May is National Stroke Awareness Month, designated to raise awareness about this silent killer. The annual campaign is actually run by the National Stroke Association, an organizations whose main purpose is to help individuals Save A Life through proper education about stroke. A stroke happens when blood flow to the…
Fitness fads come and go — remember the thighmaster? — but if you want a well-rounded workout, then embrace the fitness ball. It’s no secret that exercise balls are a great way to add variety to your workout and improve strength in your core and lower body. But working out…
Among the perils of a new school and entirely new environment lies the myth – or is it? – of the Freshman 15, those 15 or more extra pounds gained during the freshman year. Many factors cause weight gain in college – heavy drinking, all-you-can-eat dining plans, late-night binges, no…
Millions of us can’t start the day without a cup of joe – or several. Studies show that coffee is Americans’ primary source of antioxidants. But the news about java isn’t all good. Coffee has several negative health effects, and it’s obviously addictive. Here are a few reasons to try…
If you reach for something sweet when you’re stressed or angry – or simply out of habit – then you’re definitely not alone. Many people reach for simple carbohydrates like candy, ice cream or cookies when they’re tired or upset. Some researchers are convinced that carb cravings like this may…
Frozen entrees have come a long way from the tasteless TV dinners of the 1960s. They’re not just shapeless blocks of frost-covered foodstuffs anymore. There’s a size, taste and cuisine for every discriminating palate and diet. Lean Cuisine, Weight Watchers, Healthy Choice and other brands are a dream for busy…
Beans — also known as legumes — are healthy and inexpensive. They are high in fiber and protein and low in fat. Legumes are also rich in folic acid, copper, iron and magnesium. They even help lessen your appetite. Because beans have a low glycemic index, they provide energy over…
While most of us have a certain body part we would like to work on more than others, there is no such thing as spot reducing. When you do a specific exercise for a specific part of your body, the muscles of that particular body part will develop and get…
It’s a major challenge for many of us to limit the sugar in our diets, mainly because the white stuff is everywhere, especially in processed foods. Take a look at your diet and the sneaky ways sugar makes its way in there, even in seemingly healthful foods. Many fruit juices…
A great way to cut calories is to make smart substitutions. Dieting isn’t about deprivation, but it is about making choices that will help you get the most bang for your calorie buck. Most people fail to realize just how fast things can go bad. For example, say you want…