I just got done watching the Doctors on Fox, and they had some great tips on taking care of a variety of health situations for free. Jillian Michaeals was on there and gave her advice as well.
http://www.localharvest.org/ Some farmers markets will let you take fresh produce if you volunteer.
http://www.somniorunning.com/ Click on "sign up to be a wear tester". They will send you a free pair of running shoes to try out.
Check out gyms with free membership trials.
You can go to various websites to sign up for free products. You can do this will most of your favorite products. Here are some sites that can guide you in the right direction. Still watch out for scams. Never give your credit card number. Remember if it's free, there's no need to give it.
http://www.mamacheaps.com/, http://www.freeflies.com/, http://www.craigslist.org/, freecycle.org
Most stores have Dr. Scholls "foot mapping" machines. In a few minutes, it will tell you for free what kind of insoles would be best for your individual feet.
Every pharmacy has a blood pressure machine. Check it out. Remember, there are no symptoms for high blood pressure. So if you can check it for free, do it.
Free clinics are available to those at and below the poverty line. You'll be able to get check ups, immunizations, maternity care, prescriptions, etc. Some sites you can go to for more info are http://www.freeclinics.us/, http://www.stdcheck.org/, http://www.plannedparenthood.org/, and this one's not on there but I'm adding it http://www.womenschoicecenter.org/.
Some hospitals give free mammagrams. Go to http://www.komen.org/ to find one in your area.
http://www.vsp.com/ will hook you up with places that give free eye exams and a free pair of glasses once a year.
For these and other tips, go to http://www.thedoctorstv.com/, and look up the episode for November 9, 2010.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Jillian Michaels's homemade gym ideas
Hand/dish towels--one under each food while in plank position. Slide feet underneath you bringing your butt up, then stretching them straight back. Then open and close legs. This will strengthen your legs, butt, and abs.
Chair or coffee table--sit on edge with hands holding on both sides. Feet straight out front on heels. Lower your butt down with elbows in a 45 degree angle, lift yourself up and down. Strengthens your butt, legs, abs, arms, and chest.
Full bucket (sand or dirt)--hold while doing lunges and squats.
Stretchy cords--stand on one end, use hand to stretch the other. One end in each hand, and stretch arms outward. Pull cord around back (one end in each hand) and stretch up and out front.
Water bottles/jugs--use as dumbbells.
Chair or coffee table--sit on edge with hands holding on both sides. Feet straight out front on heels. Lower your butt down with elbows in a 45 degree angle, lift yourself up and down. Strengthens your butt, legs, abs, arms, and chest.
Full bucket (sand or dirt)--hold while doing lunges and squats.
Stretchy cords--stand on one end, use hand to stretch the other. One end in each hand, and stretch arms outward. Pull cord around back (one end in each hand) and stretch up and out front.
Water bottles/jugs--use as dumbbells.
Why BPA Is Bad News
Do you love warming up with a bowl of soup on a chilly fall day? Well, before you open up your next can of soup — or any can for that matter — you'd better listen up! Those cans could have the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in their linings — which means that the food in them might contain BPA, too.
BPA has been used for years in clear plastic bottles to make them more durable and in the liners of food cans to make the products last longer. Consumer Reports recently tested numerous name-brand canned products, including soup, juice, vegetables, and tuna, and found at least some amount of BPA in almost all of them. The chemical was even found in some products that were labeled BPA-free. A few studies have linked BPA to an increased risk of breast and prostate cancer, infertility, PCOS, insulin resistance, and diabetes. That's pretty scary stuff considering that we get almost 30 percent of our food from cans. Liners of metal cans aren't the only place where you can find BPA, though. The chemical has also been found in baby bottles, polycarbonate drinking bottles, and other beverage containers.
Current federal guidelines on BPA levels don't take into account the hundreds of recent animal and laboratory studies done on the potential health effects of BPA levels. However, the Food and Drug administration will soon decide what level of exposure of BPA is safe.
I know that metal cans are convenient, but why take the risk with BPA? Use glass, stainless steel, or ceramic bottles whenever possible. Try to make meals from scratch as often as you can, using the freshest ingredients that you can afford and find. Trust me, a good homemade meal will beat a canned or processed one any day — and that's especially true for homemade soup! You can eat these delicious dishes immediately or store the leftovers in the freezer (in a BPA-free container) for later. You — and your good health — will thank me for it.
JILLIAN'S TIP OF THE DAY
BPA has been used for years in clear plastic bottles to make them more durable and in the liners of food cans to make the products last longer. Consumer Reports recently tested numerous name-brand canned products, including soup, juice, vegetables, and tuna, and found at least some amount of BPA in almost all of them. The chemical was even found in some products that were labeled BPA-free. A few studies have linked BPA to an increased risk of breast and prostate cancer, infertility, PCOS, insulin resistance, and diabetes. That's pretty scary stuff considering that we get almost 30 percent of our food from cans. Liners of metal cans aren't the only place where you can find BPA, though. The chemical has also been found in baby bottles, polycarbonate drinking bottles, and other beverage containers.
Current federal guidelines on BPA levels don't take into account the hundreds of recent animal and laboratory studies done on the potential health effects of BPA levels. However, the Food and Drug administration will soon decide what level of exposure of BPA is safe.
I know that metal cans are convenient, but why take the risk with BPA? Use glass, stainless steel, or ceramic bottles whenever possible. Try to make meals from scratch as often as you can, using the freshest ingredients that you can afford and find. Trust me, a good homemade meal will beat a canned or processed one any day — and that's especially true for homemade soup! You can eat these delicious dishes immediately or store the leftovers in the freezer (in a BPA-free container) for later. You — and your good health — will thank me for it.
JILLIAN'S TIP OF THE DAY
More Reasons to Can the Can
Did you know that you're not getting nearly the nutritional bang for your caloric buck by cutting open a can? Many veggies lose up to 90 percent of their original nutrients in the canning process. Plus, canned foods are typically very high in sodium — some cans of soup have 2,000 mg! Stay away from processed foods as much as possible, and eat whole foods. Buy frozen vegetables and visit your grocery store's produce aisle and your local farmers markets instead of getting your vegetables from cans.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
WORKOUT NOT A WORKOUT
My walks have become so boring lately, they seem more like a chore. A week ago, Chloe and I went to the mall. We walked around for an hour and a half. Chloe would point out what she wants for Christmas, and I would write it down. We had fun together, and the distrations made my walk seem less like a workout or a chore. Yesterday, we went to KMart did the samething. Chloe and I had fun hanging out together and decided to make this a weekly thing. Next Saturday, we're going to WalMart. After that, Target. Luckily, we have supercenters here, so there's plenty of store to walk around in. Workouts don't have to feel like work. I find that I can go farther and do more when I'm distracted. Make it fun. Enjoy yourself, and there will be less of you to enjoy!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Stay Fit During the Holidays with 10 Easy Exercises
by Lisa's Gluten-Free Advice and Healthy Living on Friday, November 5, 2010 at 4:01pm
Question: What's the best form of exercise?
Answer: The one you'll actually do!
As long as your fitness program:
A. Raises your heart rate
B. Has a strength training component
C. And is done at least thirty minutes a day five days a week – you'll experience significant health benefits.
Variety is the spice of life; it keeps you motivated and works better for your body by working different muscle groups. You don't need to go to a gym and use fitness equipment. In fact, here are ten simple, yet effective exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home that can help prevent putting on holiday weight:
1. Take a Hike/Stroll
It's also simple, low-impact and easy on the joints – just put on a comfortable pair of shoes, step outside and walk at a fairly brisk pace around your neighborhood. It's a great way to clear the head and improve your mood – it may be cold, but will give you an opportunity to enjoy all the lights and decorations for the holiday season.
2. Jump!
Act like your kids on Christmas morning! Jump up and down, or do some jumping jacks. They're a great way to get the heart pumping and the limbs loosened up. 15-20 repetitions with a minute or two of rest between sets for thirty minutes should be sufficient. This will increase endurance and work on toning your thighs.
3. "Drop and Give Me 20, Soldier!"
Push-ups confer all the same strength-training benefits of bench presses with barbells – without the risk of handling heavy weights and need for a "spotter." You can adjust the intensity by elevating your feet. Push-ups do more than work your arms, they are a total body workout.
4. Lift That Leg
This provides a strength training workout for the thighs and adductors (muscles that attach the upper leg to the hip). If you can't manage leg lifts with a straight leg, bend the knee.
5. Washboard Abs?
You may not get "ripped" by doing crunches, but you'll definitely work your ab muscles – and this will award real benefits to your back as well, and you will see an improvement in toning your abs.
6. You Can Keep Running In Place...
...and you should. This is an exercise you can do while watching TV, making the "boob tube" actually good for something. You can also do it while stringing popcorn on the string for the tree.
7. The Squatters...
No, we don't mean settling land that isn't yours – it's what you do every time you sit in and get up from a chair. Just do it several times until you "feel the burn...", and
8. Household Weight Equipment
Cans of food, milk and water jugs, sacks of flour – you'd be amazed at how much weight training equipment is just sitting in your pantry or refrigerator. (Who knew your could actually lose weight with using your holiday baking ingredients?)
9. Roll Up The Carpet
The latest craze is dancing off the weight, but not all of us can get to the classes when they are offered and the videos cost more than Christmas. Instead roll up the carpet, and crack up the tunes, whether it's Mariah Carey's "All I want for Christmas" or whatever is on the radio, dancing will increase your aerobic hear rate, and help with endurance training.
10. Steppin' Up
Finally, you don't have to buy a bench step and sign up for a step class to do step. Chances are you've got a step or two around your home. So while those cookies are in the oven, run the stairs a few times. The timers will make great intervals and keep you fit while baking!
The fact of the matter is, that all of these are not difficult, and do not require patience, or a long drawn out explanation. They are simple and they WORK. So maybe you aren't getting fit on treadmills, or ellipticals, but the end result is the same and you will have a lot of extra cash to go and spend it on holiday gifts, or a treat for yourself!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/notes/lisas-gluten-free-advice-and-healthy-living/stay-fit-during-the-holidays-with-10-easy-exercises/10150318466870006
Answer: The one you'll actually do!
As long as your fitness program:
A. Raises your heart rate
B. Has a strength training component
C. And is done at least thirty minutes a day five days a week – you'll experience significant health benefits.
Variety is the spice of life; it keeps you motivated and works better for your body by working different muscle groups. You don't need to go to a gym and use fitness equipment. In fact, here are ten simple, yet effective exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home that can help prevent putting on holiday weight:
1. Take a Hike/Stroll
It's also simple, low-impact and easy on the joints – just put on a comfortable pair of shoes, step outside and walk at a fairly brisk pace around your neighborhood. It's a great way to clear the head and improve your mood – it may be cold, but will give you an opportunity to enjoy all the lights and decorations for the holiday season.
2. Jump!
Act like your kids on Christmas morning! Jump up and down, or do some jumping jacks. They're a great way to get the heart pumping and the limbs loosened up. 15-20 repetitions with a minute or two of rest between sets for thirty minutes should be sufficient. This will increase endurance and work on toning your thighs.
3. "Drop and Give Me 20, Soldier!"
Push-ups confer all the same strength-training benefits of bench presses with barbells – without the risk of handling heavy weights and need for a "spotter." You can adjust the intensity by elevating your feet. Push-ups do more than work your arms, they are a total body workout.
4. Lift That Leg
This provides a strength training workout for the thighs and adductors (muscles that attach the upper leg to the hip). If you can't manage leg lifts with a straight leg, bend the knee.
5. Washboard Abs?
You may not get "ripped" by doing crunches, but you'll definitely work your ab muscles – and this will award real benefits to your back as well, and you will see an improvement in toning your abs.
6. You Can Keep Running In Place...
...and you should. This is an exercise you can do while watching TV, making the "boob tube" actually good for something. You can also do it while stringing popcorn on the string for the tree.
7. The Squatters...
No, we don't mean settling land that isn't yours – it's what you do every time you sit in and get up from a chair. Just do it several times until you "feel the burn...", and
8. Household Weight Equipment
Cans of food, milk and water jugs, sacks of flour – you'd be amazed at how much weight training equipment is just sitting in your pantry or refrigerator. (Who knew your could actually lose weight with using your holiday baking ingredients?)
9. Roll Up The Carpet
The latest craze is dancing off the weight, but not all of us can get to the classes when they are offered and the videos cost more than Christmas. Instead roll up the carpet, and crack up the tunes, whether it's Mariah Carey's "All I want for Christmas" or whatever is on the radio, dancing will increase your aerobic hear rate, and help with endurance training.
10. Steppin' Up
Finally, you don't have to buy a bench step and sign up for a step class to do step. Chances are you've got a step or two around your home. So while those cookies are in the oven, run the stairs a few times. The timers will make great intervals and keep you fit while baking!
The fact of the matter is, that all of these are not difficult, and do not require patience, or a long drawn out explanation. They are simple and they WORK. So maybe you aren't getting fit on treadmills, or ellipticals, but the end result is the same and you will have a lot of extra cash to go and spend it on holiday gifts, or a treat for yourself!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/notes/lisas-gluten-free-advice-and-healthy-living/stay-fit-during-the-holidays-with-10-easy-exercises/10150318466870006
The Purina Diet
When someone asks you a dumb question wouldn’t you like to respond like this?…..
Yesterday I was buying a large bag of Purina dog chow for Athena the wonder dog at Wal-Mart and was about to check out. A woman behind me asked if I had a dog. What did she think I had, an elephant? So since I’m retired, with little to do, on impulse, I told her that no, I didn’t have a dog, and that I was starting the Purina Diet again.
Although I probably shouldn’t, because I’d ended up in the hospital last time, but that I’d lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.
I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pants pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry and that the food is nutritionally complete so I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in the line was by now enthralled with my story.)
Horrified , she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no; I stepped off a curb to sniff an Irish Setter’s ass and a car hit us both.
…
WAL-MART won’t let me shop there anymore.
Yesterday I was buying a large bag of Purina dog chow for Athena the wonder dog at Wal-Mart and was about to check out. A woman behind me asked if I had a dog. What did she think I had, an elephant? So since I’m retired, with little to do, on impulse, I told her that no, I didn’t have a dog, and that I was starting the Purina Diet again.
Although I probably shouldn’t, because I’d ended up in the hospital last time, but that I’d lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.
I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pants pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry and that the food is nutritionally complete so I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in the line was by now enthralled with my story.)
Horrified , she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no; I stepped off a curb to sniff an Irish Setter’s ass and a car hit us both.
…
WAL-MART won’t let me shop there anymore.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)