Every day (sometimes every other day), I do heel raise exercises. I stand on one leg and use my calf muscle to go up onto my toes. I repeat this exercise as many times as I can, which is about 40 repetitions per foot right now. I bend that knee a bit (so as not to lock and strain my knee), and repeat for each leg.
This exercise helps strengthen the calf muscle (which is the muscle on the back of your lower leg). When I first started, I was only able to do about 30 repetitions, but now I can do about 40.
This exercise is important for runners and walkers (and people who are on their feet a lot), because a strong calf muscle helps prevent over-use injuries like shin splints, stress fractures, and broken bones. Strong calf muscles also help stabilize the back and pelvis, helping them move correctly and protect your gait and form.
April 13, 2009
Favorite Snack
One of my favorite snacks is a handful of almonds and a few pieces of dark chocolate. The almonds have plenty of the "good" fat in them (poly & mono-unsaturated fats), and the dark chocolate has loads of antioxidants.
Of course, both should be eaten in moderation, especially the chocolate!
But oh, it's SO good!
Of course, both should be eaten in moderation, especially the chocolate!
But oh, it's SO good!
April 2, 2009
Afraid That You May Have Pet Allergies?
Many people suffer from pet allergies and seasonal allergies. Many pet owners obtain a pet, only to find out they are allergic to them. You may be able to take OTC medicine for your allergy, and hopefully that will let you keep your pet.
However, experts are discovering that sometimes it is not your pet that you are actually allergic to, but the dust, mites, and pollen that Fido carries into the house from the outdoors or the basement! These microscopic, lung-clogging particles easily stick to your dog or cat's fur, causing all those yucky spores to be carried into your house.
The remedy? Bathe your pet at least once a week, dust your house often, vacuum, and wash bedsheets often. And remember, it's always easiest for mold & particles to prosper in dark and moist environments.
So if you think you're allergic to pets, (and you very well may be), first try bathing your pet & keeping your house well-dusted for awhile to see if your symptoms disappear. If so, then you'll know that you are simply allergic to what your pet carries in from outside.
However, experts are discovering that sometimes it is not your pet that you are actually allergic to, but the dust, mites, and pollen that Fido carries into the house from the outdoors or the basement! These microscopic, lung-clogging particles easily stick to your dog or cat's fur, causing all those yucky spores to be carried into your house.
The remedy? Bathe your pet at least once a week, dust your house often, vacuum, and wash bedsheets often. And remember, it's always easiest for mold & particles to prosper in dark and moist environments.
So if you think you're allergic to pets, (and you very well may be), first try bathing your pet & keeping your house well-dusted for awhile to see if your symptoms disappear. If so, then you'll know that you are simply allergic to what your pet carries in from outside.
Strep Throat
The Question:
How long after being on antibiotics for strep throat are you still contagious?
The answer: 24 hours
*So, after 24 of being on antibiotics, you are no longer contagious! Yay!
How long after being on antibiotics for strep throat are you still contagious?
The answer: 24 hours
*So, after 24 of being on antibiotics, you are no longer contagious! Yay!
Websites Beneficial to Your Health
The website AAD.org will help you find free skin cancer tests in your area. The website CDC.gov is where you can find free (or low-cost) Pap smears and Mammograms. "CDC" stands for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
If you need access to free or cheap medical tests like these, then these websites may help.
If you need access to free or cheap medical tests like these, then these websites may help.
An Apple a Day.....
The "Northern Sky" variety of apples contain the most "free radicals" of any kind of apple. Free radicals are the cell-damaging molecules that can cause cancer in our bodies. So check out the "Northern Sky" apples for the prevention of cancer!
So that old saying about "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" might be true after all!
So that old saying about "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" might be true after all!
April 1, 2009
The Joy of Pets
Experts and researchers agree that owning a pet, or simply having regular access to a friendly pet has many positive health benefits for humans. It seems animals were meant to help fulfill humans' lives and heal their hearts.
It is widely known that petting a dog lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and ultimately makes them feel better. It is slightly less known that owning a pet helps everyone (not only the elderly) to feel better by lowering blood pressure and heart rate.
Owning a pet is hard work because pets require lots of love, attention, and can sometimes be expensive.
If you're ready to own a pet, they will require responsibility, but you will reap the benefits of your hearts and overall health.
So, either get yourself a pet (if you're ready for it) or spend time with someone else's pet! You'll be better for it physically, emotionally, and mentally, and you'll enjoy it!
It is widely known that petting a dog lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and ultimately makes them feel better. It is slightly less known that owning a pet helps everyone (not only the elderly) to feel better by lowering blood pressure and heart rate.
Owning a pet is hard work because pets require lots of love, attention, and can sometimes be expensive.
If you're ready to own a pet, they will require responsibility, but you will reap the benefits of your hearts and overall health.
So, either get yourself a pet (if you're ready for it) or spend time with someone else's pet! You'll be better for it physically, emotionally, and mentally, and you'll enjoy it!
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