EARLY CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health measured children's height and weight at ages 2, 3, 4.5, 9, 11, and 12 years. They found that children who were overweight at least once from ages 2 - 4.5, were five times more likely to be overweight at age 12, than those who were not overweight at ages 2 - 4.5. Starting good habits early in life can help prevent childhood obesity.


Source: National Institutes of Health

Be A Beachbody Coach

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TIME TO DESTRESS

People often say they are “stressed” when their normal coping mechanisms have been overwhelmed. If you need to decrease stress and improve coping, consider taking at least one five-minute, destress break each day, preferably more. You can try different five-minute activities throughout the week. These include stretching, daydreaming, deep breathing, reading a few pages of a novel, doodling, listening to your favorite song, or going for a quick walk. These mini "me" times provide a quick break and give you a chance to regain emotional and mental control in difficult situations.

IRRITABLE BOWL SYNDROM

You might be surprised to know that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects about 1 out of 10 people in the United States. The exact cause is not known. Abdominal pain or discomfort is the key symptom of IBS. For persons with IBS, it is important to be aware of what factors “trigger” symptoms. For many, symptoms can be exacerbated or triggered by stress. IBS can often be managed with changes to a healthier lifestyle, or dietary changes such as modifying the consumption of “trigger” foods. Talk to your doctor if you have IBS
symptoms.


Source: International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal
Disorders

MAINTAINING WEIGHT LOSS

Check out the National Weight Control Registry (www.nwcr.ws) to learn a variety of ways that people have maintained at least a 30-pound weight loss for one year. Most people report continuing to maintain a low-calorie, low-fat diet and doing high levels of activity. On
average, 90 percent exercise about one hour per day; 78 percent eat breakfast every day; 75 percent weigh themselves at least once a week; and 62 percent watch less than 10 hours of TV per week.


Source: The National Weight Control Registry

WHOLE GRAINS: MORE THAN FIBER

The benefits from eating whole-grain foods go way beyond dietary fiber alone. Whole-grain foods, like whole-wheat bread, oatmeal and brown rice, are also rich in B vitamins, vitamin E, iron and antioxidants. Most importantly, a diet rich in whole-grain foods has been linked to reducing the risk of diabetes and coronary heart disease, and helping with weight maintenance. According to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, we should aim to eat at least half of our grains as whole grains.


Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

BUDDY UP FOR BETTER STRETCHING

When done properly, working with a partner can be a great way to stretch your muscles. A partner can often help you get a more complete stretch than you can get on your own. A disadvantage is that the partner does not feel what you feel. To reduce the risk of injury, make sure that your partner stretches your muscles at a slow, steady pace and that you communicate with him or her. Stop immediately if you feel significant strain or pain.

EXERCISE FOR GOOD HEALTH

Current guidelines say that, for health benefits, we should aim for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. You can also combine moderate and vigorous activities. If this is too much for you right now, consider starting with shorter bouts, such as 10 minutes and work your way up. Do a little more each time. Once you feel comfortable, do it more often. Every little bit can make a difference in your health!

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

FRISBEE FOR FITNESS

Have you ever used a Frisbee, one of those big flying plastic discs, arching through the sky? If not, give it a try! Frisbee is a great form of exercise. It is also a social activity that can be played by two people or by 20. It can be done anywhere (beach, park, back yard, indoor gym), and is easy to learn. Young and old alike can enjoy
this simple and inexpensive activity. The cost of a Frisbee is usually $5 to $15.

NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH

Did you know that one organ donor can save up to eight lives? Currently more than 86 million people in the United States have signed up to be a donor. Consider joining them to help reach the goal of 100 million designated donors. Become an organ, tissue or marrow donor and give the extraordinary gift of life. To learn more, visit www.organdonor.gov.


Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

WHAT'S THE STORY WITH SUGAR?

Is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) more likely than other sugars to cause weight gain? No, says a panel of experts who reviewed all of the evidence around obesity and the increased use of HFCS. All added sugars, not just HFCS, are contributing to our obesity problem; it’s a matter of overconsumption. Americans simply consume too many foods like soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, desserts and sugar-sweetened drinks, which make up about 60 percent of our added sugar intake.


Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition