Did you catch the Washington Post’s article on overweight kids? The statistics were staggering! For children aged 2–5 years, the prevalence of overweight increased from 5.0% to 13.9%; for those aged 6–11 years, prevalence increased from 6.5% to 18.8%; and for those aged 12–19 years, prevalence increased from 5.0% to 17.4%. (From the CDC’s 1976–1980 survey to the 2003–2004 survey).
In January of this year, the Aerobodies strategy team decided we could play a BIG part in fighting this serious challenge for our nation’s kids. Aerobodies and MyEquilibriumCoach.com have been successful in implementing strategic techniques and programs both online and offline to help adults get fit in the workplace and at home. So we decided to take the next step by bringing our program to school age kids, giving them the tools, tips and strategies they need to make healthier choices in eating and exercise.
So fast forward to June 2008, we began meeting with area schools to share our vision and get some feedback on our plan and objective. One of the first teachers we met, Misty Boyd, PE Director, at Frances Hammond Middle School, immediately got excited and said she would help us out.
We are delighted to announce that on July 1 we will launch our new summer program for area middle schools, namely Hammond Middle and George Washington Middle Schools in Alexandria, Va. The kids are excited and we are elated at the prospects of moving area students in the right direction towards health and fitness. Here are some great shots of our CEO, Fran Bishop, along with team trainer, Brian Lawrence, as they get the kids in gear with the program.
2. About Cherries: The especially tart, dark red cherries purchased in the grocery stores have among the highest levels of disease fighting anti-oxidants compared to other fruits. The rich red pigments of cherries known as anthocyanins, a type of phytonutrient known as flavenoids which have been linked to a variety of health benefits from protection against heart disease and cancer to keeping the brain sharp. Cherries also contain melatonin, a potent anti-oxidant which helps improve the body’s natural sleep patterns.
3. About Asparagus: It is rich in vitamins and minerals, packed with folic acid, vitamin C, and Vitamins B1 & B6. It is low in calories, cholesterol free, and provides potassium and fiber.
4. About Watermelon: Watermelon contains plentiful amounts of the antioxidant lycopene and is an excellent source of the amino acid, citrulline, which the body uses to make another amino acid, arginine, which the body needs for cell division, wound healing, and the removal of ammonia from the body. Currently, medical researchers are evaluating arginine as a possible treatment for high blood pressure, and elevated glucose levels.
5. About Avocados: They are high in potassium, folic acid, and vitamin E to name just a few minerals that contribute to your health. Folic acid, as you must know by now is named very frequently in all these fruits and vegetables. Just how important is it? And what does it do? Folic acid is part of the water-soluble vitamin B complex and functions as a coenzyme, together with vitamins B12 and C, in the breakdown and utilization of proteins.
As the linked article below notes, we are in the midst of a childhood obesity problem that threatens to become a major healthcare issue in this country in the coming years. Obesity issues in children have caused a dramatic uptick in cases of type-2 diabetes in many children and also cause a plethora of other medical issues, from stunting growth to child gallstones. MEC has decided to take this problem head-on with the establishment of MECKIDS.com, a fitness and wellness program created especially for children. Our physical training and meal-planning tools can help busy parents ensure that their children won’t fall victim to this avoidable disease. Using the MEC online tools makes it easy and fun to stay ahead of this disease. Contact us for more information about the programs that we are establishing within local schools.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/17/AR2008051701373.html
Contact us for more information about the programs that we are establishing within local schools, 703-820-0217 or susiec@aerobodies.com
| On April 19, 2008 I was pleased to be the Official Kickoff Leader for the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation's Annual Walkabout. Approximately 75 people were on hand to show solidarity and get in a brisk ½ mile walk to support the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation. Sjögren's ("SHOW-grins") syndrome is a chronic disease in which white blood cells attack the moisture-producing glands. The hallmark symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth, but it is a systemic disease, affecting many organs and may cause fatigue. It is one of the most prevalent autoimmune disorders, striking as many as four million Americans. |
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I loved working with the team at the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation. Last year, all of the employees participated in a MyEquilibriumCoach challenge and walked nearly ONE MILLION MILES. The walk was led by company CEO, Steven Taylor. When asked his opinion about the MyEquilibriumCoach challenge, he said, “I thought the program was just great. They also provided us an on-site trainer who was superb and very motivating!” |
| Walking competitions are a great way to get your body engine pumped up and start losing weight! I had a blast...thanks to Steve, Adam and the entire Sjögren's team! |
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Besides, spring and summer are the seasons people in my business live for. Our clients can actually see the rewards of the torture they endured from their trainers. They notice the fruits of their efforts to stave off the grievous temptation to have the extra piece of chocolate cake during the holidays.
Focus, Focus, Focus
A lot of us go through the same routine every year. Each spring, we sincerely begin contemplating our weight and health -- and the fact that we haven't paid either one serious attention because winter allows for extra bulk in clothing. But rather than focusing on the exact weight or pants size that may be your ideal, why not just think about living a healthier life and the changes you need to make now to get there?
One of my favorite resources when advising clients on ways to maintain better nutrition and body balance is Dr. Susan Johnson, who has studied and practiced naturopathic medicine and nutrition for more than 25 years. At the beginning of each season, "you should give your own body a tuneup towards achieving optimum health," she says. "Start incorporating various healing modalities into your life." Johnson recommends exercise, plenty of rest, sunshine, pure water, massage and herbal remedies. "These habits will help you achieve and maintain the highest level of health and fitness through careful dietary planning and nutritional supplementation," she says.
Create Healthy Habits
There are several schools of thought on how long it takes to break or form a habit. If you are quitting a tough habit, it may take six weeks or longer. If you're working on a new habit, 12 weeks may be just the key. Over 15 years of practice, I can safely say that after six months of regular consistent change in eating and exercise habits, you likely are hooked.
The journey is a bit easier if you make changes each week rather than undertaking huge changes overnight. With the latter approach, sooner or later you'll tire out, particularly if the effort is too forced. This leads to loss of interest and motivation. Making a minor change in lifestyle could be as simple as deciding what activities or sports youmight participate in during the weekend or at the local athletic center. Also consider things you can realistically add to your current schedule to improve your present level of fitness.
Some ideas: walk 5,000 steps a day, use the steps instead of the elevator at work, skip dessert for a week, take kayaking or tennis lessons.
Develop a 12-week program
For some people, another great idea is to create your own program. The Internet abounds with personal fitness sites to help you create your own health diary. Two sites I recommend are MyFoodDiary.com and MyEquilibriumCoach.com. Both allow you to track your own progress through a very user-friendly Internet platform.
Here are a few goals you might include in your 12-week program:
Be able to hike the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal three to five miles per month.
Perform an interval or circuit training twice per week.
Change your normal routine: park farther from the office, go for a walk immediately after work downtown, get up early and do a 20-minute workout.
Buy a pedometer or heart rate monitor/accelerometer and track your progress.
However you choose to plan your shape-up season, the name of the game is to get started. Remember fitness and great health should be lifelong commitments; so, no matter what your short-term goals, your objective should include a healthier, longer life. Also bear in mind, if you need help, ask a trainer or coach for a few extra tips to get moving.
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Here are some juice recipes to keep you cool and energized during this hot summer weather! Remember you will need a juicer for each of these.
Berry Fizz
1 cup cranberries
1 cup strawberries
1 cup raspberries
Juice and add to 1 cup sparkling apple cider
Tropical Nectar
1 passion fruit
2 one-inch rings pineapple
1 small or 1/2 large papaya
1 nectarine (without pit)
Juice all of the above and mix in blender with one banana
Yes eating salads are a great way to maintain good health and a fantastic body. But only when done right with lots of the right ingredients. Too often folks get confused with what constitutes a good healthy salad and get weighed down with too much of the wrong protein, add non-nutritious greens and drop the ball with dressing galore! So to stay satiated and slim we've given you five things to stay away from to keep you and your salad healthy this summer. Munch On!!!
1) Use Only Iceberg lettuce
Iceberg lettuce has a nice crunch, but almost no nutritional value. Use a variety of darker greens like spinach, leaf lettuce, arugula, dandelion greens, kale, watercress and basil leaves all add flavor and more nutritional value than plain old iceberg lettuce.
2) Use lots of Croutons and Bacon Bits
These extra toppings don't add any nutritional value, but they do add a lot of calories if you pile them on. One half cup of croutons has about 100 calories. One tablespoon of chopped walnuts or flaxseed would make a much better choice for nutritional value.
3) Add Extra Cheese
Cheese is a great source of calcium and protein. Just pay attention to how much cheese you are using. Adding too much cheese can add many extra calories. In fact only 1/4 cup of shredded cheese adds over 100 calories.
4) Pile on the Fried and Processed Meat
Adding slices of cooked chicken breast can transform a healthy salad into a healthy meal. However, adding 3 deep-fried chicken strips to a salad will turn a healthy salad into a health-disaster. Deep fried meats add unhealthy fats and extra calories. Another health-busting idea is to add several slices of processed sandwich meats.
5) Drench Your Salad With Dressing
Most of us like to top our salads with a bit of dressing. That means only a tablespoon or two. More salad dressing adds too many calories and extra fat. A better idea is to forego the salad dressing and squeeze some fresh lemon and lime juice on your salad, or use some salsa.
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