Friday, May 25, 2012

Health Tip: Take a Walk!

If you are a new walker make sure you do not overdo it!  See the tips on MedlinePlus


MedlinePlus: Trusted Health Information for You

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Try the SuperTracker

SuperTracker:
My foods. My fitness. My health.
Get your personalized nutrition and physical activity plan.
Track your foods and physical activities to see how they stack up.
Get tips and support to help you make healthier choices and plan ahead.
 
 

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Celebrate Nature

Another great idea from the USA.gov team:


Even with all the technology we have today, there is no smartphone app that can substitute for mother nature. USA.gov has the tips and ideas you need to get out and enjoy the fresh air this season:

  • Make an environmentally friendly difference in your own backyard by greenscaping. Did you know that yard waste is second only to paper in landfills? Learn how to “grasscycle,” and get tips on mulching, and composting properly to leave your yard looking great, and help the environment.
  • Keep your trees strong and healthy with proper pruning techniques. Learn which branches to trim or remove to prevent injury or property damage, stop the spread of diseased or insect-infested wood, and make your foliage look its best.
  • Whether you live in the city or country, house or apartment building, you can enjoy the birds in your neighborhood. Learn how to get their attention with food and water, so you can enjoy their beauty and song wherever you reside.
  • If you’re looking to get away for a bit, consider the many National Trails throughout the country. If it’s a rainy day, or you just can’t make it out, you can still enjoy the beauty of this country’s different landscapes with the National Park System’s many webcams.

Getting outside is a great way to relieve stress and have a great time with the entire family. Whether it’s maintaining the yard or taking a walk, the place to be is outdoors!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Get Your Family Moving During National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

The following information is from the USA.gov team:

As the weather gets nicer in May, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors to celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Spend some time this month enjoying the warmer weather while sneaking in extra physical activity. Use these tips from USA.gov to make fitness more fun:

Exercise doesn’t have to be boring. You can play games with your family like wiffle ball, tag and capture the flag. Go to a local park or use your backyard to run around with your kids. Before you know it, you’ll have met the daily guidelines of 60 minutes of movement for kids and 30 minutes for adults.

Take the President’s Fitness Challenge. Start with the physical fitness test to see how you stack up against other people your age. Based on your scores you can earn awards in different categories.

Look to your state tourism office or your local department of parks and recreation to learn about active events going on in your area. You may be able to find sports teams for your children to play on or adult recreational leagues for yourself.

No one wants to get hurt and have to spend time on the sidelines. But if you do end up with an injury, learn the best at-home treatments and when you should call in the professionals. You’ll also find tips on how to prevent more injuries in the future.

You can find more ideas to get you and your family moving at LetsMove.gov.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Make Sure Your Child's Bike is the Right Size

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these bike-buying guidelines:
  • Have your child shop with you for a new bike to make sure it fits properly.
  • Don't intentionally buy a bike that your child will "grow into." A bike that's too big can be very dangerous.
  • Don't let your child ride a two-wheeled bike until about age 5, or until the child is physically ready.
  • Make sure the child's feet reach the ground when sitting on the seat. When the child stands, there should be about an inch of room between the crotch and the bar of the bike.
  • Make sure your child can easily reach the brakes.

Tuesday, May 08, 2012

Energy and Sports Drinks Eat Away at Teeth, Study Finds

Sports and energy drinks are causing irreversible damage to the teeth of teens and young adults in the United States, the authors of a new study claim.
High acidity levels in the drinks erode tooth enamel, the glossy outer layer of teeth, the researchers contend in the May/June issue of the journal General Dentistry.

See the complete article on MedlinePlus.

Thursday, May 03, 2012

What is Healthy Eating?

The American Diabetes Association offers these guidelines for healthy eating:
  • Choose a variety of healthy foods, including lean meats, fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains and non-fat dairy products.
  • Limit portion sizes.
  • Avoid eating too much of the same type of food.
  • Eat meals regularly throughout the day at evenly spaced intervals.
  • Don't skip any meal.

Getting Enough Sleep?

Some estimates suggest that more than 50 million American adults sleep less than 6 hours a night. According to a new paper in the American Journal of Human Biology, sleep deprivation could be linked to obesity, heart disease, and other chronic health problems.

Read more at MedlinePlus