PROTIME-FITNESS HOLISTIC HEALTH AND WELLNESS

  FLU: STRATEGIES FOR PROTECTING YOUR HEALTH The flu isn’t just a seasonal nuisance—it’s a virus that knocks millions of people flat every year. For some, it’s a rough week. For others—kids, seniors, anyone with a chronic condition—it can be far more serious, even deadly. The silver lining? You don’t need a medical degree to keep yourself and your loved ones safer. You need to put a few proven strategies into play. Make the Flu Shot Your Priority If you do nothing else, make time for your annual flu shot. The science is clear: vaccination is your best defense. It isn’t just about you—it’s about everyone you interact with, especially those who can’t get vaccinated or are at greater risk of complications. The flu shot is even recommended for pregnant people, offering protection that lasts for months after the baby is born. And because the virus changes every year, last year’s shot won’t give you the protection you need now. Getting that updated vaccine every year is key. Why Bother w...

Stiffness: How to Maintain Flexibility  Getting older doesn’t have to mean giving up your morning run or groaning every time you stand up. Sure, stiffness in your muscles and joints can sneak up on you—sometimes it’s just a few awkward steps out of bed, other times it’s a stubborn ache that won’t quit. For some, it’s a minor annoyance. For others, it can feel like a wall between you and the life you want to live. So what’s really behind this creeping stiffness, and what can you actually do about it? Why Do Muscles and Joints Get Stiff As We Age? As the years pass, our muscles and joints change in ways we don’t always notice—until one day, we do. Muscles lose some of their natural stretch, and the connective tissues (think tendons and ligaments) get thicker and less elastic. The result? Muscles get stiffer, and joints don’t move like they used to. Scientists point to a few culprits: changes in the structure of muscle fibers, more cross-linking in the collagen that makes up our conne...