Globally, every day, about 800 women die due to complications of pregnancy and childbirth. Maternal mortality is a health indicator that shows very wide gaps between rich and poor, both between countries and within them.4

(these are quoted directly from Baciu 2017 – referenced below)

We believe that by bringing broader communities together to advocate for better health.

Check out our 2018 World Health Run Music Mix!

We are thrilled that this event is gaining traction as being a premier opportunity for committed individuals and organizations around the world to come together to raise awareness about health equity.

Virtual World Health Run

Date: April 7, 2018

For World Health Day 2018, as stated during registration, there isn’t a physical run near you. Therefore, you will be participating in the VIRTUAL RUN. (We are working diligently to organize a physical run near you year. We’ve made a lot of connections this year and we are already making some terrific plans for moving forward).

DIRECTIONS:
As a VIRTUAL runner, you have a terrific opportunity to plan out a terrific route and raise awareness. We encourage you to get a group together if possible.  If you need some help planning a route, www.plotaroute.com is a terrific resource. Not only can you plan your own route, but you can locate previously planned routes near you.  Please let us know if you find a route that would be a great location for a physical run for next year!

We recommend that you go for your run on April 7, World Health Day, so that we can unite around the world on that day. With that being said, the virtual run does afford a degree of flexibility that can be convenient for those that are traveling or experiencing other challenges with their schedule.

We would love for you to engage with us on social media when you do run. Help us show the world that we care about health equity.

Above all, go have a great time, wear your shirt with pride, and feel good about this event. We are making an impact together.

Listen along to the Official World Health Run Music Mix! Let us know what we should add.

Filed Under: charity/notforprofit, fitness, health Tagged With: , , , ,

Why Walnuts Are Good for Your Family

March 21, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

The walnut is one of the tastiest and most popular nut varieties around, so much so that you can enjoy it in a whole cavalcade of ways. You can have it in cakes, in chocolate bars, in candies, and you can even have it in your glass as a milked walnut beverage.

However, did you ever stop to think about the health benefits of walnuts? Are walnuts actually good for you and your family, for something that tastes so good? You may be surprised to find out that yes, walnuts do have numerous health benefits, some of which might encourage you to consider including them in your family’s daily diet, rather than just enjoying them as occasional snack.

Walnuts can improve heart health

Walnuts are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, both of which have been found to decrease low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (aka bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels in people who love snacking on the tasty nut variant. This is good news, as having high LDL levels can put you at a higher risk for life-threatening conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attack. Lower levels of LDL, on the other hand, means your risk for these conditions go down significantly. So if you or any member of your family is concerned about their cholesterol levels, then skip the chips and snack on a handful of walnuts instead.

Walnuts can help you lose weight

Looking to lose a couple of pounds or just want to fit better in your clothes? Then you could do well by adding walnuts to your diet. Not only do they boost your metabolism—which means that you burn off more energy even when you’re not exercising—but they also have quite a lot of protein and fiber, which are components that promote satiety and improve bowel movements. All of these can help you lose more weight and make you feel lighter and healthier overall.

Walnuts can improve bone health

Walnuts contain a healthy amount of copper, manganese, and magnesium—three minerals that can help keep your bones strong and even make them stronger in the long run. Copper and manganese help prevent osteoporosis and poor bone density, both of which can make your bones fragile and prone to breaks and fractures. Magnesium on the other hand helps make bones absorb calcium better, thereby making them stronger and helping them develop faster—perfect for growing kids!

Walnuts can help prevent gallstone disease

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted that the frequent consumption of walnuts as well as other nut variants can help reduce the risk of developing a case of gallstone disease that’s serious enough to warrant cholecystectomy, i.e. the surgical procedure performed to remove one’s gallbladder.

Walnuts may help strengthen your immune system and prevent certain cancers

A recent study performed in mice showed that the omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants found in walnuts may have an anti-cancer effect, especially with certain types of malignancies such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. While this has yet to be proven to be the case in humans, the fact that it does work on another mammalian species is still a great sign that this nut may have therapeutic effects just waiting to be discovered.

With all these health benefits, surely you can snack as much as you want on walnuts without feeling guilt-free, right? Not particularly. Remember, walnuts and other nut varieties are still dense in calories, so make sure you only take the recommended amount of servings per day. Yes, we know it’s difficult, but too much of a good thing can make it bad for you in the long run. Moderation is always key when a healthy diet is desired.

Filed Under: food, health Tagged With:

Cure Morning Back Pain Instantly With These Ideas

March 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Do you ever wake up with a really sore back? We’re talking so sore it almost hurts to continue lying down. In some ways, this is beneficial as it means you get out of bed quickly! On a serious note, waking up in pain every day is never fun – or normal. If you fall into this category, here are a few things you can do to instantly cure the pain forever!

Invest In A New Mattress With The Right Support

Most people find that their morning back pain is the result of a bad mattress. If a mattress is too soft or firm, then it can cause muscular irritations. Essentially, you develop lots of little knots that create trigger points, which cause the pain. This is either because the mattress you use is so soft that it causes your lower back to sag down and arch, or because it’s so hard that your back just can’t handle the pressure for eight hours straight! Regardless, as it shows on www.Mattress-Guides.net, you can find mattresses that have just the right amount of softness, while still maintaining a bit of firmness. This type of mattress is great for sore backs, and you’ll notice the change instantly! If you can’t afford a new mattress, then try getting a good mattress topper instead to provide additional support.

Stretch Before Going To Bed

One of the easiest things you can do to get rid of morning back pain is to stretch before you hit the hay. There are many simple stretches you can do to get rid of lower back pain, and I’ve embedded a video to show you some of my favorites. Basically, you want to target your hips and lower back. Tight hips cause back pain because one of your hip flexor muscles actually attaches to your lumbar spine (lower back) and can pull down on it, causing a painful arch. Loosening these muscles helps prevent this from happening, and stretching your lower back also helps relieve any tension that’s built up throughout the day. Also, I’d suggest adding some self-massage in as well before you stretch. Use something like a foam roller or lacrosse ball to do this.

Sleep On Your Back

If you sleep on your front or side, then this might be why you wake up with back pain. Sleeping on your front is particularly bad because it causes an excessive arch. If you’ve been paying attention, then you’ll notice I’ve already mentioned this is a bad thing! It puts too much stress on your lower back muscles, which causes the pain. Sleep on your back, and you keep everything in perfect alignment. As a result, you’ll wake up pain-free.

 

Persistent lower back pain is by far and away one of the most common health issues out there. So many people go to sleep and then wake up with a nagging pain that doesn’t go away for a few hours. Try these ideas out, and you’ll see an instant change overnight.

 

Filed Under: health Tagged With: , ,

How Shea Butter Can Help You Achieve Gorgeous Skin

March 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nut of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), famous for its high fatty acid content, primarily oleic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid. These fatty acids play key roles in managing certain body functions like controlling inflammations, renewing cells, and maintaining vascular health.

 

While it can be eaten and used as a cooking oil as long as it is 100 percent pure and unrefined, shea butter is more popular as an ingredient in beauty products like moisturizers and lotions. This is because shea butter melts at body temperature, making it easier and comfortable to apply, and is also absorbed rapidly by the skin.

 

But apart from these rather simple properties, why is shea butter such a popular ingredient for beauty products, like Skinfood’s range of hand and foot creams, lotions, lip balms, and body oils? Let’s take a look.

 

Shea Butter is a Natural Emollient

What makes the body respond well to shea butter is that its biochemical properties resemble that of the human body’s natural moisturizers produced by the sebaceous glands. Shea butter is also a naturally occurring lipid, making it a natural (and powerful) emollient. You can apply 100 percent pure shea butter onto your skin like a lotion or use products that use it as an ingredient  if you don’t like the slightly smoky, nutty smell of unprocessed shea butter. Either way, shea butter will work wonders to moisturize and soften skin that’s prone to roughness, dryness, and scaling or flaking.

 

Shea Butter can Smooth Out Wrinkles

There are many ways that shea butter can help with healing and preventing the further formation of wrinkles. For one, shea butter forms a protective barrier on the skin, shielding it from elements like pollution, sunlight (shea butter contains low levels of SPF), and harsh winds which can all contribute in the premature development of fine lines and wrinkles. Shea butter also contains high amounts of vitamins A and E; the former aids in faster, more efficient cellular turnover and collagen production, while the latter moisturizes, nourishes, and further protects the skin from both external and internal elements. If the skin is has sufficient collagen and moisture, it is less likely to develop wrinkles and has an easier time to recover from such damage.

 

Because of these properties, shea butter can also be used to minimize the appearance of stretch marks caused by pregnancy. Just smooth liberal amounts of shea butter onto the areas where stretch marks usually appear, like the belly, hips, thighs, and even under the breasts, even before your start to “show.” Applying shea butter will help increase your skin’s elasticity and thus reduce the likelihood of developing deep stretch marks.

 

Shea Butter has Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Raw shea butter is rich in vitamins A and E, anti-inflammatory agents like cinnamic acid, and antimicrobial components like catechins. All of these combined help reduce swelling, redness, and irritations caused by skin conditions like rosacea, dermatitis, and eczema, speed up the healing of wounds, and reduce the appearance of blemishes. And because shea butter is easily absorbed and can penetrate deeper into the skin, its effects can be experienced faster.

 

Additionally, the vitamin content of shea butter can also help with the management and treatment of acne, reducing overall redness and eventual scarring or skin darkening. It is also gentle enough to use on the lips and the delicate area around the eyes, should these areas suffer from inflammation and/or dryness.

 

African women have been using shea butter for various medicinal and personal care purposes as early as the 14th century. This just proves that shea butter is not a fad — it’s an effective and natural ingredient that will help make your skin healthier and look more beautiful than ever. 

Filed Under: beauty, health Tagged With: , ,