Many of our top New Year’s resolutions are to lose weight, save money, spend more time with family or friends, go greener, and reduce stress. What if just a few simple changes could accomplish all FIVE of these objectives?

Take your bicycle, walk or use the public transportation system. Consider making a simple switch from driving alone to commuting alternatives read more »

We would all like to live as long as we can and to be the healthiest we can be in the process. When we think of living a long time we often think of eating well and exercising as main contributors to a long life. However there are many aspects of growing older that can either enhance or inhibit our enjoyment of a long life.

In his book “the Blue Zones,” author Dan Buettner and his colleagues found that throughout the world, people who lived the longest had close communication with family, friends and their community. Staying in daily contact with family and friends was very important in almost every blue zone in the world and was found to be a key element of staying healthy and living long and meaningful lives. read more »

Kimberly Gartland has never been able to become a runner, despite maintaining other fitness routines. But recently, Gartland made a breakthrough after only one month of training, and was already running three-mile distances after a few weeks.

Gartland worked with Alexa Martin, a Gig Harbor running coach whose goal is to motivate read more »

If you’re conscientious about your food choices for a healthy lifestyle, you probably know all about eating whole foods, fresh fruits and veggies and so on. But there’s more to good nutrition for optimum health, and it has nothing to do with counting calories or avoiding fats. Many nutritionists discourage people from following fad diets — which could even mean the low-fat, low-cholesterol kind — in favor of an individualized approach based on nutrient-rich, minimally processed foods that address individual needs. read more »

Randall Moeller, MD, has been selected as president of The Doctors Clinic by the clinic’s board of directors, effective Jan. 1, 2012. Moeller previously served as vice president of The Doctors Clinic.

Moeller, a Board-Certified urologist, was chosen by the board of directors and approved by the shareholders at the annual shareholders meeting in Nov. 2011. Prior to joining The Doctors Clinic in 2005, Moeller ran a urology practice with in Missouri for more than 20 years. read more »

Ayurveda — a healing and wellness system that originated in India about 5,000 years ago — has been gaining traction in North America for the past decade. Considered a “science of life,” Ayurveda takes a body, mind and spirit approach focused on disease prevention, rejuvenation and lifespan extension. Some of its techniques include yoga, meditation, diet and massage.

“It tells you how to live in harmony with nature to maintain health and wellness, and it focuses on preventing diseases and treating not just symptoms but the root of the cause. read more »

Riley Chase and his wife, Jennifer Fetterplace, were looking for a way to get in shape more than a year ago when they decided to enroll into a body boot camp offered by Olympic Fitness (www.olyfitness.com) in Port Orchard. The first two weeks, the couple were so sore, Chase said they could hardly even put their arms up above their heads. read more »

One of Kitsap’s top training facilities may be hidden off the beaten path, but it’s far from a secret. Tucked in the back of the Kitsap Sports retail store in Silverdale, bodylink’s fitness facility looks somewhat like an ordinary gym. And while some of the equipment may appear familiar, the facility is highly specialized to cater to those looking for optimum performance read more »

Northwoods Lodge in Silverdale has again received a deficiency free rating outcome for its annual state survey inspection. Northwoods Lodge has earned statewide recognition as the recipient of its thirteenth perfect state survey score. This is a rare accomplishment, almost unheard of in the state of Washington.

Representatives from the Aging and Adult Administration, and the Department of Social and Health Services (D.S.H.S.), recently conducted the unannounced survey, which is the same process that has cited numerous nursing homes for their inability to provide quality and safe care to their residents. read more »