Thursday, April 30, 2009

How's Your Posture? How's Your Child's?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Poor posture puts strain and wear on
your muscles and bones. Poor posture
may result in body parts wearing out
quicker, moving fluid through the body
becomes difficult and you are more prone to injury.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

No Time to Exercise? Are You Sure?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

One of the best ways to ensure you have time for exercise is to set an appointment in your
calendar for the days and times to exercise.
Make it a non-negotiable appointment.

No T

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

One of the best ways to ensure you have time for exercise is to set an appointment in your
calendar for the days and times to exercise.
Make it a non-negotiable appointment.

Are You Aging? Or Just Getting Less Active?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Much of what we call aging is nothing more than the accumulation of a lifetime of inactivity.
Muscles shrink. Body fat increases. The results are an increased risk of diabetes, hypertension and osteoarthritis. By preserving muscle mass we can prevent these problems from occurring.
Dr. William Evans Tufts University

Monday, April 27, 2009

How to Maintain Flexibility?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

To maintain flexibility, incorporate simple stretches into your daily routine. Stretches should be performed carefully and slowly to avoid pulling muscles or damaging connective tissues in joints.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Help or Hurt?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

To improve the nutritional quality of
your diet, and that of your child's, become
more aware of what you eat. Ask yourself before you eat
anything: "Will this support my health
and well-being or undermine my health?"

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Take Small Steps to Better Health!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Do you eat a healthy balanced diet?
If not, start to slowly eliminate
unhealthy foods, such as refined
processed foods that are high in
fat and sugar and replace them
with healthy foods such as raw
fruits and vegetables, whole
grains and lean protein sources.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

No Time for an Hour of Exercise?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

A Northern Arizona University study found that mood improves and fatigue reduces after only 10 minutes of exercise. If you don't have time for a 20-30 minute workout, start your day and end your day with a 10 or 15 minute workout.

Even a Small Step in the Right Direction is Good!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

According to a study in the American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a slight fitness level is better than no fitness level. The more physically fit you are the lower your risk of dying from a heart attack.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Want to Quit Smoking?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

If you are interested in quitting smoking, you will find it helpful to avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea, alcohol and chocolate.
These stimulants will increase your cravings for cigarettes. Instead drink plenty of water, fresh squeezed juices and caffeine free herbal tea.

Remember that second hand smoke is detrimental to your family's health so quitting is a wonderful contribution!

Are You Getting Enough Sleep? Is Your Child?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Harvard researchers have found that low light levels stimulate the pineal gland to secrete melatonin. Keeping the lights low for a few hours before bedtime can help you fall asleep easily.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Rest Your Eyes!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

If you spend a lot of time working on
the computer, rest your eyes approximately every 20 minutes. Just look away from your computer screen for a minute or two.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

How To Get Kids To Eat Healthier?

What I found, during the years that I was the owner of a small private school, was that kids would eat what they grew.....even vegetables! You can easily grow a small garden plot which has some interesting veggies in it (well, maybe it's not so easy but it's certainly worth it to hook them on healthy eating!).

Here's an article about locally grown foods and it has some suggestions about growing foods in your own garden:

http://www.thenewstribune.com/soundlife/v-printerfriendly/story/706932.html

Just ONE Softdrink?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Childhood obesity is on the rise. Did
you know just one sugary soft drink per day increases a child's risk of obesity by 60%?

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Childhood Obesity Tsunami!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

The Tsunami of childhood obesity has
not yet hit the shore. It takes many
years for complications to develop.
If the clock starts ticking at age 12
to 14, the consequences to public health are potentially disastrous.
Dr. David Ludwig

Zinc Deficiency?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Symptoms of Zinc deficiency are weakened immune system, impaired wound healing, poor fetal development and reduced sexual potency in men.

Got Zinc?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Zinc is the single most nutritional
deficiency in North America. Major
sources of zinc are whole grain breads
and cereals. Refined white flour and
sugar have no zinc and deplete the body of B vitamins.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Want LESS Wrinkles?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

A study in the American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition found that people
who ate foods rich in Vitamin C had
fewer wrinkles and less age related
dry skin than those who had a diet
low in Vitamin C.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Brush Your Teeth for Better Gum Health!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

To maintain teeth and gum health,
brush your teeth at least 2 minutes
twice daily with a soft bristle brush.
For better cleaning select a toothbrush that has bristles of varying lengths to reach hard to clean areas.

Teach your children to brush correctly!

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Eat Fast, Gain Weight?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

A Japanese study found that people who
eat fast are more likely to gain weight and develop diabetes than people who eat slowly and chew their food well.

As John Robbins said, "Eat mindfully."

Friends Linked to Health!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Strong social connections are linked to overall health and well being. To meet people and create friendships, consider joining a social organization, volunteer for an association, join a walking group, take classes or organize a block party with your neighbors.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Got Stress? Get Friends!

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

According to Dr. Micah Sadigh, having
good relationships with people who don't judge or criticize you is a great buffer against stress. Chronic stress will weaken your immune system, age your cells faster and shorten your lifespan by 4 to 6 years.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Got Friends?

Health Tip of the Day
"Getting Fit. . . One Step at a Time"

Researchers have found that people without social connections were 2 to 3 times more likely to die younger than those with strong social connections.