Q&A with Jeff Clarke: His Wellness Journey

September 5, 2017February 6, 2019 - Nina Bradley Clarke

Although summer has come to an end, I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful, hot months with friends and family!

We had lots of beach time and lots of quality family time, but now we are ready for the school year to start (as I’m sure many of you are too).

Throughout the summer, people have been asking me and my husband how he is losing weight, and what exactly he is doing. He really does look so great, and I could not be prouder of him. That was the main reason for this blog post—to share his success, and to share what is working for him.

I hope this helps others on their own journey. Cheers!

xoxo NBC

Sun Safety in Style + Bonus Savings Offer!

June 19, 2017February 6, 2019 - Nina Bradley Clarke

Happy summer 2017!

With summer comes lots of fun times outside with friends and family. And since we live on the beach in coastal Connecticut, we spend most of our summer outdoors.

As I have shared with you all before, I have skin cancer, so I need to be extra careful when I’m in the sun. I am always looking for stylish but safe UPF clothing brands to protect my skin from further damage. Although I’ve tried several different types of UPF clothing brands, one of the brands that I love for myself and for my kids is Cabana Life.

Simple, Healthy Switches in the New Year: Here is My List

January 16, 2017February 6, 2019 - Nina Bradley Clarke

Are you looking to make some healthier decisions in the new year? Simple, healthy switches are important, and if you haven’t started yet, now is the perfect time! The new year gives all of us a chance to start fresh and new. And if I can do this, so can you!

Progress not perfection is my mantra. Making small changes in your house can make a big difference when it comes to how many toxic chemicals are coming into your home.

What You Didn’t Know About Beets

November 28, 2016February 6, 2019 - Nina Bradley Clarke

Have you been hearing all the latest buzz about beets? Those small, red, earthy and sweet vegetables seem to be everywhere. And it’s no surprise so many use it to make beet juice or beet salad (or even lip balm!), given its many benefits—from boosting the immune system with vitamin C and minerals, to supplying the body with fiber, manganese and B vitamin folate, which helps reduce the risk of birth defects. And that’s not all, beets have amazing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, detoxification and energy-boosting benefits as well!

Making Healthy Changes: Toss the Non-Stick Pots and Pans at Home

November 8, 2016July 28, 2019 - Nina Bradley Clarke

Since we recently moved to a new house, I thought it would be a good time for us to re-think what cookware we are using in our kitchen. I am trying to be more aware of what toxic chemicals are being used in my household. You’re probably thinking what’s not to love about non-stick cookware? It’s easy to clean and cook on, plus it seems that it doesn’t darken or blacken as fast as other cookware does. But did you know that when pots and pans made with Teflon are heated above 350 ºC (662 ºF), the primary chemical in Teflon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), “begins to degrade, releasing fine particles and a variety of gaseous compounds that can cause damage to the lungs when inhaled“?

According to recent studies, these toxins are accumulating in human blood dangerously fast, and the problem is that they are leading to chronic disease over time.

The Power of Probiotics: It’s all about the GUT!

November 2, 2016July 28, 2019 - Nina Bradley Clarke

When I first took my daughter in to see her pediatrician regarding her chronic stomach issues, his very first question was: “Does Blaine take a daily probiotic?” When I told him no, he told me she needs to be, and actually, I should be taking one too. His advice was everyone should be. Interesting, right?

It made sense to me because I had recently heard health plus wellness genius, Dr. Frank Lipman, tell a packed crowd that our health all depends on our gut. “80 percent of your entire immune system is located in your digestive tract!“ So why should we care about probiotics?

What’s In My “Go” Bag: Everyday Essentials

September 30, 2016July 28, 2019 - Nina Bradley Clarke

We all have our everyday essentials that we cannot be without, no matter where we go—from parks and beaches to running errands and hanging out with friends. Whatever I do, I always keep my health and skin in mind, which is why I cannot be without sun protective gear such as sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. It’s important to protect your skin no matter the season (I switch up my hats once the seasons change, of course!) Some friends have asked me what my favorite goodies are that I always carry around with me, so here’s a peek inside my bag.

Use This, Not That: Toothpaste

September 16, 2016July 28, 2019 - Nina Bradley Clarke

Do you brush your teeth every day? Do you know what’s in your toothpaste? Are you a Colgate toothpaste user? If you answered yes, then it’s time to make a switch, and here’s why.

In your entire lifetime, you use an average of about 20 gallons of toothpaste, and each time you spit out the paste, there are a few bits that get absorbed into your bloodstream. In fact, your mouth is one of the most absorbent places in your whole body. So as you swish and brush in your mouth, the ingredients from the toothpaste get sucked into your mouth and gums.

How Do You Hydrate In the Heat? Water Alternatives and Their Benefits

April 28, 2016July 28, 2019 - Nina Bradley Clarke

We are now in a heat wave here in the Northeast. Other parts of the country are experiencing this scorcher as well, and for many it can be dangerous. The best way to protect yourself in a heat wave (besides applying sunscreen) is to hydrate hydrate hydrate!

Are you familiar with the 8×8 rule? It’s a an easy way to remember, on average, how much water you should drink in a day. Experts recommend drinking eight 8-ounce glasses a day, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon. However, some people may need to hydrate themselves more than others, depending on their gender, age, weight, urine color (yes, urine color) activity level and the temperature outside. A great way to calculate how much you need to drink is by checking out this awesome hydration calculator. Try it! It’s quite interesting—everyone is different!

Keeping It Safe: Sun Protective Clothing and Why It’s Worth It

April 20, 2016July 28, 2019 - Nina Bradley Clarke

Go biking, hiking, running, picnic-ing, swimming, boating, and all the other -ings out there that you love to do. Have fun in the sun but remember to always protect your skin!

Dealing with skin cancer is challenging. I have to take extra precautions to make sure I’m protecting my skin as much as possible since I live at the beach, so I am ALWAYS surrounded by sunshine. That’s why I wear sun protective clothing on top of sunscreen when I know I’ll be out in the sun for a long period of time. I wish I had done this a long time ago when most of the sun damage was done to my skin.

Clothing is the single most effective form of sun protection for the body, but you shouldn’t rely on just any clothing, because regular clothing only protects you from 1/15 of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. So if you’re planning on going to the beach for the whole day, taking a long hike, riding your bike for miles, or any other outdoor activity, then opting for sun protective clothing will provide you with the right amount of added protection. And it doesn’t mean you have to look like grandma either ;). There are so many fun brands out there that are chic and modern.