Healthy Ways to keep the Flu Away

Dealing with the Flu - These days, many Americans are taking steps to deal with influenza or flu-like illnesses by enhancing the functioning of the immune system through diet, exercise and other positive lifestyle and health care changes. And if they do get the flu, they are taking a common sense approach. To prevent and treat influenza or flu-like illness that does not involve a fever over 103 F, pneumonia or serious complications which may require special medical intervention, here are a few suggestions that do not involve shots:

1. Wash your hands frequently.
2. Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
3. If you are sick, avoid close contact with those who are well.
4. Cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze.
5. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
6. Get adequate sleep.
7. Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially foods containing vitamin C (such as citrus fruits) and vitamins A and D (such as cod liver oil) and spend a few minutes a day in sunlight to help your body make and store vitamin D.
8. Exercise regularly when you are well.
9. Lower stress.
10. Consider including holistic alternatives in your wellness or healing plan, such as chiropractic adjustments, homeopathic and naturopathic remedies, acupuncture and other health care options.

Live your Dream

Why not make this year different?  You will lose that weight and discover peace of mind. You can achieve success in any area you choose if you follow these easy steps.

After choosing a goal, write it down. Close your eyes for 10 minutes and think it through. Imagine living your accomplishment and savor the details of the experience. How will achieving this goal impact your life? The more vivid your imagination, the greater are your chances of success.

1. Define a reasonable time frame. Even if your goal requires a great deal of time, break it into doable steps of not more than a few months each. If you want to lose 30 pounds, create two 15 pound 60 day goals.
2. Don't wait to encounter obstacles, consider them now. Ask yourself what is likely to stand in the way of your success. Be proactive and decide how you are going to deal with those roadblocks.
3. As an extension of #3, take a deep breath and level with yourself. What support are you going to need in order to make it through? Remember, your goal might require help from others. Who can you turn to when the going gets tough?
4. Finally, step away from your goal until tomorrow and reread your answers to the previous questions. Imagine what it will feel like once your goal becomes reality. Sense your pride ahead of time.

While these simple steps do not ensure success, this method has helped many people at our Center overcome some incredible challenges, one step at a time. Essentially it boils down to this: picture the end result, live your dream, want it intensely enough and know you'll succeed. May your New Year's resolutions pave the way for a journey of health, happiness and inner peace - Mind Over Matter!

 

Make Time for Yourself

Just a little holiday hug and to say make time for yourself! Most people don't take enough time for themselves during the holidays, and as a result, they get worn out and stressed—and become susceptible to illness. Take an hour a day for yourself.  Exercise, even just 20 minutes a day, really does relieve stress and increase your long-term energy levels. Go on a brisk walk or do stretches, crunches, squats, and other exercises at home or at a friendly gym like Fitness Spa...Be sure to take your whole food vitamins and minerals every day.  I really recommend Juice Plus with its 17 raw fruits and veggie in a capsule to keep cells healthy.  To help your body wind down at the end of the day, drink some herbal tea. This, combined with a hot bath and soothing music can help bring on a restful night's sleep.

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TIME TO GET ACTIVE

2007 is right around the corner!  It's time to Get Active.  You know that life is longer and more fun when your body is active!  Find wonderful ways to treat yourself with physical activity. Think about your daily schedule and look for opportunities to be more active. Tips for active moves.

Walk, cycle, jog, skate, etc., at work, school, or at the store.

• Park the car farther away from your destination.
• Get on or off the bus several blocks away.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
• Play with children or pets. Everybody wins.
• Take fitness breaks – walk or stretch.
• Perform gardening or home repair activities.
• Turn off the self-propel option on your lawn mower or vacuum cleaner.
• Use leg power-take small trips on foot to get your body moving.
• Exercise while watching TV using hand weights or a stationary bicycle.
• Dance to music.
• Walk while doing errands.

2007 is waiting for you to have fun and do something physical!  Come to Fitness Spa for great deals on a women's gym.

Mollie McCarl

770-632-3595

Fitness SPA

 

Simple Stretching Makes You Feel Great

Don't have time to work out?  Why not try stretching?  It can be done anywhere and your body will thank you.  Hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds. It takes time to lengthen tissues safely. Hold your stretches for at least 30 seconds.  For most of your muscle groups, if you hold the stretches for at least 30 seconds, you'll need to do each stretch only once.

Benefits of stretching include:

Increased flexibility and better range of motion of your joints -  Flexible muscles can improve your daily performance. Tasks such as lifting packages, bending to tie your shoes or hurrying to catch a bus become easier and less tiring. Flexibility tends to diminish as you get older, but you can regain and maintain it.

Improved circulation - Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles. Blood flowing to your muscles brings nourishment and gets rid of waste byproducts in the muscle tissue. Improved circulation can help shorten your recovery time if you've had any muscle injuries.

Better posture - Frequent stretching can help keep your muscles from getting tight, allowing you to maintain proper posture. Good posture can minimize discomfort and keep aches and pains at a minimum.

Stress relief - Stretching relaxes tight, tense muscles that often accompany stress.  Maintaining the full range of motion through your joints keeps you in better balance. Coordination and balance will help keep you mobile and less prone to injury from falls, especially as you get older.

Basic stretches improve your flexibility on your body's major muscle groups: calf, thigh, hip, lower back, neck and shoulder.