NOT-SO-SWEET TOOTH
SUGAR’S SNEAKY SIDE EFFECTS and drugs over and over again. Well, we’ve seen the exact same thing happening with sugar.” Sugar addiction can have a particularly devastating effect on men, as a study of nearly 23,000 males over nine years revealed a link between the consumption of sugary drinks and a heightened risk of prostate cancer, according to the National Library of Medicine. Deceptive Delights While we’d expect a doughnut or a fudge brownie to be packed with sugar, some of the supposed healthy foods and drinks we enjoy are just as bad for us. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that some protein bars, canned fruits, yogurts, granola products, ketchup, and salad dressings could contain added sugars. Take the time to read food labels, and you’ll be shocked. Suppose you absolutely must satisfy your taste for sugar. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, you can try eating whole fruits — for example, mashing a banana into your bowl of oatmeal instead of reaching for a spoonful of the white stuff — and stevia as alternative sweeteners. No matter how you do it, reducing your sugar intake is essential in ensuring your long-term health.
When did you last sit down, grab a spoon, and eat a heaping pile of sugar? If the thought makes you wince, you may be surprised to learn
how much sugar you actually consume but don’t realize it. Here are startling facts about the potential dangers of this popular additive. The Sweet Road to Addiction Most of us think of sugar as the sweet stuff we add to our coffee or grapefruit, but we consume it in many forms. While some fruits and dairy products naturally contain sugar, processing makes many foods on store shelves loaded with added sugars. According to neuroscientist Nicole Avena, over 80% of items found in supermarkets contain sugar — with beverages like energy drinks and iced teas among the unhealthiest. In addition to being linked to diabetes and cardiovascular disease, high sugar consumption impacts how we think as much as how we feel. Avena cautions that sugar can be just as addictive — if not more — than illicit drugs. “One of the hallmarks of drug addiction is this release in dopamine that occurs, and that’s why people often get hooked,” she told ABC News. “They end up getting addicted and feel this compulsion to use alcohol
BUILDING A POST-INJURY ROUTINE Small Steps, Big Gains
Rebuilding your life after a serious injury can feel like a daunting task, but it’s also an opportunity to rediscover your strength and resilience. Finding the proper fitness or wellness routine that suits your needs is a powerful step toward your recovery, both physically and emotionally. Whether it’s gentle stretches, daily walks, or more vigorous exercise, listening to your body and using proper form as you heal after an accident is essential. Here are some tips to help you safely build a fitness routine that supports your healing and gives you the self- confidence to move forward. Protect yourself with proper form. No matter what form of exercise you prefer, it’s essential to use the proper form when getting back into a fitness routine. Before you begin to work out, review the correct form for any exercises you will be doing in relation to
your injury. Remember to keep your spine long and relax your shoulders. A physical therapist or medical provider can help you determine what exercises are right for you as you recover. You should start with exercises that are less challenging than your routine before the injury. You may want to limit the amount of weight you use or the range of motion. It’s better to start small and incrementally adjust your exercises as you get stronger. Listen to your body. Listen to your body as you work out. Pain is a sign that something is wrong, and you may need to adjust your technique. If your injury site hurts during physical activity, stop and evaluate if there is something you can do to adjust form or try another type of exercise. When you notice pain, try to limit your range of motion or decrease the weight you’re using. Professionals,
like physical therapists or trainers, can be excellent resources for creating a routine that will help you heal without experiencing pain. As you get into a fitness routine, stretch before and after working out and stay hydrated. Rebuilding your strength after an injury is a journey that requires patience and attention to your body’s signals. By taking small, consistent steps and choosing routines catered to your injury, you can heal and move forward stronger than ever.
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