(Family Features) At the start of a new year, many people choose to embark on a journey to improve their health; this can take the form of losing weight, jumpstarting a fitness routine or mitigating a health issue. What many people don’t realize is having the right mindset is key to any successful change in behavior.
Focus on Lifestyle Results When setting a new intention or starting a wellness program, set realistic and achievable goals so you can monitor your progress and stay motivated. When setting goals, it’s important to be clear with yourself about what changes you want to make in order to set yourself up for success. Rather than aiming for complex or difficult goals, set easier goals in order to keep motivation high. For instance, if you’re starting a weight loss journey, focus on your non-scale victories like having more energy to play with your kids or building the stamina to tackle your first 5K run.
Rely on Tools to Guide Your Journey Arming yourself with resources can help make your journey to healthier living feel more attainable. One example is digital health platform Noom, which shows people how to shift their mindset to improve their overall health and well-being. With a powerful combination of psychology, technology and human coaching, the app has enabled millions to live healthier lives through behavior changes.
As a complement to the app, you can also learn more about it in the book, “The Noom Mindset,” available wherever books are sold.
“All of our habits are governed by powerful internal forces,” said Andreas Michaelides, a clinical psychologist and Noom’s chief of psychology. “‘The Noom Mindset’ gives readers a glimpse into how some of these forces operate and ways to change them to help you cultivate habits that could positively impact your health.”
Treat Yourself with Kindness Many well-intentioned healthy habits fall off track because of a small slip or slower-than-expected progress. Be realistic about what you hope to achieve and set yourself up for success with a mindset that reflects the old adage that slow and steady wins the race. If you skip a workout or decide to indulge in your favorite dessert, give yourself grace and get back on track the next day.
For more information, visit noom.com/book or download the app.
Swisse Launches Glam Bites: Zero-Sugar Beauty Gummies Designed for Busy Routines
Swisse launches Glam Bites: delicious beauty gummies with zero sugar, no sugar alcohols, and no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners—designed to support beauty from within.
Swisse Launches Glam Bites: Zero-Sugar Beauty Gummies Designed for Busy Routines
Swisse, the premium supplement brand under Health & Happiness (H&H) Group and a Certified B Corp, is kicking off 2026 with a new way to support “beauty from within.” The company just introduced Swisse Beauty Glam Bites, a line of zero-sugar beauty gummies made with science-backed ingredients—without the usual “junk” found in many gummy supplements. Positioned for today’s always-on lifestyle, Glam Bites aims to make daily self-care feel less like another task and more like a quick, enjoyable habit: bite, nourish, and glow.
What makes Glam Bites different?
Gummy supplements are popular, but they often come with tradeoffs—added sugars, sugar alcohols, artificial flavors, or ingredients that don’t align with cleaner-label preferences. Swisse is leaning into the opposite approach. According to the company, Glam Bites are crafted with:
Zero sugar
No sugar alcohols
No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners
Gluten-free
Free from major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame)
That “clean but still tasty” promise is a big part of the launch—especially as more shoppers look for supplements that fit into wellness routines without feeling like a compromise.
A beauty routine that starts from the inside
Swisse is framing Glam Bites as a simple daily add-on that supports skin, hair, and nails through targeted micronutrients. Leading dietitian Dana A. White highlighted the brand’s approach in the announcement, noting that Glam Bites deliver “powerful, science-driven beauty benefits” through a precisely balanced blend of nutrients—while keeping the formula free from artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.
The Glam Bites lineup (available now)
Swisse launched Glam Bites in three formulas, each with its own ingredient blend and naturally flavored profile.
1) Hair Skin Nails Glam Bites
Price/Count: $19.99 (60 count)
Key ingredients: Biotin, Zinc, Bamboo Extract
What it supports: Stronger hair and nails, plus skin firmness and elasticity*
Flavor: Blood orange (naturally flavored)
2) Glow Skin Glam Bites
Price/Count: $24.99 (60 count)
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins C & E, Sea Moss, Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen Peptides
What it supports: Collagen production, improved elasticity, and a stronger skin barrier*
Flavor: Blueberry lavender (naturally flavored)
3) Skin Defense Glam Bites
Price/Count: $24.99 (60 count)
Key ingredients: Astaxanthin, L-Glutathione, Green Tea Extract
What it supports: Healthy aging, even skin tone, and antioxidant protection against environmental stressors*
Flavor: Raspberry green tea (naturally flavored)
Why gummies—and why now?
Swisse is launching Glam Bites at a time when gummies are increasingly becoming the preferred supplement format for younger consumers. The company cited research showing:
45% of Gen Z and 31% of millennials favor gummy supplements.
74% of U.S. personal care buyers agree that skin health reflects overall health.
In other words: the market is shifting toward convenience, better taste, and wellness products that connect beauty with whole-body health.
A global wellness brand expanding its portfolio
Swisse was founded in Australia in 1969 and has grown into a global wellness name known for premium supplements made with ingredients backed by scientific research and produced under world-class manufacturing standards. With Glam Bites, the brand is clearly betting on a “cleaner gummy” future—one that fits modern routines and modern label expectations.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
How C-reactive protein outpaced ‘bad’ cholesterol as leading heart disease risk marker
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key inflammation marker that can predict heart attack and stroke risk—often better than LDL cholesterol. Here’s why it matters.
C-reactive protein is created by the liver in response to infections, tissue damage, chronic inflammatory states from conditions like autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disturbances like obesity and diabetes. Essentially, it is a marker of inflammation – meaning immune system activation – in the body. C-reactive protein can be easily measured with blood work at the doctor’s office. A low C-reactive protein level – under 1 milligram per deciliter – signifies minimal inflammation in the body, which is protective against heart disease. An elevated C-reactive protein level of greater than 3 milligrams per deciliter, signifies increased levels of inflammation and thus increased risk for heart disease. About 52% of Americans have an elevated level of C-reactive protein in their blood. Research shows that C-reactive protein is a better predictive marker for heart attacks and strokes than “bad,” or LDL cholesterol, short for low-density lipoprotein, as well as another commonly measured genetically inherited biomarker called lipoprotein(a). One study found that C-reactive protein can predict heart disease just as well as blood pressure can.
Why does inflammation matter in heart disease?
Inflammation plays a crucial role at every stage in the development and buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries, which causes a condition called atherosclerosis that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. From the moment a blood vessel is damaged, be it from high blood sugar or cigarette smoke, immune cells immediately infiltrate the area. Those immune cells subsequently engulf cholesterol particles that are typically floating around in the blood stream to form a fatty plaque that resides in the wall of the vessel. This process continues for decades until eventually, one day, immune mediators rupture the cap that encloses the plaque. This triggers the formation of a blood clot that obstructs blood flow, starves the surrounding tissues of oxygen and ultimately causes a heart attack or stroke. Hence, cholesterol is only part of the story; it is, in fact, the immune system that facilitates each step in the processes that drive heart disease.Fatty plaque buildup in the arteries causes a blockage that starves tissues of oxygen and can lead to a heart attack or stroke.wildpixel/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Does cholesterol still matter for heart disease risk?
Though cholesterol may not be the most important predictor of risk for heart disease, it does remain highly relevant. However, it’s not just the amount of cholesterol – or more specifically the amount of bad, or LDL, cholesterol – that matters. Two people with the same cholesterol level don’t necessarily have the same risk for heart disease. This is because risk is determined more so by the number of particles that the bad cholesterol is packaged into, as opposed to the total mass of bad cholesterol that’s floating around. More particles means higher risk. That is why a blood test known as apolipoprotein B, which measures the number of cholesterol particles, is a better predictor of risk for heart disease than measurements of total amounts of bad cholesterol. Like cholesterol and C-reactive protein, apolipoprotein B is also influenced by lifestyle factors like exercise, weight loss and diet. Nutrients like fiber, nuts and omega-3 fatty acids are associated with a decreased number of cholesterol particles, while increased sugar intake is associated with a larger number of cholesterol particles. Furthermore, lipoprotein(a), a protein that lives in the wall surrounding cholesterol particles, is another marker that can predict heart disease more accurately than cholesterol levels. This is because the presence of lipoprotein(a) makes cholesterol particles sticky, so to speak, and thus more likely to get trapped in an atherosclerotic plaque. However, unlike other risk factors, lipoprotein(a) levels are purely genetic, thus not influenced by lifestyle, and need only be measured once in a lifetime.
What’s the best way to prevent heart disease?
Ultimately, heart disease is the product of many risk factors and their interactions over a lifetime. Therefore, preventing heart disease is way more complicated than simply eating a cholesterol-free diet, as once thought. Knowing your LDL cholesterol level alongside your C-reactive protein, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a) levels paints a comprehensive picture of risk that can hopefully help motivate long-term commitment to the fundamentals of heart disease prevention. These include eating well, exercising consistently, getting adequate sleep, managing stress productively, maintaining healthy weight and, if applicable, quitting smoking.Mary J. Scourboutakos, Adjunct Assistant Professor in Family and Community Medicine, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Finding Your Rhythm Again: Reestablishing Routines in the New Year
Routines in the New Year: After weeks of excitement, travel and inconsistent schedules, the transition back to structure can feel daunting. However, with a thoughtful approach, parents can help their children ease back into their daily rhythms, and in the process, restore calm for the entire family.
Finding Your Rhythm Again: Reestablishing Routines in the New Year
(Family Features) The holiday season is special, fun and often a bit chaotic, filled with family gatherings and joyful celebrations. Once the decorations come down and chaos subsides in the new year, many families face a familiar challenge: getting children back into their regular routines. After weeks of excitement, travel and inconsistent schedules, the transition back to structure can feel daunting. However, with a thoughtful approach, parents can help their children ease back into their daily rhythms, and in the process, restore calm for the entire family. Dr. Lauren Loquasto, senior vice president and chief academic officer at The Goddard School, provides this insight and guidance for parents. Understand Why Routines Matter Children thrive on predictability. Routines provide a sense of security, reduce stress and support emotional regulation. Children feel safe, even proud, when they know what comes next. Routines also help them develop independence and self-control. After the holidays, reestablishing these patterns is essential for a smooth return to school and everyday life. Start with Sleep For young children, sleep is the foundation of a successful routine. Consistent sleep supports focus, tolerance and cooperation. For optimal brain repair and growth, preschoolers typically need 10-13 hours of sleep per night, but seasonal festivities can disrupt sleep schedules, frequently leaving children overly tired. Begin by gradually adjusting bedtime by moving it earlier in 15-minute increments each night until you resume your regular schedule. Pair this with calming pre-bedtime rituals like reading or quiet play to signal it’s time to wind down. The morning routine is equally important. Strive for consistent wake-up times, even on the weekends. If your child is resistant, teach them how their sleep routine helps their body and mind. For example: “Your body relaxes and grows stronger when you get enough sleep, so you feel good afterward.” Reintroduce Standard Mealtimes Holiday snacking and large meals at family gatherings can disrupt normal eating habits. Reinstate regular meal and snack times to help your child feel grounded. Offer balanced options and involve them in planning or preparing meals, as they’re more likely to embrace healthy choices when they have a role in the process. Prioritize Physical Activity After extended periods of lounging indoors – and likely an overdose of screen time – children need movement to burn energy and boost their moods. Coordinate outdoor play and family walks. If the weather isn’t cooperative, move around indoors with hide-and-seek and dance sessions. Physical activity not only supports health but also helps regulate sleep and behavior. Strategically Provide Choices When children have a voice, they are more likely to stay engaged and stick to their routines. As your child settles back into familiar patterns, this is an ideal moment to assess where you can ease your grip just enough to support their growing autonomy. This doesn’t mean relinquishing full decision-making power; rather, it’s about offering structured, intentional choices that help them feel a sense of control over their day. You know your child best, so you can determine when to be flexible. For example, it may not matter if they change into their pajamas right after dinner or just before bed but shifting when they go to the bathroom could completely disrupt their routine and, in turn, your day. Model Behavior Children learn by example and they are always watching their parents. If you reestablish and consistently maintain your own routines – healthy meals, quality sleep and physical activity among them – your child is more likely to follow suit. Make it a family effort rather than a set of rules imposed on them, and make it fun. To help routines stick, consider sticker charts to track progress and incentivize independence and accountability. Resetting routines isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a supportive environment where children feel secure and prepared for what’s ahead. With patience, consistency and a positive attitude, you can help your child start the new year on the right foot. For more parenting guidance and insights, including a blog and webinar series, visit the Parent Resource Center at GoddardSchool.com. Photos courtesy of Shutterstock SOURCE:
Mary J. Scourboutakos, Adjunct Assistant Professor in Family and Community Medicine, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Start with Sleep For young children, sleep is the foundation of a successful routine. Consistent sleep supports focus, tolerance and cooperation. For optimal brain repair and growth, preschoolers typically need 10-13 hours of sleep per night, but seasonal festivities can disrupt sleep schedules, frequently leaving children overly tired. Begin by gradually adjusting bedtime by moving it earlier in 15-minute increments each night until you resume your regular schedule. Pair this with calming pre-bedtime rituals like reading or quiet play to signal it’s time to wind down. The morning routine is equally important. Strive for consistent wake-up times, even on the weekends. If your child is resistant, teach them how their sleep routine helps their body and mind. For example: “Your body relaxes and grows stronger when you get enough sleep, so you feel good afterward.” Reintroduce Standard Mealtimes Holiday snacking and large meals at family gatherings can disrupt normal eating habits. Reinstate regular meal and snack times to help your child feel grounded. Offer balanced options and involve them in planning or preparing meals, as they’re more likely to embrace healthy choices when they have a role in the process. Prioritize Physical Activity After extended periods of lounging indoors – and likely an overdose of screen time – children need movement to burn energy and boost their moods. Coordinate outdoor play and family walks. If the weather isn’t cooperative, move around indoors with hide-and-seek and dance sessions. Physical activity not only supports health but also helps regulate sleep and behavior. Strategically Provide Choices When children have a voice, they are more likely to stay engaged and stick to their routines. As your child settles back into familiar patterns, this is an ideal moment to assess where you can ease your grip just enough to support their growing autonomy. This doesn’t mean relinquishing full decision-making power; rather, it’s about offering structured, intentional choices that help them feel a sense of control over their day. You know your child best, so you can determine when to be flexible. For example, it may not matter if they change into their pajamas right after dinner or just before bed but shifting when they go to the bathroom could completely disrupt their routine and, in turn, your day. Model Behavior Children learn by example and they are always watching their parents. If you reestablish and consistently maintain your own routines – healthy meals, quality sleep and physical activity among them – your child is more likely to follow suit. Make it a family effort rather than a set of rules imposed on them, and make it fun. To help routines stick, consider sticker charts to track progress and incentivize independence and accountability. Resetting routines isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a supportive environment where children feel secure and prepared for what’s ahead. With patience, consistency and a positive attitude, you can help your child start the new year on the right foot. For more parenting guidance and insights, including a blog and webinar series, visit the 
