info@treatyourselfcenla.org

Treat Yourself CENLA

Treat Yourself CENLA

About Treat Yourself CENLA

Posts by :

Taking the First Step to a Healthier Life, Move More, TreatYourself CENLA Blog

Taking the First Step to a Healthier Life

Getting in shape can be a daunting task, but there are a number of easy ways to get started. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned athlete, there are simple steps you can take to improve your fitness level and achieve your goals.

One of the easiest ways to get in shape is to start walking or biking more.

This can be as simple as taking a walk around the block or biking to work instead of driving. Not only is this good for your physical health, but it can also improve your mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety.

Another easy way to get in shape is to incorporate strength training into your routine.

This can be as simple as using your own body weight for resistance, such as doing push-ups or squats. You can also use household objects, like a backpack filled with books, to add resistance. Strength training can help improve your muscle tone, reduce the risk of injury and increase your metabolism.

In addition to exercise, it is important to focus on your diet as well.

This doesn’t mean you have to give up all your favorite foods, but rather, focus on eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. This can help you maintain a healthy weight and give you the energy you need to stay active.

Ultimately, the key to getting in shape is to start small and make gradual changes to your routine.

By incorporating more physical activity and eating a healthy diet, you can improve your fitness level and enjoy the many benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

The Rapides Foundation is a philanthropic organization that develops initiatives and provides grants to organizations in its nine-parish service area that share the Foundation’s Mission to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. Through its Healthy Behaviors Initiative, the Foundation addresses the health behavior priorities of tobacco prevention and control, alcohol/substance abuse prevention, healthy eating and active living. For more information, visit www.rapidesfoundation.org.

Eating Healthy on a Budget, Eat Better, TreatYourself CENLA

Eating Healthy on a Budget

Eating healthy on a budget is possible with a little planning and creativity. Here are some tips to get the best bang for your buck when you’re shopping so you and your family can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals that fit within your budget:

  1. Plan your meals in advance. Meal planning can help save time and money by avoiding last-minute trips to the grocery store and eating out. It can also help you make healthier choices by ensuring that you have a variety of healthy ingredients on hand.
  2. Shop at the right time. The price of meat and produce can vary depending on the time of year. Shopping when these foods are in season can help you save money and get the most out of your grocery budget.
  3. Buy in bulk. Buying certain foods in bulk, like grains, nuts and frozen produce can save you money since bulk pricing is often cheaper per unit. Be sure to store your bulk items properly at home to ensure the longevity of the items.
  4. Grow your own food. If you have the time and the space, consider growing your own fruits and vegetables. This can be a cost-effective way to add more produce to your diet and it can also be a fun and rewarding experience.
  5. Take advantage of discounts and deals. Many grocery stores offer discounts and deals on healthy foods, such as buy-one-get-one-free offers and generic brand products. Keep an eye out for these deals and take advantage of them when you can.
  6. Shop at your local farmer’s market. Farmer’s markets are great for purchasing seasonal produce that is low-cost and locally grown in your area. To find a farmer’s market near you, check out our Interactive Map. (Many farmer’s markets also participate in SNAP incentive programs, allowing participants to spend their SNAP benefits at local farmer’s markets.)

By following these tips, you can eat healthy on a budget and still enjoy a variety of nutritious and delicious foods.

The Rapides Foundation is a philanthropic organization that develops initiatives and provides grants to organizations in its nine-parish service area that share the Foundation’s Mission to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. Through its Healthy Behaviors Initiative, the Foundation addresses the health behavior priorities of tobacco prevention and control, alcohol/substance abuse prevention, healthy eating and active living. For more information, visit www.rapidesfoundation.org.

Swimming, How to Stay Cool and Stay Fit This Summer, Move More, TreatYourself Blog, TreatYourself Cenla

Swimming: How to Stay Cool and Stay Fit This Summer

There’s truly nothing like a Louisiana summer (hello, humidity and mosquitoes), and we understand how hard it is to stay active when it’s this hot and humid. A good way to beat the heat while still getting a great workout is swimming. Swimming is an awesome form of cardio as well as a full-body workout. So, here are a few tips to remember the next time you make a splash:

Swim in the morning.

Swimming in the morning is not only a great wake-up call, but a cardio workout like swimming first thing in the morning leaves your body in a metabolic state ready to burn fat as energy the rest of the day.

Swim faster.

Swimming is a great calorie burner because it involves the entire body. It increases your heart rate and utilizes nearly every muscle in the body. The faster you swim, the faster your heart rate will rise, and the more calories your body will burn.

Use water weights in between laps.

Water weights are designed to use the water as resistance to build your strength rather than weighted material like traditional weights. You can incorporate water weights into your workout to increase the intensity and your overall results.

Try out water aerobics.

Water aerobics is exactly what it sounds like – an aerobics class in water. You can expect exercises like water walking, bicep curls and leg lifts, using the water as resistance. This is a great low-impact option for people who can’t participate in traditional aerobic exercises due to age or injuries.

Overall, swimming is a great way to stay cool while sticking to your exercise routine this summer.

The Rapides Foundation is a philanthropic organization that develops initiatives and provides grants to organizations in its nine-parish service area that share the Foundation’s Mission to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. Through its Healthy Behaviors Initiative, the Foundation addresses the health behavior priorities of tobacco prevention and control, alcohol/substance abuse prevention, healthy eating and active living. For more information, visit www.rapidesfoundation.org.

Becoming the Healthiest, Happiest You, Healthy Life, Self Care, TreatYourself Blog, TreatYourself

Becoming the Healthiest, Happiest You

, 0

Treating yourself to a healthier life can be a great way to improve your overall well-being and happiness. There are many ways to do this, and it is important to find what works best for you.

One way to treat yourself to a healthier life is to make small, positive changes to your daily routine. This can include things like incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet, reducing your intake of processed foods and sugary drinks, increasing your water intake and getting regular exercise. These changes may seem small, but over time, they can have a big impact on your health and well-being.

Another way to treat yourself to a healthier life is to prioritize self-care. This can include taking time to do things that you enjoy, exposing yourself to sunlight every day, getting enough sleep and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga. By taking care of yourself, you can improve your mental and physical health and in turn, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Making changes yourself is the first step, but it is also important to surround yourself with supportive people who encourage you to maintain positive changes to your lifestyle. This can include friends and family members who share your goals and offer encouragement and support. In addition, seeking out the guidance of a healthcare provider or therapist can be beneficial for many people.

Ultimately, treating yourself to a healthier life is about making choices that are beneficial to your whole self – mental, physical and emotional. This can include making positive changes to your lifestyle, practicing self-care and surrounding yourself with supportive people. By making these changes, you can improve your health and happiness and enjoy a better quality of life.

The Rapides Foundation is a philanthropic organization that develops initiatives and provides grants to organizations in its nine-parish service area that share the Foundation’s Mission to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. Through its Healthy Behaviors Initiative, the Foundation addresses the health behavior priorities of tobacco prevention and control, alcohol/substance abuse prevention, healthy eating and active living. For more information, visit www.rapidesfoundation.org.

Teen Vaping and Mental Health: What You Should Know , Breathe Freely, Teen Vaping and Mental Health, Teen Vaping, Mental Health, TreatYourself Blog, TreatYourself

Teen Vaping and Mental Health: What You Should Know

Teen vaping has become an epidemic in the United States. What teens don’t know is that vaping causes damage to their minds and bodies, negatively affecting their physical and mental health.

Nearly all vape devices contain nicotine – the addictive drug found in tobacco products. Nicotine is extremely harmful to the developing adolescent brain, which is not fully developed until age 25. Introducing nicotine to an adolescent body can cause harm to the areas of the brain that control attention, learning, mood and impulse control. Nicotine can also increase the risk for future drug addictions in teens predisposed to addictive behaviors.  

The most common reason teens give for vaping is they are feeling anxious, stressed or depressed. What they don’t know is that nicotine addiction can be a source of stress on the body, leading to the development of nicotine dependency. Researchers are still exploring the effects of quitting vaping on mental health, but studies show that quitting smoking cigarettes led to lower levels of anxiety, depression and stress.

We all know vaping is bad. What seems to lie under the surface is how bad it is for mental health. By bringing awareness to the negative effects of vaping on mental health, we can begin to encourage people to kick the habit and breathe freely once and for all.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/Quick-Facts-on-the-Risks-of-E-cigarettes-for-Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults.html

The Rapides Foundation is a philanthropic organization that develops initiatives and provides grants to organizations in its nine-parish service area that share the Foundation’s Mission to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. Through its Healthy Behaviors Initiative, the Foundation addresses the health behavior priorities of tobacco prevention and control, alcohol/substance abuse prevention, healthy eating and active living. For more information, visit www.rapidesfoundation.org.

Explore the Parks of Central Louisiana, Move More, Parks of Central Louisiana, Louisiana Parks, TreatYourself Blog, TreatYourself

Explore the Parks of Central Louisiana

Spring is in full bloom, and now is the ideal time to get outside and get moving. Central Louisiana is home to several beautiful and well-maintained public parks that are perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. Here are some of the top public parks located in Central Louisiana:

  • Buhlow Lake. Located in Pineville, Buhlow Lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating and hiking. The park features a large lake, as well as a nature trail that winds through the surrounding forest.
  • Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge. Located in Jonesville, the Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for hiking, fishing and wildlife observation.
  • The Wild Azalea Trail (located in Kisatchie National Forest). The Wild Azalea Trail, located in Kisatchie National Forest, is a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking. The trail has endpoints at the Valentine Lake Recreational Area and Woodworth Town Hall and is accessible by road at several points in between.
  • Valentine Lake Recreation Complex (located in Kisatchie National Forest). The Valentine Lake Recreation Complex, located in Gardner, is known for its peaceful atmosphere, perfect for canoeing, camping and hiking. The complex includes the Valentine Lake Northshore Campground, access to the Valentine Lake Trailhead and two fishing piers.

You can find even more walking trails by visiting The Rapides Foundation’s Interactive Map of Healthy Activities and searching for sites near you. Central Louisiana is home to many beautiful and scenic public parks, so there is no shortage of outdoor recreational opportunities in the area. Whether you are looking for a place to fish, hike or simply enjoy the great outdoors, you will find a park that is perfect for you in Central Louisiana.

The Rapides Foundation is a philanthropic organization that develops initiatives and provides grants to organizations in its nine-parish service area that share the Foundation’s Mission to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. Through its Healthy Behaviors Initiative, the Foundation addresses the health behavior priorities of tobacco prevention and control, alcohol/substance abuse prevention, healthy eating and active living. For more information, visit www.rapidesfoundation.org.

5 Ways to Improve Your Diet, Improve Your Diet, TreatYourself Blog, TreatYourself

5 Ways to Improve Your Diet

Improving your diet can be a great way to boost your health and well-being. There are many different approaches to improving your diet, and the best one for you will depend on your individual needs and health goals. Here are five ways to improve your diet:

  1. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and other nutrients that are important for good health. Aim to eat a variety of different fruits and vegetables and include them in every meal. If you can’t find fresh, in-season produce, frozen produce is a great alternative that still has all the vitamins and minerals you need.
  2. Choose whole, unprocessed foods. Whole foods, such as whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats, are a much better choice than processed foods, which are often high in added sugars, salt and saturated fats. Try focusing on eating whole, unprocessed foods as much as possible. An easy rule of thumb to follow is the fewer ingredients a product has, the less processed it probably is.
  3. Reduce your intake of added sugars and salt. Added sugars and salt can be found in many processed foods, and they can contribute to a range of health problems, including obesity, heart disease and high blood pressure. Try to limit your intake of added sugars and salt by reading labels and choosing foods that are low in these ingredients.
  4. Drink plenty of water. Water is essential for good health, and it can help to keep your body hydrated and functioning properly. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses per day and avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice.
  5. Eat mindfully. Mindful eating is about paying attention to your food intake and being aware of your hunger and fullness cues. This can lead to a healthier relationship with food and a better overall diet.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can improve your diet and enjoy the benefits of a healthy, balanced life.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/index.html

The Rapides Foundation is a philanthropic organization that develops initiatives and provides grants to organizations in its nine-parish service area that share the Foundation’s Mission to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. Through its Healthy Behaviors Initiative, the Foundation addresses the health behavior priorities of tobacco prevention and control, alcohol/substance abuse prevention, healthy eating and active living. For more information, visit www.rapidesfoundation.org.

TreatYourself-blog-images-alt4

Treat Yourself to a Healthier Life

, ,

Treating yourself to a healthier life can be a great way to improve your overall wellbeing and quality of life. However, many people struggle to make healthy changes and stick to them. Here are some tips for treating yourself to a healthier life:

  • Set achievable goals – It’s important to set realistic and achievable goals for yourself. This can help you stay motivated and on track. Start by setting small goals and then gradually increase their difficulty as you progress.
  • Find healthy activities you enjoy – It’s important to find healthy activities that you enjoy and look forward to. This could include going for a walk, joining a sports team, or trying a new fitness class. By finding activities you enjoy, you’ll be more likely to stick to them.
  • Surround yourself with supportive people – Surrounding yourself with supportive people who encourage and motivate you can make a big difference. This could include friends, family members, or a support group.
  • Treat yourself to healthy rewards – It’s important to reward yourself for making healthy changes. This could include buying yourself a new piece of workout equipment, treating yourself to a massage, or taking a day off to do something fun.
  • Be patient and persistent – Changing your habits can be difficult, and it’s important to be patient and persistent. Don’t be discouraged if you have setbacks or if it takes longer than you expect to see results. Keep trying and stay committed to your goals.

By following these tips and making healthy changes, you can treat yourself to a healthier and happier life.

The Rapides Foundation is a philanthropic organization that develops initiatives and provides grants to organizations in its nine-parish service area that share the Foundation’s Mission to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. Through its Healthy Behaviors Initiative, the Foundation addresses the health behavior priorities of tobacco prevention and control, alcohol/substance abuse prevention, healthy eating, and active living. 

TreatYourself-blog-images-breathe-alt

What parents should know about vaping

Vaping has become a popular trend, especially among teenagers. While it may seem harmless, there are many things that parents should know about vaping.

First and foremost, it is important to understand what vaping is. Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device. These devices, also known as e-cigarettes or e-cigs, contain a battery-powered heating element that vaporizes a liquid solution, usually containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals.

One of the biggest concerns about vaping is the potential health risks associated with it. The long-term effects of vaping are still unknown, but there is evidence to suggest that it can be harmful. The vapor produced by e-cigarettes contains harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde and metals, that can be harmful when inhaled. In addition, the nicotine in e-cigarettes is highly addictive and can harm the developing brains of teenagers.

Another concern about vaping is the potential for it to act as a gateway to smoking. Many e-cigarettes come in flavors that are appealing to teenagers, such as fruit and candy flavors, which can make them more likely to try it. This can lead to a lifelong addiction to nicotine and increase the risk of them trying other harmful substances.

It is important for parents to educate themselves and their children about the dangers of vaping. This can include talking to them about the potential health risks, setting clear expectations and boundaries around the use of e-cigarettes, and monitoring their behavior. In addition, parents should be aware of the signs of vaping, such as the presence of e-cigarette devices or the use of fruity or sweet-smelling odors.

Overall, it is crucial for parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with vaping and to take steps to prevent their children from using e-cigarettes. By educating themselves and their children and staying vigilant, parents can help ensure the health and safety of their family.

 Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The Rapides Foundation is a philanthropic organization that develops initiatives and provides grants to organizations in its nine-parish service area that share the Foundation’s Mission to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. Through its Healthy Behaviors Initiative, the Foundation addresses the health behavior priorities of tobacco prevention and control, alcohol/substance abuse prevention, healthy eating, and active living. 

TreatYourself-blog-images-alt2

How to Eat Better When Living in Louisiana

Louisiana is known for its rich and flavorful cuisine, but it can be difficult to eat a healthy diet when surrounded by tempting dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets. However, with a little planning and some creative thinking, it is possible to eat well and enjoy the tastes of Louisiana without sacrificing your health.

One of the keys to eating well in Louisiana is to focus on fresh, local ingredients. Louisiana is home to a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, and other foods, and by incorporating these into your meals, you can enjoy the flavors of the region while also getting the nutrients your body needs. For example, try adding fresh seafood, such as shrimp or crab, to your salads or stir-fries, or incorporate local vegetables, such as okra or creole tomatoes, into your meals.

Another way to eat better in Louisiana is to be mindful of portion sizes. Louisiana cuisine is often known for its generous servings, but it is important to pay attention to how much you are eating and to avoid overindulging. To help with portion control, try using smaller plates or bowls, and aim to fill at least half of your plate with fruits and vegetables.

In addition to focusing on fresh, local ingredients and practicing portion control, it is also important to make healthy choices when eating out in Louisiana. Many restaurants in the state offer healthier options, such as salads, grilled seafood, or vegetables, and these can be a great way to enjoy the flavors of Louisiana without overdoing it on calories or unhealthy ingredients.

In conclusion, eating well in Louisiana is all about finding a balance between enjoying the region’s rich and flavorful cuisine and making healthy choices. By focusing on fresh, local ingredients, practicing portion control, and making healthy choices when eating out, you can eat well and enjoy the tastes of Louisiana without sacrificing your health.

The Rapides Foundation is a philanthropic organization that develops initiatives and provides grants to organizations in its nine-parish service area that share the Foundation’s Mission to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. Through its Healthy Behaviors Initiative, the Foundation addresses the health behavior priorities of tobacco prevention and control, alcohol/substance abuse prevention, healthy eating, and active living. 

Load More