massage!!

As students we pretty much study our life away and sadly miss some good stuff that happens outside those white painted walls of the library or classrooms...

Getting a massage is always a nice relaxing way to release stress..though it doesn't occur too often, well at least not for me.

According to Ellie Krieger, the art of massage is known to help reduce back pain, nausea, lessen insomnia and even anxiety.
It also boosts energy! WE all need an energy boost every now and then. you know?

Try make time for a massage..it might help release some stress!!

Go for a swedish massage, which depends on the the purpose of your massage, or deep-tissue to release knots in your back.

have fun! :)

whiplash

Hey...OK, so Hopefully a car accident doesn't happen, but if it does and you experience whiplash because of it...I suggest you go to the doctor within that first day, or at least the next day.

You may or may not feel it until the next day or within the next few days.
It's best to get yourself examined and looked at to determine if you're experiencing whiplash.

Through my chiropractor, he required me to ice my neck for 20 mins, then rest for 45 mins. Then continue that cycle.

Make sure also that you don't overdo it when you feel better...Like you might feel 100 percent better after 3 days, but it's not fully healed yet. So still, take it easy..It might be hard not to move around, which it is for me...But you'll be thankful to have kept your body healthy. Later on you'll have less of a chance of repercussion symptoms.

Female athlete triad

Read this article..
So interesting..Hmm..
From The StarAdvertiser

http://www.staradvertiser.com/columnists/healthoptions/20100921_Female_athlete_triad_hurts_performance_and_health.html

swtich it up

Sorry guys, it's been a while since I've updated... Well, I'm not sure who reads my posts, but hey, that's OK. I'm learning more new info when I post stuff too.

Anyhow, it's always smart to manage time...Full-time college student working two jobs is lots to handle. Aside from others who work and have kids or something or other.

With such busy schedules it's too easy to not work out and to drive through Taco Bell or Mcdonald's to grab a quick cheap bite to eat...Honestly, do you feel good after?

Plan ahead with your meals and even gym time. Pack your gym bag the night before, or throw stuff together in the morning and bring it with you so you don't have to come home and fight the bed.

Time ticks when you know you need to work out and finish a ton load of things for the next day.

Plan meals days before, freeze them and reheat, or even pick up frozen meals from the health food store...Free up your time by planning head. give it a try!

I don't wanna wrinkle...

We all wrinkle...Which is a natural part of life..but to prolong this..hey, bring it on.


-Keep in mind that skin can start to bounce (cells turn over quicker than with older folks) back slower even in early 20's! frown lines....forehead crinkles...NO. Don't squint guys. I know it's going to happen at some point, but enjoy your youthful face for as long as you can.

-Collagen and elastin affect how your skin looks.Living in a tropical, hot environment means that we residents walk around in the sun all day...shorts, tank tops etc. but remember that sun breaks down the elastin and that is a main ingredient in keeping skin nice and young.

-QUIT SMOKING. it speeds up the process of skin aging.

How to slow it down:
-commit to cleaning your face
-keep skin moist
-wear sunscreen
-don't crash diet. (yep you lose weight fast by not eating, but it causes skin to sag!)

Please please visit one of my favorite Web sites for further information: everydayhealth.com

coffee drinkin'

So many people can be seen in the morning, or on campus throughout the day with a coffee cup in hand, and the line at Starbucks is almost always out the door...Do these coffee drinkers have some benefit over those who don't drink coffee?

CNN.com reports that coffee drinkers may be at a lower risk of live, colon cancer, type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's disease.

Coffee also has antioxidants in it, and more people seem to be consuming their antioxidants through coffee rather than fruits etc. Men who drink coffee also have a lower rate of prostate cancer.

A study done in 2008, coffee-drinking women were less likely to die of various causes than those who don't drink coffee. (caffeinated coffee.)

Though keep in mind that the National Coffee Association reported that it does affect alertness, but there are not always other health benefits.

Everything at this point seems like it's saying that it may or may not help you out.
I guess from there we can draw our own conclusions...

skip the gym

You don't NEED a gym to get in a workout...I know it can be scary to walk in there with so many people that seem to look fantastic. They look like they know exactly what they're doing and make working out look so easy.

In fact, working out is easy, to a certain point. Do things you love, get out of the gym! (That way you can save on money.)

-Try 2 hours and 30 mins a week of intense/moderate aerobic workouts,(ex: brisk walking.) 75 mins of jogging or running works too.
-5 hours a week or moderate workouts can provide even better results.
-Strength training at least twice a week helps to keep the body up to par. (REMEMBER: Be sure you're in correct form when lifting.)

-Squats, lunges and ab workouts count for strength training..Keep that in mind

please for more information visit,EveryDayHealth.com

have fun with your family

It may not be a workout routine or something to eat to stay healthy...but it's to keep some sanity in your life...Stay connected with your family. I know that family can love us so much but still drive us crazy at times, but it always feels better when all is right.

Life gets so time consuming, e-mails, working all day, paying bills and just everyday emotion. Take a few minutes out of the day maybe once a week or whenever you feel to connect with someone you love in your life.

It helps.

Are you dehydrated?

LOVE water right ? Yeah it doesn't taste like anything fruity or soda like, but it is SO good for your body.

timetospa.com explained that reports show 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated. wow. It is also the number one reason for being tired during the day. You know sometimes when you feel hungry, I was once told that you might actually be needing to drink water.

Drinking water is also a good way to nourish and keep your skin healthy. It's also a natural way to flush out toxins in your body.

have fun

Though there is a purpose to work out such as, lose weight, get healthier, stress release or anything for that matter.

But-don't forget to make your workout's fun! not boring and drab. That'll just make it harder to tie those shoes and workout.

Ellie Krieger has a short article on how to keep your workout routines fun and exciting.

1. Listen to some music, or even something comedic. She says that laughing can boost your endorphins. Listening to music while you workout can help keep you motivated and keep you on pace. The laughing will keep you happy and in a good mood...Maybe even keep your mind of off getting tired and sweaty.

2. Switch up your speeds and walk for a few minutes, or jog when you see someone jogging. Krieger suggested jogging when you see someone walking a dog, the change in speed will keep it upbeat and help time pass quicker...not to mention, even burn more calories :)

3. Work out with a friend or join a workout group: Staying social in your workout can help pass time faster, and be more fun. I enjoy working out with my best friend, we can talk and talk, but we focus and have a good time. It sure does go by quicker.

4. Set up a different routine, or workout activity: just because you've walked or ran for so many weeks, doesn't mean you can't do something new! Something new might help you want to keep working out and having fun. Also, it helps keep your body fresh in a new routine.

5. Be a Kid: Dance around the house, or living room, have fun, play with kids and do a kid activity. It keeps you young and having a good time !

walking or running?

So, as we know, walking and running both take different tolls on our bodies. Yet, do you ever wonder which burns more calories? The obvious answer would be to think, um running or jogging, of course. BUT! Just wait.

Yes, if a person walks faster than someone can jog, (which is true in some cases)then the walker can go longer and burn more calories. Funny right?

But in general, if a jogger runs faster than a walker and goes for a longer period of time, then yes, jogging will burn more calories.

Remember, it's mostly about the speed you maintain through out your workout.

(Save your knees too and stick to a treadmill or elliptical.)

Graze through the day

I can be one of those people where I like to eat periodically throughout the day..Sometimes I can't wait several hours before my next meal, I get hungry.

For sometime I have heard that it is good to eat several smaller meals throughout the day rather than waiting forever to eat in between breakfast, lunch and dinner. Say you at lunch at noon, then dinner rolls around at about 6 p.m. That's a lot of time for food to digest and when you see food, you want to inhale a ton of food. You end up eating more than necessary.

"Grazing" is a smart choice, because you keep your metabolism going, and keep your mouth and stomach happy. Be careful grazing, be sure to pick up wholesome and nutritious foods. (Fruits, vegetables etc.) Check out a local salad bar (get low-fat dressing), keep some nuts with you for protein, and eat some chicken. Stay stocked up with fresh fruit salads and veggies. Beans are good to eat as well.

In the diet & nutrition section of everydayhealth.com Dr. Caroline Apovian shares food options for grazers.

Jumping Rope

So, I know one of the first things I wrote about was jumping rope and it's amazing benefits. But, I love jumping rope so much I wanted to share my joys of rope skipping with you.

SO, it's an amazing cardio workout and full body as well. It is good conditioning and enhances athletic skills. Some of these include, agility, coordination, timing etc.
It can also burn up to 1000 calories per hour...according to fitfaq.com.

It tones the your muscles in your whole body, and it helps to develop long and lean muscles in major muscle groups, upper and lower body. (sounds like a plan to me!)

It's rather easy to jump rope and you can take it anywhere you go. Just throw it in your bag. I just recently brought it with me on my trip. It hardly takes up space as well.

Here are some basic tips to keep in mind of how to jump properly: (quoted from fitfaq.com)

* Lightly grip the handles near the end closest to the rope.
* Keep your shoulders relaxed and your elbows close to your body.
* Your knees should be bent slightly.
* Turn the rope from the wrist and aim to keep a smooth arc in the rope as it passes over your head.
* Never hunch over. Keep your back straight and head up.
* Jump low to keep the impact on your knees and ankles to a minimum.

ENJOY the INTENSE work out!!! :)

Fun Quiz

So, you know those quizzes that you come accross on Web sites that tell you a bit about your personality? What you like, etc.

Well, I just found a fun one about working out and finding your workout personality. Just to spice up your day, find out what your results are!

Have fun :)

Please visit www.prevention.com

tell me a bit about weight loss...

How do you feel about yourself??


The Organic Spa Magazine Web site reported that 65 percent of the adult population in America is considered obese, and up to 25 percent of kids are the same..(It depends on the state.)

It's important to stay in shape because obesity leads to health issues, type 2 diabetes and heart disease to name a few.

How come it feels like when you work out, nothing happens?! (I wish it was an overnight thing.) Well, calorie intake..that's so key. and I've always been told that 90 percent of it is what you eat. Obviously, if you take in more calories than needed, your body will store the extra and it'll turn into fat.

Simple stuff, if you burn off what you eat...eat fewer calories than your body eats a day, the weight will come off. But, you want to make sure you eat, because not eating is just as dangerous. Your body will end up holding onto any sort of fat you eat.

If you exercise and eat the same amount of calories than you'll keep the same weight you're at now.

HMMM.. Well, to read more, please visit... Organic Spa Magazine.

Sunscreen dangerous?!

So, we hear so much to lather up on sunscreen and to avoid going out in the sun between the peak hours (Usually midday). But, have you ever considered that just maybe you sunscreen can increase the risk of cancer?

Well, sure enough, it can.

AOL news reported in an article that in the Environmental Working Group researchers annual report, found that only 39/500 sunscreen products tested were safe and effective.

The finding of Vitamin A in sunscreen and it's derivatives (retinol and retinyl palmitate), might speed up cancer...even though sunscreen is produced to prevent that.

The reported reason for Vit. A in sunscreen is that it's an anti-oxidant and will slow skin aging. (A positive thought I must add.)

In lab results animals lathered up with the vitamin developed a tumor 21 percent faster than those lathered with vitamin A free cream.

PLEASE read this article: Dangerous sunscreen

U.S. News also has done a report..Check this out too.. U.S. News Health

Workout

I know it can be tough to find a workout routine that doesn't get boring and monotonous everyday...The treadmill, I know, can be SO routine. Change it up, and I'm sure your body will thank you, time will fly by also.

I just recently bought the SHAPE magazine with Kim Kardashian on the cover. I decided to try out her workout routine. To be frank, it was a great workout. I flipped on the TV and tried it out in the comfort of my own living room.

The workout targets those areas that can tend to get a little, need I say, flabby??
Anyway, I know I should include some pictures in here, but I'd suggest visiting the web site with Ms.Kardashian's workout.

The workouts work your arms, legs, back, core and butt. A whole bunch of fun toning exercise that sometimes look harmless..Just wait... Have fun!

Take a Power nap

Yes, there is such thing as a 15-20 minute power nap, and it actually does help you to feel better.

Ellie Krieger explains that in some cultures a mid afternoon nap is normal. Mid afternoon is usually when people's energy levels drop.

Find somewhere comfortable where you can stretch out and sleep well. It's also best to find some place that is quiet...Close your door if you have one, or put in ear plugs to drown out outside noise.

Try not to sleep longer than 15-20 minutes because you may end up groggy instead of refreshed.

Eat slowwllly

Please, don't inhale and or shove food in your face at the dinner table. Hate to break it to you, but regardless of where you are, it looks sloppy and doesn't show the best manners...aside from the looks of it, eating fast doesn't help weight loss either.

Eating fast actually causes overeating. everydayhealth.com interviewed Nutritionist RD, MEd, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, Molly Gee. Gee explains that it takes 15 to 20 minutes for the "I'm full" signal to travel to the brain...resulting in portion control failure.

Eating slowly gives time for the signal to reach the brain and keep your calorie count lower, or shall I say, a more appropriate amount of food in your body.

I heard from several people, including my previous personal trainer, Bill Maeda (who with his wife owns "Bodyvox"),that chewing slowly is more comfortable and fills your tummy quicker. Then you will realize, hey I've eaten smaller portions!

TIPS TO EAT SLOWLY:
1. Take smaller bites
2. Savor each and every bite
3. Chew 15-20 times (seems like a lot, and sure does feel like it, but you'll feel better about yourself later, trust me.)

PLEASE visit everydayhealth.com for more tips and information..this stuff is helpful.

Energy drinks and alcohol

(Media Credit: Sean Nakamura, Kapi'o Photographer)

Those of you out there who like to mix your alcohol and energy drinks (i.e. Red Bull and if youʻre an athlete), it may be best if you think twice...


CNN reported in an article that athletes who mixed alcohol and energy drinks consumed more than those who drank alcohol by itself. Information from a survey done by Oklahoma State and University of Missouri stated that those including energy drinks in their alcohol increases risk-taking.

The caffeine in the energy drinks mixed with alcohol makes the consumer get more intoxicated. Also, the researchers included that drinking a stimulant and or depressant confuses body signals and it doesn't know what to do.

The study also reports that when too much of these cocktails are drunk, it can cause health problems. It can affect motivation, concentration, mood and or mental problems.

I would think that anything creating health problems regarding the brain is pretty intense and should create some sort of impact on those mixing drinks.

The brain is also still developing under 25 years old. By exposing the body to this mixture, it leads way to anxiety and depression problems in the not to far future.

zzzz

I love to sleep, and I wish I had time to do more of that. For some reason, when 10 p.m. rolls around, it sounds like a nice time to go to sleep..BUT some how I end up going to bed at midnight or one. Not sure why...That "Iʻll go to bed in 10 minutes," quickly turns to two hours later...Now, if itʻs hard for you to sleep, or are constantly tired when you wake, take these suggestions into consideration please, that cranky mood isnʻt favored...:)

1.) Try waking up and going to sleep at the same time. That way your body clock is able to function properly. (Itʻll help set that body clock; you know those times when you just wake up when youʻre supposed too?? HELLO BODY CLOCK.)

2.) Whatever you do before you go to bed can affect how you sleep and if you toss or turn. Many people watch TV or read before bed to relax and calm our minds. Although, sometimes a violent movie or the news can cause tossing and turning. (Sometimes I catch myself dreaming about what I just watched.)

3.) DONʻT schedule your days activities up until the minute before you go to bed.

4.) Cut back on TV and create a different relaxing routine.

5.) Warm baths relax you and your body temp. drops after baths and makes you sleepy. Also, a light snack like milk or carbs makes you tired as well.

6.) If you use an alarm, set it at the same time everyday.

See more information on Healthy Living with Ellie Krieger.

Importance of abs

There is an importance to have abs, other than the fit and tone appearance. (Like those Abercrombie & Fitch models, or REALLY fit personal trainers.)
According to realbeauty.com the founder of Lebootcamp.com, Valerie Orsoni, abs help your body age, and it is crucial to build a strong, tone core early on. Don't hesitate, start now!


1.) Having strong abs also keeps you from have lower back pain and will help you have good posture. My mom, who has been in health and fitness for over 20 years now, has always told me that it's important to keep you stomach tight and pulled into help support your back.

2.) Also, Kimberly Lyons, a personal trainer in L.A. reported to MarieClaire.com that the look of your abs, how long your torso is and how tall you are is related to your genes.

3.) The University of Pennsylvania researchers reported that those women who lifted weights for an hour twice a week lost 15 percent more body fat than those who did not. So pick up those weights ladies and get toned! You don't have to get all beefed out by no means, but light lifting is also nice to get the sleek, toned look.

4.) It's a better idea to cut sodium from your diet. Sodium is known to bloat your belly. Instead of using salt to flavor your food, go for some herbs or spices; it's just as efficient.

5.) If you want to increase your fiber intake using supplements or through diet, do it slow please. If you do it to fast it's also known to bloat you up. (even constipation or cramps.) Nobody likes bloating, at least that I know of. Most importantly, while doing this, make sure you stay hydrated.

View more informational tips are realbeauty.com

Month of May

National Skin Cancer Awareness and Detection Month!

Stay out of the sun; though if you do activities in the sun, wear sunscreen daily.

Getting wet can cause you to burn quicker. If you're outside and sweaty, you NEED to reapply sunscreen. Going to the beach and going to the pool require the same routine. They also say to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before being exposed to the sun.

Surprisingly enough, sitting in the car or at home can get your UVA rays also. These are the rays known to age.

Just be sure to suit up in sunscreen before leaving the house to save your skin.




Source: dailyglow.com

it starts at the store

There are things called foodborne illnesses. We may think that it starts at home after we get the food; but actually, it all starts at the supermarket. Here are some tips provided by the trusty, everydayHEALTH.com Web site.

1. Observe the cleanliness of the store: Try to buy from a store that looks clean and knows how to properly handle their foods.

2. Separate foods: Keep raw meat, seafood, poultry away from other foods. It's suggested that you keep them in separate plastic bags so that no juices drip on other food.

3. Look at the cans & jars: Don't buy any cans that are bulging or dented..or jars that are cracked, loose or bulgy. no no.
Foods that are in jars and cans are "sterile" and can last a while. Anytime there is any damage to the can or jar can mean the foods have been contaminated or the food was under processed.

4. Inspect frozen foods: Make sure the frozen foods are not icy or have frost on them, if so look again for another bag. The frost means that the foods been there for a while. The bags shouldn't be torn, crushed or damaged.

5. save your frozens and perishables for last: Keep 'em in a bag so no dripping takes place. Meats, poulty, etc should be selected last.

6. Look at your eggs carefully: Be sure eggs are clean and not cracked. There are also instructions on the container to follow if you want.

7. Temperature & time:" It's important to refrigerate perishable products as soon as possible after grocery shopping. Food safety experts stress the "2-hour rule"—because harmful bacteria can multiply in the "danger zone" (between 40° and 140° F), perishable foods should not be left at room temperature longer than 2 hours. Modify that rule to 1 hour when temperatures are above 90° F, as they often are in cars that have been parked in the sun. If it will take more than an hour to get your groceries home, use an ice chest to keep frozen and perishable foods cold. Also, when the weather is warm and you are using your car's air conditioner, keep your groceries in the passenger compartment, not the trunk."

Please visit the web site for more information on safety with your food.

quit smoking

Smoking is an addiction, and there are ways smokers can stop. The body will definitely be thankful when it has clear lungs.

For tips on how to quit smoking, everydayHEALTH

A commonly known ingredient in cigarettes--Nicotine. It's what makes it so tough to drop that habit. As I was reading information provided by everydayHealth.com, I came across the facts that nicotine is physically addicting, but also can create psychological changes. The feeling they get when smoking is connected to certain aspects in their lives. So, when smokers attempt to stop smoking they have to deal with certain triggers that cause them to pick up a cigarette.

The cause of that relaxed feeling is the nicotine affecting the communication between nerve cells. Interestingly enough, it's what makes people want to smoke more. Nicotine is also processed quickly in the body, and the nicotine level drops quickly in the body making smokers want to smoke again. The more smokers smoke, the body gets accustomed and used to nicotine causing a smoker to smoke repeatedly during the day reach that same feeling they get when they smoke.

off the beaten path

So, this blog is about staying fit and healthy right? I know taking care of your skin isn't exactly being 'fit,' but it is keeping your body healthy. Skin is obviously an important part of our body. Here's some of the top skin products provided by realbeauty.com

1.) Cosmedicine Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion - $42
Out of my personal experience using this, it's great. It really does keep your skin from getting real oily and shiny. It's avaliable on sephora.com

2.)Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - $9.49 (sale)
avaliable at drugstore.com
I haven't used this product before, but I hear it's pretty good, and realbeauty.com says that it doesn't strip away the needed oils and nutrients on your face.

3.) Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer - $6.37
Again, just visit drugstore.com and type the product name in the search bar and it will come up. I've head about this product and it has seemed to have gotten pretty good reviews. I'd give it a shot.

For a complete list of 33 best skin saver products, visit... realbeauty.com

Elliptical review

Ah, the trusty Elliptical, the one we try to get when we go to the gym...
The cool thing about the Elliptical's is that you almost feel like your flying and not working out that much, but later on you see that you've burned more calories than on a treadmill. Not only do you get a lower body work out, but with the handles you get an upper body work out too, even though it won't make you look like a bodybuilder, but multi-fuctional is always good. According to the Web site ellipticaltrainers.com studies have shown that the elliptical can train your body to think that you're not working as hard. In reality, you're still working your body.

Your heart rate climbs faster and you work your back, shoulders, chest, biceps and triceps too.
Just up the intensity level and get your work out in.

Drink up !

Water is key in our daily diets to prevent kidney stones and can prevent us from getting headaches, dizzy, tired and weak. Water is there to help keep us hydrated, which leads to a happy you!

They say to drink 8 glasses a day, but according to Healthy Living with Ellie Krieger, water intake is a very individual thing. Men are supposed to drink around 13 glasses of fluid a day and women around nine.
Also make a note that you can get your water intake in several different drink items throughout the day...even coffee..weird,but true. To get water in the form of pure water, men should drink seven cups and women five.

Don't lose sight of the fact that water is probably your best choice, and healthiest.

sweetstakes

everydayhealth.com is offering a sweepstakes to win a trip for a 3-day and 2-night trip to Los Angeles, California. This trip includes a one on one training session with Harley Pasternak.
Pasternak is the author of "5-Factor Fitness and 5-Factor Diet."
Start off the new year with a healthy trip and enter the sweepstakes.

women & drinking

Ever wonder if women are effected more from drinking alcohol?

Yes. Unfortunately, women metabolize alcohol slower than men do. Mainly because women have less water in their bodies. A women's brain and liver is exposed to more alcohol than a man.

What's crazy is that, even though women may drink less than men, they may develop liver problems and other alcohol related problems faster than a man does.

There are some benefits to drinking for women.
Moderate drinking for a women is broken down to 1 drink per day. See the everydayHEALTH Web site for more information on how much beer, wine, and hard liquor is OK for women to drink.

lose weight work out

I always look on the Web Site shape.com because what they talk about are things that are healthy for you, and fun ways to keep the work outs interesting. Yes, it is hard to get out and work out everyday, but most of the techniques they talk about have pictures to explain what's going on, and how to do it. I have a lot of things I'd like to share from what I have learned, but I also like sharing other places that have some awesome information.

Sculpt your body with some fun, and moves that 'actually-work.'

(sorry if the pic is kind of dark, took it with my phone)

H1N1

I thought this article was interesting...You know how we often think that if we caught a bug once, then it's more likely we won't go through it again ? Here's some answers to that questions for the H1N1 (It's got some other interesting things in it too. the answer to the first question is the 1st question)

Read up and keep your smarts about staying healthy.

stick to it!

OK, so 2010 is finally here, a new year, a new beginning.
We all make those New years resolutions that we vow to stick to through out the whole year. Shall we actually do that this year? Please? I think that we've already spent 10 years in the 21st century, it's flown by.

So let's buckle down and get those resolutions made and stick to em!