LifeMinute Podcast: Health and Wellness

Dry Eye Disease is a common eye disease that affects over 35 million Americans. It occurs when tears produced by the eyes do not keep the eyes sufficiently wet and can cause dry eye symptoms such as scratchy, burning eyes, redness, sensitivity to light or blurry vision. Dry Eye Disease can be a chronic condition that may be caused by many factors, including advanced age, contact lens wear, certain medications, eye diseases, other medical conditions, or environmental factors. In recognition of Dry Eye Awareness Month, Dr. Priya Mathews, Director of Cornea and Ocular Surface Disease, Cataract, LASIK & Corneal Surgeon at the Center for Sight, has teamed up with REFRESH®, the #1 doctor-recommended brand with the #1 selling brand in preservative-free artificial tears. Even though we recognize Dry Eye Awareness Month in July, the fact is that dry eye symptoms can occur at any point in the year and be caused by any number of factors. Some lifestyle and environmental factors that people should be aware of that could impact their daily eye health and/or cause dry eye symptoms include exposure to smoke, wind, or dry air blowing in the eyes from heating or air conditioning sources, as well as increased digital device screen time. For example, for those who travel often, the air inside of airplanes can be very drying to the eyes. And for those who live active lifestyles, outdoor activities like playing sports or hiking can lead to wind or dry air exposure that can trigger dry eye symptoms. In these types of situations, it’s best to carry eye drops for use on-the-go before or after participating in these activities to get symptom relief when you need it. People can experience temporary relief of dry eye symptoms from over the counter, or OTC, lubricating eye drops, which can help to ease dry eye symptoms. In fact, there are two new preservative-free REFRESH® products that AbbVie recently launched: REFRESH TEARS® PF and REFRESH® RELIEVA® PF XTRA. When dry eye disease symptoms such as burning, irritation, and discomfort occur, REFRESH TEARS® PF and REFRESH® RELIEVA® PF XTRA can help to deliver temporary relief, but these eye drops are not a treatment, solution, or cure for dry eye disease. Both products come in soft squeeze, multidose bottles offering enhanced convenience and feature a double lockout system that keeps the drops sterile. They also both include AbbVie’s HydroCell® Technology, which is a proprietary NaCl-free glycerin-based solution that enables rehydration and maintains the volume of cells on the eye’s surface. For those with sensitive eyes, there are preservative-free options like REFRESH TEARS® PF and REFRESH® RELIEVA® PF XTRA, which are formulated to help deliver temporary relief for dry eye disease symptoms such as burning, irritation, and discomfort, but are not a treatment, solution, or cure for dry eye disease. Preservative-free options are recommended for those with sensitive and more intense symptoms of dry eye. These types of eye drops are suited for those who need to use them more than 4 times per day. Find these at Walmart in stores and online as well as online at Amazon as well as in store and online at other retail locations nationwide wherever over-the-counter eye drops are sold. If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms and are looking for a solution for symptom relief, visit RefreshEyeDrops.com or talk to your eye doctor about what option might be right for you.

School is almost out that means more free time for kids. Planet Fitness’ National Lead Trainer, Teddy Savage shares ideas to help them prioritize mental and physical wellness. For the fourth year, Planet Fitness has brought back its High School Summer Pass program where we’re inviting high schoolers ages 14 – 19 to work out for free at any of their more than 2,500 planet fitness locations in the U.S. and Canada from now through August 31. Since the program’s start, Planet Fitness has invested more than $200 million in waived membership dues to promote youth health and wellness because it is important for teens to get moving. According to the American Heart Association, only 25% of high school students get the recommended hour a day of physical activity – and screen time is partially to blame, along with declining physical education programs in schools which is disappointing since exercise has so many health benefits for people of all ages, but especially for growing teenagers. So, Planet Fitness commissioned a national study to further understand what high schoolers today are feeling and 94% of them face emotional and mental health struggles, while 72% admit they sometimes feel self-conscious while 43% confess that they struggle with having a positive body image of themselves. The good news is that among teens who work out, 63% of them feel better about themselves when they exercise, with 59% acknowledging that they experience a mood boost and feel more accomplished – all great reasons to get motivated and moving this summer. You see, teens know the health benefits of exercise, and many want to commit to making positive changes but don’t know where or how to start an exercise routine – which is where Planet Fitness comes in. Even for teens who have never been to the gym before. Planet Fitness is home of the Judgement Free Zone, which is all about non-intimidating and attainable fitness in a welcoming environment, regardless of your fitness level all high school summer pass participants have access to free fitness training, free workouts designed specifically for high schoolers in the free Planet Fitness app as well as workout plans available at planetfitness.com/summerpass. We know most teens’ exposure to gym equipment is at their schools, so we have a few tips for them to keep in mind while at Planet Fitness. First, exercising with a buddy whether it be a friend, sibling or parent, can absolutely make for a more productive and fun workout, it’s typically best to keep buddy workouts to two people for sharing equipment time with others working out, especially pieces in high-demand. Always remember to wipe down equipment after use – we have spray and wipes conveniently located throughout the club to make it easy and create a safe environment for everyone. For more info check out planetfitness.com/summerpass.

Skincare brand, La Roche-Posay is on a mission to educate the public about skin cancer and how to prevent it

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Planet Fitness’ National Lead Trainer, Freddy Savage shares the tools to help you prioritize your mental AND physical wellness. Mental health continues to be a struggle among Americans year-over-year – and in 2022, one in five adults experienced mental health challenges. Fortunately, another recent study highlighted that physical exercise can greatly impact one’s overall mood and mental health – finding that 1.2 million adults who exercised regularly had fewer days of poor mental health than those who didn’t exercise. Working out isn’t just about how you look; it’s about how you feel. Luckily, Planet Fitness offers affordable memberships, that won’t break the bank, and with over 2,500+ locations, there’s bound to be a gym nearby, making working out more convenient than ever before, and an opportunity to not only boost your physical fitness but also help improve your mood and mental health. And as a certified fitness trainer, Savage strives to share simple tips for people at every fitness level, whether they’re new to the gym, getting back into a routine or just looking for simple movements to promote physical and mental health. Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Moderate activity can be just as effective as rigorous workouts when it comes to reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Start by creating a simple goal such as walking or even stretching for only 10-20 minutes every other day. Continuously increase your movement over time when you feel ready and able. It’s all about establishing a strong foundation to get your head in the fitness game. Be Your Own DJ: Step into Planet Fitness’ Judgement Free Zone with your favorite tunes ready to go. Music is a great mood booster and a way to infuse any workout with great energy as it keeps a good tempo for your heart rate and is an easy way to get yourself in a mindset that you enjoy. A fun thing to do is to create playlists for different types of workouts and even listen to the soundtrack of your favorite movie. Change it Up: It’s crucial to keep your routine fresh and exciting so working out doesn’t become a chore! The next time you head into the gym, try a new piece of equipment you’ve never explored or take a shot at a new strength training exercise, do something to shock your body and mind so exercise always feels new and fun. Join Planet Fitness today, where memberships are affordable and include free fitness training. For $24.99 a month, you can get the PF Black Card membership which includes additional amenities such as the ability to bring a guest every day at no additional charge, access to all 2,500+ Planet Fitness locations in all 50 states, and more.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is primarily caused by sun exposure, so everyone is at risk. It’s so common, that nearly 5 million Americans are treated every year. In fact, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. The good news is it’s preventable, that’s why Dr. Nkem Ugonabo partnered with Neutrogena to spread the word. For years, Neutrogena has been committed to supporting sun safety and providing sunscreen solutions for all as a preventative measure for skin cancer. In honor of Melanoma Awareness Month this May and Melanoma Awareness Day on May 6, Neutrogena is proud to share it has donated over 1 million dollars to the Melanoma Research Foundation over their 7-year relationship. And what we love about the brand, is that they make it super easy to choose the sunscreen that works best for specific needs, so you actually use it every day. What are some common myths and misconceptions around sunscreen? The first, is thinking that because there is SPF in your makeup, you don’t need to wear sunscreen. Unfortunately, the SPF in makeup isn’t enough to limit the harmful effects of UV-Rays. If you’re looking for an SPF that works well under makeup, try the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum SPF 60+, a weightless serum that protects, hydrates and primes skin for makeup in one step. The second myth is thinking that if you have dark skin, you don’t need to wear sunscreen. Everyone is at risk for melanoma, so regardless of your skin color, you need to wear sunscreen. A great option is Neutrogena’s Invisible Daily Defense Face Serum SPF 60+. This sunscreen helps fight against environmental aggressors like ozone and pollution while hydrating skin. The last myth is thinking that you don’t need sunscreen if it’s cloudy or cold. Every day is “sun” day.  Wearing sunscreen every day is the best way to prevent skin cancer. It’s best to look for sunscreen labels that say, “broad spectrum” and always wear an SPF 30 or higher. A great option is Neutrogena’s new Invisible Daily Defense Mineral Face Liquid SPF 30 which provides 100% mineral active protection with a smooth and lightweight finish. What are some other healthy habits that you can incorporate into your lifestyle to reduce the risk of skin cancer? In addition to wearing sunscreen, avoid being out in the sun during peak hours. The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you’re spending extended periods of time outside, it’s best to seek shade (for example, under an umbrella). It’s also important to cover up with protective clothing, such as a hat and sunglasses when you can. Lastly, make sure to see your friendly dermatologist for an annual skin cancer screening and mole check. Check out Neutrogena.com for some helpful tips and get these products everywhere at retailers nationwide and on Amazon.

Spring has sprung and with it, allergy season is in full bloom. Dr. Tania Elliott, M.D., board-certified in allergy and immunology chatted with us about the do’s and don'ts to empower the one in four Americans that live with allergies. For starters you need to figure out what’s causing your symptoms. It can be difficult to tell if the symptoms you are experiencing are allergies, so patients may not treat it with the right medication. Common symptoms of allergies are sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and itching of the nose or throat. And if your symptoms are from allergies, don’t forget to treat at first sign of symptoms with an oral antihistamine like ZYRTEC. Dr. Tania Elliott always recommends ZYRTEC to her patients because it provides a full 24 hours of indoor and outdoor allergy relief, and it starts working hard at hour 1 and stays strong day after day. Something else you should do is keep your home clean so that pollen or other allergens are not settling into your carpeting, furniture or bedding, which can trigger symptoms even if you’re not spending too much time outside. You can also keep the windows closed and the air conditioning on so that when you are ready to get outside, you’re not already suffering from pollen that snuck inside. And on that note, don’t forget that springtime is supposed to be fun! Embrace the benefits of spending time outdoors with your friends and family when you can. If your kids are suffering from allergies this season, don’t forget to give them a shower as soon as they get home. You don’t want to wait until the evening or (even worse) the morning. If you do, they can track pollen into their beds at night and sleep on what they are allergic to. When your little ones appear sick, keep an eye out for eye rubbing or nose rubbing (aka the “allergic salute”), as these can be signs of allergies. If you notice any of these signs, consider an OTC allergy medicine like Children’s ZYRTEC Chewables, which are a great tasting, dye-free chewable that provides powerful allergy relief that stays strong day after day for the whole family. To learn more, check out ZyrTalk on zyrtec.com, which is a great resource that is helping make the science behind allergies fun and easy for anyone to understand.

Spring is upon us and there is more to clean than just your home. Even your oral care routine can use a refresh. Here are some tips for those who are hoping to do just that. There’s more to oral care than just brushing and flossing. An oral rinse is a crucial step to a healthy mouth due to its ability to kill bacteria. A good dental care routine is key to achieving total wellness, and poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease. Consistent brushing and use of oral rinses in the morning and before bedtime, along with regular flossing, are essential practices for maintaining a healthy mouth. Just as you prioritize your annual physical or consult with medical specialists, it's crucial to schedule regular dental check-ups every six months as well. These appointments not only entail professional cleanings from a hygienist but also ensure that your oral health is at its best. To refresh your smile for spring make sure to brush and floss twice a day; use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brushing and flossing help remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Don't forget to use an oral rinse regularly, too. Eat fibrous foods (fruits and veggies) daily to remove bacteria from mouth, help hydration and deter dry mouth. Ensure that your balanced diet includes vitamins C, D, and E. Stimulate salivary flow with sugar-free mints, lozenges, or gum. TheraBreath, created by a dentist over 20 years ago has an all-new Deep Clean Oral Rinse with antiseptic benefits to incorporate in your daily routine, all while preserving their signature alcohol-free formula across their oral rinses. This rinse also effectively kills 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis.* Available in a new Fresh Mint flavor, Deep Clean Oral Rinse provides a minty fresh taste. Additionally, hit snooze on morning breath with the TheraBreath Overnight Oral Rinse, which is intended for nighttime use and is an anticavity fluoride rinse that fights bad breath for 12 hours**. Go to therabreath.com to learn more about these rinses, and they are available for purchase at major retailers such as Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS Pharmacy in addition to Amazon. *In laboratory testing **When used as directed

Spring is around the corner, and while you're focusing on getting into spring shape, don't forget your brain. Here are some tips, tools, and regimens you need to know about on how to improve your brain game. It’s so important to establish a routine to support brain health. Many people don't realize its impact on improving memory, focus, and even mood. There are simple things you can do for your brain every day by incorporating easy habits into your daily routine. Start each day by taking Neuriva, a brain health supplement. When taken routinely, these supplements support up to seven brain health indicators: memory, focus, learning, concentration, accuracy, reasoning, and mental alertness. There are three varieties of Neuriva. First, the Original is a clinically studied formula designed to support five indicators of brain health: memory, learning, focus, accuracy, and concentration. All three Neuriva supplements have the rockstar ingredient, Neurofactor, a whole coffee cherry extract, and plant-sourced phosphatidylserine. These ingredients have five clinical trials behind them to aid in neuronal health and fuel memory and learning ability. Next, there’s Neuriva Plus, which has 2x the amount of Neurofactor and plenty of B Vitamins to support reasoning. Finally, there’s Neuriva Ultra, which features the five-time clinically tested hero ingredient Cognivive supporting mental alertness. Find Neuriva at your local pharmacy. To compliment Neuriva, play their brain games. They launched a 30-day Brain Health Challenge full of simple and fun brain games that help enhance cognitive potential by establishing a brain-healthy routine. The daily games help with memory, learning, accuracy, focus, concentration, reasoning, and mental alertness. Signing up is easy. Download the Neuriva Brain Gym app, and you'll see them all. What else should we be doing? Physical exercise—start with 20 minutes of movement you love most days, drink plenty of water, get your sleep, and be mindful of what you eat. Try the MIND diet for brain health, which focuses on leafy greens, berries, nuts, olive oil, whole grains, and lean proteins.

If you are one of the millions on weight loss medication or are considering talking to your doctor about it, you’ll want to hear this. Joining us to share why medication is only one piece of the puzzle are Dr. Anthony Puopolo, chief medical officer for the virtual primary care provider LifeMD, and Jennifer Christman, registered dietitian and lifestyle expert from OPTAVIA—the habit-based, coach-guided lifestyle solution. They’ll discuss why lifestyle changes made while taking medication can best support long-term weight loss and overall health. Alongside innovations in AI, medically supported weight loss is one of the largest conversations happening right now. In addition to many celebrities, millions of Americans are on weight loss medications or considering starting them, specifically GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy. While weight loss and improvements in physical health conditions are the immediate reasons for taking these medications, doctors say creating better habits is the ideal complement, as medications are just one piece of the puzzle. Behavior change is key to making a healthy lifestyle stick long-term. Dr. Anthony Puopolo, a family practice physician trained in psychiatry and integrative medicine and chief medical officer for the virtual primary care provider LifeMD—an expert in medically supported weight loss, along with Jennifer Christman, nutrition and lifestyle expert from OPTAVIA, the habit-based, coach-guided lifestyle solution, join us to share what you need to know to lose weight and change your lifestyle with (or without) these new medications. Head to optavia.com/lifestyle to learn more about OPTAVIA products, coaching, and how a lifestyle program can help if you are taking weight loss medications or considering using them.

We’re all guilty of putting exercise lower on the priority list—whether it’s a lack of energy and motivation or joining a gym that is too expensive. Luckily, Planet Fitness offers affordable memberships that won’t break the bank, and with over 2,500+ locations, there’s bound to be a gym nearby, making working out more convenient than ever.Here are a few simple tips to get back into working out.