Sunday, May 31, 2009

Wellness From Within

The American Holistic Health Association offers a Free booklet, "Wellness From Within: The First Step". Here is a link to the online version of the booklet:

"Wellness From Within: The First Step"

I have found the information in this booklet very helpful and eye-opening. I hope you enjoy this information as much as I have. Are you taking an ACTIVE approach to your wellness?

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Video: What is Wellness?

“Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and farther when the wheels are in perfect alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are in balance.”~Brian Tracy

Monday, May 11, 2009

Enhance Your Stick-to-it-iveness

"The three great essentials to achieve anything worth while are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense."~Thomas Edison


Dictionary.com defines stick-to-it-iveness as dogged perseverance; resolute tenacity.

“How long should you try? Until.”~Jim Rohn.

Don't give up! When you're trying to become healthier there may be some adversities you have to overcome but part of achieving success is perseverance. If you experience setbacks, don't let them discourage you and try to learn from them.

Keep a positive attitude. I believe your attitude plays a major role in how successful you will be in reaching your goals. The more optimisitic you are the better but remember to make your goals realistic.

Acknowledge your accomplishments. You made a decision to become a healthier individual and are taking action to achieve your goals, why not reward yourself as you reach certain milestones? Acknowledging your progress can provide positive reinforcement.

Have patience. Rome wasn't built in a day and if you're trying to lose weight, then you probably gained weight over an extended period of time, so allow yourself some time to lose it.

Make it enjoyable. Try to make your transition to a healthier you as enjoyable as possible. Becoming healthier doesn't have to be an unpleasant experience. The more you enjoy what you're doing the less it seems like a task and the more likely you are to stick with it. Find physical activities you enjoy to get exercise, put on some good music when you're working out or get creative with your healthy food choices.

Find good support. Having people to support you in your efforts can be very beneficial and possibly increase the chances of you achieving success. Sometimes a little encouragement can go a long way in helping you reach your goals.

Your journey to better health may be challenging at times but you need to stay focused and try to keep a positive outlook. You will succeed! “Who has never tasted what is bitter does not know what is sweet.” Overcoming the challenges you face along the way will make your success even sweeter when you achieve it.

Brian Francis,CNC
www.herbalfix.biz


*This was written for informational purposes only. Always consult a physician before modifying your diet or beginning an exercise program.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

How Will You Celebrate Earth Day?

Hello! Today is Earth Day. How will you celebrate the day? Will you be active and try to get outdoors and enjoy the day? Today is a good reason to get outside and get some fresh air. If you normally exercise indoors, why not try some outdoor activities instead atleast for the day? You can experience nature at it's best (it's spring so the weather shouldn't be to drastically hot or cold) and work on improving your health at the same time. A win-win situation! So, don't forget to celebrate the day and get outside and be active.

Quick Tip:
Walking can be a good idea to get outside and be physically active today (or any other day) and enjoy nature at the same time.

Additional Info:
SPRING OUTDOORS FOR AN ENERGIZING WORKOUT

*Always consult your physician before engaging in physical actvity.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Will You Walk Tomorrow?

Tomorrow, Wednesday April 8, 2009, is National Start Walking! Day. Here is a brief description about the event from the American Heart Association's website:

Get Up and Move on Wednesday, April 8
These days, adults like you are spending more time at work than ever before. An unfortunate side effect is that, as a nation, we're becoming more inactive. This is a problem when you consider the fact that physical inactivity doubles the risk of heart disease!

But take heart! It's a problem you can help fix by convincing your company to take part in National Start! Walking Day on Wednesday, April 8.

On this day, employees are encouraged to wear sneakers to work and take at least 30 minutes out of their day to get up and walk. It's a great way to raise awareness of the Start! movement and to give your coworkers a friendly push toward a healthier life.

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I know that everyone's lifestyles vary and we are all really busy but don't forget to try and squeeze in some extra physical activity whenever possible. Remember, it doesn't have to be alot of vigorous exercise. Here are some physical activities that may be good for you to consider from Georgia State University:

Need Help Figuring Out What Qualifies as Physical Activity?
Check Out These Suggestions.....

There are numerous activities that can be worked into your day that do not involve going to the gym, or an aerobics class. Some alternative ideas are listed below:

Walk! Do it with a friend, find a local trail, go to the mall and walk around awhile before you shop. Park as far away from your destination as possible and walk. If you live in town, walk to do your errands. Take a walk during your lunch break. Walk your dog. It’s easy!!

Take the stairs. Use the stairs whenever you can. Avoid elevators and escalators. If you work on the 35th floor, don’t panic. Take the elevator to the 30th floor and walk the last five flights.

Take up a sport. Call your local parks and recreation department and find out about local softball, basketball, and touch football leagues, racket sports, soccer and etc.

Jump Rope. It’s cheap, it’s easy, and you can do it anywhere (even in a hotel).

Play Games. Play with your kids. Try these activities...They're fun for the whole family.

In-Line Skate

Swim.

Ride your bike

Dance! Learn to dance. Take tap, ballet, belly dancing, jazz, and etc. Social dancing is popular again. Take advantage of classes being offered in your community and have a great time while you’re at it.

Get outside!! Try some of these outdoor activities...

Garden! Many people don’t realize it, but gardening is tough work. Get outside and play in the dirt. Get rid of that riding mower and mow the lawn with a hand mower. It’s great exercise.

Go hiking.

Go canoeing, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling or surfing.

Try Horseback riding.

Wash and wax your car.

Clean your house. Vacuuming, mopping, and dusting can be quite a work out.

Do simple stretching and calisthenics exercises at your desk.

Do anything that gets you up and moving, and most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!!!
---------------------------------------------

Physical doesn't have to seem like a chore! Try to make it fun and try new things so that you don't get bored. If you're having fun you will probably look forward to being more active and increasing your physical activity may help to improve your health.

*Sources:

American Heart Association

Georgia State University

*Always consult your physician before beginning an exercise program or modifying your diet.

Monday, March 30, 2009

If You Buy It, They Will Come!

I may be in the minority, but I have never watched the popular movie "Field of Dreams". However, I have heard alot of referrence to a line from the movie. The popular phrase, "If you build it, they will come". Recently, I have thought about that comment in relation to healthy living.

In my adaptation of the phrase, "If you buy it, they will come!", the "it" I am referring to is unhealthy (or "junk") food. The "they" I'm referring to is extra pounds which may be gained as a result of consuming alot of unhealthy foods and beverages. So, my toughts are if you try to avoid buying unhealthy food & beverage choices, then it will make it easier to maintain or achieve your healthier lifestyle. It may seem like a no-brainer to some, but actually making this habit a part of your healthy lifestyle may not be that easy.

Start with a plan! Try to plan your healthy meals and snacks in advance. Make sure you stock your home with a good variety of healthy items. When you grocery shop do you use a list or just randomly pick up items? Make a grocery list before you do your shopping and try your best to stick to the list. The list may save you time, money and may save you from the temptation of buying alot of unhealthy groceries.

Try new things! I'm a very picky eater and used to be extremely limited in my diet. My diet mainly consisted of pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, Philly steak sandwiches and Ben & Jerry's Phish Food. I know that was pretty pathetic but that's what I liked and that's what I used to eat ALL of the time. When I decided I wanted to start being healthier I knew I definitely had to expand my variety of foods. I started gradually trying new things and have expanded my options considerably! Surprisingly, I am very content these days with my healthier food choices and have learned to love Broccoli (which I never would have imagined me ever saying nor admitting) and have added trail mix to the list of snacks I like.

What's your living situation? I know that everyone's living situation is different and sometimes living with others can make your plans for improved health or weight loss a little more difficult but you have to remain determined. If you live with others, you made need to make additional plans/arrangements and ask for a little support in your efforts. Maybe you can negotiate to limit the number of unhealthy items in your home. Leading by example can sometimes help encourage others around you to want to strive for a healthier lifestyle too.


After you make your serious commitment for improved health or weight loss, you have to stay motivated and focused on your goals! Be patient and persistent in your efforts! Remember that nobody's perfect. There may be small stumbling blocks along the way, but if you happen to trip over one, make sure you pick yourself back up and continue on your path to improved health. “Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.”-John Quincy Adams.


Quick Tips:

Be Adventurous! I was hesitant to try some new foods but I am very grateful I did. I make alot more healthier choices and I suprisingly don't really miss the "junk" food. Having alot of options of healthy foods I like has helped me tremendously.

Practice Moderation! Even some of the healthier choices can add up to alot of extra caloreis if you indulge too much. Be careful of the serving size!

Clean for Spring! Keep unhealthy foods out of the house. If the food is not easily accessible, then that should help fight your temptations a great deal.

Stay Active! Move around and burn some calories. Think about taking a walk or doing some type of physical activity when you are bored instead of eating.

Think Before You Drink! Be sure to read the labels on your beverages. Be aware of the calories in any alcohol you consume. Beverage calories count too!

Additional Info:

MayoClinic.com: Snacks: How they fit into your weight-loss plan

WebMD: Healthy Snacks For Weight Loss Quiz

Healthy vs. Junk Snacks: How We Choose

*This was written for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician before beginning an exercise program or modifying your diet.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Do You Make Healthy Choices When You Travel?


When you travel do you try to maintain a healthy lifestyle or do you take a vacation from your healthy habits?
I know that it can be extremely difficult to try to maintain a healthy lifestyle on the road but I think with a little will power and planning that you can still enjoy yourself and still make healthy choices.
For starters, make a plan! If you are trying to maintain your healthy lifestyle I think that having a plan in place for eating or physical activity is just as important as knowing how to get where you are going during your trip. Try to do a little brainstorming about your meals and snacks before you begin your travel. A good start may be to have a well-balanced meal before you leave and pack some healthy snacks for your trip to help you avoid eating junk food. Some possible snack choices are:
NutsSeedsTrail mixCerealDried fruitLow-fat crackers.Single-serve containers of fruitPeanut butterPopcornGranola or cereal barsRice or popcorn cakesGraham crackers
You may also want to think ahead about your meal choices. I think if you have some idea ahead of time about possible healthier choices then it may help you avoid making poor food choices. For example, thinking about how your food is prepared. Will you try to avoid all the sauces and extras that may come with your meal and keep it simple or will you completely indulge? I know that we all want to enjoy our trips or vacations but even if you indulge, do so in moderation. If your favorite meal is not a healthier choice, then don't deprive yourself but be conscious of how much of it you are eating. Watch your portions! Maybe try sharing it with someone or only eating half and requesting a take-home container for the rest.
Do you plan any physical activity into your trip? Even if you don't want to exercise in any traditional ways, could there be some enjoyable physical activity that you can do? Is taking a walk to do a little sightseeing an option or if there is a swimming pool, why not go for a swim? On the other hand, if you don't mind more traditional exercise on the road, will you consider staying at a location that has exercise equipment for guests to use or planning a workout to do in your hotel room?
Don't forget about water! Drinking bottled water can help you stay hydrated and help you cut down on the calories you consume. If you choose not to drink water, then try to be conscious of the calories you are drinking. Your beverage choices may add to some unwanted calories being consumed.
I hope this provides a little food for thought. No pun intended! Making healthy choices on the road doesn't have to be unpleasant. You can still enjoy great food when you travel and maintain your healthy lifestyle. Just remember to plan, try to be as active as possible, practice moderation and have some fun!

*Sources and Additional Info

Medicinenet.com : Avoid Vacation Weight Gain: 5 Simple Rules

Webmd.com : Take Your Diet on the Road

American Dietetic Association (eatright.org) : Road Trips Can Be Nu...

About.com: Nutrition - Healthy Eating On The Road


*This was written for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician before modifying your diet or begininng physical activity.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

How Many Calories Are In A Pound?



Have you ever wondered how many calories are in a pound? When I first started trying to lose weight I thought that was a valuable piece of information to know and I think it is worth sharing to those who may not know. The answer is about 3,500 calories in a pound of fat. For those trying to manage their weight, knowing this info may make a big difference in helping you accomplish your goals.

Focusing only on the numbers and no other factors, to lose a pound in a week you would have to consume about 500 fewer calories per day for a week. Oppositely, to gain a pound in a week you would have to consume about 500 extra calories per day for a week.

To give you an idea of a possible small change to consume 500 fewer calories, consider the calories you consume in your beverages. If you drink soda, there may be about 250 calories in a 20 ounce bottle. So, if you drink two or more bottles of soda per day and cut out two bottles for seven days then, you may be able to lose about one pound in a week.

You also have to make sure you read the nutrition labels to see how many calories you are actually consuming and don't forget to pay attention to serving size. Staying with soda as an example, there are usually about 2.5 servings in a 20 ounce bottle. So, if there are 100 calories in an eight ounce serving, make sure you determine how many servings you actually consume.

I hope this info is helpful. Paying attention to what and how much you are consuming is a very important habit to learn. Making small changes in your lifestyle may result in big improvements in your health! For the best results you must have balance! You should have a combination of a balanced diet, physical activity and counting calories.



Additional Info

Dietary Guidelines For Americans

How Stuff Works Article

Daily Reference Intakes

Mayo Clinic

*This was written for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician before beginning an exercise program or modifying your diet.


Monday, March 16, 2009

Are You Ready For A Healthier Lifestyle?

These days with all of the options that are available for our convenience, it is very easy to make unhealthy lifestyle choices. The choices we make can lead to many different health-related problems. Some of the problems that can occur are obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

If you are currently living an unhealthy lifestyle, why not try to make a change for the better? Sometimes the hardest part of making a change is getting started. If you are seriously interested in a healthier lifestyle, then get started today. Why wait? Make atleast a small change(s) to get yourself on the right track. After all, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."! Are you ready to take your first step?

Click Here for YouTube Video

If you need assistance taking your first step towards a healthier lifestyle feel free to contact me. Here is a quick tip to get you started.

Quick Tip:
Watch Your Portions and Be Active!
Portion Info
NHLBI Serving Size Card

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Am I Still A Hulkamaniac?

Growing up I like to think I was a "normal" kid. I enjoyed sports and being active. I rode my bike, played pick-up games of basketball, football,etc., played the normal run-around-like-you're-crazy games like hide-n-seek and just enjoyed being a kid. I just had a thought, what happened to those days? LOL! One thing I loved as a kid was watching wrestling. Of course, at one point I was a Hulkamaniac. Who wasn't? You could catch me trying to rip my shirt trying to be like Hulk Hogan and doing my impersonations of the different wrestlers. I used to love to impersonate the "Macho Man" Randy Savage, which unfortunately my parents have some embarassing pictures of. I think all of us probably have lots of embarrassing pictures hidden somewhere!

Over the years I watched my fair share of episodes of wrestling but lost interest as I got older. I haven't watched any wrestling in years but some things I will probably never forget about it. One of those things is the embarrassing photo of me impersonating the "Macho Man" and another is Hulk Hogan's famous saying, "Train, Say Your Prayers, Eat Your Vitamins, (Be True to Yourself!"). Still to this day I think of those words when I take my vitamins and sometimes when I work out. His words left a lasting positive impression on me many years later. When I was younger the wrestlers were a motivation for me to workout and try to be in good shape like I thought they were. A couple of the favorite motivational tools of my family were the eating spinach so I could be like Popeye and taking my vitamins and exercising to be like Hulk! With a little reinforcement from my family encouraging me to take my vitamins, eat my spinach and exercise so I could be big and strong like my heroes it made me develop a commitment to exercise and (unknowingly) try to have proper nutrition at an early age that is still having a slight effect on me in adulthood. So taking all of that into consideration, what positve influences or motivations have you had in life to keep you on the right track to be healthy? What is your current motivation to have good or improved health? Do you keep your motivation in mind constantly? If you have children, are you motivating them to make healthy lifestyle choices? If you get off track do you use your motivation to get back on track?

Some of my motivations in recent years are just wanting to feel better in general, being sick and tired of being sick and tired, just to prove to myself that I can get back into the best shape of my life if I really wanted to (if you don't truly have the desire for improved health, I think that it unlikely you will succeed in achieving it), seeing some of my relatives and friends in bad health-related situations that may have been avoidable and not wanting to be in their situations myself and several other reasons.

My point to saying all of this is for you to use your motivation to fuel your efforts. Don't lose sight of what you are trying to accomplish and more importantly WHY you are trying to accomplish it. Sometimes I don't feel like working out or start to pick up a menu to order something bad for myself to eat just because it's convenient, but thankfully most of the time now my motivation kicks in and I remember WHY I want to be healthier in the first place and end up making a healthier decision. I must say that I am human and have my days where I don't end up working out and occasionally give in to my temptaions to eat bad but those days are alot less than they used to be, which I am proud of!

After all of these years I guess I still have a little Hulkamania motivating me. I'm still trying to Train, Say My Prayers, Eat My Vitamins and Be True to Myself! Whether it be good health or whatever you want in life, keep your mind on your motivation and use that motivation to help you accomplish your goals!

Here is a nostalgic video from YouTube I thought would be appropriate to end with. Enjoy!



Wikipedia on Hulk Hogan

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Did You Notice The Different Super Bowl Commercials?

Like many others I watched the very exciting Super Bowl XLIII this past Sunday. I enjoyed the game alot and living not far from Pittsburgh, I was on the edge of my seat most of the game. The final few minutes had me a little nervous but very pleased with the end result. Congratulations to the Steelers for their sixth Super Bowl win!

I believe I'm like most people and look forward to seeing the Super Bowl commercials along with the game. I watched most of the commercials during the game but a couple stood out to me. I was very happy to see the United Way and NFL Play 60 commercials and excited to see that the NFL and United Way are addressing the childhood obesity problem that is currently going on. In case you didn't see them or don't remember them, here is a YouTube video of the United Way PSA:



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According to the Centers for Disease Control, obesity among children has nearly doubled in the last decade. Alarmingly, more than 9 million children in the United States are either obese or overweight, and studies show today's children are not getting the necessary exercise and activity for effective weight management and good health. As a result, more and more United Ways are supporting and promoting programs that help youth make positive nutritional and behavioral choices.*
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As you can see from the paragraph above childhood obesity is a serious problem that deserves serious attention. I think the text-to-donate concept is a convenient way to allow people to make a difference in the lives of children and be a part of the solution to the problem. I have used this service personally and it was quick, convenient and painless. I donated the $5.00 that this service is set up for and this service also allows you to make up to 5 donations of $5.00 if you choose to do so. The $5.00 donation is added to your wireless phone bill. They also provide information about the service on the web. Click Here for the link or to make a donation online.



Here is the Mission Statement found on the NFL Play 60 website:
NFL PLAY 60
Our mission: As a brand and leader that believes in the power of sport, the promise of young fans and whose players embody health and fitness; the NFL and its Clubs are committed to reversing the effects of the childhood obesity epidemic. NFL PLAY 60 is a national youth health and fitness campaign focused on increasing the wellness of young fans by encouraging them to be active for at least 60 minutes a day. To learn how to get your children involved, visit NFLRUSH.com.
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Whether you decide to make a donation or just take action personally, together we can help reverse the childhood obesity problem and help the younger generations to make healthier choices and live healthier lifestyles. I would like to thank the NFL and United Way for taking action to help in the fight against childhood obesity and being an inspiration to others to promote healthier lifestyle choices in today's youth.


Sources: NFL.com , NFLRUSH.com , LiveUnited.org*


Brian Francis,CNC
www.herbalfix.biz

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Raquel & Michael's Success Stories

"These products have earned my loyalty for life!"




"These products have earned my loyalty for life!" As a student living in a college dorm, Raquel De Luna had a hard time finding the right foods–and no problem finding unhealthy snacks. "My self-esteem hit an all-time low," she remembers, "when a boy I liked told me he wasn't interested because I was overweight."


"Now I know the importance of good nutrition."

When she started using the ShapeWorks® products, Raquel explains, "I finally started to get it. I learned good eating habits, which really made the program easier." For example, even if she ran out of products, "I knew the right foods to eat," she says, "and which ones to avoid." As a result, Raquel lost 46 pounds and went from a size 16/18 to a 6/7. "I'm so happy with what these products have done for me," she states, "that I'm dedicating my life to bringing them to others."*

"I feel great about myself–and I'm eager to help others."

Here's How:

Favorites: Formula 1 and 2, Total Control®, Herbal Concentrate, Aminogen®.

Learn about what you're putting into your body. Knowing exactly how these products are helping will really help you stay on track.
Ease into your program. Don't try to completely change your diet in the first day.



Before: 193 pounds
After:147 pounds
Lost: 46 pounds



*The weight-loss testimonials presented are applicable to the individuals and are not a guarantee nor are they typical. Aminogen® is a registered trademark of Triarco Industries, Inc.


"My health problems were unbearable."



The high price of weight problems
As his weight escalated to over 400 pounds, Michael was taking more than 11 costly prescription medications a month just to keep his diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and other debilitating conditions, such as ulcerative colitis, from worsening. Chronic-fatigue syndrome zapped his energy and kept him homebound except for visits to doctors and pharmacies. According to Michael, "The physical and emotional pain of my health problems were becoming unbearable. I tried many weight-loss systems, but none worked consistently, and I was beginning to doubt whether I would ever feel well enough to work or have a happy social life."


Exceeding all expectations
One day Michael responded to a "Work-from-Home" ad and was invited to an Herbalife Opportunity Meeting. "I wasn’t expecting much, but I can tell you that my attitude and outlook took a positive turn the minute I walked through that door and saw for myself the happiness I was missing," he recalls.

Tremendous weight loss and health gains
Even Michael’s doctor thought that Herbalife was worth a try. From day one on Herbalife's Weight-Management Program, Michael felt his energy level rising as his weight steadily dropped. And 15 months after starting on the Herbalife program, Michael’s health had improved so much that his doctors took him off every previously prescribed medication. "I love these amazing products. Not only do I feel great, I look great! My waist has shrunk from 61 inches to 34 inches, " Michael excitedly states.*

Key motivator: "Life was slipping by in misery."
Diet tip: "Herbalife nutrition is much better than overeating. It keeps me from being hungry. Also, remember to drink lots of water."
Favorite "thin ’n fit" activity: "Walking everywhere, especially to the gym and back."

Before: 487 pounds
After: 177 pounds
Lost: 310 pounds



*The weight-loss testimonials presented are applicable to the individuals and are not a guarantee nor are they typical.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

The Problem Is Getting Bigger! Can Small Steps Help?

The obesity problem is still getting worse! Recently there were statistics released by the government stating that there are now more obese Americans than overweight! Here is a copy of the article which can also be found on the MedlinePlus website.

Reuters Health-Monday, January 12, 2009

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of obese American adults outweighs the number of those who are merely overweight, according to the latest statistics from the federal government.

Numbers posted by the National Center for Health Statistics show that more than 34 percent of Americans are obese, compared to 32.7 percent who are overweight. It said just under 6 percent are "extremely" obese.

"More than one-third of adults, or over 72 million people, were obese in 2005-2006, the NCHS said in its report.

The numbers are based on a survey of 4,356 adults over the age of 20 who take part in a regular government survey of health, said the NCHS, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The figures come from the 2005-2006 survey and are the most current available.

"During the physical examination, conducted in mobile examination centers, height and weight were measured as part of a more comprehensive set of body measurements," the NCHS report said.

"Although the prevalence of obesity has more than doubled since 1980, the prevalence of overweight has remained stable over the same time period," it said.

Obesity and overweight are calculated using a formula called body mass index. BMI is equal to weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Someone with a BMI of 25 to 29 is classified as overweight, 30 to 40 counts as obese and people with BMIs of 40 or more are morbidly obese.

A person 5 feet 5 inches tall becomes overweight at 150 pounds (68 kg) and obese at 180 pounds (82 kg). The U.S. National Institutes of Health has an online BMI calculator at www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/.

In the 1988-1994 surveys, 33 percent of Americans were overweight, 22.9 percent were obese and 2.9 percent were morbidly obese. The numbers have edged up steadily since.

Being overweight or obese raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, arthritis and other conditions.

In May, the CDC reported that 32 percent of U.S. children fit the definition of being overweight, 16 percent were obese and 11 percent were extremely obese.

Childhood and adult obesity has emerged as a growing problem not only in the United States but also in many countries around the world.


Source: Reuters Health Information[Internet]
-----------------------

After reading those statistics, I did some more research and found a program that I believe may be able to aid in the fight against obesity. The program is called Small Steps. They have a Small Steps Adult & Teen and Small Steps Kids programs. Here is a brief description straight from the Small Steps website:

Today's lifestyle doesn't allow much room for health. And that's where Small Steps comes in. We know that it's impossible for many people to make dramatic lifestyle changes. Instead, we want to help you learn ways that you can change small things about your life and see big results.
--------------------------------

The Small Steps Adult & Teen offers over 170 healthy tips, sections for: Get The Facts-which helps you get correct health information, Eat Better -which provides tips and resources for healthier eating , Get Active -which provides tips,resources and an activity tracker, Learn More, and Portion Control. Small Steps Kids offers information, games and activities.

Having information is a good thing but what really makes the difference is what you do with the information. I hope that if you decide to check out the Small Steps Program that you can find some useful information and be able to apply it to your life or share it with friends or family that may benefit from it. After all, they say "It's what the hero does that makes him/her a hero..."! So, maybe you can try taking some small steps and see if they can add up to big results for you?


Source:Small Steps Program Link


Brian Francis,CNC
www.herbalfix.biz

Saturday, January 17, 2009

But I Don't Have Time to Exercise...

It's still early into the new year and you made your resolution to be healthier, lose weight, bulk up, etc.. So, how dedicated are you to accomplishing your goals? Are you putting forth an honest effort? Are you exercising regularly?

To accomplish being healthier or losing weight, proper nutrition along with other lifestyle choices are vital in successfully achieving those goals. Exercise is one of the vital factors that should not be neglected.

These days we are all really busy and have a million things to do every day. Since we are living such busy lifestyles sometimes we may feel like we don't have the time to exercise. Where do I find the time to exercise? I have to work, sleep, eat, spend time with my family and friends, check out MySpace and Facebook, and the list goes on. If you are reading this then it is most likely that you are in front of the computer right now (since this is a blog)? I will also further speculate that you may be in front of the computer screen regularly? If I am correct about those two assumptions, which I don't like to make because we all know what the say about assumptions, then do you also exercise regularly?

I'm not being critical. I don't know anyone's particular situation but I would like to offer some food for thought. Can you "create" time for exercise? I didn't have the time either but wanted to find the time. Personally I found that early morning exercise is best for me. I like to exercise as soon as I get up for the day. It usually helps give me a great start to my day. I usually feel more energetic, more alert, (a little)less stressed and have a sense of accomplishment. Could morning exercise be the right way for you to go too? Could it allow you to "create" time by getting it out of the way before the rest of your daily schedule gets too hectic?

No matter what time of day is good for your specific situation, of course the important thing is just doing it! Start off slow and build yourself up over time, but just practice making exercise a habit. Try to find ways to stay active. Make it fun. It's easier to do things you enjoy and you'll be more likely to do it consistently. If possible, having someone to hold you accountable or finding a friend or family member to exercise with may be helpful. Designing a reward system for yourself for accomplishing your goals may be another option to keep you motivated. Whatever path you decide to take, I wish everyone luck on their journey to becoming/staying healthy.

*Always consult your physician before beginning a diet or exercise program.

Brian Francis,CNC
www.herbalfix.biz

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Win a Free Weight Management or Wellness Program

If you are in need of losing or gaining weight or would just like to improve your health & wellness, then you me be able to receive a free Herbalife program to help you accomplish your goals! B.F. Enterprises is providing a FREE Quickstart Weight-Management Program plus a Free bottle of Total Control tablets or a FREE Personalized Program of products to the First Prize Winner of the Tears of Joy's January 2009 Writing Contest! In addition to the FREE program the First Prize Winner will also receive a FREE Wellness Evaluation, Consultation and Continuous Support for the length of the program.

The theme for this contest is "My Favorite Moment in My Life!" Participants will be asked to write a poem or short story about this theme. For complete details you can visit the Tears of Joy Stories website at www.tearsofjoystories.com. For a list of all contests for 2009 please go to Tears of Joy 2009 Contest. I wish everyone who participates in this and all of the Tears of Joy Contests the best of luck and I look forward to providing the First Prize Winner with their FREE Herbalife program and helping them begin to achieve the health & wellness goals they desire.

January Contest Dates:
Begins January 12, 2009
Ends January 31, 2009
Votes end February 5, 2009

I would like to thank Tears of Joy for the opportunity to be a part of the 2009 Contest and wish them continued success in all that they do. Be sure to stop by Tears of Joy's website and share your story for a chance to win one of the great prizes being offered. Additional prizes are being provided by Tears of Joy Video and Send Out Cards. Thank you for reading and Good Luck!

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Sincerely,

Brian Francis,CNC
www.herbalfix.biz