Higher Gas Prices Affect Dieting

(Health and Fitness), With escalating gas prices and food prices
people are scrambling for options to stretch a buck. Dining out is
attractive but in the end can cost more than dining in. With no time to
cook and groceries getting expensive, DINING IN, San Francisco's
fastest growing premier personal chef service has become the Bay area's
answer to saving time, money, calories and improving overall health
during stressful times.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Western
Information Office reports gas prices are 15.5 percent higher from last
year, as prices for food away from home increased 3.7 percent. With the
added 4% health insurance charge added to tax and tip for dining out,
most busy Bay area professionals are turning to fast food with no time
to cook , while looking for a way to save money. DINING IN - San
Francisco Bay Area's fastest growing premier personal chef service has
become the solution for those who are challenged juggling money, time,
lifestyle, their diet and their grocery bills in a changed economy.
Rising gas prices make life challenging for Bay area residents who
drive more. They are sacrificing healthy eating to compensate for fuel
costs. Already delivering to all of San Francisco, East Bay, Oakland,
the Peninsula, Menlo Park, Palo Alto and Marin, DINING IN has tripled
business in the last three years. DINING IN's healthy, fresh,
calorie-conscious, organic food delivery service has recently expanded
delivery to San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Campbell and Los Gatos
homes and offices. This extended service outreach enables people to
make better eating choices.

"As prices rise for food, gas and luxury items, it is important that
people don't skimp on taking care of their health. At the end of the
day - it is our health that allows us to work so hard, keep up with the
daily demands, enjoy life and feel great. Given that the costs of food
is steadily rising about 15% up from last year, DINING IN makes sure
that you eat a healthy meal and no money goes to waste! The best thing
about our service is that each entree is portioned per person, so there
is no throwing away rotting food, cooking too much and never eating it
or spending an excessive amount on take-out,' states DINING IN
Founder/Executive Chef Traci Higgins.

According to a 2005-2006 U.S. Census Bureau study, San Francisco spends
$7,942 annually on food - which is higher than Los Angeles, Phoenix,
Seattle and San Diego for cities in the West, with the average American
purchasing fast food 16 days per month. Over the latest 12-month
period, prices for medical care services advanced 5.2 percent an
indication that fast food is NOT the right economical or healthier
answer. DINING IN's mission is to keep the Bay area healthy with
portion control, fresh ingredients and special attention to nutritious
menus. By creating healthier food choices which also enhance time
management and lifestyle, DINING IN is all about helping their clients
with quality living.

"When I first started the service I was trying to save money by
ordering less food. I realized that I spent more money going to the
grocery store to buy food than I would have otherwise, and it was
rarely good for me. I decided the purchasing a few extra meals per week
is actually saving me money," states Courtney Hahn, DINING IN client
and director of a collection agency.

Passionate about healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle, Chef Higgins
will be participating in the AVON Breast Cancer Walk in San Francisco
July 12-13th. Her healthful mission continues with education and
demonstration. She will be doing free cooking demonstrations Saturday
July 26, 2008 at Williams-Sonoma Union Square (340 Post Street, SF -
415-362-9450). Her upbeat cooking demonstration, HEALTHY MEALS IN
MINUTES will feature Chef Higgins demonstrating fresh and healthful
ways of cooking 12 Noon-1 p.m. and an encore presentation 1:00-2:00
p.m.

As a working wife and mother herself, Chef Higgins knows how important
it is eat right and balance time and nutrition for optimum
productivity. "Once I get my daughter out the door I make a list of
priorities for the day. I go down the list one by one and crossing them
out feels great. I try to go to the gym from 4-5 pm, pick up my
daughter and then we all heat up our DINING IN meals at 6:30. We play
for a few hours then off to bed early. I feel horrible if I do not
exercise and do not eat a balanced diet. The first thing to go is my
energy! I save about 8 hours a week by having my meals made. I do not
have to go to the grocery store more than once a week, (saves gas);
never have to cook (saves energy) or do dishes (saves water). Eating
well makes me able to keep up the demands in my life! (saves time),"
explains Higgins.

Chef Higgins is a multi-hyphenate entrepreneurial business woman,
Executive Chef, Speaker, Culinary Instructor, Health Educator &
Advocate, who has worked in the test kitchens of Cooking Light, Weight
Watchers, America's Best Recipes and on the television show "Follow
That Food" with Gordon Elliott for the Food Network. Higgins has
traveled the country performing cooking demonstrations and insightful
lectures on health and wellness to doctors, dietitians, health
professionals and nurses and has been active in many diabetes
educational forums and conferences. She is credited in three cookbooks.

Saving time, money and calories is not only a positive lifestyle
change, but one that is also changing in positive ways at DINING IN.
More exciting new menu options will continue to be launched this
summer. DINING IN is also offering kid-friendly menus for busy families
but will be expanding its menus to include The Daily Diet to launch in
July - an "all-inclusive" diet program for those serious about weight
loss. The program includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks, all
within a particular caloric range and fat content.

Five Important Fitness Tips

(Health and Fitness), Stay on track with these 5 important fitness tips, live better and fell better.

1. Eat healthy. It's not about not eating at all and working out seven
times a week. It's about balance. The body needs fuel to get energy,
and dietary choices should not be taken lightly. Raw vegetables and
steamed dishes are good choices, while fried or high-in-sugar foods
should be avoided as much as possible.

2. Work out often. Try to train two to four times a week, with sessions
ranging from 20 minutes to an hour. Bear in mind in mind that it's the
quality (not the quantity) of the time spent training that determines
how quickly the results appear.

3. Mix it up. Any training regimen should cover all the necessary
elements: cardiovascular (such as aerobics, running, skipping rope,
etc.), resistance training (weights or own body exercises, such as
press-ups), and stretching. Varying the routine will help target all
the body muscles and will definitely add some spice to gym visits.

4. Equipment isn't required. Everyone should learn to exercise without
equipment. Desired results can be achieved by using one's body weight
for doing lunges, squats, press-ups, and a variety of sit-ups and
stretching exercises.

5. No pain, no gain. It's essential to engage the muscles completely
and to make sure that the last two or three reps of any exercise (say,
sets of twelve lunges) are so challenging that it feels almost
impossible to complete another one. Within time, a person might need to
raise the amount of weight to further engage the muscles and continue
producing results.

Tone Muscles and Burn Fat Using Resistance and Fitness Bands

(Fitness Gear), Health and fitness professionals do not just use dumbbells but are making use of an inexpensive and portable resistance bands, exercise bands or fitness bands to tone their muscles and lose body fat. The core muscles are involved in the workout with the use of the resistance bands. You can take the bands with you anywhere and exercise at your convenience.

Resistance bands are color-coded based on the levels of resistance. Each resistance band manufacturer may have a different color scheme or resistance level and color scheme. The most common colors of the resistance bands are:

• Yellow (thin)

• Red (medium)

• Green (heavy)

• Blue (extra heavy)

• Black (special heavy),

The resistance bands length usually 4 feet in length will change the resistance, not just the color. The shorter the length of the band is, the more resistance you will feel when exercising.

Other bands like the figure 8 resistance band is used to tone your upper body muscles and burn fat. The Ankle cuff resistance bands attach to your ankles and you perform leg exercise to tone the leg muscles and burn fat. You can achieve an over all body workout with a few simple bands.

Before every start of any kind of exercises, warm up your muscles and joints before performing any exercises with resistance bands. This will prevent the body from incurring injuries. Five to 10 minutes of light aerobic exercises followed by 5-10 minutes of gentle exercises to cool down should be done first.

Anyone can use resistance bands the same way they do with their dumbbells. Throughout the exercise, one should be holding the band firmly, wrap around the hands or use the bands with handles.

For the resistance band exercises, 2-3 sets of 12-15 repetitions or to 25 for the easier colored bands, should be completed. Some of the resistance band exercises are the squats, bent over rows, alternate lying chest presses, diagonal wood chops, triceps extension, lunges, lateral rows, and biceps curls. Rest for 1 or 2 minutes after every set of exercises completed. When pulling the band against the resistance, the muscle work hard to stretch and that is how the muscle is toned.

See Total Body Resistance Band Workout for tips and techniques.

Technorati Tags: personal training, weight loss, resistance bands, fitness bands, tone muscle, burn fat

57-Year-Old Marathoner, Mountain Climber Enters Guinness Book of World Records

(Health and Fitness), Jeanne Stawiecki, 57 years old, recently entered the Guinness Book of World Records for two separate feats. At 56, Stawiecki was the first woman in the world to complete the climb of the “Seven Summits,” the highest mountain on each continent. She also achieved the fastest aggregate time for a woman to complete marathons on all seven continents.



Marathon runner and mountain climber Jeanne Stawiecki is now in the Guinness Book of World Records for two feats that she accomplished at age 56. The Guinness Book of World Records recognizes Stawiecki as the oldest woman to complete the “Seven Summits,” the highest mountains on each continent, and as achieving the fastest aggregate time for a woman to complete marathons on all seven continents.



n addition to the records, Stawiecki is also the first woman in the world to run marathons and climb the highest mountains on all seven continents (seven continents, seven marathons, seven summits).

On February 26, 2007, Stawiecki crossed the finish line of the frigid Antarctic Marathon to receive the record for running marathons on all seven continents in the shortest aggregate time for all females. But accomplishing this task was simply not enough for Stawiecki, a nurse anesthetist from Charlton, Massachusetts. Slightly more than 200 people, less than 50 of them women, have officially scaled the "Seven Summits.” On May 22, 2007, Stawiecki stood on the summit of Mt. Everest, earning the record for being the oldest woman in the world to have completed climbing these peaks. Stawiecki was driven by many personal reasons to become the first woman in the world and the first American, male or female, to achieve both of these extreme athletic challenges.

Stawiecki’s extraordinary achievement is made all the more amazing by the fact that, until about age 40, she was a stressed out, two-pack-a-day smoker working three jobs who couldn't even run to the end of her street. She had no interests, no hobbies and no passions. Life seemed predictable, until she discovered the amazing power of the way one thinks. She attributes her great success to the power of the mind.

“I want people to know I am an ordinary person doing something extraordinary,” Stawiecki says. “The way you think makes all the difference in the world. If you think and believe you are a success, you will be.”

At age 40, Stawiecki stopped smoking when – upon developing a chronic cough and persistent hoarseness – she realized the health risks of continuing the habit. The knowledge gleaned from her work in the medical field only strengthened her resolve to stay healthy. She also took up exercise to prevent weight gain, and ran her first marathon, the New Yew York City Marathon, in 1994.

After 16 years of running, including seven consecutive years running the Boston Marathon, Stawiecki wanted something more. Rock and ice climbing lead Stawiecki to mountain climbing, which she began at age 52.

After completing six of the “Seven Summits,” Stawiecki returned to Mt. Everest on March 29, 2007, to complete the one climb that eluded her. She took the South Col route with Alpine Ascents International and reached the mountain’s summit on May 22, solidifying her place in the record books.

When not participating in grueling outdoor events or training for the next one on her list, Stawiecki works as a certified nurse anesthetist in the operating room at UMass Memorial Hospital; the Memorial campus in Worcester, Mass. While her professional career also brings significant demands and challenges, Stawiecki was able to balance her passion for caring for others while she fulfilled a personal goal she shared with friends, family and co-workers.

Stawiecki is writing a book about the many difficulties and obstacles she has faced in her personal life and how she was able to overcome them and achieve all she has. By telling her story, she is hoping to inspire other women to take risks and embark on any challenge, despite its difficulties and obstacles.

For more information on Jeanne Stawiecki and her entry in the Guinness Book of World Records for her marathon and mountain climbing accomplishments, visit www.sevenin2007.com/.

24 Hour Fitness Selects Team Members as Fitness Ambassadors at U.S. Training Center During Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

(Health and Fitness), 24 Hour Fitness, the largest privately-owned U.S. fitness chain and the Official Fitness Center Sponsor of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, announced that 21 team members will serve as “Fitness Ambassadors” and staff the United States Olympic Committee’s (USOC) High Performance Training Center (HPTC) in Beijing for the 2008 Olympic Games.

Fitness managers and master trainers from the 24 Hour Fitness network participated in a rigorous selection process by submitting an application detailing how they changed people’s lives by helping them achieve their fitness goals, along with inspiring member testimonials. The selected staff attended a three-day training at the USOC headquarters to prepare them for their assignment at the HPTC.

24 Hour Fitness is proud to continue its support of the U.S. Olympic Team by providing this unique opportunity to its own team members,” said Carl Liebert, Chief Executive Officer, 24 Hour Fitness. “No other fitness company in the country can offer the chance to be the ‘team behind the team.’ Our trainers have proven their ability to change lives within the walls of our clubs, now they have their minds set on helping our Olympians bring home the gold.”

As the Official Fitness Center Sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Team, 24 Hour Fitness worked closely with the USOC to plan, develop and implement the HPTC, which will be a base for the USOC during the Games. The Fitness Ambassadors will manage the operations of the facility, ensuring that the U.S. athletes have functional, state-of-the-art equipment and the on-site support needed for an optimal workout.

“The team of trainers assembled to support U.S. athletes at the Beijing Games represents the best of 24 Hour Fitness,” said Derek Gallup, Vice President of Fitness Operations, 24 Hour Fitness. “I’m confident that our trainers will do a fantastic job supporting Team USA in their quest for gold and serve as a true inspiration to their clients upon returning from Beijing.”

From a fitness staff of more than 4,000, 21 team members were selected to go to Beijing in three waves throughout the Games. The staff includes: Jennifer Avelino, San Ramon Super Sport, San Ramon, CA; Jenn Burke, Chesterfield Sport, Chesterfield, MO; Rob Gibson, Folsom Super Sport, Folsom, CA; Israel Allen, Southlake Sport, Southlake, TX; Justin Chin, North Point Active, San Francisco, CA; Jason Speck, Chandler Sport, Chandler, AZ; Rick Baird, Summerlin Agassi Super Sport, Las Vegas, NV; Mahnaz Barhaghi, Fremont Active, Fremont, CA; Janel Bilal, Carson Magic Johnson Sport, Carson, CA; Will Campbell, Summerlin Agassi Super Sport, Las Vegas, NV; Mike Case, Columbia Tech Sport, Vancouver, WA; John Faczak, Tiffany Plaza Sport, Denver, CO; Danny Fisher, UTC Active, San Diego, CA; Omar Holl, Broomfield Sport, Broomfield, CO; Lisa Martin, Windward Active, Kaneohe, HI; Brandon Moriki, Honolulu Sport, Honolulu, HI; Denise Sarver, Ward Parkway Sport, Kansas City, MO; Courtney Shelby, Colorado/Alameda Sport, Glendale, CO; Angela Stovall, Chino Active, Chino, CA; Luis M. Torres, Rancho Cucamonga Sport, Rancho Cucamonga, CA; and Kurt Weinreich Jr., Denver DTC Active, Denver, CO.

To help Team USA train, 24 Hour Fitness provided state-of-the-art equipment and expertise to U.S. Olympic Training Centers in Colorado Springs, Colo., Chula Vista, Calif. and Lake Placid, N.Y.

As part of its partnership with the USOC, which launched in 2003, 24 Hour Fitness also offers eligible U.S. Olympic athletes and hopefuls free and reduced rate club memberships to support them as they train in their hometowns. Additionally, 24 Hour Fitness is proud to support the U.S. Olympic Movement by sponsoring nine National Governing Bodies (NGBs): USA Cycling, USA Gymnastics, USA Judo, USA Softball, USA Track & Field, USA Volleyball, USA Water Polo, USA Weightlifting and USA Wrestling.

Lose Weight After Pregnancy Experience Natural Weight Loss

(Diet and Weight Loss), Proactol.com has recently received a rise in calls from women who are wanting to lose weight after they have stopped breastfeeding. They discussed how it is hard to get the right advice and often women feel the added support during this period is lacking when trying to approach their new lifestyle and weight loss concerns.



As responsive as ever, Proactol.com has launched a campaign 'Love Your Body After Pregnancy' to help women achieve the healthy weight loss results you want after childbirth. Recent statistics suggest that 82% of women feel less attractive after giving birth to their child, mainly in linkage to their weight gain and feeling less toned than before.

Proactol are offering post pregnant women the chance to lose weight naturally without damaging their health and also, to make sure they take a common sense based approach to weight loss. Ideally, many leading dieticians recommend that new moms should follow the philosophy that if it took nine months for them to put on their baby weight, therefore, it should take nine months to lose those added lbs. We have put together a collection of weight loss tips and advice to give women the post pregnant body they both deserve and crave.

The natural way to lose weight, successful slimmers preferred non-surgical option

At Proactol, we offer a 100% organically grown weight loss pill (made from cactus Opuntia ficus-indica) that helps you to lose weight whilst following a healthy diet.

100% natural with no known side effects, Proactol is medically backed and is a Certified Medical Device, under Directive 93/42/EEC. This natural supplement is clinically proven to reduce your dietary fat intake by up to 28%.

Dr J Gruenwald, a widely known and well respected figure within the medical research field explains:

"Proactol™ offers a healthy way of making it easier to take charge of your weight and eating habits. It also addresses issues beyond weight management, such as lowering cholesterol and balancing blood glucose fluctuations."

Technorati Tags: weight loss, diet, lose weight, lose baby fat

Scientists Identify Major Risk Gene for Alzheimer’s Disease

(Health and Fitness), A team of scientists has identified a novel gene that puts people at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and the gene’s surprising identity – it is a calcium channel modulator – suggests a potentially new way to treat or even prevent the mind-robbing disorder.

Philippe Marambaud, PhD, an assistant investigator at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, and Fabien Campagne, PhD, of The Weill Medical College of Cornell University, began focusing their search for genes expressed in the hippocampus, an area that is hit early in the disease process. They identified several polymorphisms – or gene variants – in DNA samples from Alzheimer’s patients and controls, and one stood out preferentially in the Alzheimer’s brains in a previously uncharacterized gene. The authors found a new calcium channel modulator strongly expressed in the hippocampus, a brain region necessary for learning and memory.

Normally, channels work like a bridge to open up and allow boats to pass. In this case, the channel opens and allows calcium into the neuron, a mechanism that controls important signals inside the cells, such as memory formation. The study was published in the journal Cell. The risk gene, called CALHM1, leads to a partial loss of function, which means that less calcium gets into the cell and it weakens the signals normally regulated by calcium. The authors determined that one of these signals controls the levels of amyloid peptides, the building blocks of the characteristic senile plaques.

The researchers conducted the study using DNA from American deceased Alzheimer’s and age-matched controls with no pathological signs of the disease. They also collaborated with French researcher Jean Charles Lambert, PhD, who had access to DNA samples from patients in France, Italy and the United Kingdom. In total, they ran tests on 3,404 samples. The gene variant showed up more often in the Alzheimer’s samples. People who have the genetic variant have 1.5 times higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

The strongest risk gene identified for late-onset Alzheimer’s is Apo-E4. Just one copy of this gene variant triples the risk of the disease. No one knows precisely why or how it works to increase the risk for the disease. Dr. Marambaud and his colleagues are excited by their discovery, because there are medicines that block calcium channels and it would be easier to develop targeted therapies.

“It is a lot easier to figure out how to alter this effect of this gene compared to Apo-E4,” said Peter Davies, PhD, head of the Litwin-Zucker Research Center for the Study of Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders. "This is the kind of target that pharmaceutical companies are familiar with. Calcium channel drugs have been well studied for decades.”

He added that a lot more basic science work is needed before such drugs are developed. They want to figure out what this newly identified modulator of calcium channel does in the normal brain, and then how it precisely works to increase the risk for Alzheimer’s.

"This is a robust genetic risk factor that was identified now in four different populations,” said Dr. Marambaud. “Having this risk gene can cause a functional problem. It may not only affect the balance of calcium in the brain, which is key to normal cellular processing in memory formation, but also increases the formation of the amyloid peptide, a key player in the pathogenic process of the disease”. He said that the gene, located on chromosome 10, is restricted primarily to the brain. This new work not only provides a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms leading to the disease but also identifies CALHM1 as a potentially important new target for therapy.

Exercise Lose Weight Burn Calories While Mowing Your Lawn

(Diet and Weight Loss), (ARA) - Did you know that it's possible to burn up to 260 calories per hour mowing a lawn with a power mower and up to 480 calories per hour gardening with other power tools? Every day chores like these are opportunities to get in better shape, tone the body and mind as well as reduce stress.

Fifty percent of people who join a gym drop out within the first three months, but there is research supporting the Biophilia Effect: that the great outdoors acts as a motivator to be physically active.

Tina Vindum, a professional trainer who leads the only accredited outdoor fitness program in the country, has teamed with power equipment manufacturer Husqvarna to offer the following tips for a great backyard workout:

* Get a leg up on yard work.
Walk-behind mowers are great for shaping legs and burning calories. A mower with variable speed capability increases the effectiveness of the workout over time. Mowing a yard that is one-third of an acre is equivalent to walking about two miles.

* Skip the slump!
It's a natural fact that posture affects mood as well as performance. Slumping causes the body to "check out" both mentally and physically, remember to keep the back straight, shoulders square and chin up.

* Inhale down, exhale up.
Remember to breathe correctly. For example, inhale as you squat down or lunge forward, and exhale as you stand up, lift or push.

* Need to revive? Get some green.
Nature holds a special captivation for all of us. Being outdoors in fresh air has a soothing, restorative and healing effect. It's called Biophilia, and refers to the innate affinity human beings have to nature and the natural world.

* Team up with the right equipment.
Avoid repetitive stress injuries by selecting the right equipment. Invest in quality and ergonomically correct equipment -- from shoes and gloves to mowers and trimmers. Husqvarna offers a wide range of ergonomically designed tools, from the 125B Handheld Blower to the 125L Trimmer; all of their equipment is designed to work properly with your body. Test the equipment to make sure it feels good in your hands, on your wrists and body. Let fatigue be your guide -- when in doubt, stop.

When using any outdoor power equipment, remember to think safety first. Read and understand the operator's manual and be sure to wear the appropriate protective apparel.

For more information on outdoor fitness, visit www.MasterYourGreatOutdoors.com

Why A Polar Heart Rate Watch FS1 is Key to Losing Weight

(Fitness Gear), Monitoring your heart rate while exercising allows to find and maintain a constant heart rate at which your body will burn calories at your bodies optimal rate.

According to the American Heart Association, “Target heart rates let you measure your initial fitness level and monitor your progress in a fitness program. This approach requires measuring your pulse periodically as you exercise and staying within 50 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. This range is called your target heart rate”.

Polar USA manufactures a wide range of heart rate monitors and polar heart rate straps. Both the Heart rate watch and chest strap work together. The hear rate strap will connect to the watch either from a cable or wirelessly. The heart rate strap used in conjunction with the watch allows you to get a more accurate heart rate measurement.

But whether you use the strap with the heart rate watch or just the watch alone will depend on what type of physical activity you are performing and whether you feel comfortable using the strap.

My favorite Polar heart rate watch is the Polar FS1 and the watch can be used alone to monitor your heart rate or you may use the watch and polar chest strap together. The Polar FS1 will transmit the heart rate information to the watch wirelessly, freeing you of cables.



The basic features of the Polar heart rate watch FS1 are:

EKG accurate heart rate (bpm)

1. Manual target zone (bpm)
2. Visual and audible alarm in target zone
3. Water resistant to 50 meters
4. Extra large digits

Recording Features:

1. Exercise time (total)
2. Average heart rate of total exercises

Watch Features:

1. Time of day
2. Stopwatch

The reason the Polar FS1 is my all time favorite is it’s very economical, it’s easy to operate and it’s somewhat fashionable. Prices for the FS1 watch vary from retailer to retailer but only by a few dollars. Usually Prices range from $59.95 to $69.95

Polar USA sells the watches directly but I find their website hard to navigate to make a purchase. I originally purchased my Polar FS1 at Sportsmith, they offer the FS1 and the polar chest straps in three sizes, small, medium and large. They retail the Polar FS1 for $59.95 plus shipping and their service is top notch. I had my watch in 3 days.

I use my polar watch everyday. It’s interesting to see how many calories you might burn in a eight hour day at the office sitting at your desk. I think in a eight hour day I burn something like 300 calories just working at my desk, but for you that will depend on how stressful your job is. Of course, I use my watch while walking, mowing the lawn, doing house work and the fitness center.

If you don’t currently use a heart rate monitor my advice to you, get one and you’ll be quite surprised how many or how little calories you burn depending on the amount of physical activity you perform.

Technorati Tags: heart rate monitor, heart rate strap, Polar FS1, polar fitness watches

Air Purifiers Can Add 10 Years To Your Lifespan

(Health and Fitness), Air pollution is much more dangerous than previously thought; it kills up to 24,000 people each year in California alone and reduces lifespans by an average of 10 years. Air
purifiers not only improve overall health and quality of life, but they also add years to your life.

Air quality experts at achooallergy.com report that air purifiers improve much more than allergy and asthma symptoms.

Air purifiers improve overall health and quality of life," explains Scott Smith, director of communications at the allergy relief center. "Now we know that air pollution kills millions of people each year, and the pollutants that build up inside your home can damage your heart and take years off your life."

According to a new report from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), air pollution kills as many as 24,000 people each year in California alone, and regular exposure to air pollution shortens lifespans by an average of 10 years.

Rates of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious diseases increase exponentially after a slight increase in particulate pollution.

Most particulate air pollution comes from the burning of fossil fuels. Air pollution not only damages the lungs and contributes to respiratory disease, but it also damages the heart and cardiovascular system.

"Our report concludes these particles are 70% more dangerous than previously thought, based on several major studies that have occurred in the last five years," said Bart Croes, chief researcher for CARB.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that air pollution from smoke and various chemicals kills over three million people a year worldwide. Air pollution in China is so bad that several athletes have withdrawn from the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. On a typical day,
pollution levels in Beijing are nearly five times WHO standards for
safety.

A separate report from the European Environment Agency states that "the estimated annual loss of life due to air pollution is significantly greater than car accidents."

To make matters worse, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that indoor air is two to ten times more hazardous than outdoor air - and most Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. Indoor air quality is the number one environmental health problem in the United States, according to the EPA.

The EPA recommends improving ventilation and using air purifiers to remove pollutants from indoor air. The EPA does not advise the use of air cleaners which emit ozone, a chemical that can irritate the lungs and trigger asthma attacks.

Dr. Kingsley Chin, an ENT physician in Atlanta, GA, recommends HEPA air purifiers. "That stands for high efficiency particulate air filter," explains Dr. Chin. "These filters will reduce pollutants in a typical room by more than 99%. That's very effective."

Dr. Chin encourages people to place HEPA air purifiers in their bedrooms, where they spend most of their time: "Typically a HEPA filter can exchange the air in one's bedroom about six times an hour, and that can make a very big difference in how one breathes in the bedroom. When you have a HEPA filter going, the bedroom door should be closed as well
as the windows."

A Three-In-One Workout Kettlebell workouts

(Fitness Gear), The kettlebell workout is old-school Russian workout that uses a solid
cast iron weight--similar to a cannonball with a handle. The new DVD,
"Kettlebell Express", will be the third from Lurie, whose previous
two-part DVD series "Kettlebells the Iron Core Way" The series reached best selling status, and hit the #1spot in the Fitness DVD category of Amazon.com in 2007.

The dynamic kettlebell workout is a three-in-one workout (strength,
cardio and flexibility), and has recently re-emerged as a major
movement in fitness, with an array of celebrity fans including Jessica
Biel, Katherine Hiegl, Jennifer Lopez, Ethan Hawk, Matthew McConaughey,
Penelope Cruz, Lance Armstrong, Mariska Hargitay, Claire Danes, Kim
Cattrall and the super-ripped stars of the hit movie "300".

Lurie explains that kettlebell training uses dynamic movements to work
each major muscle group. Each exercise is done precisely, with control,
as your body works to stabilize its core muscles.

"In this day and age, people want time-saving workouts that producenoticeable results in a reduced amount of time," says Lurie. " The Iron

Core Kettlebell Express DVD packs in the fat blasting power of a
three-in-one workout--taking half the time of normal weightlifting,
while burning twice as many calories in a 20-minute session!"

Lurie says this is possible because unlike traditional weights, kettlebells don't isolate muscle groups--instead each part of your body works hard during each exercise, producing more intense results in a shorter time frame.

Fill Up With Protein Eggs Encourage Weight Loss

(Diet and Weight Loss), (ARA) -With spring and summer upon us, it is no wonder that thoughts turn to good nutrition and weight loss. If you are looking to fill up, but not fill out, be sure to add protein to your diet . Research indicates that eating protein foods, such as eggs, helps to keep you feeling fuller longer, which aids in weight management and fat loss.

According to studies, increasing the intake of high-quality protein (such as that found in eggs, low-fat dairy and lean meats) while decreasing the intake of refined carbohydrates can be an effective way to preserve lean muscle and increase fat loss, while helping to stabilize blood glucose levels.

We have all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but, for dieters there is real proof. In a recent research study, overweight adults who enjoyed eggs for breakfast felt fuller and consumed an average of 330 fewer calories throughout the day than adults who ate a bagel-based breakfast with the same number of calories and mass. Eggs are a good source of all natural, high-quality protein. By starting the day with an egg-rich breakfast, dieters are satisfied longer, making it easier to resist those between-meal snacks.

Studies show that protein rich foods act as a "time release" source of energy. This source helps to maintain blood glucose levels, which help people feel full longer. Weight loss and satiety go hand-in-hand -- if appetites are satisfied the empty calories of snacking can be reduced.

There is also "power in protein." Muscle mass is a key component in strength and power. High-quality protein may help active adults build muscle strength and may help middle-aged and aging adults prevent muscle loss. By consuming protein foods, you can build and restore muscle tissue for a slimmer appearance.


For more protein-friendly recipes, weight loss and satiety tips visit www.IncredibleEgg.org.


Here is a tasty recipe you may want to try:



* Summer Squash Omelet (2 servings)



Filling

1/2 cup thinly sliced zucchini

1/2 cup thinly sliced yellow crookneck squash

1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper

2 tablespoons water



Omelet

4 eggs

1/4 cup water

2 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon basil leaves, crushed

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons butter or cooking oil or cooking spray


Directions

1. In small saucepan over medium heat, stir together all filling ingredients.

2. Cover and cook just until vegetables are crisp-tender about 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover.

3. Cook until liquid is evaporated.

4. Cover and keep warm while preparing omelets.

5. In small bowl, beat together eggs, water, cheese and seasonings, until blended.

6. In a 7 to 10 inch omelet pan or skillet over medium heat, heat 1 teaspoon of butter until just hot enough to sizzle a drop of water.

7. Pour in ½ cup of the egg mixture. (Mixture should set immediately at the edges).

8. With an inverted pancake turner, carefully push cooked portions at edges toward center so uncooked portion can reach hot pan surface, tilting pan and move cooked portions as necessary.

9. When top is thickened and no visible liquid egg remains, fill with half of the reserved vegetable mixture.

10. With pancake turner, fold omelet in half or roll.

11. Invert onto plate with a quick flip of the wrist or slide from pan onto plate. Keep warm.

12. Repeat with remaining egg and vegetable mixture to complete second omelet.

Gina Carano Featured, July Issue Muscle & Fitness

(Health and Fitness), Muscle & Fitness Features Female Fight Sensation and American Gladiator Gina Carano. The July issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine, on newsstands now, features 9-pages of Carano revealing the very human side of a true warrior spirit. Shown with her training partners Scott Bieri (OTM Fight Shop Las Vegas) and Master Chan (Muy Thai Master), Carano is depicted as a tough-as-nails competitor, a fighter-first.

In the world of mixed martial arts nobody can dispute the attraction of the visible "face" of female MMA, the lovely, Gina Carano. Fans and the general public have embraced former Dallas Cowboy Quarterback Glen Carano's daughter as the "next big thing" in sports entertainment.

The July issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine features 9-pages of Carano revealing the very human side of a true warrior spirit. Shown with her training partners Scott Bieri (OTM Fight Shop Las Vegas) and Master Chan (Muy Thai Master), Carano is depicted as a tough-as-nails competitor, a fighter-first.

"I'd like to be known as a fighter first, and then a woman or celebrity (aka American Gladiator's Crush)," states Carano. "Life is so short and I'd like to live the example that any woman can achieve anything she wants. Whatever the vehicle, be it dance or throwing punches, what matters most is the mindset of the warrior or dedicated spirit to the cause at hand. Every woman (or man) has a sense of what they can do. I am a firm believer in opening the door to unleash that core energy."

Carano's recent CBS victory over Kaitlin Young secures her spot as undefeated MMA powerhouse in the female division of the fastest growing sport in the world [of MMA]. She may throw a knee, an elbow or a clean left hook, but Gina Carano is an anomaly in the business who attracts sponsors, agents and management that juggles pure reverie in addition to strategic planning to grow her career in both sport and entertainment.

Anyone who has met Carano understands that she represents the epitome of female charisma and understates her role in molding future fight goddesses. When asked about her role as mentor to others, a modest Carano responds that, "it isn't her behavior that should inspire others but seeing her live her belief that anyone can achieve their goals that will make the impact. It's 90% mental, you see?"

Technorati Tags: American Gladiator, Gina Carano

Smooth Fitness Launches New Gym-Quality 9 Series Treadmills

(Fitness Gear), Smooth Fitness, the largest online retailer of home fitness equipment today announced the launch of its newly updated 9 Series treadmills, which come with a wide variety of features including premium components. The new Hydra Suspension™ adjusts to fit different users, and patented Motion Control™ allows them to adjust the unit's speed with a simple wave of the hand.

"With our new 9 Series treadmills, we're truly able to provide consumers with unique features not typically found in home fitness equipment," said Marc Cerceo, Chief Operating Officer, Smooth Fitness. "The updated components and performance enhancements on the 9 Series makes them our flagship treadmills and furthers our status as a trendsetter in the industry."

Numerous features and attentions to detail make the 9 Series treadmills Smooth Fitness' top-of-the-line treadmills. All three models - 9.35 HR, 9.45ST and 9.45TV - feature Hydra Suspension, which allows users to adjust shock absorption to accommodate any running style, as well as patented Motion Control technology that adjusts speed without having to touch the console.

"By combining commercial components with cutting-edge functionality and convenience, we're creating an exceptional experience for our customers," added Cerceo. "Everyone from the casual fitness enthusiast to the serious athlete will be impressed."

Both the 9.45ST and 9.45TV treadmills include a 60" running deck, perfect for runners of all sizes, and an industry-leading lifetime warranty on all parts, frame and motor with one year of in-home service. The 9.45TV treadmill comes with a 15" LCD TV which is mounted on its own frame so that it remains steady even during intense running.

How Fathers Can Build and Strengthen The Bond With Their Babies

(Health and Fitness), The bond between a father and his baby is a much overlooked yet vital step toward raising healthy happy children. This incredible program provides a simple, proven tool to help fathers bond with their infant like never before.

In this award-winning DVD, John G. Louis, CMT, CIMI, a dad himself, uses classic infant massage techniques as well as new techniques he personally created. In this powerful program, babies will become more relaxed, grow more rapidly, sleep better and bond more powerfully with their fathers. John demonstrates the benefits of infant massage with his youngest son, Ethan.

"This Video Is Excellent. I'm confident that children experiencing massage from their fathers as instructed by this video will grow up more connected, more confident in themselves and most importantly, more healthy and able to defend against infections and diseases." said Edward T. Lee, MD, FACOG -- Assistant Clinical Professor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University.

"I created this video because I could see how much my own children benefited from these simple yet profound techniques. I could clearly see that there was a real need which was not being met," said Louis.

A preview of the DVD can be viewed here

Study Conducted by West Virginia University Reveals That ChiRunning Technique is Proven to Prevent Running Injuries

(Health & Fitness), A recent study conducted by doctors at West Virginia University with more than 2500 respondents, showed that 91 percent of ChiRunning students reported the technique has played a role in preventing running injuries. In fact, 95 percent of the survey respondents said their ease of running has improved.



The ChiRunning program teaches people bio-mechanically correct running form that is in line with the laws of physics and with the ancient principles of movement found in T'ai Chi. The technique is based on the same principles and orientation as Yoga, Pilates, and T'ai Chi: working with core muscles; integrating mind and body; and focused on overall and long term performance and well-being.

Twenty four million people in the U.S. who run, 65% will have to stop running at least once during the year due to injury. Millions more quit or avoid running because of injury or the fear of causing long-term damage. Yet, there have been few new ideas or fresh approaches to running and injury prevention.

"After being unable to run for five years due to a back injury, ChiRunning helped get me back on the road. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to run without injury," said Jack Nelligan, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon and Former Record Holder, 400M, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA.

Created by accomplished Ultra Marathon Runner (races longer than a marathon), Danny Dreyer, the ChiRunning program offers a real solution to the high rate of injury that plagues the sport of running. ChiRunning techniques increases mental clarity and focus, enhances the joy of running, and turns running into a safe and effective lifelong program for health, fitness, and well-being.

The West Virginia survey also showed the following:

• 90% said they were probably or definitely able to change their running mechanics
• 60% said they were able to make noticeable corrections in less than a month, 31% said immediately
• 69% felt their speed improved
• Number of missed running days due to injury dropped dramatically:
o 40% had missed more than 10 days prior to ChiRunning, after ChiRunning that number dropped to less than 12%.
o Prior to ChiRunning 31% had no missed days, after ChiRunning 61% had no missed days due to injury

• 91% said they would recommend ChiRunning to other runners

Visit: https://www.chirunning.com/shop/pages.php?pageid=63 to download the survey in its entirety.

The Perfect Pushup Isn’t For Wussies

(Fitness Gear), Think back to when you where in gym class and your PT coach made you do all those pushups. Do you remember how they made your arms feel? I remember and I remember how it made my arms, chest, upper back and shoulders feel, as tight as a drum. While researching information on the perfect pushup we found a blog post at crunchgear.com and I quote “Who’s to say the guy pictured here isn’t on Anavar or Sustanon 250, in addition to using the perfect push-up?”

My question to the aforementioned blog post is have you done any pushups in your life? The perfect pushup is one of the best exercise tools to come around in a long time.

The reason the perfect pushup is such a great tool is you are bench-pressing your own weight, thereby increasing strength, building muscle, stamina and it doesn’t cost you an arm or leg to purchase. The basic kit only costs $40.00 that’s a steal compared to other fitness products on the market and half of the other so called fitness products are nothing but hype.

Why else would the military incorporate pushups in their physical training regiment? The answer is because it’s one of the best ways to build strength and endurance without using free weights and pushups don't cost you a dime. Any physical training regiment worth their salt will include pushups.

Take five minutes and do as many pushups as you possibly can in the five-minute time span. Does it feel good?

Now if you do the same number of pushups with the perfect pushup you will work more muscles because of the rotation of the device.

We have purchased the perfect pushup for a review and trial run; we will let you know how we progress with this new fitness tool.

In the mean time give us your thoughts on the perfect pushup and tell us what you think about the product and how it helped you.

Michelle Obama Advocates Asthma Education, Prevention

(Health and Fitness), Michelle Obama, wife of presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama, advocates asthma education and prevention in Christopher Gavigan's new book Healthy Child Healthy World.

With a foreword by Meryl Streep and contributions by Gwyneth Paltrow, Brooke Shields, and Tom Hanks, as well as Michelle Obama's essay "On Having a Child with Asthma," Healthy Child Healthy World offers advice on creating a cleaner, greener, safe home for children.

"Parents of children with asthma need to know how to reduce the chances of an attack, how to treat an attack if it happens, and when to go to the hospital," writes Obama. "Irritants and allergens in the air, such as smoke, dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, mold, and pollen, can make attacks more likely. So parents who have children with asthma should keep houses clean of potential triggers."

Michelle and Barack Obama's oldest daughter Malia suffers from asthma, and they do everything they can to keep their house dust-free and dander-free. When the Obama family decided to enter the Presidential race, they made a deal that their daughters could get a dog. After some research, the parents opted for a hypoallergenic dog - a soft-coated, Wheaten terrier - that does not trigger Malia's asthma.

"But that's not all of it," continues Obama. "The number of children with asthma has more than doubled since the 1980s, and this epidemic disproportionately affects minority communities. As a society, we need to help parents in the inner city live in clean environments that aren't dangerous to their children's health."

According to the book, parents can beat allergy and asthma at the source by encasing mattresses and pillows with impermeable covers that block out dust mites, dehumidifying the air, replacing furnace filters regularly, using nontoxic cleaning products, and running HEPA air purifiers to maintain healthy indoor air, among other things.

"From my experience in health care," writes Obama, who works for University of Chicago Hospitals, "I know that a lot of what contributes to the crisis is people not taking adequate care of themselves on the front end. In addition to living in unhealthy communities, our children eat poorly and exercise less than they should. They spend more time indoors, in front of the TV, where so many other asthma triggers reside. All of this together weakens their immune systems. So we need to make our children's environments healthier."

"Less than four cents of every health-care dollar is spent on prevention and public health," stresses Obama. "Our health-care system has become a disease-care system and the time for change is well overdue."

Healthy Child Healthy World features a list of Healthy Resources like achooallergy.com, where parents can find an allergy relief learning center plus air purifiers, dehumidifiers, impermeable dust mite covers, furnace filters, nontoxic cleaning supplies, and other solutions for a cleaner, greener, safer home.

How to Get Fit Without Spending Hours in the Gym

(Health and Fitness), There's no debating the fact that in addition to watching what you eat, the best way to stay healthy and fit is to get plenty of exercise. So why is it that so many Americans have such a tough time doing it? Among the most popular excuses: "I don't have time," "I don't know what to do," "I'm too tired at the end of the day." You don't hear your kids making those kinds of excuses.



They get plenty of exercise and have fun doing it. But how can you make something as tedious as working out fun? Instead of heading to the gym and using the machines, which can be more of a chore than a fun activity, try taking up sports hula hooping.

Ten minutes worth of vigorously wiggling your hips and moving around can burn off 110 calories, which is about as much as you'd burn if walking an eight-minute mile. But burning calories quickly isn't the only benefit the activity offers.

It also promotes correct body alignment from the circular motions and proper posture in the upper body, which explains why it has become so popular in fitness clubs across the country. Substitute that light, plastic hula hoop your kids play with for a weighted one like the Acu Hoop offered by California's Sports Hoop, Inc., and you can get even more health benefits.

When swiveled for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, weighted sports hoops can provide cardiovascular benefits, help tone muscles, burn calories and fat and facilitate weight loss. Do it religiously every day, and you can trim your waist 2 inches and lose 4 pounds every month until fit. Weighted hoops come in a variety of styles and sizes, ranging from 1 to 6 pounds in weight.

No matter which one you choose to use, here's how to get started:

1) Find enough space around you. Keep your feet one foot wide. Relax your knees, waist and body.

2) Relax your elbows. Lift the hoop and place it tightly against the back of your waist.

3) Grasp the hoop and keep it in a horizontal position before swinging out. Do not position the hoop at a tilt.

4) Horizontally swing out the hoop against your waist, fast and powerfully. Move your waist immediately.

5) Move your waist in a circular motion, all around pressing against the hoop.

6) Keep your motion fast enough to match the circulation speed of the hoop for it to stay up on your waist.

These rings are so much fun to use that it's hard to stop. But overuse in the first few days can result in muscle soreness and even mild bruising. Use the ring for no more than one or two minutes per day, for the first three or four days, then increase the time as you become more comfortable with the ring.

If you overdo it, however, the soreness should go away within a few days of regular use. It is estimated there are now more than one million people throughout the world using Sports Hoops as their major waist-trimming fitness equipment.

For more information on the weighted hoops offered by California Sports Hoop, Inc., or to place an order, visit www.sports-hoop.com or call toll free (866) 700-5668.

Core Stability Report Available for Free From Sports Injury Bulletin

(Health and Fitness), The website and newsletter Sports Injury Bulletin has announced the launch of a new report that helps athletes improve their core stability.

The free report explains why good core stability is so important and how athletes can easily integrate specific training and exercises into their everyday routines. The report also discusses the injury risks faced by athletes who ignore core stability training.

As well as detailing a variety of exercises to improve core stability, the report also outlines specific routines for beginners and advanced training techniques for professional athletes.

Compiled by specialist sports therapists, the report takes athletes through each stage of the different exercises, explaining how they should be performed to get the best results. Also included are case studies showing the advantages of Pilates for improved core stability, as well as the benefit of training with a medicine ball.

Many athletes underestimate the importance of good core stability, and even those who do know its true value normally focus all their attention on the abdominals. The Sports Injury Bulletin report aims to provide valuable information on the benefits of improved core stability and the different areas that athletes need to target.

Jane Taylor, Editor of Sports Injury Bulletin, commented: "Everything in this report has highly practical relevance, right down to the invaluable set of training menus specially designed by our resident conditioning coach Raph Brandon which take up the latter section of the report. This is as close as it gets to a body conditioning toolkit."

The free report on core stability is only available for download at the Sports Injury Bulletin website. Visit http://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/archive/core-stability.php

The Ultimate Workout Plan for Busy Dads

(Diet and Weight Loss), Overweight dads everywhere are finally losing that beer belly with just 3 short workouts a week. Busy dads are using the innovative exercise methods in Dad Fitness to cut back on their workout time, boost their metabolism, and help them lose inches and fit back into their old clothes.



As more dads find themselves crunched for time between family and work, they are also noticing their increasing waistline. Finally a solution has been found to provide busy dads with an effective exercise system to burn off that excess belly fat with just 3 workouts a week. Until now, spending hours in the gym to build muscle and doing long boring cardio workouts to burn fat have been the only option for men looking to lose those excess pounds and get in shape. While these methods do provide some results, for busy dads, spending hours slaving in the gym is just not an option.

Sean Barker, a certified personal trainer, and more importantly a brand new dad, created the Dad Fitness system. With little time to workout like he once did Sean wanted to give busy dads everywhere an easy way to lose unwanted bodyfat, build lean muscle and eat healthy great tasting foods. It worked wonders for him, and has worked wonders for other dads looking to lose that belly blubber once and for all. With the Dad Fitness unique workout plan, no longer do they need to spend hours everyday working out to see results.

The Dad Fitness workouts were specifically designed to build muscle and burn excess bodyfat in the same workout. Giving you fast results and more time to spend with your family and friends.

The facts on fat are deadly. Experts agree being overweight causes heart disease. The more overweight you are, the greater your risk of an early death. Heart attacks are the No. 1 cause of death for American men.

As more and more busy dads realize they are cheating themselves out of years of healthy living that they owe to themselves and to their families, Dad Fitness will become an essential tool to lose those pounds and gain back their life.

Summer Workout Routines

(Health and Fitness), Before people invest more time and money into workout programs and weight loss supplements that don't work and just waste their time, they should check out the new Tony Horton P90X workout routines from the new Xtreme body fitness and workout routines. With the experience and knowledge to bring the world the best of the best workout routines and body fitness equipment, this company has found the oasis to the fountain of youth and is offering thousands of people every day the key to the door.

Whether people are overweight people, have a low self-esteem, or if a person is a fit and healthy person that just wants to create a masterpiece with their body, many people have found that they can create a fine tone and extremely fit body within 90 days.

With many years of putting together a masterpiece of success in the weight loss and body fitness training arena, Tony Horton and his team of experts have really created a successful 12-disc training program and workout masterpiece that will allow thousands of people to change and sculpt their bodies for a more ripped and toned physique in just 90 days. According to many new clients that have bought from Xtreme Body Fitness, these amazing P90X Workout Routines have shown thousands of results and will continue to give people their lives back. The P90X Extreme workout program can not be duplicated with its fast and mass result.

People are using the Xtreme Body Fitness as a gateway to this incredible force of power, and when people visit their site, they find out that they can take a free fitness test to check out if they are a true candidate for the new and extreme workout program before they get their training program. Then they can check out the insane and extensive line of workout programs and P90X accessories that will get them on their way to a new and healthier life, not to mention the great looking body that they will have in 90 days.

Many people have found that if they are really dedicated to the idea of getting their body in a state of fine toned, extremely fantastic looking, and ripped like a human Ken doll, then they know that they should check out this new workout routines and start their makeover and body change today. Millions of people are looking to get their bodies fit for the summer and realize that they should not waste their money on worthless programs that do nothing but waste their time or take to long to see results. Thousands of people are getting their P90X workout program and are seeing incredible results in just 90 days. Tony Horton and his team of training experts have went all out and have spent countless hours designing this 12-disc training program just to help thousands of people every day.

Thousands of people are find themselves asking why wait until it is summer and wish they had acted on this incredible workout program series -- these people are acting now to get their new body in just 90 days so they can look and feel great! Their is a new hip hop abs by shaun t video series that Xtreme Body Fitness has found to be a huge winner with many other people who love to get in shape and feel great doing it, also people are choosing to check out the other workout routines like the new P90X Plus, which is also an incredible fitness workout.

100 Calorie Vegan Marshmallow Treats Receive Rave Reviews

(Health and Fitness), In the current issue of VegNews, the premier magazine to focus on a vegetarian lifestyle, Glenny's Brown Rice Marshmallow Treats were a featured product in the widely read "VegPicks" section where the acclaimed VegNews staff recommends new products that they have tasted and approved.

"There are certain snack sweets evocative of childhood, which we've longed for but couldn't find vegan versions of, until now," explained the VegNews editors. "Enter Glenny's Brown Rice Marshmallow Treats. These tasty newcomers are the gluten-free reincarnation of the erstwhile, gelatinous goodies and will take you right back to the popular kid's fifth-grade birthday party."

However, it's not only the Vegan crowd that loves Glenny's Brown Rice Marshmallow Treats. Dieters across the country are also taking notice of these tasty guilt-free snacks.

Recently, Prevention Magazine, the #1 healthy lifestyle magazine brand in the US and the 10th largest magazine in the nation, chose Glenny's Brown Rice Marshmallow Treats as one of the thirty-eight top flat belly foods.

Prevention says, "The crispy texture and sweet flavor of the homemade kind, but made with organic whole grain rice instead of a processed kids' cereal. And Glenny's Brown Rice Marshmallow treats contain no gelatin, which is traditionally derived from meat by-products, including bones and hides. They are only 100 Calories per bar!"

"I'm delighted that such trusted brands, as VegNews and Prevention, have chosen to recognize Glenny's Marshmallow Treats as a top healthy snack choice," comments Glenn Schacher, President and Founder of Glenny's. "The product is truly unique, healthy and delicious and is sure to delight healthy snackers and dieters of all ages," Glenn continued.

Available in three delicious flavors, these gluten-free treats are formulated with a proprietary marshmallow recipe that has no gelatin, egg whites or dairy. Now anyone who wants to pursue a healthy and compassionate lifestyle can enjoy the great taste of brown rice drenched in creamy marshmallow, guilt-free. Better yet, for those who are watching their weight, each yummy Brown Rice Marshmallow Treat is only 100 calories.

Glenn Schacher founded the Glenny's back in 1979, when he lugged 50 lb pails of syrup on the subway from Chinatown to make the first batch of glenny's Rice Treats. It's been one exciting product after another ever since. The company's soy crisps and 100 Calorie Brownies are favorites of healthy snackers throughout the U.S. and Canada.

CDC Study: Junk Food in Utah Schools a "Killer at Large"

(Diet and Weight Loss), The Centers for Disease Control recently released data about the availability of junk food in schools, ranking Utah as the largest offender in the nation when it comes to offering unhealthy food and beverages to school children. 83-percent offer the kids chocolate candy and 85-percent offer soda - compared the national median of 40-percent and 63-percent respectively.

The results of the study come as no surprise to the makers of the documentary "Killer at Large". "One thing we've learned in the last two years of filming our documentary is that efforts to get soda and junk food out of schools is an uphill battle," said Steven Greenstreet, director of the film. "We traveled across the country for stories about American obesity in our film, but one of the most shocking stories we found was right here in Utah."

The President of National Action Against Obesity, Meme Roth, explains in the film the importance of lowering these statistics in Utah and all schools across the nation. Very simply she said, "...daily exercise and healthful food directly impact academic performance."

The film, which focuses on the obesity epidemic as a whole, takes a quick stop in Utah to document the struggles of two Utah County high schoolteachers who found themselves in a heated contest with junk food peddlers, about the fate of junk food in their school. Teachers Scott Willis and Cougar Hall from East Shore High School noticed their students were getting more overweight, had a hard time concentrating, and were consuming junk food and hundreds of ounces of soda bought directly from the school.

Producer of the film, Bryan Young, explained, "They decided that it would be beneficial to get a coalition of students together and team teach a class with the focus of removing the junk food from their school."

In the film they talk about meetings with local junk food and soda vendors, who gave reason after reason why they couldn't remove their unhealthful food and drink from the school. Hall explained in the film what he considered the most bizarre reason for not removing the junk food options. A representative of Hansen Vending, in Provo, told him if junk food is removed from schools, kids would be more apt to getting their junk at gas stations and would get killed on the way. Hall explains in the film an experience with a student who showed up to class with two sodas and an armful of sugary candy. Noticing the student's fidgety behavior Hall said, "I had this 'Ah-Ha' moment that this student was so hyped up on sugar that there was no way she could concentrate on her work."

A year of struggling to remove the unhealthful vending machines, money won out over common sense. "Basically," commented Willis, "…when you're talking about a lot of money, even in a small school like ours, the money trumps common sense."

"Killer At Large" is set for release later this year after a tour of major film festivals. It features interviews and footage of notable experts and celebrities speaking on the topic of the American obesity epidemic including Former President Bill Clinton, Former Surgeon General Richard Carmona, Ralph Nader, Dr. Kelly Brownell, Dr. Marion Nestle, and bestselling authors Michael Pollan and Chef Ann Cooper, among many others.

SPORTSMITH Publishes The Ultimate Guide to Fitness Equipment Maintenance and Personal Training Products

(Health and Fitness), SPORTSMITH™ President Brad Schupp is proud to announce the release of the 2008 SPORTSMITH™ Summer Edition Catalog, featuring the industry's largest selection of Life Fitness equipment parts, strength and functional training products, with express same-day shipping.



The 204-page catalog is the ultimate guide to health club operators maintaining their fitness facilities. The catalog is packed full of maintenance charts, equipment diagrams, fitness equipment parts, functional training products and maintenance information for the most popular brands of fitness equipment such as Life Fitness, Star Trac, StairMaster, Schwinn, Precor, Landice and many others.

The summer edition catalog features an expanded selection of Life Fitness Equipment Parts and accessories. The newest additions to the LifeCycle parts section are the upright models LifeCycle 90C, LifeCycle 93CI, Life Cycle 95CI, Life Cycle 95CE, also featuring the Life Cycle Recumbent models such as LifeCycle 90R, LifeCycle 93R, LifeCycle 95R, and LifeCycle 95RE.

Life Fitness Cross Trainer models include parts for the popular Cross Trainer 8500 and 9100 rear drive units. The Life Fitness Treadmill T-Series models include the Lifestride 93T, Lifestride 95TI, Lifestride 97TI, and Lifestride 87TE.

All Life Fitness equipment parts distributed by SPORTSMITH are genuine factory replacement parts and carry a full 120-day warranty.

The SPORTSMITH Summer Edition Catalog further offers a new expanded selection of locker room essentials, personal care, body washes, shampoos and conditioners.

Functional training items include fitness boxing, balance & stability, aerobic mats, speed & agility, sports specific training, fitness measurement, audio accessories, resistance tubing & bands, weighted resistance and many more items.

SPORTSMITH Indoor Cycling Products include parts for Schwinn, Star Trac V2 and V-Bike and RevMaster.

Innovative strength training products feature Cybex Classic and VR2 upholstered pads, cable attachment bars, hardware and accessories, kettlebells, dumbbells, racks and international bars.

A variety of the most popular functional training and core/balance products include Polar® heart rate monitors, SportStep, the Original Health Club Step™, SPORTSMITH resistance bands, medicine and stability balls, yoga and exercise mats.

"The SPORTSMITH mission is to supply the most popular fitness equipment parts, the best functional and personal training products in the fitness industry with the benefit of hassle-free customer service, 24/7 online ordering and express same-day shipments," reported Schupp.

All SPORTSMITH fitness equipment parts meet or exceed OEM specifications and include the full SPORTSMITH warranty.

Get Healthy, Stay Healthy and Avoid Pricey Healthcare Expenses

(Health and Fitness), Look at this number: $15,609. That's the expected cost of medical expenses for an average family of four in 2008, according to the Milliman Medical Index (milliman.com). It's no surprise that healthcare costs are rising, but many medical expenses can be lowered or avoided entirely by becoming proactive about your health. Weight loss expert Grandma Bev Grey suggests taking control of your family's health in the article "Lower Healthcare Costs with a Little Family Teamwork," which is available for download at www.grandmashealthykidsclub.com.

According to Grey, "We must do everything in our power to keep the medical costs for our own family as low as possible." This can mean tackling big obstacles such as quitting smoking, or changing little things such as washing hands often.

"Take advantage of all free health-care screenings provided in your town," offers Grey. "Free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, mammograms, and other services are often available once or twice a year. Call your county health department to see when these screenings will be available, or attend a local health fair where these services are often provided."

Grey, an expert in childhood obesity, strongly recommends paying attention to diet and exercise habits. "If your family members are overweight, do something about it," she says. "Stop frying your foods and switch to baking or other healthier cooking methods. Turn off the television during dinner, and get to know each other again. Plan two healthy snacks a day for everyone. Put sensible portions of food on your plates instead of serving family-style, and eat slowly. Follow the USDA food pyramid suggestions when planning your family's meals."

"Take the whole family for a walk every day, or just get out and shoot hoops, play freeze tag, throw a Frisbee, ride your bikes, or do whatever it is you like to do," Grey adds. "If you prefer to stay indoors, put on some music and dance, or work out to an exercise video. Take turns letting each family member choose the exercise activity for the day, and get everyone to agree to do the chosen activity without complaining!"

Find out more about reducing your family's medical costs by reading this article in its entirety at www.grandmashealthykidsclub.com.

A Weight Loss Solution That Really Works

(Diet and Weight Loss), Weight loss expert Christine Rosche, creator of The Light Living Weight Management Program will be the guest on the June 11th Access to Health Experts teleseminar series. She will discuss her methods for losing weight sensibly and maintaining health and high energy through programs customized to each person's metabolic body type. This free interview is open to the public and is hosted by Liz Lipski, PhD, CCN.

According the Department of Health and Human Resources, approximately 64 percent of Americans are overweight or obese. As the percentage increases, so do the number of fad diets, pills and weight loss systems promising quick and effective weight loss. However, most trendy weight loss options are not only unsuccessful, but can also break the bank. According to Rosche, these programs do not effectively treat the underlying causes of why people are overweight and unhealthy.

While crash diets and pricey pills advertise a quick solution to unwanted pounds, the Light Living program is about creating a healthy lifestyle and empowering people to make permanent changes. Rosche's 25 years of experience in the health care and prevention field has allowed her to develop an integrated approach to nutrition and health management. She takes a whole person approach, addressing important issues such as metabolic imbalances, food addictions, stress, compulsive overeating, food allergies, PMS, nutritional supplements and their impact on your behavior and your body.

In this informational teleseminar, you will learn:

• The whole person approach to well being and weight management
• How to end compulsive eating for good
• How to burn fat instead of muscle
• How to lose weight while becoming healthier
• How to accept and love your body

To attend the free Access to Health Experts interview, visit: http://www.innovativehealing.com.
Written and audio transcripts are available after event from http://www.accesstohealthexperts.com.