Ann Arbor Be Healthy

Fitness trend: The kettleball craze

2009-01-14T14:25:45Z

Lon HorwedelJoust Strength + Fitness co-owner Jennifer Cornell, left, does a set of 10 pushups on a kettleball with one of her workout partners, Feng Chew.Jennifer Cornell stood at the front of her small fitness studio, demonstrating different exercises with...

Low-calorie meals can satisfy both sides of the household dieting divide

2009-01-14T14:20:32Z

A friend remembers his weight-conscious mother making "diet" pizzas, a 1970s-something Weight Watchers' recipe that included a piece of toast, a slice of American cheese and ketchup - mushrooms and green peppers optional. His youthful response: "Gross!" The conundrum remains:...

Weight-loss surgery gives local woman a new outlook on life

2009-01-14T14:12:58Z

Sharon Connolly was sick of the weight roller coaster she'd been on for years. The Pinckney resident had been overweight for most of her life and had tried every weight loss plan that came along....

Mix it up to slim down when you're working off the pounds

2009-01-14T14:07:25Z

It had been a few years since Winnie Wood had run her last 5K race when the Ann Arbor resident decided to try running another one back in October. It was tougher than she remembered. "I was totally out of...

Try these low-fat recipes

2009-01-14T13:47:10Z

Here are four low-fat recipes to try. Romaine Salad With Strawberries Ingredients: 3 kiwi fruit (1/2 pound), peeled, cut into small pieces 8 cups loosely packed sliced romaine leaves 2 cups quartered strawberries (fresh) 1/4 cup raspberry or strawberry white...

How do you make healthy meals? A six-week class may be the answer

2009-01-14T13:39:55Z

On a snowy night in December, five adults and two spouses deserted the hustle, bustle of the approaching holidays in order to revolutionize their lifestyle. They gathered in the Culinary Studio of the Ellen Thompson Women's Health Center at St....

Five strategies for taking weight off in the new year

2009-01-14T13:36:53Z

If your New Year's resolution is to lose weight, you need a plan that will work, strategies you can stick with when the going gets tough. Nutrition and fitness educator Jan Kemp of Dexter and Jennie Hahn, a nutritionist with...

Going for the goal: Dexter woman closes in on her weight-loss target

2009-01-13T21:21:43Z

Alan WarrenJulie Manzagol puts fresh vegetables in chicken stir-fry. Diet and exercise changes have helped her lose 85 pounds. Julie Manzagol knows a thing or two about weight-loss goals and how to meet them. In 15 months, she lost 85...

Be informed: Is wine good for your health?

2009-01-13T21:19:15Z

Q: I've heard lots about wine being good for your heart, but I also read that alcohol, even in moderate amounts, can increase cancer risk and even shrink your brain. I'm confused about whether to drink wine or not." A:...

Be informed: Facts about ibuprofen use

2009-01-13T21:16:44Z

Q: "I've heard that using ibuprofen can increase the risk of stroke. Does this mean that taking ibuprofen for occasional headaches and other pain increases my stroke risk?" A: Patients bring me questions like this, about potential medication side effects,...

Success story: A family gets in shape together

2008-12-15T14:25:28Z

Leisa ThompsonGarrett Birk, 13, plays Wii Sports Fitness Challenge as his parents, Nancy and Roy, wait for their turn at the game at their home in Ann Arbor. The Birk family has lost weight by exercising and changing their eating...

MRIs without claustrophobia

2008-12-15T14:20:20Z

Technicians Tim Seefeld, left, Stacey Fonde and Beckie Schoenberg prepare a patient for a diagnostic test on St. Joseph Mercy Health System's open MRI machine.New St. Joseph Mercy Hospital device an option for anxious or large patients When Ypsilanti resident...

Beat the clock with these tips from area families on how to get your kids out the door on time

2008-12-15T14:11:29Z

Eliyahu GurfinkelAndy Thomas, right, and his son, Jonathan, 10, have enough time in the morning to throw a football before heading to school and work.The alarm goes off, starting a whirlwind of activity. There's breakfast to make, children to rouse...

Fun without frostbite

2008-12-15T14:01:16Z

Eliyahu GurfinkelKindergartners Noah Webb, left, and Evan Guzek are well dressed for the chilly weather at a playground at Rudolf Steiner School in Ann Arbor. Layers, moisture-wicking fabrics will keep little ones warm Childhood memories of drinking marshmallowy hot chocolate...

Gifts in good taste

2008-12-15T13:56:15Z

Food treasures that won't wreck a diet In this season of food, temptation takes many delicious forms. Cookies, candy, latkes, eggnog, etc. present themselves at every turn. It takes backbone to keep the calorie intake under control and a well-meaning,...

Be informed: Too much vitamin D?

2008-12-14T23:10:00Z

Q: I've heard vitamin D is good for more than just bones. I take a calcium supplement with vitamin D and drink vitamin D fortified milk and orange juice. Is it possible to get too much vitamin D? A: Vitamin...

Be informed: A child with a mild cold

2008-12-14T23:07:00Z

Q: Is it all right to send my child to school with a mild cold if he or she is not running a fever? How do I tell if she's too sick to go to school? A: Mild illness is...

Mind over matter: Your mental state plays an important role in your physical health

2008-12-14T13:00:05Z

Alan WarrenDr. Steven Thiry, left, talks with Tom Belanger of Saline during a checkup at his office at Ann Arbor Family Practice. Thiry says psychological stress can lead to physical ailments. A weekend family wedding has you heading for bed...

Dig out of the snow safely

2008-12-14T13:00:00Z

Don't overburden your heart or your back The snow that falls in southeast Michigan may turn your yard into a winter wonderland, but moving it can turn into a nightmare if you hurt your back or suffer a heart attack...

Mystified by makeup? Health claims can be hard to sort out

2008-11-13T20:40:21Z

Just about every week, Brighton dermatologist Howard Lipkin hears from companies looking to sell the latest and greatest in "healthy" cosmetics. "The first thing I always say is, 'Show me the studies,'" he said. He's one of the many local...