Community News
March Trivia

1. True or False? Brown sugar is better for blood glucose levels than white sugar. 2. What vitamin is known to help maintain healthy eyesight? 3. Which mineral is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system?

Did You Know?

Basil is more than just a flavorful herb—it’s packed with health benefits! Here are 5 key benefits of basil: Rich in Antioxidants – Contains powerful antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols. Supports Heart Health – The herb may help lower blood pressure. Boosts Immunity – Basil has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Aids Digestion – It promotes healthy digestion by reducing bloating and gas.
Reduces Stress – Has adaptogenic properties that help manage stress and improve mental clarity.

The Hearing Loss/Alzheimer’s Connection

Recent research suggests that improving hearing loss with hearing aids reduces the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In 2011, a team of Johns Hopkins medical school researchers discovered a significant association between hearing loss and the risk of developing these unwanted cognitive conditions. The worse someone’s hearing gets, the greater their risk of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia. The researchers believe their findings could have substantial implications for individuals and public health because hearing loss is treatable with hearing instruments. These findings underscore how important regular hearing tests are as part of preventative health care.

5-Ingredient Date Snickers

20 dates – pitted; 1/2 c peanut butter; 3 tbsp peanuts; 1 1/4 c dark chocolate chips; 1/2 tsp coconut oil. Line a plate with parchment paper. With a small knife, make a lengthwise slit in each date, slicing about halfway down. Fill each date with peanut butter & sprinkle peanuts on top. Place dates in the freezer to firm up until completely solid- approximately one hour. Add chocolate chips into a double boiler over medium low heat, stirring as the chocolate melts. Add oil if desired to make the chocolate thinner. Drop the dates one by one into the melted chocolate, flipping to get it entirely coated. Let cool in fridge & enjoy!

Good Nutrition & Digestion = Good Health

No matter how clean, organic, and healthy you eat, if your body isn’t able to digest, absorb, and process essential nutrients properly, you are not benefitting from your efforts.
To do this, your stomach needs to fully digest, your intestines need to completely absorb, and your liver needs to properly process the food you eat.
One of the simplest ways to correct and improve any issue you may have with the digestive process is through nutritional testing.
If a weakness is found in a specific organ, nutritional supplementation can be added to your diet to improve the digestive process and in turn, help you benefit from your wise choices.

Mindful Eating & Food Freedom

Mindful and intuitive eating is about more than eating slowly. We’re born intuitive eaters, but dieting, distraction, and food rules disconnect us from our body’s cues. Ever seen a child leave half a cookie and walk away? That’s natural intuition. For chronic dieters, food becomes emotional, and “forbidden foods” feel uncontrollable—cookies often topping the list! A food freedom coach helps you reconnect with your natural hunger and fullness signals, giving you the tools to feel safe around food. The goal? Eating to feel better, not worse—both physically and emotionally.

Local Health Spotlight

Discover NESTERRA Massage Therapy Clinic, located near Costco in South End, where we focus on pain relief, stress management and injury recovery. Our luxurious clinic offers more than 15 types of massage designed to address your unique needs. Our Registered Massage Therapists work with you to ensure your wellness goals are met. In addition, we offer student massages at a reduced price (not insurable). We work with over 30 insurance companies, making your wellness journey even more convenient with direct billing. Your well-being is our top priority—book a session with us today and feel the difference!

Practice Positivity to Increase Happiness

The magic ratio of positive to negative thoughts and/or interactions for maximum well-being is 5:1. Unfortunately, we naturally have a negativity bias and are nowhere near this ideal number. This built-in bias is normal, but not always helpful. Some simple ways to increase our positive thoughts include reframing (for example – instead of thinking it’s raining today, so it will be miserable, think – it’s raining, the perfect opportunity to spend more time indoors and do XYZ). Other ways to increase positivity include connecting with others to hear different perspectives, viewing challenges as opportunities to learn, and finally, practicing gratitude daily. What will you do to increase your happiness?

March Book Club

Genius Foods. Become Smarter, Happier, and More Productive While Protecting Your Brain for Life. Discover the critical link between your brain and the food you eat and change the way your brain ages, in this cutting-edge, practical guide to eliminating brain fog, optimizing brain health, and achieving peak mental performance from media personality and leading voice in health Max Lugavere.

Food to Never Feed Your Dog

All pet owners are aware of the dangers of chocolate. But have you heard of these ones? Keep your pup away from the following: 1. Onions – Plants of this family, including chives and garlic, are not suitable for dogs. Eating these could cause your animal to develop anemia, weakness, rapid breathing and even death. 2. Grapes or Raisins – This fruit can cause severe liver damage and kidney failure. It’s been proven that even a few grapes can potentially be fatal for your pet. 3. Xylitol – Is found in gum, baked goods, and anything else that is sugar substituted. It is extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause seizures, liver failure or even death.

Sound Healing for Wellness

Sound Baths are incredibly beautiful, but also incredibly healing! Sound healing is an ancient practice that uses vibrations, frequencies, and rhythmic sounds to promote deep physical and mental relaxation. A full body listening experience where participants are “bathed” in sound waves produced by instruments of specific frequencies – such as gongs, Tibetan singing bowls, crystal bowls, chimes and other resonant instruments that calm the nervous system and ignite the natural healing systems of the mind and body! Research suggests physical, mental and emotional benefits of mindfulness, mental clarity, the release of tension and lowering of cortisol levels, reduced pain and anxiety, enhanced mood and improved sleep quality. Tranquility Sound Baths & More.