A U S T I N S P O T L I G H T NOVEMBER 2020
C O N T E N T S
06 08 16 REBECCA SALAZAR
5 HEALTHY EATING TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
More people are relocating than ever. Here are 7 steps to make that stressful transition as smooth as possilbe.
BRYNNA CONNOR, M.C.
DOCTOR AVOIDANCE
Avoiding the Doctor Due to the Pandemic: The Serious Implications and How You Can Safely Get Medical Care
JANICE KAPP
4 TIPS FOR OPEN ENROLLMENT Navigating the health insurance open enrollment maze.
C O N T E N T S
20 28 32 TROY SCHLICKER
THE AUSTIN HOUSING MARKET EXPECTED TO REMAIN STRONG IN 2021
The Austin housing market has been on fire and it doesn't look to be slowing down anytime soon.
ALEXANDERA CARRIER
CALIFORNIA DREAMING
You may not think about road trips when you think of California but you should be.
DR. JEANNIQUE MOORE
TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH IN THE CHANGING SEASONS
The holidays aren't aeways know as the healthiest but here are some ways you can change that.
C R E D I T S Photo Credits Kevin McCutcheon on Unsplash Adeolu Eletu on Unsplash Vera Davidova on Unsplash gryffyn on Unsplash Jonathan J. Castellon on Unsplash Solen Feyissa on Unsplash Engin Akyurt on Unsplash Fayatri Malhotra on Unsplash Annie Spratt on Unsplash Terricks Noah on Unsplash Afif Kusuma on Unsplash Gustavo Padron Fabian Moller on Unsplash Mark Adriane on Unsplash Siniz Kim on Unsplash Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash Thomas Park on Unsplash I Live Here I Give Here Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash Karolina Grabowska from Pexels Jason Briscoe on Unsplash Austin Distel on Unsplash Matt Ragland on Unsplash Konstantinos Eleftheriadis from Pexels Tina Witherspoon on Unsplash
A U S T I N S P O T L I G H T INSIGHTS AND STOREIS
Here is to wishing everyone a great start to their holiday season!
Troy Schlicker
5 Healthy Eating Tips for the Holidays Food means family. Food means sharing stories and laughs with loved ones. Food means cheering on the Longhorns the day after Thanksgiving. With all of the festivities this holiday season, it’s easy to get swept up in the merriment and overindulge in unhealthy foods. Marissa Duswalt Epstein, director of The University of Texas at Austin
Nutrition Institute and former associate director of Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, says that holiday social gatherings and healthy eating can go hand in hand. “Healthy eating can happen all year long, even during the holidays. Nutritious meals can be delicious, and when we enjoy them with others, it makes them that much better.” We asked her to share some tips on how to enjoy a delicious but healthy holiday.
How can you make the healthiest choices for yourself and your loved ones this holiday season? 1.Enjoy talking with your loved ones. A great way to ensure you enjoy eating healthy food is to eat with friends and family and take part in the dinner table conversation. Conversation during meals can force you to eat more slowly, which prevents you from overeating, as you focus more on your companions than on the meal itself. 2.Focus on the positives of healthy eating. Research has shown that having a positive attitude toward healthy eating is a characteristic of healthy eaters. Stay inspired by making healthy versions of your favorite holiday foods and getting your friends and family involved in the positive, healthy holiday vibe. 3.Drink water and stay hydrated. Sometimes, it’s easy to mistake hunger for thirst, so be sure to have a glass of water on hand throughout the holiday parties and celebrations.
4.Plan to stay active. Invite your family members to go on a walk after a big holiday meal, or spend quality time with your friends by attending a fun exercise class. Exercise helps our bodies maintain a healthy weight and relieve stress, and it can even increase cravings for healthy foods. 5.Show your Texas pride by eating burnt-orange foods. As you plan your holiday menu, consider adding nutritious and delicious fruits and vegetables. Roast sweet potatoes, yams and pumpkins for a delicious side dish. Slice orange bell peppers or cantaloupe as a snack. If you’re on the go, grab an orange, a handful of dried apricots or carrots. Orange foods tend to be good sources of vitamin A, which supports good eyesight and healthy skin, along with fiber, water and other vitamins and minerals. Whatever your plans, take the stress out of eating and enjoy the holidays!
Article by Rebecca Salazar of UT News
Avoiding the Doctor Due to the Pandemic: The Serious Implications and How You Can Safely Get Medical Care Many people are trying to be responsible during the COVID-19 pandemic by limiting their interactions with other people and by not going out in public spaces as often. However, one result of these precautions is that some people have been avoiding going to their physician or getting medical care. This can lead to serious consequences for those who are experiencing other health problems. Thankfully, there are several alternatives to in-person health care visits when appropriate, and there are also several ways to reduce your risk of infection for those times when you need to go to the hospital or your doctor’s office.
Have People Been Avoiding the Doctor? Many people report that someone in their household has put off medical care due to the pandemic. People are starting to feel more comfortable going to their doctor’s office but are still seeking less health care than they did a year ago, according to many surveys nationwide. Why is this? It’s possible that people may need slightly less medical attention than they did in past years. With more people working from home and fewer people going out socially during COVID-19, the number of traffic accidents has decreased across the nation, thankfully. Some people may be eating out less and
perhaps (hopefully?) cooking healthier meals at home as well so might need less medical care related to that these days. Also, in this year with the COVID-19 pandemic, surgeons had to cancel procedures, physicians had to temporarily close medical offices, and many also had to adjust their schedule in order to see fewer patients for proper cleaning to take place. Some patients may have wanted to see a doctor but couldn’t visit their usual providers for many different reasons. Additionally, many people lost their jobs, were laid off, or took pay cuts during the pandemic. These factors have caused some Americans to lose their health insurance or to have a hard time continuing to pay for medical care. Many patients have put off getting tests or receiving treatment for chronic illness. However, research has shown that people are also actively avoiding getting medical attention when they need it – and sometimes when they need it most.
By now, we all know that social distancing and isolating from other people are important public health measures that can reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Many people may be especially worried about coming into contact with other potentially contagious people in a doctor’s office or hospital. But…wait, there can be serious health consequences of avoiding going to your doctor! When people avoid getting medical care, there may be longterm consequences. According to a recent article in JAMA (Journal of The American Medical Association, a peer reviewed medical journal), between March and July of this year, nearly 250,000 more people died than expected in the United States. According to this article, two-thirds of these deaths were due to COVID-19, but the other one-third was due to causes like heart attack. This means that many more people were dying from other health conditions than “normal” years’ numbers would indicate.
Many people who experienced symptoms of serious health problems did not seek emergency care due to fear of getting infected with the coronavirus. Within the first ten weeks of the pandemic, emergency department visits decreased for heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Clearly, not receiving help during a medical emergency can be dangerous. People who have a heart attack are more likely to survive and have less heart damage if they get medical attention ASAP‌ and this is true for someone who is having a stroke as well. Strokes can cause brain damage, and the faster a person gets help, the better he or she will do in recovery. While most people might realize this, a prevailing feeling of fear toward the coronavirus has reduced the number of patients who seek care when they need it most. Getting regular checkups is also important for preventing more serious disease. Screenings for cancer have decreased this year for many reasons already mentioned.
Many of us in health care are concerned about these trends. Even the American Heart Association created their “Don’t Die of Doubt” Campaign to encourage people to continue to get medical care when needed— and especially for more urgent health concerns. So- what do you do? Weigh Your Risk The risks and benefits of getting medical care should be thoughtfully considered. Certain people are at high risk for having severe symptoms if they contract COVID-19 or even the flu. These folks need to take extra precautions to avoid coming into contact with sick people. We know this, of course, but these people need medical care too! Obtaining proper medical treatment can reduce the risk to these people of serious health complications. Certain types of check-ups or treatments can more easily be delayed than others. There are also ways people can still receive medical treatment while reducing their risk.
Work with your physician to decide which options are best for your health. Alternatives to In-Person Medical Care - Delaying Treatment Some routine or preventative health care visits may be able to be delayed, but check-ups may not be able to be delayed- and specific medical screenings need to happen….so please talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of delaying healthcare visits based on your particular needs. In-person visits are also very important for certain age groups— such as for newborns, infants, and toddlers. Keeping up to date on vaccines is essential, so have the conversation with your physician. Telemedicine Thankfully, you don’t always need to see someone in-person to receive healthcare. People who continue to need medical care during this time can take advantage of telemedicine options, (again - when appropriate) as this
works great for many medical conditions. Telemedicine makes use of phone calls, online video calls, smartphone apps, or text messages. Virtual visits can be used for a wide variety of health services, such as: Acute urgent care for conditions that are not lifethreatening Monitoring chronic health conditions Mental health services Health coaching and counseling Physical or occupational therapy Follow-up appointments after hospitalization, surgery, or changes in medication Technology in this area has been rapidly improving, making it easier for providers and patients to connect and increasing numbers of health insurance companies are expanding their coverage for “virtual” or remote care. Prescriptions can often be handled entirely over the phone. Physicians may be able to prescribe new medicines virtually and also follow up with patients in this manner to
see how new drugs or dosages are working out. There are even online pharmacies that can help you avoid having to pick up medications in person…and many of our local awesome Austin pharmacies are offering delivery services as well! How to Access In-Person Care Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic - How Risky is InPerson Care? In general, your risk of getting COVID-19 increases when the people around you aren’t following
basic precautions. Medical clinics and hospitals have adopted new precautions to help keep patients safe. For example, many health care offices screen patients before they enter the building by taking their temperature or by asking them questions about whether they have recently experienced COVID-19 symptoms or had sick contacts. Many doctor’s office and clinics have a separate waiting room for people who are visiting due to possible viral infections or may see
possible COVID cases at specific times throughout the day. In my practice, I test people who might be sick from the coronavirus or the flu from the ‘comfort’ of their vehicle, and many other physicians are doing the same. Your risk of getting COVID-19 from a health care setting is likely much less than it is in most other public spaces. Also, in my practice, I often see people by telemedicine to triage what testing or evaluation might be needed before they come to my office. This lessens risk to them, to me and my staff, and to others who might be using our building. Prepare Ahead of Time In a non-emergency situation, you can take precautions ahead of time to help ensure your doctor’s visit is safe and goes smoothly. You may want to read up on any possible new policies that your physician has recently put into effect. For example, some doctor’s offices may have previously allowed other people to accompany you during visits, but now limit the number of other visitors.
If you’re concerned about being exposed to COVID-19, ask your physician’s office a few questions before you arrive for your appointment, such as Is there any paperwork that needs to be filled out that I can complete ahead of time? Can I check in via phone or text and wait in my car rather than in the waiting room? What are the requirements regarding mask wearing and social distancing during my appointment? How often do you clean exam rooms and common areas? Are other people, such as caregivers or children, allowed during my visit? Does this visit need to be in person, or can it be handled virtually through telemedicine?
Staying Safe During Your Visit #Mask up! Put on your mask before you enter the building where your medical visit is going to occur. Make sure your mask covers both your mouth and your nose. If you don’t have a mask, ask whether your healthcare provider can give you one. Social distancing is usually possible in doctor’s offices, and many facilities have signs or stickers on the floor to help you visualize how far apart to stand when checking in. Additionally, while in waiting rooms, you can sit a few chairs away from others. You can also stay safe by reducing how often you touch any surfaces. For example, you may be able to hit elevator buttons with your elbow. When checking out after your appointment, ask if touchless or online payments are an option.
Additionally, avoid touching your face or mask while you’re in the building. Once your visit is over, wash your hands before taking your mask off. Getting Help In An Emergency In case of a serious health issue, please don’t delay getting care. Every minute can count when it comes to problems such as heart attack, stroke, or a diabetic emergency. These conditions have a higher chance of leading to serious complications or death compared to COVID-19, so the hospital should not be avoided if you need the care. If you’re not sure whether your situation constitutes an emergency, try to call your physician, a nurse hotline, or 911, and ask for additional advice. And, remember, getting urgent medical care is still urgent.
Article by Brynna Connor, M.D. Dr. Connor is a board-certified medical physician and practices in the central Austin and Lake Travis communities; Dr. Connor focuses on wellness and prevention with a special interest and education in antiaging and regenerative medicine. 512-382-9500 | www.doctorconnor.com brynnaconnormd@gmail.com
4 Tips for Health Insurance Open Enrollment The struggle is real, health insurance is complicated. Many people are frustrated and overwhelmed by the process, which can lead to paying more than you need to, signing up for the wrong coverage or worse no coverage at all. There are 4 strategies you can use to help navigate the process.
1. Know What Your Needs Are Before looking at options do your homework. How much can you budget for health expenses? (this includes premium AND out of pocket costs) How often do you go to the doctor? Are you taking medications? Does someone need special services or treatments? Do you have a surgery planned?
Planning on having a baby? Jot down which doctors you use as well as medications you or family members take. This information will determine if you need coverage that falls under the Affordable Care Act, short term medical that can cover you in between jobs and change plans more often, or a PPO/Indemnity plan that pays a specified amount for visits and treatment. 2. Use an Insurance Broker - Not an Insurance Agent What is the difference? The difference is that a broker has access to multiple types of health coverage as well as multiple companies to quote from.
access to AFTER you sign up for insurance, not just a toll-free number to call for questions.
If the person you use to get a quote only represents 1 or 2 companies, you may not only not get the right coverage but pay too much as well. Think square peg being crammed into a round hole.
3. Do the Math! What are your true costs for healthcare? Yes, the premium is the biggest factor people initially look at.
Every individual and family have different needs and may not fit the coverage the agent is “selling� to you. Find a broker you have
There are ways to lower your premium with higher deductibles and copays, so you save on the front end, but only pay out of pocket if you go to the doctor. Is it
better to pay cash for certain services? There are plans that will reimburse you if you do. Are your doctors in network? This will also determine how much you pay; some plans have benefits for in network and out of network services, some insurance plans will only pay for in network services. Is your medication covered? Is it cheaper to pay cash for your medication and get a plan that has a lower premium? These are all things a good insurance broker can help you with. 4. Gaps in Coverage No insurance plan is foolproof. Understand what is covered and what is not covered. Your insurance broker can help with this but take on the responsibility to know the basics! Deductible, copays, expected out of pocket expenses, how and when to use telemedicine, urgent care instead of the ER. Know who is in network BEFORE
an emergency. Ask your broker for resources. There are many cost savings strategies and resources available to plan for a medical visit or treatment, as well as strategies and resources after the fact. Knowledge is a power weapon against overpaying for insurance and out of pocket costs. Question EVERY bill you receive and KNOW your rights. A wrong billing code or diagnosis code could result in a claim being denied. Every state/provider has a patient bill of rights that is in the mounds of new patient paperwork you complete anytime you use a new provider. It outlines what you can expect as a patient as well as what is expected from the provider in terms of billing and medical records. Be your own advocate to your healthcare costs.
Article by Janice Kapp Janice is the owner of JKapp Consulting an independent Insurance Brokerage providing custom insurance plans for individuals, families and businesses. 512.827.8117 | janice@jkappconsulting.com | www.jkappconsulting.com
The Austin Housing Market Expected to Remain Strong in 2021
“2020 will be known for a lot of things, and a record-breaking year for real estate will certainly be one of its more unexpected legacies,” prominent economist Daryl Fairweather said. And he’s right: most of us would have expected
the housing market to suffer from circumstances like a once-in-ahundred-years pandemic and historic inventory shortages. But, rather than a slowdown, we are continuing to experience a
surprisingly robust real estate market across the country. And experts estimate that these conditions are likely to last well into the new year. Fannie Mae Senior VP and Chief Economist Doug Duncan predicts that existing home sales will ultimately “be up a percent or more in 2021.” He believes home prices will continue to rise due to limited inventory, but he is confident the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates low into the future, which will be “very good for households.” Market conditions like fewer available listings, changing criteria for desired homes, and record-low mortgage rates are changing the way people buy and sell homes, most likely in a lasting way. But this sustained activity, even in the uncertainty that is 2020, proves that our country still views real estate as a sound investment. The only question now is how you can take advantage of the housing market’s “new normal.” FEWER LISTINGS EQUALS A SELLER’S MARKET
Inventory, meaning the number of homes for sale, is at a record low across the country. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports there are fewer homes on the market today than the association has seen in data going all the way back to 1982. Currently, the total housing inventory is about 1.47 million units, which is a decline of 19.2% from one year ago. Experts do predict some relief on the horizon. MarketWatch had previously anticipated housing starts would occur at a pace of 1.45 million and building permits would come in at a pace of 1.52 million. But it turns out that the market exceeded expectations: compared with last year, housing starts are up 11% and permitting for new homes occurred at a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 1.55 million. That represents a 5% increase from August and an 8% increase from a year ago. For now, the fact that there are fewer listings creates an advantageous housing market
for sellers. There are several reasons why. For one, buyers have to act fast to snap up available homes. As a result, most properties that come on the market stay for an average of just 21 days before they are sold. “That is the fastest ever recorded in our monthly series,” says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. Another benefit is that sellers are enjoying higher net returns on their listings. This is thanks to the
tough competition for homes, which often results in bidding wars between buyers. Nationwide, the median home price in September rose to $311,800. That translates to about $40,000 (15%) more than just a year ago. This seller’s market is not simply a product of the pandemic. In fact, in the country’s top 100 metro markets, inventory has been dwindling since the first quarter of 2020. This means that even with increased construction, buyers can’t simply wait for things to go
back to normal before reentering the market. Rather, all signs indicate that this is the new normal. What It Means for Homeowners: These higher home prices show that buyers are willing to spend more on a home right now than they did last year. So, if there ever were a time to list for top dollar— and expect to receive asking price quickly—that time is now. Ask us for a free consultation of your home’s value today.
"new normal" of real estate has benefits for you too. For example, people used to base their next home purchase on how far the commute was to work or in which public school district it was. But now, thanks to the pandemic shifting the locus of jobs and work, they are free to consider what they need from a home to make it a place they truly want to be in as they work, teach, exercise, cook, and live.
BUYERS BENEFIT FROM LOW MORTGAGE RATES AND A BIGGER PLAYING FIELD
Often, this equates to needing more space in different types of areas. Realtor.com consumer surveys show that people are desiring quieter neighborhoods, home offices, updated kitchens, and access to the great outdoors. The search for these criteria is driving residents out of densely populated metropolitan areas and into the suburbs. And this exodus from cities is good news for buyers: it opens up more possibilities for inventory that they could not have considered pre-pandemic.
Don't worry, homebuyers. This
Another advantage for buyers is
What It Means for Homebuyers: Due to low inventory, buyers could easily find themselves in a bidding war. Time is of the essence in a seller’s market, so you’ll need to get your financing in order and be preapproved for a loan before you begin your home search. We can connect you with a trusted mortgage professional to get you started.
the record-low mortgage rates. The average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit a record low in mid-October when rates fell to 2.81%. That’s the lowest since Freddie Mac began conducting the survey in 1971, and well below last year’s 3.69%. Similarly, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage can be had for as low as 2.35% compared to 3.15% a year ago. Thanks to these rates, buyers are afforded the opportunity to buy nearly $32,000 more home than they could one year ago, while keeping their monthly payment the same. So even though home prices are high now, it is currently more affordable to buy a home now than it was last year. If you want to take advantage of these rock-bottom mortgage rates, you need to act fast. Though rates are projected to stay low, housing economists predict that the window of opportunity to get the best rate could be closing in the coming months. Mike Fratantoni, chief economist at the Mortgage
Bankers Association, said he expects the average rate on a 30year mortgage to rise to 3.5% by the end of 2021. What It Means for Homeowners: Record-low mortgage rates offer you the opportunity to lower your monthly payment—or even take out some equity—with a refinance. With those additional funds, you could even choose to invest in a second home in a new desirable location. Reach out to us for a referral to a trusted mortgage professional or an agent in those markets. What It Means for Homebuyers: The time is now to determine how much home you can comfortably afford and make a plan to find it. We can set up a search for you to find homes that best meet your new needs, even if they’re in neighborhoods you wouldn’t have considered before. A RECORD-SETTING YEAR FOR HOME SALES IS JUST THE BEGINNING Despite the seemingly adverse
buyer conditions, 2020 experienced a 14-year high number of home sales, NAR reports. Existing-home sales, which include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 9.4% in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.54 million. That’s a 21% increase from a year ago! Every region of the country has seen a surge in sales activity. According to George Ratiu, senior economist for Realtor.com, part of the reason for these continued sales is that the pandemic has created a paradigm shift in the patterns of real estate. For example, housing needs are typically resolved by late summer and early fall to coincide with the commencement of the new school year. With homeschooling and remote work, however, buyers have been freed to continue their home search into the traditionally slow winter months. Another reason for the robust market is that Millennials are
finally putting their money into homeownership. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the homeownership rate for 25-to-34year-olds rose to 40.7% by the end of last year. This is significant because Millennials, the generation of people in their mid-20s to late30s, currently surpasses Baby Boomers as the nation’s largest living adult generation. As the remaining percentage of this group starts investing in homes in the near future, demand will persist. All of these factors indicate that the housing market is poised to remain strong as we head into the new year. And as Jonathan Woloshin, head of U.S. real estate
at UBS Global Wealth Management, believes, they could “buoy the housing market for years to come.” What It Means for Homeowners: It’s tempting to believe that homes will basically sell themselves in a market like this. But we’re still seeing properties that are overpriced and under-marketed sit unsold. We can help you optimize the process of selling your home so you can get the best possible offer. What It Means for Homebuyers: Preparation is key to success in a seller’s market like this, but don’t let yourself become paralyzed. We are here to answer your questions and offer sound advice to guide you through all the options that are available to you.
REAL ESTATE IS A SAFE BET Your other investments might have been on roller coasters this year, but the real estate market has been steady, competitive, and strong throughout. That makes it a good choice for your financial future. National real estate numbers can give us a pulse on the market, but real estate happens in our own backyard. As your local market
experts, we can help you understand the finer points of the market that impact sales and home values in your own neighborhood. If you’re considering buying or selling a home before the new year or in early 2021, contact us now to schedule a free consultation. We’ll work with you to develop an actionable plan to meet your goals.
Article by Troy Schlicker Troy Schlicker is a Real Estate Advisor & Broker with Reserve Realty. He is also the host of the Austin Spotlight Podcast. 512.809.6166 | troy@reserverealty.com | www.troyschlicker.com
California Dreaming “Let’s look into renting an RV for a few weeks”…..words I never thought I would hear my husband utter much less something I would agree to. As a travel advisor I am often traveling at least a few times a year to learn about different areas or for conferences and with Covid that has obviously come to a halt. The more time passed the more anxious I became to get back out there and fulfill my wanderlust, and this seemed like the best way to do that. We wound up renting for a month which seemed a little daunting at the time but as it turns out can go by pretty quick when you are staying on the move. We decided California would be the best option because why not go thousands of miles away the first time trying out an RV?! We mapped it all out ahead of time, made some reservations at RV parks and then came the fires. I am not a good fly by the seat of your pants person when it
comes to travel but that is just what we had to do if we were going to continue with our plans to see California. It became a lot of playing it by ear but that is the best part of pulling your home behind you, it makes it super easy to change course at the drop of a hat. We started in San Diego for a few nights to visit friends and enjoy the beach and then continued northward to Carmel for a few nights, on to Napa and then to Yosemite. The best part about pulling a trailer as opposed to renting an RV was it was a quick breakdown to unhook the car and then we could go and explore. I have to say I knew California was beautiful but until I actually went and spent some time I didn’t understand just how beautiful and diverse the state actually is. The area around big sur and Carmel is absolutely stunning, I didn’t feel like pictures did it justice. We drove and hiked along the coast and then enjoyed some fabulous meals in Carmel after wandering the lovely town. Napa was gorgeous as well and quite the wine lovers paradise,
what I didn’t know was how much time you can spend going to the different areas and how each area specializes in different types of wine. Of course San Diego was ideal with the gorgeous weather, beach life and this wonderful little area to roam and dine called little Italy. Getting out and seeing more of the U.S. has been completely eye opening and showed me how much this country has to offer every one of us. I am the one always wanting to go out of the country to explore but now realize that does not
always have to be the case. While renting an RV may not be the best option for you there are some wonderful properties we partner with to get our clients the best perks and opportunities for upgrades. While I didn’t take the opportunity to visit any while I was there I know they have been fully vetted by our partner Signature Travel Network, so I wanted to be able to offer experiences that I was able to enjoy in the area and knew first hand what to expect.
I highly recommend taking the opportunity to get out and experience what this beautiful country has to offer. We felt extremely comfortable traveling during this time and took proper precautions for ourselves and others. This has been a trying year for everyone so if you can don’t hesitate to “throw off the bowlines, catch the trade winds in your sails, explore, dream, discover”. Adventure is waiting and we are here to help you take the stress off planning to create lasting memories with your utmost safety in mind.
Article by Alexandra Carrier Alexandra is a the CEO of Adventures by Alex. 512-761-3564 alex@adventuresbyalex.com
TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH IN THE CHANGING SEASONS
This is that time of the year where we have so many things going on that our self care and our health may start to take the back-burner. We have events, travel, family activities, school/work parties. Without our health, we can’t enjoy any of those things and be productive in the way that we need to be.
Think for a moment of our bodies as a bucket, continuously taking in water (stressors) that we pour into it throughout our days.
Changing seasons: Why it affects our body and Why do we need to change our routine when it comes to self care.
At some point, this bucket must overflow if nothing is being done to pour out some of the water load. Just the same, sometimes our life stressors make our buckets “overflow”….or in other words…we overwhelm our body’s ability to appropriately adapt to stress when needed, particularly during times of higher stress!
So you might be wondering…Why are some people affected by the change of seasons and others are not? – It’s all about how your system is able to respond to the stressors of life and then appropriately ADAPT to these stressors.
That is the job of the nervous system….to appropriately respond and adapt to what it’s perceiving from our environment, in order to keep our body systems organized and equipped to function at its best, especially when needed the most!
The body is constantly trying to adapt. Some of us are at higher stress levels than others (even outside of the holiday season). Even though our bodies are extraordinarily resilient and intelligent, things can still overwhelm us.
STRESS….WHAT STRESS? There’s only so much that our bodies can take when it comes to ENVIRONMENTAL, CHEMICAL, and PHYSICAL STRESSORS. During the change of the seasons and holiday festivities we see the following:
1.ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSORS Fluctuation of temperatures: In Texas, that may mean hot to cold, then cold, to hot…rinse, wash, repeat! Change in levels of environmental allergens: mold, ragweed, etc. 2.CHEMICAL STRESSORS High sugar holiday diet (Pumpkin spice everything!) High intake of processed carbs (desserts, etc) High intake of dairy (creams, eggnog, etc.) 3.EMOTIONAL STRESSORS Holiday parties Traveling and getting out of your normal day-to-day routine End of the year responsibilities/goals Large family gatherings 4.PHYSICAL STRESSORS Travels – long periods of sitting on the plane/in the car Shopping – bending over lifting and carrying heavy bags, children, etc.
HELPFUL HINTS TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: The holiday season is the opportune time to continue your regimen and not back off when life gets too busy or too fun! A. PHYSICAL STRESSORS - The key to life is movement! GET ADJUSTED: Pain relief and immune boosting. We are perceiving our environment through our nervous system and then creating responses to our environment. Not just externally, but internally as well via our nervous system. As a result, we want to make sure that that system is not over stressed and that it even has the capacity to perceive what’s going on and that it’s clear and connected in a way that allows it to give appropriate information out to our organs, cells, tissues and glands. The result?...better ability to regulate ourselves and heal and grow in the way that we need to keep up with the hectic pace and festivities of the holiday season!
Keeping your spine well- adjusted this holiday season will help keep your body moving and functioning well. KEEP MOVING: Make exercise your first priority by exercising first thing in the morning so that you don’t get swept away by holiday activities and miss out on your workout. B. CHEMICAL STRESSORS – Boost your immunity! EAT FOR THE SEASON: There are many foods that are beneficial for us to eat during the winter season. These foods are the ones that naturally grown in this season – squashes, sweet potatoes, root vegetables, winter greens, carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, apples and pears. EAT WARMING FOODS: Eating these foods stimulates your respiratory system, digestive system (especially kidneys), and immune system. These are all things that may get bogged down during the holiday season. Boost the body’s natural ability to heal
and boost your vitality. Examples: Cinnamon Ginger Bone Broth Vegetable soups C. EMOTIONAL STRESSORS – Vitalize the mind! DEEP-BREATHING: Practice 8count breathing for five minutes in the morning and at night. Breathe in for eight seconds, hold it for eight seconds, and exhale for eight seconds. Make sure your inhalations and exhalations are evenly spaced. Stress weakens your immune system. Eight-count breathing is an easy to practice exercise to recenter yourself and lower stress levels.
While the holiday season is exciting and is meant to be enjoyed keeping these keys in mind will help you manage your life during this time. Yes, you shouldn't eat too many sweets but you should still indulge in a few. Yes your family can cause stress but it's an opportunity to be around people you love. A trip to your chiropractor can help as well as your nervous system is intimately connected with your immune system and this is the best way to insure it's operating at 100% Above all else SLOW DOWN, RECHARGE & SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
Article by Dr. Jeannique Norbert Dr. Norbert is a chiropractor and owner of Empower Family Chiropractic in Lakeway, TX. As a Family Wellness Chiropractor she incorporates suggestions to increase family's health through wellness, 512.956.6370 | info@empowerfamilychiro.com www.empowerfamilychiro.com
