At 8:00 EST, when the show begins simultaneously across all networks, log into the Pink Ribbon Review and have a real-time conversation with Karen Lynch about the event – real time, live, as it happens. She’ll have live coverage and commentary about the event — and you can add your two cents, too!

Her “live” blog will be displayed in a viewer window on the main Pink Ribbon Review website (thanks to software provided by CoveritLive). It’s like instant messaging — except you don’t need a user name or password — and you can watch the conversation, view photos, send in comments, or participate in polls. There’s no downloading … just have her website loaded at 8:00 EST and watch the magic unfold.

Post from: Blisstree

Live Blogging at Pink Ribbon Review Tonight During SU2C- Stand Up 2 Cancer

Kristina starts us off at Autism Vox with a witty Whatever you Eat- Love Conquers All… Sharing meals has always been an important courtship ritual and a metaphor for love. But in an age when many people define themselves by what they will eat…

Kristen at Lively Women reminds us just Why Heart Health Is so Important To Women… So, in honor of raising awareness of heart health, today’s Women’s Health Newsflash is all about the heart. Because who has time to read it all? Here’s what you need to know…

Links For Your Heart Healthy Pleasure is provided by Liberty at Healthbolt…Outlining some statistics and ideas on heart disease, and here I’ll throw a few links at you to hopefully give you even more resources to draw on…

A very creative Liz gives us a tv take on heart health at Healthbolt

Eating Fabulous gives us some information on Omega 9 Oils. Thanks Ruth… Well, I certainly wish restaurants would shift to using healthier oils, but remember, we, the consumers still bear the final responsibility on what we eat…

Right here at A Hearty Life, I reminded you that Sex Is Very Heart Healthy- So Enjoy!… Here are the top 3 hearty reasons to incorporate sex into your weekly exercise regimen…

And at Diabetes Notes I am reminding you about your heart in a different way- how to love each other through good and bad including sexual dysfunction. Sexual Dysfunction Is Common Among Both Male And Female Diabetics…I was shocked to learn that because of being diabetic, my va va va voom can be, well let’s just say, not too voom…

Kids Health Notes offers Songs And games For A Healthy Heart. Grace says… Here are some fun and funny ways of teaching kids about the heart and keeping it healthy for a very long time…

Marijke says The Shooting Pain In Your Heart May Not Be Cupid’s Arrow…Do you know the symptoms of a heart attack? Did you know that symptoms can be different between men and women?

Kids Health Notes offers Songs And games For A Healthy Heart. Grace says… Here are some fun and funny ways of teaching kids about the heart and keeping it healthy for a very long time…

Marijke says The Shooting Pain In Your Heart May Not Be Cupid’s Arrow at Help My hurt…Do you know the symptoms of a heart attack? Did you know that symptoms can be different between men and women?

Alicia at Mental health Notes Tells Us 5 Ways To Take Car Of Your Heart And Mind...You can take care of your heart and your brain at the same time. It’s true. Read on.

Valentines Day May Be good For Your Heart is what Gloria tells us at Cancer Commentary… Makes you wonder how so. But it just makes sense, since the modern world and living on the fast lane bit is truly bad for the heart.

I will update my list as I receive them, have a great heart healthy day!

Post from: Blisstree

February Is American Heart Month- And Here Is What The S&H Channel Has To Say

By the way, I really, really need to concentrate on taking that deep breath before reacting. Oh boy, I do not like yelling at my children. It makes me feel like a bad mommy. I will work on it though, if it is he last thing I do.

So here is my resolutions yet again from Diabetes Notes and A Hearty Life. Don’t laugh too much, I was honest, which can be embarrassing! But I aim to provide some form of entertainment so enjoy!

Jul at Veggie Chic made her resolutions list… a very daring one around my house, haha… Try at least one new recipe a month.

Laura has proclaimed her ‘healthyness’, if that is even a word to… Attempt to maintain an exercise regime at CFS Squared.

Marijke will keep us very informed (thank goodness someone will, ) at Help My Hurt… First – I will go through the news with a fine-tooth comb and try to find anything that talks about pain, pain in the elderly, and pain in palliative care.

Ruth is so on the money at Eating Fabulous… BUT, as with everything else, remember: moderation is key. Know when to stop.

Ali at Daily Tomorrow is the women, because I couldn’t do it like she does, I am jealous… So, my personal care resolution is to make my own shampoos and soaps and keep them in reusable containers.

Go get em’ Angelique… Breaking the Mirror presents, drum roll please…Around our house, no one uses the ‘f’ word unless it’s very selectively chosen.

Gloria was very honest, and funny, at Cancer Commentary and gave us this…eat more and more fresh fruits, eat more vegetables over chicken and pork (and the list goes on).

Baldiness, that is a tough one but Laura came through… Drink a lot more water – which is good for people who are fatigued, and good for people who have hair, skin and nail issues.

Gabrielle has given us a twist to the ol’ resolutions at Fertility Notes… Instead of dwelling too much on my five resolutions (although I do intend to work on them), I’m taking a minute to find five things about me that I would like to celebrate.

Angela at Breastfeeding 123 was so darn funny, she is a self proclaimed ‘humor machine’ (I was seriously laughing out loud)… Not to blame my husband for getting me pregnant for a third time, because we actually did plan it but now I have morning sickness and it is all his fault!

Elaine gave us a healthy recipe for healthy and happy living at Genetics and Health… Into life add in a large quantity of ‘everything in moderation with the occasional excess’. Sieve in ‘treat others how you would wish to be treated’. Add a large spoonful of both ’see the best in everyone’ and ‘work-life balance’ and a pinch of ‘healthy argument and debate’.

Healthbolt’s Liz proclaims to make life long changes (Quite a challenge, but I love them!!!!!)…Sing like no one is listening, Dance like no one is watching, Love like you’ve never been hurt before.

“I deserve better than this” is Alicia’s new mantra for the year at Mental Health Notes… So, for 2008 I challenge you all to adopt this as your personal mantra, too.

Kristina at Autism Vox, the ever so witty and incredible story teller that she is, has set a great goal… So I’ll have my ears (and eyes, and senses) wide open in 2008. As for my personal resolution, it is very simple: Write the book.

Even Tony at Astronomy Buff, quite the self proclaimed contrarian, gave us his resolution spiel on blogging…Post more equipment reviews. Gives me a good reason to buy more astronomy hoo-hahs.

Mary Emma is calling for your help on Alzheimers Notes as one of her resolutions… I’d mentioned desiring more guest posts and already have someone working on one.

and Kristen at Lively Women gives some really great tips on keeping to our resolutions… Retrain your environment, friends and family to support your resolution.

I will update these as I get new links. Have a great day!!!!! Are you keeping up with your resolutions???? Hmm????

Post from: Blisstree

Theme Day… New Years Resolution Style-They Are Soooo Funny!!!

1. Ok, Siddy… what does your heart do?

“Beats. It runs your body by the veins and blood”

2. How big is your heart?

“As big as this.” (she put her fist up) “Daddy’s must be bigger then yours cause he is taller and has a bigger fist.”

3. Does your heart ever take a brake?

“Yes, when I sleep. Wait, it does… it has to. No it can’t. I don’t know mommy?”

4. What is a heart attack?

“Your heart gets a boo boo and you have to take needles.”

5. What keeps your heart healthy?

“Fruits and veggies. Running, walking and all exercise. When you love people. And raisins make it healthy!”

She is so darn cute sometimes. She did pretty good. That’s what you get when you have a nurse for a mommy. Haha.

Post from: Blisstree

Cardiac Quiz With My 5 Year Old Daughter

Mark Sisson

I Can’t Afford the Gym

And?
I’ve been coaching people at all levels of fitness and competition for two decades now. I’ve heard every excuse you can imagine (and in my days as a newly-minted marathoner, I was guilty of a few myself). Some of my favorites:

• The Exercise Sucks Excuse: I can’t work out because it’s boring.
• The I’m Broke Excuse: I can’t work out because I can’t afford the gym.
• The Vanity Excuse: I can’t work out because I want to lose some weight first.
• The Ignorance Excuse: I can’t work out because I don’t know what to do.

First, exercise only sucks if you think it does. One person’s push-up is another person’s party, if you will. Look, there’s no “better” or “worse” exercise. Well, there are, but the most important thing is really just to move around daily. Take it from a former mileage king – you don’t have to wail away at the cardio machine. In fact, it’s probably better if you don’t. There’s no holy glory in the treadmill. Do what you like. There are thousands of sports, indoor activities, outdoor pursuits, seasonal pursuits, videos, classes, gyms, disciplines, groups and tools to select from, and most of them are both cheap – or free – and good for you. There’s something for every fitness level, age, health condition and passion. This excuse is the weakest of them all, so don’t even think about cheating yourself. It’s too easy to find something fun, and there’s no law that says exercise can’t be fun. Exercise is just a part of life, like flossing or eating or sleeping. Just do it. Don’t think about it. Just put on the sneaks and do it – once you put the shoes on, you’ve won the battle anyway. Don’t think!
Second, while some gyms are expensive (some cost hundreds per person per month), and things like yoga or pilates can get pricey, most exercise is free. Aside from some sweats you probably have anyway, and an investment in some equipment (which you can almost always find second-hand on Craigslist), exercise is a hell of a lot cheaper than what not exercising costs. Think of how much money we waste on dinners, junk food, alcohol, and the monstrous health care tab that is bound to result when you don’t take preventive measures like working out. So what’s more, a pair of sneakers, or a trip to the hospital for a gastric bypass? I’m just sayin’…
Working out doesn’t have to be costly. Even “chic” activities like yoga are not usually out of anyone’s range, because most cities have budget-minded folks just like you, grouping together for all kinds of activities. Do you have a community bulletin board? Access to the Internets? Unless your hands are broken, I don’t want to hear it. Walks, hikes, jogs, public tennis courts, and a round of hoops at the local park are all free. Even McDonald’s gives away fitness DVDs now.

The Vanity Excuse is just funny, but it’s actually one of the major reasons people don’t work out. People think that working out will build muscle (it does), which will make them look fatter (it won’t). From this misguided premise, they decide to lose some blubber first. But exercise and dieting are not in opposition – they’re on the same team. Your body wins when you exercise, no matter what.

I get it: no one wants to be the chunky monkey in a room of body builders admiring themselves in the mirror. You know what? Most of those dudes are self-obsessed losers anyway. None of them care about you and your level of flabbiness. Hey, they’re all too busy looking at themselves. Are you going to let your imaginary delusions of what people may or may not think about you keep you from getting healthy? Come on! Get over it! As far as worrying about bulking, don’t. As you build muscle, your resting metabolic rate will increase, so you’ll burn more calories – and fat – even when you’re sitting around doing nothing. And working out is a better way to shrink away flab than starving yourself – really. Don’t “wait” to be thin before you start exercising. You’ll accomplish your goal so much faster if you work out and diet. Don’t wait to live.
Still thinking the gym is not ready for you? How about a home-based video DVD workout! My good pal Tony Horton developed one of the most effective 50-minute workouts in the world. It’s called Power90 and thousands of people have used it to shed pounds and sculpt muscle quickly. There’s no equipment necessary – just squats, crunches, push-ups, dips and a host of other body resistance exercises you do in the privacy of your own home while Tony shouts out the instructions. And his is only one of many such home-based workouts.
Finally, the Ignorance Excuse is not an empowering way to go through life. Who’s that helping? Ignorance is never an excuse. If you don’t know what’s healthy, start reading health and fitness blogs (mine is a nice place to start, I think). There are blogs for every activity and sport – millions of them, written by passionate people who are really into their topics and are happy to share their knowledge with you. And if you’re reading my blathering, you’ve got internet access, so what are you waiting for? Learn what’s right for you, and get to it! Move that butt!

Reasons to exercise

How long it takes to see results

Post from: Blisstree

There Should Be No Excuses When It Comes To Heart Health!

Hi, it’s Mark and I’m back with a few more fitness tips to help you overcome the exercise obstacles (and excuses!) you might face at one point or another. Last week (http://www.aheartylife.com/2007/05/22/mark-has-something-to-say-about-your-hearty-exercise-excuses-helpful-tips-to-stay-heart-healthy/) I discussed some ways to work with overloaded schedules, especially if you’re a busy parent. But another major obstacle to sticking with the fitness habit is physical: when you’re sick, ill or injured. Whether you’re recovering from a surgery or getting over a cold, exercise – even the mere thought of it – can be an overwhelming prospect. The most diligent fitness fanatics can be quickly derailed by a bout of the flu or a medical procedure. (As a “top” athlete, I once suffered from eight upper-respiratory infections in a single year!)
Here are my suggestions:
If you’re recovering from major surgery or serious illness, of course, the best thing you can do is listen to your doctor’s advice (though researching health and fitness issues for yourself is a great habit). I’m not qualified to even begin to address these sorts of issues, but here’s a terrific online surgery resource I recommend (http://www.yoursurgery.com/). And here’s a pretty comprehensive resource from NIH (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/surgery.html).
If you’re recovering from a minor procedure or injury, I absolutely recommend sticking with your physical therapy. Insurance or your employer should cover such expenses, but the reality is that, unfortunately, many times you’re left to shoulder the expenses yourself. I think this is the sort of cost that you absolutely should not short-change yourself on. With our high cost of living and over-reliance on credit cards, most of us are loath to go further into debt, but your health is not an area for sacrifice!

Especially for parents or small business owners and freelance bloggers, it’s easy to put off caring for yourself, seemingly out of necessity. Don’t do it! An employee of mine put off therapy on a fairly minor back injury (overdoing it at the gym, of all things). She saved a few hundred bucks, but a year later she fell and what would have been a minor injury was a very expensive one instead – because of all the scar tissue that had built up from the first, ignored injury. We’ve probably all done this sort of thing at some point, but try to put yourself first and give your body the proper therapy it needs. Then you can work to get back into the exercise habit, which, though initially painful, will actually help your body improve its pain tolerance, immunity, and speed of recovery. Injury typically causes great fatigue and reduced immunity, and a few minutes of aerobic activity – just 5 to 15 minutes as you heal – in addition to the P.T. will increase your energy. Of course, be sure that whatever activity you choose – swimming, walking, light weights – is safe and won’t exacerbate your injury.

Years ago we used to think that an injury required a total “hands off” approach. But good studies in the last decade have consistently shown (http://www.nytimes.com/specials/women/warchive/971014_1388.html) that a little bit of stress to your injury will actually help recovery. You’ll heal faster, despite the moderate discomfort (“no pain, no gain” turns out to be true). Remember, however, not to determine what’s safe on your own – get a pro’s guidance.
If you’re recovering from a run-of-the-mill illness, like a cold or the flu, you’ve gotta hop right back on the horse (er, make that bike). Ironically, though colds and the flu are some of the more mild bodily injuries we can sustain – in that they’re so temporary – these are the health issues that derail exercise plans the most. Especially if you’re just getting into exercise or are trying to build a workout habit that was never there, a fever or a few days of aches and pains can send you right back to your old, unhealthy patterns. This is the number one saboteur I see with people I coach, actually. Unless you’re suffering from a powerful case of the flu, or if you have a fever or other serious symptoms, I recommend pushing through the bug and working out anyway. Doctors usually recommend exercise with the exception of all-over body pain or a fever, because a head cold doesn’t typically compromise your immunity or strength enough to keep you from exercising. I think that’s wise advice.
While you have a cold, you’re probably not going to have much energy, so don’t look to shed a few more pounds during your sick week. Exercising while sick isn’t about burning calories or continuing to melt the love handles. It’s about building a habit. I don’t recommend that you put in a full workout: the point is simply to keep reinforcing the act of exercising, not to beat yourself up. Simply put those sneakers on (90% of the battle for all of us) and put in a few, gentle minutes. As soon as your heart rate is up and you’re getting a bit of a sweat going, you can stop. The benefit is all psychological – you added one more day of reinforcement to build your new, healthy habit. Even 5 minutes will sustain that habit until you’re well. One final note: if you exercise at a gym, be thoughtful and clean any sweat remnants off the equipment when you’re done. Most gyms have an anti-microbial solution or wipes nearby.
I’ve really enjoyed guest posting here at A Hearty Life. I’ll be back next week with a few more healthy exercise tips. In the meantime, I hope you’ll stop by my health blog, Mark’s Daily Apple (www.marksdailyapple.com). I share my tips on fitness, nutrition, low-carb issues like the “Caveman Diet”, my views on the latest health news and studies, and all those crazy food marketing and drug scams. See you next week! Thanks for reading.

Post from: Blisstree

Mark Sisson Is Back Again…There Are No Excuses In A Hearty Life!

I Don’t Have Time to Exercise!

Yep, the old standby. You’re gonna have to do better than that!

Hi, I’m Mark Sisson. Being an official “fitness guy” (more on that in a bit), Kendra thought it would be a good idea for me to stop by and share my heart-healthy exercise tips. We agreed that simply sharing how-to tips would not be sufficient – because everyone knows they need to work out. The problem is that everything gets in the way: the three kids, the dog, the errands, the job, the cable guy (who’ll be there sometime between 8AM and 6PM). I’ll be popping in periodically to address the notorious issue many face: how to exercise if you are…[insert any possible excuse here].
This week I want to address the “I’m too busy to work out!” excuse. I’m not going to try to tell you that you really aren’t too busy. No doubt you’ve heard the standard line of reasoning in response to this: you must find the time, because you can’t afford not to exercise. While that’s true, what smart adult doesn’t already know this? Reminding us that exercise is vital is like telling a smoker that cigarettes are unhealthy. And we’ve seen how well that works.

Here are my two unavoidably effective tips for even the busiest folks:

- Realize that a workout does not have to be done in a lump.

8 minutes here, 5 minutes there – this all counts. Ideally, for the best cardio boost, you’ll get your heart rate maxed for 15 minutes at a stretch at least 4 times a week. But small bursts of exercise, if done properly, can be very beneficial for your muscles and bones in the aggregate, and even your heart (though it is admittedly more challenging to do cardio in tiny bursts). Properly = full intensity, correct form, effective breathing.
When it comes to many health issues, though I am prone to being an idealist – drill sergeant, according to my teenagers – in the case of exercise, something really is better than nothing. Anything is better than nothing. When you are on the phone, in line, sitting in traffic, or waiting to pick up the rugrats, do something, even if it’s just stomach contractions.
The key is to keep as many exercise gadgets and aids available as possible. Keep 2 pound weights in the car. Leave fitness bands on doorknobs. Hang a jump rope by the stairs. Keep a balance board by the phone. It doesn’t really matter what gadgets you favor. Balance, strengthening, isometric, aerobic, resistance – it’s all good. Invest 100 bucks in some fun, simple fitness devices like hand weights and squeezy balls, and knock yourself out whenever you get a chance. You won’t be winning any marathons, but then, that’s what chasing the dog is for.

- Are you suffering from activityitis? Most parents are.

Play dates, sports practices, band rehearsal – there’s always something to chauffeur the kids to. Rather than try to add one more thing (the gym) to your over-flowering plate, work with the system. Multitask when you can. I drop my son off for his music lesson and go for a 45-minute walk in the maestro’s neighborhood while Kyle’s riffing on the sax.

Make it a rule in your family that every person’s activity roster must include one fitness activity – including you. The best, most practical way to do this is to get everyone together in a family fitness hobby. This will typically mean sacrificing an individual activity, but it’s worth it. It’ll help to establish your parental authority in a loving way, promote family closeness, and foster better fitness habits. Each child should be allowed one sport, one personal hobby, and several weekly play dates or social opportunities, but beyond that, a weekly family fitness event is a must. This might mean your child has to choose one hobby or activity per semester or season, rather than two or three at a time. It might mean you give up one T.V. show. But family bike rides, pool time or a weekend hike are meaningful and healthy fitness activities that will pay endless dividends beyond fitness. Try it out.

About me, in a nutshell: I’m a retired professional triathlete (I was pretty good). But injuries precluded further competition, so I got into consulting (high-level anti-doping legislation and fitness) and health research (supplementation and nutrition). I’m also a proud husband to my beautiful wife and dad to two great kids.

I’ve had a lot of interesting, and varied, experience in the health and fitness sphere, and this year, I decided to share my insights and expertise by joining the blogosphere. What a kick! I hope you’ll visit me at my health blog, Mark’s Daily Apple, and tell me what you think.

Look forward to more advice and tips from Mark next week. Did you think the info was helpful? Would you like to see more guest blogger’s? Let me know, I am always welcome to ideas and comments, especially the nice ones. Haha.

Post from: Blisstree

Mark Has Something To Say About Your Hearty Exercise Excuses… Helpful Tips To Stay Heart Healthy!