Price : $26.84

Features

• Strapless heart rate monitor wristwatch for safe and effective training
• Patented S-Pulse technology reads heart rate without requiring chest belt
• Extra-large LCD display for easy viewing; 12- and 24-hour settings
• Stopwatch, daily alarm, countdown timer, and calendar displays
• Includes Dummies formula instruction guide; 1-year warranty

Product Description

ECG Accurate Heart Rate / No Chest Transmitter Required / Time of Day - Calender - Daily Alarm / Large LCD / Countdown Timer / Night Vision

Customer Reviews

Review date : 2008-11-17
I just recently began fitness walking and needed a heart monitor. I did not want to pay big bucks for an expensive gadget, so I started checking around. I came across this model, and did a little research. A simple review of the product will tell one that this monitor does NOT give the wearer a continuous measure of their heart rate. In most cases, one would need to buy a heart monitor that comes with a strap that goes around the chest. Also, in comparison to other heart monitors out there, this one is on the lower end of the price scale - don’t expect highest quality for a bargain basement price.

That said, I’ve been using this for roughly 2 months and I’ve been very happy with it. It has worked as both a watch and as a heart monitor. Is the heart monitor 100% accurate? I do not know, but it gives me an idea of where my heart rate, and that is what is important to me. I like the lighted dial, especially as I walk early in the mornings when it is dark and this helps me to read the face. I haven’t had a chance to use the other features yet. In order to get a read for the heart monitor, the wearer must place the pads of two fingers on the metal strips on either side of the face of the watch and wait a few seconds. This would be impossible to do if riding a bike (I imagine), and perhaps even a bit tedious if running. However, if walking or using a treadmill, it is fine.

This isn’t the highest quality of gagdets, but it does the job for the price.

Review date : 2008-10-29
This is the third watch of this type I have owned. This one seems as good or better than the others which where much more expensive.

Review date : 2008-09-30
Item arrived quickly! Just what my son wanted. He wears it all the time to keep track of his heart rate. In excellent condiiton! Thank you! A

Review date : 2008-08-27
I did not like the fact that you cant see you’re heart rate unless you put your fingers on the sensor. This is really uncomfortable when youre running not to mention while riding on a bicycle.

Review date : 2008-08-11
First off operating instructions are written by dumbies, not for dummies. Explain what to do but don’t define or show picture of button use. Works sometimes, but seldom. Inaccurate!! When it works , in a relaxed mode I can get a reading of 8o something to 100 something. I have a pacemaker set at 71. During excercise I have gone no higher than 82. Junk–waste of money.

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Your BMI is very simple to calculate but should be used as a guideline for healthy weight only. Because muscle weighs more than fat, weight and your BMI are not the only determination of your level of health.

The BMI Formula

To calculate your BMI, simply complete the following steps. All you need is yourself, your accurate height, a scale and a calculator.

First, weigh yourself. If you normally weigh yourself once during the day at a specific time you are going to do things a little bit differently this time. You need to weigh yourself in the morning before you eat or drink (because food and liquids can affect your body weight.) Weigh yourself three times and then take an average of those weights to get an accurate figure.

Next, you need to convert your height into inches and then square that figure. For example, if you are 5′5 your height in inches would be 65 inches. Square that number (65X65) and then divide your weight in pounds by that figure. If you are 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weigh 165 pounds, your ending number would be .03905.

The next step is to take that number and multiply it by 703 (see why you need a calculator!) This step will convert the pounds and inches into the metric system. In our example, .03905 multiplied by 703 is 27.45. This figure is your BMI and it falls within one of four categories: underweight, normal range, overweight or obese. Underweight is 18.5 and below, 18.5 to 24.9 is normal, 25.0 and 29.9 is overweight and 30 and over is obese.

BMI for Children and Teens

All adults over 20 years of age can use the BMI ranges above. BMI for children and teens is calculated the same way that it is for adults, but the values are not classified the same way. Instead of charts with clearly defined values for overweight and underweight, children are compared with other children of the same age and sex.

If the BMI-for-age is less than the 5th percentile the child is underweight; If the BMI-for-age is between the 85th and 95th percentile, the child is at risk for becoming overweight; If the BMI-for-age is in the 95th percentile, the child is classified as overweight.

Here’s a BMI calculator for children and teens that will determine both the BMI and the the child’s BMI percentile: (http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/usefultools/l/blbmicalc.htm).

Keep in mind that a BMI is only a screening tool that is used by doctors and healthcare professionals to categorize your weight. There may be other factors that contribute to your high or low number that have nothing to do with your weight, such as a long-term illness that produces an underweight BMI or lots of muscle mass that produces a high BMI.

Once you determine your BMI, you should check with your doctor if you are outside of the normal range. Your doctor can provide you with solutions to help you either gain or lose weight when needed. You should not undergo any weight loss or weight gain program without first consulting your doctor, who can offer additional testing and nutritional counseling to help you meet your goals.

By: Jamie Jefferson

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Price : $49.99

Features

• Calculates weight, body fat percentage, body water and placement in healthy range
• Stores readings for up to two users, plus guest and weight-only options
• 2-1/4-inch dual-line screen with recall capability
• 0.5% body fat readings; 0.2-pound weight readings; 300-pound capacity
• Not appropriate for athletic, pregnant, or pacemaker-wearing individuals

Product Description

The Tanita BF-679W two-person Duo Scale plus Body Fat monitors store two sets of pre-programmed personal data for fast, simple operation. Our Duo models are designed specifically for two people who want to stay in control of weight and body fat management and understand how body water affects this. Our new sleek, metallic models are perfect for contemporary bathrooms. Batteries are included for all Duo models. Proper hydration is essential for life. Maintaining a healthy body water % improves overall health and keeps you feeling energized and operating at peak performance. Tanita’s new Scale plus Body Fat monitors with Body Water % calculate body water levels using bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA), the same highly accurate method used in all our body fat monitoring products. BIA monitors body water % by sending a safe, low-level electrical signal through the body. Our body water scales are the first of their kind available for in-home use. Capacity: 300lb (136kg) Weight Increments: 0.2lb (0.1kg) Body Fat Increments: 0.5% Modes: Adult / Child Memory: 2 people Adult (age 18 and over)&Child (age 7 - 17) settings Multiple Program Memory Displays current weight and previous weight readings Displays current and previous body fat % readings

Customer Reviews

Review date : 2009-01-22
This scale seems to be able to produce consistent readings each time I get on it; I had poor results with the Omron-400 which I returned, but this seems to keep saying the same things. I have not compared the results to other body fat devices like a caliper etc, but at least it seems to be consistent with itself; Something that other monitors seem to have trouble with; So I should know how I am doing in comparison to my own results, which is all that I need.

It is also simple to use and quick.

Review date : 2008-10-03
Ever notice that when you go to the Dr. you weigh way more than your scale at home says you do? This scale was the same as my weight taken at my doctors office, to the ounce. So if you want a scale that is VERY accurate this is the one. If you prefer one that is kinder to you get one at a department store.

Review date : 2008-09-24
I got this scale because I figured Tanita had a pretty good reputation for quality - not this one. This scale feels so cheap (lightweight) and you get anywhere from 1-3 different readings each time you step on it - which is my #1 issue with it. It also has a button on the side where you can just weigh yourself like a regular scale (vs programming your information in) and you have to push it so far in that you can do it with your toe alone, you have to lean down and push. Then when you get off, and want to weigh again (which I do because it’s always different!), the counter quickly goes to zero and you have to hop back on within 3 seconds, or it shuts off. I would never buy this scale again or recommend to anyone - very expensive for no more quality than a cheap $5 scale at Walmart.

Review date : 2008-09-18
i tried it on the kitchen floor and in the bathroom several times and it gave me the exact same reading each time. Very consistent. I only use it to weigh myself and don’t use any of the other water/whatever buttons it has so this review is only to let you know that it is a very consistent and accurate product when it comes to measuring weight, can’t vouch for anything else.

Review date : 2008-09-05
I gave this 5 stars for being an accurate scale. The other functions, as other reviewers mentioned, should be ignored.

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Your BMI is very simple to calculate but should be used as a guideline for healthy weight only. Because muscle weighs more than fat, weight and your BMI are not the only determination of your level of health.

The BMI Formula

To calculate your BMI, simply complete the following steps. All you need is yourself, your accurate height, a scale and a calculator.

First, weigh yourself. If you normally weigh yourself once during the day at a specific time you are going to do things a little bit differently this time. You need to weigh yourself in the morning before you eat or drink (because food and liquids can affect your body weight.) Weigh yourself three times and then take an average of those weights to get an accurate figure.

Next, you need to convert your height into inches and then square that figure. For example, if you are 5′5 your height in inches would be 65 inches. Square that number (65X65) and then divide your weight in pounds by that figure. If you are 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weigh 165 pounds, your ending number would be .03905.

The next step is to take that number and multiply it by 703 (see why you need a calculator!) This step will convert the pounds and inches into the metric system. In our example, .03905 multiplied by 703 is 27.45. This figure is your BMI and it falls within one of four categories: underweight, normal range, overweight or obese. Underweight is 18.5 and below, 18.5 to 24.9 is normal, 25.0 and 29.9 is overweight and 30 and over is obese.

BMI for Children and Teens

All adults over 20 years of age can use the BMI ranges above. BMI for children and teens is calculated the same way that it is for adults, but the values are not classified the same way. Instead of charts with clearly defined values for overweight and underweight, children are compared with other children of the same age and sex.

If the BMI-for-age is less than the 5th percentile the child is underweight; If the BMI-for-age is between the 85th and 95th percentile, the child is at risk for becoming overweight; If the BMI-for-age is in the 95th percentile, the child is classified as overweight.

Here’s a BMI calculator for children and teens that will determine both the BMI and the the child’s BMI percentile: (http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/usefultools/l/blbmicalc.htm).

Keep in mind that a BMI is only a screening tool that is used by doctors and healthcare professionals to categorize your weight. There may be other factors that contribute to your high or low number that have nothing to do with your weight, such as a long-term illness that produces an underweight BMI or lots of muscle mass that produces a high BMI.

Once you determine your BMI, you should check with your doctor if you are outside of the normal range. Your doctor can provide you with solutions to help you either gain or lose weight when needed. You should not undergo any weight loss or weight gain program without first consulting your doctor, who can offer additional testing and nutritional counseling to help you meet your goals.

By: Jamie Jefferson

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Price : $49.99

Features

• Calculates weight, body fat percentage, body water and placement in healthy range
• Stores readings for up to two users, plus guest and weight-only options
• 2-1/4-inch dual-line screen with recall capability
• 0.5% body fat readings; 0.2-pound weight readings; 300-pound capacity
• Not appropriate for athletic, pregnant, or pacemaker-wearing individuals

Product Description

The Tanita BF-679W two-person Duo Scale plus Body Fat monitors store two sets of pre-programmed personal data for fast, simple operation. Our Duo models are designed specifically for two people who want to stay in control of weight and body fat management and understand how body water affects this. Our new sleek, metallic models are perfect for contemporary bathrooms. Batteries are included for all Duo models. Proper hydration is essential for life. Maintaining a healthy body water % improves overall health and keeps you feeling energized and operating at peak performance. Tanita’s new Scale plus Body Fat monitors with Body Water % calculate body water levels using bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA), the same highly accurate method used in all our body fat monitoring products. BIA monitors body water % by sending a safe, low-level electrical signal through the body. Our body water scales are the first of their kind available for in-home use. Capacity: 300lb (136kg) Weight Increments: 0.2lb (0.1kg) Body Fat Increments: 0.5% Modes: Adult / Child Memory: 2 people Adult (age 18 and over)&Child (age 7 - 17) settings Multiple Program Memory Displays current weight and previous weight readings Displays current and previous body fat % readings

Customer Reviews

Review date : 2009-01-22
This scale seems to be able to produce consistent readings each time I get on it; I had poor results with the Omron-400 which I returned, but this seems to keep saying the same things. I have not compared the results to other body fat devices like a caliper etc, but at least it seems to be consistent with itself; Something that other monitors seem to have trouble with; So I should know how I am doing in comparison to my own results, which is all that I need.

It is also simple to use and quick.

Review date : 2008-10-03
Ever notice that when you go to the Dr. you weigh way more than your scale at home says you do? This scale was the same as my weight taken at my doctors office, to the ounce. So if you want a scale that is VERY accurate this is the one. If you prefer one that is kinder to you get one at a department store.

Review date : 2008-09-24
I got this scale because I figured Tanita had a pretty good reputation for quality - not this one. This scale feels so cheap (lightweight) and you get anywhere from 1-3 different readings each time you step on it - which is my #1 issue with it. It also has a button on the side where you can just weigh yourself like a regular scale (vs programming your information in) and you have to push it so far in that you can do it with your toe alone, you have to lean down and push. Then when you get off, and want to weigh again (which I do because it’s always different!), the counter quickly goes to zero and you have to hop back on within 3 seconds, or it shuts off. I would never buy this scale again or recommend to anyone - very expensive for no more quality than a cheap $5 scale at Walmart.

Review date : 2008-09-18
i tried it on the kitchen floor and in the bathroom several times and it gave me the exact same reading each time. Very consistent. I only use it to weigh myself and don’t use any of the other water/whatever buttons it has so this review is only to let you know that it is a very consistent and accurate product when it comes to measuring weight, can’t vouch for anything else.

Review date : 2008-09-05
I gave this 5 stars for being an accurate scale. The other functions, as other reviewers mentioned, should be ignored.

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There is one very good way to determine where you sit and where you should be sitting in terms of dieting. Even though there are a variety of numbers you are to keep track of, there is only one set that doctors seem most concerned with, and that is your body mass index (BMI). BMI, is a fairly new concept in America. The reality is it has been around for quite a while. The idea was created by Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetlet. He was a Belgian mathematician and was extremely famous both then and now, because of the numbers systems he implemented in improving lives. This system has become the best measurement of determining if a patient is overweight or obese.

Many people still do not quite understand what body mass index is and often become confused by it. To them, they see it as another system of numbers that have to document and remember. The body mass index contains the ratio of a persons height and weight. Implementing the formula allows physicians to determine if he or she is overweight or obese.

While the word formula may scare you at first, determining your body mass index, is really not all that hard. First, you must determine your height in meters squared and your weight in kilograms. There are many websites available just for that reason, if you do not know how to determine those figures. After finding your metric height and weight, you divide your weight with your height. If you simply do not want to conduct this calculation, your physician should be able to provide you with a body mass index chart.

The average healthy person should have a body mass index of somewhere between 18.5 through 25, depending on their height. Those that fall between 26 and 29 are considered overweight. A body mass index between 30 and 39 is considered to be obese and 40 or more is morbidly obese. As the BMI increases, so do the risk of serious health problems.

By: Gregg Hall

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Price : $27.99

Features

• Start to lower your cholesterol in as little as 2 weeks with Benecol Smart Chews
• Contains plant stanol esters, which are proven to reduce your LDL, or "bad" cholesterol
• May be used by those taking statin medications for additional cholesterol lowering
• Enjoy 2-4 delicious caramel chews twice a day with meals
• More than 25 clinical studies validate the safety of plant stanol esters

Product Description

Smart Chews, Caramel Canister

Customer Reviews

Review date : 2009-02-23
We are still on the first 3 months of a trial to see if Benecol will reduce my husband’s cholesterol. This product was recommended by his doctor after taking prescription medications which produced awful side effects. We are hoping the answer is Benecol.

Review date : 2009-02-16
they gave me a very bloated feeling in my stomach and a strange taste on my tongue.

Review date : 2009-02-16
Doctor recommended it, and evidence shows this has reduced by husband’s cholesterol with no side effects like the statin drugs that were turning his muscles to mush.

Review date : 2009-02-05
By using Benecol Chews I have lowered my cholesterol by 20 points. My husband lowered his by 40 points. The chews are like carmel candies and easy to take twice a day after each meal. Janet Woods

Review date : 2009-02-03
This is a wonderful and tasty way to fight high cholesterol. I am not too fond of the Benecol butter, so this makes it easy to get the cholesterol fighter into my body. Great product!

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Your BMI is very simple to calculate but should be used as a guideline for healthy weight only. Because muscle weighs more than fat, weight and your BMI are not the only determination of your level of health.

The BMI Formula

To calculate your BMI, simply complete the following steps. All you need is yourself, your accurate height, a scale and a calculator.

First, weigh yourself. If you normally weigh yourself once during the day at a specific time you are going to do things a little bit differently this time. You need to weigh yourself in the morning before you eat or drink (because food and liquids can affect your body weight.) Weigh yourself three times and then take an average of those weights to get an accurate figure.

Next, you need to convert your height into inches and then square that figure. For example, if you are 5′5 your height in inches would be 65 inches. Square that number (65X65) and then divide your weight in pounds by that figure. If you are 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weigh 165 pounds, your ending number would be .03905.

The next step is to take that number and multiply it by 703 (see why you need a calculator!) This step will convert the pounds and inches into the metric system. In our example, .03905 multiplied by 703 is 27.45. This figure is your BMI and it falls within one of four categories: underweight, normal range, overweight or obese. Underweight is 18.5 and below, 18.5 to 24.9 is normal, 25.0 and 29.9 is overweight and 30 and over is obese.

BMI for Children and Teens

All adults over 20 years of age can use the BMI ranges above. BMI for children and teens is calculated the same way that it is for adults, but the values are not classified the same way. Instead of charts with clearly defined values for overweight and underweight, children are compared with other children of the same age and sex.

If the BMI-for-age is less than the 5th percentile the child is underweight; If the BMI-for-age is between the 85th and 95th percentile, the child is at risk for becoming overweight; If the BMI-for-age is in the 95th percentile, the child is classified as overweight.

Here’s a BMI calculator for children and teens that will determine both the BMI and the the child’s BMI percentile: (http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/usefultools/l/blbmicalc.htm).

Keep in mind that a BMI is only a screening tool that is used by doctors and healthcare professionals to categorize your weight. There may be other factors that contribute to your high or low number that have nothing to do with your weight, such as a long-term illness that produces an underweight BMI or lots of muscle mass that produces a high BMI.

Once you determine your BMI, you should check with your doctor if you are outside of the normal range. Your doctor can provide you with solutions to help you either gain or lose weight when needed. You should not undergo any weight loss or weight gain program without first consulting your doctor, who can offer additional testing and nutritional counseling to help you meet your goals.

By: Jamie Jefferson

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Price : $26.84

Features

• Strapless heart rate monitor wristwatch for safe and effective training
• Patented S-Pulse technology reads heart rate without requiring chest belt
• Extra-large LCD display for easy viewing; 12- and 24-hour settings
• Stopwatch, daily alarm, countdown timer, and calendar displays
• Includes Dummies formula instruction guide; 1-year warranty

Product Description

ECG Accurate Heart Rate / No Chest Transmitter Required / Time of Day - Calender - Daily Alarm / Large LCD / Countdown Timer / Night Vision

Customer Reviews

Review date : 2008-11-17
I just recently began fitness walking and needed a heart monitor. I did not want to pay big bucks for an expensive gadget, so I started checking around. I came across this model, and did a little research. A simple review of the product will tell one that this monitor does NOT give the wearer a continuous measure of their heart rate. In most cases, one would need to buy a heart monitor that comes with a strap that goes around the chest. Also, in comparison to other heart monitors out there, this one is on the lower end of the price scale - don’t expect highest quality for a bargain basement price.

That said, I’ve been using this for roughly 2 months and I’ve been very happy with it. It has worked as both a watch and as a heart monitor. Is the heart monitor 100% accurate? I do not know, but it gives me an idea of where my heart rate, and that is what is important to me. I like the lighted dial, especially as I walk early in the mornings when it is dark and this helps me to read the face. I haven’t had a chance to use the other features yet. In order to get a read for the heart monitor, the wearer must place the pads of two fingers on the metal strips on either side of the face of the watch and wait a few seconds. This would be impossible to do if riding a bike (I imagine), and perhaps even a bit tedious if running. However, if walking or using a treadmill, it is fine.

This isn’t the highest quality of gagdets, but it does the job for the price.

Review date : 2008-10-29
This is the third watch of this type I have owned. This one seems as good or better than the others which where much more expensive.

Review date : 2008-09-30
Item arrived quickly! Just what my son wanted. He wears it all the time to keep track of his heart rate. In excellent condiiton! Thank you! A

Review date : 2008-08-27
I did not like the fact that you cant see you’re heart rate unless you put your fingers on the sensor. This is really uncomfortable when youre running not to mention while riding on a bicycle.

Review date : 2008-08-11
First off operating instructions are written by dumbies, not for dummies. Explain what to do but don’t define or show picture of button use. Works sometimes, but seldom. Inaccurate!! When it works , in a relaxed mode I can get a reading of 8o something to 100 something. I have a pacemaker set at 71. During excercise I have gone no higher than 82. Junk–waste of money.

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Another example: a man standing 5 ft 8 in (1.72 m) tall, with a large body frame is healthy if he is weighing between 144 lbs to 163 lbs (65.32 kg to 73.94 kg). Otherwise, if their weight is lower than the desired body weight for their height, they are considered underweight. And if, in turn, their weight is higher than the desired body weight for their height, they are said to be overweight.

Body Mass Index is an indicator of surplus body fat and has since replaced the height-weight charts as mentioned in the above examples. It is a mathematical ratio of height to weight that is used to determine body composition (or body fat percentage) to assess a person’s level of health risk. Calculating BMI is as follows:

BMI = Weight (in kg) divided by Height (in m)2orBMI = Weight (in lbs) x 700 divided by Height (in inches)2
For example, the calculation for someone weighing 80 kg (176 lbs) and 1.60 m (63 in) tall is:
BMI = 80 divided by 160 squared = 31.2 or
BMI = 176 x 700 divided by 63 squared = 31.1

People with a BMI of 25.1 to 29.9 are considered overweight, and people with a BMI of 30 or above are considered obese. Thus, from the example above, a person weighing 80 kg and is 1.60 m tall is obese. A high BMI assumes a higher percentage of body fat, which places a person at greater risk for developing chronic diseases and other serious illnesses.

BMIWeight Category
19 and underUnderweight
20-25Normal (Healthy)
26-29Overweight
30 and aboveObese
Body weight categories according to BMI

However, for some people, the BMI is not a reliable indication of health. A highly muscled individual who is very fit and healthy may have a somewhat heavy body weight because muscles pack on a lot of pounds. This person may have a high BMI that improperly puts him or her in the overweight or obese categories. Likewise, thin individuals who have a low body weight with very little muscle and a higher percentage of fat may have a normal BMI, which would be an incorrect indication of healthiness.

If you are overweight or obese according to the calculations shown here it is imperative that you undertake a weight loss and fitness program and start bringing that weight down. Remember that for every 10 pounds that you are over your ideal weight, the risks to your health increase and for every 10 pounds that you lose bringing you closer to your ideal weight, the risks to your health decrease.

By: Jim O’Neill

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