Wellness
How to Keep Your Heart Healthy and Avoid Heart Attacks
Understanding what makes a heart-healthy lifestyle can extend longevity as well as improve general health and wellness.
Statistically, the single most common cause of death in America is a heart attack, but heart disease is preventable. Lifestyle choices can significantly impact death rates more than any medication. Heart health is also an issue that affects women’s health just as much as men’s health.
What Is Heart Disease?
Fatty deposits, called plaques, can deposit on the arterial walls, causing an artery to narrow. Plaque in coronary vessels is called Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). If a plaque breaks free, it can lodge in a narrower vessel, obstructing blood flow. If that vessel supplies the heart, a heart attack (‘myocardial infarction’) occurs, or, if in lodges in the brain, it causes a ‘stroke.’
What Causes Plaques to Develop?
Plaques are the result of inflammatory damage to the endothelium — the layer of cells lining arterial walls — and from the formation of a localized blood clot (thrombus). Factors that damage the endothelial lining of arteries include:
- High blood sugar (diabetes)
- High levels of insulin (cells require insulin for sugar absorption)
- Smoking
- High levels of cortisol and other stress-related hormones
- High levels of triglycerides or homocysteine in the blood
- Deficiencies in vitamin C, vitamin K or B vitamins, or not enough omega-3 fats (fish oils) relative to omega-6 fats (from grains)
Increased inflammation more easily damages blood vessel linings and increases the clotting of blood. If you don’t form plaques, you will not die of heart disease.
Why Do Some People Get CHD While Others Don’t?
After years of studying health habits, the single most important cause of heart disease was found to be Metabolic Syndrome, brought on by anxiety, depression or mental stresses. This induces abnormal levels of ‘stress hormones’ (like cortisol and adrenaline). Eating a meal while undergoing emotional stress causes elevations of blood sugar, insulin and pro-inflammatory substances — all part of plaque production. Surprisingly, one’s mental state while eating and digesting is of greater importance for heart health than how much, or the types of, fat consumed.
What Can You Do to Prevent a Heart Attack?
To most effectively protect yourself against heart disease, do the following things:
- Don’t smoke
- Exercise for 20 minutes four-to-five times a week
- Avoid sugar to maintain insulin levels
- Maintain your ideal weight
- Consume a nutritious diet rich in antioxidants, and supplement your diet with Omega-3 fats (fish oils), Coenzyme Q10, flaxseeds, soy lecithin and vitamin C
- Take the time to eat slowly and avoid becoming agitated while digesting a meal
- Laugh often and avoid stressful situations
- Maintain a network of friends
- Get a dog (people with pets live longer)
- Don’t obsess about cholesterol levels
Incorporating these simple action steps to improve your heart health will do more to reduce your risk of dying from a heart attack than any drug or diet.
Tech
Smarter Aging: How AI is Helping Us Live Longer—And Better

Imagine a future where aging isn’t just something we endure, but something we can actively shape. Thanks to rapid advances in artificial intelligence, that future is already here. From personalized fitness guidance to smarter living environments, AI is transforming how we approach health and longevity—helping us stay sharper, stronger, and more independent as we age.
Rethinking the Aging Journey with AI
Getting older used to mean a gradual surrender of vitality and control. But today’s technology is flipping that script. AI is helping us better understand our bodies—how we move, rest, and recover—and encouraging smarter choices in daily life. Wearables, fitness trackers, and other digital tools now offer real-time feedback on everything from sleep quality to daily activity, helping users spot subtle shifts that may signal it’s time to check in with a healthcare provider.
These tools don’t diagnose or treat conditions, but they do help people become more attuned to their wellness—creating a powerful starting point for proactive care.
Personalized Longevity: A New Kind of Health Plan
The real promise of AI and aging isn’t just in extending lifespan—it’s in improving the quality of those extra years. Take, for example, a 70-year-old using AI to fine-tune their workout. Instead of relying on generic advice, they can access personalized insights based on recovery patterns, mobility data, and biological feedback. That level of precision—once reserved for elite athletes—is becoming available to anyone with the right tools.
On a cellular level, AI is also accelerating discoveries around compounds like bioactive peptides. These naturally occurring molecules play a vital role in supporting the body’s internal repair systems. In the context of aging, peptides may help with recovery, inflammation control, and even energy levels—providing targeted support to optimize wellness from the inside out.
The Smarter Home: Aging in Place with Confidence
What if your home could help you age more gracefully? With AI-powered features now built into everything from lighting systems to smart reminders, the modern home is becoming a true partner in wellness. These systems can detect shifts in sleep or activity patterns and gently nudge residents toward healthier routines—like stretching, hydrating, or simply getting outside for fresh air.
This isn’t about replacing healthcare—it’s about creating an environment that encourages consistency, independence, and agency.
Connection Still Matters—AI Just Makes It Easier
AI is also making it easier to stay in touch with care teams and loved ones. Telehealth platforms now offer older adults a convenient way to check in with doctors without leaving home. These digital touchpoints ensure that health conversations don’t get delayed and that support is only a click away.
And while the tech is impressive, it’s not replacing the human element—it’s making meaningful connection more accessible and sustainable.
The Future of AI and Aging Starts Now
What we’re witnessing isn’t just a tech trend—it’s a shift in mindset. Aging, once synonymous with decline, is being reimagined as an era of potential. With AI leading the charge, the focus isn’t just on longevity—it’s on vitality, resilience, and the freedom to keep living life on your terms.
In this new age of smart aging, we’re not just adding years to our lives—we’re adding life to our years.
Travel
Hydration on the Road: The Secret to a Happy Family Trip

Summer road trips have a magic all their own—spontaneous stops, scenic routes, and the kind of memories you talk about for years. But there’s one thing that can derail the fun fast: dehydration.
Whether you’re driving through dry desert heat, humid coastlines, or winding your way into the mountains, hydration needs change with the environment. Air conditioning, salty snacks, and fewer bathroom breaks can sneakily dehydrate the whole car—especially kids and older adults, who are more vulnerable to heat and altitude shifts.
Why It Matters: Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, irritability, and even heat exhaustion. Not exactly the vacation vibe you’re going for.
3 Smart Ways to Keep Everyone Hydrated on the Road
1. Start the Day Right
Before you even hit the road, drink 8–16 oz of water or a hydration-boosting drink. Products like HYDRATED are loaded with hydrating ingredients and electrolytes to replenish fluids and set the stage for optimal wellness. Whether you’re an athlete, professional, or busy parent, HYDRATED delivers crisp, revitalizing hydration with every sip. Enjoy a burst of flavor that quenches your thirst, leaves you feeling renewed, and energizes your day.
Bonus: Less liquid = fewer bathroom stops.
2. Make It Easy (and Fun) for Kids
Water bottles like the CamelBak Eddy+ Kids are spill-proof, colorful, and just the right size for little hands. Create a hydration game—like “sip every time you see a red car”—to keep it top of mind.
3. Pack a Backup Plan
Sometimes you forget. Or traffic hits. That’s when Liquid I.V. comes in handy. These single-serve packets mix into water and hydrate faster than water alone—perfect for emergencies or hot afternoons.
Quick Tips by Age
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Toddlers (2–6): Offer sips every 30–45 minutes. Make it fun with straws or “vacation cups.”
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Kids (7–12): Let them help refill their own bottles. Stickers as rewards work wonders.
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Teens: Remind them hydration = better mood, better skin, and more energy.
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Adults: Don’t just manage hydration—model it. Set reminders, monitor urine color, and stay ahead of fatigue.
Travel Smarter with Routine
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Morning: Everyone drinks before departure, bottles filled and placed in cup holders.
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Pit Stops: Pee, refill, stretch, sip. In that order.
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Evening: Rehydrate with dinner and prep for tomorrow’s drive.
Climate & Altitude Considerations
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Hot Weather: Increase water by 25%, freeze bottles overnight, and carry a misting spray for quick cool-downs.
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High Elevations: Start hydrating the day before. Drink more, skip the caffeine, and pack extra electrolytes like HYDRATED.
A hydrated family is a happy one. A little planning, the right products, and a few clever tricks can make hydration feel effortless—and your road trip more enjoyable for everyone.
Safe travels—and sip often!
Wellness
Vitex (Chasteberry): A Natural Hormone Balancer for Women

If you’re looking for a natural way to ease PMS, regulate your cycle, or support fertility, Vitex—also known as Chasteberry—may offer a gentle, effective solution. Used for centuries in traditional medicine, this herbal remedy supports hormonal balance and overall reproductive health in women.
What Is Vitex (Chasteberry)?
Vitex agnus-castus is a small fruit-bearing plant native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. Its berries have been used for over 2,000 years. In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans associated Vitex with purity and balance, calling it “Chasteberry.” During the Middle Ages, it was used in monasteries to help support celibacy, which is why it’s also known as “monk’s pepper.”
Despite the folklore, Vitex doesn’t contain hormones. Instead, it influences the hypothalamus and pituitary glands—key regulators of hormone production. The result is a natural boost in progesterone levels, helping to balance cycles often disrupted by estrogen dominance or irregular ovulation.
Benefits of Vitex for Women
1. Helps Reduce PMS Symptoms
If you deal with mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, or irritability before your period, Vitex may help. It works by lowering prolactin levels, which are often elevated during PMS, helping to ease both emotional and physical symptoms.
2. Supports Cycle Regularity
For women with irregular periods or inconsistent ovulation—especially after stopping birth control or in cases of PCOS—Vitex can help bring consistency. It supports the hormonal signals that govern regular menstrual cycles.
3. Boosts Fertility Naturally
Vitex is often used by women trying to conceive, particularly if they have a luteal phase defect or low progesterone. By supporting ovulation and increasing progesterone levels, Vitex helps create a more favorable environment for conception.
4. Eases Perimenopausal Symptoms
As hormone levels begin to fluctuate during perimenopause, Vitex offers support without the need for synthetic hormone replacement. It may help reduce hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.
How to Take Vitex
Vitex is available in several forms, including:
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Capsules
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Liquid tinctures
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Herbal teas
For best results, take Vitex in the morning when hormone levels are most responsive. Consistency is key—daily use for 8–12 weeks is typically needed to see noticeable changes.
As with any supplement, talk to your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.
Recommended Vitex Supplements
These trusted options are known for quality and effectiveness:
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Gaia Herbs Vitex Berry: A potent, organic capsule formulated for daily hormone balance.
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Nature’s Way Vitex Fruit: A budget-friendly capsule with a standardized extract.
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Hiland Naturals Chasteberry Tincture: A liquid version for those who prefer flexible dosing.
Vitex is a time-tested herb that continues to support women’s wellness today—helping with everything from monthly cycles to fertility and perimenopausal transitions. With consistent use and the right guidance, it can be a valuable part of your holistic health routine.
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