Boot Camp will resume on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010. Due to current weather conditions the Monday, February 8th start date has been changed.

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KNOW YOUR RISK for heart disease! Check with your physician and get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked to see if they fall with the normal range. In addition, consider stopping smoking and changing current dietary habits to include more fruits and vegetables and less saturated fat. Last but not least: exercise, exercise, exercise! Wear red on February 5th but adopt the message for a lifetime.

SESSION II of indoor bootcamp begins Feb 8th. Don’t miss it. Click on the bootcamp link on the right for more information. 

Summer is just around the corner.  Come get in shape now.

Can’t wait to meet you!

In an effort to curb the obesity epidemic in children, the YMCA’s in Pennsylvania will be offering a free membership for 7th graders beginning on February 8, 2010.  In addition, discounts will be offered for the additional family members.  This is a wonderful opportunity.

Remember, your health is your responsibility.  Go and enjoy the fun.

It will be one of the best investments you’ve ever made.  Just think, most of you spend twice the amount of these memberships on your family cell phone package!  Here’s the link…

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35129008

A whole year has gone by and you still have not taken the time to get in shape.  Boot Camp is a great opportunity for those individuals who aren’t sure if they want the committment of joining a gym, but would like to get fit.  This is your time! The beginning of a new decade. You can do it! I can help.

New evidence was released this week showing a relationship between overweight, obesity and the brain.  Researchers posit that brain imaging shows the brains of overweight patients look eight years older when compared to normal weight patients; AND, the brains of obese patients look sixteen years older when compared to normal weight patients.  In addition, tissue in different areas of the brain critical to attention and planning functions is lost at double the amount in obese patients when compared to overweight patients.  The subjects in this study were 70 years old and over.  Once again, evidence to support your need to get active early and stay active throughout your lifespan.

Once more, I feel as though we should talk about hypertension before the new year when I will focus heavily on behaviors such as dieting, exercise, and stress management.  There needs to be an increased level of ”respect” for this condition.  Your blood pressure reading is indicative of the maximum pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts (systole). The diastole or bottom number is lower because it represents pressure from a relaxed state when the blood flows from one chamber to another. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hhw/hhw_pumping.html Blood pressure can also increase due to constricted arteries based on thoughts, feelings, and emotions.  It is very important to decrease stress levels and maintain a healthy mindset regarding what you consume and your levels of physical activity. Increase your intake of foods containing potassium such as potatoes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.  It is important to remember that hypertension causes stroke.  The quality of life of individuals who suffer a stroke is usually not very good.  Hypertension and stroke can be prevented!