What better way to celebrate the holidays than enjoying yourself outdoors? Get out of the winter blues and SAD this winter season and explore how to celebrate a festival of winter walks. Enjoy a sense of freedom and the benefits of being outdoors Take this holiday season to enjoy the wonders of nature and get together with family and friends. Winter walks bring individuals and groups together to enjoy walking and are a great way to be active. Did you know walking is the most popular exercise in the United States? The average walking speed is 3.1 miles per hour. The average distance a person walks is about 75,000 miles during their lifetime. Walking helps boost your mood by increasing blood flow to the brain. Walking ten miles per week, instead of traveling by vehicle, would save 500 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year! Winter walk adventures The holidays can be overwhelming and stressful! Walking has immense healing powers and is so great for you. Take this opportunity to walk more. Winter walks offer a break from the hustle and bustle. If you want to be more involved in fitness, create a challenge, such as walking a certain distance or number of days each week and include a downloadable tracker. Most smartwatches include outdoor walking apps that track elevation, speed and distance. If you prefer to walk solo, embrace the silence and have a reflective winter walk for the soul. The unique tranquility of winter walking can inspire introspection. Walking in the quiet stillness of winter reduces anxiety and enhances focus. While walking, do some mindfulness exercises such as deep breathing and connecting with the surroundings, such as focusing on the crunch of snow underfoot. Bring a small notebook and jot down thoughts...

Did you know that our home environment impacts how we feel? During the holidays, multifamily professionals can increase the perceived value of the property while supporting resident wellbeing and promoting resident loyalty. It all starts with decorating. Drive value while helping residents fall in love with your property again Resident retention saves time and money. Per the National Apartment Association, it costs between $1,000 to $5,000 to turn a unit. If you gained just one renewal each month, you could save $20,000 in annual expenses and about 96 hours of maintenance labor. Promote resident retention through thoughtful programming that shows residents that you care. This includes special programming to support residents who are struggling through the holiday season. Design programming can be a great place to start. Design to beat winter blues together Nearly 40 million Americans experience depression and anxiety, reports the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. The fall and winter seasons are especially challenging. The American Family Physician reports that up to 26% of Americans suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) formerly called seasonal depression. Scientists note a correlation between less exposure to sunlight (vitamin D), decreases in serotonin and an uptick in melatonin. Those factors may exacerbate existing conditions around holiday social and financial stresses, loneliness and grief. Community managers are not clinicians. There are several resident services that community managers can offer, however, to support resident wellbeing during the holidays. Focus on fun yet effective services that turn resident homes into mental health havens. Host healthful interior design classes Consider inviting a healthy interior design expert to speak to your residents. The American Society of Interior Designers has representatives nationwide. You might also research environmental psychologists in your area. These specialists understand how our built environments can impact our...

Socialization is a significant part of senior wellness. By getting the members of the neighborhood involved in activities at your community, you’re offering healthful, value-add services for your seniors that truly make a difference! Below are a few suggestions on how you can improve social opportunities with community support. Animal shelter collaborations are a fun way to expose seniors to the joys of pets without the daily responsibilities of pet ownership. Seniors are able to play with and cuddle their new furry friends, reaping the health benefits of pet interactions. Girl and Boy Scouts projects offer seniors the opportunity to teach and learn from local youth. Contact your local chapters regarding projects such as building raised garden beds, installing rainwater recycling systems, or beautification projects. When seniors have experience in these areas, they are able to feel helpful and knowledgeable. When the experiences are new, senior learners stimulate their brains and feel the invigoration of developing new skills. Student-led tech classes equip seniors with the basic skills needed to stay in touch with the world beyond their senior community. Navigating Zoom and Facetime, for example, allow seniors to stay in touch with loved ones. Computer skills classes make it easier for seniors to take charge of their care curriculum. For today’s students, these skills are second hand and a fun way to get the community service hours they may need for school. Trips to a local ranch for equine therapy come with several advantages: a scenic trip to rural area, the benefits of equine therapy, and the pleasure of artwork and animal interaction. Don’t worry—equine therapy does not mean your seniors must mount the horses! Ask camp leaders if it’s appropriate for seniors to interact with current class members. Serving as a dance recital...

When it comes to the discussion of seniors’ mental wellness, we are often directed to the latest medicines and advances in technology. To help many seniors prevent and mitigate illness, we need to look no farther than their plates.  Mental Wellness Starts from Within Psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky led a team of researchers on a quest to understand just how much of our happiness lies within our control. Based on their research, the team proposed the 50-10-40 formula: “approximately 50 percent of variance in happiness is determined by genes, and 10% of variance in happiness is determined by circumstances.” That leaves the remaining 40 percent of our happiness to be determined by our actions. We may immediately think of how we handle stressors as a factor of joy, but one of our most important actions is how we nourish our bodies. Feel-good hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine, are produced in the gut. When we consume inflammatory foods—which for many include dairy, sugars, processed grain, and alcohol–we interrupt the natural balance of the gut. The probiotics, or good bacteria and yeasts, cannot operate optimally. Bad bacteria, yeasts, and parasites thrive, adversely affecting the production of feel-good hormones. The results can cause or aggravate several ailments that affect seniors including fatigue, anxiety, and depression, as well as digestive issues, respiratory problems, several autoimmune disorders, arthritis, and more. In addition to a hormone imbalance, poor nutrition can weaken our immune system. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is responsible for antibody production. When the GI tract experiences inflammation and imbalance, protective antibodies are not produced adequately. We are more susceptible to infection and illness. When we are sick, our social interactions suffer as well as our ability to exercise and maintain high spirits. Food: Tried and True Medicine When...

Social programming has long been a component of many senior living establishments. The quality and quantity of activities, however, vary greatly and may be affecting your residents’ health. The social programming at your site can contribute to the wellbeing and satisfaction of your residents, providing you with a competitive upper hand. Socialization Boosts Wellness Psychology Today reports on the health benefits of socializing. A few of the benefits include: Mental Fortitude: Interacting with other living beings has proven to improve memory and cognitive skills while fending off the onset and development of dementia. Mental Wellness: Face-to-face interaction minimizes the risk of depression, improves mood, and contributes to an overall sense of wellbeing. Longevity: Isolation can shorten our lifespans. Staying social helps to extend our lifeline regardless of our physical health history. Immunity: Socializing with others can strengthen seniors’ immune system. There is a complex relationship between our immune system and the regions of our brain that influence social interaction. Fitness: For seniors, interacting with others often includes getting out and doing things that they may not do alone. Social activities encourage seniors to stay physically active. Just How Long Ought We Socialize? How much socializing ought we pursue each day? Researchers suggest that we should aim for about six hours of interaction daily. This time can be spent with people, animals, or any combination of the two. That recommendation may not work for everyone, particularly for seniors who have gone for many years limited interactions. Easing into an a socially active schedule little by little may be a more appropriate approach. Ideas for More Social Seniors Below are a few ideas for the community as well as individuals that can help seniors reach the recommended six hours of social activity. Community Classes: While arts...

For caregivers in economically depressed communities, even the simplest tests can be too expensive. But thanks to the Paperfuge, spinning biological samples for testing just got a whole lot more economical. The Paperfuge allows health care workers to perform important diagnostic tests in just a few minutes, all for less than a twenty-five cents. Understanding the need to provide low-cost, and low-tech, testing and diagnosis options to the developing world, Stanford Bioengineer Manu Prakash alighted on the idea of modifying a children’s toy into a cheap, functional centrifuge. It’s all a part of Prakash’s commitment to improving healthcare across the globe by pursuing the art of Frugal Science. “To me, Frugal Science is really designing with constraints in mind,” says Prakash in a video about the Paperfuge. “When we say ‘bringing tools the masses,’ we truly do mean the billions of people on the planet.” Low Energy, High Results Traditional centrifuges are bulky, expensive and require a robust energy supply, making them almost impossible to operate in far-flung reaches of the world. A StatSpin MP centrifuge, for example, can cost thousands of dollars and runs on electricity. For many economically challenged communities, standard medical equipment is too costly and resource intensive. Prakash and his team took on the challenge of making a more accessible – and affordable – version of this valuable diagnostic tool. “We told ourselves, we can design one, but it cannot require any electricity, and it needs to be light and portable – I need to be able to carry it in my pocket – and it needs to cost less than a dollar in parts.,” explains Prakash in the video. “By boxing ourselves in with constraints, we were able to think outside the box.” The Paperfuge fits all of those...

Forget sitting on a bench feeding pigeons; these days older adults are ditching the breadcrumbs for senior-friendly playgrounds. We all know bodies at rest tend to stay at rest, and for older adults, physical activity can be particularly challenging. Fitness experts often counsel that the exercise is whatever is comfortable and convenient. And what could be easier than a spending some time on the playground? That’s certainly the notion behind senior citizen playgrounds. By putting the “fun” back in fitness, these next-generation playgrounds are designed to appeal to all ages. “These playgrounds allow us to promote healthy living in cities across the country,” Humana President and CEO Bruce Broussard recently explained. “It’s important to us to make it easy for people to achieve their best health – kids and adults alike.” Play Time They’re calling it the “playability” movement: communities working to create safe spaces for families to have fun and stay active. In support of the cause, KaBOOM! has created the Playful City USA initiative with help from the Humana foundation. “We are proud to partner with Humana to help give all children the childhood they deserve. We are confident that, together, we can help families make healthy, playful choices that build a new generation of ‘Healthy People,’” said Darell Hammond, CEO and Founder of KaBOOM! “Play matters – not just as an activity for children, but as a foundation for lifelong well-being and strong communities.” Let’s Get Physical In Europe and Asia, playgrounds for senior citizens provide low-impact exercise equipment to help older adults safely raise their heart rate. These parks often include elliptical machines, static bikes and other body flexor equipment for enhanced balance and flexibility. “We wanted to break the myth of the old person coming to the park and...

Direct-to-door home meal services have experienced record-breaking growth. The past four years witnessed a 33 percent increase in delivery traffic, reports NPD group. This growth presents new opportunities for commercial and institutional real estate. The Catalyst & Growth Potential The growth of prepared meal services comes as a response to public cries for healthier, convenient food. Americans are becoming more health-conscious.  The surge towards healthier fare comes on the heels of seemingly endless bad news: Almost 70 percent of American adults are diagnosed as overweight or obese. Rarely disclosed allergens in foods decrease the efficiency of digestive and endocrine systems. Processed foods continue to make headlines for dangerous ingredients and poor transparency practices. Homemade meals using fresh produce and lean meats are a tried and true step in restoring health. But few adults feel that they have enough time to cook. Adults are willing, however, to pay top dollar for homemade meals cooked elsewhere. Nielsen’s 2015 Global Health & Wellness Survey polled over 30,000 individuals online. Of the respondents, 88 percent are willing to pay more for healthier foods.  NPD reports an increase of 6 million fresh meal deliveries in the past year. The convenience of online orders cannot be underestimated. Users avoid waiting at the drive through or detours to the grocery store during the commute home. User avoid expending emotional energy by talking to another human being. The potential of such convenience is limitless. In this atmosphere, direct-to-door services will continue to grow. Creative Sites The real estate requirements of direct-to-door services vary, based largely on the popularity of the service. A few components appear to be consistent: Mature companies seek out numerous, small sites rather than vast distribution centers. These sites are centrally located to heavily populated areas with easy access...

Several recent studies reveal a strong correlation between pet and human health. By increasing the pet-friendliness of your site, you can boost park attendance and take proactive measures towards community wellness. A report by the American Veterinary Medical Association states that nearly 53 percent of dogs and 58 percent of cats are considered overweight or obese. Poor diets are one culprit. Processed pet foods are rich with grains, byproducts, preservatives, and even components of antifreeze. But perhaps the largest contributor to poor pet health is inactivity. Pets have adapted to the predominately indoor, sedentary lifestyles of their owners. Almost 70 percent of American adults are diagnosed as overweight or obese. Unhealthy eating habits and inconsistent physical activity are the leading factors. It may be possible to improve the health of pets and parents through the park system. The Journal of Physical Activity and Health reports that dog owners are more likely to achieve physical activity goals than people without dogs. Robert Taylor is a graduate student at Georgia Tech and a yoga teacher.  Taylor has studied yoga for years and has always been mindful of his health. Yet once Laska—an adorable and playful field spaniel—came into his life nearly a year ago, his activity levels increased. There are several occasions where Taylor would skip cardiovascular activity if it weren’t for Laska.  She motivates such healthy habits. “For her happiness and health, it is important for her to get moving some everyday at the very least. As a dog owner, I feel it is my responsibility to make sure her needs are met. She depends on me for so much that I feel it is unfair and wrong of me not to meet these needs. So, I am much more inclined to drag myself outside...

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but a new study of recently retired Australians proves there’s always time to change your life. Conducted by the University of Sydney, the study tracked more than 25,000 older Australians, recording their general health habits, including physical activity, alcohol use, and sleep patterns. These statistics were then compared to post-retirement behavior, and the results are surprising. Rather than wither on the vine, retirees seemed to find a new lease on life. In fact, many report becoming more active once they transitioned out of the workforce. “Our research revealed that retirement was associated with positive lifestyle choices,” said lead researcher Dr. Melody Ding, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sydney’s School of Public Health, in a statement about the research. “Compared to people who were still working, retirees had increased physical activity levels, reduced sitting time, were less likely to smoke, and had healthier sleep patterns.” Not only did study participants improve their overall health, but many of the differences were significant, even after adjusting for factors like age, sex, marital status, education, and residency. According to the study, nonworking senior citizens increased physical activity by 93 minutes per week, decreased sedentary time by over an hour per day, and increased sleep by 11 minutes per night. Additionally, over half of all female smokers quit smoking. For participants in the study, the biggest differences appeared among those who’d worked 40-hour weeks. Ding believes ditching commuting and finally abandoning inactive hours behind a desk provide seniors with the chance change their day-to-day lives, making room for more exercise, balanced meals, and better sleep. “The lifestyle changes were most pronounced in people who retire after working full-time,” says Ding. “When people are working and community, it...

Now through April 24, 2016 is National Park Week! The National Park Service (NPS) and National Park Foundation have designated this as a period of free park access, exciting events, and healthful activities. Don’t have time for a trip to the park? It’s more worthwhile than you think: time in nature has proven to improve mental health. Playing outside promotes mental and physical well-being while increasing productivity. A trip to the nearest National Park may be just what you need to refuel for the next big project on your calendar. So get outdoors and enjoy our National Parks! They are a source of endless beauty and wonder. Besides, you’ll be doing your mind and body a favor. Remember, National Park Week is more than just a celebration of nature. While that would be sufficient, the event is also a celebration of American heritage. Several National Historic Sites rest under the NPS umbrella. These are great alternatives if seasonal allergies or limited mobility make a romp outdoors sound more like a challenge than a celebration. Ready to explore? First, find your park or National Historic Site. (In honor of the upcoming presidential elections, it could be fun to visit destinations dedicated the former presidents.) All this week, guests can enjoy free admission to the NPS sites. Need a few National Park Week celebration ideas? Check out the scheduled events below: National Park Week includes the celebration of Earth Day, which falls on April 22. Do a quick search for Earth Day activities at a park near you. Once you’ve identified a nearby Earth Day volunteer event, organize a group of fellow coworkers to participate. Remember to bring a comfortable change of clothes if you’re heading out after work. It’s also a good idea to carpool—it’s...

Plants do more than beautify your office space. They are a tested, effective, low-cost—and now, low maintenance—way to make your office space a better place to work. The presence of greenery results in increased productivity, improved morale, more amicable interpersonal relations, higher air quality, and decreased stress and anxiety. If those seem like haughty claims, consider the research: The Journal of Experimental Psychology reveals that the presence of greenery in an office space boosts productivity by 15 percent. Plant life is proven to enhance concentration, which not only supports productivity but also fosters creative problem solving and faster learning. When employees are burdened by stress, fuses run short and interpersonal conflicts may escalate. Studies by the Horticulture Research Institute suggests that indoor plants demonstrably reduce stress, thus improve mood and morale in the workplace. In the long term, emotional stress is a contributing factor to the top six leading causes of fatal illness. By reducing stress, businesses can improve employee health and cut costs on absenteeism and health care. It is common knowledge that plants can reduce the presence of carbon dioxide outside. It’s equally as important to note that some plants can combat volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are commonly found indoors. VOCs are found in paints, adhesives, flooring, furniture, and other office products. Cleaner air contributes to employee health, as well as a reduction in minor setbacks such as headaches and fatigue. Plants have proven their value. So why aren’t more offices packed wall to ceiling with greenery? Terra Basche of Santa Barbara-based Terra Malia Designs recalls common misconceptions about indoor plants. “People think potted indoor plants should be placed in the corner and out of the way. Plants are cared for, but otherwise no one interacts with them. Terra Malia Designs...

From pinball to Pac-Man, arcade games and their video counterparts tend to be relegated to the children’s table – derided as juvenile entertainments that sap brainpower and encourage antisocial behavior. Lately, though, that perspective has shifted as more and more studies reveal a host of social and mental benefits associated with game play, especially for those 65 years and older. While a lot of study has gone into the effects of video games on children and young adults, in the past few years attention has shifted to how video game play can affect perceptual and cognitive abilities in older adults – specifically senior citizens aged 65 and older. Because age can influence an individual’s ability to participate in physical activities, many see video games as a perfect addition to senior living healthcare protocols. For many seniors facing mobility challenges, the interactive feature of online video games can with the isolation and deteriorating brain function so many elderly adults face as they age. With a plethora of options – from immersive adventure games to puzzle-solving offerings – video games can help enhance cognitive function and increase social interaction by allowing players to connect with other users through the game’s online community. A variety of studies has attempted to establish a connection between video game play and cognitive function. While many researchers have reported significantly improved mental functionality, including improved memory and analytical reasoning older adults as the result of playing a video game, the connection between video game play and increased cognitive function can be tenuous. A Frontiers in Psychology report from 2013 concluded, “video game interventions may hold promise in terms of addressing declines associated with cognitive aging, but there are still many unknowns.” Follow-up tests found that the seniors who played the strategy...

Yoga inched its way onto the corporate scene 25 years ago. Within the last decade, the practice has significantly grown in popularity. Forbes, Apple, Google, and several Fortune 500 companies offer yoga classes as part of their wellness programs. Employers continue to tap into the $10 billion per year industry–but is it worth it? The Benefits Before buying yoga mats wholesale, controllers may need hard numbers to determine an onsite wellness plan’s value. A Harvard study estimates that companies can save more than $3 in health care costs for every dollar spent; RAND studies are more conservative with a $1.50 savings. Also worth noting, health care costs increased by 7% nationwide. A subsequent study by Harvard Business Review calculated that average annual health care costs only increased by 1-2% at firms with onsite wellness programs. In addition to health care savings, companies can cut other costs. An article published in the American Journal of Health Promotion reveals additional savings: wellness programs resulted in 25 percent lower costs related to disability insurance, workers’ compensation, and sick leave. Gallup finds a strong correlation between physically active employees, profitability, productivity, and higher sales. Wellness programs are worth their keep. Yoga as a wellness option offers uniquely relevant benefits. Employees that participate in yoga classes report significant improvements to their health and their sense of wellbeing. The Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester has issued long-term treatment to more than 10,000 patients in its 35-year history. In Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction courses, participants reported lasting decreases in the symptoms of stress, increased energy, and higher self-esteem. Participants also reported an improved ability to handle stress and cope with workplace challenges. Just how much yoga is needed to see the benefits? A report...

Since 2012, residential and retail sectors have witnessed an influx of adult playgrounds. Inspired by research and projects conducted throughout Asia and Europe, these sites propose a new way for adults to maintain mental and physical health. Unlike in other parts of the world, American businesses are missing out on the benefits of adult playgrounds. Workplace wellness programs have paved the way for healthier, happier employees. Currently, such programs include onsite fitness classes, management led competitions, and gym membership reimbursements. Adding adult playgrounds to the repertoire offers additional benefits and cost savings. The Differences Between Exercise and Play Adult playgrounds add a new dimension to wellness. The health perks of play-based exercise augment the benefits of conventional exercise. Simultaneously, play minimizes the adverse effects of conventional exercise. The physical benefits of exercise are well documented. The psychological benefits, which researchers are still deciphering, include decreased stress, anxiety, and depression; improved problem-solving skills; a boost in confidence; mood management; improved sleep; and the release of endorphins that promote optimism. Corporate wellness initiatives that are rooted in conventional workouts may inadvertently diminish the psychological benefits of exercise. Andre Spicer, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at City University, London and Carl Cederström Associate Professor at Stockholm University recently published Wellness Syndrome. In their book, the team explores the disadvantages of corporate wellness programs: health initiatives in the workplace may increase work-related stress. Some employees equate their fitness levels to their employability. Others begin to see their ability to reach or exceed fitness goals as a reflection of their character. For some employees, workplace health programs add a layer of insecurity and distraction, rather than facilitating happiness and balance. When corporate America embraces play, the focus shifts from calorie-burning and endurance gains to simply having fun. (The aforementioned goals...

Cold and flu season is a headache for companies around the nation. The Integrated Benefits Institute states that US companies lose $227 billion each year in lost productivity. Those losses are the results of illness-induced absenteeism and presenteeism (when illness prevents workers from fulfilling their potential). Cut your losses and protect your employees with a few creative housekeeping tips. These small investments could save you thousands—or more—in the long run. Equip Your Team for Cleanliness A study conducted by the University of Arizona reveals that it takes about four hours for traces of infectious viruses to spread to solid surfaces throughout your office. These viruses can thrive on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Strategically place disinfecting wipes throughout the office. Employees can wipe down their workspaces throughout the day. You may be surprised by how many employees take advantage of the wipes! Some employees will want to avoid conventional antibacterial wipes. To promote cleanliness for all, consider supplying this simple, natural cleaner as well: one drop of lemon essential oil per four ounces of water in a spray bottle. High-quality lemon essential oils have proven antiseptic, antimicrobial, and bactericidal properties. It’s a natural alternative for employees who might not use conventional disinfectant wipes in their workspaces. Restock Your Break Room Wisely The traditional break room setup usually includes coffee, tea, sugar, and creamer. In fall and winter, consider adding a few fresh lemons and raw honey to the mix. Breathing in warm teas stimulates the cilia of the nose, helping to block out germs. Honey is a natural sweetener that doubles as an antibacterial agent. It’s also a beloved soothing agent for irritated throats. Lemon adds flavor to teas while helping to thin mucus, thus minimizing the irritation caused by postnasal drip. Stock...

The top five healthiest cities in the world have one thing in common: pedestrian-friendly access to work centers and residential neighborhoods. Master-planned communities that cater to walkers and cyclists are the norm in these cities; year after year, the healthiest cities continue to foster such features. These cities provide different models that can be replicated throughout the world. By adapting pedestrian-centered methods, cities can bolster resident health, improve air quality, and facilitate sustainable growth. As scored by the BBC, “The Top 5 Healthiest Cities” are as follows. Singapore holds the world’s lowest infant mortality rate as well as one of the longest life expectancies, more than 84 years according to the CIA World Factbook. Part of residents’ health is contributed to a stellar healthcare system, ranked 6th by World Health Organization. Heath care has improved its services once gain thanks to an initiative called Pioneer Generation Cards, subsidies that allow seniors to receive more substantial medical and dental care. Clinics reported an average 30 percent increase in the amount of senior patients since the program’s inception. Residents’ active lifestyles are also a contributing factor to high life expectancies. Singapore boasts nearly 70 parks throughout the island, each with its own unique features and attractions aimed at keeping residents active and connected to the outdoors. Park Connector Network unites many of the sites with 200km of pedestrian paths.   Tokyo residents can also expect a higher than normal life expectancy of over 84 years, citing universal health insurance, a traditionally healthy diet, and state-supported public health as driving factors. Urban Japanese residents also get in a daily workout. With the world’s most efficient transit system, many residents walk and cycle each day, enjoying pedestrian-friendly access to most job hubs, residential centers, and entertainment venues. The city is not content...

What if your property could promote the health of its residents without increasing maintenance costs? You would have an undeniable marketing advantage with potential tenants who suffer from migraines, asthma and other respiratory ailments, as well as those who are simply health conscious. A new line of hardwood floors helps purify the air inside of units without increasing operating costs. But just how dirty is the air inside of your property? When most of us think of polluted air, we think about congested urban cores stifled under a cloud of smog. Surprisingly, the air inside of a home has 2-5 times more organic pollutants than the air outside. Several items in a typical residence emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs): paints, varnishes, glues, cleaning supplies, carpets, markers, copiers, printers—the sources of airborne toxins are endless. New constructions and recent remodels can be particularly toxic, as many building materials are laden with VOCs that are released over time. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the constant onslaught of VOCs causes and exacerbates health issues such as migraines, asthma, fatigue, and damage to the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Many VOCs are confirmed carcinogens in humans and animals. Minimizing VOCs from the air can notably improve resident health, comfort, and satisfaction. Lauzon has created Pure Genius flooring, a natural solution for improved indoor air quality. Hard maple and red oak wood is treated with a titanium dioxide agent that is then activated by natural and artificial light. Photocatalytic technology transforms airborne toxins into harmless molecules. The floors continually break down toxins in the air overtime, improving air quality by 85 percent. It’s like planting three trees in each residence. Lingering odors are a frequently cited turn-off for potential residents. Lauzon’s smart floors minimize odors, making it a wise...

The built environment has a huge impact on every aspect of human life. The places in which we live, work and play can affect both our mental and physical wellbeing. As a promoter of healthy communities, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) has launched a series of projects aimed at encouraging sustainable living choices among urban dwellers, including Ten Principles for Building Healthy Places and Intersections: Health and the Built Environment. The two reports are part of the Building Healthy Places Initiative, a multifaceted program launched in July 2013 by ULI to purposely “leverage the power of the Institute’s global networks to shape projects and places in ways that improve the health of people and communities.” Over the next couple of years, ULI and its members will explore issues of land use, urban design and development so as to delineate clear paths which will eventually lead to the creation of nurturing living environments, conducive to active lifestyles, social interaction, and a higher quality of life in general. “We are looking at city building through the lens of health and wellness as a way to measure sustainability and long term prosperity,” said ULI Chairman Lynn Thurber, chairman of LaSalle Investment Management in Chicago, in a written statement. “The Building Healthy Places Initiative is an extension of ULI’s ongoing pursuit of sustainable, thriving communities worldwide. The difference is that, with this effort, wellness is the intent, the designated outcome – not just an additional benefit of thoughtful design and development. Our focus will be on defining the role land use plays in creating healthy places for all generations.” Intersections: Health and the Built Environment builds on the premise that intelligent urban design can help put an end to many of the ills currently menacing communities all across...

Food: celebration, unity, comfort. The cultural significance of a meal, or even a snack, goes beyond our bodies’ need for nourishment. Unfortunately, that’s the problem. Deciding what foods to stock in the break room or how to create menus for a conference can be a daunting task. Organizers must decide between foods that nourish the mind and body—leading to greater productivity and higher morale—and comfort foods that people actually like. Costs and ROI There is a rumor floating around that a healthy diet costs more than an unhealthy one. That’s only half of the truth. An intensive, international study recently published by Reuters suggests that healthy eating costs an average $1.47 more per day—that’s less than a cup of coffee. Over the course of a year, that totals to about $550 per person. Since most companies don’t feed employees three meals a day, they will only absorb a fraction of these costs by serving health meals. The truth remains that healthy options cost more upfront but the cost difference is swallowed when healthcare is taken into consideration. Check out the Union of Concerned Scientists’ findings: If Americans ate just one more serving of fruits or vegetables per day, this would save more than 30,000 lives and $5 billion in medical costs each year. If Americans were to follow current USDA recommendations for daily consumption of fruits and vegetables, those numbers would go up to more than 127,000 lives and $17 billion saved. According to methods commonly used by economists, the increased longevity that would result if Americans ate the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables is worth over $11 trillion. The Integrated Benefits Institutes reports that “227 billion each year is from ‘lost productivity’ from employee absenteeism due to illness or what researchers called...

As busy as business travel might feel, it can actually be a sedentary lifestyle. After hours of sitting on a plane  and munching airport food snacks, we shuffle into a cab. Then we chug coffee while sitting in meetings for hours. To wrap up the day, we go out to restaurants for dinner and cocktails before repeating it all the next week—or the next day. It takes a concerted effort to stay healthy when travel consumes much of our schedules. Making healthier decisions during travel can carry a great impact. We can minimize stress levels, improve our physical health, and ultimately decrease healthcare costs for ourselves and our companies. These healthier decisions usually start off small (and sustainable) before growing into lifestyle changes that can improve our well-being. Looking for a place to start? Begin with a few fun tips for staying healthy on the road. Airplane cabins have a relative humidly of less than 10 percent. That’s more arid than the Sahara! Low humidity and recirculated air lead to dehydration. Even mild dehydration causes fatigue and limits our ability to concentrate. Beat the odds by drinking at least 8 ounces of water for every hour that you’re in flight. That awkward little travel pillow is worth the space. Take the pillow and enjoy a nap. Good rest helps to rejuvenate the mind and the body. We can see health benefits with as little as 10-30 minutes of nap time. Pack healthy snacks into your travel on.  Healthy snacks that are high in fiber and vitamins provide energy for our bodies and enable us to fight off sickness. They also keep our metabolism active throughout the day. That Vegas buffet can be a nightmare for any professional who is attempting to stay healthy. Two...