Fitness basics
Learning Center
Need motivation to exercise? Try a diary
Have you started a workout program? Good for you! Record your efforts to track progress toward your goals. After each workout, record these items: 1. The date. 2. Your activity (swimming, lifting weights, volleyball). 3. How long you exercised. 4. How you felt afterward. Having a chronicle of your improvement can be a great source of motivation.
Need a gym to get fit?
You don't need a gym membership to get in shape. You can fit physical activity into your daily life by doing things you enjoy outside of the gym. Play pickup basketball, go biking or walk around the park. Lift some hand weights while you watch your favorite TV show. Take the stairs at work or when shopping. Or take an exercise class through your community.
Miss a workout? Don't give up!
If you're too busy to work out or simply don't feel up to exercise, take a day or two off. Be gentle with yourself if you need a break. After all, it's OK to be flexible. The important thing is to get back on track as soon as you can.
Juicing is no substitute for whole foods
Juicing fresh fruits and vegetables produces a liquid that contains most of the vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients found in the whole fruit or vegetable. However, healthy fiber is lost during most juicing. So be sure your diet also includes a variety of whole fruits and vegetables.
Is sea salt healthier than table salt?
Despite the fact that sea salt is often promoted as being a healthier type of salt, it has the same basic nutritional value as table salt. In fact, sea salt and table salt contain comparable amounts of sodium by weight. The main differences between sea salt and table salt are in their taste, texture and processing. Whichever type of salt you enjoy, do so in moderation. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium to less than 2,300 milligrams a day.
Is exercise a chore? No more!
You're more likely to stick with an exercise program if you're having fun. If you're not enjoying your workouts, try something different. Join a volleyball or softball league. Take a ballroom dancing class. Trade your running shoes for a swimsuit. Remember, exercise doesn't have to be drudgery.
High blood pressure: Can you prevent it?
High blood pressure can wreak havoc on your body for years without a single symptom. That's why early detection is so important. If you're diagnosed with high blood pressure or you simply want to keep high blood pressure at bay, healthy habits can make all the difference: 1. Eat a diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods. 2. Eat less saturated fat and total fat, and limit the amount of sodium in your diet. 3. Maintain a healthy weight. 4. Increase your physical activity. 5. Don't smoke. 6. Manage stress.
Have you had a good laugh today?
Humor is a great way to relieve stress. Laughter releases endorphins, natural substances that help you feel better and maintain a positive attitude. Go ahead. Give it a try. Hang funny photos or comic strips in your work space. Make it a habit to spend time with friends who make you laugh. Who knows? Laugh and the world might laugh with you.
Have a cold? Fight it with fluids
You can't flush a cold out of your system, but drinking plenty of liquids can help. Try water, juice, clear broth, chicken soup or warm lemon water with honey. The fluids will loosen congestion and keep you hydrated. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which may make dehydration worse.
Have a cold? Common sense rules
There's no cure for the common cold, but you don't need to feel miserable while you're toughing it out. Drink plenty of fluids. Try chicken soup. Rest as much as you can. Use saline nasal spray to relieve stuffiness. Gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat. Turn on a humidifier. To prevent spreading your cold to others, wash your hands often.
Refine Your Search
Type
- All
- HealthTip
Age
- All
- 19 to 44 younger (38)
- 45 to 64 middle (38)
Focus
- All
- Home Treatment