For many individuals who are in recovery for substance abuse, finding ways to introduce and maintain healthy lifestyle habits can be difficult. Some have trouble knowing where to start, while others are afraid that beginning a new routine will stress their sobriety and lead to a relapse. However, it’s important to develop good habits and make them a part of your everyday life, not just for yourself, but also for the people who love you. Knowing how to treat your body and mind with kindness will help you learn how to navigate relationships and keep you on a more joyful path as you find your way through recovery. READ MORE
Recognizing that you have a problem and addressing your need to battle an addiction is one of the toughest, bravest things you can do. Unfortunately, the tough road only begins there. The end of that road is not a cure of your addiction – that doesn’t exist. Most medical professionals, therapists, and step program participants will tell you that an addict will forever be in recovery. What does exist, however, is a place where you have control over your addiction, and that’s your ultimate goal. Here’s how exercise can be one of the best tools in your arsenal for fighting that battle. 
Winter can be a rough time for people who want to stay in shape. It’s often too cold to venture outdoors, which can put a crimp in anyone’s workout regimen. Joining a gym is an option, but it isn’t always convenient to hop in the car and go exercise in a crowded room full of people with the same idea. 
A lot is made of New Year’s resolutions. Most of what I read and hear is somewhat cynical about their lack of success. Allow me to put a more positive spin on this long-standing, annual tradition. 
Ahh the holidays! Decorating the house and having good eats. Inviting friends over and having good eats. Going to holiday parties and having good eats. Opening presents, then having good eats. Oh, did I mention eating? 
OK Thanksgiving is gone, but here comes Christmas. Many of us will be preparing big meals for family and friends. Oh oh, does this mean straying from our well-intentioned, healthy eating plan again? Getting on Santa’s nutrition naughty list? 
High blood pressure (hypertension) has been called the “silent killer” because it often has no discernable symptoms. Left untreated, however, it can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, loss of vision and other maladies. Everyone should have their blood pressure checked regularly. This is especially so if someone in your family has had it, as there is a strong genetic component that dictates the level of risk. 
Thanksgiving is here again, kicking off the holiday season. And ‘tis the beginning of many festive events, most with food being front and center. This can cause a certain amount of trepidation about overeating and weight gain, putting at least a small damper on spirits. After all, about half of all weight gained annually occurs during the winter holidays. 
