Maintaining Men’s Health

(NAPSI)-Physicians may be able to offer good news to many of the over 26 million men in the United States who suffer from enlarged prostate, a natural condition that disrupts daily activities.

Enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition that affects more than half of all men over the age of 60. Most men notice symptoms such as frequent urination, particularly at night, or difficulty trying to go, but assume the problem is just part of the aging process. Although the condition is not cancerous, if left untreated it can cause permanent urinary problems.

Symptoms of BPH that men should watch for include:

• Frequent or sudden need to urinate

• Interrupted sleep due to the need to urinate

• Weak, variable or dribbling stream

• Difficulty beginning urination

• Pain or burning during urination

• Sensation that the bladder is not completely empty after urination

In order to maintain good health and enjoy a worry-free lifestyle, most men who suffer from enlarged prostate choose to seek medical treatment. In the past, medication or surgery was favored; however, more men are now choosing a minimally invasive laser therapy that dramatically improves symptoms without the complications of more invasive surgery.

Although some symptom relief may be attained through taking medications, they do not permanently treat BPH. Medication is a costly alternative that must be taken every day for the rest of your life to maintain symptom relief and may even stop working over time. Side effects of medication can include dizziness, nasal congestion, low blood pressure and erectile dysfunction or even impotence. Taking medications also does not necessarily eliminate the need for surgery in the future.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is an invasive surgical procedure that usually provides long-lasting relief; however, the procedure can cause side effects such as incontinence, the inability to control your bladder and erectile dysfunction or impotence. Because anesthesia is involved, there is also the risk of general surgical complications. TURP typically requires a three-day hospital stay and most patients are catheterized for four days. Furthermore, activities are restricted for six weeks as TURP requires a lengthy recovery time.

With all those factors in mind, many men are opting for GreenLight™ Laser Therapy instead of TURP. GreenLight is a one-time, outpatient procedure that delivers immediate symptom relief without the side effects or expense of medication, or the risks associated with invasive surgery. The procedure, which is covered by Medicare and most private insurance, uses laser energy to remove enlarged prostate tissue, resulting in an open channel for urine to flow through. Most patients return home within a few hours after the procedure and can return to normal, nonstrenuous activities within days.

For more information or to find a physician nearby, visit www.greenlightforbph.com.

Many men are enjoying a more vigorous lifestyle thanks to a new way to treat an old problem.

Link Between Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Cosmetic Industry

24-7 -- American women have grown tired of the billion dollar cosmetic industry not addressing 21st century needs. By not providing cosmetic brushes That promotes comfort, provides an easy grip or help alleviate pain in the fingers associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis and other Musculoskeletal Disorders. Ask.com writes" the force place on the fingers, hand and wrist by repetitive task contributes to CTS"

"Women are three times more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome than men. Although there is limited research on why this is the case, scientists have several ideas. It may be that the wrist bones are naturally smaller in most women, creating a tighter space through which the nerves and tendons must pass. Other researchers are looking at genetic links that make it more likely for women to have musculoskeletal injuries such as CTS. Women also deal with strong hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause that make them more likely to suffer from CTS."Medic 8 Family Health Guide(May 2008)" the three fingers affected by musculoskeletal pain such as carpal tunnel syndrome are the thumb, index and middle finger.

Denise Brown Hubbard a makeup artist for the past 25 years; suffers from hand and finger pain do to carpal tunnel syndrome; she explains" the technology exist to develop cost effective cosmetic brushes to address pain in the fingers associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders the findings stem for 4 years of research" as stated by the Curtis National Center. "CTS is from constant muscular contractions, the tendons that move the fingers go through the carpal tunnel. Chronic over working of the tendons causes them to swell with cause's pressure on nerves. This starts the carpal tunnel symptoms." Denise explains" the pain from those disorders are sometimes felt in the fingers and that is what the cosmetic industry have the ability to address. By developing brushes to contour, the digital bone structure of the fingers instead of resting on top of the bones will relieve pressure on the three fingers affected most by musculoskeletal pain. Focusing on the Digital Bone Structure of the fingers to relieve stress, will provide comfort, an easy grip and ultimately help reduce the pain in the fingers that come from musculoskeletal disorders."

According to Curtis National Hand Center "recognized as the largest most experienced hand center in the nation" statement on Hand Injuries and Conditions "the hand is involved in almost every activity we undertake from the moment we wake until we end our day. Yet we often take our healthy hands for granted. It is when we can not use our hands that we realize how vital they are each minute of our lives."

Integrating Adult Vaccines into Your Routine Care

(ARA) - Every year, nearly 50,000 Americans, mostly adults, die from diseases that vaccination can prevent and millions more need to be hospitalized, get too sick to care for loved ones, like children or elderly parents, and are forced to miss work. They also run the risk of spreading illness to those close to them.

“Not getting vaccinated leaves adults all over our country vulnerable to illness, suffering and death,” said Dr. William Schaffner, MD, president-elect of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) and chairman of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “A greater effort is needed to help more adults understand the importance of vaccination.”

Despite the availability of many safe and effective vaccines for adults, a recent survey conducted by NFID showed that Americans have a lot of wrong ideas about vaccines and the diseases they prevent.

Nearly Half of Adults Surveyed Said They Are Not Concerned about Vaccine-preventable Diseases and One-fourth Do Not Know They Are Serious and Can Be Life-threatening

The truth is that vaccine-preventable diseases can be both serious and life threatening. Every year, influenza kills 36,000 Americans and causes over 200,000 hospitalizations. Influenza has been tied to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and asthma flare-ups. Pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infection, known as sepsis; it kills up to 5,000 Americans every year.

One in Three Adults Are Not Concerned about Spreading Illness to Their Friends, Family Members and Co-workers

Infectious diseases spread easily and can have devastating consequences when they infect vulnerable people. Pertussis (whooping cough) causes illness among adults, but is most harmful when spread to infants, who are at the greatest risk of complications and death. CDC recently reported that a health care worker in the newborn nursery of a general hospital gave pertussis to 11 different infants over a three-month period in 2004. Five of the 11 infants had to be admitted to a pediatric intensive-care unit, but fortunately all survived. The health care worker got pertussis vaccine as a child, but immunity decreases over time and the booster vaccine that might have prevented this outbreak was not available at the time of this outbreak. It is now recommended for all adolescents and adults up to age 65.

Four in 10 Adults Say They Were Vaccinated as a Child, so They Do Not Need to be Vaccinated Again

It is important to receive appropriate vaccinations at all ages. While some vaccines are only given during childhood, others require booster doses for adults. There are also new vaccines that were not available when today’s adults were children. For example, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which prevents cervical cancer in women, is now available and recommended for females starting at 11 years of age. Shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine is recommended for individuals 60 years and older, because they are at the highest risk of this disease. Shingles can cause a very painful rash and lead to shingles pain syndrome, which is hard to treat and can last for years.

About One in Eight Adults Say They Are too Busy to Get a Vaccine and about One Fourth Think Vaccines Are too Expensive

Most insurers provide coverage for vaccinations, so cost may be much less of an issue than many adults think. What’s more, the cost of not getting vaccinated can be high. Hepatitis B causes liver disease, and takes the lives of 5,000 people every year, costing roughly $700 million in health care and lost productivity, like through people missing work. Adults can call their health insurance plan to find out whether it covers the vaccinations they need. Vaccines are also often offered at local health clinics.

Talk to Your Doctor about the Vaccines You Need

Vaccines play a key role in protecting adults and their close contacts from dangerous, and sometimes life-threatening, diseases. That is why NFID has published a Call to Action, encouraging adults to seek vaccination. Adults are urged to talk to their doctor about what vaccines they need.

For more information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent, visit NFID’s Web site at www.nfid.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

“Got Back Pain?” How Back Injuries From Everyday Activities May Cause Painful Muscle Spasms

(NAPSI)-Physicians hear it all the time: “I was just doing some work around the house, and the next thing I knew I could hardly move. My back really hurts!”

These painful acute back injuries have many causes--lifting a child the wrong way, hitting a baseball harder than expected after sitting on the couch all winter, or bending over to weed your garden on a sunny day. What many people do not realize is that the intense pain felt after an acute back injury may be accompanied by muscle spasms.

“I see many patients with acute back pain, and what they don’t realize is that muscle spasms may also be causing discomfort,” explained Arnold J. Weil, M.D., of Non-Surgical Orthopaedics in Atlanta, Ga.

A muscle spasm occurs when a muscle tightens, usually resulting from an injury. A wide range of factors can trigger a muscle spasm, such as overexertion, bending or stretching, which results in injury causing muscle strain or rupture or irritation to a nerve that connects to a muscle. However, muscle spasms can also result from more sedentary activities such as sitting at your computer too long. During a muscle spasm, the muscle often feels like it is clenched in a hard knot and, as a result, may create pain, restrict movement or limit activity.

Muscle spasms are very common. A recent Harris Interactive survey found that four out of five U.S. adults said they have experienced muscle spasms. The most common causes of acute muscle spasms were routine day-to-day activities--household chores, work, gardening, mowing the lawn or lifting heavy objects.

Seeking medical attention early may help relieve painful muscle spasms. “Some people may try to tough it out,” commented Dr. Weil. “What they don’t realize is that there are treatments that may relieve the muscle spasm and associated pain. They don’t need to suffer. By visiting a doctor when you first injure your back, you may get early relief and make sure that there are no serious underlying injuries.”

The good news is that there are many treatments for muscle spasms. Simple steps can help prevent muscle spasms or make them less intense. These include stretching regularly, knowing your limits, pacing yourself and giving your body time to rest after an activity.

Health care professionals may also recommend medicines to treat acute muscle spasms and relieve the pain. For additional information about how to prevent and treat muscle spasms, visit www.TreatMuscleSpasms.com

Helping Women Have Healthy Relationships

(NAPSI)-From quitting smoking to cutting fat from their diets--and even finding time to meditate--women are increasingly taking steps to remain happy and healthy.

Still, about 40 million American women experience symptoms that negatively affect their sense of well-being, relationships and health every day--and far fewer talk about it with a doctor.

These women suffer from one of several types of sexual disorder, the most common being Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), commonly referred to as low sex drive.

Sexual activity has many health benefits and is an important part of committed relationships. But those with HSDD are rarely in the mood for intimacy and this problem can be quite distressing to them.

It is thought that the condition may be associated with a decrease in testosterone, a hormone that affects many things, including sex drive, and that decreases naturally in women who have gone through menopause either naturally or after surgery.

Finding Relief

Women with HSDD are invited to participate in the Bloom Study. This medical research study will examine the safety and effectiveness of the investigational medication LibiGel®, which is applied daily to the skin on a woman’s upper arm as a possible treatment for HSDD. The study is currently looking for area women at least 30 years of age who have lost their sex drive.

Qualified participants must have gone through either menopause or had their ovaries removed.

LibiGel was developed by BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a publicly traded pharmaceutical company (Nasdaq: BPAX) focused on developing products for female sexual health. Its first product to market, Elestrin™, was approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe hot flashes and is currently marketed in the U.S.

The company hopes that the experience gained in bringing Elestrin to market will help pave the way for the LibiGel® program--and that could be good news for women and their relationships.

For more information on the Bloom Study, or to participate, visit www.BloomStudy.com or call (877) BLOOM-81.

About 40 million women experience symptoms that negatively affect their lives, relationships and health every day.

UGA Study: Regular Walking Nearly Halves Elderly Disability Risk

Older adults can decrease their risk of disability and increase their likelihood of maintaining independence by 41 percent by participating in a walking exercise program, according to a new University of Georgia study.

The study, which appears in the current issue of the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, also found that walking program participants increased their peak aerobic capacity by 19 percent when compared to a control group and increased their physical function by 25 percent.

“In the past decade, researchers have focused on the benefits of strength training in maintaining independence, but until now we didn’t have good evidence using an objective performance measure that a walking program would improve physical functioning,” said study co-author M. Elaine Cress, professor of kinesiology and researcher in the UGA Institute of Gerontology. “Our study found that walking offers tremendous health benefits that can help older adults stay independent.”

The researchers randomly assigned 26 low-income adults aged 60 and older to either a walking exercise group, which met three times a week for four months, or a nutrition education control group. Initially, the group would walk for 10 minutes continually. As the weeks progressed, they increased their walking time to 40 continuous minutes. Each session began with a 10-minute warm-up and ended with a 10-minute cool-down that included balance and flexibility exercises.

Trudy Moore-Harrison, the lead author of the study and a former UGA doctoral student, explained that the researchers focused their study on low-income individuals because people with fewer financial resources are less likely to be physically active and are more likely to have chronic health conditions and lack health care coverage. Moore-Harrison added that walking doesn’t require any special equipment other than a pair of comfortable shoes, which makes it a simple and low-cost way for people to become active. Moore-Harrison supervised the group, but the researchers said that motivated community members could lead similar groups across the country.

Getting people to stick with exercise programs can be notoriously difficult, but the researchers found that every single member of the group stayed with the program for its four-month duration. “People really enjoyed the program,” said Moore-Harrison, now a post-doctoral fellow at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. “It gave them an opportunity to make new friends and get to know their neighbors.”

The researchers measured the aerobic capacity of the participants using a treadmill test and found that while the control group saw an 9 percent decline in aerobic capacity over the four-month study period, the aerobic capacity of the walking group increased by 19 percent over the same time period.

“Aerobic capacity is really the engine that we draw upon for doing the things we want to do, whether it’s cleaning up around the house or running a marathon,” Cress said. “By increasing their aerobic capacity, the walking group was better able to perform their daily tasks and had more energy left over for recreational activities, like going out dancing.”

The researchers assessed health status and bodily pain through questionnaires and examined disability by measuring performance on factors such as balance and walking. Physical functioning was measured through both questionnaires and through tests that measured how well the volunteers performed daily activities such as climbing a flight of stairs and putting on and removing a jacket.

The researchers found that physical function increased by 25 percent in the walking exercise group, compared to a decrease of 1 percent in the control group. And while the control group saw their risk of disability increase over the four-month period, the walking exercise group saw their disability risk go from 66 percent to 25 percent – a decrease of 41 percent in just four months.

“We know that walking is good for you, but too many people still aren’t doing it,” Moore-Harrison said. “This study shows that just walking on a regular basis can make a huge impact on quality of life.”

The research was supported by the UGA Institute of Gerontology Seed Grant, the Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging and the Georgia Gerontology Consortium Seed Grant. The research was done in cooperation with the Athens Housing Authority.

By Sam Fahmy

Diabetes on the Rise in U.S.

As diabetics, David and Susan Dowdy know what they eat directly affects their blood sugar levels and lives. To combat the disease, the Brunswick, Ga., couple eats more healthful and exercises more.

“Before, I ate chocolate cake, brownies and lots of ice cream,” he said. “Now I eat apples when I want a sweet snack.”

Since January, David has lost 25 pounds and his wife has lost 30. In addition to watching their diets, they take daily 30-minute walks. By dieting and exercising, he has been able to stay on oral medication and avoid insulin shots.

On the rise in U.S.

Like the Dowdys, 24 million Americans are afflicted with diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since 2005, 3 million Americans have become diabetic. That’s an increase of 15 percent.

“Another 57 million people have abnormally high blood sugar levels that indicate prediabetes,” said Connie Crawley, a health and nutrition specialist with University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.

“If the current trend continues, the CDC estimates that by 2030, 400 million people will have diabetes.”

Monitor blood sugar level

If a person’s fasting blood sugar level is 126 or more or is 200 or more nonfasting, that person is probably diabetic, she said. A fasting blood sugar level between 100 and 126 may indicate prediabetes.

The U.S. population has become more diverse and now includes more ethnic groups that are at greater risk for diabetes, she said, including American Indians and those from African, Asian or Latin descent.

The increase is also due to Americans being older, overweight and inactive.

Diabetes is common in Dowdy’s family. But despite the fact that it’s a hereditary condition, Crawley said it’s not inevitable.

Exercise and weight loss

If an at-risk, overweight person loses 7 percent of her body weight and begins exercising at a moderate pace for 30 minutes a day 5 days a week, her risk for diabetes is cut by 58 percent, according to the Diabetes Preventions Program. For overweight, at-risk adults over age 60, the risk is cut by 71 percent. The workouts can be split into three 10-minute exercise sessions.
“You don’t even need to get to an ideal body weight to see the benefits,” she said.

Decreasing the fat around the middle of the body is essential. Men whose waists are less than 40 inches and women whose waists are less than 35 inches are less likely to get diabetes and other chronic diseases.

Positive diet and exercise lifestyle changes are twice as effective as taking metformin, a drug known to control blood sugar, Crawley said.

“Fortunately, many people see their blood sugars improve even before they lose much weight, just by eating smaller portions of healthier foods and starting to move more,” she said.
To check your diabetes risk, take the risk test on the American Diabetes Association Web site www.diabetes.org/risk-test.jsp. Those at risk should have an annual blood glucose check by a doctor.

By Sharon Omahen
University of Georgia

Got the Workday Blues?

(ARA) - With all the sunshine and warm weather, we all want to spend time outdoors doing our favorite activities like working in the garden or playing our favorite sports. But for many of us, that's not an option during the workday.

It's only natural to feel a little down about being stuck inside all day when the weather is so nice outside, says Julia Kennedy, career services director for Everest Universities throughout North America. If you do have a case of the summertime work blues, Kennedy says there are many ways to cheer yourself up.

For example, if you have a window, open it to let the fresh air in. You can also bring nature into your office by putting a bouquet of flowers on your desk or creating a desk-sized rock garden. You should also try to spend as much time as possible outdoors and build in special times for getting out of the office. You can pack your lunch and eat it outdoors, or take an afternoon coffee break to walk around the block. Lastly, Kennedy suggests that you talk to your boss about flex-time or working from home once a week, if you really want to fit more freedom for outdoor time into your schedule.

But if your dislike of your job goes deeper than simply the summertime blues, Kennedy says your dissatisfaction should be taken seriously. "Everybody has a bad day at work, but if you're having a lot of bad days, you might have the workplace blues, and they can have a real effect on your quality of life," she says.

Kennedy suggests asking yourself the following questions to fairly assess your current work environment: Do you feel trapped at work? Do you dread going to work in the morning? Do you see real potential for advancement at work? Do you have a good relationship with your boss? Do you constantly dream of the weekends?

"Ask yourself, 'How often am I feeling this way? Am I blaming my boss or co-workers for the way I'm feeling consistently?' Once you're aware of the reasons why you feel a certain way, it usually becomes quite obvious what change is necessary," Kennedy adds.

New evidence from north of the border shows that Americans are not alone in our work problems. In fact, half of all Canadians report suffering from occasional bouts of work-induced blues, according to a December 2007 survey commissioned by Everest College of Business, Technology and Healthcare -- Ontario’s leading career college.

Feelings of job dissatisfaction can range from mild frustration to consistent feelings of unhappiness. On the same survey by Everest College of Business, 22 percent of respondents indicated that their salary was the most depressing thing about their job, whereas 12 percent said a lack of opportunity for career advancement was. Perhaps more troubling, 40 percent of respondents believed that their current job did not offer a lot of opportunity for advancement.

“If you are reaching a moderate level of job dissatisfaction and have not yet started thinking about alternatives, it’s time to start learning about new opportunities of which there are many,” says Kennedy. “Career fit is important to happiness on the job. Retraining can play a key role in changing lives for the better and most of our students are working while learning new skills to transition to a new career path.”

If you are thinking of making a career change, Kennedy recommends evaluating these factors: your interests; value system; skill level; opportunities in the market; and which fields, industries or companies seem attractive. “Your career needs to fit with your personality and interests, and support your goals for the future,” adds Kennedy. "Most importantly, remember that you deserve to be happy and fulfilled in your professional choice."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Seniors Fight Age-Related Eye Disease With Breakthrough Treatment

(NAPSI)-When Bonnie Conway began to experience vision loss due to an eye disease known as wet age-related macular degeneration, or wet AMD, she worried that she might have to leave her job. As Borough Manager of her local community, Conway relies heavily on her sight to complete her bookkeeping, filing and letter writing duties.

More than 15 million American seniors live with some form of AMD, a leading cause of blindness in people over 60. There are two forms of AMD, dry and wet. While all cases begin as the dry form, it is the wet form that accounts for about 90 percent of all AMD-related blindness.

Wet AMD can result in sudden and severe loss of a person’s central vision, and can worsen rapidly without treatment. Like many of the 1.7 million people with the advanced form of the disease, Conway had difficulty reading and the faces of her friends and loved ones became blurry.

“I was a big reader. The most frustrating thing for me was losing the ability to read without a magnifying glass,” said Conway. “I started to accept that my wet AMD would eventually get so bad that I’d have to give up my job.”

But in August of 2006, Conway’s eye doctor, a retina specialist, began treating her with monthly injections of Lucentis® (ranibizumab injection), which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of wet AMD. Since starting treatment, Conway’s vision has improved from 20/80 to 20/40 on the eye chart.

“Bonnie was one of the first patients in our practice to receive Lucentis, and because she’s continued to come for treatment every month, her vision has improved and she’s been able to continue her normal activities,” said Dr. Miguel Busquets of Associates in Ophthalmology.

In clinical studies of Lucentis, nearly all patients (90 percent) treated once a month maintained their vision for up to two years. About 40 percent of patients’ vision actually improved by three lines or more on the study eye chart at two years, though a few patients have experienced some vision loss.

Because AMD advances so quickly, and can cause sudden and irreversible loss of vision, early diagnosis and treatment are critical. The National Eye Institute recommends that people aged 60 or older schedule eye exams every two years, and anyone who notices changes in vision should receive an eye exam right away.

Lucentis is a prescription medication given by injection into the eye. Lucentis has been associated with detached retina and serious eye infection and should not be used in patients who have an infection in or around the eye. Increases in eye pressure have been seen within one hour of an injection. Although uncommon, conditions associated with eye- and non-eye-related blood clots (arterial thromboembolic events) may occur. Serious side effects included inflammation inside the eye and, rarely, effects related to the injection procedure such as cataract. The most common non-eye-related side effects were nose and throat infection, headache, and respiratory and urinary tract infections. The most common eye-related side effects were the feeling that something is in your eye, and increased tears.

If your eye becomes red, sensitive to light, painful or has a change in vision, you should seek immediate care from your eye doctor.

Choose Flip Flops Carefully for Back to School, Say Chiropractors

PRNewswire-- Despite the cooler weather, many young adults continue to wear slides, flip flops and sandals throughout school season, according to Okabashi Brands -- in the locker room, on campus, in the dorm or as an after sports "recovery" shoe.

But, according to Dr. Leo Bronston, DC, a practicing doctor of chiropractic for 30 years in western Wisconsin and member of the American Chiropractic Association, those slip on shoes are also changing the way kids and young adults walk, leaving them open to infection and leading to possible sprains or heel, toe or foot pain.

"Young adults focus on shoes that look good, but most don't consider how supportive they are or how they're affecting the body's mechanics, says Dr. Bronston. "Down the line, these kids are likely to experience knee, ankle and lower-back pain as a result of their footwear choices."

One popular shoe that can present problems is the flip-flop. Bronston points out that while popular, most flip flops offer poor shock absorption, one can even get stress fractures, as a result of the repetitive forces on the feet.

"Everyone needs to pay attention to their feet, especially the young and those that own several pairs of flip flops," cautions Dr. Bronston.

Bronston does recommend a selection of Okabashi sandals endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association, "because they have a footbed designed with some very important features to ensure safety, shock absorption, arch support and overall better foot health."

When selecting flip flops, Dr. Bronston advises young adults and parents to look for the following features to minimize pain and injury:

-- Make sure they are slip-resistant -- many injuries, such as fractures and sprains, occur from falls on wet surfaces.

-- Make sure the material has some type of anti-microbial treatment.

-- Make sure flip flops are flexible, yet have a firm enough foot bed for support.

-- Look for a stimulating footbed -- the foot has receptors at the bottom that help balance us.

-- Make sure the flip flop fits properly -- most people grip flip flops with their toes to keep them from falling off, causing stress on the entire foot and sometimes causing inflammation of the tissue.

Three Great Workouts You Can Do Anytime, Anyplace

(ARA) – With the cost of everything so high these days, people are looking for ways to trim their budgets. Among the most obvious places to cut back, eliminating that morning cup of coffee, bringing a lunch from home instead of dining out and canceling those services you can really do without – like cable TV and that gym membership you don’t really use much anyway.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t stay active, however. Numerous studies have shown that regular exercise is a critical part of staying healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), regular exercise helps people maintain a healthy weight and delay or prevent the onset of diabetes and heart problems.

Regular activity is so important, in fact, that the Federal Government recommends American adults get at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to head down to the gym, which can be more of a chore than a fun activity, not to mention expensive.

Here are some ideas for getting that 30 minute workout anytime, anyplace:

1. Most employers offer an hour long lunch break and two 15-minute breaks throughout the day. Use some of that time to get up and get moving.

If you work in a tall building with lots of floors, use your break time to go up and down the stairs. If stair climbing is not an option, walk around the building at a brisk pace a couple of times a day, stopping occasionally to stretch.

2. If you’re a stay-at-home mom or dad, turn the baby stroller into work-out equipment.

Head on down to the park or just around the block with baby once or twice a day and as you move, use the stroller as a piece of work-out equipment. You can jog behind it, incorporate walking lunges and use bands for resistance training. Not only will you get the benefit of exercise, your baby will love it.

3. Take up sports hula hooping.
Ten minutes worth of vigorously wiggling your hips and moving around can burn off 110 calories, which is about as much as you’d burn if jogging or running an 8-minute mile. But burning calories quickly isn’t the only benefit the activity offers. It also promotes correct body alignment from the circular motions and proper posture in the upper body.

Substitute that light, plastic hula hoop your kids play with for a weighted one like the Acu Hoop offered by California’s Sports Hoop, Inc., and you can get even more health benefits.

When swiveled for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, weighted sports hoops can provide cardiovascular benefits, help tone muscles, burn calories and fat and facilitate weight loss. Do it religiously every day, and you can trim your waist two inches and lose four pounds every month until fit.

Weighted hoops come in a variety of styles and sizes, ranging from 1- to- 6-pounds in weight. No matter which one you choose to use, here’s how to get started:

1) Find enough space around you. Keep your feet one foot wide. Relax your knees, waist and body.

2) Relax your elbows. Lift the hoop and place it tightly against the back of your waist.

3) Grasp the hoop and keep it in a horizontal position before swinging out. Do not position the hoop at a tilt.

4) Horizontally swing out the hoop against your waist, fast and powerfully. Move your waist immediately.

5) Move your waist in a circular motion, all around pressing against the hoop.

6) Keep your motion fast enough to match the circulation speed of the hoop for it to stay up on your waist.

“The best thing about hula-hooping,” says personal trainer Rosemary Torres, “is it can be done anytime, anywhere.”

It is estimated there are now more than one million people throughout the United States using Sports Hoops as their major waist-trimming fitness equipment. For more information on the weighted hoops offered by California Sports Hoop, Inc., or to place an order, visit www.sports-hoop.com or call toll free (866) 700-5668.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The End of the Age of Innocence? Why More Kids Are Turning to Drugs At Such an Early Age

FFH Note: Like it or not, we as parents do see the evidence of drug use in our community. Here's the challenge: Talk to your kids: know what they are doing. Give them the support they need to say "no."

/24-7PressRelease/ - In recent months there has been a large increase in teens and young adults abusing both illegal and prescription drugs. According to http://www.drugwarfacts.org approximately 17,000 deaths per year are drug related. Other reports indicate that amongst those numbers 1,400 are due to teen overdoses.

"Drug prevention starts at home, with the need for parents to educate their kids of the dangers of substance abuse," says Stephen Della Valle, author of Rising Above the Influence: A True Story About Alcohol, Drugs and Recovery. "Parents are the first and most important line of defense against teenage drug use."

"The reason for the sudden increase in use amongst teens is the accessibility of both prescription and over-the-counter drugs," says Stephen. "Kids are lulled into thinking prescription drugs are safe and not as hazardous as illegal "street" drugs such as cocaine or heroin," says Stephen.

Reports from the U.S. Department of National Drug Control Policy indicate that 2.1 million teenagers abused prescription drugs in recent years and the most commonly abused drug amongst twelve to thirteen-year-olds was also prescription drugs.

As president of Turning Point Rehabilitation Center in Verona, NJ, Stephen is very adamant about bringing awareness to parents for the need to lock medication up and not allow it to be available at will.

"It is proven that children are less likely to experiment with any type of drug if their parents talk to them regularly about them," says Stephen. "Addiction is a serious issue that ruins lives, tears families apart, and has will lead to only one of two places—jail or death."

Stephen is all too familiar with the drug addict lifestyle. In Rising Above the Influence, he candidly recounts his indoctrination into the world of substance abuse as a young teenager; and the desperate, sometimes morbidly comical situations he endured to support his heavy addictions to heroin, prescription drugs, cocaine and alcohol.

"I believe my book can help people who have struggled with addiction or know somebody that have," says Stephen. "If I am able to help just one person through my book then it will be a huge success."

Rising Above the Influence is Stephen's honest and inspiring account of the depths one man can fall to—and the heights he can achieve if only he reaches out a hand for help.

Maternity Center at Piedmont Fayette Hospital Offers Classes for Expecting Parents

Parents and expectant parents are invited to attend several informative classes offered by the Maternity Center at Piedmont Fayette Hospital (PFH). For more information on the Maternity Center at PFH, visit www.fayettehospital.org. Community members are invited to take part in the following classes:

Prepared Childbirth Class - This course, recommended for women 20 to 28 weeks into pregnancy, provides an eight hour childbirth education class that teaches mom and her partner about what to expect during labor and delivery. The instructor will discuss the stages of labor, relaxation, breathing techniques, common concerns, comfort measures and much more. Participants will need to bring two pillows and a blanket or towel. The fee for the course is $85 and includes light refreshments. The class will be held Saturday, July 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Dietary Conference Room on the ground floor of the hospital. To sign-up call Link2Health toll-free at 1-866-900-4321. For more information call 770-719-6305.

Breastfeeding Basics - The Maternity Center at Piedmont Fayette Hospital offers a three hour group participation discussion on the benefits and how-to's of breastfeeding. This class includes preparing for breastfeeding and getting started in the hospital and at home, special situations and growing a breastfeeding family. The class is best if done prior to delivery, but participants are welcome at any time. Fathers and grandparents are welcomed and encouraged to attend also. This class is offered July 12, September 13 and November 8 at 9 a.m. in Conference Room C on the third floor of the hospital's 1279 Building. To sign-up call Link2Health toll-free at 1-866-900-4321. For more information call 770-719-6305.

Moms in Motion - “Moms in Motion” is a fitness program designed to prepare women for the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum. The class combines low impact aerobics, toning exercises, relaxation and breathing techniques and appropriate warm-ups/cool-downs perfect for both pregnant and postpartum women. The program provides not only a safe and effective exercise regime, but also provides valuable information on pregnancy, postpartum and child safety. Participants may register for this ongoing program at any time during or after pregnancy. Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. in Suite 200 of the Piedmont Fayette Hospital Fitness Center at 1250 Hwy 54 West. Space is limited. The classes are FREE to fitness center members, and $25 per month for non-members. Written approval from a physician is required. For more information or to register, call 770-719-7290.

Maternity Center Tours - The Maternity Center at Piedmont Fayette Hospital welcomes expectant mothers and their families to take a tour of the facility. The tour will be offered on Saturday, July 12 and July 19 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The tour will provide information on the hospital's approach to maternity care and how physicians and staff help new mothers and their babies before and after delivery. Please meet in the Maternity Center lobby (third floor, enter through the West Entrance) and sign in. For more information call 770-719-6305.

Fayette County Safe Kids Child Passenger Safety Training Class - Fayette County Safe Kids will offer a car seat safety class to teach parents how to keep children safe, especially while traveling by car. The course will be offered Monday, July 14 from 3 to 5 p.m. in Conference Room A on the third floor of the hospital's 1279 Building. This class is offered the second Monday of each month. For more information or to register, call 770-631-0743, ext. 150.

Eat Fruits and Veggies to Lose Weight & Lower Your Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

(NAPSI)-If you have a family history of diabetes, or you've been told by a health care professional that you're at risk for type 2 diabetes, you can prevent or delay the onset of the disease by losing 5 to 7 percent of your body weight (10 to 14 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds). To lose weight safely, make healthy food choices, like eating more fruits and vegetables, and be physically active for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) recommends easy and inexpensive ways to increase the number of fruits and vegetables you eat as you take small steps to lose weight and lower your diabetes risk:

• Visit an ethnic food store or farmer's market to try a new fruit or vegetable each week.

• Substitute spinach, onions, or mushrooms for one of the eggs or half of the cheese in omelets.

• Buy produce in season and freeze some to use later, or buy frozen, dried, or low-sodium canned vegetables and fruits. Choose fruit without added sugar or syrups and vegetables without added salt, butter, or sauces.

• Add strawberries, peaches, blueberries, or bananas to your waffles, pancakes, cereal, oatmeal, or toast.

• Add broccoli, carrots, zucchini, or eggplant between the layers of your favorite lasagna recipe.

• Combine different fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, mangos, onions, and peppers with lime juice and cilantro to make salsa.

• Try steaming your vegetables or using low-salt spices and lemon juice to add flavor.

• Choose pineapples, peppers, mushrooms, or tomatoes as pizza toppings.

• Add lettuce, tomato, onion, and cucumber to sandwiches, wraps, and burritos.

Eating more fruits and vegetables also supplies essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases. To learn more about how many fruits and vegetables you need daily, use the online calculator at www.fruitsandveggiesmat ter.gov. For a free copy of NDEP's Your GAME PLAN to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes, which includes a fat and calorie counter and physical activity tracker, plus more diabetes prevention tips, call 1-888-693-NDEP (6337) or visit www.YourDiabetesInfo.org.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Diabetes Education Program is jointly sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with the support of more than 200 partner organizations.

Eating more fruits and vegetables can help people with diabetes take small steps toward losing weight and lowering their risk for the disease.

By The National Diabetes Education Program

Piedmont Hospital and Piedmont Fayette Hospital Receive Komen Foundation Grants

Piedmont Hospital and Piedmont Fayette Hospital have received funding from the Greater Atlanta Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The grants will be used to provide breast imaging services for underserved and underinsured women in the Atlanta area

“Piedmont is committed to providing state-of-the-art breast services to all women,” said Jeffrey Allen, M.D., medical director of the Doris Shaheen Breast Health Center at Piedmont Hospital. “We appreciate the support provided by the Atlanta affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and are committed to meeting the needs of the community.”

Dr. Allen explained that a recent survey conducted by the Atlanta affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure demonstrated the marked underutilization of breast services in the Atlanta area by African-American and Latino women as well as indigent women of all races.

“To address this gap in crucial breast health services, the Doris Shaheen Breast Health Center at Piedmont Hospital and Women’s Imaging Center at Piedmont Fayette Hospital are providing free screening mammography, diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, ultrasound guided core biopsies, and stereotactic core biopsies to qualifying women,” he said. “A second grant is funding breast MRI and MRI-guided biopsies at Piedmont Hospital as well.”

Patients should be referred by a physician or can complete a form to see if they qualify at www.piedmonthospital.org/komen or www.fayettehospital.org/komen. If a patient qualifies and doesn’t have a physician, she will receive help finding a physician to follow her care. To learn more about the program and to check qualifications, call Suzette Wheeler at 404-352-1409, extension 304.

This year, Komen Atlanta awarded $2.25 million to 38 grantees in its 10-county service area. For more information on Susan G Komen or grants in your area, please visit www.komenatlanta.org.

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Make family Reunions Healthy, Fun

Summertime is here. That means family reunions filled with food and fun are right around the corner. To stop that post-gathering bulge, families can cook healthier versions of traditional foods and include physical activities, says a University of Georgia expert.

Family reunions often include a lot of sitting around and eating foods high in fat, sugar and calories, says Connie Crawley, nutrition and health specialist with UGA Cooperative Extension.

The preparation methods and ingredients used in traditional reunion food can often be modified to make them healthier. For example, grilling chicken or fish instead of frying reduces calories and fat.

“People can look for healthier recipes in countless cookbooks on cooking lighter or modify their own recipes by using light margarine, reduced fat salad dressings, reduced fat cheese, light mayonnaise, brown rice and whole wheat pasta,” Crawley said.

Smoked turkey wings can be used to season in place of fatback or bacon. Entrees featuring skinless poultry, lean pork loin, lean ground beef or ground white meat or turkey can be used in place of fattier meats.

Potato salad made with light mayonnaise, macaroni and cheese made with reduced fat cheese, gelatin salads made with sugar-free gelatin and broccoli or squash casseroles made with lower sodium condensed soups and reduced-fat cheese are a few options to consider.

Alcohol can lead to an excess in calories at family gatherings, too, and may be consumed in larger than normal quantities. Too many sugary drinks like sweet tea, lemonade and soft drinks can be bad, too. Alternative choices such as sugar-free beverages and water are healthier options.

Overeating at family gatherings is also a problem. To prevent overeating, don’t go to the event too hungry.

“Eat a healthy breakfast and have a light snack, like fruit, one hour before the meal,” Crawley said. “Choose the smallest plate possible and fill one half with vegetables or salad, one fourth with a protein like meat, poultry or fish and one fourth with a starch or bread.”

It also helps to sit away from the buffet or serving table to avoid the temptation to get seconds. Move serving bowls off the table where the family will be eating. Once the meal is done, clear away all the food immediately so snacking on leftovers is minimized, Crawley said.

Another treat at family functions that is hard to resist is dessert. Alternatives to calorie-rich treats are angel food cake, fruit, reduced-fat ice cream, fruit smoothies, frozen fruit bars, fudgesicles and oatmeal or peanut butter cookies.

“Wait at least 20 minutes after the meal before selecting a dessert,” Crawley said. “You will feel less hungry and will be satisfied with a smaller portion.”

Families can also participate in physical activities that are not only fun, but help burn off part of a big meal. Family members can go on scavenger hunts, play kickball, swim, play flag football, take a walk in the neighborhood, ride bikes, play hide and seek, have sack races, dance, shop on foot or walk around a museum or historic site.

“You may want to offer several of these activities at the same time so everyone has the chance to choose the one that suits them best,” Crawley said. “These activities can get the whole family involved and provide a fun way to exercise during the summer.”

By Allie Byrd
University of Georgia

Allie Byrd is a student writer with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Cancer Wellness at Piedmont’s Programs and Services for June

Cancer Wellness at Piedmont’s Programs and Services for June
Comprehensive Complementary Services Offered to Anyone Affected by Cancer

Cancer Wellness at Piedmont Hospital offers comprehensive services and programs for anyone affected by cancer at any phase in his or her journey. Classes offered every month include: Cancer Wellfit©, Gentle Yoga, Art Therapy, Guided Imagery and Relaxation for Optimal Health, Mindfulness Training 101 & 102, Breast Cancer Support, Gynecological Cancer Support, and A Guy’s Group For more information please visit www.piedmontcancerconnection.org or to make a reservation for one of the classes listed below, call Carolyn Helmer at 404-605-1962, and please indicate which classes you plan to attend.

Cancer Wellness at Piedmont Hospital events for June:
· Food for Life Nutrition and Cooking Class Series for Cancer Prevention and Survival (offered by The Cancer Project)- Fridays in June, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
· Understanding Acupuncture- Learn what it is and how it works. Thursday, June 19, 1 to 3 p.m.
· Poetry Reading and Reception in the Wellness Café- Bring poems or favorites written by others to share and enjoy. Friday, June 27, 5 to 7 p.m.

For more information and a full list of classes please visit www.piedmontcancerconnection.org.

Piedmont Fayette Hospital Hosts Blood Drive June 12

Summertime is the perfect time to donate blood!

Piedmont Fayette Hospital's Auxiliary will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, June 12, from noon until 5 p.m. It will be held in Building 1279, just west of the main hospital, at 1279 Highway 54 West, on the third floor, Conference Room C.

Eligible donors must be healthy, 17 years of age or older and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors may give blood every 56 days, or six times a year. Donating blood is a simple process that saves more than 4 million American lives each year, according to the American Red Cross. Blood is needed every three seconds in the United States for emergency medical situations. Blood is always needed for the treatment of accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs and surgery patients.

Please call the Piedmont Fayette Hospital Auxiliary office at (770) 719‑7098 for more information or to schedule your appointment. Walk‑ins are welcome; however appointments will be honored first.

Defuse Indoor Allergy Triggers

Spring has sprung the pollen season. Little can be done to control allergens outside. But you can knock out the ones inside with a bit of cleaning and prevention.

Many everyday items in homes trigger allergies, said Pamela Turner, a University of Georgia Cooperative Extension housing specialist.

“The best way to prevent allergies is to remove the cause,” she said.

The usual culprits of an indoor allergy attack are unwanted guests like dust, mold, insects and rodents. But items you welcome into your home such as pets, household cleaners and even stuffed animals can be the source, too, Turner says.

There are simple things you can do to eliminate these causes.

Throw out pillows once a year and wash your sheets every week to get rid of dust mites. Dusty stuffed animals can also trigger allergies in children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.

“Stuffed animals are dust magnets,” Turner says. “To kill dust mites on stuffed animals, you can put them in a plastic bag and freeze them.”

Changing the air filters in your house every three months and replacing them with pleated filters, which catch more dust than regular filters, can make a huge difference in allergies.

Keeping your house below 60 percent humidity and cool helps prevent mold growth, Turner said. Mold grows better in warm, moist environments.

“You can bring outdoor allergy triggers inside,” Turner says.

The things you and your pets track into your house can cause reactions. Taking your shoes off when you come inside prevents you from bringing these contaminants into your home.

Many people sleep with their pets and have them in their bedrooms, Turner says. It is better to remove them from your sleeping space and bed to prevent them from triggering allergies.

In addition to removing the source of allergy triggers, the cleanliness of your house and the products you use to clean it also affect indoor allergies.

“Cleaning and getting rid of the dust in your house is a major way you can reduce allergic reactions,” Turner said. “Also, maintaining your house so you don’t have leaks and holes will prevent mold growth and keep pests from coming in.”

It also helps to declutter your home. A lot of stuff gives dust more surfaces to land on, Turner says.

Choose cleaning products wisely, she said. Some can cause reactions, too. Many people are allergic to volatile organic compounds in many household cleaners, even those found in what are called ‘green’ cleaners.

“Limit the number of cleaners you use,” she said, ”and don’t use too much of any product.”

Hepa vacuum cleansers also work well to reduce dust and dust mites, but just vacuuming regularly helps.

The most important part of keeping indoor allergies at bay is to keep your home clean and remove the sources of allergy triggers, she said.

By Allie Byrd
University of Georgia

Maternity Center at Piedmont Fayette Hospital Offers Classes for Expecting Parents

Parents and expectant parents are invited to attend several informative classes offered by the Maternity Center at Piedmont Fayette Hospital (PFH). For more information on the Maternity Center at PFH, visit www.fayettehospital.org. Community members are invited to take part in the following classes:

Prepared Childbirth Class - This course, recommended for women 20 to 28 weeks into pregnancy, provides an eight hour childbirth education class that teaches mom and her partner about what to expect during labor and delivery. The instructor will discuss the stages of labor, relaxation, breathing techniques, common concerns, comfort measures and much more. Participants will need to bring two pillows and a blanket or towel. The fee for the course is $85 and includes light refreshments. The class will be held Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Dietary Conference Room on the ground floor of the hospital. To sign-up call Link2Health toll-free at 1-866-900-4321. For more information call 770-719-6305.

Breastfeeding Basics - The Maternity Center at Piedmont Fayette Hospital offers a three hour group participation discussion on the benefits and how-to's of breastfeeding. This class includes preparing for breastfeeding and getting started in the hospital and at home, special situations and growing a breastfeeding family. The class is best if done prior to delivery, but participants are welcome at any time. Fathers and grandparents are welcomed and encouraged to attend also. This class is offered July 12, September 13 and November 8 at 9 a.m. in Conference Room C on the third floor of the hospital's 1279 Building. To sign-up call Link2Health toll-free at 1-866-900-4321. For more information call 770-719-6305.

Moms in Motion - “Moms in Motion” is a fitness program designed to prepare women for the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum. The class combines low impact aerobics, toning exercises, relaxation and breathing techniques and appropriate warm-ups/cool-downs perfect for both pregnant and postpartum women. The program provides not only a safe and effective exercise regime, but also provides valuable information on pregnancy, postpartum and child safety. Participants may register for this ongoing program at any time during or after pregnancy. Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. in Suite 200 of the Piedmont Fayette Hospital Fitness Center at 1250 Hwy 54 West. Space is limited. The classes are FREE to fitness center members, and $25 per month for non-members. Written approval from a physician is required. For more information or to register, call 770-719-7290.

Maternity Center Tours - The Maternity Center at Piedmont Fayette Hospital welcomes expectant mothers and their families to take a tour of the facility. The tour will be offered on Monday, June 2 and Saturday, June 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. The tour will provide information on the hospital's approach to maternity care and how physicians and staff help new mothers and their babies before and after delivery. Please meet in the Maternity Center lobby (third floor, enter through the West Entrance) and sign in. For more information call 770-719-6305.

Fayette County Safe Kids Child Passenger Safety Training Class - Fayette County Safe Kids will offer a car seat safety class to teach parents how to keep children safe, especially while traveling by car. The course will be offered Monday, June 9 and July 14 from 3 to 5 p.m. in Conference Room A on the third floor of the hospital's 1279 Building. This class is offered the second Monday of each month. For more information or to register, call 770-631-0743, ext. 150.

Preventing Tick Bites And Lyme Disease

StatePoint - They're popping up in backyards, gardens and campsites nationwide, and spreading the country's fastest growing chronic disease.

They are ticks -- small arachnids that readily attach themselves to people, pets and livestock. Ticks are potential carriers of Lyme disease, an often misdiagnosed illness that can cause symptoms ranging from rash to flu-like feelings to joint, heart, lung and nervous system abnormalities.

"Tick bites occur virtually year-round, any place with grass, plants, bushes or trees. The good news is there are steps you can take to protect your family from tick bites and Lyme disease, and even to reduce the potential number of ticks in your yard," said Constance Bean, author of the new book "Beating Lyme: Understanding and Treating This Complex and Often Misdiagnosed Disease."

According to Bean, a former coordinator of health education at MIT, you can help safeguard loved ones by dressing them appropriately when they are outdoors, by vigilantly checking for ticks and by correctly washing both people and clothing.

Here are some tips from her book "Beating Lyme" on what you can do to protect against tick bites when spending time outdoors:

* Since ticks hide in collars and folds of clothes, clothing should be removed and examined closely after exposure to tick habitats.

* To make ticks more visible, wear light-colored clothes, socks and shoes.

* Examine skin frequently, even after two or three hours, while you are outdoors to discover any tick attachment.

* Clothes worn outdoors should be put into the dryer for at least twenty minutes, preferably a half hour, at high heat. If the water in your washing machine isn't hot enough they can survive, but are vulnerable to dehydration in the dryer.

* Ticks are difficult to spot in hair, on the hairline, behind knees and ears. They prefer inaccessible places such as the groin or under the arms. After time outdoors, take a shower and wash your hair. However, showers only will remove ticks that aren't yet attached to your skin.

* Shoes should be carefully examined or left outside the door. Examine them again before putting them back on.

* Consider spraying outer clothing and exposed skin (not the face, however) with a tick repellent containing Deet or the pesticide, permethrin. You can find such products at your drugstore or supermarket.

Ticks prefer shaded, protected, moist locations, and even can be found on outdoor seating. With this in mind, there things you can do to reduce the number of ticks in your yard and around your home. Bean advises:

* Keep grass cut and shrubs trimmed. Remove brush and leaf piles. Keep woodpiles away from play areas.

* Use woodchips around recreation areas and as a barrier between yard and woods.

* Avoid sitting on tree stumps, wooden park benches and stone walls.

* Be aware that kneeling amid foliage while gardening exposes your head and neck to ticks.

* Remember that pets may bring ticks into your home.

"If you are bitten by a tick, don't panic. Remove it and save it in a plastic bag for your doctor and ask about taking a preventive course of antibiotics," said Bean. "Remember not all ticks carry Lyme disease and, if caught early, Lyme disease usually can be cured quickly."

For more information on avoiding tick bites, recognizing symptoms, and learning how to treat and cope with Lyme disease, speak with your family doctor or read the new book, "Beating Lyme," written by Bean with Dr. Lesley Ann Fein.

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During Older Americans Month, American Specialty Health Offers Seniors 10 Tips On How to Stay Active and Fit

PRIME NEWSWIRE -- The millions of baby boomers set to turn 65 years old this decade are leading a vast wave of aging adults that has been called the "Silver Tsunami." By 2030, the number of boomers aged 65 and older will more than double to 71 million older Americans, according to The State of Aging and Health in America 2007 report. Seniors will comprise roughly 20 percent of the U.S. population at a time when the nation is facing a shortage of geriatricians, nurses, primary care doctors, physical therapists, and home health care workers.

"Older adults can do a lot to preserve their health, level of fitness, and longevity just by changing a few simple things in their lives today," said Dr. Douglas Metz, Chief Health Services Officer for Silver&Fit(r), a fitness program that provides seniors with unique fitness, nutrition, and health education classes and events. "We suggest the following tips to help seniors stay active, healthy, and fit for a long and happy life."

Ten Tips For Better Health:

1. Commit to an exercise program that suits your lifestyle and needs.

Say the word "exercise" and most people's eyes glaze over. But exercise comes in all kinds of packages -- from fun and social, to private and reflective, to challenging and regimented. If you like being with others, consider activities such as dancing, golfing, biking with a bike club, or playing tennis. If you prefer exercise that is more private, how about walking, jogging, gardening, or yoga? For people who want something more regimented or challenging, an aerobics class at a local gym or running a 5K or some other competitive event may be better options. The key to a successful exercise program is to do something you enjoy so that you'll stick with it for months or years to come. If you haven't exercised in awhile and you're thinking of starting a new program, check with your doctor first to see what level of exercise best suits your current health status.

2. Include weight training in your exercise routine.

Research has shown that doing weight-bearing exercise helps prevent or reduce osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure, and helps enhance muscle tone, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.

3. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of water.

Eat foods from all food groups, but eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit fat, cholesterol, salt, sugar, and processed foods to decrease your risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and keep skin healthy.

4. Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.

Most everyone knows that being overweight can increase your risk of chronic diseases such as heart and circulatory diseases, diabetes, and high blood pressure, but did you know that being overweight increases your risk of cancer? Research shows that overweight is linked to high incidences of many kinds of cancer. A healthy body weight can help you manage, prevent, or decrease your risk of many chronic diseases and injuries.

5. Manage stress.

Stress has been linked to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, compromised immune system, and depression. Decrease stress by keeping your mind and body active, practicing relaxation techniques through classes or tapes, avoiding high stress environments and people, getting enough sleep, and asking for help when you need it.

6. Live a tobacco-free life.

Free your body from nicotine. As soon as you quit, you begin improving your overall health and reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

7. Get enough sleep.

Sleep supports your immune system, helps you cope with stressful situations, and allows you to feel alert and prepared. If you have a hard time sleeping eight hours a night, take short naps during the day to relax and rejuvenate your body.

8. Drink alcohol only in moderation (or not at all).

Drink in strict moderation: one drink per day for women, two for men. One drink is one 12-ounce beer, one five-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled liquor.

9. Live safely.

Learn and practice safe living habits. Don't drink and drive, abuse alcohol, or use drugs. Wear a seatbelt when driving, wear a helmet when riding a bike or motorcycle, and use sunscreens and cover-ups to protect your skin from the sun.

10. Get regular medical and dental care.

Have regular physical and dental exams, get appropriate screenings and preventative tests, and talk to your doctor or dentist about any symptoms or health problems.

"Getting and staying fit today is an investment that will reap a future of good health, happiness, and independence," added Dr. Metz.

Silver&Fit is a no-cost fitness and healthy aging program designed to help older adults achieve better health through regular exercise. Silver&Fit provides: access to local participating fitness clubs, with such amenities as cardiovascular equipment and weights, whirlpools, exercise classes, and saunas, where available; customized exercise classes for seniors; access to many online interactive tools including an online health library; health monitors; and a health store. Seniors receive support from Silver&Fit's toll-free member services hotline and Web site. Unless required by their health plans, Silver&Fit members pay no copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles to participate in these activities. Seniors can ask their Medicare plan if Silver&Fit is available to them in their area.

Silver&Fit is offered by American Specialty Health Networks, Inc. and Healthyroads, Inc., subsidiaries of American Specialty Health.

How Can I Get My Kids To Eat More Fruits And Veggies?

(SPM Wire) Getting kids to eat healthfully is all about having the right foods available and making them fun and interesting.

Here are some tips from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control on how to get kids to eat more fruits and vegetables:

* Keep a bowl of fresh fruits on the counter. Refrigerate cut up fruits and vegetables in small bags for easy snacks.

* Serve fruits and vegetables at every meal. Add grated or cut vegetables into entrees, side dishes, and soups. Top off cereal with fruits or add frozen fruits to smoothies.

* Set a good example. Snack on fruit and order low-sodium, low-fat salads, soups, or vegetable sides when at restaurants.

* Pack the refrigerator, freezer and cupboard with pre-cut, frozen and canned vegetables so it's easier to prepare meals and snacks that include vegetables.

* Challenge family members to reach their daily fruits and vegetable goal. Reward the winner with a prize.

* Ask that fruits and vegetables be offered at school functions, after school programs, and in vending machines.

* Let children choose which fruits and vegetables to serve and how to incorporate them into their favorite meals.

* Make them fun. Dress up sandwiches with faces and smiles made from fruits and vegetables.

* Keep trying. For some foods, it may take multiple times before a child acquires a taste for it.

* Encourage friends or relatives to offer vegetables and fruits to your children.

For more tips, visit www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov.

Mood and Food: Five Tips to Avoid the Blues

Think cake will cure your crabbiness? Or baked goods will beat the blues? Probably not.

Whether you're suffering from an irritable mood, a case of the blues, or even full-blown depression, you may benefit from incorporating certain foods into your diet while avoiding others. More information is available at http://www.pcos.insulitelabs.com/blog.

Studies have shown that food affects the chemical composition of the brain by altering the production or release of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that carry information from one cell to another. Neurotransmitters are the brain chemicals that motivate or sedate, focus or frustrate.

Similarly, blood sugar levels directly impact our moods. We feel good after we eat, because our blood sugar increases. However, when blood sugar levels sink, we get hungry and our mood takes a dive as well. Classic symptoms of low blood sugar are feeling impatient, irritable, angry and aggressive until we can eat again.

Despite the complexity of the relationship between food and the brain, following a few simple rules will help to provide your body with stable blood sugar and mood mellowing nutrients.

Five Tips to Avoid the Blues:

1. Eat fruit and vegetables that are high in fiber and low in sugar/starch. Fiber provides stable blood sugar and consistent energy by slowing the rate at which nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. Choose apples, blueberries, cantaloupe, carrots, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, dark green lettuce, and red bell peppers. Limit sugary food and alcohol since both are low in nutrients and cause rapid blood sugar swings.

2. Eat lean protein at each meal. Protein stabilizes blood sugar and provides the brain with the amino acids essential to feeling alert. Choose fish, lean beef, pork, chicken, turkey, eggs, cheese, nuts and legumes (beans and peas).

3. Drink water. Choosing water over sugar-laden soft drinks and fruit juices will keep you hydrated and stave off food cravings. Drink eight to ten glasses of clean water daily. Replace soda and fruit juice with herbal tea and sparkling water.

4. Consume "good" fats, like olive oil and those containing omega 3's. Studies have shown that a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to depression and mood swings. Restoring the body's natural balance of omega-3s may help alleviate (and prevent) many types of depression, even for those who don't respond to traditional antidepressants. Consuming healthy fats also reduces the release of leptins, hormones produced by fat cells that signal hunger, thereby reducing food cravings. Choose avocados, nuts, olives, olive oil, fish, grass-fed beef, nut butters, and omega-3 enriched eggs.

5. Avoid fast food and chain restaurants. These are stocked with highly processed, sugary foods containing "bad" fats that can wreak havoc on your blood sugar and mood. When you do eat out, try to make the healthiest choices available. Choose greens and proteins, a turkey burger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun, lemon juice and olive oil over commercial sauces and dressings, a fruit plate instead of a sugary desert. Avoid white bread, potatoes, rice and pasta.

Sample mood-balancing menu from Insulite Laboratories:
(http://www.insulitelabs.com)

Breakfast: Bowl of sweetness. Mix together 1/3 cup of chopped mixed nuts (pecans, cashews, macadamia and almonds), 1 tbsp. melted butter, cinnamon, ginger, 1 cup blueberries (and/ or sliced strawberries), 1-2 tsp. cream.

Snack: California style. Half an avocado with salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar.

Lunch: Lamb chop special. Grilled lamb chop, 2 cups shredded green or red cabbage, with olive oil and 1 tbsp. cider vinegar. (OR one bunch steamed kale with soy ginger sauce).

Snack: Mediterranean evening. Olive puree: 1 cup Kalamata olives, 2 tbsp. feta, and 2 tbsp. olive oil. Blend all ingredients in food processor. Serve with celery or cucumber slices.

Dinner: Super shrimp salad. Grilled shrimp on a romaine lettuce salad with bell peppers, avocados, cashews, and dressing.

Get Your Body Beach-ready with Portion Control

ARA - It's time to get your beach body back. Although rising food costs and the demands of everyday life can make it difficult to adopt a diet plan, these advance planning and portion control tips from the Reynolds Kitchens ensure a healthy meal or snack choice will be available whenever you need it.

Understand the Basics.

Restaurants are notorious for serving massive portions. Use these comparisons as a general guide to determine how much to eat and what to take home for a second meal:

* 1 cup fruit = one baseball
* 3 ounces grilled fish = a checkbook
* 3 ounces meat = one deck of cards
* 1 cup lettuce = four leaves
* 1 ounce cheese = four dice

Requesting a half-order or sticking to the kids’ menu is a helpful (and sometimes less expensive) way to stay on track.

Double Up.

Double your favorite healthy dinner recipe on Sunday night, separate into appropriate portions and freeze for serving later in the week. The Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Sealing System has a handheld vacuum sealer that virtually eliminates freezer burn, ensuring frozen meals will taste as fresh as the day they were made. These good-for-you meals are perfect to take to work or for kids when they get home from school.

Do the Math.

Many people avoid buying fresh fruits and vegetables – healthy meal staples – out of the fear that a large portion will go to waste. Take advantage of “two for one” sales and other promotions in the produce department. Vacuum and freeze whatever won’t be used in a week. Doing so saves money and ensures that your favorite fruits and vegetables are always available.

But Buy Realistically.

Certain foods fare poorly in the freezer no matter how well they’re packaged. Tomatoes, celery and potatoes lose their crispness and get watery, sour cream separates and avocados are only recommended to be frozen when mashed (not whole or sliced.)

Believe in Snack Packs.

One serving may be 11 potato chips, but it’s easy to lose track of how much you consume when you eat right out of the bag. Measuring economy items like pretzels, nuts and cereal into single servings ahead of time helps fight the temptation to eat more and teaches children how much food is appropriate for a snack.

Know Your Triggers.

Is it difficult to stop eating your favorite food even when you’re full? Some of us plan to eat a cookie or two, but find it nearly impossible to stop until the bag is gone. It may be best to avoid foods you know bring temptation – at least while it’s bathing suit season.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Diabetes and Exercise

Don't give up if you have diabetes!

Many factors contribute to the onset of diabetes, including genetic predisposition and diet. But exercise and proper nutrition can help reduce the odds of getting and the severity of this disease. Diabetes comes in two types, Type I and Type II. In either case, the body has difficulty regulating the level of blood glucose. Glucose is the primary source of energy for the body's activities.

One basic reason is the inability to produce the proper amount of insulin, a hormone that helps transport glucose to the cells. In Type I diabetes the body can't produce adequate insulin, so the loss has to be made up from the outside, usually via injection. This is the more serious type and control of the condition requires obtaining medical advice.

In Type II diabetes, individuals produce insulin, but it's less effective in performing its role as a transport aid. This is the type that is more likely to occur as we age. The kidneys become less efficient and we tend to adopt a more sedentary lifestyle. We sometimes worsen our odds by being more indulgent about food. The long term effects add up.

Type II can be controlled with diet and exercise and with careful self-monitoring under the care of a physician, the effects can be minimal.

Exercise helps increase insulin sensitivity. It also reduces body fat, which helps regulate the amount of glucose needed and used. Weight training helps by increasing the metabolic rate, reducing body fat. At the same time, it increases the use of glucose used by muscles and improves the ability of muscle tissue to store it. All those help achieve the preferred glucose level.

Get professional advice and start any new program slowly, particularly if you have not been active habitually. Pain from doing too much too soon is one of the leading factors that discourages people from continuing a program. Also, the body needs time to adjust to changes in hormone level, metabolic level and thus glucose and insulin levels.

Be sure to warm up for five to ten minutes at minimum. Easy stretches and low-impact, low heart rate exercise help get the muscles infused with blood and joints limber. Take care not to exercise when it is too hot. Heat stroke (from too high an internal temperature and lack of fluid) is a risk, and more so for those who are older.

Humidity levels are a factor to consider, as well. The body's ability to regulate internal temperature is made less efficient when the moisture content of the air is high. The heat doesn't travel out of the sweat and off the skin so readily. On hot and/or humid days, wear loose fitting clothing and reduce the time and vigor of your routine.

Walking is a great way to get started. An hour per day every day is best, but even 20 minutes three or four days per week will help.

Persistence is key. Reducing the odds of getting diabetes, or controlling it once you have it, require permanent lifestyle changes. But the benefits are not only the absence of a debilitating disease, but a healthy body and improved mood.

Staying Healthy With Exercise

Who knew staying healthy was so easy?

The role of exercise in helping to lower stress - and the subsequent beneficial effects on health - has been widely studied.

Most studies carried out over the last 30 years agree: a continual high level of stress has a number harmful effects on overall health. People who experience high stress get more colds, suffer more digestive tract problems and have more frequent bouts of fatigue.

Regular exercise helps relieve stress. It does so directly, by providing an outlet for, and consuming much of, the nervous energy produced by stress. It also helps indirectly by shifting one’s focus away from the external factors producing the stress.

Exercise can help the cardiovascular system, which in turn improves blood flow, carries away toxins from muscles and organs, and helps keep the kidneys and endocrine system working well. It helps remove germs and circulate antibodies. All those promote a healthy immune system by lessening the body’s susceptibility to disease, while increasing the robustness of the immune system itself.

Exercising increases the body temperature slightly. This, as anyone who has suffered from a cold knows, is the body’s natural response to colds, flu and other diseases. The increased temperature helps kill the infecting organisms.

A study at the University of Colorado, Boulder suggests that moderate exercise helps prevent colds as well. It showed that individuals are less likely to get sick after stressful situations when they had engaged in a regular program of moderate exercise.

Exercise programs, undertaken consistently and correctly, help improve body image - that’s one of most individual’s primary goals in making the effort, after all. That improved body image often leads to higher levels of confidence and relaxation in social situations. That in turn helps reduce stress and enhance the immune system. Relax and forget the pills...the simple secret to staying healthy is exercise!

Mollie McCarl, personal trainer and owner of Fitness Spa
770-632-3595
www.ptcfitnessspa.com
Now nationally! Comcast "ON DEMAND"Click 886 and scroll to Workout Videos
to enjoy 8 different exercises

Easy Way to Protect Arteries

We are all looking for the best way to great health and often it is easier than we think. Apples have amazing properties that our bodies love. When it comes to apple juice, "cloudier" may mean healthier, according to a study published in January 2007, in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.
In a head-to-head comparison of apple juices, Polish researchers found that pulpy, non-clarified juice carried a greater antioxidant punch than clear juice. Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize free radicals, molecules that can damage body cells and contribute to disease.
Unlike cloudy apple juice, the much more common clear variety undergoes additional processing to remove any apple solids. Manufacturers typically think the public will favor the more attractive, clear juice over its cloudy cousin, and retailers prefer the clear variety for its longer shelf life.
But the new findings suggest that health-conscious consumers should reach for the cloudy variety, according to Dr. Jan Oszmianski, the study's lead author. "Cloudy apple juices contain much more antioxidant than clear," says Dr. Oszmianski, a researcher at the Agricultural University of Wroclaw.
In fact, Oszmianski's team found, cloudy juice packed up to four times the level of polyphenols, a group of antioxidant plant compounds. And in experiments, cloudy juice was the more effective free radical "scavenger," the researchers report in their findings.
In addition, Researchers at the University of California-Davis recently reported that apples and apple juice may help protect arteries from harmful plaque build-up. In the first study conducted in humans, adults who added two apples, or 12 ounces of 100% apple juice, to their daily diet demonstrated a significant slowing of the cholesterol oxidation process that leads to plaque build-up - thereby giving the body more time to rid itself of cholesterol before it can cause harm. Apples truely are the miracle food!

Mollie McCarl, personal trainer and owner of Fitness Spa
770-632-3595
www.ptcfitnessspa.com
Now nationally! Comcast "ON DEMAND"
Click 886 and scroll to Workout Videos to enjoy 8 different exercises

Great News In Living Longer

It's so easy to just relax and watch a little TV, but according to the Harvard School of Public Health, studies that have followed large groups of people for many years are all drawing the same conclusion: A sedentary (inactive) lifestyle increases the chances of becoming overweight and developing a number of chronic diseases. Exercise or regular physical activity helps many of the body's systems function better and keeps a host of diseases at bay. According to the US Surgeon General's report, regular physical activity:
Improves your chances of living longer and living healthier
Protects against heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
Helps protects against certain cancers, including colon and breast cancer
Helps prevent or control type 2 diabetes
Helps prevent arthritis and may help relieve pain and stiffness in people with this condition
Helps prevent the insidious loss of bone known as osteoporosis
Reduces the risk of falling among older adults
Relieves symptoms of depression and anxiety and improves mood If you already exercise on a daily basis - keep it up! If not, please consider taking a walk each day. Start off easy if you need to with a short 10 minute walk. From there, gradually increase your walking to 30 minutes a day - the results will amaze you! Your mood will improve, your energy levels will increase and you'll enjoy all of the health benefits above. Just a little effort gives you what is needed to live a long and happy life.

Mollie McCarl, trainer and owner of Fitness Spa
770-632-3595
www.ptcfitnessspa.com
351 Westpark Walk
Peachtree City, GA 30269

2008 Legislative Fitness Challenge Launch

Date Change To THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28th, 2008. Time and Location will remain the same.

Due to the scheduled recess for the General Assembly, GPAN has been forced to move the kickoff from Monday, Feb. 25th to Thursday, February 28th. Please join us at the Georgia State Capitol on Thursday, February 28, 2008, to launch the 2008 Legislative Fitness Challenge. This is your chance to let your state senators and representatives know the importance of good health!

As state lawmakers consider new legislation designed to improve the health and wellness of Georgians, it is critical that they see a big turnout in support of change. We encourage you to forward this information to your friends and colleagues.
2008 Legislative Fitness Challenge LaunchThursday, February 28, 200811:00 a.m.Georgia State CapitolWashington Street StepsReception followingMezzanine LevelRoom 455

PRESS CONFERENCE HELD ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21st.
For those of you who were unable to attend Thursday’s Press Conference, Bill Burns from the American Heart Association, has forwarded the following information.

AHA State Advocacy Committee Members & Friends,

On the heels of our exciting announcement last week regarding a dollar per pack increase on cigarettes, I am pleased to announce the introduction of a new bill aimed at improving the state of physical education in Georgia. Together with Senator Carter (R – Tifton), and several other state coalition partners, we are pleased to introduce SB 500 today (Thursday) at a press event hosted by the Senate Press Office at 10:00 A.M. The first article on the bill has appeared already in the AJC online at http://www.ajc.com/search/content/health/stories/2008/02/20/fatkids_0221.html, and should run as a lead story in the print version Thursday.

SB 500 seeks to accomplish a couple of things:
First, the legislation would force schools to live up to existing DOE regulations, which call for 90 hours of P.E. for grades K-5, and will create a recognition program for those schools that do follow the existing regulations. Recent studies have suggested that many schools in the state are not in fact following those regulations, and that many of the schools provide NO physical education to their students.
The second thing that the legislation will do would be to mandate twice annual BMI measurements for all public school children. The measurements will be done confidentially, and WILL NOT be reported on a student’s report card. The data will be stored by student number, and parents requesting to be informed of their child’s measurements will receive by mail a letter that explains the meaning of the BMI measurement, where their child ranks relative to others in their school, and, if necessary, tips to positively affect the measurement.

The American Heart Association is fully supporting Senator Carter and this bill. While we recognize that it is not the solution to the problem, it does address some important issues.

Please look/listen for local news coverage of this exciting news, and feel free to direct any questions about the bill my way.

Bill Burns, J.D.
Georgia Advocacy Director
American Heart Association
1101 Northchase Parkway, Suite 101
Marietta, GA 30067
678.224.2085 Direct Dial & Fax
…You’re the Cure!

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Community News You Can Use
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Stay on track with your Weight Loss!

Summer is coming and it is time to shed the winter weight. Any wise diet and exercise program needs be oriented toward lifestyle changes that will help you lose the weight and keep it off, and keep you healthy and fit. Counseling provided by fitness and nutrition professionals can help you do that. They can help you unlearn bad habits and learn better ones, and encourage you to stick with them. Personal trainers keep you on track to success!

Mollie McCarl
Certified Personal Trainer
Owner, Fitness Spa
770-632-3595
www.ptcfitnessspa.com
On Comcast Cable
ON DEMAND
Press 886 and scroll to Workout Videos

Soft Drink Dangers

Dangers in drinking just one soft drink a day — whether diet or regular — may boost your risk of getting heart disease. Your soda habit increases the risk of developing a condition called metabolic syndrome and, according to new research, can boost the chance of getting both heart disease and diabetes. "Even one soda per day increases your risk of developing metabolic syndrome by about 50 percent," says Ramachandran Vasan, MD, professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine and the senior author of the study, published in the July 31 issue of the American Heart Association's journal Circulation. To be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, three of five criteria must be met: a large waistline, elevated blood pressure, elevated fasting blood sugar, elevated fasting triglycerides, or reduced HDL or "good" cholesterol. "This study adds to the wealth of scientific evidence that sugar-sweetened beverages increase the risk of metabolic syndrome," says Vasan. Already, he says, the rise in sugary drink consumption has been linked to the epidemic of obesity and diabetes among children and teens and to the development of high blood pressure in adults. So grab the water for a healthier you! Don't forget to come by and get a free sample of Fitness Spa's delicious Alkaline Water which restores the body's PH to a perfect 7.365.

Mollie McCarl, Personal Trainer
Fitness Spa
770-632-3595
http://www.ptcfitnessspa.com/
Comcast ON DEMAND
Press 886 and scroll to Workout Videos

Pepperidge Farm Scores Partnership with NBA All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to Help Promote Fitness among America’s Youth

(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of a continued effort to encourage an active lifestyle among America’s youth, the Pepperidge Farm Goldfish® brand will serve as a partner of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA and the NBA FIT Program, a health and wellness initiative that inspires youth to make healthy life decisions by encouraging proper eating habits and regular exercise. In support of this new partnership, NBA All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will serve as program ambassadors.

Pepperidge Farm will tip off the partnership during NBA All-Star 2008 in New Orleans, with involvement in a host of activities including the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam and NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas. During the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam on Friday, February 15, the Goldfish brand will host an NBA FIT Break, which will showcase a variety of exercises for kids who want to stay active while having fun. At the Goldfish NBA FIT Zone area at NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas, Pepperidge Farm will host basketball clinics throughout the weekend with NBA and WNBA players. On Saturday, February 16 at 4:00pm at the Goldfish NBA FIT Zone, Pepperidge Farm will present a donation to Wade’s World, a foundation initiated in 2003 by Dwyane Wade that provides support to community-based organizations to promote education, health, and social skills for children in at-risk situations.

Wade, the 2006 NBA Finals MVP and Sports Illustrated for Kids Athlete of the Year, has built a universal fan base, captivating admirers with his athletic abilities, strength in overcoming obstacles, boundless community support, and continuous dedication to children. His winning record on the court as well as his long-standing commitment to children off the court, make him a natural ambassador for the Pepperidge Farm Goldfish brand.

“I’m honored to work with the Goldfish brand in my quest to leave the world a better place than I found it,” said Wade. “Their long-standing commitment to American youth is inspirational and our mutual interest in helping kids has created a meaningful partnership that will benefit countless children.”

“We are pleased to announce our partnership with the NBA, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh,” said Steve White, Vice President, Youth Snacks Division for Pepperidge Farm. “Our dedication to helping children achieve their full potential through a positive outlook and a healthy lifestyle is brought to life through our Fishful ThinkingSM program, which stresses the importance of instilling optimism in children. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh both personify optimism and physical fitness, two traits that will make them dynamic partners for the Goldfish brand.”

“Our partnership with Pepperidge Farm Goldfish is a significant step forward in our effort to promote health and wellness in America’s youth through the NBA FIT and Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA programs,” said Mark Tatum, NBA Senior Vice President of Marketing Partnerships. “With the help of NBA All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, we are looking forward to working with Pepperidge Farm Goldfish to develop fun and motivating programs to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for our young fans.”

In the coming months, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish and the NBA will debut a series of television advertising, retail promotions, and consumer events. Dwyane Wade will be featured in branded marketing, advertising, and packaging, including special edition NBA-themed Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers.
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Positive Attitude in Exercise

Attitude is everything when you exercise. You must develop your ability to feel good in spite of your weight and current circumstances. Because they are only current, you can start changing how you feel and thus influence the outcome of your future. You are never stuck. Nothing is ever hopeless. You are never defeated. Do not give in to those kinds of thoughts and feelings. Begin feeling good now and thinking of good things now and move toward happiness and joy. Expect everything to work out and it will, but you must expect and know it for sure. Life is composed of ups and downs but if you maintain a joyful and positive outlook and can smile during you trials, you will experience many more ups than downs and maintain the perfect weight!

Mollie McCarl
Owner and Trainer for Fitness Spa
770-632-3595
http://www.ptcfitnesssspa.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy07QxlykPI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ADJqBrYIh4

New program designed to help Georgians move more

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agents across the state are encouraging the people in their counties to increase their physical activity. As an incentive to get Georgians moving, agents are inviting them to spend eight weeks on a virtual walk around the state.

Starting Feb. 18, Georgians can register to participate in Walk Georgia, an online program they can use to log the time they spend doing various exercise activities between March 2 and April 30. The program converts the exercise time into virtual miles.

For example, 29 minutes spent throwing a Frisbee equals one mile. Jumping rope for eight minutes will give you a quicker one mile. Twenty minutes of actual walking equals one mile in the program.

Over the course of the program, participants can take the virtual miles and use the online map to electronically chart a course as they “walk Georgia,” said Maria Bowie, a marketing specialist with UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

“As you move, you will read about the counties you visit virtually and learn new ways to improve your health,” Bowie said.

Program miles aren’t the same as actual road miles. You only need 15 miles to move from one county into another.

Participants can compete against individuals or teams in their counties. Patricia Stuckey says her county will be the best.

“From what I see, the Web site is a friendly one, and it won’t take a lot of time,” said Stuckey, UGA Extension coordinator in Cobb County. “We’re all busy. This is in and out before you know it.”

“We’ve learned through our research that 58 percent of adults in Georgia are inactive,” said Jan Baggarly, UGA Extension coordinator in Bibb County. “Our goal is to get some of that 58 percent moving.”

One out of four adults in Georgia is obese, totaling 1.8 million people. Obesity leads to a variety of health problems, especially cardiovascular disease, which is the No. 1 killer in Georgia.

“We hope to make a difference for some people as far as that statistic is concerned,” Baggarly said.

To find out more or to register, go to http://www.walkgeorgia.org/. While an e-mail address is required to register, individuals without one can join as part of a team as long as the team captain has an e-mail address.

(Stephanie Schupska is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.)