How Big Is Your Waist?

 Researchers are finding that your waist size may predict your chances of having a heart attack. The bigger your waist, the greater your chance.  In one study, the odds of developing heart disease were 55% greater for men and 90% greater for women with the largest bellies and smallest hips.  Yikes!
What should your waist size be?

Take your height in inches and divide by 2.  That number should equal your waist size.  If you are 6' or 72", your waist should be no more than 36".  If you are 5'4", or 64", your waist should be no more than 32".

How To Help Your Kid To Lose Weight

25 million kids in this country are overweight.  That's 1 in 3 kids.  There are things parents can do to help their kid to lose weight.  Researchers are finding that simple substitutions at meals and easy changes to recipes can dramatically cut the number of calories kids eat.
Give kids 1% milk instead of whole milk.
Serve canned fruit in juice instead of in syrup.
Make macaroni and cheese with 1% milk and reduced fat butter.
Serve low fat yogurt with fresh fruit.
Buy reduced-sugar cereals and serve them with 1% milk.
The researchers found that when kids were served the reduced calorie foods, they ate about 400 calories less and the kids still liked the taste of the foods.

5 Ways To Boost Your Brain Power

Exercising for 30 minutes, 4 to 5 days a week, is the #1 way to improve brain function.

Eating 1 cup of blueberries daily has been shown to improve your memory.

Drinking 1 to 3 cups of coffee a day can improve your memory and reduce your risk of Alzheimer's.

Doing puzzles and word games can boost your brain power.  Timed games make you think more quickly.

Using your less dominant hand for everyday tasks, such as opening a door, reaching for a dish, or  brushing your teeth, creates mental cross-training which stimulates the brain. 

Take Care of Your Bones!

Osteoporosis is on the rise.  Over 20 million people in the U.S. have osteoporosis.  The incidence of broken bones from osteoporosis has increased 55% since 1995.  It's the leading cause of hospitalization for older people, particularly older women.  To keep your bones healthy:

Don't smoke.

Watch your alcohol intake.

Exercise with weights twice a week.

Watch your coffee intake.  
More than 3 cups a day causes acids in your bloodstream which your body tries to neutralize by drawing calcium from your bones.

Get plenty of calcium and Vitamin D in your diet.

"A man who wants something will find a way; a man who doesn't will find an excuse."

Can You Be Fit If You're Overweight?

According to the results of a study that tracked 2600 women for 12 years, researchers found that being fit, regardless of your weight, reduced your risk of dying from heart disease, stroke, and cancer by 50%.  They found that fit women who were overweight, were better off than skinny women who never exercised.  Their findings say regular exercise improves your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and strengthens your heart, all of which can lengthen your lifespan.  Although you may be battling your weight, regular exercise can improve your health.

Exercise Prevents Colds!

Though the holidays have passed, it's still the season for sniffles, sore throats and the flu.  Several recent studies have found that people who exercise on a regular basis, get sick 50% less than those who don't exercise.  The American College of Sports Medicine, a leading authority on exercise, says there is no medicine, pill or supplement that comes close to the protection exercise provides against illness.  Exercise strengthens your immune system with natural cells that fight viruses.  30 minutes of exercise, 5 days a week, can help protect you from colds and flu.

What's your excuse?

6 Reasons You Should Exercise

New studies say:

You will be in a better mood for up to 12 hours after you workout.

The top way to get rid of cellulite is to work out.

You will sleep better if you workout.

Women who exercise are less likely to die from breast cancer.

You will be more mentally fit and have an improved memory.

You will live longer.

ME

Think About Doing, Not Achieving

If you visualize yourself taking the practical steps needed to reach your goals, you're far more likely to succeed than if you simply fantasize about your dreams becoming a reality. One especially effective technique involves adopting a third-person perspective: Those who visualize themselves as others see them are about 20% more successful than those who adopt a first-person point of view.

This is one of the many tips Dr. Richard Wiseman gives in his new book, 59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot.

The Top 10 Flavors Of Ice Cream

According to the International Ice Cream Association, these are the top ten flavors of ice cream:
Vanilla
Chocolate
Butter Pecan
Strawberry
Neapolitan
Chocolate Chip
French vanilla
Cookies 'n' Cream
Fudge Ripple
Praline
Why is a health and fitness blog telling you about ice cream?
I HAVE TO GET YOUR ATTENTION SOMEHOW!