Reaching Out Summer 2003

GET READY FOR

FUN IN THE SUN!

Summer really is coming! Empower your family with the ability to feel, look and live better.

Did you know that Hoosiers rank high in many unhealthy behaviors? The South Bend Tribune reported on April 2, 2003, that Indiana ranks fourth in smoking rates and is among the nation’s top 10 states in its obesity rate, which includes our children. Many medical problems are the result of an unhealthy lifestyle.

It is essential for us to take responsibility for the health of our family. Obesity is an epidemic here in America. Daily we are bombarded with television commercials telling us what we should eat, yet no information as to the effect this food will have on our health. Most of these foods contain high levels of fat and sugar.

You can take control back from the media! Don’t buy into the message that we need all the latest fast foods on the market. Fresh fruits and vegetables are fast, convenient and tasty. All we need to do is retrain our impulses to take that trip to the "drive-thru".

According to an article in the April issue of Prevention magazine, weight training is very helpful to people whose middle is gaining on them. Researchers at the University of Alabama found that women, during a 25 week "total-body strength training program," gained strength, increased bone density and felt more energetic during daily tasks. The researchers noted that strength training increases muscle boosts metabolism, which helps reduce abdominal fat. The decrease in abdominal fat is particularly important for women, because after menopause, they begin storing fat in the abdominal cavity, where it increases the risk for heart disease and diabetes, rather than on the hips and thighs, where it poses less risk.

Check your family’s health pulse. Are you eating healthier? Are you exercising? What can you do to get on track? Begin the change with yourself first and family members will take notice. You can start a weight training program by joining your local YMCA or other gym and begin the journey to a healthier lifestyle.

A year and a half ago, I decided that it was time for me to take a serious look at how I was preparing physically for my future. My schedule had not included exercise for some time and my lack of energy was the result. I began to research ways to shed some extra weight in a healthy way. The conclusion was; eating healthy and exercising as a lifestyle was the only way to be successful. Gradually I implemented exercise and healthy eating into my life with encouraging results.

You too can make small changes in nutrition that will move your family forward to better health. Begin to make a "5 % Course Correction" change by using your "Master Menu Plan". Be sure your meals have a variety of colors and textures.

There is no time like now! As summer approaches, consciously prepare for healthier eating and outside exercise. Healthy living is a lifetime adventure. Making healthy changes gradually, will impact the entire family’s mental and physical health and well-being.

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