National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability

07/25/2025

Episode 10 of our podcast is now available! In this episode, NCHPAD Director Dr. James Rimmer explores the concept of holistic wellness and how adopting a mindset centered on perspective, performance, and production can transform our approach to health and life. The episode is available in the link below (along with a transcript) and on all major streaming platforms.

In this episode, NCHPAD Director Dr. James Rimmer explores the concept of holistic wellness and how adopting a mindset centered on perspective, performance, and production can transform our approach…

07/24/2025

Take 10 minutes to reset and reconnect with your body through our latest calming guided meditation. Designed to support mental wellness, this practice invites you to check in with your emotional “temperature”. Watch the video here:

Take 10 minutes to reset and reconnect with your body through this calming guided meditation

07/21/2025

Whether you’re caring for a loved one or supporting someone daily, taking time for yourself is essential. In our recent article, care partners can find strategies to prevent burnout, isolation, financial strain, stress, and other issues, along with helpful information and links to resources. Learn more here:

https://www.nchpad.org/resources/self-care-for-care-partners/

Care partners, or caregivers, provide essential support and assistance for people with disabilities, chronic illnesses or those requiring ongoing care. Tasks provided by care partners vary depending…

07/17/2025

Feeling overwhelmed by meal prep? Check out these tips from NCHPAD Registered Dietitian Emily McAllister for batch cooking, snack plates and other nutrition suggestions! Take the stress out of healthy eating and build a sustainable routine today.

https://www.nchpad.org/resources/making-nutrition-work-when-cooking-feels-impossible/

Want to eat healthy but can’t find the time to cook?Check out these tips and resources to help you make a healthy and delicious meal plan!

07/15/2025

Ever feel like you’re running on empty before the day’s even started? The spoon theory offers a powerful way to understand and communicate your energy levels. Learn how this simple metaphor can help you plan your day and explain your limits with more compassion and clarity.
Read more: https://www.nchpad.org/resources/spoon-theory-a-new-way-to-think-about-your-daily-energy/

Have you ever felt like you just didn’t have the energy to do the things you needed or wanted to do? You’re not alone. Here’s how to manage your energy.

07/14/2025

NCHPAD Mindfulness Curriculum Coordinator Emily Hornsby recently led a mindfulness presentation for Birmingham City Schools at Parker High School in Birmingham, AL. Emily led a meditation and introduced mindfulness techniques to improve focus, reduce stress and promote overall well-being to teachers and other faculty as part of their Summer Learning Conference. To learn more about mindfulness and its benefits, visit our website: https://www.nchpad.org/?s=mindfulness&post_type=resource

07/11/2025

Episode 9 of our podcast is now available! In this episode, we talk with HEAL United's Christy Swaid, Founder and CEO, and Donna Hester, Curriculum Architect and Coordinator. HEAL United is a nonprofit focused on improving children’s health and reshaping health culture through education and real-world practice of healthy lifestyle habits. Learn more about their great work in the episode linked below (transcript included) or on your favorite streaming app.

In this episode, we talk with HEAL United’s Christy Swaid, Founder and CEO, and Donna Hester, Curriculum Architect and Coordinator. HEAL United is a nonprofit focused on improving children’s health…

07/09/2025

Think canned foods are unhealthy? Think again! This article shares smart tips for eating healthy with canned foods. Learn about no-salt options, budget-friendly options and get recipes involving canned foods to add to your next grocery trip.

https://www.nchpad.org/resources/eating-healthy-with-canned-foods/

Here’s how canned foods can actually be a convenient, nutritious and budget-friendly addition to a healthy diet.

07/07/2025

We’re often told to take a deep breath when things get too stressful, but sometimes that's just not enough. If you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious, try these simple, calming alternatives like tapping, movement, and grounding techniques from NCHPAD’s Emily Hornsby:

What are we always told in stressful moments or times filled with anxiety? Take a deep breath. But what if deep breathing doesn’t calm the chaos? When anxiety hits hard or your nervous system is…

07/03/2025

Self-care doesn't always have to mean spa days and bubble baths. Sometimes, accomplishing little routine things can make a big difference in your day.

Check out these easy ways to take care of yourself from NCHPAD GROWTH Coordinator Kalani Upshaw: https://www.nchpad.org/resources/forget-bubble-baths-self-care-ideas-that-help-you-function/

07/01/2025

Feeling burnt out or low on energy? Some days, even the small things can feel like a lot. These suggestions from our NCHPAD team can add a playful, creative and low-pressure approach to help you think outside the box of traditional self-care.

https://www.nchpad.org/resources/15-unconventional-self-care-ideas-for-when-youre-overwhelmed/

This list isn’t about making progress. It’s about relief in the smallest ways, especially when getting out of bed or answering a text already feels like a lot.