Clemson Extension Rural Health and Nutrition Blog

Understanding Low Milk Supply: Causes, Signs, and Evidence-Based Solutions (Part 1)

an image of an infant sitting in a highchair, drinking formula or milk from a bottle

Introduction Early in the journey of parenthood, many breastfeeding parents worry that they are not making enough milk to nourish their baby. While concerns about low milk supply are not uncommon, true low milk supply itself is much less common than perceived low milk supply. Many normal newborn feeding behaviors, such as frequent nursing, cluster […]

Fitness Fact or Fiction: Debunking Common Exercise Myths

One of the biggest barriers to starting a fitness journey is a lack of knowledge about what to do to see meaningful results and get the most out of a physical activity plan. Unfortunately, the abundance of fitness myths only adds to this challenge, making it increasingly difficult to sort through the overwhelming amount of […]

Yoga Props: Modify Your Movements to Meet Your Needs

A water bottle, yoga block, and pair of dumbbells.

Yoga blocks bring the floor closer or create space between parts of the body, helping practitioners modify poses for comfort, balance, and support. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Yoga can be adapted to meet different bodies, abilities, experience levels, and goals. Props do not make a pose less effective. They can provide support, improve […]

Fast Food and Diabetes: How to Make Informed Choices

When choosing healthier options at fast-food restaurants, you can enjoy the convenience while continuing to effectively self-manage your blood sugar. Image Credit: Conner Russell Fast food is convenient, affordable, and often part of a busy lifestyle. However, many fast-food meals are high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars and are served in large portion sizes, […]

Diabetes Superstar Foods

Blueberries, yogurt, and whole grains are diabetes superstar foods that deliver fiber, protein, and antioxidants to support overall health and blood sugar management. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Managing diabetes is often misunderstood as requiring people to give up their favorite foods or follow complicated meal plans. However, many everyday foods, which can be […]

The Science of Connection: Why Relationships Matter for Your Health

Group of adults walking together in a park.

Walking with others is a simple way to stay active while also building meaningful social connections. Photo Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Human beings are social creatures. Our brains are wired to seek connection not only for enjoyment but also as a means of survival. Research suggests that social connection, which refers to how people […]

Balance and Flexibility Training

A man practicing balance and flexibility exercises in a chair.

Balance and flexibility are two forms of physical activity that are essential to a well-rounded exercise plan. Although they are discussed less often than cardiovascular and strength training, both play an important role in healthy movement, injury prevention, and long-term physical function. Balance is the ability to remain steady and in control while standing, sitting, […]

Sleep and Recovery to Support Physical Activity

Quality sleep gives your body the time it needs to recover, restore energy, and prepare for your next day of physical activity. Image Credit: Canva Quality sleep is essential for good health, yet many adults do not get enough of it. Sleep is much more than a time to rest. It is when the body […]

Sleep, Recovery, and Physical Activity: Understanding the Science Behind Rest and Performance

During sleep, the body repairs muscle tissue, regulates hormones, and restores energy, making adequate sleep an essential part of recovery and overall health. Image Credit: Canva Why Sleep Matters Sleep is an essential biological process that supports physical, mental, and emotional health. Although sleep is often viewed as a period of rest, the body remains […]

How Caring for Plants Can Improve Your Well-Being

A toddler holding a bucket of flowers in the sun.

Gardening and caring for plants is much more than a hobby. While there are many well-known health benefits of having plants in and around your home, including the physical activity involved in gardening and nutritional value of consuming produce harvested from the garden, there are many other ways tending to plants can support our overall […]

Maternal Mental Health and Breastfeeding: Common Perinatal Mental Health Disorders (PART 2)

Maternal mental health is a nuanced topic involving many diverse factors which shapes different outcomes from woman to woman. Women with maternal mental health concerns should practice gentle care with themselves to support themselves and their babies. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Introduction Part one of this maternal mental health series introduced the perinatal mental […]

Maternal Mental Health and Breastfeeding: Understanding the Perinatal Mental Health Landscape (PART 1)

Maternal mental health is a nuanced topic involving many diverse factors which shapes different outcomes from woman to woman. Women with maternal mental health concerns should practice gentle care with themselves to support themselves and their babies. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Introduction Maternal mental health during the perinatal period, defined as the time spanning […]

Take a Walk in the Pee Dee: Easy Ways to Stay Active Close to Home

A beautiful walking trail located in Williamson Park in Darlington, South Carolina. Photo Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank  Why We Should Walk   Staying active can look different for everyone, and for many people, walking is one simple and accessible option. In the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina, a broad area in the northeastern part of the state that includes multiple counties, […]

Exercise for Persons with Low Mobility

Yoga is an accessible form of balance and flexibility training that can be performed standing, seated in a chair, or on the ground. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Physical activity is an essential part of maintaining health, independence, and quality of life, but for individuals with low mobility, traditional exercise advice can often feel […]

Walking for Wellness

Walking is an effective activity for improving overall health. Even modest increases in daily steps can provide significant physical and mental health benefits. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Walking Overview Walking is a simple, free, and safe activity that most people can realistically do. It requires no fitness equipment beyond a comfortable pair of […]

Strength Training

Strength training is not limited to lifting weights. There are many ways to apply resistance against your muscles, including using bodyweight and other types of fitness equipment such as bands, kettlebells, and medicine balls. Working against your own bodyweight is a great strength training option for beginners or those who have not been physically active […]

Nutrition to Support Physical Activity

The way you eat affects how your body feels during physical activity, how well you recover afterwards, and how your body adapts over time. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Why is Nutrition Important? Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting physical activity by providing the necessary energy and nutrients for muscle repair, growth, and […]

Fueling Your Body for Physical Activity

Fruit (carbohydrates) with yogurt (protein and carbohydrates) is a great snack choice to support energy levels before physical activity. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank When people begin increasing their physical activity, whether through walking more regularly, participating in group fitness classes, or squeezing movement breaks into their day, questions about nutrition often follow. “What […]

How to Make New Year’s Resolutions Last: The Basics of Behavior Change

Writing down your goals and tracking progress can increase accountability and support long-term behavior change. Image Credit: Ellie Lane New Year, New Goals Every year, many people set New Year’s resolutions with the hope of improving their health, becoming more active, or building better habits. While the initial excitement can be motivating, maintaining those changes […]

Cardiovascular Training

Walking regularly helps improve heart health and build cardiovascular endurance. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank What is Cardiovascular Training? Regular physical activity is essential for improving overall health and managing or preventing chronic conditions. Cardiovascular training, otherwise known as cardio or aerobic training, involves exercises that raise your heart rate and improve the efficiency […]