Reader Input: September Is the Most Important Month

The OnSugar blog Outside Eye shares reasons why September is an incredibly healthy month. Just in case you were curious, apparently September is: Food Allergy Awareness Month National Yoga Awareness Month (In case there’s anyone out there who isn’t already acutely aware of it) Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (So as not to be sexist) National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month Cholesterol Education Month (Let’s all pledge to learn a little more about cholesterol this month, shall we?) Childhood Cancer Month Reye’s Syndrome Awareness Month (No clue) Ahhh . . . but there’s more. To raise your awareness on all the health issues of September please visit Outside Eye for the rest of the list. And while you’re at it, why not start your own OnSugar blog ?

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Reader Input: September Is the Most Important Month

Celebrate National Yoga Month With Free Classes

Filed under: Fitness , Yoga National Yoga Month It’s September. Do you know where your inner yogi is? Free yoga for a week ought to help you find her. September 1 kicks off National Yoga Month , and to help inspire would-be yogis to get off the couch and onto the mat, the Yoga Month website is distributing coupons for ” One Week of Free Yoga ” at more than 1,200 studios nationwide. Administered by the Yoga Health Foundation, the 30-day celebration is designed to motivate people to practice yoga, according to its founder and 20-year downward dog veteran, Johannes Fisslinger. “We want people to experience the benefits of yoga ,” he said. “Health comes from the inside out. Yoga not only strengthens every part of the body and increases flexibility ; it is also scientifically proven to reduce stress, which is a major cause of illness.” Whether you’re in the mood for a serious sweat session or a mellow meditation , a free month is likely to encourage even the most yoga-challenged individual to give it a try. In addition to free classes, other yoga studios are reaching out to the community with educational events, donation classes for a charity, contests and giveaways. Go Yoga in Fernandina Beach, Fla. is challenging students to a playful competition by asking, “How has yoga transformed your life?” The winner will receive free yoga for the rest of the year. “We are hoping the community really takes the time to think about our relationship with each other, our environment and the world in which we live,” said Go Yoga co-owner Cassie McClellan. “At its root, the word ‘yoga’ means to join, to bring together. Our hope this month is that everyone realizes our oneness, our interdependence, our yoga.” Another group of studios in Chicago is putting on a free outdoor yoga day that includes lakefront classes, Thai massage and kids’ programs. There is also a music-yoga festival in New Jersey. And certain cities are offering free citywide classes. The long-term goal of National Yoga Month is not getting more people to om in unison; rather it’s about leading people to more fulfilling, conscious lifestyles. “The most difficult part of helping people get into a practice is just that — getting into a practice,” said McClellan. “It’s not a once-a-week or once-a-month thing.” It’s a state of being — one that really begins when we roll up our yoga mats and step out into the world. Also part of the September awareness campaign is the release of “Titans of Yoga,” a movie that brings together 25 prominent worldwide yoga and meditation teachers who share their greatest life challenges — from depression to illness to destructive sex, drugs and rock-and-roll lifestyles — and how they transformed them into their greatest life victories. Movie proceeds benefit Yoga-Recess in School , which takes yoga-based health education into classrooms. “If we can change just one person’s life this month, it will be worth it,” said Fisslinger. “You just feel so different once you try yoga. There is nothing else quite like it.” For more details on National Yoga Month in your town, click here . Permalink | Email this | Comments

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Celebrate National Yoga Month With Free Classes

Getting Bored with Your Workout? Go to the Playground!

Working out outdoors can be a lot of fun and a great way to break up your routine if you are used to working indoors at a gym or in your home. Find a park, particularly one with a playground that has monkey bars, swings, picnic tables, etc. There are a variety of exercises that you can do with what’s in a park/playground. Here are some exercises that can be done: Walking lunges - You’ll have plenty of room to do several reps of walking lunges. Remember to keep good form! Sprint - You can combine sprints with your walking lunges or do them separately. Pull-ups - Utilize those monkey bars by doing pull-ups. Dips - If you there are dip bars in your park, you can get in a good tricep workout. Swing lunges - Place one foot in a swing and get into the lunge position. Do about 10 reps for each leg. Swing push-ups - Place both feet into the swing and get into the push-up position. You can also add in a jack knife move by bringing your knees in after each push-up. Step-ups - Find a bench and perform step-ups for each leg. There are probably tons of exercises you could come up with on your own just utilizing the equipment in a playground. Below are links to other resources to help you generate more ideas. Men’s Health Playground Workout Playground Workouts on YouTube For those of you who want even more of a challenge, check out this Bar-Barians requirements video. All done in the park: 40 dips 20 pull-ups 50 push-ups 5 muscle-ups

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Getting Bored with Your Workout? Go to the Playground!

DrSugar Answers: Raising HDL Cholesterol Levels?

DrSugar is in the house! And she’s answering your health-related questions. Dear DrSugar, I just had lab work done as part of my routine physical. My HDL cholesterol level is really low - 30. I am really scared. What can I do to improve the number? Is it possible to make it go up? - Freaked out about HDL This is a great question since cholesterol problems are quite common in Americans. High cholesterol affects 42 million Americans, and 63 million more have borderline high cholesterol. To learn more about cholesterol and what those numbers mean, just read more! Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in the fats (lipids) in your blood. While your body needs cholesterol to continue building healthy cells, having high or abnormal cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart disease or stroke. According to the Mayo Clinic , when you have high cholesterol, you may develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits make it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries. Decreased blood flow to the heart can result in chest pain or a heart attack, while decreased blood flow to the brain can result in a stroke. Cholesterol levels should be measured at least once every five years for everyone over the age of 20. For women over the age of 45 and men over the age of 35, routine (at least yearly screening) of cholesterol is recommended. The screening test that is usually performed to check cholesterol levels is called a lipoprotein profile. The profile measures more than just total cholesterol, but also measures levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Total cholesterol is a composite measurement that includes LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and the other lipid components. Most physicians recommend that total cholesterol levels are less than 200 mg/dL. Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food and in the body. A triglyceride value less than 150 mg/dL is considered normal. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as “bad cholesterol” because its buildup on the walls of one’s arteries can increase the chances of developing heart disease. The lower the LDL cholesterol level, the better it is for one’s health. An LDL level below 100 mg/dL is optimal for people at risk for heart disease, and below 130 mg/dL is near ideal/optimal. HDL cholesterol is often referred to as “good cholesterol” because it protects against heart disease by taking the “bad cholesterol” (LDL) out of the blood and keeping it from building up in the arteries. Thus, the higher the HDL level, the less LDL in the blood. An HDL level of 60 mg/dL is optimal. In the case of the person who asked this week’s question, the HDL level is 30 mg/dL, which is considered low. Below 40 in men and below 50 in women are considered to be low levels of HDL. Increasing HDL cholesterol levels can help reduce one’s risk of heart disease, and it is very possible to increase one’s HDL level. First, lifestyle modifications go a long way when it comes to improving your HDL cholesterol levels. Quitting smoking can increase one’s HDL cholesterol by 10 percent! Other lifestyle modifications that can help increase HDL levels are losing weight, frequent aerobic exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, and a healthier diet including healthier fats. A healthy diet can include some fat, and recommendations say that 25-35 percent of daily calories can come from fat, and saturated fat should be less than 7 percent of daily calories. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats - found in olive, peanut, and canola oils - tend to improve HDL levels. Nuts, fish, and other foods containing omega-3 fatty acids are other good choices for improving LDL and HDL levels. Other foods that have a healthy effect on blood cholesterol levels include whole grains (such as oatmeal and oat bran) and nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, and brazil nuts). There are prescription medications and over-the-counter supplements that can help cholesterol levels, however, these should really only be discussed or started with the direction of a physician. Hopefully this information will help you understand what the different types of cholesterol are and lead you to either get your levels checked if that has not been done, or to discuss with your physician what your results mean if they are abnormal. Cholesterol levels can be improved not only with lifestyle modifications, but also with medications and supplements. Thus, if you had abnormal results or are concerned, you should discuss this with your primary care physician to determine what the best lifestyle modifications and treatments will be for you! Have a question for DrSugar? You can send it to me via private message here , and I will forward it to the good doctor. DrSugar’s posts are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Click here for more details.

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DrSugar Answers: Raising HDL Cholesterol Levels?

Seven-Year-Old Rides 600 Miles for Charity

Filed under: Fitness , Motivation Skye Leech In a generation of increasing childhood obesity , juvenile diabetes and inactivity among our youth, Skye Leech is not your average 7-year-old. The young British girl just returned from the U.S., where she and her family biked more than 600 miles from Washington, D.C., to Pittsburgh, Penn., and back. What’s more, they did it all for charity . “We were looking for a fun family holiday that would allow us all to spend time together,” said Skye’s dad, Ben Parnell, who admitted vacationing poolside would not suit his active family. Instead they wanted long-distance bike trails for their first trip to the U.S. and found ideal ones on the East Coast. Traveling an average of 25 miles a day with her mother and father, Skye rode a total of 610 miles over the course of three weeks. “I wanted to do this because it was a real adventure, and I hadn’t done anything like it before,” she said. “Skye is only 7, and we had to keep reminding ourselves of that,” Parnell said about his daughter, who is also a swimmer and in good shape. “She got tired like the rest of us on some of the longer legs, but her muscles are developing nicely and by the end of the trip she biked 46 miles one day.” The family pulled all of their own gear in a trailer and camped out each night during their journey. “Trips like this allow you to really get to know each other,” said Parnell. “We got to find out how we can work together as a team.” “I felt impressed with myself once I had reached the end,” said Skye. In addition to being an active getaway and a chance to explore a new country, Skye raised more than $750 to date for the Ellen MacArthur Trust , which uses sailing to inspire children to regain their self-confidence while recovering from cancer , leukemia or other serious illnesses. “Not everyone is as lucky as we are in terms of their health, so it’s important to help where you can,” said Parnell. “Ellen MacArthur is an absolute legend, so we knew we wanted to support her charity.” In addition to helping other children who are ill, Skye is also a role model to her peers, reminding them to get outside and be active. “This was much more fun than watching TV all day,” she said. “If you watch too much TV, you end up with square eyes” (a British saying that refers to the look kids have when they have been watching TV too long). What’s next for this young cyclist and philanthropist? “Cycling around Lake Ontario next year!” she said. To contribute to Skye’s fundraising, click here . Speaking of vacations, how about training and traveling for a cause ? Permalink | Email this | Comments

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Seven-Year-Old Rides 600 Miles for Charity

Alcohol Increases Certain Types of Breast Cancers: This Week on AOL Health

Filed under: Diet & Weight Loss , News Getty Images We’ve long known that alcohol , whether beer, wine or liquor, is just empty calories, but did you know that it is also associated with a higher risk of breast cancer ? A recent study found that two forms of breast cancer were linked to a drinking habit of one or more glasses a day. However, the forms are not as prevalent as a more common type of breast cancer, which was not connected to alcohol consumption. Researchers said the kind of alcohol the post- menopausal participants drank did not affect the results. Visit AOL Health to learn about which types of breast cancer have the relationship to alcohol and what previous research has said on the subject. Experts say cutting out alcohol is a quick way to drop the pounds. What would you sacrifice for the scale? Permalink | Email this | Comments

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Alcohol Increases Certain Types of Breast Cancers: This Week on AOL Health

Minutes to a Healthier You: When the Whistle Blows, Unplug

The Internet seems to occupy a good chunk of my life. As a writer I’m constantly online, whether it be posting stories, doing research, or chatting with colleagues. And on a personal level I have my vices: Facebook, Twitter, and an RSS feed that seems never ending. But in the last month I’ve been questioning the amount of time I spend online; I’m starting to show slight signs of carpal tunnel syndrome , and I’ve been told by numerous friends that I’m on my iPhone way too much - they call it iRude. The point is, I need to slow down. While staying connected is a good thing, being online isn’t the only way to make that happen. Unplugging helps your body recharge , and it lets you reconnect with the world around you. Turning off electronics gives you more time to be active and also gives you more time to focus on the relationships in your life. To make this more of a priority, I have a new rule in my life: when work is over for the day, I turn the computer off. I also leave my phone at home when I’m out with friends for the night. And even though it may sound crazy in this day and age, it’s actually liberating. And more importantly, my friends appreciate it because I am completely focused on the present moment. See if you can challenge yourself to unplug when work is over. Keep your laptop shut off, put your phone away, and go on a walk, take your BFF to dinner, or read a book instead. Let me know how it works for you!

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Minutes to a Healthier You: When the Whistle Blows, Unplug

Why This Reader Thinks Bell Peppers Rock!

Check out this fantastic photo from the OnSugar blog Fit Dish from Ask Fitness Coach . Guess what? Bell pepper-lovers know something you don’t! To learn more about the health benefits of bell peppers and get some great recipes, head over to Fit Dish from Ask Fitness Coach . While you’re at it, start your own OnSugar blog !

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Why This Reader Thinks Bell Peppers Rock!

While You’re at It, Pack Yourself a Lunch

Some of life’s lessons need to be taught over and over again. For me the importance of packing a healthy lunch is one of them. Riding on the back-to-school momentum, I thought I would remind you all (like I was reminded by a dietitian at a mommy and kids Luna Bar nutrition event) to make yourself a lunch. Especially all you mothers out there. Every mother is a working mother. Whether you spend your day behind a desk or behind a steering wheel, all moms need proper fuel to make it through the day. Oh how low blood sugar can make a mom snap! If you’re driving around all day erranding in between drop-offs and pick-ups, soccer practice, and ballet lessons, you need lunch, too - even if it’s not a scheduled hour. When packing lunches for your brood, make a lunch for yourself and keep your freshly packed midday meal with you for when the hunger pangs start. While your palate might be more sophisticated than you kids, you can always fill your lunch box with leftovers from the previous night’s dinner. In a pinch, peanut butter and jelly on whole wheat bread with carrot sticks is better for you (and cheaper) than drive-through. Did you pack yourself a lunch for today? Tell me, what’s in your lunch box?

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While You’re at It, Pack Yourself a Lunch

"Biggest Loser" Season 10 Lineup Revealed

Filed under: Celebs & Entertainment , Biggest Loser Trae Patton, NBC “The Biggest Loser” has announced its contestants for season 10. There are 21 overall, and the theme this year is “Pay It Forward,” as “The Biggest Loser” ventures into seven communities struggling with weight problems. People from Detroit, Los Angeles, Portland, Atlanta, Phoenix, Oklahoma City and Boston competed in a 500-step contest and a one-mile race. The top two finishers from each location made it to the ranch to work with Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper . While the least-fit contestants from each city don’t necessarily get any of Michaels’ and Harper’s skills at the ranch, they will have the opportunity to join the show later in the season. “The Biggest Loser” contestants are … o.Jesse Atkins, 28, law clerk; St. Paul, Minn. o.Montina Cooper, 35, singer/songwriter; Houston, Texas o.Jessica Delfs, 27, bridal consultant; Tucson, Ariz. o.Richard Deroque, 54, pediatric physical therapist; Conway, Ark. o.Alfredo Dinten, 43, futures commodities trader; Staten Island, N.Y. o.Sandy Dolan, 30, stay-at-home mom; Fort Worth, Texas o.Brendan Donovan, 32, special education teacher; Boston, Mass. o.Tina Elliott, 58, retired homemaker; Boring, Ore. o.Sophia Franklin, 28, high school counselor; Germantown, Md. o.Patrick House, 28, sales representative; Vicksburg, Miss. o.Adam Hurtado, 26, nonprofit manager; Santa Ana, Calif. o.Allie Ishcomer, 22, student; Moore, Okla. o.Burgandy Keel, 35, stay-at-home mom; Eagle Mountain, Utah o.Shanna Masten, 38, math teacher; Pima, Ariz. o.Lisa Mosley, 31, sales representative; Norman, Okla. o.Mark Pinkhasovich, 31, bartender and recruiter; East Brunswick, N.J. o.Corey Pinkerton, 27, life coach; Fairbanks, Alaska o.Elizabeth Ruiz, 31, medical assistant; Lawrence, Mass. o.Aaron Thompkins, 29, graphic designer; Kent, Ohio o.Ada Wong, 27, project coordinator for high-tech company; San Francisco, Calif. o.Anna Wright, 39, administrative assistant and songwriter; Atlanta, Ga. Prevention has published a “Biggest Loser” Weight Loss Planner guide that shows 16 of the contestants. Their weight varies from 231 pounds to 468 pounds. Among the contestants are a military mom with five kids, a former college football player and a backup singer for Beyonce. Unlike other seasons that have focused on teams, and often focused on parents with their children, only two of this season’s contestants are over 50, and the vast majority are between 25 and 35. I am hoping for a season that is inspiring , works at a steady pace and puts the health of the contestants first. We at That’s Fit wish the participants luck on their life-changing journey, and we look forward to watching who will become the next Biggest Loser. To brush up on the show, check out the best lessons from season nine. Permalink | Email this | Comments

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"Biggest Loser" Season 10 Lineup Revealed

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