If you've noticed more young women picking up dumbbells, joining strength classes, or spending time in the weight room, you're not imagining it. Strength training is having a moment, and Gen Z women are helping lead the way.
For more than 15 years, I've had the privilege of building and teaching PALS for LIFE at UVAC, working with women living with and beyond breast cancer. During that time, I've watched the conversation around exercise and cancer evolve.
Exercise has long been recognized for helping people manage fatigue, maintain strength, improve physical function and support quality of life. But we're learning more about its potential role in cancer care itself.
I’ve never been a good swimmer.
I mean, I can swim. But what I do in a pool feels more like a battle for survival than a workout — especially after the first few laps. My legs are too long, my stroke is uneven and I constantly struggle to get a decent breath.
Last week, we had the privilege of hosting an inspiring Open House for our Parkinson's Exercise Program (PEP) with Upper Valley Programs for Parkinson’s here at UVAC. It was heartwarming to see so many individuals come together, united by a commitment to health, community, and support.
No matter your shape, size, color, or ability, your body is amazing—and so are you. Here at UVAC, we believe that fitness and wellness are about so much more than numbers on a scale or how you look in the mirror. It’s about feeling good, living fully, and discovering what your body can do.
The immune system is our body’s natural defense mechanism against harmful pathogens, viruses, and bacteria. A strong immune system is essential for maintaining good health and preventing diseases. Here are eight ways to strengthen your immune system:
1. Get enough sleep
Sleep plays a crucial role in boosting your immune system. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night to give your body time to repair and rejuvenate.
First let me say, you are not a failure. Not by a long shot! Our actions do not define us, nor do our beliefs. Not unless we give them the power to.
For many of us, when someone criticizes or judges our actions or something we’ve said or even believe, we take it so personally we feel that it’s an attack on who we are as a person. So let’s clear the air, and put our egos aside. I am speaking to your actions here.
Good, now that we cleared that up, I would like to introduce you to the +1 Rule, also known as the 1% More Rule.
According to author and podcaster Gretchen Ruben, “if we change our habits, we change our lives.”
The colder, darker, shorter days of winter often dampen the urge to push ourselves out of our comfort zones, exercise, and evolve. But the new year offers us a fresh start to build better habits and take actionable, sustainable steps toward living healthier lives.
