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Posts under ‘Health’

10 Reasons to Add Yoga to Your Fitness Routine

If you are looking for a way to mix up your workout regimen, why not add yoga? This ancient exercise program incorporates the mind, body and spirit for a truly complete workout. We have 10 reasons why yoga might be the perfect addition to your current fitness routine.

  • Better Flexibility

    The positions of yoga enhance flexibility so your limbs and joints enjoy a greater range of motion. This includes joints that are rarely worked in other types of exercise, ensuring your entire body enjoys the full benefits of your yoga workout. Plan to see improved flexibility, especially in hamstrings, shoulders, back and hips.

  • Shortcuts to Healthier Eating

    We all know we need to eat healthier today, but who has the time to chop fresh veggies and experiment with new recipes every week? The good news is that healthier eating doesn’t have to cost valuable time today. With a few easy tips, you can transform your kitchen into a nutritious oasis without spending an exorbitant number of your precious hours to do so.

    Munch on these time savers to whip your family into healthier shape – all without giving up anything else on your schedule to shop and cook.

    10 Energy Boosting Foods

    Do you find yourself dragging at about the same time every day? Instead of reaching for a soda or energy drink, consider what you are putting on your plate.

    Food can boost energy levels in several ways, either by introducing additional calories that the body uses for energy, or by providing stimulants like caffeine that rev up the metabolism so calories are burned more efficiently.

    Next time you are feeling that familiar energy slump, try one of these energy-boosting foods for the pick-me-up you need to make it through your day with ease.

    5 Fitness Steps to a Healthier You

    There are plenty of studies offering compelling evidence about the many health benefits of exercise. There is no doubt that exercise is good for you, but how will you find time to practice step aerobics and lift weights in your already packed schedule?

    The good news is that exercise doesn’t have to take an exorbitant amount of time to offer real results. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends just 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week to keep your heart healthy and your body in shape. We have five ideas for using those 30 minutes that your body is sure to love.

    10 Steps to a Healthier You

    A healthier lifestyle reaps a slew of benefits, including more energy, an improved physical appearance and less sickness throughout the cold and flu season. Developing healthy habits isn’t all that difficult – as long as you know where to focus your behavior. Peruse these 10 habits that will keep you looking and feeling your best every day.

    1. Five a Day

      The USDA and the CDC recommend a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables a day to get sufficient nutrients from these raw foods. Choose a variety of colors in your produce to ensure you get the full spectrum of benefits.

    Develop the Exercise Habit in 5 Easy Steps

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    No one can argue the fact that exercise is good for your mind, body and spirit. Daily activity makes us feel better about the way we look, gives us a burst of energy, and helps ward off many chronic conditions later in life.

    Sure, we know exercise is beneficial, but who has time to drive to the gym or do laps around the neighborhood every day?

    Fitting exercise into your daily schedule isn’t about finding more hours in the day; but about learning to prioritize your activities so a workout becomes a core part of your daily habit. We have five easy steps that will put you on the road to a regular fitness program and a healthier lifestyle overall.

    6 Exercise Benefits You Never Knew

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    Most of us know that a regular exercise program is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and keeping our cardiovascular system in top condition. However, there are many benefits to a regular workout that are not quite as obvious. For example, did you know that daily exercise can help you sleep better and may even improve your sex life?

    Check out these benefits of physical exercise that you may never have thought of before.

    Risk Factors for Eating Disorders

    Recently I attended a seminar on eating disorders. In the U.S. it is estimated that 81% of 10 year olds are afraid of becoming fat.91% of college women surveyed in 2001 had attempted to control their weight through dieting. Annually, Americans spend over $40 billion on dieting and diet-related products.

    • Cultural

      There are cultural values that may emphasize self and body. One may equate thinness with beauty and happiness.

    • Family

      One may develop eating disorders if there is a family history of it. The family as a whole may be overinvested in food, diet, weight, appearance, or physical fitness.

    When a loved one has a drug problem

    If you suspect that a friend or family member has a drug problem, here are a 5 things you can do:

    • Consult a addiction professional

      You can consult an MD or look online for referrals. When talking with a specialist, it is helpful to let them know the kind of drugs your loved one is taking, the quantity, a list of doctors they are seeing, and a brief life history.

    Support groups as part of treatment for prescription drug abuse

    Support groups can help those addicted to prescription medications deal with their issues. Being with a group of people who share the same addiction gives support to the addict and helps them to stay clean and sober.

    A support group is a gathering of people who are living with similar issues. They meet regularly, either in person or online, to share their experiences. Members of the group learn from each other and get practical tips for dealing with their addictions.

    One advantage of a support group for addicts is that the person understands that they are not alone in their addiction. A successful support group is where an addict does not feel judged.