Sugar Ray Leonard
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Are health wearables right for you? Sugar Ray PAGE 8 Leonard On fighting the good fight — in and out of the ring PAGE 16 Energize Your Life Tips to feel vibrant and be active now PAGE 20 5 WAYS TO SPRING CLEAN YOUR WORKOUT ROUTINE And more: § Mental health essentials § Pros & cons of social media § Aloe vera’s healing properties A Boost of Energy pring has a way of rejuvenating all it S touches. And in this issue, we’re focusing on the positive energy in everything around and within us. From spring cleaning your workout routine (page 14) to understanding the health benefits of aloe (page 5), this season is one of promise, restoration and giving ourselves a little extra energy. Who better to talk about the power of energy than Sugar Ray Leonard? After five decades in the ring, the legendary boxer uses his energy today to inspire others as a motivational speaker, as well as to fight childhood diabetes through the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation. He also talks to Renew about how he continues to keep his body and mind healthy — which still includes a few hits to the boxing bags (page 16). And that’s just the start of the ground we cover in this issue. You’ll also be able to: Discover ways to help boost energy and vibrancy at any age (page 20) lCover Story Learn how to retrain your taste buds to delight On the Move in healthy food (page 9) Sugar Ray Leonard on Take a deep dive into understanding and how he finds motivation improving your mental health (page 28) and meaning page 16 Finally, we’re taking a bite out of the season of abundance with a focus on fresh produce and ways to make it last all summer (page 24). Cheers to a welcome spring renewal! Photo (cover and this page) page) and this (cover Photo Lipsky Jeff by 2 | “Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life.” —Seneca In This Issue SPRING/SUMMER 2021 20 24 lFeatures 20 Energize Your Life 28 On Living Well Tips for kicking your life into When it comes to mental health, gear at any age care isn’t one-size-fits-all 24 Summer Bounty 30 Connections Use your fresh seasonal produce The potential benefits of using social in a variety of ways media — and how to do it safely lDepartments lPlus 5 Let’s Talk 15 Game Center Health trends, insights and tips Puzzle your mind with brain teasers 10 Beyond the Magazine Get energized with your plan’s tools and resources We hope you’re enjoying Renew 12 The Good Life What your biological age is magazine! and how to improve it However, if you no longer wish to receive the magazine, please mail in 13 Health Focus the prepaid postcard on this page. You Urinary incontinence: the types, can always access Renew magazine symptoms and treatment options by signing in to your plan website at myUHCMedicare.com, clicking Health 14 Keep Moving & Wellness and looking for the latest Spring clean your exercise routine issue in the Renew Magazine section. to reignite motivation by UnitedHealthcare | 3 More to the Story Fun facts, the latest updates and online bonus content for this month’s issue lDid you know? Vitamin D’s discovery dates back to the 1920s after a long search for a way to cure rickets. Of course these days, it’s widely known for helping keep bones strong. But there’s increasing evidence that vitamin D is beneficial to other parts of the body as well. In fact, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that low levels of vitamin D can result in higher risk of falls, diabetes, certain cancers and high blood pressure. So how can you get closer to the 800 international units (IU) per day recommended by the NIH? While the NIH notes that “few foods naturally contain vitamin D,” fish such as salmon, herring, sardines and canned tuna provide the highest amounts. Mushrooms and egg yolks are also good options. Vitamins and supplements are often needed to get the full amount of recommended vitamin D. Skin exposure to sunlight can help the body produce vitamin D. Talk to your doctor about how much exposure is healthy for you. lWhat’s Online Recipe: Blueberry Peach Crumble lIt’s now easier to manage Summer wouldn’t be complete and refill your prescriptions without an old-fashioned fruit crumble. If your plan has prescription drug coverage, check out the updated Pharmacies & Cycling for Older Adults Prescriptions tab on your plan website. The health benefits of bicycling — Here, you’re able to see if your drugs are indoors or outside — plus safety tips. covered, estimate costs and find ways to save money. You can also find a pharmacy Healthy Social near you, order drugs for home delivery Media Habits and more. Visit your plan website at Tips for having a positive and healthy myUHCMedicare.com to get started. relationship with social media. Find online exclusives We want to hear from you Look for this icon throughout Share your feedback about Renew or article ideas at the issue for bonus content renewfeedback.com/uhc found online. Sign in at myUHCMedicare.com, go to Health Or write us at: & Wellness and look for the Renew UnitedHealthcare Renew Magazine section. P.O. Box 421717 Houston, TX 77242-1717 Photo (Blueberry Peach Crumble) by Quincy Street Kitchen (Blueberry Street Quincy Crumble) by Peach Photo 4 | “Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!” —Dr. Seuss Let’s Talk Insights, trends, tips and tricks Mindful Living Get to Know Aloe 3 surprising benefits beyond sunburn relief Aloe vera gel — the clear substance from the leaves of an aloe vera plant — is most often thought of as a treatment for sunburn. But aloe has actually been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a number of ailments. Modern-day research agrees: Aside from helping soothe burns, the succulent has the potential to help promote better skin and oral health. Plus, the funky-looking aloe vera plant may help inspire your home décor. (Continued on page 6) by UnitedHealthcare | 5 Let’s Talk 5 Ways (Continued from page 5) Tips for Successful Skin Care The use of all-natural Aging and Well-Being skincare products is on the rise, and aloe vera can be found in many “clean” don’t care about the newest gadget or moisturizers. Aloe vera fashion trend, that’s fine, but don’t let naturally hydrates and stereotypes tell you that you shouldn’t try softens skin so it feels to explore something you’re interested in. refreshed. Some studies have also shown that aloe Cope and adapt purposefully can help reduce skin 4 Illness, loss and other challenges pigmentations such as sun can and do happen to everyone. Accept and age spots, though more and meet the challenge productively. research is needed. There are a number of ways to cope in a healthy way, such as asking for help, Oral Health joining a support group or keeping a While it may seem strange, journal. It’s also helpful to have a plan for aloe is in fact a common Be social your future care needs. This will allow you and safe ingredient in many 1 A social life — be it with friends or to tap into a solution when something natural toothpastes. Due family — is good for the mind and body, says unexpected happens. to its soothing nature, it’s a Mayo Clinic. Connecting with others helps good choice for those with ward off feelings of loneliness, sharpen Find meaning sensitive teeth. The National 5 memory and cognitive skills, increase your Volunteer for a local nonprofit. Pick Institutes of Health note that sense of happiness and well-being, and up trash in your local park. Learn a new aloe vera gel is also helpful may even help you live longer. hobby. Start a daily mindfulness routine, in fighting off gingivitis, or such as meditation, yoga or walking. A swelling gums. Avoid negative thoughts 2019 study in Psychology Today notes 2 about aging that a sense of purpose is linked to better Home Décor Getting older comes with plenty of rewards: physical and mental health. Succulents can brighten more wisdom, a higher sense of self-worth, up a room and are relatively clearer priorities, fewer headaches (literally) easy to care for. Aloe plants — to name a few. Allow yourself to focus on need bright, indirect sunlight. those positive aspects rather than negative They should be watered ones. Johns Hopkins notes that there is heavily (with a hole for “definitely a strong link between positivity drainage), but infrequently. and health” and that a positive attitude can improve life satisfaction. Be sure to consult your Don’t listen to stereotypes 3 doctor if you plan to use Who says you can’t keep up with the aloe vera for medicinal Photos by: (top) Getty (bottom) Getty (top) by: Productions, Images/SDI Images/AzmanPhotos Jaka latest trends or technologies? If you truly purposes. Getty by Images/VitapixPhoto 6 | “Life must be lived and curiosity kept alive.” —Eleanor Roosevelt and positive emotions.” They also reported “decreases in daily distress.” Of course, the perks go beyond improved emotions and mental health. According to The Heart Foundation, walking can help: Ward off heart disease Lower blood pressure Manage diabetes Maintain bone strength Improve circulation And perhaps one of the more significant benefits for older adults is that walking can improve balance and coordination, helping to reduce risk of falls.