"5 Ways Climate Change Is Amplifying Allergies: Why You'll Be Sneezing (and Itching) More"11/7/2023
As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, scientists have been delving into the potential impact on allergies. Jeffrey Demain, a distinguished professor at the University of Washington and Director of the Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Center of Alaska, warns that if global warming continues, we can anticipate more frequent and severe allergies. Recently, he shared his insights at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Delaware. Here's an overview of the reasons why rising temperatures are poised to make allergy sufferers more miserable than ever.
While most of the available evidence highlights the worsening of allergies, it's important to note that many studies have been primarily correlational. Demain is the first to acknowledge that seasonal variations will still occur, as exemplified by harsh winters like this year's. However, he asserts that the overall trends are unmistakable, even if your nose might not readily agree. A speedy workout for improving strength and toning muscle that you can complete from your living room. As soon as you fall out of a routine with fitness it's easy to beat yourself up about it. Rather than force yourself into big long workouts to try and make up for lost time, instead, ease yourself in and gradually build up to where you want to be. You can start nice and steady with this quick ten-minute upper body workout. This routine includes a set of moderate-sized weights so a set of the best adjustable dumbbells will be more than ideal for this muscle toning workout. This style of weight allows you to adjust the weight you are working with by a click of a button or via a dial function. If strength is something you're looking to develop more but you still enjoy cardio-based training, then you can combine both into one session with this BodyFit by Amy workout. Amy has packed heaps of versatile moves into such a short amount of time, making it possible for you to stay active no matter how tight you are for time. If you have a pair of the best cross training shoes then get these laced up and yourself ready for a ten-minute blast of strength and cardio-based movement. You will start by performing 30 seconds of a traditional upper body move in isolation, add some cardio for 30 seconds, place the weights down before a further 30 seconds of straight cardio, and then take 30 seconds rest. This pattern will be repeated with different moves until the ten mins are up. BODYFIT BY AMY'S 10-MINUTE UPPER BODY DUMBBELL HIIT WORKOUT For this workout, you aren't restricted to only using dumbbells. A couple of the best kettlebells can be used or you can even use home contents such as cans or bottles. However, if you do want to build muscle with lighter weights you will have to be pushing yourself that bit harder.
Research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology discovered that lifting lighter weights can be just as effective at building muscle as lifting heavier weights, but according to the researchers from McMaster University, the key is to work until the point of fatigue. Now of course, this ten-minute HIIT workout will have you working to a high intensity, but it won't necessarily work you to the point of muscle fatigue. Regardless, there are plenty of other ways you can train your muscles to fatigue with lighter weights and still experience impressive muscle growth. It's a good idea to learn how to deadlift with dumbbells or continue developing your upper body strength with some of the best home chest workouts. To enhance your muscle growth as well as avoid injury make sure you are eating plenty of protein too. Or consider incorporating one of the best protein powders for women into your diet to help increase your daily protein intake. Protein is essential for helping your muscles repair and recover in between exercise. While a well-balanced diet is the best way to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need to support your body, sometimes there are gaps to be filled --that’s where supplements come in. Supplements are known for providing your body with important nutritional benefits that you can’t always gather from food or your environment, an addition which can be helpful in maximizing your overall health. However, the caveat to supplements is that not all of them are actually good for you. A medical expert weighs in on which supplements to avoid, and which ones should be taken with caution. Calcium The first supplement which should be taken with care, according to Benjamin Todd Thatcher, Chief Medical Officer at Valley Behavioral Health, is calcium. While calcium is valuable for increasing bone strength, Thatcher notes, “In the aged body, calcium affects the artery walls instead of making the bones stronger, which in turn can lead to heart disease.” If you’re concerned about your heart health at all, speak to your doctor before including calcium or any supplement into your diet. Vitamin C Vitamin C, which can be found naturally in citrus fruits and kale, is a wonderful nutrient that can help repair tissue in the body and boost your immune system to aid in illness prevention. However, Thatcher warns, “Excess intake in [Vitamin C] can also lead to the risk of kidney stones. It is advisable to take it with moderation.” As with all good things, moderation is key, so check to see how much Vitamin C you actually need before inhaling your gummy vitamins. Multivitamins Multivitamins claim to provide a wide range of nutrients in order to fill any gaps within your diet and treat any deficiencies. But Thatcher warns that they are largely synthetic, and you would be better off getting your nutrients through a higher intake of vegetables instead. A study for Johns Hopkins determined that while many people depend on multivitamins to support their health, there has been no research to show that multivitamins actually reduce risk of disease or cancer, nor does it help support your mental health in any way. Fish Oil Fish oil, which is loaded with Omega-3, is said to provide your body with fatty acid which protects your heart health and aids in brain function. And while fatty acid is good for your body in moderate doses, fish oil supplements may not be the best means of consuming this nutrient. Thatcher explains that in excess, fish oil can lead to stomach bleeding, as well as nausea and other digestion issues. A study for Harvard Medical School notes that it’s best to try to get your fish oil from actual fish, rather than a supplement, for maximum benefit. Vitamin D
This supplement is most commonly taken to improve the strength of your teeth and bones, claiming to prevent osteoporosis and consumed in supplement form because it is extremely difficult to get enough in your diet. But while the benefits sound promising, studies have emerged suggesting that low doses of Vitamin D may not actually prevent bone breakage, and high doses can have an adverse effect on your kidney, causing muscle and abdominal pain, as well as even potentially raising your risk of stroke. Physician, scientist and author, Dr. William W. Li, MD explains, "If you take too much Vitamin D, it can cause a problem called ‘hypervitaminosis D’ which leads to the buildup of calcium in your body. Too much calcium can cause bone pain and kidney stones which may require medical treatment." However, he notes that as a Vitamin D deficiency is common, if you need to depend on the supplement, make sure to stay within the daily dosage, between 600-800 IU (internation unit) per day. While supplements can be fantastic to fill in the holes of your diet, you’re better off trying to diversify your meals before you look towards the alternatives. Your body will always be better off getting the most natural form of a nutrient, so if you’re considering adding a supplement into your routine, it’s best to check with a doctor first to make sure you won’t be doing more harm than good. New Jersey is a lot more beautiful than people give it credit for. One of the best ways to enjoy our natural beauty is by taking scenic hikes across the state. There are many benefits to hiking and we’ve got incredible trails from north to south that can be explored all year long. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, here are a few local favorites – one for each month of the year. The short version of the Cushetunk Trail comes in at 3.4 miles each way, making for a 6.8-mile out and back trek. This trail is rated moderate with 1,220 feet of elevation gain along the way. In the winter, with no leaves on the trees, you'll enjoy terrific views of the Round Valley Reservoir. Leashed dogs are welcome. Thompson Park is home to this easy out and back trail with lake views. There's minimal elevation gain, making this a great choice for kids and families. This unique trail is one of the longest in New Jersey and it traverses 19 Essex County parks. If you want to hike it in its entirety, we recommend you do so in late March when the weather is cool. Much of the trail is paved, making for a manageable journey. Along the way, you'll pass historic and cultural sites like Kips Castle and Newark's Branch Brook Park. April showers bring rushing waterfalls at South Mountain Reservation. This 5.8-mile loop trail is a moderate hike that's best enjoyed when Hemlock Falls is at peak water levels. Leashed dogs are welcome. This short and scenic wildflower trail at Tourne County Park is best in mid to late May. It's a fun, family-friendly hike featuring 250 plant and flower species native to New Jersey, all labeled. Historic Smithville Park is one the most beautiful parks in the Burlington County Park System. It offers 4.5 miles of trails but the 1.8-mile loop that combines the Red and Green Trails is a family favorite. You'll visit a butterfly garden and cross a unique floating section of trail! Enjoy ocean, pond, lighthouse, and bunker views from this beautiful beachfront trail. It's easy, family-friendly, and perfect for summer. Visit historic Batsto Village and stroll past Batsto Lake on this easy loop trail in Wharton State Forest. This wheelchair-accessible boardwalk trail at Richard W. DeKorte Park is perfect for families, beginners, and birdwatchers. It's a great place to enjoy local nature and wildlife! Leashed dogs are allowed. Picnic areas are available. Enjoy breathtaking views of High Point State Monument and fall foliage across three states (New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) on this easy-moderate loop trail with 515 feet of elevation gain. This approximately 70-mile trail spans Hunterdon, Mercer, and Somerset Counties. The trail is divided into several key sections along the D&R Canal - both the Main Canal Trail (34 miles long) and the Feeder Canal Trail (31.5 miles long) are ADA accessible. Visit in early November and you'll still enjoy some colorful fall foliage. December – Great Falls Loop – .8 Miles – Paterson This short and easy trail is more beautiful in the winter than you’d ever believe unless you visit for yourself. However, this stunning video by Peter Alessandria Photography on YouTube comes pretty close to capturing its partially-frozen glory. Address: Round Valley Reservoir, Clinton Township, NJ 08833, USA Address: 805 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738, USA Address: Lake St & Park Avenue, Newark, NJ 07104, USA Address: Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA Address: 83 Old Denville Rd, Boonton, NJ 07005, USA Address: 803 Smithville Rd, Eastampton Township, NJ 08060, USA Address: 215 Light House Ave, Cape May, NJ 08204, USA Address: 31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton, NJ 08037, USA Address: 1 DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071, USA Address: Montague, NJ 07827, USA Address: Frenchtown, NJ 08825, USA Address: 72 McBride Ave, Paterson, NJ 07501, USA You only have 20 minutes so you don't have time to mess around! This workout gets right into it, and within the first few minutes, you'll feel your blood flowing and your breath heavy. Since you only need a pair of dumbbells, it's the perfect workout to do at home or the gym when you want to get in an intense workout that targets every part of your body and leaves you sore tomorrow. This 20-minute CrossFit workout is an AMRAP, which means "as many rounds as possible." So set the timer for 20 minutes and don't stop until the time is up! Jade Jenny, head CrossFit coach and owner of Champlain Valley CrossFit, says AMRAP workouts are meant to push your pace, to be competitive with yourself, and to see how many rounds you can get. Complete this workout, write down how many rounds you get through in your fitness journal, and the next time you do it, see if you can get in more reps! 20-Minute Home CrossFit Workout Equipment needed: Pair of medium-weight dumbbells (six to 20 pounds). Have two sets on hand so you can use the heavier pair for the exercises that are easier. Directions: After a five-minute dynamic warmup, complete the below AMRAP workout until 20 minutes are up, with no rest in between exercises. Aim to get at least eight rounds. If you need more details on each exercise, see the instructions ahead. After the workout, be sure to do a cooldown, such as these leg stretches or grab a foam roller for your legs and butt. Burpees -
Lower into a crouching squat with your hands on the floor. Do a squat thrust by jumping your feet back into a plank position. Do one basic push-up, bending the elbows and then straightening back to a plank. Jump the feet forward to the hands, and come into a squat. Do an explosive jump straight up, getting as much height as you can. Do five burpees. Since you don't see them when you glance in the mirror, it's easy to forget about the back of your arms. But you need to work your triceps to tone that area. Running from your shoulder to your elbow, the main job of this muscle is to straighten your elbow, which is a really common motion, so you can actually work this area in many exercises. From controlling a dumbbell back to the starting position in a bicep curl to straightening your arms at the top of a push-up, focus on what the triceps are doing to squeeze the most out of your reps. Working this muscle doesn't mean you will lose fat on the back of your arms, but you will be building strength and muscle. For your toned triceps to pop, you need to lose weight all over, because you cannot spot-reduce fat by building muscle. We suggest a well-rounded workout plan with full-body strength training and cardio workouts. Here's a collection of 8 triceps exercises for you to rotate into your sweat sessions to start strengthening them; pick two to three of these exercises for each workout. It's a mix of body weight moves and dumbbell and band exercises, and one of our favorites even uses the cable pulley machine. |
AuthorContent gathered & updated by the Bergen Review Media team. Archives
April 2024
Categories
All
|