myhealthvillage

12 Search Results for "fitness"

• Essential Health Tips Essential Health Tips

  • From: marcusjborg
  • Description:

    Essential Health Tips

    Move More
    Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. 

    Cut Fat

    Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!

     

    Quit Smoking 
    The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.

     

    Reduce Stress 
    Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. 

     

    Protect Yourself from Pollution 
    If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is bad. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution  deterrent. 

     

    Wear Your Seat Belt
    Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.

     

    Floss Your Teeth
    Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? 

    
    

    Avoid Excessive Drinking 
    While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems.

    
    

    Keep a Positive Mental Outlook 
    There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.

     

    
    

     

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 87
  • Not yet rated

• Getting Fit After Heart Attack Getting Fit After Heart Attack

  • From: LincolnBuilds
  • Description:

    Thanks to some fantastic indiana heart physicians I am on the road to complete recovery after a mild heart attack and heart surgery. The doctors also performed an angioplasty and started me on a diet and exercise program. I have lost 22 pounds so far and am considering weight loss surgery to speed up the process. First I need to decide if it is safe and get an OK from my doctor. I was wondering if any readers have had bariatric surgery after a heart attack and were there any difficulties doing that. I need to drop almost 100 pounds, so I need the help.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 237
  • Not yet rated

• Do You Keep Track of Your Fitn Do You Keep Track of Your Fitness?

  • From: Judy_Bock_RN
  • Description:

    Do You Keep Track of Your Fitness?

    Studies show that people who keep track of what they eat or how much exercise they get are more successful in weight reduction and other health goals such as diabetic control and cholesterol reduction.

    I have generally avoided the homework aspect of writing down calories, reading labels and such but have recently discovered an online helper that may make it easier and kind of fun.

    I went to www.fitday.com and registered a user name and password to start using their free calorie counter and diet journal. FitDay is an online commercial site with promotional ads and offers for advanced weight loss software. However you can use their free logs and keep track of calories, fat, carbohydrates and protein in your diet.

    A word of caution is needed here. Commercial sites such as FitDay may advertise quick weight-loss programs that you are well-advised to avoid. What comes off quickly will probably not stay off and some can be harmful. Check with your health care provider before starting an advertised weight-reduction program.

    I clicked on FitDay’s Free Calorie Counter and Diet Journal and entered what I ate for breakfast this morning. I simply entered each food item in their food search and it automatically added the calories, fat, carbs and protein in an easy-to-read table with totals at the bottom. I learned that eating a half banana, one egg, and two pancakes with two tablespoons of syrup netted me 328 calories, 9 grams of fat, 56 grams of carbohydrates and 8.9 grams of protein.

    Sadly, I fear I have already eaten close to my daily allotment of fat and carbs if I want to reduce my weight and cholesterol. I’d better rethink my taste for pancakes and increase my fruits for sure. Maybe I’ll do better with fat-free vanilla yoghurt topped with high-fiber cereal and a whole banana tomorrow.

    Another feature of the site I like is a weight tracker. I entered my desired weight loss figuring myhealthvillage’s recommended 5% reduction over six months and can now log in my weight each month or so to see how I’m doing. My fitness log will be easy to locate in my favorites list whenever I turn on my computer.

    I probably won’t need to continually track what I eat once I learn the various components of the foods I now eat. As I log in my food journal I’ll learn what kinds and amounts of food I can keep on my menu, which ones I should limit and which ones I should increase.

    Wish this carbohydrate junkie good luck.

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 142

• Is Yoga for You? Is Yoga for You?

  • From: Judy_Bock_RN
  • Description:

    Is Yoga for You?

    If you aren’t one of more than 13 million Americans who practice yoga already, you might wonder if it could benefit you as part of your goal to be healthier and feel better.

    Originating in ancient India sometime around 5,000 years ago, yoga employs stretching and physical postures, breathing and relaxation techniques. The word yoga comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “yoke or union” and is believed to refer to the union between mind and body.

    According to the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, there is “growing evidence to suggest that yoga works to enhance stress-coping mechanisms and mind-body awareness.”

    The most common type of yoga in the United States is Hatha yoga, which emphasizes postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama). It is used for a variety of conditions including depression, high blood pressure, stress, asthma and anxiety disorders. Many people do yoga simply to achieve physical fitness and to relax.

    In my own life as a former yoga practitioner, I enjoyed the increased flexibility, balance and relaxation that came from 30 to 45 minutes of various stretches and positions while at the same time slowly inhaling and exhaling in a controlled manner. I liked being in a class at a yoga center, but eventually used videos at home to reduce the cost and to do it at a more convenient time for my schedule.

    Compared to other exercise options, yoga is fairly inexpensive and requires little in the way of equipment other than a mat, which is optional but desirable, and stretchy, comfortable clothing. Expensive footwear isn’t needed either, as yoga is usually performed barefoot.

    Yoga is safe for healthy people. If you have conditions such as spinal disc disease, glaucoma, retinal detachment, extremes of high or low blood pressure, severe osteoporosis, blood clots or cervical spondylitis, you should avoid inverted yoga postures.

    If you are pregnant, yoga is safe under expert guidance, but some postures may need to be avoided. In general, if you have a medical condition, consult your health care provider before starting yoga, just to be sure it’s OK.

    So, you might ask, why did you stop doing yoga? I think I stopped due to a bit of boredom doing yoga alone in my living room and also because I might have overdone it with some postures that seemed to aggravate hip pain. As I write this however, I think I may return to yoga again sometime in the future as part of my exercise regimen along with walking and tennis.

    Reference: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/yoga/introduction.htm

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 151

• The Bank Hook The Bank Hook

  • From: mstrassburg
  • Description:

    Playing basketball 3 times a week in the evenings at the Glendale YMCA helps keep me fit or at least reminds me of my mortality!

     

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 64

• Exercise routines...don't work Exercise routines...don't work!

  • From: LeGreta_Hudson_MS_RD_CDE
  • Description:

     

    An exercise routine is like being on a diet…

     A good friend came to me excited about the new routine they were going to embrace for the next 6 months.  Problem is… I didn’t share the excitement. I see routines…the ones that are advertised in muscle magazines…and on the back of supplements…as something you start… with some end in sight. Gym rats (my friend)…love these…abs, back and bi’s on Monday …gluts and quads on Tuesday and on day three, Wednesday…aahhh… a day of rest!  

    My friend’s routine called for 2 days of exercise and 1 day off. What if, on day two you had to work late or you had to entertain clients. These types of routines work only if exercise is your J.O. B.! For most people that work for a living…there needs to be room for flexibility in any plan or routine…whether it’s physical activity or food.

    Mixing up exercise activity is an important aspect of conditioning, BUT…what I’ve seen (especially with this friend) is a mindset regarding exercise much like when someone is on a diet. When you’ve finished the diet plan or routine… what now?  Can you do this exercise routine, or diet plan for the rest of your life? Obviously NOT!

    I’ve seen more than 40 different exercise routines from this friend. My question is…why do you need a different routine? What happened to the one you told me about last year?

    It appears to me…that once the exercise routine ends (for this friend…anyway) a person may stop engaging in meaningful exercise. I’ve seen my friend go 2 to 3 months without a routine, therefore without any exercise.

    Diets don’t work…Exercise routines don’t work either…in my experience. I asked my friend if it would be better to set a goal of exercising daily…the routine for exercising different body parts could still be part of the plan. When your body gets tired…take a day off.  Our bodies are excellent at telling us when it’s time to rest.  The only routine I endorse …is the routine of daily exercise!  SO… when you fall short…you’re still in the game.

    The American College of Sport Medicine, the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published guidelines for physical activity and public health:

    “To promote and maintain health, all healthy adults aged 18 to 65 yr need moderate-intensity aerobic (endurance) physical activity for a minimum of 30 min on five days each week or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity for a minimum of 20 min on three days each week. Combinations of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity can be performed to meet this recommendation. For example, a person can meet the recommendation by walking briskly for 30 min twice during the week and then jogging for 20 min on two other days. Moderate-intensity aerobic activity, which is generally equivalent to a brisk walk and noticeably accelerates the heart rate, can be accumulated toward the 30-min minimum by performing bouts each lasting 10 or more minutes.  Vigorous-intensity activity is exemplified by jogging, and causes rapid breathing and a substantial increase in heart rate. In addition, every adult should perform activities that maintain or increase muscular strength and endurance a minimum of two days each week.  Because of the dose-response relation between physical activity and health, persons who wish to further improve their personal fitness, reduce their risk for chronic diseases and disabilities or prevent unhealthy weight gain may benefit by exceeding the minimum recommended amounts of physical activity. (Circulation. 2007;116:1081-1093.)”

    So…I told my friend that I believed the K.I.S.S. principle would work best…

    Keep It Simple Sweetie!

    Le Greta

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 378

• stacifonseca

  • Views: 133
  • Since: 1 year ago

• Venom Hyperdrive 3.0 Venom Hyperdrive 3.0

  • From: Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE
  • Description:

    Dangerous Wt Loss Products

    Weight loss products can be dangerous to your health. You’ve heard these warnings before, but just so you’ll be in the know about dangerous products on the market right now, here is a list of current products to avoid.

    And remember, just because a certain product is not on this list does not mean it is safe. Personally, I would steer clear of any of the weight-loss “wonder drugs”.

    2 Day Diet

    3 Day Diet

    3x Slimming Power

    5x Imelda Perfect Slimming

    7 day Herbal Slim

     

    7 day/night Formula

    8 Factor Diet

    999 Fitness Essence

    Extrim Plus

    Fatloss Slimming

     

    GMP

    Imelda Perfect Slim

    Japan Lingzhi 24 hour Diet

    Lida DaiDaihua

    Miaozi Slim Capsules

     

    Perfect Slim

    Perfect Slim 5x

    Phyto Shape

    ProSlim Plus

    Royal Slimming Formula

     

    Slim 3 in 1

    Slim Express 360

    Slimtech

    Somotrim

    Superslim

     

    TripleSlim

    Zhen de Shou

    and last and perhaps least (safe)

    Venom Hyperdrive 3.0

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 195
  • Not yet rated

• There's Something About Mary There's Something About Mary

  • From: Jan_Swaney_MD
  • Description:

    There’s Something About Mary

     

    Mary won’t be coming to spend the weekend with me, after-all.  We won’t be climbing the bleachers to find our seats and gaze out on the spectacle of a Big 12 college football game.  Instead, she’ll be in round 3 of chemotherapy for a tumor that has no business being there.

     

    I am angry, chagrinned and amazed. 

     

    • Angry because Mary couldn’t have lived a life more devoted to promoting health.  She is a cracker-jack Physician’s Assistant and has spent her entire career helping people function better in the face of what are often devastating illnesses.  She has always taken extremely good care of herself, eaten well, and maintained a very high level of fitness.  Her cancer is unjust -- doesn’t it realize that she is not deserving of this assault?
    • Chagrinned because her vulnerability makes me confront my own.  Mary and her husband have been friends of ours since we were in our 20’s, and though our paths have led us to alternate geographies, we’ve traveled in parallel universes and our reunions quickly strip away differences in our communities and life circumstances.  If this could happen to her, it certainly could happen to me.
    • Amazed because Mary is strong, in general and in the particular.  Here’s what I mean.  When I called her last weekend during the final few days of her first 3-week cycle of chemotherapy, she had just run a 5K a few hours earlier.  In characteristic style, she deflected my gushes of amazement and praise with a self-effacing, “Well I didn’t really run…I just jogged.” 

     

    In point of fact, her time bested mine for the only 5K race I ever “ran” when I turned 40.  Listen carefully to her wisdom, a woman who has spent her life helping people cope with illness, “Well you know why I do it.  I do it as much for my mental health as my physical.”

     

    So, what is the evidence that physical exercise improves mental health in cancer and in non-cancer states?  Has it been scientifically shown?  A recent review article discusses the preponderance of evidence for the benefits of exercise.¹ If exercise were a drug that could be marketed by a pharmaceutical company - let’s just call it Excervia, for fun - here is what the television ad would say:

     

    "If you have cancer, ask your doctor about Excervia.  It improves physical fitness, cardiovascular fitness, sleep, quality of life, psychological and social well-being, and self-esteem while decreasing symptoms of fatigue, anxiety and depression.  There are no known side-effects when taken in moderate doses."

     

    "If you don’t have cancer, Exercervia has been shown to improve physical fitness, cardiovascular fitness, social function, self-esteem, body image, sleep, chronic pain, mood, and stress response while decreasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression, and anxiety.  There are no known side-effects when taken in moderate doses."

     

    Quick, write me a prescription!  But wait, what does it cost?  The bad news is that your insurance carrier won’t pay for it.  The good news is that it is free.  Walking is a great form of exercise and other than a good pair of shoes, it won’t cost you anything.   It is available right outside your front door, at your place of work, in a city park, or along one of your favorite by-ways.  Find a buddy, a book on tape, or your favorite music and strap on your shoes.

     

    I’m no runner, but I’m going to find an upcoming 5K and walk it briskly for Mary.  Every step along the way I'm going to celebrate Mary and the other friends who have enriched my life and made it whole.  I'm going to cherish my health and not take it for granted.  I'm going to do what I can to be here tomorrow, for friends and family, aging parents who need me, and grandkids not yet born.  How about you?

    Jan  

     

    1. Krobp MT, Musanti K, Dorwood J.  Exercise and Quality of Life Outcomes in Patients with Cancer.  Seminars in Oncologic Nursing, 2007; 23(4):285-296.

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 590

• Just a Walk in the Park Just a Walk in the Park

  • From: Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE
  • Description:

     

    Just a Walk in the Park

     

    Does “just a walk in the park” count as exercise?

     For most of us, absolutely!

     How much exercise does a person really need?  If your doctor has cleared you for exercise, then the answer depends on a couple of factors.

    1)    What is your current fitness level?

    2)   Why are you exercising?

    
    

     What is your current fitness level?

            Trained athletes will need a different amount of exercise than people who are not exercising at all right now.  If you have been meaning to be more active (for quite a while) but are not actually exercising now, then a short walk in the park might be a great place to start.  And Fall is a great time of year for starting a walking program.

            How about the people who fall somewhere in between a trained athlete and a person who doesn’t exercise at all?  Then a walk in the park still counts!

    Whatever your daily routine is with regard to exercise, it’s a good idea to always be on the look-out for ways to sneak a little more activities in to your day. You’ve heard the suggestions before: park further out in parking lots, take the stairs, walk your dog an extra half mile, etc.                                                               

    Why are you exercising?

    ·        For fitness?

    ·        For health?

    ·        To lose weight?

    ·        Or maybe for all of the above?

    My next blog will be about the recommendations for each of the above purposes.

     In the meantime, go out and enjoy a walk in the park. 

     

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 283
  • Not yet rated

• EllenKate08

  • Views: 65
  • Since: 2 years ago

• Live Better Longer Live Better Longer

  • From: tracy_korman
  • Description:

    Live Better Longer

    Healthcare sites, blogs and resources have never been more available and well trafficked on the web. While still well below levels that we would all like, healthcare literacy is actually improving as we all have easier access to quality information, health information technology, peer support and expert guidance from a growing number of quality sites and resources. A leading driver of internet activity is the large volume of consumers searching health related subjects on general and specifics sites.

    While it is great to see our culture getting more interested in health, fitness and wellbeing, there is much evidence that that interest is not translating into better outcomes. We spend more on healthcare than any nation on earth, and yet on many measures, we are far behind countries that spend far less.

    Clearly, there are a number of culprits including wasted treatment, under-treatment and over treatment. Part of the blame can be placed on our toxic lifestyles that make it too easy to eat poorly, exercise infrequently, smoke cigarettes, drink excessively and manage stress unproductively. Part of the blame can be placed on a healthcare industry that favors specialty medicine and under-rewards primary care and preventative medicine. Together, our culture and our healthcare system condition us to worry about health only when it fails us and to shop specialists and procedures looking for episodic care.

    It appears that much of what passes as preventative medicine today is no better. Fully body scans and batteries of tests that do not adhere to evidence based guidelines are expensive and even dangerous as their extreme sensitivity can lead to false positive results and risky follow up procedures. Early detection is a great concept, but not if it continues to drive a care regimen based on specialists and procedures.

    Equally unproductive is the focus on longevity at all costs. Episodic, after-the-fact medicine leaves us to cope with more chronic conditions for more of our lifespan. The standard of care then becomes even more procedure intensive, more expensive and more detrimental to our quality of life.

    But isn't it best for all of us to avoid chronic conditions and their array of co-morbidities that so tax our health and well being? C ompressed morbidity is the fashionable term, but the concept is really simply living better longer.

    Living better longer includes means true disease avoidance as opposed to expensive vigilance and early detection. Living better longer means working with a primary care physician and achieving a truly collaborative and coordinated level of care that avoids waste, duplication and under-treatment. Living better longer means understanding how chronic conditions and their co-morbidities are closely tied to our modifiable lifestyle choices. Living better longer means being empowered to make the right decisions that reduce our health risks and improve our quality of life and well being.

    The MyHealthVillage.com community is here to help us all achieve the goal of living better longer. Like any village, it is only as strong as the commitment of its inhabitants. Our professional HealthGuides are here to help but we hope that you will make the village your village. Share your opportunities and your challenges. Reach out to help with your expertise, passion and experience. Seek out other villagers who can share their expertise, passion and experience with you. Together we can all live better longer.

    
    - Tracy

  • Blog post
  • 2 years ago
  • Views: 484