Category Archives: Health

Weightlifting

Image: Victor Freitas // pexels.com

By: Sarah Hofstedt, CSUN Public Health Intern

Most US adults do not meet the current recommendations for resistance training, or weight lifting. The benefits of lifting weights and building muscle include improved bone density, increased strength of tendons and ligaments, and lower body fat. Despite this, only about 20% of women engage in resistance training. So what’s stopping them? Continue reading

Healthcare Mindfulness

Image: Min An // pexels.com

By: Sarah Hofstedt, CSUN Public Health Intern

A new study finds that as little as five to twelve minutes of daily meditation can reduce stress and anxiety in pre-healthcare college students.

Stress is one of the most reported barriers to academic achievement in college students. Feelings of hopelessness, being overwhelmed, loneliness, and even suicidal ideation are reported by college students across the United States. Continue reading

What’s Up with Cleanses?

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By: Sarah Hofstedt, CSUN Public Health Intern

The idea of cleansing one’s body through clean eating and drinking is not a new one: ayurvedic medicine has an ancient cleanse protocol called panchakarma that includes dietary restrictions, steam baths, and even bloodletting. Today we see Instagram influencers posting passionately about their juice detoxes, sometimes sponsored by the juice companies themselves. Castor oil, enemas, and other methods for bowel cleansing are touted as making the digestive system more efficient. But are detoxification practices really worth it? Continue reading

Aromatherapy

Image: Mareefe // pexels.com

By: Sarah Hofstedt, CSUN Public Health Intern

Aromatherapy is an inexpensive, low-commitment way to support wellness; it can bolster healthy sleep, aid in relaxation, and improve mood. It can be as easy as pouring a few essential oil drops onto a cotton ball, or you can buy a diffuser. However, the amount of information online about essential oils and aromatherapy is overwhelming, and using essential oils incorrectly is potentially dangerous. Continue reading

Walking: Taking Steps to a Healthier You

Image of people walking

Image: Huy Phan // pexels.com

By: Araceli Salcedo, CSUN Institute for Community Health and Wellbeing Volunteer

Staying fit and exercising is one of the best ways to maintain your health. Something as simple as walking every day can help you live a healthier life and continue on the road to a healthier you! It’s free and you can literally do it anywhere. Continue reading