PROTIME-FITNESS HOLISTIC HEALTH AND WELLNESS

MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH MONTH: NO SHAME IN ASKING FOR HELP     June is Men's Mental Health Month—a perfect chance to get honest about what men go through and why these conversations matter. Mental health struggles hit everyone, but men often deal with a different set of challenges, and if you care about a man in your life, it helps to know what those are. Why Is Men’s Mental Health Different? Men are less likely to recognize or talk openly about mental health problems. Instead of sadness or withdrawal, struggles can show up as anger, irritability, or risky behavior. Research backs this up: men are less likely to seek help, even when things get tough, and much of that comes down to how society defines masculinity and the shame that can surround asking for help. Stigma is a huge hurdle. Many men worry that admitting they’re struggling will make them look weak. This isn’t just about what others think—guys often internalize these beliefs, making reaching out even harder. Obstacles to ...

  MASSAGE THERAPY: REJUVENATE YOUR MIND AND BODY Massage therapy isn’t just about feeling good—it has real, research-backed benefits for both body and mind. If you’ve ever had sore muscles after a challenging workout, you know how valuable a good massage can be. Studies show that massage therapy can boost circulation, calm muscle soreness, and help your body recover after intense activity. That’s why athletes and people healing from injuries often turn to massage as part of their rehab routine. Research highlighted in Rehabilitation Sciences notes that regular massage can even help prevent future injuries by keeping muscles loose and healthy. But the benefits go beyond just physical recovery. A meta-analysis published in the Psychological Bulletin shows that massage therapy can lower anxiety, reduce pain, and even bring down blood pressure and heart rate. These aren’t just “feel-good” effects—the improvements are measurable, especially right after a session. Who Benefits Most? Mass...

 The Hidden Side of "Healthy" Fats: Olive Oil’s Oleic Acid May Promote Obesity We’ve all heard that olive oil is a “healthy fat,” but new research suggests it might not be simple. Scientists at the University of Oklahoma have found that oleic acid—the main fat in olive oil—could encourage the body to create more fat cells than other dietary fats. This process, they say, could set the stage for obesity and related health problems. The study, published in Cell Reports, explored how different types of fat affect the body’s ability to create new fat cells. Oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated fat, stood out. Researchers discovered that it ramps up a signaling protein called AKT2 and dials down another regulator protein, LXR. The result? The precursor cells that eventually become fat cells start multiplying faster than usual. “People’s fat intake has changed a lot during the obesity epidemic,” says Dr. Michael Rudolph, who led the study. “We wanted to know if it’s just eating to...

  SELF-CARE: HOW TO IMPLEMENT AND SUSTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Bringing self-care into your life isn’t about the occasional bubble bath. It’s about building small, intentional habits into your daily routine that lift your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here’s what research says works: Start with Mindfulness The best self-care starts with paying attention. Mindfulness—whether it’s meditation, jotting down your thoughts, or simply noticing how you feel—helps you spot your stressors and needs. That way, you’re not just following generic tips but picking what fits your life. Choose What Works Forget the stereotypes. Evidence-backed self-care includes regular exercise, connecting with others, getting enough sleep, eating well, finding ways to relax, and setting boundaries between work and downtime. Practices like meditation or yoga have a solid track record for boosting well-being. Make It a Habit Consistency matters way more than grand gestures. The pros recommend treating ...

  STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT SEXUALITY WITH YOUNG PEOPLE Talking with young people about sexuality isn’t always easy, but there’s a lot we know about what works. Research points to a handful of common-sense strategies that make these conversations less awkward, more supportive, and much healthier for everyone involved. First, honesty is non-negotiable. Young people repeatedly say they want adults to be honest with them, not just give vague answers or dodge tricky subjects. When adults gloss over topics or act embarrassed, they send a message that sexuality is something to feel ashamed about. That builds walls instead of trust. It also helps to start these conversations early and keep them going. Waiting until some “big talk” moment is less effective than having regular, age-appropriate discussions as kids grow up. These ongoing chats make sexuality feel like a normal topic rather than a forbidden one, and young adults say it’s a massive part of why they feel comfortable and healthy about ...

OBESITY STIGMA'S IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH   Obesity stigma—meaning the negative attitudes and discrimination people face because of their weight—has been linked to poor mental health. Research makes this connection hard to ignore. For example, a 2020 meta-analysis found that weight stigma goes hand in hand with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. These effects aren’t limited to any particular age group, gender, or form of stigma; whether someone experiences direct discrimination or internalizes negative beliefs about their own body, the impact on mental health is real and significant ( Obesity Reviews ). Other systematic reviews back this up, showing that weight stigma can chip away at self-esteem, worsen body image, and even drive unhealthy eating habits. People who feel stigmatized because of their weight are also more likely to withdraw from social situations and avoid medical care, both of which can make feelings of isolation and distress even worse ...