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Before you grab your weights, you might want to consider another way to get your health and fitness on track. Maybe youre feeling strongbut are you feeling stiff? Too much sitting at your work-from-home station? Pilates might be just what you need to balance your body and optimize your strength.

Don't just scoff. Despite what you might envision when you think of Pilates, this form of exercise is great for men. In fact, it was started by a man named Joseph Pilates, and he was no sissy (he started developing the method while being held in an internment camp, for starters). You can read more about Joseph Pilates and the fascinating history behind this workout practice herebut if you are still not convinced that Pilates might be what your body needs, take it from an expert.

Dr. Heather Mims, PT, DPT, OCS, PMA-CPT and Pilates Method Alliance Certified Pilates Teacher at Shift Wellness, says that the balance the practice can bring is essential for men. Many men need to include a better balance of work on flexibility and strength in their exercise programs, she says. Dr. Mims explains that traditional workouts targeted towards men disproportionately concentrate on resisted strengthening programs that forcibly contract and shorten muscles. But this constant process of contracting muscles can lead to chronic tightness and decreased range of motion.

If you dont diversify your workout routine, Dr. Mims warns, a reduction in mobility at the joints can play a role in the development of common conditions such as low back pain, tendinopathies, muscle strains/tears, and plantar fasciitis. One of the many benefits of Pilates is that it includes a better balance of stretching and strengthening and often works the muscles in an elongated position, offering a long lever arm for the core muscles to work against.

Dr. Mims explains that eccentrically loading the muscles (resistance while lengthening rather than shortening them) in a slow, controlled "putting on the brakes" manner can offer really valuable functional strength training and stability work that can help men (and everyone else, for that matter) attain and maintain better posture and more efficient technique in their chosen sport, all while preventing injuries.

Not sure where to begin? Dr. Mims breaks down five of her favorite Pilates moves you can do at home, specifically for your man-bod.

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1. Hamstring Stretch with Pilates Magic Circle:

Lie on your back and hook one handle of the Pilates Magic Circle (or Ring) on the ball of your right foot. Straighten your right knee as much as you can, feeling a stretch in the back of your right thigh, knee, and calf. For 6 slow counts, push your right leg away from you but hang onto the Circle so that any actual motion is prevented (this is an isometric contraction of your right hamstrings). Relex, taking up the slack until feeling a stretch behind the leg. Hold 30 seconds. Repeat this cycle two more times.

Dr. Mims explains: This way of opening up the hamstrings makes use of an evidence-based stretching method known as Contract-Relax technique, which is part of PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) techniques often utilized by physical therapists. By pairing the technique with the Pilates Magic Circle, you can stretch by yourself and achieve the same dramatic improvements in flexibility that we often see only when working with a trainer or PT.

2. Double Leg Lower/Lift:

Lie on your back and extend both legs straight toward the ceiling. If you cannot achieve completely straight knees, that's okaybut extend as much as possible. Tuck your chin and float your head and shoulders off the floor, looking toward your abdominals. You can support the back of your head with one or both hands if you wish. As you slowly exhale, lower both straight legs until feeling a little shaking in your abdominal muscles. Do not go any lower if you begin to feel pain or strain in the lower back. This should be an abdominal experience, not a back experience. Inhale, raising both straight legs up to vertical again. Perform 6 to 8 reps total.

Besides being a great way to work on core strength, this is a particularly good exercise to do right after stretching the hamstrings, as it strengthens into the available range of motion and thus helps make new gains in hamstring flexibility into longer-lasting changes in the muscles and connective tissue.

3. Bridge with Single Leg Lower/Lift

Lie on your back and bend both knees with feet hip-width apart on the mat. Exhale, raising the pelvis up into a bridge. Extend the right leg straight toward the ceiling, maintaining the height of the pelvic bridge. Inhale, lowering the straight right leg toward the mat and stopping when it is just slightly lower than the L knee. Exhale, raise the straight right leg again to vertical. Repeat for a total of 5 down/up motions of the right leg, then replace the right foot to bridge position and lower pelvis down to the mat. Repeat 5 times on the left side.

This bridge variation has the winning combination of strengthening and stretching the hamstrings in a dynamic and balanced way throughout the activity while also offering core strengthening and dynamic hip flexor stretching.

4. Leg Pull Front Support

Set up a plank position. Make sure that you can feel your abdominals supporting the weight of the pelvis in the plank and that you are actively standing tall on your arms (not sinking between your shoulder blades). Inhale to prepare. Exhale as you kick twice toward the ceiling with a straight right leg, taking care to make the kicks small enough that the knee does not bend, the rest of the body does not reverberate or shift in any way, and the pelvis does not creep upward out of its plank alignment. Replace right foot, then perform 2 kicks on the next exhale with the left leg. Continue alternating sides for a total of 5 to 6 kicks on each side. This exercise offers core and upper body strengthening in an elongated position of the body, as well as a balance challenge due to the perturbations created with the kicking motions.

5. Side Kick on Forearm

Set up a side plank with feet stacked one on top of the other and top arm extended toward the ceiling. Lift top leg off bottom leg so that it is slightly higher than the top hip. Exhale and kick the top leg forward twice without disturbing the position of the rest of the body (no collapse on supporting arm, no swaying or wavering of top arm, no twisting of shoulders/chest/pelvis). Then, on your inhale, sweep the top leg back behind you staying above hip height. Repeat for a total of 5 to 6 on the first side, then flip over to the other side and perform 5 to 6 on the second side.

This exercise offers coordinated shoulder girdle, core, and pelvic girdle strengthening, dynamic hamstring stretching, and is particularly good for strengthening obliques and gluteus medius muscles (hip abductors).

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Men Should Try Home Pilates Workouts for Flexibility and Strength - menshealth.com

A breath of fresh air. Storefronts are coming to life just like the flourishing summer greenery. Businesses are starting up. Doors are opening.

Despite the global pandemic, much of Wisconsin is itching to return to normal. This could leave the states elderly residents even more suscepible to COVID-19.

Heidi McGeehan, the campus administrator of Christian Community Homes and Services (CCHS) in Osceola said as lockdowns and quarantines have become engrained in everyday life, the world in assisted living homes looks very different than much of the rest of the state. Because CCHS is following the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Health guidelines, their doors are closed to all visitors and non-essential staff.

Upon coming into our building, all staff are doing a screening check and then they are also taking their temperatures, McGeehan said. And this is every shift that they come in to work. The residents are also screened three times a day checking vitals, temperature, and symptoms.

Every resident and staff member is wearing a mask, maintaining distance from each other and ritualistically hand-washing. Communal dining is closed for residents, as are group activities, and residents eat meals in their rooms. The only social interactions are one-on-one.

Just a mile down the road, Eagle Ridge Senior Living and Memory Care in Osceola is facing much different obstacles they havent opened yet.

Eagle Ridge is scheduled to open their doors soon. For their managing company, Senior Housing Companies, this isnt the first time theyve opened an assisted living home during a pandemic.

Senior Housing Companies operates over 65 communities across Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Kentucky. Earlier this year they added a new location in the Minneapolis suburbs.

Melisa Wiebenga, the director of community relations for Senior Housing Companies, described the grand opening of a senior living facility like freshman move-in day at a college campus. During a pandemic, however, the jovial meetings and chaos of welcoming new residents are replaced by carefully scheduled move-ins, one at a time, with lots of disinfecting.

What we would do is work with moving companies and disinfect, sanitize, (the residents) furniture and things before they brought them into thebuilding, Wiebenga said.

Everyone helping would wear gowns, gloves and masks, and were screened for symptoms.

They have also creatively used a buildings layout to help families avoid contact with each other. One family would use the front door, while another family would use the back door.

And then once that resident is in, Wiebenga said, then we also went through a quarantine process.

The resident would eat meals in their rooms, be provided with crafts from the activity director, and be allowed to sometimes take short walks around the campus, provided they wore a mask.

These strategies will be repeated when Eagle Ridge opens.

Previously, CCHS residents participated in on-site activities like bingo, stretching and exercises, singing and music and a host of events. As a faith-based organization, three worship services are offered each week, as well as frequent visits from a chaplain who is available for spiritual counseling and conversation.

We try and meet the residents safety needs and spiritual needs as well, McGeehan said.

Now, activities are cancelled, doors are closed and visits are postponed. As the days slog on, staff and residents are working hard to keep each others spirits up.

Necessity is the mother of invention, as the saying goes, and the interpersonal needs of at-risk people during pandemic quarantines have mothered incredible creativity. Family members frequently make appearances at their loved ones window to chat, and hand written letters and drawings are sent to cheer them up. Families go to heartwarming lengths to make sure their loved ones dont feel alone.

Throughout Senior Housing Companies locations, ingenuity is thriving, with activities like hydration carts. With dessert carts decorated like ice cream trucks, staff members play music on cell phones and deliver ice cream and water bottles to every room.

Other events like hallway bingo and TV-broadcast exercise programs are big hits at the homes. Wiebenga wants to make sure the residents dont spend all their time watching the news and worrying.

We want to make sure that our residents feel safe, she said.

Safety appears to be an increasingly difficult achievement in todays world. We are always nervous about our residents, McGeehan said. On May 22, one of the CCHS staff tested positive for COVID-19. Immediately they were quarantined, along with three other staff members who had direct contact with them. Thankfully, there was no direct contact with the residents.

Facility-wide testing had already been anticipated, and everyone at CCHS has tested negative for the virus. By following strict protocols and precautions, the whole team was able to protect the residents.

As far as Wiebenga has seen, the staff have kept upmost care to be aware of not just health concerns, but also companionship concerns.

They feel the residents are like grandparents or parents, aunts, uncles and they treat them like that, she said. Theyre family.

The restrictions on visitors have been wearing on the residents. Theyre pretty tough, McGeehan said. But theyre feeling the effects of loneliness.

She recommended writing a letter or a drawing picture and sending it to them, because knowing someone is thinking of them really dulls the pain of isolation. Encouragement for all the workers is hugely appreciated too, McGeehan said.

Another way to support local assisted living facilities is by donating. They are always looking for more personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure safety.

Personal protective equipment is fantastic, Wiebenga siad. It works. It really prevents the spread of the virus. With medical facilities across the country in need of PPE, supplies have proven difficult to acquire. To learn more about how to donate, the CCHS and Eagle Ridge websites have contact information available.

Wiebenga is excited for the new Osceola assisted living location, despite the pandemic difficulties. I know that the manager and the owner and the team and this community is really looking forward to being a part of the town of Osceola, she said. And you know, this will pass. We will get to the other side.

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Coronavirus is still a threat to our elderly communities, and so is isolation - Osceola Sun

STERLING, Ill., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --The idea of working from home may sound appealing, but many people are discovering the reality is very different. In addition to challenges like navigating an uprooted schedule, wrangling children and sharing your Wi-Fi bandwidth with a household, pesky pains have likely crept up. That's why therapeutic at-home massager manufacturer Wahl interviewed board-certified anesthesiologist and pain specialist Dr. Anita Gupta for tips on managing your pain while working from home.

"Millions of people live with chronic pain, many of whom are experiencing exacerbated symptoms due to recent lifestyle changes like working from home," explains Dr. Gupta. "While a comprehensive pain-management plan from your doctor is recommended, unfortunately, COVID-19 has increased barriers in obtaining treatment." She recommends the following tips for being proactive in your pain-relief:

1. Add massage to your daily routine.

Staying ahead of pain is one of the best ways to prevent it, and a great approach is adding massage to your daily routine. It relieves muscle tension by enhancing blood flow; causing muscles to relax and decreasing inflammation by activating genes that naturally reduce swelling. Hand-held massagers are an excellent option for maintaining a massage regimen as they can be used in the comfort of your home. For example, the Wahl Deep Knead Massage Wrap offers both heat therapy and shiatsu massage therapy. Six shiatsu massage nodes vary in height to simulate the sensation of real fingers kneading at different pressures, and they can be programmed to rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. It can be further customized by wrapping it around your upper back or neck and pulling the soft and flexible handgrips for added pressure.

2. Keep up physical activity.

You may not have a commute, but don't go directly from all night in bed, to all day at the computer. Schedule regular breaks in your work day, preferably that involve exercise. Home-based exercise programs are available virtually and can continue under the guidance of your doctor. Wear comfortable clothes, allow time to stretch and implement a hand-held massager to alleviate post-exercise flares. Consider doing strength and balance activities as well to stay healthy and reduce the risk of falling. It's crucial to remember, however, to seek medical advice if you experience chest pain, dizziness or sickness during exercise.

3. Adjust and adapt your home workspace.

Try to emulate the ergonomic environment you had at the office. Adjust your chair height as needed, keeping your feet flat on the floor. If your at-home work chair still isn't up to par, consider strapping on a lumbar support for better posture and less strain on your lower back. Upper back and neck pain could be the result of holding your head in a downward angle to look at your computer, so try propping up your monitor to eye level.

4. Manage your stress levels and mental health.

Chronic muscle and joint pain can be exacerbated during times of increased stress, like the change in routine that has come for many with COVID-19. Stress reduction and behavioral treatments are vital in soothing the central nervous system and pain response. One way to do this is by keeping up your pre-COVID-19 habits while working from home. For example, shower and dress as if you were going to the office; the familiar ritual can help maintain a motivated and positive attitude. However, it's equally important to find separation between your work life and home life. So if your dining table is now your desk, try moving your office set up to a closet on the weekends after all, out of sight, out of mind.

5. Maintain your medical regimen as prescribed by your doctor.

While visits to your doctor may now be less frequent, remember, most medications should not be abruptly discontinued as this can worsen systemic disease. If you're concerned about the availability of your medications, ask your doctor about the possibility of increasing your supply from 30 to 60 days. Or, if you're due for a check-in to get a prescription refill, see if your doctor is willing to do it virtually. Finally, many pharmacies offer home delivery, lessening the need for in-person interactions.

"Now, more than ever, prioritizing your health is crucial," continued Dr. Gupta. "The above tips are just some of the ways you can improve your physical well-being, and find the strength to better navigate the daily challenges of living through this global pandemic."

To learn more about pain management tips and tools visit WahlUSA.com.

The foregoing does not create a doctor-patient relationship and is not intended to replace any guidance from your own treating physicians.

About Wahl Home ProductsWahl Home Products is a division of Wahl Clipper Corporation, based in Sterling, Ill. For more than 100 years, the company has remained a trusted name and industry leader, manufacturing products for consumer personal care, animal grooming and professional beauty and barber salon trade. For more information, visit WahlUSA.com.

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5 Tips to Treat the Painful Realities of Working from Home - Cherokee Tribune Ledger News

Itching to exercise? Try these home workouts

Updated: 9:46 AM EDT Jun 6, 2020

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JENNIFER: WITH GYMS CLOSED IN THE STATE, MANY ARE LOOKING FOR ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO EXERCISE. JOINING US WITH WORKOUTS TO DO FROM HOME, PERSONAL TRAINER CHARLES HARRIS. IT WOULD BE GREAT TO GET YOU BACK IN HERE ONE DAY, YOU KNOW? >> I KNOW. HOW'S IT GOING? JENNIFER: IT'S GOING GREAT. YOU WERE TELLING ME THE NUMBER ONE COMPLAINT IS CLIENTS ARE GAINING WEIGHT BECAUSE THEY'VE BEEN STUCK AT HOME. >> ABSOLUTELY. >> EVERYONE FEELS THE SAME WAY. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE? >> WELL, I'M GOING TO SHOW YOU SOME DOS AND DON'T YOU CAN DO, BECAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE WORKING OUT ON THEIR OWN NOW. SO I KNOW AS THE WEATHER IS CHANGING, AS THE GOVERNMENT HAS, YOU KNOW, CHANGED SOME RESTRICTIONS, YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GO TO THE GYM BUT THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS YOU CAN DO. I WANT TO SHOW YOU THINGS YOU SHOULDN'T DO AND THINGS YOU SHOULD DO, ALL RIGHT? JENNIFER: SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN. >> WITH HAND WEIGHTS, I SEE A LOT OF PEOPLE DO A LUNG AND THEY LEAN FORWARD AND YOUR KNEE GOES OVER YOUR FOOT LIKE THAT. YOU ALWAYS WANT TO ALIGN THE KNEE AND ANKLE UP TOGETHER. THAT'S THE PROPER FORM. YOU ALSO DON'T WANT TO LEAN FORWARD. SAFETY IS FIRST. YOU DON'T WANT TO INJURY YOURSELF. THAT'S A GOOD WAY TO DO A LUNGE. WHEN YOU DO SQUATS, I OFTEN SEE THIS AS WELL. MY KNEES GOING OVER MY FEET. I ALWAYS USE A CHAIR AS A GUIDE. THIS IS WHAT I TEACH. TAKE THE GLUTES BACK SO YOU CAN GENTLY TOUCH THE CHAIR TO LET YOU KNOW YOU HAV PROSECPER ALIGNMENT AND TECHNIQUES. NEVER HYPEREXTEND THE JOINTS. AS LONG AS THEY'RE AT 99% RANGE OF MOTION, ALSO WHEN YOU COME BACK, THAT'S PUTTING CONSTANT TENSION ON THE MUSCLE. AND THE THIRD THING I WANT TO SHOW YOU IS HOW TO PREETH. ANY TIME YOU PUSH THE WEIGHTS AWAY AND COME BACK, YOU INHALE, BRING AIR IN, EXHALE, BLOW OUT. PUSH IT, INHALE. PULL IT, EXHALE. EXHALE, INHALE, EXHALE, INHALE. INHALE, EXHALE. SO ANY TIME THE ARMS COME TOWARD THE BODY, BREATHE IN, AND YOU GO OUT. JENNIFER: I LIKE THAT. I "I," IN, INHALE. YOU'VE BEEN WORKING ON YOUR GUNS TOO, I CAN TELL. >> LOOK AT THAT. JENNIFER: NICE JOB. >> BASICALLY, THIS IS A TIME WE CAN WORK OUT OURS BECAUSE WE'RE NOT BUSY AS MUCH. A LOT OF ACTIVITIES ALLOW US TO STAY HOME NOW SO THIS IS A GOOD TIME TO WORK ON YOURSELF, DO SOME THINGS THAT YOU WOULDN'T ORDINARILY DO TO WAKE UP AND DO MORNING STRETCHES. I CAN SHOW YOU STRETCHES TO DO YOU CAN WORK IN THE CHAIR, GET A STRETCH ON BOTH SIDES, STRETCHING OUT THE LATS. YOU CAN ALSO TURN THE CHAIR AR AROUND, PULL IT BACK SO YOU CAN REMAIN FLEXIBLE WHILE YOU WORK FROM HOME AND ALWAYS KEEP YOUR BODY LOOSE. THAT WAY, YOU DON'T GET TIGHT. JENNIFER: CHARLES, THANKS SO MUCH. >> THIS IS A GOOD WAY TO REALLY RELEASE TENSION AND STRESS OUT OF YOUR BODY. JENNIFER: WE NEED MORE OF THAT. CHARLES, IT WAS GREAT TO SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN. THANKS

Itching to exercise? Try these home workouts

Updated: 9:46 AM EDT Jun 6, 2020

With gyms still closed in Maryland, many people are looking for alternative ways to exercise. Personal trainer Charles Harris demonstrates some workouts you can do from home.

With gyms still closed in Maryland, many people are looking for alternative ways to exercise. Personal trainer Charles Harris demonstrates some workouts you can do from home.

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Itching to exercise? Try these home workouts - WBAL TV Baltimore

It took a couple of months, but Honolulu has finally joined the ranks of cities providing at least a little more street space to pedestrians and bike riders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over four consecutive Sunday mornings starting June 14, more than half a mile of Kalakaua Avenue in the heart of Waikiki will be closed to vehicular traffic. The thoroughfare, devoid of its usual tourist crowds, will be reserved for those looking to exercise on foot and by bike instead.

The Kalakaua closures will take place between Seaside Avenue and Kapahulu from 6 a.m. to noon, according to city officials.

Starting June 14, the city will close Kalakaua to vehicles for four consecutive Sundays, to allow more room for bicyclists and pedestrians.

PF Bentley/Civil Beat

We really want to create a nice, safe, beautiful place for people to be outside, said Lori McCarney, executive director of the Hawaii Bicycling League, which advocated for the move.

Its an opportunity for locals to re-familiarize themselves with a neighborhood usually dominated by visitors, and if its popular it could spur similar programs in other parts of Oahu, McCarney said.

The move follows an unprecedented spike in bicycle sales on Oahu, mirroring a global trend as people look for more ways to get out of the house while still observing shutdown orders.

Its also Honolulus first foray into the so-called slow streets, or open streets trend thats taken off in at least 100 cities elsewhere since COVID-19 hit. Generally, the goal is to give residents stuck at home the space they need to safely exercise outdoors, keeping their distance from one another by moving off curbs and sidewalks.

During the pandemic, car traffic has plummeted but speeding has kept conditions dangerous in many places.

Many of those cities have used cones and barricades to temporarily close certain residential streets off to most through traffic, limiting access to local vehicles and emergency responders.

Oakland announced a plan on April 10 to designate more than 74 miles of street space for pedestrians and bike riders. So far, the Northern California city has reported installing at least 20 miles of those corridors.

Meanwhile, under Seattles Stay Healthy Streets initiative, the temporary road conversions in some city neighborhoods will become permanent. Some urban planners think the changes could be adopted as permanent elsewhere as well.

Overall, about 500 miles of streets across numerous U.S. cities have been converted to safer use for those on foot and bike during the pandemic, according to research by the firm Street Plans Collaborative.

Honolulus program is somewhat unique, however, in that it will tap one of Waikikis largest and most prominent streets and use it during a much more limited time frame than typically seen elsewhere.

Street closure initiatives across the U.S. started shortly after shutdowns started taking effect.

Asked in April if any such initiatives were in the works locally, Honolulu city officials said they were consulting with their peers in the National Association of City Transportation Officials on best-practices for such initiatives while trying to balance their messaging on Mayor Kirk Caldwells stay-at-home order.

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With Tourists Gone, City Will Open Kalakaua to Bikers and Pedestrians - Honolulu Civil Beat

The recent Free Press headline, "Booze sales spike during pandemic" hit home with me as I suspected this could be a problem during the COVID-19 crisis. Ive seen the long "social distancing" lineups at the doors of various liquor stores as Ive driven on by. And Ive heard of the significant increase in domestic violence due to forced isolation combined with alcohol. In fact, some advocacy groups are referring to the skyrocketing numbers of domestic violence incidents as a "pandemic on a pandemic."

Isolation, anxiety and loneliness have proven to be bigger problems than initially anticipated amongst our newly minted "at home" workers and/or those who have been laid off temporarily or otherwise. Unfortunately, this has apparently led to an increase in alcohol use. For instance, the Canadian Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, reports that the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to work at home, the lost jobs and resulting isolation, anxiety and loneliness have altered peoples alcohol intake patterns. In fact, the centre reports that people are binge drinking at least once per week.

John Roberge / Tallahassee Democrat

It is also interesting to note that 56 per cent of survey respondents indicated that COVID-19 has had a negative impact on their mental health. Yet, another survey showed that 60 per cent of participants were not seeking either formal and/or informal supports to help develop coping mechanisms.

So, why is it that people dont seek help when they know they are suffering from mental health issues and they know their employer has resources and services available? One of the key reasons for not disclosing is the continuing fear of the stigma of mental health. It seems that the old-fashioned stigma and fear are simply cemented into their minds. And, in spite of the fact there is a third-party provider, employees still worry about confidentiality. They worry about privacy, especially if a call is made during working hours and/or if they need to take time away from work to attend an appointment. There is fear about the impact on relationships with colleagues, the danger of being labelled and/or limiting any potential promotional activities. Overall, the result is that anxiety is doubled up... anxiety from the pandemic and anxiety from disclosing.

Managers need to be cognizant of the underlying fears employees are experiencing but dont outwardly express. They need to be more proactive and assertive in dealing with mental health issues during these stressful times. This includes things such as simply taking more time to discuss and listen to employee concerns about what is happening for them, right now. They need to focus on getting leaders out in front of the communication strategies and ensuring consistent ongoing messages. Managers need to monitor their own frame of mind and concentrate on demonstrating positive thinking so that employees have confidence in how the organization is handling return to work issues.

On the other hand, an additional survey identified 63 per cent of participants were confident in their own abilities to bounce back after the pandemic. This suggests to me that a good portion of employees will also engage in personal self-care when they feel their anxiety level is reaching a level of concern. Thats good news and with this in mind, I am providing the following suggestions to help readers bounce back.

Remember the link Keep in mind there is a connection between your thoughts and your physical reaction. In fact, there are five components to any issue; the environment, physical, mood, behaviour and thoughts. Whenever you start to feel anxious, take time to review all of these elements and reflect on the interconnections. Look for your triggers.

Listen to yourself Believe it or not, your mind is working 24-7 and in times of anxiety you are probably repeating negative sayings in your head. For instance, if you are using words such as "never and always" then you are probably generalizing in a negative way. You could be labelling yourself as stupid or foolish, or you might be jumping to conclusions. The result is that all of this negative thinking creates more negativity. To learn more, check out the "Ten forms of twisted thinking" on the internet and learn to become more aware of your automatic thoughts.

Identify your mood Whenever you are anxious and/or in a down mood, stop and analyze it. Ask yourself what was the situation you experienced that resulted in a down mood? What was your automatic thought? Next, rate the intensity of your mood. Next, examine the mood to determine if you have any evidence to support your thoughts? Examine an alternative and more positive thought and think it through. Youll be amazed at how this can change your mood.

Test your assumptions theres no getting around it, all people have various underlying assumptions that trigger their emotions and behaviour. These assumptions are usually negative and direct people to automatically make a judgment that may prevent them from taking action. They focus on a phrase such as, "if such and such happens, then...." This leads individuals to jump to conclusions. Take time to look at your emotion and determine if a false assumption is behind the feelings.

Face your fear one way to face your fear is to conduct a personal "cost benefit analysis." Ask how worrying will help you and how will it hurt you. Look at the advantages and disadvantages of taking action by facing your fear and weigh them against each other. Is your fear is helping or hurting?

Engage in positive self-talk this strategy is based on the fact that our mind doesnt care where the message comes from, it simply accepts the input. So, the trick is to feed positive messages to yourself. This essentially "programs" your mind and creates new beliefs. Its not hard, youve done it all your life. Its a statement such as "I can do that," "Im good at this" and/or "I take responsibility for myself."

Stay in the present Anxiety is all about a future-oriented mindset. Instead of worrying about whats going to happen, focus on what is happening right now. What do you need to do right now to feel safe? What do you need to do right now to stay on track? Calm yourself down and get focused on the here and now by looking around you. Name three things that you see or hear. Appreciate them. This can help to refocus your mind and bring you back to the present.

Get active Go for a walk. Clean house, clean cupboards, polish up the car. Cut the grass, read a book, start an exercise program. Take your children for a bicycle or car ride. Watch a funny video, or seek out funny cartoons. Just do something to jolt your mind into positive thinking.

Every individual has the responsibility for managing their own mental health and their behaviour at home and at work. While good help and counselling is often available in the workplace, there are still many healthy choices and strategies than can be undertaken on a personal basis. Lets all do our part to avoid a pandemic upon a pandemic.

Source: Anxiety, loneliness, depression common amid pandemic: survey, Compensation and Benefits, May 26, 2020

Barbara J. Bowes, FCPHR, CCP, M.Ed., of the consulting firm Legacy Bowes, is the author of eight books, a radio personality, a speaker, an executive coach and workshop leader. She is also chairwoman of the Manitoba Status of Women. She can be reached at barb@legacybowes.com

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Don't compound the problem - Winnipeg Free Press

Were not sure who in their right mind would start going to the gym again anytime soon, but gyms in regions across the country are beginning to reopen as some states ease their coronavirus lockdowns. If you think going to work out in groups where everyone touches all the machines and breathes heavily while they work out is a good idea, then by all means, go for it. Lets just hope that if you do catch COVID-19 as a result, you dont get too sick and end up taking a hospital bed from someone who was being responsible and taking precautions.

The sane, responsible citizens among us will continue to skip the gym for the foreseeable future. Of course, skipping the gym doesnt have to mean skipping workouts. If you think you cant afford a home gym, think again because there are some fantastic deals over at Amazon right now on all sorts of exercise equipment. Instead of paying $50 or $60 each month on a gym membership, why not get a motorized treadmill for $279 or a mechanical treadmill for $149? Or how about an exercise bike starting at just $150?

Those deals and more are available right now in Amazons exercise and fitness section, and youll find five particularly great options down below.

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Follow @BGRDeals on Twitter to keep up with the latest and greatest deals we find around the web. Prices subject to change without notice and any coupons mentioned above may be available in limited supply. BGR may receive a commission on orders placed through this article, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Image Source: GrooveZ/Shutterstock

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Build the home gym of your dreams for way less than you think - BGR

May 08, 2020

LUMBERTON Around the same time that Southeastern Health officials were deciding how to manage visitors to Southeastern Regional Medical Center during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, state and national guidelines mandated that hospitals and long-term care facilities, or nursing homes, end visitation.

Once this change was implemented, Southeastern Healths Guest Services department and WoodHaven Nursing, Alzheimers and Rehabilitation leaders began looking for ways to keep their patients and residents connected with their loved ones.

Hospital care

We knew that this was going to be a challenging time for our patients because the connection with family is so important, said Alisia Oxendine, Southeastern Health Guest Services director.

Because of the ranges of ages, health conditions and mental capacity of patients in the hospital, every possible scenario had to be considered.

We care for new moms, sick children, individuals who have experienced trauma like car wrecks, patients who need critical heart surgery, patients battling cancer and everything in between, Oxendine said. We had to put plans in place to address every scenario, even including those where patients have dementia or language barriers and those who may be experiencing end-of-life situations.

Telephone communication is the most common way hospitalized patients are staying in touch with family during the COVID-19 restrictions, however, some patients may not be able to speak on the phone, while others might need to see their family to feel connected.

Guest Services and Information Technology staff worked together to secure and make available iPads, which are sanitized after every use, and reliable phone connections for SRMC patients so they can use technology, such as FaceTime, to reach their family members.

Oftentimes patients, along with their health-care team, give their family members updates about how they are doing, Oxendine said. Other times, patient need the encouragement and love that their family can provide. If patients arent comfortable with technology, our patient representatives are on hand to walk them through the steps to make the connection.

One visitor is being allowed for the birth of a child, in cases where the patient is a minor, or if the patient cannot speak for themselves to make health-care decisions.

There are extreme circumstances in the hospital where the benefits of having someone with the patient outweighs the risks during the coronavirus and in these cases we are taking extra measures, including screenings before entry, use of face masks and increased hand hygiene, to keep everyone safe, Oxendine said. Showing empathy while mitigating the concerns of patients and families during this unprecedented time is a top priority.

Family members can contact their loved ones by calling the medical center at 910-671-5000 and asking for them by name, if they have chosen to be listed in the hospital directory. Phone operators can also provide phone numbers that bypass the operator and ring directly to patient rooms. Mailing cards or letters is another way to reach patients.

Anyone who may need assistance contacting their family members may call Guest Services at 910-671-5592.

Long-term care

This is home for our residents and an important part of home is family, said WoodHaven Director Suzanne Jackson, who also oversees hospice services and care management for Southeastern Health. While keeping our patients safe and preventing an outbreak at our facility is the main priority right now, we cant overlook the mental health aspects of their care.

WoodHaven staff facilitate weekly telephone calls to ensure family remain informed and connected. While calls are the most common way to stay connected, they cant replace actually seeing each other.

We are utilizing technology like FaceTime, and some of our families are making window visits, using the window as a barrier but allowing them to see each other while talking or holding up a sign, Jackson said. Sometimes just laying eyes on someone to know they are doing well can be very reassuring for not only the family member but also the patient.

WoodHaven established a photo gallery on the Southeastern Health website where family members can view photos of residents holding signs or participating in activities where social distancing is implemented. The gallery can be viewed at http://www.srmc.org/main/covid-19-woodhaven

Community groups have also reached out to assist in helping residents feel connected, hosting parades on the grounds in view of patients from safe distances.

We know this is a challenging time for everyone but we are working to make the best out of a difficult situation to support our residents and reassure them that they have not been forgotten, Jackson said.

Letters or cards may be mailed to patients at SRMC using PO Box 1408, Lumberton, NC 28359, or residents at WoodHaven at 1150 Pine Run Drive, Lumberton, NC 28358. Be sure to include the patient or resident name and room number, if known.

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Oxendine

https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/web1_Families-Oxendine-Alisia.jpgOxendine

Jackson

https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/web1_Families-Suzanne-Jackson.jpgJackson

WoodHaven resident Nessie Pierce holds a sign showing a message of love to her family. The photo was used in a gallery posted on Southeastern Healths website during the time of COVID-19 visitation restrictions.

https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/web1_Families-WoodHaven-resident.jpgWoodHaven resident Nessie Pierce holds a sign showing a message of love to her family. The photo was used in a gallery posted on Southeastern Healths website during the time of COVID-19 visitation restrictions.

SeHealth works to ensure patients, relatives stay in contact

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Drive-through testing sites are successful for many reasons - The Robesonian

New York-based Peloton Interactive PTON is a company that has combined technology with fitness in a very appealing way. The company was founded in 2012 through a Kickstarter campaign and officially launched the following year. It had its IPO in September 2019.

Here are five things about the company that have me excited.

Unique Selling Proposition

Peloton sells subscriptions to home workouts including activity ranging from cardio and weight training (what you typically get at the gym) to stretching, indoor cycling, indoor/outdoor running and walking, boot camp, yoga and meditation (the last two added in fiscal 2019); media, which includes both music and exercise programs (it produces more than 950 original programs a month); and exercise gear, currently including bikes and treadmills.

The underlying philosophy is to tackle the boredom of carrying out repetitive movements in every way possible and keep you motivated. So theres music. Theres such a large variety of programs that there has to be something in there for everyone. Theres convenience in that you dont have to go anywhere (you can work out when and how you like) with the music that you like, using leader boards to keep you on track. Special programs for special situations, such as a dance routine for the whole family during the lockdown are also available. You can also interact with others.

Whats more, a $39-a-month package lets the whole family work out as much as they like through iOS or Android apps. And if you want to use your own equipment youll need $19.49 for access to the media library.

The model is extremely effective and relatively hard to replicate because the uniqueness lies in the media and programming. The more youre motivated to work out, the better your results, the more data the company has on you, and so, the better its able to serve you. And since its also an all-you can-eat model, youll want to use it more, especially when youre spoiled for choice. Moreover, the same programs can continue to yield results time and again, leading to very good leverage of R&D and program production cost.

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Retention Mechanism/Strategy

Once youve invested in Pelotron equipment, it makes no sense to jump to something else any time soon. And once youve been exposed to the whole experience, youll likely want to check out what else is on offer. And Peloton makes sure that the process of discovery continues.

In addition, the company takes a community approach, so you get to interact and work out with others. The community building was recently enhanced with a new Tag feature, which lets you choose the kind of people you want to interact with even if you dont know them already. So you could for instance create a Tag based on shared interest in favorite sports team, college, charity, employer, geography, etc, or choose from the 50,000 Tags users have already created. After filtering the in-class leader board by Tag, you can achieve the exact personal experience youre looking for.

The success of this interactive/community approach was particularly evident during the pandemic-induced lockdown when despite a total cutback on advertising, word-of-mouth promotion made a very strong quarter possible. Management said that this was likely to be an important driver of future revenue as well, although some advertising would come back later.

Story continues

Significant Growth Opportunity Exists

Home workout is a relatively new phenomenon, so theres very low penetration in the four markets (U.S., Canada, UK and Germany), in which Peloton currently operates.

According to its S1 filing, the company estimates the total addressable market (TAM, representing households interested in buying a subscription fitness program) in its current geographies to be around 67 million households, of which 45 million are in the U.S.

Likewise, its served available market (SAM, representing people interested in existing connected fitness products at current prices) is 14 million households, of which 12 million are in the U.S. Just 4% of the SAM is currently on board.

Seen another way, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA)-estimated 183 million global gym memberships and 62 million U.S. gym memberships as of 2018 constitutes a market waiting to be disrupted. Management estimates that there are 90 million gym memberships in its four geographies of operation. So even if we assume that at least some people will return to gyms, its current level of 2.6 million subscribers indicates a huge market still remaining to be pursued.

Addresses Broader Trends

A steady growth in personal health and fitness spending over the last decade and employer spending on employee health and fitness more recently, indicate that the TAM continues to expand.

While the under-35 person earning less than $75K is the typical customer, management says that the average age of our customer is going down pretty significantly. This is of course extremely encouraging because a younger demographic means there are that many more years to go.

Very Strong Growth Numbers

The pandemic did have a positive impact no doubt, but it also created some pent-up demand, as Peloton wasnt able to ship so many bikes. This was despite the fact that treadmills took a back seat in the quarter because in-home installations werent possible during the lockdown. Actual growth was therefore in line with seasonal trends.

However, unlike most other companies that had positive outcomes from the pandemic, the impact for Peloton wont be limited to the March quarter. It will have a positive impact in the current quarter and that impact will also continue thereafter as consumers stay at home more often.

Note that Peloton saw subscriber growth of 128% in 2018, 108% in 2019 and is on track for another year of triple-digit increase. As co-Founder and CEO John Foley said on the last call, Six years of triple-digit growth would hopefully lead you to believe that PTON is not a COVID story. That pretty much sums it up.

Conclusion

As far as catalysts are concerned, they have a new product in the pipeline that they decided not to ship this year, so that one got pushed out. A lower-end treadmill is also on the horizon, though we dont know when exactly thatll ship. On the other hand, they have their hands full delivering bikes that seem to be so popular that people are willing to wait for them. They have extended their free trial to 90 days, so theres likely to be some near-term conversion from that (likely driving the revision to guidance).

The shares are highly overvalued at this point and theyve traded sideways through May. Ill be watching this one like a hawk because it must be snapped up on any weakness.

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Is It Too Late to Buy Peloton Interactive (PTON)? - Yahoo Finance

STERLING, Ill., June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --The idea of working from home may sound appealing, but many people are discovering the reality is very different. In addition to challenges like navigating an uprooted schedule, wrangling children and sharing your Wi-Fi bandwidth with a household, pesky pains have likely crept up. That's why therapeutic at-home massager manufacturer Wahl interviewed board-certified anesthesiologist and pain specialist Dr. Anita Gupta for tips on managing your pain while working from home.

"Millions of people live with chronic pain, many of whom are experiencing exacerbated symptoms due to recent lifestyle changes like working from home," explains Dr. Gupta. "While a comprehensive pain-management plan from your doctor is recommended, unfortunately, COVID-19 has increased barriers in obtaining treatment." She recommends the following tips for being proactive in your pain-relief:

1. Add massage to your daily routine.

Staying ahead of pain is one of the best ways to prevent it, and a great approach is adding massage to your daily routine. It relieves muscle tension by enhancing blood flow; causing muscles to relax and decreasing inflammation by activating genes that naturally reduce swelling. Hand-held massagers are an excellent option for maintaining a massage regimen as they can be used in the comfort of your home. For example, the Wahl Deep Knead Massage Wrap offers both heat therapy and shiatsu massage therapy. Six shiatsu massage nodes vary in height to simulate the sensation of real fingers kneading at different pressures, and they can be programmed to rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. It can be further customized by wrapping it around your upper back or neck and pulling the soft and flexible handgrips for added pressure.

2. Keep up physical activity.

You may not have a commute, but don't go directly from all night in bed, to all day at the computer. Schedule regular breaks in your work day, preferably that involve exercise. Home-based exercise programs are available virtually and can continue under the guidance of your doctor. Wear comfortable clothes, allow time to stretch and implement a hand-held massager to alleviate post-exercise flares. Consider doing strength and balance activities as well to stay healthy and reduce the risk of falling. It's crucial to remember, however, to seek medical advice if you experience chest pain, dizziness or sickness during exercise.

3. Adjust and adapt your home workspace.

Try to emulate the ergonomic environment you had at the office. Adjust your chair height as needed, keeping your feet flat on the floor. If your at-home work chair still isn't up to par, consider strapping on a lumbar support for better posture and less strain on your lower back. Upper back and neck pain could be the result of holding your head in a downward angle to look at your computer, so try propping up your monitor to eye level.

4. Manage your stress levels and mental health.

Chronic muscle and joint pain can be exacerbated during times of increased stress, like the change in routine that has come for many with COVID-19. Stress reduction and behavioral treatments are vital in soothing the central nervous system and pain response. One way to do this is by keeping up your pre-COVID-19 habits while working from home. For example, shower and dress as if you were going to the office; the familiar ritual can help maintain a motivated and positive attitude. However, it's equally important to find separation between your work life and home life. So if your dining table is now your desk, try moving your office set up to a closet on the weekends after all, out of sight, out of mind.

5. Maintain your medical regimen as prescribed by your doctor.

While visits to your doctor may now be less frequent, remember, most medications should not be abruptly discontinued as this can worsen systemic disease. If you're concerned about the availability of your medications, ask your doctor about the possibility of increasing your supply from 30 to 60 days. Or, if you're due for a check-in to get a prescription refill, see if your doctor is willing to do it virtually. Finally, many pharmacies offer home delivery, lessening the need for in-person interactions.

"Now, more than ever, prioritizing your health is crucial," continued Dr. Gupta. "The above tips are just some of the ways you can improve your physical well-being, and find the strength to better navigate the daily challenges of living through this global pandemic."

To learn more about pain management tips and tools visit WahlUSA.com.

The foregoing does not create a doctor-patient relationship and is not intended to replace any guidance from your own treating physicians.

About Wahl Home ProductsWahl Home Products is a division of Wahl Clipper Corporation, based in Sterling, Ill. For more than 100 years, the company has remained a trusted name and industry leader, manufacturing products for consumer personal care, animal grooming and professional beauty and barber salon trade. For more information, visit WahlUSA.com.

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5 Tips to Treat the Painful Realities of Working from Home - News-Press Now

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