Why Mindfulness Is Important to You

Mindfulness is a practice to live an intentional and present life. Simply put, mindfulness is not something that you "do;" it's a mindset that you live.

Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing your awareness on the present moment. Reflection and the cultivation of a sense of self-awareness are important parts of mindfulness. These practices can lead to an enhanced sense of well-being, among other benefits.

Why We're Talking About Mindfulness

Our mind influences our body and our attitude impacts our health. Through the practice of mindfulness, we can come to see that our mind is filled with an array of thoughts, some beneficial to our personal happiness and whole health, and others not so much.

Taking mindful pauses throughout the day allows us to reflect on our thoughts and be self-aware of how those thoughts might be affecting our behaviors as well as our emotional and physical health. Over time, practicing mindfulness can help you more calmly manage your thoughts and emotions. Eventually, this can promote a decrease in unproductive thoughts, less emotional reactivity, and boosts focus, to name a few.

A clouded mind makes it hard for us to find clarity in almost anything we do. Mindfulness enables us to weed through our distractions, resulting in clear focus and enhanced potential.

Making Mindfulness Work

To practice mindfulness, start by increasing your awareness of who you are and your surroundings. Observe your behaviors, reactions and thoughts to recognize patterns. Acknowledge them as they are and try not to pass judgment or analyze them. Instead, let thoughts and feelings form organically; there are no "wrong" thoughts. Then, accept them, work through them and refocus.

If you practice some meditation - using some guided apps or an exercise you develop on your own - you can be better prepared to have a healthier outlook and a more productive, happy life.

These tips, provided by our research partner, AdventHealth, are available to you and others in the Lake Nona community to help make positive impacts on our health.

Another way you can make a difference is by taking the Lake Nona Life Project survey. We can’t do it alone. We need partners like you. Take the survey today

Life Project Champions Q & A Spotlight

Kim Morton

Resident and employee in the Lake Nona community.

Career in Nuovi Lifestyle.

 How did you get involved and learn about the project? 

“I became involved when it was first launched through my role as Community Manager at VillageWalk at Lake Nona.” 

Tell us about yourself? 

“I am a Florida Native and was born in DeLand, FL., located right between Orlando and Daytona Beach.  Directly after High School, along with some hospitality fun face-painting in the Orlando Theme Parks, I entered the world of Property Management & Community Association and Lifestyle Services. I have been blessed to deliver an innovative outlook and approach to uniting communities to work together to bring great success to the development, operations and management of these projects and communities. Cultivating the relationships between employees, city / county representatives, clients, vendors, and community residents has been most rewarding.

Passion has led me to mold my experience, talents, and gifts into something purposeful in my life. A New Way of Loving Community Living. I like to think of my work as a Community Association Manager as a Guide vs a Manager. Sure, I 

manage the administrative functions. I prefer, however, to not consider that I am managing the Community or even my Teams (employees). The Community, to me, is the people. For the people, I connect, I teach, I learn from and I serve. I find great joy from serving communities of people and seeing what we can accomplish together in a way of unity and relationship.  I look at it like a Mosaic of many people coming together to create or accomplish something AMAZING.

Off the clock, I do my best to focus on cultivating a dynamic team in my home with my four children with their very own unique gifts and personalities. Whether the marketplace, high school football field or school project, I serve diligently to inspire and develop individuals into their roles to continuously push their limits, help them to crystallize their focus and reach their potential. #proudarmymom”

What is your favorite part about the project?

“It changes as I grow, but I would say unifying members of the community, with a focus on wholeness and wellness.”

What does the Life Project mean to you?

“Inspiration & Encouragement of a Community Working together on a Wholesome Life and Community. Supporting Each other.”

The Life Project in three words? 

“Inspire. Guide. Measure.”

---

Natalia Foote

Resident and employee in the Lake Nona community.

Owner threeR, release, reconnect, reset, yoga instructor for Sunlight Yoga, and writer for Nonahood News

How did you get involved and learn about the project?

“In 2014, while our home was being built in Laureate Park, a friend who lives in Northlake Park (Greg Lieberman) mentioned that residents of LP were needed for a study that was being created in Lake Nona. We attended a meeting in the former Lake Nona information center (located at the Chase Bank across from Panera Bread.) We met so many wonderful people from Lake Nona. The idea of identifying wellness was so interesting. I wanted to do my part to promote the project.” 

Tell us about yourself? 

“I was born in Miami, Florida to parents that were both born and raised in Colombia. My first language was Spanish. Growing up in Miami allowed for a very diverse childhood. I grew up around my Hispanic family, lived in an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood and went to a high school in the inner city of downtown Miami. 

I came to Orlando to attend UCF. I received a BFA in musical theatre and returned to UCF to get a master’s in early childhood education. I taught bilingual students in 3rd grade for Lake Weston Elementary in OCPS and loved working with young children. While teaching elementary school I was nominated as teacher of the year for Lake Weston. It was a great honor. 

In 2008, my husband and I moved to East Park, a neighborhood near the Lake Nona area. I switched gears and was lucky enough to open Lake Nona High School. At the time, I was pregnant with my first son. My time at LNHS was short, but I still hold the memories and coworkers close to my heart. 

We moved from East Park to Laureate Park in 2015 and by then we had two boys, a five and three year old. Life was messy and hectic with two little boys. I always sought calm and peace within. Yoga had always been a passion of mine and Laureate Park offered free yoga. Speaking to the instructor she recommended teacher training. A year later, my yoga career began. 

Today, I teach meditation with my company threeR, and I teach yoga with Sunlight yoga. I enjoy dancing, reading and spending time with my friends and family.”

What is your favorite part about the project?

“My favorite part is the goal of the project. I think as humans we can take control over our wellness. I hope the project can highlight what we can do and promote simple changes we can make to feel and live a healthier life.” 

What does the Life Project mean to you? 

“Our community is interested in our wellness.”

The Life Project in three words? 

“Wellness, health, habits.”

Exercises to Help Lose Weight Gained While at Home

With the closures of gyms and kitchens open 24/7 earlier this year — plus the temptation to binge-watch the latest TV series — it’s no wonder many of us may have put on weight. But now is the perfect time to reverse the trend. With the new re-openings happening, use your time to get moving again. These fit tips can help you start shedding any pounds you’ve gained while at home.

Your Goal: At Least 22 Minutes of Daily Physical Activity - While you’re cutting calories, the CDC recommends working your way up to at least 150 minutes a week of moderately intense aerobic activity. This equals:

• About 22 minutes each day or 50 minutes three times per week, or

• 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, or

• An equivalent mix of the two each week

Pick up the Pace: If you’d like to burn more calories in the same amount of time, vigorous physical activities will get the job done. If you can, pushing yourself is an even more efficient way to shed excess pounds.  

Work in Weekly Weight-Training Sessions: To round out your workout routine, be sure to strength train at least twice a week. The CDC recommends lifting weights to work all major muscle groups, including your legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms. Strength training helps you to maintain muscle mass and bone strength, which is especially important as you get older. 

Focus on the Perks of Physical Activity: Better Health: Besides helping you get stronger and shed excess pounds, regular physical activity can make a big impact on your overall health. 

Make it a Habit: Only half of adults get the physical activity they need to help reduce and prevent chronic disease. To count yourself among them — and increase your chances of maintaining your progress over time — the CDC recommends taking steps to make physical activity a habit, such as: 

o   Pick a time to exercise that works for you.

o   Work Physical Activity into your daily routine,

o   Make friends with other active people.

These tips, provided by our research partner, AdventHealth, are available to you and others in the Lake Nona community to help make positive impacts on our health.

Another way you can make a difference is by taking the Lake Nona Life Project survey. We can’t do it alone. We need partners like you. Take the survey today.

Reopening Considerations for Travel and Transit

As communities, states and the country reopen, travel restrictions are lifting, and nonessential travel is resuming. While you look forward to traveling and may be traveling for the Labor Day weekend, you should still practice safety precautions as travel opens up. Here’s how to limit your risk of illness when traveling, staying in hotels or going on business trips.  

The Guidelines for Opening Up America Again recommend continuing these protective measures during all phases of reopening:

·       Avoiding touching your face

·       Keeping frequently touched surfaces clean and disinfected 

·       Staying at least 6 feet away from others in public places 

·       Staying home if you are sick 

·       Washing hands often with soap and water, or using a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available

·       Wearing cloth face coverings in public

Public Transit – It is strongly recommended to wear a face covering when using public transit and some services may even require face coverings. Consider brining a small-travel size hand sanitizer for use when it’s not possible to wash your hands with soap and water after touching frequently touched surfaces in pubic transit.   

Keeping Car Trips Safe - Try to limit the number of stops you make along your route to limit contact with others who may be ill and to prevent spreading germs from you and your family members. Pack hand-washing supplies and cloth face coverings for everyone. You may also want to bring disinfectant wipes to clean frequently touched surfaces in your car.  

Safety on Planes - Several airlines are recommending or requiring guests to wear a face-covering throughout their journey, from the moment they enter the departure airport until leaving the arrival airport. They are also seating guests farther apart and encouraging people to bring drinks and snacks on board. 

These tips, provided by our research partner, AdventHealth, are available to you and others in the Lake Nona community to help make positive impacts on our health.

Another way you can make a difference is by taking the Lake Nona Life Project survey. We can’t do it alone. We need partners like you. Take the survey today.

How to Hydrate in the Summer Months

Summer means enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather. It also means making sure you and your loved ones stay hydrated in the heat. Whether you’re spending the day at an amusement park, playing an outdoor sport or splashing in the pool, it’s important to take in enough fluid to replace what’s lost through your skin as you sweat.  

Get Your Daily Recommended Water Intake

During your outdoor activities this summer, aim to drink one ounce of water for every ten pounds of body weight and avoid caffeine or alcohol. And it’s best to drink before, during and after more strenuous exercises such as running, playing sports or swimming. You should also make it a point to choose fresh fruit and vegetables as snacks — such as watermelon, celery and pineapple — that contain lots of water.

Keep Water Handy

Be sure to have a plan before you head out with your family. Pack water bottles to bring with you and consider keeping them by the door where they’re easy for everyone to grab. Encourage frequent water breaks (even for your pets) and talk about its importance with your children. 

Recognize the Signs of Dehydration

Mild dehydration can cause irritability, headache and fatigue, all of which can ruin your summer adventures. However, severe dehydration can be a medical emergency. Learning to recognize the signs of severe dehydration can be lifesaving. They are:

• Dark urine

• Disorientation

• Dizziness

• Dry lips and mouth

• Irritability

• Nausea

• Headache

• Slow reaction time 

If you have signs of severe dehydration or notice someone else with signs, get help immediately. For signs of mild dehydration, find some shade or an indoor location to cool off and sip some water slowly. Take it easy and continue to drink water until you feel better. 

These tips, provided by our research partner, AdventHealth, are available to you and others in the Lake Nona community to help make positive impacts on our health.

Another way you can make a difference is by taking the Lake Nona Life Project survey. We can’t do it alone. We need partners like you. Take the survey today.

Preventing Skin Cancer: How to Protect Your Skin

Skin cancer is not only the most common form of cancer, it’s also the most preventable. Millions of people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common types of skin cancer diagnosed in the U.S., and melanoma is the most dangerous. 

 Detecting Skin Cancer 

The sooner skin cancer is identified and treated, the better chance it has to be cured. When detected in its earliest stages, skin cancer is highly treatable. Be sure to watch your skin for any changes, especially in color, texture and growths. You should also monitor any new or existing moles for:

Asymmetry– Do you have moles that are an uneven/asymmetrical shape? 

Border– Are there any irregular borders around your moles?

Color– Do you have any moles that are more than one color?

Diameter– Do you have a mole that’s bigger than a pencil eraser?

Evolved– Has your mole gotten bigger or thicker?

You should have a doctor check it out if you notice any of the warning signs listed above, or if you have a sore that won’t heal, or a patch of skin that seems dry, scaly and itchy.

Here are some tips to keep your skin healthy and cancer-free:

Don’t Tan – Laying out to get a tan, or using a tanning bed, is choosing to damage your skin. There are countless drugstore products that can give you a sun-kissed glow without a single damaging ray touching your skin.

Wear Sunscreen Every Day – You should apply sunscreen every single day — winter or summer, sunny or cloudy, indoors or out. 

Wear Protective Clothing – Wearing lightweight clothing (long sleeves and long pants) can offer extra protection. If you’re near water, the reflection of the sun’s rays can be even more impactful. 

Choose Your Outdoor Time Wisely

The sun is strongest between 10 am and 2 pm. If possible, plan outdoor activities outside of these peak times. If you are outside during the peak times, try to spend time in the shade. 

These tips, provided by our research partner, AdventHealth, are available to you and others in the Lake Nona community to help make positive impacts on our health.

Another way you can make a difference is by taking the Lake Nona Life Project survey. We can’t do it alone. We need partners like you. Take the survey today.

Fourth of July Safety Tips

Summertime is the perfect season to enjoy a picnic outdoors and spend quality time with family and friends. And many might be looking forward to family gatherings, picnics and, of course, fireworks on the Fourth of July. No matter how you celebrate the Fourth of July this year, we want it to be memorable for all the right reasons. Learn how to keep picnic food safe, stay safe in the sun and use fireworks properly with these helpful tips.   

Food Safety Tips – Keep uncooked food and leftovers cool to avoid risk of food poisoning. Keep raw meat and seafood chilled in a refrigerator or an insulated cooler packed with ice until you’re ready to fire up the grill.  

Divide any leftovers into covered, shallow containers and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking or one hour if it’s hotter than 90F outside, the CDC advises. Throw away any remaining perishable food that can’t be refrigerated.  

Keep Your Hands Clean – Wash your hands before handling any food and especially after touching raw meat or seafood. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.  Wash all work surfaces and utensils and use a wet cloth or paper towel to clean the grill before cooking.  

Stay Safe in the Sun – Stay in the shade as much as possible, especially during the middle of the day, by using an umbrella or sitting under a tree or other shelter. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher on all parts of exposed skin. Reapply at least every two hours and after sweating, swimming or toweling off.  

Enjoy Fireworks from Afar – The best way to stay safe is to let professionals handle the fireworks and attend a public display, if available in your area. Check your local state and county reopening guidelines before heading to a group event, as some celebrations have been canceled this year.

If you’re planning to buy fireworks for personal use, keep your family safe by heeding these tips from the CPSC:  

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or lighting them.  

• Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper, since that may indicate they were intended for professional use and may pose a danger to consumers.  

• Always have an adult supervise.  

• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose ready.  

• Light fireworks one at a time and move back quickly.   

• Never relight or pick up any fireworks that do not light properly.  

• Never point or throw fireworks at other people.  

• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them from metal or glass containers.  

• When it’s finished burning, prevent a garbage fire by dousing a used firework with lots of water from the bucket or hose before throwing it away.  

These tips, provided by our research partner, AdventHealth, are available to you and others in the Lake Nona community to help make positive impacts on our health.

Another way you can make a difference is by taking the Lake Nona Life Project survey. We can’t do it alone. We need partners like you. Take the survey today.

Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress

From momentary frustrations to big, overwhelming events, we all face different kinds of stress in our lives. Here are ways to cope with stress and how to manage it in the healthiest possible ways. 

• Exercise is an important way to handle stress. By exercising you release other hormones that work to balance the adrenaline that stress can release in your body and create a sense of calm.

• Maintain a proper diet consisting of whole foods. Avoid alcohol and stimulants, as they’re major sleep disruptors.

• Sleep is extremely important for your whole health. Proper sleep is necessary to maintain the health of your body, mind and spirit.

• Relaxation techniques such as prayer or meditation, and yoga or tai chi can be beneficial.

• Having someone to talk to such as family, friends, religious leaders, physicians or therapists is also very useful for coping with stress in a healthy way.

These tips, provided by our research partner, AdventHealth, are available to you and others in the Lake Nona community to help make positive impacts on our health. 

Another way you can make a difference is by taking the Lake Nona Life Project survey.  We can’t do it alone. We need partners like you. Take the survey today.

Foods to Help You Sleep Better

A good night’s sleep is an essential part of your whole health. It helps you feel rested, recharged and ready to face the day to come. Your habits, including what you eat, can greatly impact the quality of sleep you get each night. Here are some foods, drinks and snacks that can help you catch the ZZZs you need to feel your best in body, mind and spirit.

• Turkey - Turkey is a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that increases melatonin, a hormone that’s released by the pineal gland and helps us fall asleep (and stay asleep) each night.

• Hummus - The main ingredient in hummus, chickpeas, is high in many nutrients that can promote a good night’s sleep. These include tryptophan, folate and vitamin B6. Folate, a nutrient that’s also linked to an improved mood, has also been connected to better sleep, particularly among older adults.

• Peanut Butter - Peanut butter is another great source of tryptophan. Grab a no-sugar-added or natural version next time you’re at the store, spread some on whole-grain bread or crackers and drift off to dreamland.

• Cereal and Milk - A favorite way to start the day, cereal and milk can also be a great way to get ready for bed. That’s because milk has tryptophan, the powerhouse amino acid that can help you fall asleep. Combine that with the carbohydrates in cereal, which help carry tryptophan to the brain, and you have a recipe for a good ZZZs. Just be sure to skip the sugary cereals and opt for a healthy alternative instead.

• Green Tea - Sipping a cup of warm, caffeine-free green tea is not only calming, it also contains impressive health properties that have been linked to a good night’s sleep.

• Cherries - While most foods only help aid the production of melatonin, cherries actually contain this sleep-regulating hormone. Have a bowl of cherries as a bedtime snack and see if you drift off to bed a little easier.

• Walnuts - Walnuts are another good source of naturally occurring melatonin. In addition to helping support your sleep cycle, walnuts can also help lower stress levels.

These tips, provided by our research partner, AdventHealth, are available to you and others in the Lake Nona community to help make positive impacts on our health. 

Another way you can make a difference is by taking the Lake Nona Life Project survey.  We can’t do it alone. We need partners like you. Take the survey today.

Fun Ways to Get Your Family More Active

Only one in three kids are physically active every day, and parents face similar statistics.  The good news is, you can get your family moving with a variety of fun activities that will not only give you a physical boost by making your heart, muscles and bones stronger, but can also help you and your children feel more confident and whole.

Here are some easy ways to make exercise a family affair that can encourage physical activity and improve everyone’s whole health.

• New Family Activities to Try - If your kids and family seem to be stuck in a rut for fun physical activities, try something new such as archery, bowling, gardening, horseback riding, martial arts and biking. 

• Schedule Time for Exercise - Make exercise a priority with a designated time and space that works for your entire family like Walking Wednesdays or Swimming Saturdays.

• Show How Exercise Can Be Fun - Model healthy habits towards physical activity by making sure you regularly exercise yourself. Try taking evening walks, bike rides or even working in your garden. Invite kids to tag along and make exercise a family affair.

•  Play With Your Kids - Play with your child and teach him or her a new activity, such as volleyball or basketball. Young kids need access to active toys — think balls and jump ropes — to keep them moving and developing appropriately.

• Take a Screen Time Break - Make a family pact to turn off devices in the evenings (and certain hours on the weekends) and use that time for physical activity instead of staring at screens. 

• Track Everyone’s Progress - Keep track on a calendar or chart on the fridge each time a family member exercises for a bit of friendly competition. A visual system to track progress is great motivation for everyone, including adults.

• Let Your Kids Decide - Ask each child to pick a fun activity to do as a family each week. You may be surprised at how creative kids can be in the activities that they choose.

These tips, provided by our research partner, AdventHealth, are available to you and others in the Lake Nona community to help make positive impacts on our health. 

Ways to Manage Stress During Coronavirus Outbreak

During times like this, it’s completely normal to feel some level of stress and concern about how you and your family’s health and safety could be affected. While it may seem like much is out of your control, there are some things that you can do to more peacefully navigate coronavirus outbreak.

Here are some tips to reduce stress and embrace this time with resiliency.

1. Refocus Your Thoughts - Calm your mind with activities such as visualization, deep breathing, walking, stretching, praying or listening to uplifting music to shift your mind and body toward positivity.

2. Connect with Your Loved Ones - Show your support for one another and talk about your thoughts and feelings surrounding coronavirus.

3. Lean on Your Faith - If you begin to feel stressed or anxious, try saying a prayer, reading an inspiring book or repeating positive messages to gain hope and strength.

4. Nourish Your Body - Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water, up your vitamin C with red peppers or citrus fruits and prioritize vegetables and healthy foods that nourish your body and mind to perform at its best.

5. Boost Your Physical Strength - Exercise is one of the best ways to manage nervous energy. Get out in the fresh air for a walk, jog or bike ride.

6. Get Your Rest - A good night’s sleep will help you feel your best the next day, allowing you to be focused and decisive about any challenges ahead.

These tips, provided by our research partner, AdventHealth, are available to you and others in the Lake Nona community to help make positive impacts on our health.

Another way you can make a difference is by taking the Lake Nona Life Project survey. We can’t do it alone. We need partners like you. Take the survey today.

5 Self-Care Tips to Improve Emotional Health

Self-care is not an indulgence. It’s a necessity that should be woven into your life every day for whole health. Self-care doesn’t have to be a day at the spa or a whole weekend getaway to be beneficial. In fact, there are simple things you can do that will help you take an important mental pause to nurture your body, mind and spirit. Give these suggestions a try.

1. Get Enough Sleep - Getting a full seven to eight hours of sleep a night is a simple way to drastically improve how you feel all day long.

2. Eat Nutritiously and Exercise – Choose foods that make you feel good; not just the ones that are tempting treats with immediate pleasure. Regular activity has been shown to raise energy levels, improve mood, boost self-confidence and so much more to improve your whole health.

3. Make Yourself a Priority – It’s important to remember that you’re human, and humans require maintenance.

4. Connect with Others - Social connection can reduce anxiety and depression, boost the function of your immune system and even help you live longer. Connecting online is better than nothing, but it’s even better to talk on the phone or meet up with someone that you care about in person.

5. Do Something You Enjoy Every Day - What brings you joy? Sometimes it can be something as simple as taking a hot shower. The key word here is in “enjoy,” which means you need to pause and immerse yourself in the experience or activity.

These tips, provided by our research partner, AdventHealth, are available to you and others in the Lake Nona community to help make positive impacts on our health.

Another way you can make a difference is by taking the Lake Nona Life Project survey. We can’t do it alone. We need partners like you. Take the survey today.

How to Talk With Your Children About Coronavirus

Rather than leaving it up to the media, friends or other people in their lives, you can choose to be the go-to source of information for your children when discussing COVID-19. Here’s how to help kids understand what’s going on — without scaring them.

Provide Enough Information, but Don’t Overload – Volunteering too much information may overwhelm your child. Pay attention to your children’s cues and emotional responses.

Be Calm and Reassuring - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you remain calm and reassuring while talking with your children about coronavirus. Remember that they will pick up cues from you as to how to react emotionally.

Scrub Up on Safety Precautions - So focusing on things like proper handwashing hygiene and social distancing, including quarantining, can help reduce stress by increasing our feelings of control over coronavirus.

Share Facts and Support Your Children at Their Level - The conversation you have with your 12-year-old son may not help your five-year-old daughter. Customize the information you share based on your children’s ages and developmental stages. Use words and concepts they can easily understand.

Be Truthful – It is important that your children can trust you to tell them the truth and reassure them in the future.

Limit Exposure to News and Frightening Images - While you’ll need to take in the news yourself, consider screening it so that your children aren’t exposed to it as well.

These tips, provided by our research partner, AdventHealth, are available to you and others in the Lake Nona community to help make positive impacts on our health.

Another way you can make a difference is by taking the Lake Nona Life Project survey. We can’t do it alone. We need partners like you. Take the survey today.

5 Ways to Stay Grounded Mentally During a Pandemic

It’s normal to feel stressed during a time like this. And it’s important to recognize that stress, rather than trying to minimize it. To help lower your stress level, experts suggest the two most important things are getting enough rest and eating sensibly. Here are a few more ideas to help support your mental well-being.

1. Connect With Other People – Try an online video chat through your computer or smartphone to keep in touch with family and friends virtually.

2. Exercise Regularly – Take a family walk after dinner or do some stretches at your desk while you’re working from home. Wherever you can fit it in, aerobic exercise releases endorphins, which are the natural substances that help you maintain a positive attitude.

3. Make Time to Unwind With Relaxing Activities - Days filled with work and taking care of the kids and pets can take a toll both physically and mentally, so it’s extra important to set time aside to unwind with something you enjoy.

4. Take Breaks From the News - This includes watching, reading or listening to news stories — even on social media.

5. Understand What You Can and Can’t Control - In moments like these, much is out of our hands, and while that can be unsettling for some, we will get through it. Try to focus on acknowledging what you’re feeling and making the most of what you can control.

These tips, provided by our research partner, AdventHealth, are available to you and others in the Lake Nona community to help make positive impacts on our health.

Another way you can make a difference is by taking the Lake Nona Life Project survey. We can’t do it alone. We need partners like you. Take the survey today.

Keeping Kids Entertained at Home During a Pandemic

Across the country, schools are closed and parents are working from home due to COVID-19. This makes for a lot of family together time. How can you keep your kids busy and entertained? See below for some tips. 

1.    Teach Your Kids Some Basic Skills – such as emptying the dishwasher, do laundry, learn how to sew on a button or fix a ripped seam, make dinner 

2.    Family Downtime – bake cookies, have a family video game contest, give your child’s bedroom a makeover

3.    Stay Connected With Family and Friends – set up daily Skype, Zoom or FaceTime video chats with you and your child’s relatives

4.    Get Outside – explore the neighborhood, go for a bike ride or take the dog for a walk together 

5.    Do Something for Others – make care packages to send to a local nursing home for their residents

6.    Take a Virtual Field Trip -There’s an incredible world to explore out there — and your kids can do it all from a laptop or phone. Try websites such as Skype a Scientist, Google Arts & Culture, and Full Sail Labs.

7.    Just Have Fun – have a picnic in your living room or plan a movie-watching marathon

8.    Try Slowing Down - remember that every minute of every day doesn’t have to be jam-packed for kids. It’s OK for them to just have some quiet time on their own. And it’s okay for kids to get a little bored now and then — and figure out what they can do. 

These tips, provided by our research partner, AdventHealth, are available to you and others in the Lake Nona community to help make positive impacts on our health. Another way you can make a difference is by taking the Lake Nona Life Project survey. 

We can’t do it alone. We need partners like you.

February is National Heart Month

February is here already and 2020 seems to be flying by! We all have busy schedules and between family, friends, work, and school, it can be hard to find time to make health conscious decisions. February is American Heart Month and we're here to provide some useful tips and tricks this month to keep you and your family heart-healthy!

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. In Florida alone, there are over 1,441,000 cases of heart disease. About 90% of middle-aged people and more than 74% of young adults have one or more risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, or being overweight. Having multiple risk factors increases your risk for heart disease.

Get started by following these heart healthy lifestyle tips:

1. Be more physically active. 

2. Maintain a healthy weight.

3. Eat a nutritious diet.

4. Quit smoking.

5. Reduce your stress.

6. Get enough quality sleep.

7. Track your heart health stats. 

Encourage your friends and neighbors to join. Great things happen when a community comes together.

Did you know that people who have close relationships at home, work, or in their community tend to be healthier and live longer? Feeling connected with others and having positive, close relationships benefit our overall health, including our blood pressure and weight. Having people in our lives who motivate and care for us helps, as do feelings of closeness and companionship. 

One reason, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is that we’re more successful at meeting our health goals when we join forces with others. 

Here in Lake Nona, we have the opportunity to get involved in our community and make choices that can positively impact our health and the wellness of future generations. Another way you can participate in American Heart Month is by taking the Life Project survey! The Lake Nona Life Project survey is open, and it is designed with your overall health and well-being in mind. 
  
If we come together as a community, we can help to combat heart disease!  

You might be asking, "How can a survey help me live a healthier life?" Our research partner, AdventHealth, may send individual and / or community wide tips that could help you make positive changes as they detect trends in various lifestyle categories.

Your input will help make history. Will you join us?