Staying Safe While Exercising in the Heat

August 6, 2010 by admin  
Filed under General Fitness

Working out during the summer months can be brutal. It can get so hot in certain areas that you don’t want to exercise at all. However, if you do plan on working out in the heat, there are some safety precautions that you may want to take to help prevent injuring yourself. There are two major heat-related illnesses that we should be aware of. It’s important to recognize the symptoms and know what to do should you or someone you’re with experiences any of them. Heat Exhaustion This is a common heat-related illness and occurs when the body loses a lot of fluid and becomes dehydrated. Symptoms can include dizziness, experiencing chills, tingling, headache, cramps, and nausea. Heat exhaustion can set in after a long, hard workout under the sun. It’s important to immediately find shade and drink plenty of fluids such as water or a sports drink. Heat Stroke This one is much more dangerous than heat exhaustion and is life-threatening. Unlike heat exhaustion, the body’s core temperature can be so high it can affect brain function. The symptoms are easier to spot as they include staggering when walking and confusion. Strange behavior, vomiting, and rapid pulse are also common symptoms . Since these symptoms are easier to spot, it’s important to get to a hospital emergency room immediately. Tips for Staying Safe in the Heat Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water before going outdoors If exercising for an hour or more, consider drinking sports drinks containing electrolytes Get acclimated to he heat - start off slow and gradually increase length and intensity Pay attention to your sweating. Not sweating enough could mean dehydration Avoid exercising during the hottest times of the day (10 am - 2 pm) Wear loose, light-colored clothing Familiarize yourself with the common symptoms of heat illnesses. Take the proper precautions and keep it safe if you must exercise in hot weather. Resources: Tips On How to Beat the Heat Heat Stroke Symptoms

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Staying Safe While Exercising in the Heat

Cool Treats to Beat the Heat

July 16, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Diet

Summer means festival season in the U.S., and like many families we spent last Saturday walking the midway at a local fair. It was fun, but also tremendously hot. At one point, I stopped at a booth for a lemonade to help me cool down. Lemonade wasn’t my first choice, but I had no idea how bad it was about to become. Continue reading…

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Cool Treats to Beat the Heat

How Well Do You Know Your Frozen Treats?

June 1, 2010 by admin  
Filed under Weight Loss

Since the Spring sunshine finally arrived over the long holiday weekend, I indulged with a bit of yummy ice cream topped with strawberries in balsamic vinegar . I must say, it was the perfect way to beat the heat. And even though frozen treats provide a nice cool down, they are not made equally. Think you know the skinny on Popsicles and and Klondike bars? Take my quiz and find out! Take the quiz

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How Well Do You Know Your Frozen Treats?

Go Kayaking to Strengthen Core and Upper Body

July 13, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Weight Loss

If you’re too hot to run, bike, or hike outside, but you still want to enjoy the Summer weather, exercising on water is a great way to beat the heat. Kayaking is one of my favorite water sports because it’s safe to do alone, or if you prefer some company, you can kayak with a group of people. The paddling action will effectively tone your arms, back, and abs. Sitting upright will also increase flexibility in your hamstrings and improve your posture. It’s a great complement if you’re a runner or biker, since most of the work is done by your upper body and back. You can paddle hard to burn calories and work your muscles, and if you get tired, you can slow down or take a break and just let the current float you along. The best part is that if you get hot, you can jump in the water for instant refreshment. To find out how to get started read more. Rent a kayak at a nearby lake, river, or bay, and it’ll cost between $20 and $40, depending on how long you want to stay out and what type of kayak you rent. I recommend taking a lesson or class to learn how to paddle efficiently, and to also get tips on how to get in and out of your kayak while in the water. Go when it’s not windy, so the water will be less choppy. Wear waterproof sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin. If you love kayaking, consider buying one. Ones made out of plastic will be less expensive than fiberglass kayaks, but they’ll also be heavier and harder to repair if it gets damaged by rocks. If you want one that’s even lighter, they make kayaks out of kevlar, graphite, or carbon fiber. One of these kayaks will cost between $400 and $2,000, and that’s not including the paddle. If that’s too steep, many gear shops will sell used kayaks for much cheaper.

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Go Kayaking to Strengthen Core and Upper Body

Beat the Heat: Cooling Foods

July 9, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Weight Loss

As temperatures rise, you can always try noshing on some foods to help you keep your cool. Along with heat and humidity, Summer brings an abundance of fruits and veggies considered cooling foods. While working toward meeting your five daily servings of produce, try these foods to help you beat the heat from the inside out. cucumbers celery broccoli lettuces radishes melons mint tea (try it iced and mixed with lemonade) grilled fish Smoothies and cool soups like gazpacho are also great to beat the heat.

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Beat the Heat: Cooling Foods

Mandy Moore Goes Deep to Find Balance

July 9, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Weight Loss

Mandy Moore appears to accept herself gracefully, brushing off Hollywood ideals and expectations and replacing them with her own. While dealing with a relatable love-hate relationship with her hips , the singer is working to achieve a deeper sense of balance in her life. She told Women’s Health , “I’m into having balance in my life and trying to treat myself well.” To find out how Mandy nourishes her body and mind, read more. Mandy exercises her body by going on hikes and doing Pilates three or four times a week, and she achieves mental health and happiness by receiving regular acupuncture sessions and going to therapy. She loves acupuncture and says, “It’s so restorative. It brings me back to myself.” The therapy sessions are “freeing” for Mandy because she gets an unbiased view and doesn’t feel like she’s being judged. It’s clear that Mandy is doing everything she can to take care of herself, and her efforts are paying off.

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Mandy Moore Goes Deep to Find Balance

See How S’Mores Score

July 9, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Weight Loss

S’mores are just about the definition of Summer in my house, and no campfire would be complete without them. That graham cracker and marshmallow chocolaty sandwich can’t be that bad for me, right? I mean, there are only three ingredients. Let’s take this quiz to see. Take the quiz

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See How S’Mores Score

Weekend Workout: Get Off Your Booty and Work It

May 30, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Weight Loss, Workouts

Now that warmer weather has come for good, you’re probably sporting shorts, skirts, and teeny bikini bottoms to beat the heat. If you’re looking to tone up your tush, here are three must-do moves to get your booty in shape. Dumbbell Squats Elevated Leg Lift Knee Lift With Reverse Row If that wasn’t enough for you, click here for more Weekend Workouts.

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Weekend Workout: Get Off Your Booty and Work It