Saturday was a cloudy, foggy, rainy day. To shake some of the gloom, I put on an aerobics DVD for a change of pace and exercised to Tamilee Webb's Tighter Assets video. As I worked on tightening my assets, I noticed a bird through the living room window. It was a big, fat Robin! My first Robin sighting of the year! He was perched like a king on the very top of a roof as if to say, "I'm here! Make way for spring!"

I obediently executed my side kicks and knee lifts on Tamilee's count, but I continued to look at Mr. Robin.  I was excited! I find it so rejuvenating to see signs of spring after a cold, dark winter - birds, buds, sunshine, and warmer breezes. It's as if the whole world is starting to wake up from a long sleep.

My motivation also got a boost. With this promise of spring, I feel the urge to get outside and take long walks, go for a jog, hike through the woods, ride a bike, plant flowers and vegetables, clean and organize the entire house!  (Now if I could only keep this motivation year-round!)

I got lost in my springtime activity ambitions as I marched in place and pumped my arms.  Mr. Robin had flown away by now, but I had caught spring fever.  I was motivated to do more, exercise more, and just move more.  It didn't take much, did it! 

It was all because I saw a Robin.

Originally posted 2008-03-17 09:00:26. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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15 Reasons not to own a scale:

1. It doesn't measure how much fat you have.
2. It doesn’t measure how much muscle you have.
3. It's too easy to stub your toe on a scale.
4. It unnecessarily takes up necessary space.
5. It doesn't do much for the room's decor.
6. It increases stress.
7. It can be your best friend and worst enemy within a matter of days.
8. It's unforgiving.
9. The numbers always zoom upwards instead of down.
10. It makes you talk out loud… to no one.
11. A scale tends to make you feel like produce or a piece of meat as soon as you step on it.
12. You have to lose your clothes (and your dignity) if you want an accurate result.
13. You have to starve, dehydrate, and clean out your intestines if you want the 'best' result.
14. For the cost of a good scale, you could go out for a very nice dinner.
15. If I want to see a 3-digit number, I’d rather look a 100 dollar bill in my hand!

Photo credit: bigevil600

Originally posted 2007-12-04 08:00:20. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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...So why are the plastic women so disproportionate?

And this is why I cringed when I heard my coworker, oblivious, ask his little girl over the phone, "Did you play with your Barbies today?"

Source: ANRED

Originally posted 2008-05-19 08:00:55. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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As we have been talking about lately, superfoods are an important part of your daily life if you want your health and well being to be maintained. The following is a list of superfoods that you should implement in your diet on a daily basis or weekly basis if you want to improve your health, clear up your skin, ward off disease and feel better and more energetic overall.

Each of the items in this list of superfoods is designed to benefit different aspects of your overall health, and so combining them in different and unique ways is the best way to ensure that you get the most out of what they have to offer.

Superfood - Broccoli

Do you remember how often mom and dad tried to get you to eat broccoli when you were younger? This was actually really good advice because the calcium intake that is associated with broccoli has been linked with weight loss. Not only is broccoli high in calcium, but it also happens to be packed full of vitamin C, which makes the calcium absorption even easier. This vitamin packed vegetable also contains folate, fiber and vitamin A which meet more of your nutrient needs, as well as powerful phytochemicals capable of helping to protect against diseases.

Superfood - Oranges

Oranges may not appear to be very exotic or exciting in nature, but they are an old standby that definitely lives up to their reputation as being a favorite fruit, and a healthy one at that. Unfortunately, despite the popularity of the fruit, many Americans are still quite deficient in vitamin C. Constant Vitamin C replenishment is vital because it is excreted so quickly from the body. Eating an orange is the best way to get the most out of this fruit because it contains 10 times more vitamin C then you will find in orange juice.

Superfood - Turkey Breast

Stick to a skinless turkey breast and what you have on your hands is a winning meal. Turkey is one of the best protein sources that you can eat because of how low-fat it is, and full of nutrients.

Superfood - Pumpkin

Pumpkin isn't only useful during the holidays, as it is low in calories and high in fiber. Pumpkin also happens to have high levels of carotenoids, which are responsible for behaving as antioxidants to allow you to beat the negative effects of aging.

Superfood - Oats

The FDA made it okay in 1997 for oatmeal, oat flour and oat bran products to carry a label signifying that they are associated with a reduced risk of contracting coronary heart disease. Among the other benefits that it offers, oats can keep your blood sugar levels low with healthy fiber that is good for your heart and that keeps you feeling much fuller for longer periods of time. If you want to avoid overeating, oats are a good way to do it.

Photo Credits: Balakov

Originally posted 2009-08-31 03:14:03. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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With the obesity epidemic quickly spiraling out of control and the schools taking away our fitness programs, the life spans of many Americans are being cut short. Even though weight loss is a billion dollar industry, few if any are actually able to lose the weight let alone keep it off. Technological efforts have been made to combat this phenomenon like fitness video games, abdominal liposuction, or over the counter diet pills, but it is still an uphill battle. However, there is a steadily growing group of people who are turning to martial arts to help with this issue. Slowly becoming recognized as the alternative to the monotony of gym fitness, martial arts schools and classes are on the rise. And Karate appears to be leading the pack.

Karate is one of the better known styles of martial arts. Though it looks easy on the outside, many components are happening on the inside that is contributing to increased health. The kicks, punches, and jibes are a cardio workout by themselves and if scheduled classes are attended as intended, stamina will increase. Conditioning of the body will also occur with a more toned and slim appearance emerging after continued practice.

The days of focusing on one exercise for a specific body part are over. And be prepared for better circulation, increased flexibility in joints and muscles, and lowered blood pressure if you are an older person. The daily hassle of aches and pains will gradually ease due to the stretching exercises and slow guided movements. Reduced medical costs will also be a great benefit since the overall health of the individual improves.

Karate can also help other parts of your life. If you are interested in doing other activities besides Karate then you can expect your agility to increase due to the rigorous drills carried out in class. Reflexes will improve, body awareness will develop, and coordination will increase. This will make you more self-confident in your ability to take care of yourself as well as others and the stresses of life will be better handled with an improved cardiovascular system.

Physical health isn’t the only thing that improves with Karate. Mental health will be increased too. Self-discipline, which is considered to be the central problem to weight loss, will be learned and used in everyday life. Cheap lipo won’t be a consideration if weight loss is expected to be gradual. It will also teach the necessity of setting goals and achieving them little by little. Any setbacks will be taken in stride because they have already experience d them. An improved memory and the ability to concentrate for longer periods of time will help with the ability to listen and follow directions as well as help in the development of socialization skills with both elders and peers. This is due to the act of bowing to each other and to the teacher during the class. This bowing develops humbleness with the knowledge that with such abilities comes the requirement of discipline.

The health benefits of Karate are being regarded as a suitable replacement to the standard sport or gym experience. Due to its ability to tone the body, build stamina, and create better coordination and balance, it will begin to affect all areas of life in a positive way. Improved health, vitality, and energy will create a feeling of well being and purpose that will require more positive channels of activity to be sought out.

Photo Credits: The Consortium

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One of the most common problems shared amongst the world's population is back pain. In fact, nearly 8 out of every 10 adults in the U.S. have stated that they have suffered from back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain has become such a chronic problem amongst Americans that many don't even seek out a cure for their pain. They just assume that back pain is a part of the average adult's life. However, this could never be more far from the truth.

The human body was meant for motion, and unfortunately most Americans don't get their daily exercise or work in sedentary professions. Day in and day out, many adults sit behind a desk for hours on end without proper breaks. Even worse, these sedentary days are also often spent sitting in an uncomfortable chair which many don't even realize may be the cause of their pain. A poorly designed office chair wasn't designed to handle the stresses that sitting all day can have on the body. They cause the body to awkwardly strain which can lead to poor posture and chronic neck and back pain. These seemingly harmless pains can progress into chronic head aches or neck and back strain which can become so severe that they may even cause you to miss work.

The best way to avoid becoming a victim to chronic neck and back pain while in the office is to purchase an ergonomic chair. Ergonomic chairs are designed to complement the body, and to support it accordingly so that you avoid strains and pains. Although most regular office chairs provide minimal lumbar support, very few offer mid and upper back support. The best chairs for back pain will offer lumbar, mid, and upper back support. Each of these areas of the back should be supported evenly regardless of your movement. Even when reclining, a good ergonomic chair should properly support your back

When you decide to purchase an ergonomic chair of your own, make sure to research the various chairs on the market. Different ergonomic chairs offer different support. Some are more specially designed to relieve upper back and shoulder pain while others may be more inclined to prevent lower back pain. Generally, the more you have to pay for an ergonomic chair, the better it will be for your back so don't be afraid to spend a few extra dollars. Buying one of the best chairs on the market will actually be one of the best healthcare purchases you will make as it will save you hundreds on chiropractic, doctor visits, and pain killers over the life of the chair.

Photo Credits: Kare_Products

Originally posted 2011-05-16 16:28:26. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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How many times in life have you promised yourself you were going to start jogging or running, but never started?  If you’re anything like me, the answer is, “a lot.”  But when the internal call to get off the couch and lace up those running shoes would come, something else would inevitably, and conveniently, pop-up and prevent it from happening.

Finally though, an impending sense of lifelong laziness and overall unhappiness with an unhealthy, unmotivated person got me off the couch.  I’ve since slipped into a continuous and pleasurable daily jogging routine that I can’t imagine living without.  Here are some tips for those of you out there looking to start an exercise routine of your own that should prevent injury:

- Routine

Consistency: Perhaps the best way to make a habit of jogging/running is to set aside a daily time, whether it be in the morning, midday, afternoon, or evening; by staying consistent and following a strict schedule, you increase your chances of continued and regular exercise greatly.  For me, coming up with a standard jogging routine, consisting of an early morning jog every day at the same time, was key in starting and staying focused and consistent.

-

Shoes/Accessories: While minimalist running/jogging shoes are all the buzz lately, it’s important that you research and find a shoe that works best for your body.  Similarly, if you’ve got knee pain or problems, finding a good knee brace or similar support system can be huge in staying pain and injury-free.

Practicing the proper running stride and technique is also hugely important, and should be another research point or something you ask an expert about.

- Hydration:

Properly hydrating hours before a run is hugely important to being comfortable during that run.  Running dehydrated is not only dangerous, it can make your stomach ache, cause cramps, and generally turn you off to running before you’ve given it a proper chance.  Similarly important is rehydrating after a run to replace all the precious fluids you’ve lost through sweat.

- Stretching: Many people make the common mistake of stretching before they’ve warmed up.  Make sure that you warm up for about five minutes by either lightly jogging, running in place, doing jumping jacks, or something similar to loosen your muscles before stretching them out.  Avoid over stretching, but make sure you do some solid, relevant stretches before you run to decrease the risk of injury.  Stretching after you run or jog is also very important.

- Build-Up

Gradually:  Many people also make the mistake of starting off too hot out of the gates.  If you haven’t run in weeks, months, or even years, it’s very important that you start very slow, with short runs, and gradually build up over time.  Starting too aggressive is a sure recipe for injury or extreme muscle discomfort.

I think we can all agree that we wish there was more time in each day for the things we know we should be doing: exercise being one of the big ones.  By taking the time to make just a little bit of time each day, and getting into a solid routine with good, safe habits, we can make these wishes a reality.  Living a healthier life doesn’t have to be all-consuming; often times, it just takes a little bit of extra effort, and a solid, set routine to get us there.

Photo Credits: Ed Yourdon

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Nearly 35% of Americans say they haven't visited the dentist in a year. To those with adequate dental coverage this number might seem shocking, but it's a powerful indicator of the growing dichotomy between the haves and have nots…having teeth that is. In the poorest states in the union the percentage can be almost 50% - in Mississippi for example 47% of those asked said they haven't seen a dentist in years. Meanwhile Massachusetts, the third wealthiest state in the U.S., enjoys being the state with the best dental hygiene. Whatever your political ideology you can't ignore the correlation between poverty and poor dental care.

Dentists don't want it to be this way. Like any other person that earns money through a service, however specialized, dentists and other dental professionals are always welcome to broadening their clientele. The estimated quarter of Americans with untreated cavities and other mounting maladies of the mouth could be a big boom for those whose business is caring for teeth. The problem is these individuals simply don't have the monetary means to do so.

This problem is amplified by the fact that overseas in the UK, where citizens are offered the option for dental coverage through the single-payer National Health Service; public officials are noting similar dental neglect among their poorer inhabitants. Remember all those jokes about the British and their teeth? Statistically speaking we aren't much better, and considering they've got access to cheaper options our poor mostly don't, our problem could get much worse.

The healthcare reform law passed last year won't make much of a difference either. The sweeping mandates barely touch teeth. If anything is going to curb the looming oral hygiene crisis in this country (if you don't already accept that we're in one) it's going to be another sweeping change in healthcare law, only as it applies to the science of caring for the mouth.

It aggravates a lot of people that healthcare and dental care are a divided aspect of life. But the intricate study of oral care and the delicate dental skills one must acquire to work on the mouth are hard earned talents. Not that standard healthcare talent isn't as hard earned, but to make it as simple as possible: they're just priced differently. Maybe we need to figure out a new way of looking at healthcare economy.

Photo Credits: Jinx!

Originally posted 2011-05-07 20:56:14. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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As our bodies age, there are a number of health concerns that people need to stay aware to avoid lengthy treatment and health complications. Over ten million people suffer from osteoporosis, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), and most of these sufferers are women. Women are twice as likely to have issues with bone density and osteoporosis than men. However, there are steps women can take to stay healthy, avoid developing the life-altering disease, and understand their health information.

Osteoporosis is a disease that literally means porous bones, and it affects bone density. The disease develops when bones lose critical nutrients, such as calcium and phosphorous. While the disease affects all the bones in the body, the bones most likely to break are hips, wrist, and spine.

Many people already suffer from the disease, but have no idea. Some of the warning signs that you may have osteoporosis include:

• Fractures to the vertebrae, wrists, hips or other bones
• Loss of height in conjunction with a stooped posture or other spinal deformity
• Severe back pain from a collapsed vertebrae

Changes in hormones have a major influence on the possibility of osteoporosis, but there are other possible factors, such as bed confinement, thyroid issues, bone cancer, inadequate calcium or vitamin D intake, age, sex, and body size. There are medical treatments for osteoporosis, but it's better to start early with preventative measures.

Here are some of the preventive measures that can help lower chance of osteoporosis.

Calcium/Vitamin D Intake

Changes the amount of nutrition in your diet to increase amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Taking a multivitamin also helps with the intake necessary to avoid this disease.

Weight-Bearing Exercise

This type of exercise, specifically jogging and walking, stimulates new bone growth and increases muscle mass, which protects bones against deterioration.

Other options are the following:

• Add soy to your diet
• Avoid caffeine
• Limit alcohol and smoking
• Hormone Therapy, for post-menopausal women

While these preventative measures are no guarantee that you won't contract osteoporosis after you start to lose bone mass, around 30, they will help to lower your chances. Proper nutrition and exercise are key to avoid the pains of this disease

Photo Credits: fromcolettewithlove

Originally posted 2011-05-06 20:46:27. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Just over 59 million Americans currently live without insurance according to an article that appeared late last year in the Huffington Post. This doesn’t even account for the millions of Hispanic migrants who suffer from poor health, or “salud”, and like many Americans can’t afford to get sick. The number of the uninsured has only seen a steady increase over the years. This issue is what prompted President Obama to try and get a health care reform bill passed. It did pass but many government officials are currently looking for ways to overturn the measure, which has lead many to question what the point of it was. Having quality health care is one of the most important things a person can have, which is exactly why there’s so much debate in Washington over the issue. So many either don’t have insurance or don’t understand the insurance plan they currently have.

Knowing the ins and outs of your insurance plan is essential for future situations where you will need to use it. If you need insurance then you can contact an insurance broker and ask questions about what kinds of plans are available and which one would work best for you. A broker can also help you negotiate a good deal with an insurance provider and ensure that getting swindled. You can also go online and shop around for different plans that vary in coverage.

It’s probably a good idea to pick from a few different online health insurance quotes and contact each one, either through their web site or personally by phone. By doing this you’ll have a chance to have a more comprehensive discussion on your benefits and areas of coverage. When you start shopping you’ll find that there are two major types of insurance providers:

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) –

This is usually one of the cheapest options. It’s a plan that provides coverage to patients through a network of doctors. Think of an HMO like a club of doctors and you can pick from anyone in that club to see to your various medical needs. A policyholder usually picks a primary care physician and then chooses from a specialist by referral or based upon need. HMO’s are more widely used but they can be very restrictive on who is covered. If you end up going to a doctor who isn’t apart of your HMO, you’ll end up covering all your costs out of pocket.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) –

A PPO is a network of physicians and specialists who personally work out and negotiate deals with health insurance providers. They establish a rate with your insurer and are preferred but they’re also more expensive. You get better care through a PPO and more flexibility but it also comes with higher co-payments. They do work, basically like a HMO, but the main difference between the two is you don’t need a primary care physician (PCP) for referrals.

It’s always important to know what you’re getting with insurance providers and the patient usually ends up looking out for themselves. This is because the doctors, providers, and company’s are already busy doing the same. Dealing with insurance companies is a necessary evil in order to ensure your health and well-being. So whether the government keeps, gets rid of, or improves upon the current healthcare plan, you’ll likely want to shop around for personal coverage while using some of these helpful tips.

Photo Credits: @alviseni

Originally posted 2011-05-03 22:45:16. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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