Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Twas the month before Christmas


*Twas the month before Christmas*
*When all through our land,*
*Not a Christian was praying*
*Nor taking a stand.*
*See the PC Police had taken away,*
*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*
*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*
*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*
*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*
* December 25th is just a "Holiday".*

*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*
*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*
*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*
*Something was changing, something quite odd! *
*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*
*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*
*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*
* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*
*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*
*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*

*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*
*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*
*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*
*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!*
*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*
*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*
*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith* ;
* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*

*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*
*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*
*So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"*
*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*
*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*

*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Traveling During The Holidays

Traveling During The Holiday Season?
Top 10 tips to stick to your workouts and reduce stress

The holiday season brings with it a lot of magic. Unfortunately, the challenges many face of juggling their time effectively during the hectic holiday season with also keeping up with their normal daily activities can prove quite stressful.

The holiday season also reflects some of the busiest travel times. According to AAA, nearly 65 million Americans will travel during the holidays. And being away from home often increases stress.

One great stress reducer is exercise. But holiday chaos coupled with travel often causes workout routines to be abandoned.

However, with a little advanced planning you can make exercise a priority even when away from home. Here are some tips to help you combat the stresses of holiday travel through working out and eating well.

. Be realistic. You probably won't be able to fit in your normal weekly workouts and that's okay. Shoot for completing at least 50% of your normal regimen.
. Keep family in the loop. If you are staying with family, let them know that keeping to your fitness regimen while with them is important to you. And, explain to them ahead of time your eating plans so that if you skip one of their homemade delicacies they won't feel hurt or offended.
. Scope out local gyms. If you are either staying with family where no fitness equipment is available or at a hotel without a gym, then inquire at the nearby local fitness centers for their rates. Often they offer day passes for minimal fees.
. Pack a resistance band in your suitcase. The band takes up very little space, yet can provide you with an entire upper and lower body workout routine. Plus if you stay where space is at a premium, you can perform exercises that don't require large open areas.
. Don't deprive yourself of all the special delicacies. You can enjoy some special meals without going overboard. Indulge in some of your favorite family recipes but check your portions.
. Be creative. Find unique, fun ways to exercise instead of doing the same routine you do when you are at home. Try to get a family game of kickball or touch football started. Shoot some hoops with some of the kids in the family. Or, get the whole gang to go ice skating. Effective workouts aren't limited to the standard fares of walking, jogging and fitness machines.
. Create a new recipe tradition. Offer your assistance in the kitchen and whip up some healthier holiday alternatives. Many traditional seasonal favorites can be altered in ways that lower their fat and calorie content. There are even websites that offer recipe makeovers to help you make a meal healthier.
. Prepare snacks. If your journey includes a lot of time in the car, be sure to pack some healthy snacks so you aren't forced to eat at all the fast food and convenience shops along the way.
. Get comfortable. Don't forget to pack comfortable workout attire that fits your destination's climate.
. One is a magic number. Find it nearly impossible to say no to Grandma's homemade goodies? If you just can't risk breaking your host's heart, then stick to only one helping. Don't go for seconds or thirds! And, keep the portion sizes realistic. You might even have to use a smaller plate to make her think you're eating more than you actually are.

Here is a quick, simple circuit workout that only requires a resistance band and can be done anywhere (even in a small space). Complete at least one set of 8-12 reps of each exercise.

. Bicep Curl with band
. Tricep Kickback with band
. Lat Pull Down with band
. Front Raise with band
. Modified Push-Up
. Squat with band
. Abductor lift
. Hamstring Kicks

For detailed instructions on how to perform each of the above exercises, visit: www.workoutsforyou.com/holiday_exercises.asp

About the author: Lynn Bode is a certified personal trainer specializing in Internet-based fitness programs. She founded Workouts For You, which provides affordable online exercise programs that are custom designed for each individual. Visit: http://www.workoutsforyou.com to access their special Holiday Fitness Section. Fitness professionals, learn how to support your clients online, visit: http://www.trainerforce.com/

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Diabetes Risk Factors

Diabetes Facts You Should Know:

Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to blindness, heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, and amputations. It kills almost 210,000 people each year.

Some people with diabetes exhibit symptoms, some do not. If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor:

* Extreme thirst
* Frequent urination
* Unexplained weight loss

Weight in pounds without clothing:

4'10" 129
4'11" 133
5'0" 138
5'1" 143
5'2" 147
5'3" 152
5'4" 157
5'5" 162
5'6" 167
5'7" 172
5'8" 177
5'9" 182
5'10" 188
5'11" 193
6'0" 199
6'1" 204
6'2" 210
6'3" 216
6'4" 221

If you weigh the same or more than the amount listed for your height, you may be at risk for diabetes.

For more information on diabetes, click here or call 1-800-DIABETES.

The information contained in this American Diabetes Association (ADA) Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and the ADA recommends consultation with your doctor or health care professional.
'Congressmen who willfully take actions during wartime that damage morale, and undermine the military are saboteurs and should be arrested, exiled or hanged.' ~ President Abraham Lincoln