Tag Archives: health

Why A Massage Is So Beneficial To Your Health

Posted on June 6, 2012 | Leave a comment

Besides feeling (most of the time) unbelieveably amazing, massages can actually be great for your overall health.  It is suggested that massages come from the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine, roughly 4000 years ago.

Not only is massage a stress reliever, but it can also work wonders for your skin. According to www.health.howstuffworks.com if you “have a skin condition like rosacea that flares up due to stress, it can help keep you relaxed and free of flare-ups.”

Massages can be completed in various ways – your first massage is typically a full body massage and then after that you and your masseuse decide if there is a specific region that should be massaged more regularly.

Kristyn Kusek Lewis, who writes for health.com also notes the benefits of indulging on massages. She believes that “massage causes changes that slow your heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and block your nervous system’s pain receptors.” All good things. Interestingly enough, she also points out that famous MD Mehmet Oz admitted to having a guilty pleasure for massage and has one at least once a week.

Massages by a Registered Massage Therapist may seen expensive at first glance, but most often they provide a service that will leave a lasting impression on you both mentally and physically. RMT fees may also be covered under private insurance companies, so be sure to look into that.

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4 Ways to Kill Your Cravings

Posted on June 6, 2012 | Leave a comment

If you are like me, there are some days you just crave the bad food. And it can be hard to not give in! But last night I read an article online (Canadian Living) and it gave 4 simple tips to fight cravings.

1. Eat a piece of fruit. Grab an apple or an orange and when you are done, you probably won’t even remember the craving you just had! Plus you just consumed one of your 5-7 servings of fruit and veggies a day!

2. Drink a glass of water. Sometimes your cravings aren’t really about food, but instead about hydration. Drink a glass of water before you give in and reach for that cupcake. To make that glass of water more appealing, throw in lemon slices or cucumber slices.

3. Try a cup of tea. Try a fancy cup of tea to fill that sweet craving of yours. You  may be surprised how well this works to eliminate your craving.

4. Wean yourself off the source of your craving. For some this sounds like it is impossible to do, but it works! Put in the effort to restrict yourself when the craving strikes and you will find yourself craving it less and less.

Carolyn

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Cute Story

Posted on May 31, 2012 | Leave a comment

Ode To Fitness

By: David Smyth

I ride my bike from town to town, By hoards of smiling faces

My bpm goes up and down, As my heart’s put through its paces

I pump my legs and feel the burn, I’m living determination

At break neck speed I take the turns, I seek fat extermination

I swallow bugs and spit them out, I swig water from my bottle

A million swears will leave my mouth, As I ramp up on the throttle

My arm gets numb my breath gets thin, My feet slip of the pedal

I slam into an open bin,  Just three minutes from the medal

I see the light and wish I’d sought, A life less dull and dry

But as it is, my final thought Is what’s my bmi?

I never had a cushy job, Desks won’t make you feel alive

But I wish I’d been that brain dead slob, They live ‘till sixty five

 

 

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Staying Hydrated

Posted on May 25, 2012 | Leave a comment

There are many reasons why everyone should keep hydrated, especially during these hot humid days. Acording to familydoctor.org you should be staying hydrated because “every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to function correctly.” Water is needed in order to maintain a proper body temperature, lubricate and help joint function as well as for waste removal.

If you are dehydrated, that is low on fluids in the body, you will encounter several different symptoms. These include a headaches, little or dark urine, confusion, sleepiness and dry mouth. If you have any of these symptoms – try refueling your body.

Remember: everyone should consume at least 6-8 glasses of water per day. Some people require more than this, espeically if you have had extensive workouts during the day or have certain medical conditions.

Don’t like drinking water? There are other ways to compensate for a lack of desire to have plain water. Try real fruit and real vegetable juices, as well as teas. Some foods you can eat to supplement healthy hydration are watermelon, soup broth and vegetables, especially tomotoes and lettuce (familydoctor.org).

Some additional tips to stay hydrated during the day are:

*always have a refillable water bottle with you *have a glass of water as the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do before bed *when you eat out, ALWAYS order a glass of water; its great for you and its free!

Happy H2O. Katie

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Post Run Snacks

Posted on May 21, 2012 | 2 Comments

It is extremely important that you eat something after a run, especially a very long one. Because running takes a lot out of you, you must replenish your energy post-run. According to Christine Luff, author at About.com, a good reason to hit the kitchen or cupboard after running is that “you can minimize muscle stiffness and soreness,” if you eat within 30 minutes of the run.

Think of post-run (or post-exercising for that fact) snacking as a way to ‘fuel your fitness.’ You need to energize the body so it can work to it’s maximum potential to create results.

You will want to make sure that your snacks are full of carbs and some protein. If you have ever signed up for a race, you will notice almost always they have a huge selection of foods after you cross the finish line. Often bagels, bananas, other fruits and sometimes a bbq.

Some good post-run snack ideas are: Cliff bars, bagels with peanut butter, hummus on pita bread, fruit and yogurt and smoothies made with fruit and skimmed milk.

Katie

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Posted in Fitness, Healthy Eating

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Daily Dose of Antioxidants

Posted on May 19, 2012 | Leave a comment

Here is a great chart that illustrates which foods provide you with  your daily dose of antioxidants. Antioxidants are essential for us because they provide protection against damage the our body incounters everyday.

Carolyn

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Raspberry and Cranberry Smoothie

Posted on May 16, 2012 | 1 Comment

Here is a great smoothie recipe I found at besthealthmag.ca. Great for a morning boost.

You need: 1 peeled banana, 1/2 cup fresh raspberries, 1/2 cup of plain yogurt, 2 tbsps of cranberries (can use the frozen kind), 1/2 cup of orange juice (preferrably freshly squeezed) and 1.5 tbsp of honey.

It’s simple! Blend it all up until you get the desired texture you want. Enjoy.

Katie

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Why Skipping Should Be Apart Of Your Fitness Routine

Posted on May 9, 2012 | 2 Comments

Just the thought of skipping brings me back to elementary school when all the girls would join in for a friendly game of double dutch at recess. Recently while at the gym, I saw a man – mid 30′s – and extremely in shape, go into the fitness room and start skipping. Just him and the rope. He came out after about 10 minutes and was just drenched in sweat. I decided to investigate.

Skipping is actually extremely good for your health. A single person jump rope can be as beneficial in your workout routine as any other fitness move or weight training. According to WebMD author Leanna Skarnulis, skipping is the perfect weight burner! It takes just 15 minutes of skipping to burn off all of the calories consumed from a chocolate bar. It tones and burns at the same time! Who wouldn’t like that?

She also suggests that skipping is a great piece of equipment as it  ”sells for under $20.00, fits into a briefcase, can be used by the whole family,” and its fun!!!

For first time users, step on the rope and adjust the length so the handles are just under your armpits. Try skipping for a minute at a time, and gently increase your time and speed after becoming familiar with the movement. Don’t forget to always wear proper fitting running or athletic shoes when jumping rope. Do not jump on carpet; try a wood floor or better yet exercise resistant pad or impact mat.

Katie

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Lurking Dangers In Your Fridge.

Posted on May 7, 2012 | Leave a comment

How often do you actually clean out your fridge? Like many people, ‘expired’ and ‘best before’ dates sometimes go out the window. Here are some reasons why you make want to give that fridge of yours some TLC.

According to about.com the number one reason to clean your fridge is to prevent food poisioning to you or a family member. Spoiled foods could be lurking - ready to attack you as soon as they are consumed. Make sure you go through your expiration dates; do it now!

The bacteria that accumulates in your fridge is due to a number of issues. Not consistantly cleaning your fridge leads to a build-up of bacteria and can cause serious health issues. Fridge cleaning should be done regularly, about every 2 weeks.

One way that bacteria grows in your fridge is the constant passing of germs from hands to items. For example, condiments that are used regularly are always being touched by hands (which can often be dirty without the person even realizing) and put back in the fridge, where it multiplies and spreads. For an easy way to prevent germ and bacteria growth try wiping off condiments prior to putting them back in the fridge.

A great way to clean your fridge (housecleaningcentral.com) is to use 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 quart of warm water. Try to reach in all the little crevices and drawers, as well as shelving and the walls of your fridge to make sure everything gets disinfected.

Katie

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A Couple Little Stories To Brighten Your Day :)

Posted on May 2, 2012 | Leave a comment

Taken from marcandangel.com and makesmesmile.com

“Today, a man came in to apply at my restaurant.  He seemed charismatic, kind, knowledgeable, and friendly.  Later, when I went to call him to extend a job offer, I noticed he had written “ask for me” under his number.  The number belongs to a homeless shelter.  But I’m gonna take a risk and hire him anyways.”

“Today, my 12-year-old son, Sean, and I stopped by the nursing home together for the first time in several months.  Usually I come alone see my mother who’s suffering from Alzheimer’s.  When we walked into the lobby, the nurse said, “Hi, Sean!” and then buzzed us in.  “How does she know your name?” I asked.  “Oh, I swing by here on my walk home from school all the time to say hi to Grandma,” Sean said.  I had no idea.”

“Today, when I opened my store at 5AM there was an envelope sitting on the floor by the door.  In the envelope was $600 and a note that said, “Five years ago, I broke into your store at night and stole $300 worth of food.  I’m sorry.  I was desperate.  Here’s the money with 100% interest.”  Interestingly, I never reported the incident to the cops because I assumed that whoever stole the food really needed it.”

“Today at 1AM, my grandma, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, got up, got into my dad’s car and drove off.  We contacted the police.  But before the police could find her, two college kids pulled into our driveway with my grandma.  One was driving my dad’s car and the other was following in their car.  They said they overheard her crying about being lost at an empty gas station 10 miles away.  My grandma couldn’t remember our address, but gave the kids her first and last name.  They looked her up online, found our address, and drove her home.”

Katie

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