Aerobic exercise
Learning Center
Winter doesn't mean you can sideline the sunscreen
It's as easy to get sunburned in winter as in summer. Snow reflects the sun's rays, so sunburn is possible even if you're cold. When you're outdoors in the winter, wear sunscreen on any exposed areas. Use lip balm that contains sunscreen, too.
What are superbugs?
Superbugs are strains of bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi that are resistant to most antibiotics and other medications. These superbugs can cause pneumonia, urinary tract infections and skin infections. To protect yourself from harmful germs, wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. You can help slow the spread of drug-resistant bacteria by taking antibiotics properly and only when needed.
Walking with ankle weights? Stop!
A well-rounded fitness program includes both aerobic exercise and strength training. But skip the ankle weights. Ankle weights may strain your ankle joint and leg muscles, which could increase your risk of injury. To get more out of your walking routine, simply pick up the pace. If you're in good shape, add short bursts of jogging into your regular brisk walks. If you're less fit, alternate leisurely walking with periods of faster walking.
Walking for fitness: Staying motivated
Starting a walking program is easy. Sticking with it is trickier. To stay motivated, try these tips: 1. Set goals, such as walking every day or walking for a set amount of time. 2. Make walking enjoyable. Find someone to walk with you or simply soak in the scenery. 3. Vary your routine. If you walk the same route every day, boredom may set in. Instead, mix it up with several different routes. Just remember to be safe: Tell a family member which route you're taking.
Walking for fitness: Overcoming setbacks
Don't give up if your walking program goes off track. Get back in the game with these four tips: 1. Stop beating yourself up. Shrug it off as a temporary setback, even if it happens more than once. 2. Re-evaluate your goals. Make sure your goals are neither too hard nor too easy. 3. Get going. Just do some form of exercise today, even if it's only for 5 minutes. 4. Keep planning. Figure out ways to fit in a walk even if you're going on a trip, working overtime or juggling family duties.
Time your lotions right
Apply moisturizers immediately after bathing. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin. Immediately moisturize your skin with an oil or cream to help trap water in the surface cells.
Sunscreen: One dose doesn't do it
You can't put on sunscreen in the morning and expect to be protected for a full day in the sun. To maximize sun protection, apply generous amounts of sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before you go outdoors. Reapply sunscreen every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or sweating.
Sunscreen shopping tips
When you're shopping for sunscreen brand matters less than how you use the product. Look for water-resistant, broad-spectrum coverage with an SPF of at least 30. Check the sunscreen's expiration date. Also, find a sunscreen you like. If you don't care for the sunscreen, you're not as likely to use it consistently.
Sunless tanning tips
Want to avoid orange palms, knees and elbows when you're using sunless tanning products? Before applying a sunless tanning product use a washcloth to exfoliate, especially in areas with thick skin such as your knees and elbows. This will help remove excess dead skin cells. Apply the tanner to your body in sections. Wash your hands with soap after each section to avoid discoloring your palms. Knees, elbows and ankles tend to absorb more of sunless tanning products. To dilute the tanning effect in these areas, gently rub them with a damp towel.
Skip booze for better sleep
Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and acts as a sedative. It may help you fall asleep, but it prevents deeper stages of sleep and often causes you to wake up in the middle of the night. If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, say no thanks to the after-dinner drinks.
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