The Science of Healthy Living
By Kylie Wolfe
Celebrate a history of scientific advancement with health-focused insights that inspire hope for a brighter future. From establishing healthy eating habits to managing food allergies and stress, we’re highlighting ways to help you stay on track.
Stop back every month to learn more about the science of healthy living or follow along on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
December 2021: Looking Forward
Julius Caesar honored new beginnings in 46 B.C., making January 1 the start of a new year. Today, we celebrate with food, fireworks, and other activities. It’s also a popular time for picking New Year’s resolutions.
Some people set one goal and others set multiple. Either way, it’s important to choose something meaningful, measurable, and realistic. Create a plan, find a supportive community, and push through any obstacles you face. Think of it as an experiment for your personal benefit.
As you forge ahead and begin a new year, consider the healthy habits we highlighted each month. Make intentional and informed decisions that help you succeed throughout your healthy living journey. And remember that it’s never too late to get back on track.
Visit nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/resolution-ideas for tips and tricks.
December Featured Product
Fisherbrand™ Low-Retention Pipette Tips
November 2021: Everything in Moderation
Understanding diabetes can help you and your loved ones prevent and manage the disease. In addition to regular check-ins with your doctor, a healthy lifestyle is a great place to start. Making small changes to your diet and exercise habits now can benefit your body later.
There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 occurs when the body doesn’t produce insulin. Type 2 occurs when the body does produce insulin but doesn’t use it properly. The latter is the most common form. Gestational diabetes, another frequent diagnosis, can emerge during pregnancy.
All types are treatable, but each requires some form of management. Healthy eating and physical activity are enough in certain cases, but medication is necessary in others to keep blood sugar levels normal.
Visit diabetes.org to learn more and browse helpful resources.
November Featured Product
Fisherbrand™ Traceable™ Dataloggers and Thermometers
October 2021: Join Together
In the United States, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Apart from skin cancer, it’s the most common form of cancer: a woman is diagnosed every two minutes according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Regular screenings, including mammograms, can help detect the disease and give patients a chance to meet with their doctor.
Past treatments, which included drastic surgeries, have evolved into more control-based approaches like lumpectomies and radiation. Today, there are more personalized treatments and tests to help ensure each patient gets the attention they need.
Every experience with cancer matters and when people join and fight together, it can make a difference. To show your support, wear a pink ribbon, share stories of hope, and encourage others to get screened regularly.
Visit nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month to join the cause.
October Featured Product
Fisherbrand™ Isotemp™ Advanced Stirring Hotplates
September 2021: Give It Your All
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), roughly 10,500 children will be diagnosed with cancer this year in the United States. It’s a diagnosis that doesn’t come easy, regardless of age. That’s why it’s important to stay informed and optimistic about treatments, survival rates, and coping strategies.
Treatment options typically include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, but research efforts are ongoing as scientists hope to advance these treatments for patients and reduce their exposure to harmful substances.
There is still much to learn, research, and discover, but you can do your part to help others fight their best fight by raising awareness and offering your support.
Visit cancer.gov/types/childhood-cancers for more information.
September Featured Product
Fisherbrand™ Borosilicate Glass Scintillation Vials
August 2021: Strengthen Your System
Since the development of Edward Jenner’s smallpox vaccine in 1796, vaccines for pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and now COVID-19, have helped protect us both individually and collectively. They build our body’s natural defenses, increasing immunity to resist possible infections.
August is considered National Immunization Awareness Month, providing the medical community with a chance to showcase the importance of staying up to date on relevant shots. Doing so can slow the spread of harmful diseases and help prevent future outbreaks.
Give your body a boost with resources that inform your decisions about vaccines and immunizations. Start conversations that strengthen your understanding by contacting your doctor or healthcare professional for guidance.
Visit nfid.org/category/national-immunization-awareness-month to read patient stories and discover more.
August Featured Product
Fisherbrand™ Isotemp™ General-Purpose Series Refrigerators/Freezers
July 2021: Soak Up Summer
Spending time outside means soaking up some summer sun. But when you head to the pool or park, don’t forget to protect your skin. Apply sunscreen daily, keep yourself covered when possible, and wear eye protection.
Skin, your body’s largest organ, is sensitive. It may appear sun-kissed and glowing, but there’s damage occurring beneath the surface. Over time, this not-so-friendly consequence can lead to premature aging and skin cancer.
To minimize the negative effects of sun exposure, opt for a spot in the shade. Avoid the sun at its peak intensity and examine your skin often. Ultraviolet rays can penetrate clouds and car windows, too, so it’s important to take multiple preventative steps.
Visit skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention to learn more about staying safe in the sun.
July Featured Product
Fisherbrand™ Sterile Polystyrene Disposable Serological Pipets
June 2021: Think Positive
A healthy brain can be one of your body’s greatest tools. It gives you the ability to problem solve, remain attentive, and make connections. Provide your brain with the resources it needs to do each of these effectively and function at its best.
Start by fueling your body with the right foods and activities. Exercise regularly to increase blood flow to the brain and sleep consistently to boost memory. This combination, alongside other healthy habits, will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline.
Engage in social activities, play challenging games, and manage your mental health throughout your lifetime. No matter your age, it’s always important to develop routines that further your well-being.
Visit alz.org/help-support/brain_health for more information.
June Featured Product
Fisherbrand™ Reusable Glass Beakers
May 2021: Breathe Easy
Over 65 million Americans experience asthma and allergies. Categorized as chronic diseases, they affect people year-round, but especially during the spring and summer months. Asthma attacks and allergic reactions can occur without warning, so it’s helpful to know the signs and symptoms to prevent emergencies.
Those with asthma experience inflamed airways, making breathing difficult. Fresh-cut grass and pollen, chemicals, stress, and exercise can trigger this response. Allergic reactions can result from exposure to certain foods, insects, and latex. These allergens initiate an immune response and symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing, trouble breathing, and skin irritation.
Keep your body in tip-top shape by avoiding potential triggers and understanding your treatment needs. Preparation and education will benefit not only you but others with asthma and allergies.
Visit aafa.org/asthma-and-allergy-awareness-month to find out more.
May Featured Product
Fisherbrand™ Fetal Bovine Serum
April 2021: Unwind Your Mind
Stress is a common concern that’s often hard to avoid. Routine stresses like school and work, or sudden stresses like job loss and illness can trigger overwhelming feelings. When this occurs, hormones signal physiological changes, including increased heart rate.
In small doses, stress can be beneficial. When you’re in danger, it activates your fight or flight response. Stress even serves as a motivator for some. But when short-term stress becomes a long-term problem, it can disrupt your immune, digestive, or cardiovascular function.
Recognizing sources of stress in your life can help you find the right coping strategies. Exercise, meditate, and unwind your mind for better stress management and a healthier you.
Visit stress.org to learn about signs of stress and how to best respond.
April Featured Product
Fisherbrand™ Cell Culture Essentials
March 2021: Find Balance
Considered vital organs, our kidneys help regulate fluid and filter waste. Even though we have two kidneys and can live with just one, they’re worth protecting.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 15 percent of adults in the United States suffer from chronic kidney disease. And many aren’t aware they have it. Those with diabetes or high blood pressure or who are over the age of 60 are most at risk.
To keep your kidneys functioning at their best, it’s important to stay informed. Determine whether or not you fall into a high-risk category and pay attention to potential warning signs. This month, help raise awareness by learning more about the dangers of kidney disease and how you can possibly slow or prevent its progression.
Visit kidney.org/content/national-kidney-month/ to learn more about kidney health.
March Featured Product
Fisherbrand™ Isotemp™ General Purpose Deluxe Water Baths
February 2021: Love Yourself
This month is often associated with love, heart emojis, and shades of pink and red. Valentine’s Day falls on February 14, but it’s also Heart Health Month, a chance to raise awareness about heart disease.
The American Heart Association formed in 1924, connecting scientists who shared a common goal: bettering the lives of those with heart disease. Since then, surgical advancements, tests, and new research studies have helped inform treatments and our understanding.
Show your heart some love with education and action. Try to keep your heart pumping at its best with key lifestyle choices, like maintaining a healthy weight and managing high blood pressure. And make regular exercise routines, healthy eating habits, and routine checkups a priority, too.
Visit theheartfoundation.org/heart-health-month/ to learn how you can help promote heart health.
February Featured Product
Fisherbrand™ accumet™ Meters and Probes
January 2021: A Fresh Start
A new year often sparks new resolutions. It’s an opportunity to start fresh, set intensions, and be mindful. There’s no better time than the present to begin your health journey.
Hippocrates realized the connection between food and health in 400 B.C., but it wasn’t until the 1700s that science started to shape modern nutrition. As it’s evolved, we’ve learned about the importance of vitamins, nutrients, and other essential components of our favorite foods.
If you want to improve your overall health, strive for a balanced diet. Actively consume a variety of food groups. Choose healthy sources of protein, fat, fiber, calcium, and carbohydrates. Guilty pleasure foods can still be enjoyed, but only in moderation alongside healthier options and physical activity.
Visit helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/healthy-eating.htm to learn how you can set goals and build healthy eating habits.
January Featured Product
Fisherbrand™ Rockers, Rotators, and Mini Shakers
