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Motivation

Thrive Carolinas / Motivation (Page 2)

Boost Your Brain and Body with Creatine

When most people think of creatine, they picture athletes, gym-goers, and bodybuilders using it to boost strength and performance. But creatine is so much more than a sports supplement—it’s also a powerful ally for brain health and cognitive function. In this week’s Motivation, Dr. Fletcher shares why creatine deserves a spot in your daily wellness routine. Why Creatine? Creatine is a naturally occurring compound in the body that helps produce energy in your cells. While it’s long been known to improve muscle performance and recovery, newer research shows it may also: Support memory and learning Boost mental clarity and focus Protect against age-related cognitive decline Reduce inflammation and support overall cellular health Beyond the Gym You don’t have to be an athlete to benefit. For many people, creatine can be a...

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Is 10,000 Steps Really the Goal? What Science Says About Your Daily Step Count

We’ve all heard it, “You should aim for 10,000 steps a day.” It’s a common benchmark touted by fitness trackers, health apps, and wellness influencers alike. But have you ever stopped to wonder why 10,000 steps became the magic number? In her latest article, Dr. Palermo dives into the origin of the 10,000-step goal and whether it actually holds up against today’s science. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. [mkdf_button size="" type="" text="Read the full article here" custom_class="" icon_pack="font_awesome" fa_icon="" link="https://thrivecarolinas.com/why-10000-steps-a-day-isnt-the-magic-number/" target="_self" color="" hover_color="" background_color="" hover_background_color="" border_color="" hover_border_color="" font_size="" font_weight="" margin=""] The Truth Behind the 10,000-Step Myth The idea of walking 10,000 steps a day didn’t come from a medical study. It started as a marketing campaign for a Japanese pedometer in the 1960s. While the goal was catchy and easy...

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Motivation: How to Choose a Safe Sunscreen

Your guide to protecting your skin year-round When it comes to skincare, sunscreen isn’t just a summer essential; it’s something we should be using every day, all year long. In this week’s Motivation, Dr. Fletcher breaks down what to look for (and what to avoid) when choosing a sunscreen that’s safe and effective. Why Sunscreen Matters Year-Round Even on cloudy days or during the cooler months, UV rays can still damage your skin. Daily sun protection helps prevent premature aging, sunburns, and lowers your risk of skin cancer. Ingredients to Look For When choosing a sunscreen, opt for mineral-based (also known as physical) sunscreens that use natural ingredients to block UV rays. Look for: Zinc oxide Titanium dioxide These ingredients sit on the surface of your skin and reflect UV rays,...

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Motivation: Don’t Forget to Sun-Protect Your Eyes

When we think of sun protection, our minds immediately go to sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats, but what about your eyes? Just like your skin, your eyes are vulnerable to UV damage. In fact, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can increase your risk of serious eye conditions, including: Cataracts – a clouding of the eye’s natural lens that can blur vision Macular Degeneration – damage to the retina’s central region, impacting sharp, central vision Photokeratitis – essentially a sunburn of the cornea, causing pain, redness, and temporary vision loss UV damage is cumulative, meaning every unprotected exposure adds up over time. That’s why consistent protection is key, not just on sunny days, but even when it’s overcast, since UV rays can penetrate clouds and reflect off surfaces...

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Motivation: Clean Fifteen & Dirty Dozen: A Smarter Way to Shop for Produce

When it comes to eating well, choosing fresh fruits and vegetables is always a win. But knowing which ones to buy organic can make a big difference for both your health and your wallet. In this week's Motivation, Dr. Fletcher shares a helpful tool many Thrivers use to shop smarter and lower their exposure to harmful pesticides: the Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen lists. What Are the Clean Fifteen & Dirty Dozen? Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases two lists based on testing from the USDA: The Dirty Dozen: These are the 12 fruits and vegetables that tend to carry the highest levels of pesticide residue, even after washing or peeling. These are our top picks for buying organic when possible. The Clean Fifteen: These 15 produce items...

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Motivation: The Mind-Body Benefits of Gardening

When we think about wellness routines, we often envision fitness classes, supplements, or a clean diet. But sometimes, the most powerful health boosters are found right in our backyard, literally. This week, Dr. Larson shares how gardening can be a surprisingly effective way to support your overall health, both physically and emotionally. Gardening as Movement Yes, gardening counts as a form of physical activity! Digging, planting, weeding, and watering can engage your muscles, improve flexibility, and gently increase your heart rate. For many people, especially those who prefer lower-impact movement, it’s a meaningful way to stay active. Stress Relief in the Soil Spending time outdoors and getting your hands in the dirt can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress. Studies show that even a short time gardening...

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Grill Smarter This Summer

There’s nothing quite like the taste of summer, fresh air, sunshine, and the sizzle of a grill. But before you fire up the barbecue, Dr. Palermo is sharing a few smart strategies to help you enjoy grilling season in a healthier way. Start with Smarter Cuts of Meat Not all proteins are created equal when it comes to the grill. Dr. Palermo recommends choosing: Grass-fed beef or organic chicken, which tend to be leaner and lower in inflammatory compounds Wild-caught fish, like salmon or mahi-mahi, for heart-healthy omega-3s Plant-based options like marinated portobello mushrooms or veggie skewers for fiber and antioxidants These swaps can reduce saturated fat and make a significant difference in how your body processes the food you eat. Safer Grilling Techniques Grilling at high heat can produce harmful...

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On-the-Go Wellness: Dr. Palermo’s Tips for a Healthy Summer Travel Season

Planning a summer getaway? Whether you're headed to the beach, the mountains, or somewhere abroad, staying healthy while traveling is just as important as packing your sunscreen. Dr. Palermo shares a few simple, effective ways to keep your immune system strong, so you can feel your best and make the most of every adventure. From smart supplement choices to travel-friendly wellness habits, these tips are designed to keep you energized, resilient, and illness-free, no matter where your summer takes you. Stay tuned for Dr. Palermo’s top travel health recommendations and start your trip feeling confident, healthy, and ready for fun.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Thrive Healthcare & Wellness (@thrivecarolinas) ...

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How Stress Affects Your Hormones And What You Can Do About It

We all know stress can impact our mood, sleep, and energy. But did you know it can also throw your hormones out of balance? In this week's Motivation, Harlee Palmer, PA explains how chronic stress can interfere with hormone regulation and what you can do to regain control of your health. The Stress-Hormone Connection When your body is under stress, it produces higher levels of cortisol, a hormone designed to help you respond to danger. While cortisol is helpful in short bursts (like when you’re running late or facing a deadline), prolonged stress keeps your cortisol levels elevated, which can cause: Disrupted sleep patterns Weight gain, especially around the midsection Fatigue and brain fog Mood swings and anxiety Irregular menstrual cycles or worsened menopause symptoms Stress doesn’t just affect...

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Motivation: Longevity Lessons from Centenarians

When it comes to living a long and healthy life, the best teachers may be the people who’ve already done it, centenarians. These remarkable individuals, many of whom live well past 100, often defy the odds by maintaining energy, resilience, and independence well into old age. So, what’s their secret? One key factor researchers have uncovered is the diversity of their gut microbiomes. A diverse gut microbiome is linked to better digestion, stronger immunity, reduced inflammation, and improved overall health, all of which are essential for longevity. What supports a healthy gut? The answer is surprisingly simple: a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber. These plant-based foods feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, helping to promote microbial diversity and long-term wellness. Thoughts from Dr. Palermo: "Focus on adding more...

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