Revitalize Blog

Tips for Stress-Free Colonoscopy

Stefanie Menjivar, Revitalize Staff

In the United States, it is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, but can be highly treatable if detected early. A colonoscopy is the best screening tool and while scary and uncomfortable, it may very well save your life! Here are a few tips to help your colonoscopy preparation go as smoothly as possible.

Debunking the Myths: Why Colonoscopies are so Important

Stefanie Menjivar, Revitalize Staff

If you just turned 45 your doctor might have mentioned it’s time to have your first colonoscopy. And you might be dreading it because you’ve probably heard a few horror stories and might already be cringing from the potential embarrassment. We understand exactly how you feel. However, we want to ease your mind and set the record straight on colonoscopy myths and why colonoscopies are such a critical and life-saving screening worth all the fuss.

The Scale: Friend or Foe?

Katie Delaney, RD, CSOWM

Many people look at the bathroom scale as a villain. And for some, it the number on the scale becomes an obsession rather than a healthcare tool; but the scale does not have to be the enemy. There are many ways - other than the scale - to measure success when improving your health, like improved energy, better sleep, an improved relationship with food, and how you feel overall. However, if you are wanting to see changes in weight, weigh-ins are a part of the process, and will become a tool in establishing long-term behavior change.

3 Tips for Fall Reset

Stefanie Menjivar, Revitalize Staff

The days are getting shorter, and the weather will be cooling down. The end of summer can be a busy time, especially for those with kiddos heading back to school. There are patio sets to put away, school supplies to buy, and getting out for those last summer adventures. No matter your age, the end of Summer often feels a bit chaotic, and it comes fast! As we head into the autumn season of pumpkin spice everything and crunchy leaves next month, why not welcome it with open arms for a fresh start? This is a great time to start or renew, healthy habits, double-down on your goals and get organized.

Work/Life Balance

Kat Van Fossen, Revitalize Health Coach

I talk to many people who struggle with gaining a healthy work/life balance. They often say that it seems like a near impossible task. So many people feel the daunting struggle of managing everyday life, and work. Work takes up a good portion of our day, and at times it can feel like nothing is left for all of life’s joys and obstacles. We become accustomed to living in this turbulent chaos, ignoring and not listening to our bodies. Achieving balance is easier said than done, but it is the key to managing stress. A healthy work/life balance can be an attainable goal.

Stress Strategies

Richel Stropky and Julie Walker, Revitalize Staff

Everyone deals with stress. For some people, it’s daily – people with anxiety, depression, or high-stress lives. For others it can come occasionally with life changes or random stressful situations. Whether we realize it or not, we cope with stress in some way or another. Many times we choose unhealthy coping mechanisms such as eating, drinking, smoking, or zoning out on our television or phone. ‍Stress is one of the main road blocks to a healthy lifestyle. When we’re working hard to lose weight, exercise, eat healthier, and reduce our blood pressure, stress will pop up and be one of the first things to derail us. In order to take control of stress before it derails you, the first step is to realize when you have stress, and the second step is to choose a healthy coping mechanism.

Sleep Your Way to Better Health

Katie Delaney, RD, CSOWM, and Julie Walker, Revitalize Staff

Diet and exercise are often the first two things people look at when trying to improve their health. But sleep quality can be an overlooked issue that can sabotage your efforts in those areas. Science has linked long term sleep deprivation to weight gain, high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, weaker immunity, risk of heart disease and more.

Overeating

Katie Delaney, RD, CSOWM, Revitalize Health Coach

Do you find yourself frequenting the kitchen more often, skipping meals, or eating while watching TV? Afterwards feeling full, frustrated, maybe even somewhat hopeless? You are not alone. We are all going through a very unusual, stressful time. Overeating and snacking may be filling a void of boredom or other emotions. There are many factors that lead to over indulging. Whatever your reason is, there are solutions.

Just Breathe

Julie Walker, Revitalize Staff

If you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stressed, nervous, or drained it is time to rest your mind. Meditation has become popular for good reason - it's been scientifically validated to improve both physical and psychological health in hundreds of ways. But you don't have to be a guru, yogi, or spend hours meditating to benefit from meditation techniques. All you need to do is know how to breathe. And the good news is that you were born knowing how!

Going to Counseling

Julie Walker, Revitalize Staff

When you’re in an emotionally stressful situation it’s hard to think about going to counseling because you don’t believe you have time for it. Not only that, but the system is not very easy to navigate. Since it’s a service you don’t often utilize, if at all, you may not even know where to begin to schedule an appointment. There have been times when I have a cold, and I know cold medicine will make me feel better, but just going to the store to get it feels overwhelming. Getting health care for emotional stress can be like that, only even more overwhelming. But the benefits of getting care will be more than worth it if you can overcome the hurdle and get started.

Managing Holiday Stress

By Shannon Jones, Revitalize Coach

Some people are delighted and excited about the holiday season, and some feel pressure and a bit of dread with the work to be done to prepare for the holidays. Wherever you fall on the scale, most of us are susceptible to holiday stress. Here are some practical strategies that can help keep you from being overwhelmed this season.

10 Ways to Stir Up Summer Fitness

Shannon Jones, Revitalize Coach

As we enter the summer months, it’s a great time to start something new in your fitness journey, or make adjustments that will ensure your continued success. New ideas and strategies help invigorate your motivation and prevent boredom. Hot weather or smoky air can derail things, so it’s helpful to look at your plan and switch things up.

5 Tips to Enjoy Alcohol Without Compromising Your Health Goals

Alicia Kaluza, MS, RD, LN

Our culture can be very alcohol-centric, each season, occasion, and event seem to include drinking. You’ve made the commitment to yourself to get healthy, and reducing alcohol intake can play a large role in that success. Can you drink alcohol and still hit your goals? The answer is yes, but with some strategies.