WEIGHT PROBLEMS

By Diane Forrest

These days it’s hard to pick up a magazine or check out yahoo or msn without viewing an article about weight.  I recently saw where America is not longer the fattest country; we are second, behind Mexico!

Time was where full figured gals were the bomb!  These days women who look like sticks are the rage.  There are all these "experts" around telling you how to lose weight, all the diet pills you need, even surgery.  You can't even watch TV without seeing some celebrity talking about some diet foods.

Being overweight has problems.  It can cause blood pressure problems, diabetes, skeletal problems and many conditions that come with that.  However, if you don't have any medical conditions to worry with, then how others perceive your body size should not concern you.

With the recent birth of the future king of England, much has been said about the post baby weight of Kate.  After being photographed one day after giving birth, there were comments such as how great she looked, to wondering how long it would take to get her figure back, and if she was going to hire a personal trainer.

There is no quick fix to losing weight, no matter what Oprah says.  The sensible way to lose weight if that is your choice is to eat a well balanced diet and exercise regularly.

What are some of your weight loss tips?  

High Blood Pressure Education

By Nurse Diane

This is National High Blood Pressure Education month.  According to the CDC, who's theme this year is Make Control Your Goal, states that you may not have any symptoms of high blood pressure, but it can damage your health in many ways. For instance, it can harden the arteries, decreasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart and brain.

This reduced flow can cause:

• A heart attack, which occurs when the blood supply to your heart is blocked and heart muscle cells die from a lack of oxygen.
• A stroke, which can occur when arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the brain become blocked or burst.
• Chest pain, also called angina.
• Heart failure, which occurs when the heart can't pump enough blood and oxygen to other organs

Ways to keep your pressure under control include:

• Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
• Participate in 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week.
• Eat a healthy diet that is high in fruits and vegetables and low in sodium, saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol.
• Manage stress.
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink (no more than one drink each day for women and two for men).

If you have a family member who has high blood pressure, you can help by taking many of the steps listed above with them. Go for walks together or cook meals with lower sodium. Make it a family affair, and keep your blood pressure under control.

(All images from Google) 

Healthy Weight Week – Excellent Info

(Google Image)

By Terry Orr

Of all the articles that I have read over the years and counsel received - this is probably the best advice one can share!

During Healthy Weight Week, hide your scale, do not peek at a height and weight chart, and avoid body mass index (BMI) calculations. Love yourself, love your body. Change your thinking and focus on these goals:

·        Accept your weight and embrace who you are.

·        Set realistic health guidelines for yourself.

·        Focus on positive lifestyle changes.

·        Appreciate yourself. Create positive relationships with family, friends, and food.

·        Change your thoughts: Erase negative thoughts and begin positive self-talk: "I am beautiful.”

·        Enjoy your eating experience by eating a variety of foods. Do not diet or obsess on food, weight, or calories. Eat when hungry, stop when full.

·        Move your body. Enjoy a hobby or turn up the tunes and dance.

·        Relax. Take time out for yourself.

If you enjoy Healthy Weight Week, don't stop at one week, make lasting lifestyle changes forever! [Source: Shape]

References and Links:

http://www.shape.com/blogs/weight-loss-coach/national-healthy-weight-week-self-satisfaction-key