THE WELLNESS UPDATE
Which is better for Pain: Ice or Heat?
Deciding whether to use ice or heat when you are in pain can be a bit confusing, so here's a quick guide:
Ice is typically better for new injuries like sprains or bruises. It helps reduce swelling, bruising, and pain by slowing down blood flow to the area. Just remember to wrap the ice pack in a towel to protect your skin, and keep the cold sessions short—around 10 - 15 minutes should be plenty.
Heat, on the other hand, is better for ongoing aches and pains, like sore muscles or stiff joints. It can help relax the area, boost blood flow, and ease stiffness. Limit heat sessions to twenty minutes or less.
.
In some cases, using ice followed by heat can be helpful. However, if neither seems to work, consider checking in with a healthcare professional. For more information and examples of when to use each, check out this article from Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials.
USER TIP OF THE MONTH
Important App Update for Android
Google is introducing the Health Connect app as the latest tool to share health and activity data between compatible apps. As of May 28th, the Motion Connected app has updated to support a link to Health Connect (instead of Google Fit) on newer versions of Android.
What you need to do: If you have an Android phone and have been using Google Fit to sync activity data, you will need to open the Motion Connected app and go to the Settings page to enable permissions for Health Connect to sync your data.
For complete instructions on linking Health Connect, click here.
USER TIP OF THE MONTH
Important App Update for Android
WELLNESS TRENDS
Calm Your Mind in Minutes
Feeling frazzled? Take a few minutes to try the 4-7-8 breathing technique! Here’s how: inhale through your nose for 4 counts, hold your breath for 7 counts, then exhale slowly through slightly parted lips for 8 counts. This simple breathing pattern can help activate your body’s relaxation response, calm your mind, reduce anxiety, and even help you fall asleep faster. Try 4 cycles at bedtime or whenever you need a quick stress-buster! 🌟
WELLNESS TRENDS
Calm Your Mind in Minutes
NUTRITION CORNER
Nutrition Hack #3
Snooze and lose!
Who knew that catching more Zzz’s could help you tame those snack attacks? Turns out, poor sleep messes with our appetite hormones, making us feel hungrier than normal. Aim for 7–9 hours each night and you might find those sugar cravings hitting snooze too.
NUTRITION CORNER
Nutrition Hack #3
Monthly Question: What breathing technique used to reduce stress is mentioned in this article?
If the Motion Minute newsletter is available in your scorecard, be sure to submit your answer in the scorecard (not below) to earn points.