When Weight Enters Politics

I am by no means one of those persons that like to jump on the political bandwagon. I have my own opinions, which aren’t usually shared. But I have to admit that I am quite disturbed over the fact that someone’s weight has become a political issue. I am talking about New Jersey governor, Chris Christie. There is some belief that he may be getting ready to run in the next election. If that’s true, I hope he is ready for things to get real personal. Because that is how our society tends to handle politics…it gets down deep into … Continue reading →

Physical Activity Reduces Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer’s

After just writing about the importance of seeing fitness as something that encompasses body, mind and spirit, I wasn’t surprised to read about research just published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, which indicate that regular exercise may help prevent cognitive problems. Specifically it’s found that those who remain physically fit during the mid-life years were almost 40% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s or dementia. Previous research has found that regular exercise can prevent a host of other health problems, such as arthritis, certain types of cancer and stroke. It’s also been found that an individual’s level of health during … Continue reading →

Ricki Lake’s Battle with Weight

I just finished a great book, “Never Say Never” by Ricki Lake. I come from the era of the “Ricki Lake Show” and was very interested in hearing more about her life. The central theme of “Never Say Never” is the battle she has waged with her weight. She is similar to the likes of Kirstie Alley, in that her weight problems have always been out there for the world to see. Ricki Lake first came on the scene when she starred in the movie, “Hairspray.” She weighed 200 pounds at the time. That seemed to fuel something inside her, … Continue reading →

The World Is Overweight

Do you want to know how heavy the world is? Apparently researchers have determined that if every person on earth were to stand on a scale, it would show a reading of 632 billion pounds (316 million tons). Those considered overweight, carry 16 million tons of extra weight and those who are obese, carry 3.8 million tons. To put this in perspective, that extra weight equals the normal weight of 56 million people. Which continent do you think has the highest body mass index (BMI)? I’m sure this doesn’t come as any surprise…North America. Keep in mind that North America … Continue reading →

Men Exercise More Than Women

I recently read in an article that the recommended guidelines of getting in at least 30 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity at least four to five times a week is more likely to happen with men. Yes women, men are apparently doing better at meeting fitness guidelines. The importance of exercise cannot be understated. It can prevent more than just putting on extra weight. It can ward off serious health problems. One of the biggest concerns in this country is a condition called metabolic syndrome. It usually strikes individuals who are obese. It is a set … Continue reading →

Runners Collapse in Race Due to Lack of Water

This past week the city I live in, Milwaukee, hosted its “Rock ‘n Sole” event, a half marathon and 10K race that is sponsored by the largest musical festival around, “Summerfest.” The temperature was 85 degrees and the humidity was high. But runners are used to this and so they manage to get through it. That is, if they remain hydrated. What was supposed to be a day of fun and fitness turned into medical emergencies as more than 20 runners had to be taken to a hospital. All required IVs for hydration. There was an additional 50 runners who … Continue reading →

Low-Calorie Potato Chips Contribute to Weight Gain

I’m not a big potato chip eater but for those who are, you might think that going the low-calorie way is better. After all, you get to enjoy the salty crunch of a chip yet you aren’t taking in as many calories. Well according to a new study published by the American Psychological Association (I am still trying to figure that one out…what do they have to do with this?), low-calorie chips could actually be contributing to weight gain. That’s because these low-calorie chips contain fat substitutes. It is believed that these can confuse the body’s regulation of food intake, … Continue reading →

Heidi Montag Claims 14 Hour a Day Workout

Looking for a way to slim down? Why don’t you try the Heidi Montag fitness plan? All you have to do is workout for 14 hours a day for 2 months. Sounds great, right? Let me first explain who Heidi Montag is, in case you don’t know. She starred in an MTV reality show that ran from 2006 until 2010, “The Hills.” The only reason I know of her is because she was also in a show I watched back in 2009, “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” Let’s just say she left a bad taste in my mouth…since … Continue reading →

20 Diet Plans Reviewed by U.S. News and World Report

This month “U.S. News and World Report” put out a review on 20 diet plans. The diet found to be the best overall, which is not a very well known one, is the “Dash Diet.” It is especially good for heart health but has a lot of other benefits as well. After the “Dash Diet” comes: Mediterranean Diet TLC Diet Weight Watchers Mayo Clinic Diet Volumetrics Diet Jenny Craig Ornish Diet Vegetarian Diet Slim-Fast Nutrisystem Vegan Diet South Beach Diet Eco-Atkins Diet Zone Diet Glycemic-Index Diet Medifast Diet Raw Food Diet Atkins Paleo Diet They also ranked the top 5 … Continue reading →

Apple Applies for Patent on Fitness Center App

If you have an iPhone or another similar device, you have a tool where a number of features and functions are easily accessible. I have a Droid and since getting it in December, I have been amazed at the things I can do with it. Making a phone call is nothing compared to my ability to Facebook, listen to music, surf the web or take videos. The app store is one of my favorite features. I have downloaded some really cool apps, everything from being able to scan bar codes so I can compare prices at different stores, to being … Continue reading →