Why a Physical Challenge is Good for Us

There is a little bit of a debate going on within my running group. Should we continue at the pace and distance that we have reached because we finally feel like we aren’t dying with each step, or should we take that as a sign to increase the output, pick up our pace and maybe also increase our distance? Opinion and comfort aside, there is good reason to ramp up our routine. That is because our bodies are made to accept and thrive under an increase in physical difficulty. They are designed to adapt and become healthier and stronger when … Continue reading →

How to Fit in Healthy Eating with a Busy Lifestyle

Is there anyone out there who isn’t super busy? Between work, family and home, it can be very difficult to fit in healthy eating. Here is an example, my daughter is trying out a competitive ice skating program. That means that we are usually at the rink at least four days a week. Wednesday is our long day, when we could be at the rink from nine in the morning until 1:30. Of course, the rink has a restaurant, and while it is conscious of offering healthier choices because it caters to a mostly athletic crowd, the fact is that … Continue reading →

Watch that Salad!

You have decided to be good and have a salad for lunch instead of a burger and fries. Yay you! However, before you go tap dancing off into Skinnyland, I have to share some sobering news with you. All salads aren’t good for you. In fact, in some cases, you can eat more calories and fat in a salad than you would with that burger and fries. If you like your salad loaded with bacon bits, croutons, cheese, and lots of salad dressing, you are kidding yourself in thinking it is better for you. Oh sure, having the veggies such … Continue reading →

A Bad Way to Save Money

If you are currently do this to save money, please stop. It could get you into a lot of trouble. The other day, a friend was telling me how miserable she was because she had yet another sinus infection. Rather than taking the time and the money to see a doctor (or even call her doctor for a prescription), she decided to self medicate with some of her son’s leftover antibiotics. This way they wouldn’t go to waste and she didn’t have to pay for a new prescription. This is not a good idea in so many ways. For one … Continue reading →

Safety Tips for Driving at Night

Let us just say that driving at night is not one of my favorite things to do. The limited visibility, the sleepy drivers on the road, the temporary blindness from the oncoming driver who forgot to disable their high beams all pose special hazards when you are driving at night. In fact, while there are fewer people on the road at night, the relative percentage of accidents for that smaller number of cars is pretty high. Here is how to protect yourself with some special safety tips for driving your car after dark. Clean the Head Lights Today, I got … Continue reading →

Is It Really Healthy?

Many of us are looking for healthy things to snack on instead of chips and candy. But, some of the things we think are healthy may actually not be. As I always say, check the label first. Take for example energy bars. You would think grabbing one of these would be much healthier than grabbing candy bar, but that isn’t always true. Many of the energy bars are filled with vitamins and minerals…and yet some also contain flour, high fructose corn syrup and lots and lots of saturated fats. They may also be low in fiber. Check the label to … Continue reading →

Flexible Spending Account Check Up

Now is the time to address your health care flexible spending account (FSA) for a couple of reasons. You don’t want to wind up losing money or affecting your health. What is a flexible spending account (FSA)? A flexible spending account (FSA) is a financial account that has great tax benefits. Set up through your employer, the account offers a way to set aside a portion of your income, tax free. This money can be used throughout the coming year to pay for health related expenses that you might incur. It is a great way to pay for medical expenses … Continue reading →

Do Your Kids Need Organic Produce?

Should you be providing organic produce to your children? Is it necessary for their health? Or perhaps organic produce is simply a means of getting you to pay more at the store. What if your budget doesn’t allow for organic produce. Should you skip the produce altogether in the hopes of avoiding pesticides? These are some of the questions that parents today need answered. First of all, how can you tell if something is organic? it should be labeled as such, but sometimes that isn’t clear. Signs can be placed in the wrong spot, and sometimes individual items can be … Continue reading →

Can Clothing Make You Sick?

I admit that I am somewhat of a germaphobe. it all started when I had kids. It is amazing how often you think about germs when you have kids. I feel like I am in a war. Of course, I don’t win every battle, but I do my best to keep on the winning side of the war. I carry antibacterial gel in the car and encourage hand washing. I disinfect the doorknobs and toys during flu season. I don’t let the kids eat things that fall on the ground. But one thing I really haven’t thought about is germs … Continue reading →

Know the Signs of a Stroke

While we usually associate having a stroke with someone who is older or even elderly, the truth is that stokes can happen in someone of almost any age. In fact, there are more and more strokes occurring in people who are between the ages of 20 and 45 years of age, according to a recent article in Woman’s Day Magazine. Do you know how to recognize the signs of a stroke. The Woman’s Day article went on to describe an easy way to recognize if you or someone else is having a stroke. This is so important, because getting help … Continue reading →