Dementia: basic knowledge

Posted on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 by Health_and_Fitness

Have you ever experienced walking into a room or opening a refrigerator but couldn't remember what you wanted to get. Or maybe you wanted to talk to someone but forget what you wanted to say. These situations happen quite frequently to everyone.....so don't not start to panic and think you have dementia. According to Dr. Frank Longo, Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurology . . . more »

Run for Your Life

Posted on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 by Health_and_Fitness

Run your Butt Off! Run your Butt Off! Most of us grew up believing that running was fun. Whether it was during a game of “freeze tag” at recess or an afterschool pick-up game of basketball, running translated to enjoyment. But…..as the years go by and our bodies change, running seems to become more and more of a torturous task than an enjoyable experience. Whether it is due to . . . more »

Sunscreen season is coming!

Posted on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 by Health_and_Fitness

spreading sunscreen While we should really use sunscreen throughout the year, summer is when we need it the most. The sun’s rays are more direct, and we are more likely to be spending time outside. Here are some tips for summer sun protection: Look for a sunscreen with at least 5% zinc oxide for the best protection. Apply early and often. That means putting it . . . more »

Best Workout Snack: Better for You than a Sports Drink. What Is It?

Posted on Friday, April 26, 2013 by Health_and_Fitness

Best Workout Snack: Better for You than a Sports Drink. What Is It? Bananas have long been a favorite source of energy for endurance and recreational athletes because they are a rich source of potassium and other nutrients, and they’re easy for cyclists, runners or hikers to carry. Research conducted at Appalachian State University’s Human Performance Lab has shown that bananas also increase exercise . . . more »

Staying fit with a baby bump!

Posted on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 by Health_and_Fitness

The Yoga of Pregnancy As someone who is expecting their first child in June, I can tell you that worrying about fitness during pregnancy can be very stressful. How do I stay fit as my body expands at an incredibly fast pace? What exercises are safe? How much is too much? These are all questions that every expecting mother asks, and the answers aren’t always clear. According to the . . . more »

What’s this thing called ‘quinoa?’

Posted on Friday, April 5, 2013 by Health_and_Fitness

The Conscious Cook There are lots of recipes out now which call for quinoa. What is quinoa, and how do you pronounce that word anyway? Quinoa – pronounced “keen-wa” – is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. It is not a true cereal, but is closely related to species such as beets, spinach and tumbleweeds. It originated in the Andean region of Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia . . . more »

Healthfinder.gov: Live well, Learn How

Posted on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 by Health_and_Fitness

image of healthfinder.gov We all know that getting a regular checkup is essential in understanding our health and diagnosing problems that may arise. Besides the basic blood test, do you know the other shots, and tests that you should consider having? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a wonderful website named healthfinder.gov where you can find lots of quality information that will help ensure you . . . more »

Are You Allergic?

Posted on Monday, February 25, 2013 by Health_and_Fitness

Woman in field about to sneeze A-a-a-allergy! At least one in every five Americans suffers from allergies. These range from food allergies to those which are seasonal in nature. Peanuts and milk are common causes of food allergies, while grass, pollen, mold, cat hair and dog dandruff can cause misery in others. If you are one of the unlucky 20%, here are some books which can help you cope. Allergies Help! . . . more »

Getting to the Core

Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2013 by Health_and_Fitness

No-risk Abs Did your dreams of getting a six-pack (the non-alcoholic type) flutter away by boring, run-of-the-mill workouts? Well, if so, all is not lost. Your dream of developing rock hard stomach muscles is still within your reach, now more than ever. For years, people have spent long, agonizing periods doing sets of crunches and sit-ups, and all it’s ever resulted in was a sore back. Now, . . . more »

The Healing Power of Nutrition

Posted on Friday, February 15, 2013 by Health_and_Fitness

Nutrient Power How many times a day are we bombarded with advertisements about this supplement or that vegetable that is the miracle cure for something that ails us? From fruit juice to protein powder to mineral tablets, the nutrition industry is full of companies that claim to have the answer to your chronic health problem. But how do we know what is real and what is not? . . . more »

Prevention of falls is key to healthy living for older people.

Posted on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 by Health_and_Fitness

Did you know: Seniors are injured at home more than any other location. · 1 in 3 seniors will experience a fall each year, and half of those more than once. · 20% of injury-related deaths can be traced back to a fall. This This is scary information. But what can a senior do about it? Take a positive approach to fall prevention! Here are . . . more »

From the Food Pyramid to MyPlate: A Change on the Dietary Guideline

Posted on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 by Health_and_Fitness

Are you familiar with the look of this food pyramid? Does the congested image of sectioned layers piled with various food groups and information overwhelm you? If so, here’s some good news! Nineteen years after the Food Pyramid icon was first introduced, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has finally decided to replace the Food Pyramid dietary guideline with MyPlate. The concept of MyPlate . . . more »