Archive for November, 2007
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the levels of obesity in American adults is at a temporary stand still. About 33 percent of adult men and 35 percent of adult women in the U.S. were obese in 2005-2006. That equals to more than 72 million people!! Even though these rates were slightly higher than the previous year, the numbers were not considered statistically significant.
In general, the obesity rate in US adults has been climbing from 15 percent in 1980. Since then there have been occasional plateaus.
According to the new reports, the obesity rates were most common in adults age 40 to 59. Within this age group, racial disparities were found with obesity rates at 39 percent in white women and 51 percent in Mexican-American and African American women. However, there were no racial or ethnic disparities found within the male population.
The report also showed that at least one third of obese adults had not been told by a doctor or health care provider that they were overweight.
Source: CNN.com and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
November 29th, 2007
Don’t let Thanksgiving be an excuse to let yourself off the calorie counting hook. Experts advise not to throw out all of your healthy habits due to the holiday season, but to choose foods carefully, eat slowly and savor. It is normal to overeat this time of the year, however, it is important to be careful of using this as an excuse to stray from your healthy habits. For most healthy individuals, overeating won’t cause too many problems, but for those who struggle with their weight, it could potentially throw them off target.
The holiday season which starts with Thanksgiving (for some Halloween) and ends with a New Year’s Resolution to lose weight! This time of year for most can be a slippery slope, resulting in a possible weight gain of 10 pounds! These pounds are not easy to melt away, so it is crucial to enjoy your holiday favorites, while keeping them in moderation.
The key to avoiding weight gain during the holiday season is to eat in moderation and continue your exercise routine, even through the chaotic time of shopping, cooking and traveling. Have an action plan before the stress hits, so you are ready to deal with crunched time and the never-ending cookie jar. For holiday meals, take small bites and eat slowly. Also, don’t get stuck in guilt for one meal. Feeling guilty can lead to thoughts such as “I blew my diet, so I will start up after New Year’s”, which can be the worst thing to do!
If you get off track after a dessert, one meal, or even a few days, the most important thing to do is to get back on as soon as possible!
Source: Time.com
November 26th, 2007
Thanksgiving is a time for friends, family and FOOD! Hopefully everyone spent Turkey Day in good company enjoying our day of relaxation and indulgence. The Hilton Head Health Institute is thankful for…
“my family-who supports me in all I do; for my health-which gives me the strength to run every day; and for all my friends and co-workers at H3I-who day in and day out make work easy and enjoyable!” Lauren, Sales & Marketing
“for having H3I in my life. It gives me the ability to not only “preach” healthy habits but to also follow them. Because I tell people about our program and who we are it keeps me accountable for my healthy lifestyle and I am thankful for that because it keeps me healthy and makes me practice unwise, better, best. I am also thankful for my family and wonderful husband who is always there for me.” Jennifer, Sales & Marketing
“for living in paradise, for the companionship of Gretchen my Pound Puppy, for the love of my partner, for the great people I work with everyday, and for Guests who tell me all the time how much good they have done for their lives by coming to H3I” Bill, Administration
“for everything in my life, especially a wonderful family and our newest addition - Roman who is 11 weeks old!” Stacie, Administration
“for great food, friends and family” Courtney, Sales & Marketing
“for Faith, Health, Friends/Family and Opportunity” Jessica, Program
November 23rd, 2007
Earlier this month, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) published a review of research on cancer prevention with ten evidence-based recommendations for reducing cancer risk. Their 34 page brochure is offered to those health conscious individuals on how to apply these recommendations to their everyday lives.
Developed over five years and through the work of many teams of experts, researchers and focus groups, this 517 page report includes data analysis, graphs and tables with extensive foot notes. The 34 page brochure serves as the “Cliff Notes” version of this extensive study.
The AIRC report found convincing evidence that body fat is directly linked to six cancers including colorectal and post-menopausal breast cancer. The first three recommendations advise people to stay lean and suggest the ways to stop weight gain.
To stopweight gain, which will in-turn decrease cancer, the report advocates increased physical activity and a diet based on low-energy-dense foods such as vegetables, fruits and beans. Also, it reports that by increasing your physical activity, you will reduce cancer risk directly by lowering hormone levels. A diet high in plant products also provides the compounds used to repair cell damage –so the combination of eating well and exercising is a powerful way to fight cancer.
The three main recommendations in the free brochure include
- Weight - aim to be a healthy weight throughout life
- Diet - choose mostly plant foods, limit red and avoid processed meat
- Physical Activity - be physically active every day in any way for 30 minutes or more
To receive your free brochure visit the American Institute for Cancer Research Website.
November 20th, 2007
Get moving after your Thanksgiving dinner to a new playlist. These ‘oldies but goodies’ will get you in the mood to work off that turkey and dressing!
1. Respect - Aretha Franklin
2. Hold On! - Sam & Dave
3. Low Rider - War
4. Great Balls of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis
5. I Want You Back - The Jackson 5
6. Twist & Shout - The Isley Brothers
7. Time of the Season - The Zombies
8. Barbara Ann - Beach Boys
9. I Feel Good - James Brown
10. Hit the Road Jack - Ray Charles
11. Good Golly Miss Molly - Little Richard
12. Come On Eileen - Dexy’s Midnight Runners
13. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow - The Shirelles
14. Save the Last Dance for Me - The Drifters
November 19th, 2007
Join the American Cancer Society for the Great American Smokeout Challenge! Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done! No matter how old you areor how long you have smoked, quitting can help you live longer and healthier. People who stop smoking before the age of 50 decrease their chances of death in the next 15 years in half compared to those who continue to smoke. Ex-smokers enjoy a higher quality of life due to fewer colds and illness, better self-reported health and fewer cases of bronchitis and pneumonia.
The health benefits of quitting smoking are far greater than any risks than any small weight gain (usually less than 10 pounds) that follow quitting. Other benefits over time include:
20 minutes after quitting: Your heart rate and blood pressure drops.
12 hours after quitting: The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
2 weeks to 3 months after quitting: Your circulation improves and your lung function increases.
1 to 9 months after quitting: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease; cilia regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce the risk of infection.
1 year after quitting: The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s.
5 years after quitting: Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5 to 15 years after quitting.
10 years after quitting: The lung cancer death rate is about half that of a continuing smoker’s. The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decrease.
15 years after quitting: The risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker’s.
(Source: American Cancer Society)
If you are ready to quit, but don’t know where to start, visit the American Cancer website for more information. Quitting smoking is possible, so join the Hilton Head Health Institute in becoming smoke free!
November 15th, 2007
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