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To inform you of new developments in the health and fitness fields is our aim. While we know you are interested in becoming healthier and fitter or maintaining the health and fitness you have, we also know you have limited time to devote to it. We therefore pledge to you a fast, simple method to hop aboard the fitness fast train. Get on track with the facts. So we invite you along for the ride. We'll spur you on and help you over the rough spots to your own fitness destination.

Water Works for Weight Loss

Nothing quells the appetite like water, lots and lots of water. Start out with two quart bottles in the morning and carry one with you to work or wherever you go. If you like, divvy up the 64 ounces of water into eight (8-ounce) bottles or four pint (16-ounce) bottles to carry around with you all day. Freeze half of them the night before and they will last all day, even in a hot car. Keep some unfrozen so they will be ready to drink immediately.

Yes. You will have to make more frequent bathroom trips, but it is worth it. Drink your 64 ounces of water before dinner, if possible, so you're not up half the night going to the bathroom.

Water not only fills you up and lessens your appetite, it prevents those "hungry horrors" we all encounter when our blood sugar drops and we reach for cookies, candy, ice cream, fries or other high-calorie treats. Water also flushes out the system, rids the body of bloat and toxins and rosies up the complexion. Now, start splashing

For every one hour of work, take a five minute break and stretch, walk, or meditate. With just a few minutes of relaxation (or doing something other than work), you'll increase your physical activity as well as productivity and feel better throughout the day.

To add strength to leg muscles and get a cardiovascular workout at the same time, try climbing plain old stairs. This can be done at home, in your office, apartment building, or on stair-climbing machines in the gym. Climbing two steps at a time is good for building the quadriceps (thigh muscles) and the gluteus (butt). Going down steps builds strength in the quadriceps and to a lesser extent, the hamstrings.

Recent research concludes that antioxidants such as vitamin E may indeed be protection against free radicals that contribute to diseases such as cancer and even arthritis. Exact RDA's are still in contention but it's safe to take 400 International Units daily.

Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it.

Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats. Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!

The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Since 1960 Health Specialists have been endorsing that smoking is harmful to your health, emphasizing the need for cutting use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.

Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e., Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.

If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.

Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.

The problem of split ends occurs when the cuticle is damaged and the fibers of the cortex unravel. This happens because of chemicals, neglect and harsh treatment.
Conditioner will not fix this problem. You will need to have the split ends cut off.
It is best to go to the hair dresser but you may do it yourself. Just take some small sections of hair strands, twist them, very carefully run some scissors up and down the hair shaft cutting off any stray ends that poke out.

It can have a severe impact on the health of many elderly persons. Staying indoors in air conditioned settings, not overexerting yourself and drinking plenty of liquids, unless restricted by your doctor, is advisable.
 

It might be a sign of an under active thyroid (hypothyroidism). One function of the thyroid gland is to regulate body temperature. When it's not doing its job, the body becomes tired and less tolerant of the cold. The signs of hypothyroidism can be vague, so be sure to mention even mild changes to your doctor.

People with arthritis or other conditions that limit motion may want to attach their toothbrush handle to their hand with a wide elastic band, or enlarge it by strapping it to a sponge, Styrofoam ball or similar object. People with limited shoulder movement may find brushing easier if they lengthen the handle of the brush by attaching a long piece of wood or plastic. Electric toothbrushes are helpful to many.

Wear comfortable shoes that fit well. Foot width may increase with age. Always have your feet measured before buying shoes. The upper part of the shoes should be made of a soft, flexible material to match the shape of your foot. Shoes made of leather can reduce the possibility of skin irritations. Soles should provide solid footing and not be slippery. Thick soles lessen pressure on hard surfaces. Low-heeled shoes are more comfortable, safer and less damaging than high-heeled shoes.

Exercise helps our bones, particularly our joint bones and the bones of the spinal column rebuild and repair themselves as they should. Without exercise, they become thin and porous -- a condition known as osteoporosis. Strong muscles help protect your joints and spinal column, improve your posture and balance, increase your mobility, and reduce the likelihood of falls and other accidents, and give you a younger body image.