APRIL 14, 2008

How to begin an exercise program!
There are many reasons why people don’t stick with their new exercise programs long enough to experience weight loss or gain in body strength. Going all out in the beginning and not following through after a couple of days or weeks can lead to injury or loss of interest. If you’re just starting out with a new fitness program, and especially if you haven’t exercised regularly for years, don’t overload yourself with unrealistic goals. You can't change from a sedentary lifestyle to an exercise guru overnight. You may be so sore after the first day or two that you’d end up quitting by day three. Unfortunately, weight loss takes time. But don’t let that discourage you – the slower you lose it, the better you'll be able to keep it off. And the hope is you don't gain it back. Start out with a slow, steady program to get your body adjusted and then slowly increase the intensity, frequency or duration of your exercise sessions. The slower you start, the longer you will stick with it and the better your body will be able to adapt and progress. This could take awhile, so be patient. And always check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

Always leave the skin on your fruit. If you peel apples or pears, you're throwing away heavy-duty nutrients and fiber. Same goes for potatoes. Go ahead and peel oranges, but leave as much of the fibrous white skin under the rind as you care to eat--it's loaded with flavonoids. Ditto for the white stem that runs up the middle. (Men's Health)

DON'T MIX ASPIRIN AND IBUPROFEN!
If you are taking aspirin for your heart do not take ibuprofen for a headache or sore muscles. In a study, Harvard researchers found that regular use of drugs called NSAIDs (including pain medications like ibuprofen) can reduce aspirin's ability to protect the heart. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for another medication to use. And never take anyone else's pain medication!

For comments, questions or suggestions . . . please email Allen