Nature’s Medicine
According to the American Heart Association, spending 120 minutes a week in nature can improve your overall health and well-being by decreasing feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety. Time spent in nature can include going on a daily walk, trying out a new hiking trail, or biking around your neighborhood.
Take a Breather
Used by the United States Navy SEALs, box breathing is a simple but powerful breathing technique used to lower stress and ease anxiety. Try this technique:
Preventing Peanut Allergies
Infants at the highest risk for developing a peanut allergy – such as those with severe eczema or an egg allergy – should be introduced to peanuts between 4 to 6 months of age to reduce the risk of developing an allergy, according to guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics. For children who aren’t at an increased risk, peanuts can be introduced into their diets according to family preferences.
Step to It
According to the National Institutes of Health, a study published in 2020 showed that higher daily step counts were associated with lower mortality risk. In fact, 8,000 steps per day, regardless of step intensity, was associated with a 51% lower risk of death from all causes compared to 4,000 steps per day.
Meet the Author
Ali Lemmons, BS, Summa Cum Laude
Ali Lemmons is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication with a minor in computer science. While at UTC, Ali also earned the distinction of Summa Cum Laude, the Outstanding Senior Award for the communication department, and was inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha honor society. Now, as editor/digital content specialist for CMC Publications and Digital Smart Marketing, Ali leads the ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia. She also is the lead copywriter for the company’s social media sites.
