Fitness and Exercise + Original Articles

recent reports are questioning whether some of the most popular ab exercises are effective--or even safe. The last decade of fitness has been "all about the core."  We've scooped our abs, flattened our spines to the floor, sucked our belly buttons, in and crunched our way to "core stability."  Unfortunately, many of us have also yanked the heck out of our backs.

Exercise not only staves off full-blown diabetes, but can lower blood sugar levels in those who already have it If pre-diabetes has you worried about what the future holds, here's some good news. An exercise program can be your ticket back to good health. Exercising can help those with diabetes maintain better blood sugar controls. Some 11 percent of the people who are diagnosed with pre-diabetes go on to get full-blown diabetes, explains Dr.

Here, four ways to get the most out of your travel time. Unless you work at home, your commute is a necessary part of your job, adding minutes or even hours to your day. But no matter what form it takes, your commute doesn't have to negate your efforts to stay in shape. Whether you drive, walk, take public transportation, cycle, or even skate to work, use your time getting to and from the office in a productive and satisfying way Abandon your auto.

There are effective ways to slim down your sides. Just follow these steps to get started. Love handles can be anything but endearing. To make matters worse, losing them can be a challenge. Here, simple ways to slim down your sides: 1. Leave stress behind. When you're stressed, the brain produces cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones, in turn, trigger a chain reaction that causes cells to retain more fat.

Combined with a healthy diet, the following moves will have you slipping into a smaller size in no time. Want to drop a jeans size fast?  It's all about toning up your "jeans muscles" (abdominals, glutes, and thighs) while trimming excess body fat all over.  We've combined cardio and muscle-toning exercises for a circuit-training style workout.

Here's what to consider before signing on the dotted line. Finding the perfect gym or health club can feel a bit overwhelming.  How do you know if you're making the right choice? Fortunately, if you do some work ahead of time, you can feel confident in your final decision. Here's what to consider before committing to a club.

Here, simple ways to ensure you replace the water you lose during exercise. With water and sports drinks readily available, there's no excuse for not drinking enough during your workout.  Unfortunately, many athletes allow themselves to get dehydrated. What should you drink and how much? Water is our body's most natural and welcome source of hydration.

Find out why now may be the perfect time to pick up a pair of weights. Take a look at the weight room next time you're near a gym. Who do you see hovering around the barbells and machines? Most likely, a group of young or middle-aged guys (and maybe a few women) are working their biceps, triceps, and quads. Perhaps you've thought about adding something other than walking or stretching to your workout routine, but breaking into that youthful group by the mirror is too intimidating.

Autumn is the optimal time to get outside and play. Summertime gets all the glory for outdoor sports, but fall may be an even better season for fitness. The weather's still warm enough to exercise outside but not nearly as hot as summer. Read on for ten fall fitness tips to help you enjoy the season. Rake leaves.

Here, simple exercises to get you looking great from behind. How can you transform a flat or flabby behind into an enviable end? It's easy, if you follow a few simple steps. Here, five ways to get a better butt.   1. Squats.  By far one of the best butt boosters out there, squats work your glutes, thighs, and back.

Here, ten fun moves to get you all limbered up. Flexibility training keeps your muscles and ligaments pliable, resilient, and able to adjust to the rapidly changing demands of exercise.  It also increases range of motion, improves circulation, and decreases stress. People who don't practice flexibility exercises get hurt more frequently than those who do.

Learn how more fruits and veggies in your diet can significantly improve your game. Antioxidants have been credited with helping to slow down the aging process and even prevent cancer. Now, studies are suggesting they may even increase your ability to work out for longer. Antioxidants are phytochemicals (produced by plants), vitamins, and other nutrients usually found in fruits and vegetables.

Read on to learn how some special socks can seriously improve your game. Compression socks have long been considered the "it" accessory for people with varicose veins, phlebitis, diabetes, or poor circulation.  Hospitals frequently use them after surgeries to prevent blood clots in patients. Now, compression socks are becoming the latest trend in fitness fashion and performance gear.

Four muscle-building foods that help you refine your physique and boost your energy during your workouts. Trying hard to avoid being that infamous 98-pound weakling? Pumping iron will only get you so far. First, you need to increase your total intake of calories. The biggest returns come from filling up on muscle-building foods--those packed with proteins or amino acids, carbohydrates and other nutrients that are particularly beneficial to muscle development.

Men are more at risk for belly fat than women. Check out the dangers belly fat can pose and the quickest way to burn it off. Sure, abdominal fat isn't flattering, but that's the least of your worries. The amount of belly fat--and the type can lead to several health problems. There are two types of abdominal fat--subcutaneous fat lies just below the skin and on top of the abdominal muscles; visceral fat lies deep in your abdomen and wraps around internal organs.

Read on for eight ways to fit a workout into your day—even if you’re convinced you’re maxed out on time. The number one excuse of Americans who don't exercise: I'm just too busy. Health and fitness experts, however, aren't buying it.  So what are we so busy with?  Work, kids, hobbies, television, chores, friends; almost anything other than working out.

If you have arthritis, you may be apprehensive about exercising your upper body for fear of hurting yourself or causing pain. Relax. Exercising is actually beneficial. Arthritis causes pain, stiffness, structural joint damage, bone density loss and muscle weakness, all of which can limit mobility. Current evidence supports the effectiveness and safety of aerobic and strength training for adults with osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Find out if an AM workout is more effective than a PM one. Morning, noon, or night?  When is the best time of day to exercise? Some find that exercising first thing in the morning keeps them energized all day long. These early birds know that getting it out of the way is their best guarantee they'll exercise at all.

Get simple ways to rev up your metabolism, plus discover which exercises blast away the most calories. Our bodies compute our caloric needs like the ultimate algebraic equation.  Subtract calories consumed from calories burned.  Factor in basic metabolism, body functions and exercise.  Adjust for donuts and divide by skinny jeans.  Wait!  It's got to be easier than that.

Read on for seven tips that will help keep daily runners on track. Even daily runners need to watch their step to avoid injury, boredom and losing their love of the sport .Running the same route every day is good for you but without some variation, you end up going nowhere.  Running experts say the best plan for daily runners is just that:  a plan.

Whether you’re a senior yourself or have a special one in your life, read on for simple ways to get in shape—remember, a little can go a long way. Most seniors are aware that exercise is good for them. What they may not realize, though, is that it's never too late to start (as long as they check with their doctor first). So, whether you're a senior yourself or have a special one in your life, read on for simple ways to get in shape.

What do you reach for after exercising: a sports drink or a bottle of water? Your decision could determine how well you recover from your workout. Which is better:  sports drinks or water?  The answer is:  both.  Water is free, contains no excess calories, and is nature's perfect solution for rehydrating after exercise.  Sports drinks contain water, sugar, carbohydrates, electrolytes and protein.

Read on to find out when exercising while sick is a good thing—and when it’s better to curl up with a big bowl of chicken soup. While some think of the sniffles as a great reason to skip the gym, others are eager to heal themselves with a good old-fashioned workout. Read on to find out when exercising while sick is a good thing-and when it's better to curl up with a big bowl of chicken soup.

How well you treat your sprain, strain, or tear will determine how well you bounce back. Here, the dos and don’ts of recovery. Whether you're an athlete, weekend warrior or exercise newbie, you're bound to get a sports injury. Sports injuries are so common they're among the top reasons why people go to the emergency room. How you treat your injury determines how well you'll bounce back.

In the past few years, exercise balls have become all the rage as they’ve encouraged us to get fit in fun, new ways. Here, the top five reasons to bring balls into your workout routine. In the past few years, exercise balls have become all the rage as they've encouraged us to get fit in fun, new ways. Here, the top five reasons to bring balls into your workout routine. 1. Balancing Act. Balls are unstable, and sitting on one requires more balance than you'd expect.

Discover the best exercises for diabetes that should be a part of your daily routine. When you think about the benefits of diabetes exercise they're plenty. First, daily exercise helps your body to work more efficiently. It helps your body to burn more calories, and to use insulin more effectively. It also helps to control your blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Common sense advice on how to avoid common gym injuries and prevent chronic pain in the future. Every year thousands of gym-goers fall victim to common injuries that could be avoided with knowledge and preparation. These gym injuries throw your fitness routine off track, so you end up losing a lot of the benefits you've gained. But more importantly, some of them can lead to chronic pain down the road, and possibly, surgery.

How do we find more balance in our bodies? Start by trying these five fun balance exercises—they’re fun, easy, and can be performed right in your living room. We're all looking for more balance in our lives.  But how do we find more balance in our bodies?  Balance Exercises.  According to the Mayo Clinic, 1 out of 3 adults over age 65 fall every year-and many will be seriously injured.  The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) report that falls in seniors are a leading cause of death.

By following these ten tips, you just may end up looking forward to your next workout. There are so many good reasons not to exercise.  One of the biggies is boredom.  Using the same old machines and running the same old track can bore you to tears. Almost 50 percent of people who start exercising quit after only six months, because they're bored and unmotivated.

If you want to lose weight and get motivated, a personal trainer can be a step in the right direction. But with packages ranging from $60 to $100 an hour, you may be wondering if it’s worth the hefty price.   Are personal trainers just for the super-rich and super-fit? Do you have to have one if you want to get fit? The answer to both questions is "no." Anyone can hire one and they don't always have to be super expensive. With the right determination, you can certainly get fit without one but personal trainers provide motivation and guidance, save you time, and reduce injuries by customizing programs for your fitness goals and training on proper equipment use.

One of the most important tools in the exercise world can fit in the palm of your hand. One of the most important tools in the exercise world can fit in the palm of your hand. Pedometers, which can measure everything from steps taken to calories burned to the elevation at which you're working out, can help you get in the shape of your life.

Here are some useful tips, whether you're a fitness fanatic or a recovering couch potato. Whether you're a fitness fanatic or a recovering couch potato, nothing can kill your motivation faster than monotony. What's more, if you do the same old workout for months on end, your body will eventually adapt to it and leave you stuck at a fitness plateau.

You may think you’re doing all you can to keep your metabolism going strong, but chances are, you’re missing a few key steps. You may think you're doing all you can to keep your metabolism going strong, but chances are, you're missing a few key steps.  Here, Nicki Anderson, a National Academy of Sports Medicine-certified personal trainer and president of Reality Fitness Inc.

Got 10 minutes? Then you’ve got enough time to get in shape. Got 10 minutes? Then you've got enough time to get in shape. While 30 minutes of daily exercise is recommended for healthy adults, experts agree that moderate-intensity physical activity accumulated throughout the day in 10-minute bouts can be just as effective as exercising for 30 minutes straight.

You don’t have to be a wilderness expert to go into the woods, but it's important to have a good understanding of The Great Outdoors. You don't have to be a wilderness expert to go into the woods, but it is important to have a good understanding of The Great Outdoors so you can be prepared for rough terrain, inclement weather, or any other challenge that comes your way. Here, five tips to follow: 1.

Although back pain is common, it doesn't have to be inevitable. Follow these easy tips to reduce your risk. If you've ever had a backache, you know how bad the pain can get. It may be severe enough to keep you from going about your daily activities. Perhaps it makes you feel much older than you really are or causes you to groan when you sit or stand. Understanding Back Pain Back pain is a very common injury when dealing with athletes, says Erin K.

If heart health is your concern, take a hike--literally. To find the fountain of youth is a task that has captivated humans for millennia. Although eternal youth is an impossibility--for now--recent studies seem to point to at least one thing that can turn back the hands of your heart's clock at least: exercise.

From low-tech and old fashioned to high-tech and cutting edge, there are many ways to determine your body fat percentage. Here’s an overview of some common (and not-so-common) methods. From low-tech and old fashioned to high-tech and cutting edge, there are many ways to determine your body fat percentage.  Health experts consider body fat percentage to be a more accurate measure of personal fitness than the number on the scale.

Whether your favorite water sport is swimming, watersking, rafting, or canoeing, these important safety precautions will keep your fun from heading downstream. It's time to hit the water.  Whether your favorite water sport is swimming, waterskiing, boating, or simply wading in the lake, certain safety precautions will keep your fun from heading down stream. 1) Learn to swim. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 4000 Americans die annually from drowning.

Read on for four ways to stay in the game. You've finally gotten motivated to exercise.  You've bumped past that plateau.  You've taken it to the next level and...you've gotten injured.  Exercise injuries sideline too many players, but most can be avoided.  Read on for four ways to avoid exercise injuries and keep yourself in the game.

You've heard the saying, "it's as easy as falling off a bike," but bicycling really is simple and learning to ride isn't just for kindergartners. Bicycling provides great no-impact aerobic exercise and green transportation. Here's how to make cycling for beginners fun, safe, and easier than falling off.

Read on for how to go from flabby to fit and apathetic to enthusiastic by overhauling your exercise excuses. What's the best way to battle your top 10 exercise excuses? Create a better top 10. Read on for tips on how to go from flabby to fit and apathetic to enthusiastic by throwing your exercise excuses out the window. 1. It's boring - I'll find a way to make it fun.

Get fitter and healthier with the easiest diabetes exercise—walking. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, you know the importance of daily exercise to maintain your weight and control blood glucose levels. Walking is one of the easiest and most effective diabetes exercise. You can do it anywhere and it won't take a bite out of your purse.

Chris Bergland, winner of three triple ironman competitions and a Guinness World Record holder for the most distance covered on a treadmill in 24 hours (153.76 miles), talks about the importance of a perfect fit and how a sneaker that’s wrong for your foot will surely sabotage your fitness efforts. Once you decide to start running, don't let your good intentions get sidelined by the wrong shoe. Here, five key things to consider before making a purchase: Fit. A properly fitting shoe is one that you are unaware of. If it pinches, pokes, or doesn't hug in the proper places (like the heel) it is not a good fit.

Many of us are bringing our workouts home. Here's what to consider before making an important fitness purchase. Many of us are bringing our workouts home.  Maybe we don't have the time or money for the gym, or we're looking for other exercise options. Whatever the reason, home fitness equipment doesn't have to be expensive or expansive. Begin by  jotting down what you really need, will really use, and can afford.

If you’re thinking about giving your membership the boot, here are some important factors to consider before making this important decision. Should you or shouldn't you quit the gym? Maybe. Read on for four reasons why you should and four reasons why you shouldn't leave your gym behind. Four Reasons To Quit It's expensive. Gym membership fees can be a major budget buster. When it's time to tighten your expenses, monthly dues are a disposable expense.

Can you get in shape sitting on the couch? No. How about by standing in front of it? Quite possibly, if you own a Wii Fit. Can you get in shape sitting on the couch? No. How about by standing in front of it? Quite possibly. That is, if you've joined the Wii fitness craze.  Wii is a Nintendo gaming system with a hand-held remote that senses motion and hundreds of games including many fitness activities like bowling, running and golfing.

Whether you mist up during a workout or get completely drenched, sweating is your body’s way of keeping your temperature in check. Read on to find learn more about this natural process and what it says about the state of your health. Everybody sweats.  OK, maybe you perspire, glow or mist up, but sweating is a good thing. But what causes us to sweat, and why is it healthy? In addition, what does it say about our health? The National Institutes of Health (NIH) say, "Sweating is the release of a salty liquid from the body's sweat glands.

Study finds that yoga and mindfulness meditation can improve the sex lives of women. Yoga isn't just for better flexibility, relaxation, pain relief and muscle toning. Those sessions of asanas can help to boost your sex life, according to a research review article printed in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. The researchers focused on three Eastern disciplines - acupuncture, mindfulness meditation and yoga - and looked at empirical evidence from previous studies, as well as historical literature on sexuality.

Is all that protein really necessary, or is it just a bunch of hype? Protein is the power player in athletic nutrition.  Bodybuilders, professional athletes and those looking to streamline their physique all know, protein provides the building blocks for muscle.  The more muscle you have, the faster your metabolism is, the stronger you are and the better your athletic performance will be.

Here, steps you can take to get your dream physique. Maybe you've finally decided to do something about your less-than-satisfactory shape or you're already fit but want to tweak a few things. Where do you start? Health and fitness experts agree, the best way to reshape your body is with overall fitness but focusing on specific exercise styles can have varying effects.

Can certain foods help you run harder, lift more, and last longer? Find out now. There are lots of opinions about how to eat before a workout.  Some say eating a pre-exercise meal gives them the energy they need to keep up the pace or go the distance.  Others say food sits like a gut bomb and gives them cramps. We all grew up with Mom's rule about no swimming for an hour after lunch.

There are many exercises you can do that will still have you burning calories—but which won't put pressure on your knees. Cardio/aerobic exercise is key to a healthy heart, normal weight, overall fitness and, of course, great legs but what do you do when your "great legs" include weak or injured knees?  The Mayo Clinic reports one in three Americans over age 45 have experienced knee pain resulting from an injury, such as a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage, certain medical conditions, including arthritis, gout and infection.

Wondering if this popular exercise can help your condition? Here are 7 things you need to know about practicing yoga for arthritis in your hip. Yoga is an ancient Eastern art and exercise that's growing in popularity every year in America. Aside from giving your muscles some serious work, it helps you to relax, and can alleviate bone, joint and muscle-related pain, according to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

Find out if you're getting too much of a good thing. While few people run the risk of over exercising (most people run the opposite end of the spectrum), some people use exercise as an emotional crutch or allow it to control their lives and ruin their health. These are the folks who go running the day after surgery or the gym-junkies who take every class, every day.

What's the real deal behind this $275 million industry? What's the story behind sports creams? They claim to rub away the pain of achy joints and muscles but are they a help or a hype?  It depends on whom you ask. Manufacturers of products like BenGay, Thermacare, IcyHot and others say their topical pain relieving creams and gels work to decrease pain caused by exercise, injury or illnesses like arthritis.

If you're looking for a way past a weight loss plateau or hoping for a jumpstart, here are a few tips for burning more calories in less time. There's no instant way to lose weight.  It takes diligent work and dedication and won't happen overnight.  It took a while to gain that weight, right?  The good news is that there's no secret to weight loss success:  no magic pills, perfect food or sure-fire exercise fad.

These leisure-time activities do more than entertain. Sure, knitting and scrapbooking are popular and afford a great creative outlet, but let's face it-they don't offer much in the way of physical activity, which many of us sorely need. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 30 percent of adults report being physically active in their free time, a number that seems to be in decline, an article in the June issue of the American Journal of Medicine reports.

You can expect to live a longer, healthier life, simply by walking out the door. Simple walking packs a serious punch in health benefits.  Walking requires minimal preparation, equipment or time to tally up miles of healthy perks. Once you've laced up your shoes, and donned your iPod, you can expect  30-minute walk to help you lose weight, prevent cancer, diabetes and heart disease, ward off depression, tone muscles, prevent bone loss, hip fracture and gall stone attacks, increase good cholesterol and decrease impotence, insomnia and stress levels.

As if the list of reasons to exercise weren't already long enough. Now, there's another compelling reason to hit the track, the treadmill, or the trail. As if the list of reasons to exercise weren't already long enough.  Now, there's another compelling reason to hit the track, the treadmill, or the trail. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports on an important study linking improved breast cancer statistics and exercise.

Take advantage of the beautiful weather, and enjoy the following good-for-you activities. With summer around the corner, nothing is more inviting than a big glass of iced tea, the latest décor magazine, and your nice comfy deck chair, right? While it's fine to relax in the open air after a busy day at work, don't forget that the outdoors can provide you with plenty of opportunities to stay fit and healthy.

Follow these tips to avoid having your Saturday morning run result in a weekend warrior injury. Can you run only on weekends and still be considered a "runner?"  Sure.  If you're not careful though, you might also get injured.  Running well (safely and enjoyably) requires strength, skill, and endurance. If you allow your muscles to rest all week, that Saturday morning run may turn into a weekend warrior injury.

Think running is out of your league? Think again. This helpful guide will get you moving in no time. Becoming a runner when you've previously been a professional couch warmer is daunting.  But learning to run for exercise is easier than most people think.  Like any exercise program, the trick is to set realistic goals, start out at a slow, gradual pace, use the right equipment and keep at it.

Want to avoid injury and get the most out of your workouts? Avoid the following fitness mistakes. Once you decide to get fit, don't let your game get sidelined by injury, burnout, or boredom. Too many people start out over-eager or end up in a rut.  Avoiding exercise mistakes is crucial to any fitness plan.  Here are 12 blunders to bypass: Skipping it.

When it comes to fitness, is there a magic number? Find out now. We all have the best of intentions when it comes to personal fitness.  But when real life gets in the way, some of us wonder where we can cut corners and still be physically fit.  How much exercise you need varies depending on your workout goals...

If you're an athlete who has recently been diagnosed with asthma, you may worry that the possibility of taking your sport to the professional level is slipping away with each labored breath you take. You'll be glad to know, though, that many athletes with asthma are able to manage their symptoms and still excel at their game. A Common Problem As many as 20 percent of athletes today are either formally diagnosed with asthma or grappling with the symptoms, which have not yet been officially named. With this condition such a widespread problem, and also a potentially serious one as well, the experts are urging people who participate in sports, and those who coach them, to be proactive when it comes to staying in control of this issue.

Exercises that strengthen, stabilize and improve flexibility can improve your balance when you have arthritis. Even better, some of them can be fun. Arthritis makes your joints and muscles weak and unstable, which can throw your balance off. Popular exercises such as yoga and Pilates restore balance, improve flexibility and build strength. You can do them even if you’re living with arthritis — but with a few modifications.

Want to lose weight or ward off depression? Start lifting. For optimal fitness, experts tell us it's important to use weights or weight machines along with performing cardiovascular exercise such as running, biking or walking. But a lot of us are still shy when it comes to the weight room at the gym, preferring to leave it to the grunting male masses.

Find out how yoga can relieve your asthma symptoms. Have you tried yoga to manage your asthma symptoms? Many people find that this form of exercise taps into the mind-body connection to help you to take control of your health and enable you to feel significantly better on many levels. So yoga and asthma can be a good combination.

Learn about the important link between the three. Our bodies need enough stored energy to go for a jog, but no one wants spaghetti sloshing around in their stomach when they’re bouncing on the pavement. Jogging, though, is a high-impact exercise that jostles the stomach. While you don’t want to exercise on a full stomach, you do want to exercise to help stave off digestive problems stemming from food.

Here, you’ll find diet and exercise tips to help your loved one successfully manage his or her condition If you’re caring for someone with diabetes, you understand the importance of proper disease management. For diabetics, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) suggests a 5 to 10 percent reduction of body weight, which can result in less reliance on insulin or other medications.

Learn about the undeniable connection between the two. Devouring a plate of fried chicken and curling up on the couch with a pint of ice cream can be enjoyable endeavors—that is, until the cruel after-effects kick in. These two foods are guilty pleasures, meaning we eat them for taste, fully aware they’re not healthy.

Some creative thinking will help you burn calories without blowing your budget. Regular dinners out, new clothes, and your gym membership—all have been slashed from your budget due to the faltering economy. But don’t think that just because you aren’t attending a fitness center you can’t stay in shape. Nothing could be further from the truth! There are plenty of ways to exercise (that cost little or nothing), and they don’t involve classes or machines.

Learn simple strategies to fit healthy behaviors into your busy day. A common lament among women is that they have no time to take care of themselves. And it’s true that working full-time, raising a family, taking care of a household, and possibly caring for older relatives all can take their toll. Never mind exercise...

Learn more about the science behind the surgery. Obesity is a major epidemic in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), two thirds of adults in the United States are obese. If you’re among these two thirds, your risk factor for type 2 diabetes is great—and in fact, you may have diabetes and be unaware.

Have you hit the wall lately? If you can’t find energy to do routine tasks, have problems concentrating or keeping your temper in check, you could be suffering from fatigue. And you’re not alone. In a 2008 Stress in America Survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), 53 percent of people reported feeling fatigue. Several factors can be to blame, including some medical conditions, a lifestyle issue such as chronic stress, being overwhelmed with work, or bad nighttime habits such as eating late or sleeping in a lumpy bed.

Whether you suffer from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, your muscles, tendons and ligaments can become stiff and start to shorten. Without proper care, you’ll lose motor function and become more prone to injury. According to the American College of Rheumatology, range-of-motion and stretching exercises help maintain and improve flexibility in affected joints and surrounding muscles. Some natural remedies also make a difference to muscle and joint health. Here are three approaches to becoming more flexible: Stretch: The Arthritis Foundation recommends smooth, gentle stretches for 15 minutes each day.

You exercise, eat right, get plenty of sleep and avoid excess stress. Complete your health puzzle by learning your family’s health history. Why is it important to know what maladies your relatives have suffered from? Certain diseases, such as sickle-cell anemia, are inherited, passed down from generation to generation in the form of DNA abnormalities. Others, such as cancer or heart disease, may strike seemingly at random.

There isn’t much that can stop Eldrick Tont "Tiger" Woods — not even the troublesome symptoms of a full blown allergy attack. Woods, who is considered the best professional golfer of all times, was born in 1975 and has secured his reputation during the short course of his career by his impressive talent securing a win on the golf course. In fact, the golfer, who is currently taking a hiatus from the sport to recover from a knee injury, has won a record-setting number of major tournaments.

Learn to manage your cholesterol where you spend the most time. Once you’ve come to terms with the fact that you’re among the 17 percent of Americans over the age 20 whose total cholesterol has been clocked at or above 240 milligrams per deciliter, you need to make a plan as to how you’re going to reverse this number and put a stop to the heart disease that is now encroaching upon your arteries with clogging plaque.

If your child is one of the many who suffers from juvenile arthritis today, did you know that helping him or to stay active can be an important part of managing this condition? Arthritis among children can take many forms but the most common type is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Young patients diagnosed with this, or with the host of other types of arthritis that exist, often experience swelling, tenderness and pain in one or more joints, making it difficult to move, especially in the mornings.

Children learn what they live. Here are tips on how to teach your children well. We all want our kids to grow up eating nutritiously, getting plenty of exercise, and having a good outlook on life. How can you make that happen? Live healthfully yourself! You are a powerful influence on your children. If they see you "walking the talk" instead of just telling them what they should do, there's a great chance they'll grow up copying your good behaviors.

When rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis targets your knees even routine activities such as walking, bending, or sitting can be challenging. These conditions make joints stiff and painful, and limit your mobility. They also weaken and tighten your muscles. Stretching can bring relief. According to the Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (MAARTC), exercise keeps joints flexible, strengthens muscles, and improves overall fitness and your ability to do daily activities. Stretches also help alleviate joint inflammation during flare-ups.

Studies show that people who exercise regularly reap a host of important mental and physical benefits. But if you suffer from asthma, your symptoms may be preventing you from heading to the gym. The experts say with some simple planning, you can work out safely with this condition and get your mind and your body in tip-top shape. Exercising with Asthma About 20 million Americans suffer from asthma symptoms today, according to the American Lung Association.  And many of them experience a flare-up of symptoms when they engage in strenuous activity. Further, some people who don’t normally have asthma can even experience symptoms when they exercise.

Studies show that people who exercise regularly reap a host of important mental and physical benefits. But if you suffer from asthma, your symptoms may be preventing you from heading to the gym. The experts say with some simple planning, you can work out safely with this condition and get your mind and your body in tip-top shape. Exercising with Asthma About 20 million Americans suffer from asthma symptoms today, according to the American Lung Association.  And many of them experience a flair-up of symptoms when they engage in strenuous activity. Further, some people who don’t normally have asthma can even experience symptoms when they exercise.

Studies show that people who exercise regularly reap a host of important mental and physical benefits. But if you suffer from asthma, your symptoms may be preventing you from heading to the gym. The experts say with some simple planning, you can work out safely with this condition and get your mind and your body in tip-top shape. Exercising with Asthma About 20 million Americans suffer from asthma symptoms today, according to the American Lung Association.  And many of them experience a flair-up of symptoms when they engage in strenuous activity. Further, some people who don’t normally have asthma can even experience symptoms when they exercise.

When your total cholesterol level climbs above 240, it’s time to take action to decrease your risk for a stroke or a heart attack. Quitting smoking, engaging in aerobic exercise at least three times a week, and eating a diet high in fiber and rich in fruits and vegetables will all contribute to the maintenance of a healthy balance of good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL); if the former is 60 or above, it actually prevents heart disease, while a level below 100 for the latter is desirable for people who have a higher likelihood for developing heart disease.

Learn how the famous deal with their condition. What do Halle Berry, Dick Clark, David Crosby, Jay Cutler, Aretha Franklin, Jerry Garcia, Mikhail Gorbachev, Nick Jonas, B.B King, Larry King, Elizabeth Taylor, and Neil Young have in common? They're all famous actors, actresses, musicians, or politicians-and they all had or have diabetes.

Follow these tips to stay heartburn-free while on the move. For those who suffer from heartburn, an important part of managing the pain is maintaining a healthy weight. A great way to achieve this is through regular exercise Every day, researchers uncover new ways that fitness can benefit people of all ages. In...

Your home is the perfect place to build a foundation of healthy food choices, ongoing physical activity, and regular blood glucose testing. Sir Edward Coke is credited with the famous phrase "et domus sua cuique tutissimum refugium" or "A man's home is his castle." Hundreds of years later, we can apply that same principle to diabetes care. Your home is your diabetes castle, a place where you can feel safe and secure in the knowledge, support, and supplies you have to successfully manage your condition.

Recent research has shown that those with a sunnier disposition may live longer. We all have that one co-worker, friend, or neighbor who is constantly (and maybe even annoyingly) happy.  And while some believe that people are just born optimists, recent exciting studies have shown that happiness is learned-much like crocheting or table tennis.

It's the number one killer of women, but with the right lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk. Even if heart disease runs in your family, getting it is not inevitable. There are many steps you can take to minimize your risk and live a long, healthy life, from making smart food choices to bumping up your exercise. So ditch the excuses, and check out this list: Burn as many calories as you take in.

Learn how fitness can have a positive effect on your mind. Although exercise may be the last thing you feel like doing when you're down in the dumps, research shows that it can definitely help. Exactly how exercise boosts your spirits isn't fully known, but there's evidence showing it increases neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood.

Incorporate these habits into your daily routine, and your body will reap the benefits. Living well doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing proposition-and it shouldn't be. The little things you do every day, like topping your bread with olive oil instead of butter or taking five minutes to stretch, are what add up to a healthy lifestyle in the long run.

Some simple lifestyle changes can significantly improve your mood. If you're feeling down, it can be an effort just to get through the day. While major depression generally isn't something you can alleviate on your own, and you should speak to your doctor about any symptoms you're having, some simple lifestyle changes may be enough to banish a mild case of the blues: Exercise.

Asking these questions can give you the vital information you need. When exercise, physical therapy and drugs aren't enough in treating your rheumatoid arthritis, surgery may be necessary. It can help to restore or improve function, reduce pain and improve your quality of life. Arthritis surgery can take place at various stages in the disease.

Exercise of any kind is beneficial. Perform these specifically for a healthy heart. The benefits of exercise are aplenty, but the cardiovascular system is the big winner when it comes to aerobic activities such as swimming, elliptical training, rowing, and stair climbing. The following options are relatively easy forms of aerobic exercise that you can engage in without spending a whole lot of cash or stepping foot into a gym (just remember to consult your doctor before embarking on any exercise regimen): Brisk walking.

When your total cholesterol level climbs above 240, it’s time to take action to decrease your risk for a stroke or a heart attack. Quitting smoking, engaging in aerobic exercise at least three times a week, and eating a diet high in fiber and rich in fruits and vegetables will all contribute to the maintenance of a healthy balance of good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL); if the former is 60 or above, it actually prevents heart disease, while a level below 100 for the latter is desirable for people who have a higher likelihood for developing heart disease.

Sometimes escaping the daily grind doesn’t require a tropical vacation. Being stressed is an awful feeling. It can toy with your mental state ("I'll never get my work done") and can affect your physical well-being: according to a recent study, being stressed can actually make you itchy. But the secret to stress management may lie in an activity that involves fundamental human actions: stretching, breathing, and relaxation.

What does the year have in store for exercise enthusiasts? Exercise is as old as the ancient Greeks...and popular as ever. Probably one of the best examples is the marathon (which is derived from Pheidippides' supposed 40-kilometer run from Marathon to Athens): In 1977, more than 4,000 people signed up to run the first Chicago Marathon; in 1995, 9,000 did.

Feeling sluggish? These good eats will give you the perfect pick-me-up. Being tired is no fun at all. You can't concentrate at work, you exercise less, and getting out of bed takes a lot of effort. It's a miserable way to trudge through life. But did you know that having more energy may be as simple as choosing the right foods? Overall, the key is to focus on low-glycemic foods (because they release energy slowly) that are high in complex carbohydrates and low in excess fats.

Your goals for the New Year shouldn't be costly. Read on for some tips on how to make the most of your resolution without spending a penny. It's undeniable that most of us have made New Year's resolutions that we didn't keep. Along with requiring extra time and scheduling changes, resolutions also frequently entail forking over extra cash-something that is far from easy in our current economical climate.

Poor diet and lack of exercise aren't the only factors that can damage your heart. Your stress levels also play a huge role. In the movies, traumatic news is enough to trigger a heart attack. On TV shows, a dramatic mother tells her rebellious teen son that he's going to give her a heart attack. As it turns out, these situations may not be too far from the truth. Research shows a direct link between stress and an unhealthy heart.

Follow these tips to keep your fitness levels up when temperatures drop. When the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall outside, it's hard to justify a good reason for getting off the couch. But even though lounging in front of the television feels a lot more tempting than taking a jog or even driving to the gym, there's no reason you have to completely surrender your fitness goals until spring.

It's essential that diabetics take extra-special care of their feet. When you have diabetes, taking proper care of your feet is extremely important.  Diabetics are more prone to cuts, ulcers, and sores on the skin, which can sometimes lead to serious infections. An article published in the Health Science Journal noted that foot problems remain a major cause of hospitalization amongst patients with diabetes.

This decadent dessert does more than just please your taste buds—it could benefit your health as well. It may be hard to believe that something as delicious as chocolate could actually be good for you? But it's true. According to a growing body of research, America's favorite sweet treat comes with a host of surprising health benefits-from regulating your blood pressure to reducing your risk of dementia.

Sometimes you can get a little more than free coffee and bathroom privileges. As the saying goes, "Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life." But when you're picking between two very similar jobs, how do you know which one you'll love? One key difference to consider is benefits. Do you need health care coverage? Dental? Paid vacation days? With the job market the way it is, it seems like you may not have much choice.

Learn about the benefits of an exercise nearly anyone can perform. As we stroll to work, through the supermarket, and around the neighborhood, many of us take walking for granted. Even so, this ubiquitous exercise has some amazing health benefits. A recent Harvard study showed that walking at a moderate pace just 30 minutes a day may cut the risk of heart disease in women by as much as 40 percent.

Searching for a new spin on a dull workout routine? Look no further: Indoor cycling may be the answer. Have you grown tired of your usual workout regimen? Are you looking to move past your fitness plateau with something a little different? If so, spinning may be just the option for you. This contemporary aerobic exercise, conducted on a specially designed stationary bicycle, has gained much popularity in the past few years.

When it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, some countries are making the grade, while others are falling dangerously behind. Ready for some startling statistics? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 350 million people worldwide are obese--a dangerous trend that may increase their risk for diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers. But fortunately, there's a flip side: Many international hotspots boast extremely low obesity rates.

How to spot the worst gym habits and what you can do to improve your own. There you are at the gym, trying to work off the stresses of your job. From the next bench you hear another person grunting and groaning under the weight of the barbells. Instead of feeling better after your workout, you're irritated by the inconsiderate gym-goers around you.

Tired of fad diets and bad weight-loss advice? These little-known secrets can help you shed big pounds. Your sister fasts on grapefruit, your coworker guzzles caffeine, and your best friend eats nothing but soup for an entire week. When it comes to losing weight, silly strategies abound. And according to experts, these techniques are not only ineffective; they can be downright dangerous.

These heavy medal Olympic winners have earned their place in history by proving their strength and endurance. They make it look so easy. Whether they're dashing to the finish line at breakneck speeds or hoisting hundreds of pounds of weights high into the air, Olympic athletes are in a class of their own. Although they're all truly fantastic athletes, some shine even more brightly than their competitors.

You've got a financial plan for your golden years. What about a fitness plan? Odds are, if you're 50 or older, you know you should be exercising. But in all likelihood, you're probably spending more time on the couch or in the car than on the treadmill or hiking trail. Only just over one-fourth of the 50-plus crowd are engaged in some type of physical activity in their leisure time, including 29.

Afraid weight lifting will make you look like Arnold Schwarzenegger? It won't. Here, we debunk other weight-lifting myths. Trying to lose weight? Put down the cookbook, and pick up some dumbbells. Some common misconceptions deter women from lifting weights, but the truth is weight lifting can help eliminate body fat. One study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, demonstrated that women who strength trained twice a week for two years decreased their body fat by 3.

When it comes to a healthy body, the number on the scale may not be telling the whole story. What's your pefect body weight? 125 pounds? 150 pounds? Anything under 200? The truth is, a healthy body is defined by much more than what size jeans you wear, how you look in a bathing suit, or even what the scale says. For example, did you know that...

When you have a free afternoon do you go for a bike ride? Or do you sit in front of the TV? Your answer may reveal whether you're a couch potato. Although the term couch potato has become a joke, laziness has real, and potentially dangerous, repercussions. More than a quarter of Americans are obese, and heart disease is the leading cause of death. The risk of developing either condition can be reduced by becoming more active, which means a sedentary lifestyle can be a serious health risk.

Although obesity is a national problem, certain cities tip the scales more than others. Is your city making you fat? It may sound strange, but where you live probably plays a role in your weight. While obesity isn't confined to any one part of the country, some parts of the nation are heavier than others. In fact, one study by the University of Washington found that researchers were able to predict the prevalence of obesity simply by looking at zip codes.

Sure, your diet and exercise schedules can contribute to your weight. But who knew that your job could, too? Ever-improving technology has replaced manual labor at many American jobs, making sedentary lifestyles commonplace. A whopping 60 percent of the population is overweight or obese, and occupations that require little or no movement certainly haven't helped.

Will you live to a ripe old age? Read on to calculate your odds. We've split the atom, spliced the gene, even sent a spacecraft to Mars. But finding a reliable way to predict a person's life span? That's proven a bit more difficult. In recent years, however, scientists have begun to crack the code-identifying 22 genetic, demographic, and lifestyle factors that can estimate life span with a surprising amount of accuracy.

Stuck in a diet rut? By asking yourself five simple questions, you may just be able to break the cycle. You've tried every diet in the known universe. You've switched from people food to low- or no-calorie everything. You're eating so many salads that you're convinced you could sprout bunny ears. And yet, you're no closer to your goal weight than when you started.

The best present you can give Dad is the gift of health. Get inspired with these unique ideas. Every Father's Day brings the same old conundrum: What should you get the dad in your life? He has enough ties to fill a walk-in closet and so many coffee cups he could start his own diner. This year, why not encourage him to adopt a healthier lifestyle? According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a lack of exercise and nutritious meals is responsible for approximately 400,000 deaths in the United States each year.

Forget fad diets. Instead, follow these tips to boost your metabolism and watch the pounds melt away. You want to lose weight—and fast. But most speedy slim-down plans are not only ineffective, but they can be downright dangerous. How can you shed pounds quickly without compromising your health? According to experts, the key is following a moderate diet and exercise plan and revving up your metabolism to burn more calories.

Youth sports can offer tremendous opportunities for friendship, fitness, and positive development--if parents practice good sportsmanship. Many of us have heard horror stories about the terrible behavior exhibited by the parents of young athletes. Perhaps the most shocking incident occurred in 2000, when Thomas Junta of Massachusetts beat the coach of his young son's hockey game to death following a dispute over several on-ice infractions during the game.

As common as the condition is, many women insist on keeping quiet about it. Here, we explore the reasons why. Thousands of women in the United States experience bladder leakage--whether it means tiny drops when they sneeze, a small dribble when they hear running water, or a noticeable wet spot after certain forms of exercise. Yet as common as this condition is, many women keep quiet about their symptoms, ashamed to discuss it with their doctor, their friends, and even their spouse.

More and more Americans are living to 100. Here, the secrets to their longevity. Imagine blowing out 100 candles on your birthday cake. If the idea appeals to you, you're not alone—two out of every three Americans say that they want to live for a century, according to a survey sponsored by the Alliance for Aging Research. What's more, a growing number of studies suggest that many of them just might get their wish.

Nearly six million people live with diabetes, but are unaware that they have the condition. Could you be one of them? While the exact cause of diabetes remains unknown, both genetics and environmental factors, such as obesity and lack of exercise, appear to play major roles. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, which is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.

Think you're too old to accomplish something? Follow these tips to defy your age and live a longer, healthier life. Clint Eastwood still winning Oscars at 78. "Godfather of Fitness" Jack LaLanne still working out two hours a day at 94. All around us, individuals who would have once been considered "past their prime" are accomplishing incredible feats that make people half their age shake their heads in amazement.

Simple lifestyle changes can help you to better manage your condition. If you or someone you care about has developed a bladder-leakage problem, it's important to visit your doctor, who will be able to rule out more serious health conditions. But while you wait for your appointment, did you know that there are many things you can do right at home to help control your symptoms? These changes may not solve your problem entirely, but many women claim to have found relief by making some simple adjustments to their lifestyle.

Tired of flabby abs or love handles? If diet and exercise haven't worked for you, abdominoplasty may be the solution. Who doesn't want a trim, flat stomach? Millions strive for tighter tummies, usually starting by improving their diet and exercise routines. However, these changes often aren't enough to achieve desired results. While body fat can be reduced through a healthy diet and workout plan, the loose muscles and skin that frequently result from extreme weight loss, pregnancy, and even aging and heredity aren't as easily eliminated.

Learn about the symptoms of alcoholism and what kinds of treatment are available for this disease. Most Americans can't go a whole day without viewing a beer ad on the television, passing the neon signs of a bar, or glimpsing a billboard promoting the newest brand of vodka. Alcohol permeates American culture, and it's unlikely to change anytime soon.

Millions of Americans are living with exercise-induced asthma. Here, a guide to the condition, from symptoms to treatment. Imagine jogging around the block and, a few minutes afterward, being struck with a host of scary symptoms--wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath. The next thing you know, you're feeling chest tightness, pain, and extreme fatigue. These are just some of the signs of exercise-induced asthma (EIA), a chronic condition that affects millions of Americans.

Hip pain is an increasingly common phenomenon that tends to occur with age. Find out what causes hip pain and what you can do about it. It's often said that aging tends to go hand-in-hand with a long list of ailments, and unfortunately, many people can add hip pain to that list. Hip pain can be extremely debilitating and uncomfortable, and it can occur for numerous reasons. The term "hip pain" generally refers to any pain in or around the hip joint.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing more than 2,500 Americans each day. Here, a look at heart health by the numbers. Heart disease, known as a silent killer, claims the lives of millions of Americans each year. An umbrella term for multiple conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, heart disease includes coronary artery disease, pulmonary heart disease, and hypertension.

These speedy strategies can trim and tone your body in 12 weeks or less. Maybe you're getting married in a few months. Maybe your high-school reunion is right around the corner. Or perhaps you just want to look and feel better than ever. No matter what your motivation, you need to shape up and the clock is ticking. Although there's no diet or exercise program that can change your body overnight, these six tips can get you slimmer and sleeker in only 12 weeks' time.

It's never too late to start making physical exercise a part of your routine. Here, a look at fitness by the numbers. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, and unfortunately, the majority of Americans are not getting the recommended amounts of exercise. According to the American Heart Association, all healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 65 should engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity five days a week.

Along with a healthy diet and exercise regimen, certain medications can help get cholesterol levels in a normal range. It seems as though medications for lowering cholesterol are constantly being developed, tested, and enhanced. As a result, it can be difficult to keep them all straight, especially as new research comes out to show that drugs once thought effective don't actually work the way doctors had hoped.

Spring is here, and so there's no better time to slim down and shape up. Maybe you want to unveil a sleeker body at the beach. Perhaps you want to get in shape for your favorite seasonal sport. Or maybe you've simply decided that it's time to start improving your health once and for all. Whatever the reason, there's no better time than spring to start slimming down and shaping up.

High cholesterol puts you at a higher risk for serious health conditions, including heart attack and stroke. Here, a look at cholesterol by the numbers. Cholesterol is found in every cell of the body. This fat-like substance is an important component of cell membranes and a building block in the formation of certain hormones. Too much cholesterol in the blood, though, can cause fatty deposits to develop in blood vessels, making it difficult for blood to flow through the arteries.

Being active is one of the best ways to keep diabetes under control. Here, what you need to know about starting an exercise routine. Many diabetics rely on injections and medications to keep their blood sugar levels stable, but exercise is another effective way to help control diabetes. Before starting a new fitness routine, it's important that you schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss safety guidelines and to have your blood pressure, cholesterol, kidneys, eyes, and feet checked.

Follow these tips to enhance your recall and make your mind more nimble. Have you ever lost your reading glasses and then found them on top of your head? Have you ever gotten your kids off to school, only to find their lunches still in the refrigerator? If so, you're not alone. According to experts, many of us have minor problems with recall as we age.

Most Americans aren't getting enough Z's. Learn how to get the sleep you need. Today, the average American gets about seven hours of sleep on weeknights and seven and a half hours of sleep on the weekends, according to the National Sleep Foundation. However, most experts recommend that adults get a minimum of eight hours' sleep a night.

How important is weight in determining good health? It's no secret that being fat and out of shape is a health hazard. But what if you're overweight and still physically fit? Does the fact that you're active eliminate the health risks of those extra pounds? And what if your best friend is a skinny couch potato? Which one of you is healthier? As it turns out, the "fat but fit" debate is a longstanding source of controversy among experts.

There's more to Botox than just a pretty face. Doctors are now using the injectable to treat a variety of serious medical conditions. By now, you've probably seen advertisements for Botox—a popular injectable that relaxes targeted muscles to reduce or eliminate surface wrinkles, giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance. But in recent years, scientists have found that there's much more to the drug than meets the eye.

Most toddlers are naturally on the move. Use these exercises to get the most out of their desire to run, climb, and balance. When you think of exercising, you might picture a gym with its rows of treadmills, stair climbing machines, and free weights. Or perhaps you think of someone running or swimming laps. Chances are you don't envision balancing on a curb or a log, tossing a beach ball, or lying on your back while kicking your legs in the air.

Want to lose weight, quit smoking, or start saving this year? These simple tips can help you achieve your goals. New Year's is a time for fresh beginnings and lifestyle changes. So, making resolutions and sticking with them may seem easy for the first few weeks of the year. Once February rolls around, however, willpower often lags, and New Year's goals generally fall by the wayside.

Foster your baby's curiosity now to improve her intelligence and creativity as she grows. If life with your child sometimes feels like an action-adventure movie, as she crawls from the living room to the dining room and then up the stairs, consider yourself lucky. All that non-stop excitement means she's exercising her body and her mind. The curious 8-month-old baby who crawls all over the floor and up the stairs will one day become the curious 12-year-old who opens an encyclopedia to read all about India or learn more about algebra.

With the proper treatment, asthma sufferers can live full and active lives. Here, a look at the condition by the numbers. Asthma is a chronic respiratory illness that can cause one's airway to constrict, get inflamed, and become lined with excessive amounts of mucus. These episodes, or attacks, may be triggered by a variety of factors such as exposure to dust or dander and even by exercise or stress.

Working out the wrong way can do more harm than good. To prevent injury, avoid these common fitness flubs. Regular exercise offers a host of health benefits from preventing heart disease and diabetes to promoting a longer life. But exercising the wrong way can undermine both your fitness goals and your wellness. To prevent injuries and setbacks, the American Council on Exercise and Bill Sonnemaker, 2007 IDEA International Personal Trainer of the Year, recommend that you watch out for the following common pitfalls.

Following these simple tips can help you lower your cholesterol levels and your health risks. Everyone needs a basic amount of cholesterola waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body to function. But if your cholesterol is at an unhealthy level, it could mean you have an increased risk of developing heart disease. What can you do to keep your cholesterol at or reduce it to healthy levels? Try these nine tips: Eat a hearty bowl of oatmeal for breakfast.

Follow these easy tips to make exercise part of your daily routine. Let's face it: We live in an inactive nation where obesity has become a growing epidemic. Approximately 31 percent of American adults, or 59 million of us, meet the criterion for obesity, according to the North American Association for the Study of Obesity.

Who says losing weight has to be hard? These effortless activities can help rev your metabolismand melt the pounds away. Actor Pete Postlethwaite once said: "I exercise every morning without fail. One eyelid goes up and the other follows." That quote may seem nonsensical, but the sentiment actually makes some sense. Take a closer look at your daily routine, and you'll find plenty of opportunities for easy calorie-burning activities—no gym required.

Follow these tips to help reduce the likelihood of a manic episode. One of the best ways to manage bipolar disorder is to prevent manic episodes before they start. Although that's not always doable, it is possible to identify triggers that may lead to mood disturbances. Follow these tips to reduce the likelihood of a manic episode: Stick to a daily routine.

Type 2 diabetes affects more than 18 million U.S. children and adults. Find out more about this growing epidemic, from risk factors to treatment options. Diabetes is a lifelong metabolic disorder that affects more than 20 million U.S. children and adults—about 90 percent of whom suffer from type 2 diabetes. The bodies of those affected by the disease either can't produce enough insulin or have cells that ignore the insulin.

More and more Americans are opting for bariatric surgery to shed major pounds and improve their quality of life. Find out if you or a loved one could be a candidate. As most health experts can attest, the best way to lose weight is to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. But that doesn't always work—just ask the 129.6 million Americans, or 64 percent of the population, who are currently overweight or obese.

There are several ways to stay active without risking your joint health. It's an ongoing debate: Does running lead to arthritis? Some health professionals say the continual pounding on knee and ankle joints leads to wear and tear, and eventually arthritis. Others claim that the same wear actually helps keep joints and tissues healthy.

Even the biggest couch potatoes can learn to love exercise. For many of us, the word "workout" conjures images of profuse sweat, intense pain, and utter confusion. The good news: You don't have to be a natural exercise enthusiast to get in shape. Even the biggest couch potatoes can learn to love exercise.

Learn how to build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis. At some point—usually around age 30—everyone's bones begin to get thinner. But only some people will develop osteoporosis, a progressive disease that causes bones to become brittle and more likely to break. Your risk for osteoporosis depends on a number of factors, including the thickness of your bones when you were young, as well as the health, diet, and fitness levels you've maintained since.

Keeping up with all your health screenings may seem daunting, but this list can get you started on a year of healthy living. In a perfect world, we'd all know exactly when we need to get our important health screenings. In reality, however, these checkups and exams often take a backseat to work, family, and other obligations. Fortunately, you can get on the right track by making a simple phone call to your doctor.

Keeping cool on hot summer days isn't only a matter a comfort—it's vital for good health and even survival. A little fun in the sun is one thing, but when it could put you at risk for heat stroke, it's time to take some precautions. That's the message from the Pennsylvania Medical Society and experts all across the country, who warn both adults and children alike that heat stroke is a potentially deadly illness to be avoided—even if it means sacrificing a day at the beach.