Search Weight Loss Topics:

Page 1,081«..1020..1,0801,0811,0821,083..1,0901,100..»

Home » Page 1081

Dr. Thomas Cureton, a renowned exercise scientist and researcher, once noted: The human body is the only machine that breaks down when not used. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, remaining fit and active has become a major challenge for many. Gyms are closed nationwide. Sports and most leisure activities are also banned, especially if more than one individual is involved. Even professional athletes find themselves sitting it out on the sidelines.

Exercise has countless health benefits, but they do not last long if you stop exercising. In a matter of weeks, you can lose many of the benefits that you worked so hard to obtain. Cardiovascular conditioning, muscle strength, and flexibility all start to decline when you stop moving and hit the couch. This happens more rapidly in middle-aged and older individuals. So how can you maintain or improve your fitness level during this challenging time?

We live in a time when large segments of the population are either very active and fit, or they are sedentary. So how, during this pandemic, can fit people stay fit? And how can sedentary people get more active?

If you are fit and active, you must find creative ways to remain so. It may involve trying new things. For cardiovascular fitness, activities like running, cycling, and taking brisk walks are fine, as long as you maintain social distancing. Home strength workouts can be done with calisthenics, free weights, and exercise bands to maintain muscular strength. A stability ball can be used to improve core strength and endurance. Stretching can be done easily and should be done daily. Taking up yoga will enhance flexibility and also help with stress management. Many gyms and personal trainers are offering virtual workouts, and there are ample online exercise programs and fitness books that provide valuable guidance and routines.

If you have been sedentary, this downtime may be a great opportunity to get more active and improve your health. According to the Surgeon Generals Report on Physical Activity and Health, being sedentary is as dangerous as smoking a pack of cigarettes per day. So get off the couch, take a walk, do some yard work or gardening. If you have medical issues, always check with your physician to see if you can safely start to exercise.

For both groupsactive and sedentarythere are things you can do to lessen the risk of orthopaedic or musculoskeletal issues with exercise. With any new activity, start slowly and follow the 10% rule. That is, do not increase the intensity or duration of the activity more than 10% per week. This includes the distance you walk or the amount of weight you lift. Always warm up and stretch before activity. Wear appropriate footwear and use proper protective equipment when applicable. Stay well hydrated.

As COVID-related restrictions are lifted, follow CDC guidelines on resuming your favorite activity or sport. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) offers excellent information on staying active during the pandemic. Also, organizations like the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) offer more sport-specific guidelines in terms of returning to play during COVID-19.

One thing is for certain, during normal times or a pandemic, being sedentary is not an option. Find ways to safely keep moving and avoid the body break-down that Dr. Cureton warned about.

Originally posted here:
Staying Fit And Active During COVID-19 - Anti Aging News

Read More..

Here are some virtual fitness classes and exercise videos to keep kids active when they are stuck in the house due to coronavirus quarantine.

The coronavirus crisis is keeping us inside, closing gyms across the country, and keeping us from our guilty pleasure boutique fitness classes (spin, anyone?). The extended time spent indoors due to social distancing can make it easy for kids to turn to screen time for their go-to activity. However, it is extremely important that kids get moderate physical activity each day, so here are some gyms offering virtualfitness classes and exercise videos for kids that will keep kids active during social distancing and give you an opportunity to workout with your kids.

FreeAll ages"Born to Move" 20 or 40-minute virtual fitness classes incorporate dance, martial arts, and yoga into fun fitness moves and games to get kids up and moving while stuck inside.

Free to stream on VimeoMembership with full access $99-$160/yearSelect Beachbody Kids exercise videos are available to stream for free on the BeachbodyVimeo page. Celebrity trainers Tony Horton, Shaun T, and Leandro Carvalho teach dances for kids, flexibility exercises for kids, and strength training for kids. For access to all of Beachbody Kids, you can create a membership on the Beachbody website.

Offered now through April 20$20/classMondays and Wednesdays, 3:15pm, co-ed ages 6-8Mondays, 4:30pm, boys ages 11-13Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30pm, co-ed ages 9-11Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30pm, co-ed ages 12-15This virtual kids fitness program just launched through Zoom and isa way to get kids active and connected to other youth while staying home. These exercise videos are 45-minutes, with 10-15 minutes of socializing and 30-35 minutes of body weight exercises, physical challenges, and Tabata circuits.

Beginning March 30@Home Virtual Class and Unlimited Live Streaming Content $40/monthAges 2-12 (streams are age-specific)The digital soccer curriculum is developed to keep kids practicing soccer while sports leagues and clinics are canceled. Kids will also socialize with coaches, classmates, and teammates. Coaches will work directly with players via screen sharing to offer one-on-one attention and players can ask questions and get individual instruction for improvement. Coaches will also assign activity sheets to keep kids practicing and thinking about soccer outside of classes.

$27/month or $199/year (includes all programming)Ages 3+The at-home fitness platform just launched 14 kids exercise videos and will be adding to the category weekly. Workouts are strength or dance-based.

30-day free trial, then $14.99/monthAges 4-12These 10-20 minute exercise videos reach high-energy, bodyweight workouts that you and your kids can do together. Classes are broken down into age groups.

The Sworkit app offers free exercise videos and other content for kids that doesn't require a membership. The app guides kids through strength, agility, flexibility, and balancing routines like crab walking, squatting, and side planking.

This at-home yoga app is offering all health and fitness programs(Down Dog for Beginners, HIIT, Barre, and 7 Minute Workout) for free to all students and teachers (K-12 and college) through July 1. All programs are offered to everyone else for free through May 1.

Tuesdays at 4:15pm$20/ classAges 9-12Fhitting Room, an NYC HIIT and Strength fitness studio, just launched an interactive workout platform that offerslive kids exercise videoson Tuesdays. Classes will utilize bodyweight exercises and agility drills to help kids improve conditioning, endurance, and strength. Classes accommodate up to 24 participants. In addition, Fhitting Room will be offering private/ private group classes for virtual birthday parties.

Youtube is a great resource for all kinds of free fitness content andtons of kids exercise videos. Search for family-friendly workouts on Youtube like this Family Fun Cardio Workout on PopSugar Fitness, Baby Shark Zumba with Radha Thakkar,Minions ZUMBA KIDS on Zumba with Dovydas, or Joe Wicks' (The Body Coach) Virtual P.E. Classes.

Thank you to our friends at NYMetroParents for sharing!

Read the original post:
These Are the Best Places to Find Exercise Videos for Kids - LongIsland.com

Read More..

The Insurer Is Taking Several Steps to Support Health Plan Members and Communities

Boca Raton, FL Florida Blue, the states leading health insurer, today announced additional actions being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to support:

Current Florida Blue Individual ACA members can register for the Better You Strides wellness program by logging in to their Florida Blue accounts and clicking on Better You Strides link. New members to the wellness program, including all commercial Fully Insured Employer Group health plans and eligible members with non-ACA Individual coverage, will soon be able to access the program through their Florida Blue online accounts.

These efforts are expected to provide an estimated $100 million in health care cost relief to members of Florida Blues Individual, Fully Insured Employer Group and Medicare Advantage health plans.

Members have felt significant wellness and financial impacts as a result of this pandemic, said Pat Geraghty, president and CEO of Florida Blue. It is crucial that members continue to have access to much-needed health care, while we strive to lessen the financial burden for our members.

In addition, Florida Blue is implementing additional plan and policy changes to help its members stay healthy and cope financially during COVID-19.

Extended COVID-19 Coverage:

Increased Access to Virtual Health Care Services:

All Floridians and Florida Blue members can visit floridablue.com/COVID19 for the latest information on coronavirus. Florida Blue members with specific coverage questions can call the phone number on the back of their member ID card or 1-800-352-2583. Medicare members can call 1-800-926-6565 or visit floridablue.com/Medicare/COVID19.

Florida Blue continues its partnership with New Directions Behavioral Health to offer a bilingual helpline to assist all Floridians with the stress they may feel during the COVID-19 health crisis. The toll-free helpline connects individuals with specially trained behavioral health counselors who can assist anyone experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, trauma and grief due to the health crisis. Any Floridian, whether they have Florida Blue insurance or not, can call the 24-hour helpline at 833-848-1762.

About Florida Blue

Florida Blue, Floridas Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, has been providing health insurance to residents of Florida for more than 75 years. Driven by its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, the company serves more than 5 million health care members across the state. In total, Florida Blue and its affiliated companies serve 27 million people in 35 states. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., it is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Read the original here:
Florida Blue Provides $100 Million in Health Care Cost Relief to Members of its Individual, Fully Insured Employer Group and Medicare Advantage Plans...

Read More..

ASHTABULA RHI Magnesita recently presented the ACMC Foundation with a $6,000 donation for its COVID-19 Fund. The hfund was created last month to care for the needs of caregivers and patients.

The donation was presented by RHI Magnesita HSEQ Technician Greg Simmons.

We are proud to present this donation from our community project funds to support ACMC during the current COVID-19 pandemic," he said. "We know this money will be used to improve the health of our community during this difficult time.

Simmons said RHI Magnesitas Community Project funds traditionally go toward promoting education, environmental needs, or youth development; however, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, corporate officials placed a priority on coronavirus relief effort.

ACMC Healthcare System President and CEO Michael Habowski thanked RHI Magnesita for their focus on local healthcare and COVID-19 relief.

"Our response to COVID-19 is constantly changing as we work to keep patients and caregivers as safe as possible," he said. "This donation will help ensure we have the continued resources to meet our local needs.

Simmons said healthcare is an important component for industrial companies like RHI Magnesita.

Our Health and Wellness Committee meets monthly to focus on health-related topics to discuss with employees. We recently had a smoking cessation program with 10 employees and 2 spouses now smoke-free. We have organized biometric health screenings for employees, provided flu shots, and support other healthy diet and exercise programs, he said.

ACMC Foundation Executive Director Tammy Netkowicz said ACMCs COVID Relief Fund is set up to be adaptable and flexible in order to meet COVID-19 needs as they arise.

Things are happening fast and needs are changing quickly," she said. "We want to be able to support ACMC and address the unique needs of caregivers and patients just as quickly. Donations like this from RHI Magnesita help us do that."

RHI Magnesita is the worlds leading global supplier of refractory products, systems and solutions that are indispensable for industrial high-temperature processes exceeding 1,200-degrees C in a wide range of industries, including steel, cement, non-ferrous metals and glass.

The company is comprised of a total of14,000 employees in 35 main production sites and more than 70 sales offices around the world. North American plants include facilities in Ashtabula, Pennsylvania and Missouri with dozens of facilities around the world.

We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.

Visit link:
RHI donates $6,000 to ACMC Foundation COVID-19 Fund | Coronavirus - The Star Beacon

Read More..

John Raffel, john.raffel@pioneergroup.com

BIG RAPIDS Student-athletes arent on campus but Ferris State coaches have been working around that to make sure their performers stay in good physical shape.

At Ferris State with its hockey program, thats where Dave Cencer comes in. He has been serving as strength and conditioning coach.

In his time with Ferris State hockey, Cencer has implemented the latest in sports science technology, using First Beat Technologies to monitor heart rate, energy expenditure and recovery.

Cencer also coordinates all on-ice and off-ice strength training and conditioning for the Bulldogs. Along with his efforts working with Bulldog hockey, Cencer also coordinates strength and conditioning for the FSU womens soccer program.

He holds a masters degree in exercise science along with certifications from the NSCA (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) and USA Weightlifting.

Its been kind of an interesting process, to be honest with you, Cencer said of his summer work during the Coronavirus pandemic. Just like everyone else in this situation, theres no real road map to figure out how to navigate this. We use an online platform with our athletes, with our hockey players. Its an app they dial in their phones. It works out well in this situation with everyone being at home.

It allows me to give a specific workout each individual needs to get without leaving their home. Everyone has access to different things; we have some players who essentially have full weight rooms in their houses and can have a normal summer program. Then theres guys with maybe just a couple of weights. Weve been creative with some guys.

He noted he had one player with extra time on his hands who made a set of dumbbells out of wood.

Photo: Photo Courtesy Of Ferris State University

Ferris hockey players working to stay in shape in unique ways

Weve had to get creative with each guy, Cencer said. You have to keep them active. Theyre all active. A lot of them appreciate a routine. Theyre so routine based during the school year and the hockey season. Its so important to keep them active physically because it gives them a base they need once things get to where they can start training again. Its important for them mentally to stay active and stick to that routine.

Cencer said he has weekly conference calls set up with each class as a hockey coaching staff. Text messages and a handful of phone calls are included to keep communicating.

It depends on that guy but I probably hear from everybody once or twice a week, Cencer said.

Players partake in some type of workout on a regular basis.

Cencer said Ferris has 20 returning hockey players.

A majority of the work is with those guys, he said. We have some incoming freshmen and the NCAA, like everybody, is trying to navigate through that. Things are different than they would be in the past. Wed usually have an orientation and get them involved that way. Weve handled things over the phone and the NCAA has allowed me to send them programs as well.

Under normal circumstances, after the season ends, Ferris hockey players would get a two-week break.

Then wed get going during the spring semester, Cencer said. So while theyre still on campus, wed have workouts five days a week. Once exam week comes, we give them time off to focus on their studies. During the summer, there would be programs for those players still on campus and those who are at home.

Over the years, a lot it has changed, Cencer said. The athletes have changed quite a bit. Its different dealing with young people now. People will continue to change. A lot of it is the technology.

Hes communicating with players who right now are in Europe.

In Europe, guys can go to gyms, they just have to wear masks and practice social distancing, Cencer said.

Ice rinks generally are not accessible for his players during the pandemic, Cencer added.

Theres so much skating and so much on-ice time involved in hockey so right now maybe its a blessing in disguise, Cencer said. They can focus on their strength. I think there are good things that will come out of this.

More here:
Ferris hockey players working to stay in shape in unique ways - The Pioneer

Read More..

If youre a parent looking for a way to keep your kids active and busy while theyre stuck in quarantine, the Rising New York Road Runners (Rising NYRR) virtual exercise program, Active at Home, is something to look into. The program, which is free, is designed for kids in kindergarten through high school, and it promotes physical literacy and keeps children active while in lockdown. There are photos and descriptions for each exercise, so parents can help their kids perform them correctly, and there are also instructional videos from U.S. Olympic medallist and NYRR ambassador Jenny Simpson.

The Rising NYRR have been running physical literacy and physical education programs in public schools for over 20 years, and Simpson has been an ambassador for the last three. Simpson is a three-time world championship medallist (including gold in the 1,500m in 2011) and a three-time Olympian who won a bronze medal at the Rio Games.

RELATED: World Athletics has a new initiative to keep people active at home

The goal of the Rising NYRR program is to teach kids of all ages how to lead healthy lives, and the organization puts on over 100 free events each year. Organizers are certainly eager to encourage running, but the main goal is to promote a general active and healthy lifestyle.

Active at Home launched on March 31, and since then, its reached over 17,000 households. The programs core values are the same as before COVID-19, but the Rising NYRR team had to make some alterations to their normal program so it could work for kids at home.

RELATED: Virtual race series gives Canadian kids chance to race during COVID-19

We had to assume that kids have zero equipment and no one to do it with, Simpson says. Were not doing this for one kid, were doing it for kids all around the world, so we needed to have something that resonates with kids everywhere.

Activities are all pre-recorded, and each video is filed on the NYRR website, so kids can revisit older sessions they like the most. Just like the in-school program, Active at Home has age-appropriate exercises and videos for all kids.

I have an activity where I do stretches with a teddy bear thats intended for the little ones, Simpson says. Then we have more traditional exercises, like pushups and burpees, for middle school and high school kids.

RELATED: Living room strength workout for runners

Simpson credits her success as a runner to a physical education teacher who convinced her to join an after-school running program when she was child.

That really set the path for me to explore track and field in middle school and high school. That teacher gave me the small bit of attention that changed my life, she says. Having had that experience personally, I know that public school is such a beautiful and diverse way to reach so many kids. Thats one of the reasons why she believes in the Rising NYRR programs and loves acting as an ambassador for the group.

RELATED: The trail runners at-home strength workout

Its been such a gift to me to be able to put something positive out in the world during this time, she says. Its been a real blessing to have this as a positive outlet for me to say, No matter what happens with me, Im able to give back in positive way through Active at Home.'

Active at Home is available to families anywhere in the world, and it is 100 per cent free to sign up and participate. Click here to find out more.

The rest is here:
Jenny Simpson and Rising NYRR are keeping kids active in quarantine - Canadian Running Magazine

Read More..

Climbing OutIts not easy for a business to be shut down seriously curtailing or even eliminating all revenue for any period of time. But its much more frustrating not to know how long that period of time will actually be. Thats where Massachusetts businesses deemed non-essential during the COVID-19 pandemic stand right now in a limbo of treading water and being as flexible, creative, and patient as they can while they await word on when the state will reopen its economy, and what form that re-emergence will take.

At some point in early March, Ashley Batlles knew what was coming. And she knew what it meant for her health and wellness spa, Beauty Batlles Lounge, that she opened in Chicopee about a year ago.

This is a personal, physical-contact business. Youre definitely in close proximity with the client, giving them a service that everyone looks forward to something theyre accustomed to making part of their schedule, Batlles said. Yet, the rumblings were that, at some point, the rising threat of COVID-19 was going to force businesses to shut their doors. So we tried to get as many clients in as we could.

And then, suddenly, those appointments that clients look forward to were cancelled, postponed until well, nobody knows yet. And thats the problem for businesses the state deemed non-essential: the unknown.

Toward the end of April, the Baker-Polito administration extended the statewide essential-services emergency order by two weeks, from May 4 to May 18. Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services can only continue operations through remote means if at all possible.

For Batlles, well she cant offer facials, waxing, microblading, and other treatments remotely. And she was unable to access benefits through the CARES Act and other government relief measures.

My anxiety level has been very, very high. It hasnt been fun, not knowing when well begin to open and what kind of measures will be asked of us by the state and city to be able to reopen, she said, noting that, as a one-woman operation, it will be easy to comply with social-distancing regulations sure to accompany any sort of reopening.

Whats less certain is how customers will respond to all types of interactions, not just her services.

Im going to be able to open up my doors and get everyone in as quick as possible thats what I would love to do, but I think its going to be a soft situation, where, little by little, were getting back to business, she explained, noting that some people will be leery of close contact at first, especially since the virus doesnt tend to show symptoms for a while.

Still, most business owners shuttered by the pandemic would love an opportunity to at least try to get back to normal, even if they understand why the governor put the stay-at-home mandate in place.

Rick Sullivan

We may be seeing the number of cases plateauing, but [development of] a vaccine, or treatment medication, is still in its infancy, so the data still says go slow. I do think some businesses previously deemed non-essential could have protocols put in place to allow partial reopening. However, nobody wants to reopen prematurely and see worse spikes later in the year.

While we expected and understand Governor Bakers decision to extend the stay-at-home advisory, that tough decision underscores the challenging circumstances we find ourselves in as a business community, said Nancy Creed, president of the Springfield Regional Chamber. Were doing a balancing act between wanting to get back to work and getting back to work in a safe manner.

Many of her members supported the two-week extension; a late-April chamber poll, right before the non-essential closures were extended by two weeks, asked what worried them more: the spread of the virus if restrictions were loosened too soon, or the negative economic impact of not reopening quickly enough. It also asked if Massachusetts was ready for a May 4 reopening.

Seventy-seven percent responded that the spread of the virus was more worrisome, and an overwhelming number 91% responded that Massachusetts was not ready for a May 4 reopening, Creed said, clearly revealing that much of the business community is concerned about protecting those most vulnerable and stopping the spread of the disease, and demonstrating the commitment our business community has to the community as a whole.

Rick Sullivan, president of the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts, took a similar outlook.

I do not think that anyone is surprised that the shutdown has been extended, as the governor has been clear he will follow the data as to when to begin reopening the economy, Sullivan said. We may be seeing the number of cases plateauing, but [development of] a vaccine, or treatment medication, is still in its infancy, so the data still says go slow. I do think some businesses previously deemed non-essential could have protocols put in place to allow partial reopening. However, nobody wants to reopen prematurely and see worse spikes later in the year.

All that may be true, but its still difficult and, for many businesses, exceptionally concerning to stay closed this long, and possibly longer. Businesses are doing what they can to be creative, in many cases opening doors of commerce they will continue to pursue after the COVID-19 threat passes, or even using the time to support other community members in need (more on that later).

But no one likes the uncertainty of not knowing whether May 18 is the real target for reopening, or just another can to be kicked down the road.

Paul DiGrigoli would like to reopen, too.

This has impacted us tremendously, said the owner of DiGrigoli Salon and DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology in West Springfield. We havent had a chance to reach out to all our clients; some we have. But we just have to wait until Charlie Baker gives us the green light, which hopefully will be May 18.

He was able to secure a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, succeeding in the second round of that programs disbursements after missing on the first round. That will help cover costs like utilities and mortgage interest while keeping his employees paid for eight weeks as well. We went through Community Bank, and they were phenomenal, he said.

And hes getting ready for some anticipated changes when the salon does reopen.

We bought a lot of hand sanitizer to put at the front desk in the school and the salon, weve gotten gloves and masks, and what were going to do initially is get the clients cell phone numbers and call them from the reception desk to let them know when their appointment is available. And well stick with staying six feet apart, spreading out the stations. Both the stylist and the client will have to wear a mask until further notice. Its going to be uncomfortable at first.

As for the school, online training has been effective for theory, but students havent been able to practice what they learn.

In general, he told BusinessWest, were really trying our hardest to get back to normal, but weve really been handcuffed. There has been frustration and anxiety because we dont know what to expect.

Or when to expect it, he added. We dont know when it will happen. Theyre saying May 18, but who the heck knows? Were hoping it doesnt go beyond that, but thank God for the relief funds that really saved us.

Claudia Pazmany, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, polled her members at the end of April and put some of that anxiety into raw numbers. For example, responding businesses are losing an average of $55,837 per month in revenue during the shutdown, and 61% have had to lay off or furlough employees. More than 20% have serious concerns about being able to reopen if the state of emergency extends beyond June 1.

Theyre worried, she said. Rent, utilities, and payroll are three areas that continue to be a struggle.

Amherst is also in an unusual situation, as its a small town that loses more than half its population when UMass Amherst and Amherst College arent in session. The downtown businesses in particular rely heavily on students and now theres talk across the region that colleges might start the fall with distance learning only.

Claudia Pazmany

On the flip side, this has stirred a lot of innovation from businesses who have been deemed non-essential or limited; theyve pivoted or gone online. The creativity and innovation weve seen have been really exciting.

Initially, there hasnt been a lot of grumbling, but theyre generally frustrated and just sad. Everything is unknown, Pazmany told BusinessWest. Theyre fearful so much is unknown, and delays keep coming. We dont have a deadline or guidelines; they just keep pushing back the date, and that causes more fear and anxiety.

And also a good deal of invention, driven by necessity.

On the flip side, this has stirred a lot of innovation from businesses who have been deemed non-essential or limited; theyve pivoted or gone online, Pazmany said. The creativity and innovation weve seen have been really exciting.

Take Zanna, a clothing shop that has been a staple of Amhersts downtown for decades, but has never had an online store. Until now.

You have to look at the good in this crisis, owner Amy Benson said. In my case, it moved me encouraged me to get an online store open. Ive only owned the store a year, so I didnt have time to even think about an online store before. Now I did, so I took the time to get it up and going.

Do I think its the wave of Zannas future? No, but I think its an extension. Well probably keep it going once were open, she added, noting that it opens more opportunities. Were in a transient community. We see people from all over the country, between the university and Amherst College. We all want things to be the way they were, but we know well have to adapt. Some of these new trends, like my online store, Im not going to shut that off.

Benson has been creative in other ways as well, from curbside pickup with everyone wearing masks to virtual shopping, where she walks a customer around the store using an iPad and FaceTime, showing them tops and bottoms and coordinating outfits.

We want customers to be engaged, and they want to hear from us because we form those kinds of relationships, she said. When were FaceTiming, were FaceTiming with a friend and shopping with a friend. Its a really important way to stay connected.

You have to do something, she went on. You cant just close your doors and do nothing. Our customers are women who have supported us for over 40 years; were not going to just shut our doors and not communicate. I do whatever I can to stay engaged with our customers, theyre the lifeline of our business.

In other words, Zanna has come a long way since last month, when Benson was in full panic mode and offering nothing but a gift-certificate promotion. Were not bringing in nearly the revenue we would normally, but were supporting what were able to do right now.

Shes not alone, Pazmany noted, citing examples like restaurants revamping their online presence with expanded takeout menus to Amherst Books shipping and delivering items to customers, to the Amherst Area Chamber itself, which has been connecting with the business community through marketing seminars.

Or taking advantage of an unusual time to do some good in the community.

Deans Beans, based in Orange, has seen a surge in web sales as coffee drinkers are brewing more at home due to social distancing and telecommuting. With COVID-19 causing great economic hardship, the company has chosen to share the money from these web sales with the community by helping to fund school food programs a total of $26,000, in fact, divided among seven Western Mass. school districts.

Making sure children have access to food throughout this pandemic is crucial, and we are proud to support these essential programs in Springfield, Amherst, and Orange, said Dean Cycon, founder and CEO of Deans Beans. Part of a companys profitability is the positivity it generates for others, and we are committed to helping our communities ease the pain of this crisis.

Amy Benson

You have to look at the good in this crisis. In my case, it moved me encouraged me to get an online store open. Ive only owned the store a year, so I didnt have time to even think about an online store before. Now I did, so I took the time to get it up and going.

Meanwhile, Batlles has launched the Hero Project, a virtual fundraiser designed to give back to those on the front lines fighting the pandemic. Funds raised will be set aside to provide complimentary self-care services at Beauty Batlles Lounge for healthcare professionals, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and employees of sheriffs departments, once she can open her doors again. Visit beautybatlles.com to donate.

Considering the masks theyre wearing all day long, theyre going to need facials when this is done, Batlles joked, before getting serious.

I reached out to my nurse friends and heard their stories, about the trauma theyre going through. One friend works in the ICU at a COVID unit she goes into work one day and has four patients, and when its time to leave, she only has one. That has to do something to you. How can I give back to them? Thats where the idea for the Hero Project came in.

Its a way to pay it forward while anticipating the light at the end of the tunnel, she told BusinessWest. This isnt easy on anybody.

It would be easier with some clarity from Beacon Hill, but thats not coming right now. Instead, Baker convened a Reopening Advisory Board of public-health officials, representatives from the business community, and municipal leaders from across the Commonwealth. They are charged with advising the administration on strategies to reopen the economy in phases based on health and safety metrics, and are expected to develop a report by May 18.

Thats just the report date. So its easy to see why businesses might not suddenly be reopening on that date.

Personally, every time Governor Baker gives us a date when were going to open, I think, hmm, I dont know if thats going to happen, Benson said. Im always thinking, whats the worst-case scenario? June 1? They keep pushing it back.

Thats why it bothers Batlles that some proprietors of businesses like hers continue to offer services from their home.

We should all just be staying stationary; were all in the same boat, she said. That just puts more stress on business owners who are actually following the rules, and its could extend the time were going to be out of work.

Which, for too many business owners and employees across Western Mass., already feels like too long.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [emailprotected]

Read the rest here:
Waiting for the Economy to Reopen Is a Frustrating Exercise - Business West

Read More..

HOLLAND LANDING, Ontario, May 14, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inscape (TSX: INQ), a leading designer and manufacturer of furnishings for the workplace, is providing an update on the companys response to the COVID-19 crisis.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Inscapes primary focus has been the health and well-being of our employees while keeping the business moving forward and delivering products to our customers in need.

The economic impact from COVID-19 on the global economy has been unprecedented. In anticipation of its impacts, Inscape took aggressive actions to minimize all non-essential spending while re-evaluating certain commitments to reduce the anticipated short-term impact to our cash flow. As part of this exercise, we also had to eliminate some full-time positions and temporarily furlough certain employees to achieve further savings.

We are thankful that some of our major customers who provide essential services have continued their planned purchasing and installations, but, like others in our industry, our business has been impacted by other projects that have been postponed or delayed as customers wait to evaluate the economic effects of the crisis or have been unable to take deliveries as previously contemplated.

Our two manufacturing facilities have remained in operation as per government guidelines and are following Public Health Agency of Canada, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization best practices to ensure the safety of all our employees who are required to be onsite at these facilities. Most of our office staff relating to these facilities as well as our showrooms and sales teams are working remotely and continue to support the companys operations.

As we anticipated, additional initiatives relating to people costs are required. Inscape is now implementing a Work-Share program to include most of the salaried office staff in the companys headquarters and anticipate similar actions will need to be taken in our walls operations in late June as part of the overall cost reduction program. Team members who cannot work a reduced work week in view of business demands will be taking a 20% salary reduction. Additionally, Inscapes leadership team will take a 25% salary reduction while the CEO will be taking a 30% salary reduction.

These employee initiatives will be in force for the next three months and re-evaluated quarterly. The leadership team and CEO salary reductions will be in force for six months. The Board of Directors is also reducing their cash compensation by 30% for a similar period of time as the leadership group.

These measures are in addition to the companys efforts to access government subsidy, loan and grant programs, some of which have already proven successful and some of which the company anticipates will be available, which together with the people initiatives and thorough working capital management have allowed us to reinforce our balance sheet and prepare us for the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are pleased to report that at the end of the fiscal year-end as at April 30, 2020 the company was debt-free, excluding a $1 million loan expected to convert to a full grant during Q1 of the current fiscal year, had over $5.9 million in cash and our $5 million bank operating loan facility was unutilized.

Inscape is actively developing selling strategies, evaluating and adapting existing product development plans and improving our operating efficiencies to enable us to be resilient in the face of this adversity and to ensure we will be in a much stronger position to grow our business as the economic recovery begins.

Forward-looking InformationThis press release includes certain forward-looking information that is based on Inscapes best information and judgments as at the date hereof. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to Inscapes plans to implement a Work-Share program and the departments that will affect, the employees that are subject to a salary reduction, as well as the size and length of the salary reduction, the length of time that the initiatives will be in place and the frequency with which they are evaluated, Inscapes ability to access government subsidy, loan and grant programs and the impacts thereof, the sufficiency of Inscapes liquidity position in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic results and Inscapes ability to develop and deploy new selling strategies, product development plans and operating efficiencies. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements found throughout this press release.

These forward-looking statements are based on our plans, intentions or expectations and include known and unknown assumptions and other factors which, if incorrect, may cause actual results or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, assumptions about the rate of economic growth in North America in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, there being no cases of COVID-19 in Inscapes workforce and the assumption that no members of the workforce are required to self-isolate, there being no material disruption to Inscapes supply chains, growth expectations for the contract office furniture business, currency fluctuations and Inscape being able to access government subsidy, loan and grant programs in sufficient amounts to positively impact its balance sheet.

The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the discussion, including but not limited to, there being cases of COVID-19 in the Companys workforce, disruptions to Inscapes supply chain due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the economic downturn as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak having a material adverse impact on Inscapes operations and liquidity position (other than as anticipated herein) and resulting in longer than expected salary reductions, furloughs or other employee initiatives and Inscape not being able to access government subsidy, loan and grant programs. See also Risks and Uncertainties of Inscapes most recent management discussion and analysis and annual information form for more information. While management believes that the expectations expressed by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure that they will be correct. In evaluating forward-looking information and statements, readers should carefully consider the various factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking information and statements. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Furthermore, the Company disclaims any obligations to update publicly or otherwise revise any such factors or any of the forward-looking information or statements contained herein to reflect subsequent information, events or developments, changes in risk factors or otherwise.

About Inscape Since 1888, Inscape has been designing products and services that are focused on the future, so businesses can adapt and evolve without investing in their workspaces all over again. Our versatile portfolio includes systems furniture, storage, and walls all of which are adaptable and built to last. Inscapes wide dealer network, showrooms in the United States and Canada, along with full service and support for all our clients, enable us to stand out from the crowd. We make it simple. We make it smart. We make our clients wonder why they didnt choose us sooner. myinscape.com

Media Contact:Atiyeh Ghanbariaghanbari@myinscape.com 647 355 8514

Read more here:
Inscape's Response to Impact of COVID-19 Toronto Stock Exchange:INQ - GlobeNewswire

Read More..

Welcome to MH Certified, where Mens Health puts its stamp of approval on the best products you need to look, feel, and live better than ever before.

I'VE TESTED A lot of smartwatches over the past few years. Some lean into action sports and fitness, while others do their damnedest to serve as a wrist-borne computer, aiming to replace the smartphone in your pocket. Most, however, aim to land somewhere between the two, serving as a do-everything device that fits every occasion. Most fail.

The Garmin Venu does better to achieve that do-everything goal than just about every watch I've tried outside of the Apple ecosystem, which is saying something. The Venu has all the fitness bells and whistles you could want, with a standout GPS (typically what you expect from Garmin) and solid smartwatch functionality.

But the big draw here that makes the Venu worthy of MH Certified status isn't just one feature; it's the sum of all its parts. The smartwatch is one of the most wearable, usable devices I've testedwhich is saying something, because I've kept it on for the better part of three months through the coronavirus pandemic quarantine.

I STARTED TESTING the Venu in late February (a.k.a., the before times). I loved how it felt on my wrist from the first wearthe device isn't flimsy, but it's lighter than other GPS watches I've tried that weigh down my hand and feel clunky once I start to move around. A two-button layout is simple to navigate, and the buttons don't protrude The pebbled silicone band is gym-ready, but looks and feels premium, not like cheaper, plasticky options I've worn before. The AMOLED display is crisp and instantly legible, while the default watch face, which is relatively basic, has a brilliant burst of color that catches the eye. The last time I went to a public event before lockdown, a friend's wedding at which I served as a groomsman, I didn't think twice about pairing the Venu with my tux and bow tie. Likewise, the watch never dug into my wrist or felt like an imposition to wear as I've spent almost all of my quarantine time indoors on the couch.

Using the Venu is simple, too. One tap on the top button, and you can select from any of the 20-plus exercise modes; one long hold of the same button and you're at a larger menu that gives you options to control just about every available function. To view fitness data, swiping up on the screen immediately gives you all of your daily health stats at a glance, along with more detailed charts, weather, and notifications as you progress through the screens. Left swipes let you set up shortcutsin my case, the option for contactless payments, one of my favorite smartwatch features.

WHILE THE VENU checks most of the boxes you would likely want for a do-everything device, its focus is still mostly on fitness and exercise. As an activity tracker, the watch performs admirablyit's easy to take in stats at a glance during runs and bike rides, useful to track laps and intervals during runs, and the GPS functionality is top-notch. There are also pre-designed workout plans available you can access on your watch through the Garmin Connect app, but those are most likely going to be appealing for novice exercisers. More useful are the guided programs, which can walk you through training for a 5K, 10K, or half-marathon race.

Screenshot/Brett Williams

Strength training tracking, the other feature I used heavily, is imperfect for the manner it's supposed to workbut I found that I really enjoyed using the watch in my own way. The Venu is designed to track your moves, and if you review the recorded data in the app after it's synced, you'll see that the session is broken out into different exercises recorded by the device's sensors. The app captures basic movements like curls and squats relatively well, but misses out on more complicated exercises most of the time.

That's fine by me, since I'm already aware of what exercises I'm doing throughout my split. Instead, I use a simple button press to track my sets and restwhich is, shockingly, not a common feature in smartwatches that I've tested in the past. This feature enables you to identify how much time you actually spent working during your session by displaying the active minutes on the watch face when you save the data, which can be a wakeup call to get off your butt if you're not already conscious of your break time.

THROUGH MOST OF my use, I've depended on the Venu to keep me connected to the outside world while still giving me space to breathe. Since the lockdown period began, I've been inundated with terrible news about the situation on my phone from every platform. There are times when I need to put it downbut I still want to be able to check notifications in case I receive urgent messages that affect me more personally. Small buzzes on my wrist, which I can choose to raise to check in the moment or not, are much more manageable to me than a stream of information flooding my phone screen.

This type of notification management isn't unique to the Venujust about every smart device receives phone alerts in some formbut Garmin's stress tracking is an even more useful feature for the current moment. Along with a "Body Battery," which purports to monitor your energy levels, the Venu tracks your stress level using the heart rate monitor to measure heart rate variability. Most of the time, I don't even bother with the metric. But on the first day of the first full week of quarantine, when I first started to feel like the world was falling apart, the Venu buzzed on my wrist and reminded me to breathe.

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

The watch itself does nothing to relieve my stressthere is a mindful breathing guide feature, though, if that's your speedbut these haptic reminders are a helpful jolt to break me from whatever doom spiral has highjacked my mind. Sometimes, the best use for a smartwatch is to tear you away from a narrow focus to open up to what's actually going on outside of the screen on your wrist.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Original post:
Garmin Venu Smartwatch Review - 3-Month Wear of the $300 Device - menshealth.com

Read More..

The cabbage soup diet has been around for many years and is still popular today. Dieters following this diet can expect to see results in just seven days, but is it a healthy diet to follow?

As the name of the diet implies, it involves eating large quantities of cabbage soup.

The diet promises slimmers to help lose up to ten pounds in a single week.

It is generally considered a quick fix diet for short-term weight loss as it requires minimal effort and has proved to be effective.

This diet is likely to cause weight loss in a short amount of time because it severely reduces your calorie intake. To lose weight, your daily calorie intake needs to be in a deficit, meaning you are burning more calories than you are consuming.

READ MORE:Coronation Street star Colson Smith reveals incredible weight loss transformation

For one week, you eat homemade cabbage soup. Each day, you can also have one to two other foods, such as skimmed milk, fruit or vegetables.

This diet is perfect to jump start weight loss or to shed a few pounds for a specific occasion or event.

The cabbage soup diet is also known by other names like the Mayo Clinic Diet, because it was developed in a hospital for quick weight loss before surgery for heart patients.

It is recommended to prepare large batches of the soup at the beginning of the week for the entire week.

DON'T MISS:Lisa Riley weight loss: Emmerdale stars strict diet that led to losing 12 stoneAdele shocks with incredible weight loss in new picture - how the star lost over 8stMediterranean diet could help you lose weight and increase life expectancy

Ingredients: 2 large onions 2 green peppers 2 cans of tomatoes 1 bunch of celery 1 head of cabbage 3 carrots 1 pack of mushrooms 1-2 stock cubes (optional) 6-8 cups of water

Recipe: Chop all the vegetables into cubes In a large stock pot, add the onions and a small amount of oil Then add the remaining vegetables and cover with water and add stock cubes Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat. Let simmer until all vegetables are tender for about 30-45 minutes

Healthline recommends only sticking to the diet for around a week at a time.

You may repeat this diet if you wish to as long as you wait at least two weeks before starting it.

A positive of the diet is that you are not forced to go hungry, as you may eat as many other of the allowed foods as you want each day.

Here is a basic diet plan to follow.

The basic plan

Day 1 - Unlimited cabbage soup and fruit, but no bananas Day 2 - Only soup and vegetables. Focus on raw or cooked ready greens. Avoid peas, corn and beans. You may also have one baked potato with butter or oil Day 3 - As many fruits and vegetables as you can eat, in addition to the soup. However, no baked potato and no bananas Day 4 - Unlimited bananas, skimmed milk and cabbage soup Day 5 - You are allowed 10-20 ounces of beef, which you may substitute for chicken or fish. You may also have up to six fresh tomatoes. Drink at least six to eight glasses of water Day 6 - Soup, beef and vegetables. You may substitute the beef for grilled fish if you did not do so the day prior. Focus on leafy greens. No baked potato Day 7 - You may have vegetables, brown rice and unlimited fruit juice - but no added sugar

Mayo Clinic dietitian, Katherine Zeratsky said: You may feel weak or tired while on the diet. And once you stop the diet, its easy to regain any weight that you lost.

Fad diets like this one may be tempting, but keep in mind that long-term weight loss depends on making lasting healthy changes in your eating and exercise habits.

It is advised for long-term weight loss to opt for a healthy lifestyle change which involves exercise to keep the pounds off.

Excerpt from:
Weight loss: How to lose weight fast with the cabbage soup diet - Express

Read More..

Contact Us Today

Page 1,081«..1020..1,0801,0811,0821,083..1,0901,100..»

Home » Page 1081