Sports participation has been a tool of public health for more than a century. But today, most kids miss out. The problem disproportionately affects some groups of kids, starting during the grade-school years. Tom Farrey joins host Melanie Cole to discuss the best ways to get all children involved in physical activities.
Some children find ways to play on their own. But, the eras of the sandlot and unstructured play -- and of kids making up games and playing with friends for hours on end -- are largely gone. American sports lack a commitment to inclusion and are shaped by money; leaving many children, families, and communities on the outside looking in. Tom Farrey discusses the best ways for parents to get ALL children involved in sporting activities....
You see and hear miracle weight loss tactics touted by celebrities, but are they really realistic for YOU? When it comes to losing weight and getting fit, there are a wide range of behaviors that people can engage in. And, more importantly, there is no “right way” to be successful. Brian Parr, PhD, discusses the best ways for the "everyday" man or woman to get in shape and lose weight. He also shares some inspiring success stories....
Is your work place conducting a weight loss challenge? Are they trying to be like the biggest loser? You may think this is a great way to get motivated. But, could it lead to unachievable goals and ultimately de-motivate people? To lose weight and keep it off, you must keep things in perspective. You did not gain the weight quickly, and you should not plan to lose it quickly. While the promise of quick weight loss is enticing, dieters who lose weight quickly on a severe diet inevitably regain th...
Research tells us that kids benefit mentally and emotionally by playing sports. But, should there be a limit to the different sports your child takes on at one time? There are many things to consider when letting your child play multiple sports, including: School studies: are they able to keep up their grades? Your time: are you driving them around from one place to the next regularly? The cost: sports equipment costs can add up quickly. Your child's health: are they able to take on all those sp...
While children have traditionally been encouraged to participate in aerobic activities such as swimming and bicycling, a compelling body of evidence indicates that strength training can also be a safe and effective method of exercise for children, provided that appropriate guidelines are followed. The risks associated with strength training are not greater than other sports and activities in which children regularly participate. However, the key is to provide qualified supervision, age-specific ...
Whether your choice is Led Zeppelin or Dolly Parton, music can really pump up your workout. Music has the ability to get you moving. Research shows it can play an important part in keeping you motivated and energized during your workout. John P. Higgins, MD, joins host Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss how your favorite music can help boost your workout. Some of Melanie's favorite songs are: Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves Feeling Stronger Every Day by Chicago Jump by Van Halen Burning D...
Many of us spend hours upon hours working at desks with computers, causing you to be stiff and tired from sitting all day. But now, there's a way to combat your work fatigue. Treadmill desks could be the answer for you. John P. Higgins, MD, discusses this new way of keeping fit while working at your desk or work station.
When you were in your 30's, you may have lifted weights and used all the equipment in the gym. But, your now in your 50's, you might find some of those exercises more difficult. Should you even be doing the same exercises you did when you were younger? Michele Stanten, a walking coach and ACE-certified fitness instructor, discusses your workout and how it might change as you get on in years....
Do you exercise regularly but your mate doesn't share your enthusiasm? While trying to get them to work out, you could be losing some of your precious exercise time. So, just how can you get them to enjoy fitness activities the same as you? MIchele Stanten, a walking coach and ACE-certified fitness instructor, discusses how you can get your mate to exercise, without sacrificing your own time....
As you all know, men's and women's bodies are different and require different exercises to develop and maintain your fitness. For men, there are exercises that are more beneficial to the male body, such as dead lifts and step-ups. For women, exercises such as squats and rowing are more valuable. In this "He Said, She Said" segment, Neal Pire and Grace DeSimone discuss the differences you should keep in mind when deciding on which exercises are right for your gender....
Are you and your trainer just not seeing eye to eye on your goals? Or, maybe you just don't like his style anymore... or want to hear his long-winded stories day after day. It may be time to break up with your personal trainer. It may not be easy, it might be uncomfortable, but there are ways to make a clean break. There are also things to consider after the break-up. For instance, are you thinking of switching to a new trainer in your gym? Are you worried that your old trainer will speak ill of...
The way your freezer, your pantry and your fridge are set up is really important in terms of making good, healthy choices. Keeping your kitchen stocked with things like a good blender for quick smoothies and a well organized pantry goes a long way towards easy and healthy eating. Educating yourself and your children also contributes to the understanding of how healthy choices improve your overall diet. Listen in as Jim White, RD, discusses the best ways that your kitchen setup can help you contr...
Making the choice to eat healthy is easier if your fridge is filled with good foods instead of junk. There are a lot of foods that are good for you and tasty also, but you have to have them handy. To make it easier, try cutting up your fruits and veggies ahead of time so you're more likely to snack on them because they're quick. Whole wheat bread and wraps, and dips such as guacamole and hummus are great foods to keep on hand when you feel like snacking. Jim White, RD, discusses the top 10 thing...
If you've gained weight over the winter months, now is the time to start losing it. The number-one rule to losing weight is the combination of eating less and exercising more. What you eat is just as important. There's just no substitute for fresh veggies and fruit. Fiber can play a big part in losing weight. It keeps your digestive system clean and also keeps you feeling full longer. Listen in as Dr. Felicia D. Stoler discusses great ways to get that winter weight off quickly and safely....
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. They can be obtained naturally through certain foods like yogurt or sauerkraut, or you can take supplements to aid your digestion. A good digestive system is also important for your immune system. Probiotics can also lower the amount of "bad" bacteria in your system that can cause infections or other problems. They help balance your "good" and "bad" bacteria to keep your body working like it ...
With workout rules seemingly changing all the time at the gym, you'd certainly hope your trainer is also up to date. From squats to behind the neck pulls, it seems the rules change a lot. Educating yourself can help you to decide if your instructors are keeping up with their education. In this "He Said, She Said" segment, Neal Pire and Grace Desimone discuss the rules and what's right and wrong with the exercises you're being taught at the gym....
Not having cameras in the locker room at your fitness facility can result in people stealing just about anything. From toilet paper to shower curtains, it would seem nothing is safe. Some trainers even steal business from other trainers. In this "He Said, She Said" segment, Neal Pire and Grace Desimone discuss what really happens behind the scenes at your local gym....
Muscular strength and endurance is a component of fitness that is necessary for optimal well-being and quality of life. Strength training actually revs up your metabolism, causing you to burn more calories hours after your session. Lifting weights can also help you throughout the aging process. As you age, your muscles become weaker and your risk of developing health issues increases. But, by keeping up with strength training, you can combat that downward spiral. Listen in as Edward M. Phillips,...
Due to technology’s sedentary seduction, people can now spend the majority of their waking day in a chair watching TV, working at a desk, playing video games, ordering take-out and delivery, reading, shopping, banking, eating a meal at a table, or navigating the stock market. Current research findings reveal that too much sitting during the day is detrimental to a person’s health. If you want to combat this, you have to do more than think, "I'll get moving more." You'll need to proactively creat...
A new study showed that the more frequently dieters weighed themselves, the more weight they lost. The study also showed that if participants went more than a week without weighing themselves, they gained weight. The lesson here? Weigh yourself at least once a week if you wish to lose weight, and contrary to what some experts say, weighing yourself every day may help you stay on track. Listen in to John P. Higgins, MD, as he discusses the importance of weighing yourself as part of your weight lo...
Postmenopausal women are at risk of developing hypertension, arterial stiffness, and cardiovascular disease. Treatment typically involves using anti-hypertensive drugs, but many women are starting to opt for more natural alternatives. Several studies have shown that blueberries may have powerful anti-hypertensive properties that could help improve cardiovascular health. But, just how many blueberries do you need to eat in order to gain these benefits? Blueberries May Reduce Hypertension John P. ...
Walking is one of the simplest and least expensive options to increase your physical activity level and improve your overall health. If walking seems too simple to be an effective fitness method, think again. Taking a stroll is an easy way to lower blood pressure and increase aerobic fitness in people who are overweight or obese. Walking is a convenient way for the average person, regardless of fitness level, to obtain ACSM’s recommended 30 minutes of exercise per day, at least five days per wee...
New studies suggest sedentary behaviors increase your risk of chronic disease. There is new evidence that prolonged, unbroken sitting time is related to people's risk of obesity and type-2 diabetes. One way to combat this is to get more walking in throughout your day. Walking doesn't have to mean an hour-long jaunt. It can be as simple as just walking around the office for 5-10 minutes just to get your blood flowing. Michele Stanten, a walking coach and ACE-certified fitness instructor, shares g...
Have you heard of the relatively new trend called "The Barre Method"? Is it dance? Is it a workout? It may be both. Barre classes have gained popularity as of late, and some people say they are the best way to work out and not break a huge sweat. The Barre Method is a low-aerobic workout that targets your stomach, thighs, arms and backside. It has a base in ballet and dance and may just be the workout you are looking for. Michele Olson, PhD, Professor of Exercise Physiology in the Department of ...
Every day it seems, a new diet, medication, exercise or super food comes out that allegedly melts away belly fat. If these products worked, wouldn’t everyone be using them by now? The Surefire Belly Fat Blaster Dr. Michele Olson, known internationally as THE exercise doctor, says, “it would be nice to have a pill, specific exercise or food that’s aimed at fat cells in the belly or abdominal region, but we don’t. It’s mythology.” There are no magic cures out there that really target belly fat and...
When it comes to etiquette at the gym, which personality fits you? Are you The Slob, The Hoarder, The Cardio Junkie, The Talker/Time Burglar? I am sure you can come up with a few of your own, if not to describe your own self, at the very least describe fellow gym-goers. What about etiquette at other parts of the gym, such as the training room, the classroom, or the locker room? For example, do men walk around in the buff? Men, yes. Women, usually not. How about this one: have you ever asked a st...
When exercising, it can be tough deciding whether you want group classes or one-on-one with a personal trainer. Of course, you can certainly have both. But which is your priority? Both options have benefits and downsides. A personal trainer is completely focused on you and your needs; but if you don't want all the focus on YOU, being part of a group can be ideal. Group support has been shown to be an integral part of getting you going and keeping you coming back. In a different scope, a personal...
Despite the popularity of such grain-eschewing diets as the Paleo and the gluten-free craze, a new study has found that people who eat a whole grain-rich diet live longer. Eating more whole grains may decrease people’s risk of death by up to 15%, particularly from heart disease. Much of that benefit probably comes from the bran, which is the fibrous coating that processing removes from whole wheat and brown rice. Bran intake alone was linked with up to 6% lower overall death risk and up to 20% l...
While some injuries -- such as an ankle sprain or fracture -- are difficult to prevent, many other injuries are avoidable. By following a few simple guidelines, injuries such as muscle strains, tendonitis and overuse injuries can be reduced. For instance, every workout must begin with a warm-up and end with a cool-down. A warm-up is necessary to prepare the body for exercise by increasing heart rate and blood flow to working muscles. The warm-up should start slow and easy and consist of a genera...
