Positive Image Fitness - Health, Fitness and Well Being

Positive Image Fitness | BRINGING YOU BETTER HEALTH

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HealthHints 2006

January 2006 - Be gentle on yourself. At this time of year exercise when you feel like it and make sure you get outside as much as possible. You will reap the benefits when you start your full exercise programme in mid February.

February 2006 - A new year and that could mean a new job or career. Remember if you do a job you love you will never do a day's work in your life.

March 2006 - Its been grey since the beginning of the year, with the days of spring starting make time for a walk outside - it will lift your spirits and mood!

April 2006 - Now is the time of year your body wants to shed body fat. Start moving, check your diet and use the lighter evenings to add activity time - you will feel so alive!

May 2006 - 1 in 5 people develops a cold within a week of flying due to the bacteria and viruses being re circulated in cabin air. To protect yourself wash your hands frequently and drink plenty of water to prevent nasal passages drying out. Germs love a dry nose!

June 2006 – A hot car is not just a danger to pets left in it during hot weather. Heat releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the glue, paint, vinyl and plastics used in the interior which have been linked to headaches, sore throats, nausea and drowsiness. It is even worse if your car is new – that unique new car smell is actually the VOC’s! If your car has been standing in the sun, open the windows to ventilate it before driving off

July 2006 - As you start packing your case, try on last year’s shorts or swimming costume in front of the mirror – it’s a good way to measure your body shape. If they feel or look a bit tighter or snugger than you remember be warned! Most of us let our weight creep on gradually over the years and a 37” waist for men and a 32 ” waist for women increases your risk of developing diabetes or coronary heart disease.

August 2006 – Recent research from the American College of Sports Medicine show that short bouts of exercise are more effective than continuous exercise at lowering fat levels in the blood stream after eating. This means that 10 minute bouts of exercise that add up to 30 minutes of exercise a day can be used to reduce the risk of heart disease and you don’t have to set aside large parts of your day to fit in your exercise!!

September 2006 – Next time you feel the steam rising in your internal pressure cooker – don’t stew, hug someone! Hugging family, friends and even pets produces comforting feelings due to the release of oxytocin. Recent research shows this hormone also lowers blood pressure as it slows the body’s response to stress – especially in women. So relax and get hugging!

October 2006 – Now is the time to start activities that get you outside during the brightest and warmest part of the day. The sunlight will boost your mood, make exercise more appealing and help keep your bones strong - Vitamin D from sunlight has an important role to play in bone production. You will feel invigorated and getting out of the central heating into the fresh air means your immune system starts to actually work again! The lunchtime walk or jog can work wonders if you are spending your day in a stuffy office and use the weekends to plan longer exercises sessions or activities in the winter sun.

November 2006 - Be brave in the run up to Christmas. Go through your Christmas card list and delete people you see daily or weekly, those you buy presents for - their message can go on the gift tag - and those who you haven't seen for two years - unless they live overseas or are close family. It will be good for you and environment.

December’s Health Hint – To beat lethargy and fatigue during the dark winter months think smell! Try burning essential oils in an oil burner - orange, petitgrain and especially grapefruit are ideal oils since they lift the spirits and stimulate the mind. Don’t forget the oils need to be added to water when used in a burner.