Lead a Fit and Healthy Life
News to Note
NFL star Michael Vick urges kindness to animals in visit to New Haven school – King Of Prussia Courier
11 year ago
NFL star Michael Vick urges kindness to animals in visit to New Haven school
Now I have mixed feelings about this. I do believe people can change and perhaps Vick has changed but he treated those dogs so badly, that how do you forgive that? Those dogs didn’t want that and didn’t deserve it and the thought of it, just breaks my heart. Here’s this guy who is still able to play football, earn big bucks after what he did. Sure he goes around to schools talking about it to help make amends, but has he really paid a real tangible price for what he did? I’m not so sure…
NEW HAVEN — Philadelphia Eagles star quarterback Michael Vick told Hillhouse High School students on Tuesday morning that he would hold them accountable to be kind to animals and to attain their goals.
Vick, who was imprisoned for 18 months for running a dogfighting ring in Georgia, has been traveling with Wayne Pacelle, a New Haven native and president of the Humane Society of the United States, to talk about his experiences and urge students not to get involved in animal cruelty.
“I didn’t really care what people felt about animals,” Vick told an audience full of students excited to see the star. “I didn’t care about the welfare of animals.”
Vick, whose Eagles beat the New York Giants in Philadelphia on Sunday, pointed out that animals have no choice when they’re put in the ring. If you could ask a dog if it wants to fight, “Do you think he’ll say yeah?” Vick asked.
Vick said he saw good coming out of his negative experience. “I think I’m being used by God, because all the laws have changed since my incident,” he said.
But while he has served his legal obligation and is working “to turn it into something positive,” as Pacelle said, he is still paying a price.
“Nowadays, every day my daughters ask me if we can get a dog. … I can’t get a dog for my kids,” said Vick, who is barred from owning animals.
Some Amusing Signs from the Rally
01 year ago
Before the speeches and music kicked off, rally-goers amused themselves by checking out each others’ signs. And there were some doozies.
Sanity Is A Pre-Existing Condition
I can see America From My House.
I Came Here Illegally. I Went 5 mph Over the Speed Limit On I-95
Free Hugs from a Militant Atheist with a Gay Agenda.
He’s Black, Get Over It
This Sign Contains Correcrt Grammar and Spelling
I love America. Even Though We Get It Wrong Sometimes, It’s Still a Nice Place To Raise a Family.
Speak Softly And Carry a Bibliography of Statistics
Just Listen
Retired CIA Analyst for a Sensible Drug Policy
Mama Grizzlies for Climate Change
Minorities: They are Not So Scary When You Get to Know A Few
I Love Truthiness
We The People, Not We the Corporations
via ‘Restore Sanity and/or Fear’ Ralliers Jam National Mall.
News to Note
01 year ago
A few items to share:
Today’s PSA: Exercise with caution in today’s inferno
It’s been so darn hot the past week or so in the DC area and East Coast. Make sure you are paying attention to tips and advice about exercising in this sort of heat. It tends to sneak up on you and by then you are screwed…
DC Schools to Discontinue Flavored Milk
This is Great news. If more schools and other places that cater to our children make changes like this, think of the impact we could have!
Some experts argue that the empty calories from sugar cause behavorial problems in school and prime children for health problems ranging from tooth decay to obesity and early onset of diabetes. Flavored milks also cause a drain on school food budgets because they are more expensive than plain milk. But the dairy industry has fought hard to keep flavored milk in school, fearing that children would drink less milk if it did not contain the added sugar.
Notable News
01 year ago
Phys Ed: A Workout for Your Bloodstream – Well Blog – NYTimes.com.
Another great reason to add exercise into your daily routine. This study says that it has metabolic effects and that being fit helps your body run more efficiently. Who can argue with that?
But a new study that gauged the metabolic effects of exercise may significantly advance our understanding of what’s going on inside a body in motion. During the experiment, scientists actually saw how much being fit changes your ability to incinerate fat, moderate blood sugar and otherwise function well. They also uncovered proof, at once inspiring and cautionary, of just how complicated and pervasive exercise’s consequences are.
Boston launches Soda-Free Summer Challenge.
Soda is bad period. Parents should try to limit the soda consumption of their families. It is not a common drink in our house since I gave it up over a year ago. There is no health benefit to it whatsoever!
Soda from a marketing perspective: “It’s bubbly, sweet and drinking it makes your life like a non-stop party!” The reality of excessive soda consumption: sugar-heavy sodas have been linked to America’s growing rates of obesity, diabetes, tooth decay, heart disease and depression.
Coconut Water. Have you tried it?
01 year ago
Coconut Water. Have you tried it?
There are a ton of benefits to Coconut Water. It is high in potassium, contains natural sugars and has a lot less sodium that sports drinks, It’s a natural way to hydrate instead of drinking sports drinks like Gatorade. It’s got a bit different texture and consistency than water but it really does the job of hydration. I don’t replace water with this – I just drink it before and after a long run outside – especially in this heat. You can get unflavored coconut water and now there are a ton of flavors like passionfruit,, peach and mango. Give it a try – you may find a new favorite fitness drink.
Even Madonna - who is known for her dedication and commitment to health and fitness has become a fan of it and has reportedly invested in Vita Coco, a maker of coconut water. Other celebs have also been seen drinking it as well. Whether a marketing ploy or not – it definitely is a trend that is taking off.
You can buy coconut water at many main stream stores like Wegmans in the health food section. If you do try it, let me know what you think!
Here is some overall information about Coconut Water:
“It’s a natural isotonic beverage, with the same level of electrolytic balance as we have in our blood. It’s the fluid of life, so to speak.” In fact, during the Pacific War of 1941-45, both sides in the conflict regularly used coconut water – siphoned directly from the nut – to give emergency plasma trasfusions to wounded soldiers.
Most coconut water is still consumed fresh in tropical coastal areas – once exposed to air, the liquid rapidly loses most of its organoleptic and nutritional characteristics, and begins to ferment.
- Coconut Water is More Nutritious than whole milk – Less fat and NO cholesterol!
- Coconut Water is More Healthy than Orange Juice – Much lower calories
- Coconut Water is Better than processed baby milk- It contains lauric acid, which is present in human mother’s milk
- Coconut water is naturally sterile — Water permeates though the filtering husk!
- Coconut water is a universal donor– Its identical to human blook plasma
- Coconut Water is a Natural Isotonic Beverage – The same level we have in our blood.
- Coconut water has saved lives in 3rd world countries thru Coconut IV.
“Coconut water is the very stuff of Nature, biologically Pure, full of Natural Sugars, Salts, and Vitamins to ward off fatigue… and is the next wave of energy drinks BUT natural!”, according to Mortin Satin, Chielf of the United Nation’s Food & Agriculture Organization.
Coconut water contains more potassium (at about 294 mg) than most sports drinks (117 mg) and most energy drinks.
Coconut water has less sodium (25mg) where sports drinks have around 41mg and energy drinks have about 200 mg!
Coconut water has 5mg of Natural Sugars where sports and energy drinks range from 10-25mg of Altered Sugars.
Coconut water is very high in Chloride at 118mg, compared to sports drinks at about 39mg.
Notable News
01 year ago
Study Finds Certain Drugs Can Keep Some Forms of Cancer in Remission Longer – NYTimes.com.
Using certain anticancer drugs for years at a time can help keep some types of cancer in remission longer, doctors reported Thursday.
In another finding, researchers said they had made progress on a long-sought goal — developing a way to screen healthy women for ovarian cancer, potentially catching tumors before they become virtually incurable.
The research findings were among more than 4,000 that will be presented next month at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Among the others: a randomized trial showing that twice-a-week yoga sessions can help cancer survivors sleep better and reduce their fatigue.
Study: Many Sunscreens May Be Accelerating Cancer – AOL News.
Very scary news. The full list of t sunscreens can be found on the EWG’s searchable database.
The report cites these problems with bogus sun protection factor (SPF) numbers:
- The use of the hormone-disrupting chemical oxybenzone, which penetrates the skin and enters the bloodstream.
- Overstated claims about performance.
- The lack of needed regulations and oversight by the Food and Drug Administration.
What a great concept – having kids exercise at least 30 mins a day. Good or this school for helping kids make the commitment!
Secretary of Health Everette James today visited Conrad Weiser Middle School in Berks County and Cedarbrook Middle School in Montgomery County to commend students and teachers for their yearlong commitment to exercising for 30 minutes every school day.
James pointed out that physical activity is essential for all children to develop healthy hearts, strong bones and sharp minds. Combined with good nutrition, physical activity is also important to address the childhood obesity epidemic. Childhood obesity rates have tripled in the last 25 years. Overweight children face an increased risk of health problems as adolescents and adults, including diabetes, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis and certain types of cancer.
How to Use Service Learning to Engage Kids | Edutopia.
This info is geared towards teachers and schools but can easily be incorporated by parents who want to help their kids get involved with giving back.
Integrating service-learning projects into your curriculum doesn’t have to add hours to your planning time, and these projects deliver a big payoff for students. Fowler Unified School District teacher Monica Sigala urges her colleagues to begin with a short project. “Just start small and let it grow,” says the teacher of grades 6-7. “Don’t fear it, because service learning creates the type of kids who know they can make a difference in a life or in the world.” Sigala and fellow Fowler teacher LeAnn Hodges share their strategies.
Notable News
02 years ago
Still a bit under the weather so my initial idea of getting up and going for a run fell to the wayside.
I did want to share some interesting news I have come across the past few days:
Vitamin D and colorectal cancer focus of new Arizona study
U of AZ is my Alma mater and they also have a great cancer center. I am glad to see that they got this grant.
Two Arizona researchers have been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to study the relationship of vitamin D to colorectal cancer. Peter Jurutka, PhD, of the University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, in partnership with Arizona State University, and Elizabeth Jacobs, PhD, Arizona Cancer Center scientist and assistant professor at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, will be spending the next five years on the study.
Get out there and be active with your family. How can you argue with the benefits below?
A growing body of research says that students who are more active do better in school academically.
The idea is that exercise helps kids learn — and it’s not just Olwell who believes this. A growing body of research links physical activity and academic performance, according to a report released last month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Ashburn Kettlebell & Functional Training Studio
Looking for a fitness/strength summer camp for your 12-16 year old? Take a look at the Ashburn Kettlebell & Functional Training Studio
Register for Strength Camp Get faster, get stronger
Ages – 12 – 16 years
July 5-9 at 9-12pm or July 6th and 8th at 530-8pm
5-day Monday – Friday Schedule – $199
2-day Tuesday/Thursday Schedule – $99Ashburn Kettlebell & Functional Training Studio
44927 George Washington Blvd. #150
Ashburn, VA
703 582 6087 or www.bw-pt.com
Motivational Quotes for Your Healthy Lifestyle
We all need to see motivational quotes now and then to keep us fueled and motoring on…
Health is Happiness
Have you ever thought about the connection between happiness and good health? Most of us would probably agree that there is a connection, but many of us who feel unhappy don’t want to take the time to build a foundation of good health. Good health can be the launching pad for great things. Think about when you are feeling under the weather. It is hard to stay on track and consistent with your goals when your body isn’t up to the challenge. It is extremely important to make sure your body stays in great shape if you want to enjoy all that life has to offer.
Top Perfumes Contain Hazardous Secret Chemicals
02 years ago
Top Perfumes Contain Hazardous Secret Chemicals, Report Finds
Failing to name the chemicals in a fragrance is legal under the Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1973. Though that law requires companies to list cosmetics ingredients on product labels, it explicitly exempts requiring breaking out the specific components of a perfume or cologne. Instead, when a consumer reads the ingredients of those products, she finds only the generic category of “fragrances.”
“By taking advantage of this loophole, the cosmetics industry has kept the public in the dark about the ingredients in fragrances, even those that present potential health risks,” Houlihan says.
Notable News
02 years ago
Really? – The Claim – Lack of Sleep Increases Weight – Question – NYTimes.com.
I found this article interesting to me because I am living proof that this is really the case. When Nate was born – that little bugger did not sleep. He hated to be alone and Scott and I literally had 4 full nights of sleep in the first 8 months of his life. We both became different people – we snapped at one another, had no patience, walked around in an unmotivated fog and gained weight. Sleep is important and never underestimate that –I appreciate every Zzzz I can get.
Scientists have known for years that skimping on sleep is associated with weight gain. A good example was a study published in 2005, which looked at 8,000 adults over several years as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Sleeping fewer than seven hours a night corresponded with a greater risk of weight gain and obesity, and the risk increased for every hour of lost sleep.
STRETCH: Hip Flexors « STRETCH EXERCISE EAT.
Flexibility is key to achieving optimal performance so make sure to stretch out your Hip Flexors!
The hip flexors (also known as the iliopsoas or inner hip muscles) are a collection of three muscles: Psoas major, Psoas minor, and Iliacus). When flexed, these muscles work together to pull the femur upward.
I’m not doing that, It Makes Me Feel Silly « BW-PT.com.
We did BOSU balancing a few camps back and boy was it an eye opener. You wouldn’t think it would be that hard but it is. I practice balancing as much as I can. You don’t even need equipment. My friend Shannon over at AZ Physix suggested simply balancing on one leg as practice.
When someone mentions core strengthening, most people think, “abs.” But, working your core is not simply about making your abs burn with crunches or even doing planks (for what feels like hours). Core training is about total conditioning for all the muscles that attach to you pelvi
Personal Health – ‘Chemo Brain,’ the Fog After Chemotherapy, Gets More Attention – NYTimes.com.
The reason this article/blog got my attention even though it’s not super recent is that I clearly remember Scotty saying he felt like he was in a fog. Not remembering things, feeling just “foggy”. Interesting that they can’t pinpoint who and when chemo patients will experience it. At least it helps to know it’s common.
As more people with cancer survive and try to return to their former lives, a side effect of chemotherapy is getting more and more attention. Its name is apt, if unappealing: chemo brain.
Notable News
02 years ago
Boston Marathon Great for Winners; What About the Rest of Us? – Health Blog – WSJ.
The debate over whether running marathons is a fine form of exercise or dangerous to your health, however, isn’t likely to stop any time soon; arguing the pros and cons of long-distance running is practically a sport in itself. The Boston Globe takes a look at the “calamities small or large” that can afflict runners during the 26.2-mile event. The story mostly focuses on the less serious problems – muscle cramps, tendinitis, blisters, banged-up toenails – that are a pain, but aren’t going to kill you.
Harvard Docs to Insurance Companies: Drop the Big Macs – Health Blog – WSJ.
Should life and health insurers be investing in the stocks of fast-food companies?
Researchers at the Cambridge Health Alliance, which is associated with Harvard Medical School, say no, citing the downside of fast food — associations with obesity and other health problems, heavy marketing to kids and the the chains’ environmental impact. Insurers, however, do have a responsibility to share- or policyholders to maximize returns, and that may include investments in companies that don’t share their health-promoting mission, they say.
You, your doctor and the Internet – latimes.com.
Should a caregiver ever Google a patient? Would you ask your physician to be a Facebook ‘friend’? Ethical questions abound, and the doctor-patient relationship is at stake.
Kettle bells for every workout – latimes.com.
The growing popularity of kettle bells, the primitive-looking bowling-balls-with-handles that deliver a great all-body workout, has given rise to similar products with more flexibility. Available now are weight-changeable kettle bells that can be customized to new fitness levels, for different family members or even during a workout — so you don't have to own more than one. Below, find four innovative ways to throw your weight around. — Roy M. Wallack
I discovered this great website one day See Adam Train at http://seeadamtrain.wordpress.com while searching Twitter and it really has offered up some great info and resources - Including this site about running barefoot. Current popular thinking suggests that perhaps running barefoot is a lot better for us than we ever even considered. I keep hearing about this approach from many different people, it is worth looking into.
