Monthly Archives: May 2020

Did you know that walking is the most popular form of exercise? When it comes to fitness, there always seems to be a new trend emerging. However, walking has stood the test of time. Research has shown that walking 150 minutes a week at a lively pace can reduce your risk of serious diseases, improve blood pressure, improve your mental and emotional well-being and improve memory. Here are 3 reasons to get stepping!

Why Walking Is the Most Popular Form of Exercise

It’s Accessible. If you do not want to spend a lot on fancy exercise programs, walking is for you. All you need are comfortable weather-appropriate clothes and a decent pair of shoes. If walking around your neighborhood is not safe, research walking paths or trails close to you. Walking is popular and many internet sites map out safe paths.

Take it Easy. If you are out of shape, walking is a wonderful way to start. Start easy- 10 to 15 minutes at first is great. Remember, some walking is better than none. Nothing suggests that walking must be done all at once to be effective. If it’s better for your schedule, fit in a few 15-20 minutes walks a day. Listen to your body- you are looking to move, but you also want to find a pace and distance you can stick to consistently.

Add Variety. Once you have your walking schedule down pat, add in some variety! Look for small hills you can climb, or just go in the opposite direction that you normally do. You can also try brisk intervals- walk fast for a block or two, then walk normally for a few blocks.

Remember that Why Walking Is the Most Popular Form of Exercise! For more simple and fun ways to improve your health, consider setting up a free health consultation with us today. We believe health is for everyone and should be enjoyable. Find out more about us today!

Karen L. Leibowitz, MD
Health and Medical Coach
KareBoost Health

Let’s look at ways to encourage kids to be active. If exercise sounds like a chore to you and your family, being active can mean getting outside of the traditional exercise box. Physical activity is good for kids and promotes growth and development. Kids need at least 60 minutes of activity a day, but this does not have to be all at once. Here are some ideas to make activity fun and fit your schedule.

3 Ways to Encourage Kids to Be Active

1. Walk Everywhere. If distance and age appropriate, walking to and from school is a good way for kids to move. If your kids are too young to walk or bike by themselves, consider walking with them instead of driving them. Think about all the places you regularly drive to. There might be errands and activities that you and your family can walk or bike to instead.

1. Grow A Garden. A garden is a great way to get outside a moving. Kids can help plant, water and weed. If you do not have the space for a garden, look for a community garden in your area. Selecting and growing your own produce will also get kids excited about eating their veggies.
2. Athletics. Some kids enjoy competitive athletics. Try different sports and see if anything resonates with your children. However, competitive sports are not for every child, and if your child dreads practice and games, do not force them into it. There are plenty of ways to stay active.

KareBoost Health promotes health and wellness for the whole family. Schedule your free consultation today to see how we can help you live a happy, healthy life. Also, you can check out the schedule for our Family/Kids Yoga.

Karen L. Leibowitz, MD
Health and Medical Coach
KareBoost Health

Are you having a hard time staying connected while social distancing? It can be difficult to feel connected to others while we are working from home and only leaving the house for essentials. You may be missing friends, family and daily activities while still honoring the importance and safety of social distancing. (Or should it really be called Physical Distancing, NOT Social Distancing?)

Here Are 3 Tips to Staying Connected While Social Distancing

Reach Out
It is more important than ever to reach out to family members, friends and neighbors who may be struggling right now. A phone call/skype/facetime can all make a huge difference to someone who may be isolated and alone. Talking on the phone can also help us feel connected in a way that texting cannot. If you have extra time on your hands, try using this as an opportunity to speak with friends and family you have not connected with in a while. Now is also a good time to resurrect the lost art of letter writing. Writing letters is a great skill to teach kids while also reinforcing connections and social skills. Now is the perfect time for a pen pal!

Learn
There are many opportunities to learn a new skill online. One of the most positive benefits of the internet is our ability to connect with people around the world. Interested in learning a new language? Try an app that connects you with native language speakers around the world- you will practice language skills and also spend valuable one on one time with another person.

Make a Friend Date
Missing coffee or lunch with a friend? There are lots of ways to “meet” online or by FaceTime/Skype. Try scheduling a happy hour or breakfast on Zoom. Have a birthday party by sending friends cupcakes and eating them together through Zoom. Sign up to take a virtual class together- yoga is our personal favorite. While you will not be in the same room, you will still have a shared experience that you can reminisce about later.

Looking to try yoga with a friend?

Right now, if you both sign up for one of our virtual yoga classes, you both will only pay HALF PRICE for the class. Treat a friend or split the cost. Either way, it will be a fun and relaxing break. Visit our website to sign up or contact us for more information.

Karen L Leibowitz, MD
Health and Lifestyle Coach
KareBoost Health

Balance is important for life and exercise! Ideally, a healthy workout routine includes four types of exercise: strength, endurance, flexibility and balance. Balance training is essential to preventing falls as we get older. Here, 3 ideas to include balance training in your workout.

Three Ways to Find Balance

1. Add in Yoga. Yoga is a fantastic practice that includes many balancing poses. If you are new to yoga, find a class that is beginner or senior appropriate. Teaches will utilize walls and chairs to help you safely find balance. You can also practice yoga online or through a DVD, but working with someone will help you find the most benefit.
2. Try Tai Chi. Tai Chi is another slow-moving practice that incorporates balance training. Try adding in a yoga or Tai Chi class at least once a week and practicing balance a few days a week at home.
3. Move at Home. Practicing balance is simple. Try standing on foot, then the other while talking on the phone or brushing your teeth. Again, support yourself with a chair or walls if this is difficult. Lower body strength exercises will also improve your balance.

Yoga is effective because it combines strength, endurance, flexibility and helps you find balance. Ready to get started? Join us for a beginner-friendly class today!

Kara Unal JD, RYT
KareBoost Health

How often do you relax in nature? Spending time in nature provides important health benefits. Evidence shows that time in nature can reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mental well-being, and increase feelings of happiness. Here are 3 easy ways to start spending more time outside.

Three Ways to Relax in Nature

1. Take Your Workout Outside. Spending time at the gym is great, especially when you are on a tight schedule. However, try taking your workout outside once a week. It can be as simple as a walk in the neighborhood park or taking the whole family out for a hike. Find a place with nice scenery and try leaving the electronic devices at home.
2. Pack a Picnic. Pack your favorite healthy goodies and head out for lunch in nature. The promise of a picnic might even get your family to take a walk with you after! Leave electronics behind and consider packing crayons and paper instead- kids can draw what they see.
3. Step Outside the (Office) Box. If you work in an environment that encourages it, consider proposing walking meetings. Get everyone outside for a stroll around the block. You might be surprised how much work gets done when you take a break from the office.

These are some simple ideas to inspire you to get outside, but you can use any opportunity you like to spend time outside! While exercising outside is positive, remember that relaxing in nature without devices encourages mental well-being and reduces stress as well. Let us know your favorite way to enjoy nature!

Karen L. Leibowitz, MD
Health and Medical Coach
KareBoost Health

Gratitude is more than just a wellness buzzword. Neuroscience experts studied how being thankful can affect your health, and the results were surprising. Gratitude practices can lower blood pressure and improve immune function. Also, people who practice gratitude are also more likely to engage in exercise and healthy eating. So why not give it a try? Here are 3 ways to get started.

1. Start Small. Even if you are going through a tough time, find small things to be grateful for. It could just be waking up in the morning or appreciating your body’s ability to breath. You might even practice writing down what you are grateful for.

2. Look Around. Try appreciating who you are thankful for. It could be a partner, child or co-worker. It could even be someone who you do not regularly interact with but influences your life, such as the person who cleans the park you enjoy your daily walk in. If you feel comfortable, maybe express your appreciation to that person. Everyone likes to feel appreciated!

3. Enjoy. Try to build activities into your day that you enjoy and are thankful for. It could be a short walk outside, time to listen to music or a few minutes reading. Perhaps schedule a coffee date with a friend you have not seen in a while.

Try practicing gratitude and other mindfulness practices at KareBoost Health. We offer daily yoga classes and health coaching services to help you find your healthiest self. Contact us today to learn more!

Karen L. Leibowitz, MD
Health and Medical Coach
KareBoost Health