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 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 »

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? 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 »

Anyone who spends time looking into popular trends in health and nutrition has probably heard about juicing. From promising to help you lose loads of weight, to cleansing your body to lowering cholesterol, juicing is a craze that often seems to travel into “cure-all” territory. While many of the claims about juicing have not been scientifically proven to be true, there are some benefits to . . . more »

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 »

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 »

How many times have you heard the saying, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day?” If what we eat in the morning is key to how the rest of our day will unfold, why do so many of us put so little effort into our breakfasts? According to an article published in September 2011 by the American Diabetes Association, skipping a morning meal . . . more »

Sometimes cooking something delicious and healthy after a long day of school, work or taking care of the family can be a real hassle. But before you reach for your phone to order pizza, why not plan ahead and make something everyone can enjoy in one of the handiest tools ever created for the kitchen: the slow cooker! Slow cookers (a.k.a. crock pots) are an . . . more »