So much of our daily life is the result of habits, and we don’t even realize it until we step aside and observe our actions. Eating, too, becomes habitual. Just take a moment and think about how, when, what and where you ate this past week. Then, read on.

Thinking Twice

Past experiences inform our relationship to food which enable many of our food choices to become thoughtless habits, and rightly so, freeing our minds for other things. However, not all habits are good ones.

Most people seldom think twice about their food until a medical diagnosis makes them realize there’s a need to shake up something that never really got much attention. It’s only then that it becomes evident that food is our medicine, but can also be our poison.

We’re a society riddled with obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases that have become painfully commonplace during the past 40 years. Yet with all this illness, most people simply don’t have the time to focus on what they’re actually eating and often don’t understand the real need to do so.

Living with Discomfort

If the pandemic made us realize that we have to eat better, then what will make us implement that? I meet with people who are suffering daily with symptoms of inflammation and digestive distress. They know they need to make some dietary changes, yet commitment is difficult and breaking habits even more so.

Unfortunately, living with discomfort is the norm and it’s not well understood that our bodies are meant to function without daily discomfort. Symptoms are signals, no matter how minor, that a change is needed. They’re like maintenance symbols lighting up on your car dashboard to tell you something needs to be checked and fixed. Sadly, sometimes we take better care of our cars than we do of ourselves.

Time for Change

As you get older, you need to start integrating small changes to break long habits before you’re forced to. This is especially important if you’re feeling weak and fatigued, suffer from inflammation or chronic pain or have difficulty with digestion.

Maybe you’re struggling to lose those extra pounds and diets aren’t working. Perhaps you’re eating when you’re not even hungry or eating more than you really need to and then feeling awful after. And, surely, if your daily eating consists of mostly food “products,” that is, highly processed packaged foods, now is the perfect time to start new habits with whole food.

Shifting Habits

The US CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) devised a three ‘R’ approach to improving poor eating habits by recommending to reflect, replace, and reinforce.

Reflection to acknowledge the eating habits you have. Replacement to rid your unhealthy habits with new healthier ones, and reinforcement to make sure the new habits last. It’s a helpful framework that lays out a realistic plan for success. It just needs implementation.

You can start by getting back to the how, when, what, and where you ate. What did you discover? When you answer these questions and then contemplate why you ate this way, you can begin to devise ways to change some habits around food. We often just need to take time to notice.

Sometimes ease, cost and time are factors that influence our habits, and these are all very valid causes, but there are often alternative options that are equally easy, cost effective and time saving. Sometimes we just need to give our creative selves the time to find them.

Small Change Is Lasting Change

Get Organized

Plan ahead. Weekly meal planning and shopping can sometimes eliminate the need to grab that quick “go to” when time is short.

Switch Up the Snacks

Keep some cleaned, chopped vegetables and fruit, hard boiled eggs, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds on your counter or in your fridge, this makes better alternatives easier to access.

Don’t Overcomplicate Things

You can make great meals with a few simple ingredients and herbs (rich in flavor and nutrients) and get mouthwatering results without complicated hours of cooking. Stay in budget without the need for packaged meals or fast food take out. Simple can be delicious.

No matter how you choose to shift your outlook on food, give yourself some slack. Changing habits is hard and you need to be patient with yourself. Small steps are always better than large ones, and they tend to actually last, which makes all the difference.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are your eating habits leading to healthy aging results, or do they lead you to chronic inflammation? Have you tried changing your habits? What strategy have you used and did it work?

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

There’s nothing more important than having multi-tasking products in your skincare cabinet. Though having a 10-step or more skincare routine is in vogue, versatile formulas save you both time and money, and isn’t that always the end goal? You might be wondering where the heck to start, but to keep it short and sweet, you really only need to find yourself a solid vitamin C serum. 

How could a single product be able to do so much? It’s simple: Vitamin C is known to promote collagen production, protect against free radical damage and smooth skin texture. All of that manifests itself in a radiant, even, youthful-looking complexion. That’s why Dermalogica’s Biolumin-C Serum needs to be in your shopping cart right this second. It’s a lightweight serum that taps on vitamin C, lactic acid and chia seed oil. Together, they brighten, exfoliate, protect and firm your skin so well that you’ll be shocked by the results. 

It’s not surprising that the product has earned a 4.6-star overall rating, with one shopper saying, “This serum makes my skin look clean and dewy. I’m obsessed. A must for anyone starting to see fine lines.”

If you’re trying to fade hyperpigmentation, get rid of tiny bumps on your skin and lessen the appearance of wrinkles, you’re in the right place. Dermalogica’s vitamin C Serum is ready to instantly transform your skin into an even brighter, dewier masterpiece. 

RELATED: Hailey Bieber Swears This TikTok-Viral Vitamin C Serum ‘Changed’ Her Skin 

Photo: Dermalogica.

A trio of key ingredients gives this serum its magical, skin-altering powers. The vitamin C complex is made up of two stable forms of vitamin C that work together to brighten and smooth your complexion. Additionally, lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, sloughs off dead skin cells to reveal a stunningly clear and glowy layer of skin. On top of all that, chia seed oil protects skin from environmental aggressors, which is always a must. With an ingredient list that good, we’re more than certain your skin’s about to serve.

“I could tell a difference in the brightness and feel of my face within the first five days,” wrote one reviewer. “As time went on I started to have a radiant glow. I had a few dark spots that are getting lighter by the day.”

To apply, use a full dropper of product and rub it all over your face and neck in both the morning and night. Be sure to do this after toning but before moisturizing to see the best results. 

“This serum works incredibly well in brightening dull, aging skin. I am very happy with the results in just the first few weeks,” wrote another shopper. 

Don’t put up with hyperpigmentation, uneven texture or damaged skin any longer; Dermalogica’s Biolumin-C Serum is here to bring all of the radiance, protection and clarity you deserve.

If you are one of the many people suffering from plantar fasciitis, you may consider surgery as an option to relieve your pain.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is a tissue band connecting the heel bone to the toes.

When this tissue becomes inflamed or irritated, it can cause much pain. In some cases, surgery may be the best option to relieve your symptoms.

What Are Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis typically responds to conservative care, although healing can take a long time. There are several treatment options available for plantar fasciitis. These include:

• Rest
• Ice
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy
• Steroid injections
• Custom orthotics
• Surgical procedure

Who Is a Candidate for Plantar Fasciitis Surgery?

Plantar fasciitis surgery is typically reserved for patients with severe pain who have not responded to conservative care. However, surgery may be recommended in some cases if you have a tear in the plantar fascia causing severe pain.

Surgery is also an option for patients with a severe case of plantar fasciitis and significant heel pain impacting their quality of life. Plantar fascia surgery can be performed as an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy or an open plantar fascia release. However, traditional open surgery carries a higher risk of complications.

What Happens During Plantar Fasciitis Release Surgery?

Plantar fasciitis surgery involves releasing or cutting the plantar fascia ligament to relieve foot pain and chronic heel pain. The surgeon will make an incision in the heel and then release the plantar fascia from the heel bone. In recurring heel pain, a heel spur at the heel pad may need to be removed to help relieve pain.

After the surgery, you will likely need to wear a boot or cast for a few weeks. Physical therapy is also often recommended after surgery. A physical therapist will help relieve inflammation, improve foot mobility, and relieve tension at the arch.

How to Prepare for Plantar Fascia Release Surgery?

If you and your surgeon have decided that surgery is the best option for you, there are a few things you can do to prepare.

First, it is essential to continue with conservative care until the day of surgery. This means resting, icing, and stretching the foot. It would help if you also avoid activities that make your pain worse.

Second, you will need someone to drive you home after the surgery. The anesthesia can make it unsafe for you to drive.

Third, you should arrange for someone to help you at home for the first few days after surgery. You will likely be on crutches and need help with activities like bathing and cooking.

Fourth, it would help if you stocked up on supplies like bandages, ice packs, and pain medication.

Finally, you should follow your surgeon’s instructions on how to prepare for surgery. This may include stopping certain medications or eating a specific diet.

Recovery

Most people take four to six weeks to recover from plantar fasciitis surgery.

During the first few days after surgery, you will likely need to stay off your feet and elevate your leg. You will also likely need to wear a boot or cast.

After the first week, you may be able to put weight on your foot and start physical therapy, where the focus will be on strengthening and rehabilitating the foot and ankle.

Following your surgeon’s instructions during recovery is essential to reduce the risk of complications.

Risk of Complications

Like with any surgery, there are some risks associated with plantar fasciitis surgery. These risks include:

Infection

There is always a risk of infection with surgical procedures. The trouble is most serious immediately after surgery, but it can occur anytime in the weeks or months following the operation.

To minimize the risk of infection, promptly follow your surgeon’s instructions for wound care and promptly report any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or drainage.

With proper care, most people heal without complications from plantar fasciitis surgery.

Bleeding

Another common risk is bleeding. Because the surgery involves cutting through tissue and bone, there is a risk of excessive bleeding. This bleeding can sometimes lead to complications such as blood clots or infections.

To minimize the risk of bleeding, your surgeon will use special techniques and may prescribe medication before and after surgery.

Proper care and precautions can minimize the risk of excessive bleeding during plantar fasciitis surgery.

Nerve Injury or Nerve Entrapment

Nerve entrapment, or the compression of a nerve by surrounding tissue, is a risk associated with any surgery. The plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, is located close to several nerves.

During surgery, these nerves can be easily damaged. Nerve entrapment can cause various symptoms, including pain, numbness, and tingling. In severe cases, it can lead to paralysis.

If you are considering plantar fasciitis surgery, discussing the risks with your doctor is essential.

While the chances of developing nerve entrapment are relatively low, they are still worth considering.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a significant risk factor for plantar fasciitis surgery. While plantar fasciitis surgery is often successful in alleviating pain, there is a risk of chronic pain.

Chronic pain can happen due to repetitive stress on the foot, such as from standing or walking for long periods.

Conclusion

Plantar fasciitis surgery is a procedure that can help relieve pain and improve function in people who have the condition. The surgery involves cutting through tissue and bone, which may lead to complications such as infection, bleeding, nerve entrapment, or chronic pain. However, surgery can provide welcome relief for those suffering from chronic and severe plantar fasciitis pain.

Talk to your doctor to see if you are a candidate, and research to find a good surgeon for your care.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you experienced plantar fasciitis pain, and did you have surgery? What advice would you provide for those considering plantar fasciitis surgery?

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

For years I’ve been skimping on eye cream in the mornings. I found that it made my under eye concealer slip off easier, and I figured since I was wearing it at night, I was covered. But as more and more fine lines quickly approach, I’ve been on the lookout for something that can handle all my going-out-in-the-sun needs, and guys, I think I’ve finally found it. This eye cream/concealer hybrid from Colorescience is like an eye cream on steroids. It hydrates, conceals, brightens and provides anti-aging benefits all in one.

You’re probably already using a tinted SPF or BB cream throughout the day, and you can think of this as a tinted eye cream. It has the feel of a cream but the color of a concealer, and thanks to ingredients like albizia julibrissin bark extract, sea water, sorbitol and jojoba esters, the eye area actually appears brighter as soon as you apply it. It has just the perfect amount of sheer color, and I love dabbing it on for my no-makeup makeup look days, or just when I need to run outside in the sun for some quick errands or a long walk to take in the gorgeous fall temps.

Courtesy of Amazon.

Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Anti-Aging Renewal Therapy for Wrinkles & Dark Circles

It also acts as a primer so you can pat this on before you put on your all-day concealer and ensure you have SPF coverage throughout the day. This product is “phenomenal at light reflection and brightening,” wrote one reviewer on Amazon. “It’s expensive, but a little goes a long way.”

Another said, “I’ve been using this for a few years now. After about 5 minutes of putting it on, the puffiness is minimized. I don’t have huge bags but i do have dark circles. The tint helps with this also. I doesn’t have an odor and it goes on smoothly. I put my moisturizer on after this and it all blends well.”

The formula is also made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates and synthetic fragrance. It comes in four different shade ranges so you can find the perfect shade to dab out dark circles and instantly hydrate and brighten the eye area. The metal applicator tip stays cold so you get an additional boost of cold therapy every time you apply it.

Grab it from Amazon now for $74, or from the Colorescience website for just $62.90 once you enter code NG15 at checkout to save 15 percent.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

For years I’ve been skimping on eye cream in the mornings. I found that it made my under eye concealer slip off easier, and I figured since I was wearing it at night, I was covered. But as more and more fine lines quickly approach, I’ve been on the lookout for something that can handle all my going-out-in-the-sun needs, and guys, I think I’ve finally found it. This eye cream/concealer hybrid from Colorescience is like an eye cream on steroids. It hydrates, conceals, brightens and provides anti-aging benefits all in one.

You’re probably already using a tinted SPF or BB cream throughout the day, and you can think of this as a tinted eye cream. It has the feel of a cream but the color of a concealer, and thanks to ingredients like albizia julibrissin bark extract, sea water, sorbitol and jojoba esters, the eye area actually appears brighter as soon as you apply it. It has just the perfect amount of sheer color, and I love dabbing it on for my no-makeup makeup look days, or just when I need to run outside in the sun for some quick errands or a long walk to take in the gorgeous fall temps.

Courtesy of Amazon.

Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Anti-Aging Renewal Therapy for Wrinkles & Dark Circles

It also acts as a primer so you can pat this on before you put on your all-day concealer and ensure you have SPF coverage throughout the day. This product is “phenomenal at light reflection and brightening,” wrote one reviewer on Amazon. “It’s expensive, but a little goes a long way.”

Another said, “I’ve been using this for a few years now. After about 5 minutes of putting it on, the puffiness is minimized. I don’t have huge bags but i do have dark circles. The tint helps with this also. I doesn’t have an odor and it goes on smoothly. I put my moisturizer on after this and it all blends well.”

The formula is also made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates and synthetic fragrance. It comes in four different shade ranges so you can find the perfect shade to dab out dark circles and instantly hydrate and brighten the eye area. The metal applicator tip stays cold so you get an additional boost of cold therapy every time you apply it.

Grab it from Amazon now for $74, or from the Colorescience website for just $62.90 once you enter code NG15 at checkout to save 15 percent.