Moms work hard all year. For Mother's Day, pamper yourself with some "me" time or active family fun. It's our month, enjoy!
The pressure of the holidays can be overwhelming. Turning your home into a Norman Rockwell painting, buying gifts, accommodating family and making a dinner worthy of Martha Stewart can leave you stressed and depleted.
Although a luxurious spa treatment is definitely relaxing, there are simple techniques that don’t take time or money. Jazzercise Founder and CEO Judi Sheppard Missett says mental calisthenics can unwind your mind and leave you strong enough to weather any condition with grace and ease.
Aging gracefully is like a well performed dance; it requires repetition and challenge— both mentally and physically. Loss of motor skills and memory can be avoided with exercise and mental stimulation, the keys to a youthful body and mind.
A flexible body and fluid mind are hallmarks of youth, and Jazzercise Founder and CEO Judi Sheppard Missett says that besides being fun, dance is a mind-body experience that requires focus, coordination, and learning new moves. All of these skills can slow down the aging process.
As the seasons change, so can your mood. For some, the shorter days and longer nights trigger the “winter blues,” a form of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This usually occurs at the same time every year, and people who live in places with long, cold nights are at greater risk.
Like all forms of depression, it occurs more often in women than men. Symptoms build slowly, and intensify as autumn’s splendor bleaches to winter white. Jazzercise Founder and CEO Judi Sheppard Missett recommends taking steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.
Elderly bones fracture easily because over time, bone tissue becomes thin and brittle. Osteoporosis, the most common type of bone disease, occurs when the body doesn’t form enough new bone, or when old bone is absorbed by the body.
Besides burning calories and building muscle, dancing engages creativity and opens new learning channels within the brain. Through dance, an individual builds strong emotional, cognitive, physical and social assets.
Have you ever dipped an apple into lemon juice to prevent it from browning? That browning process is called oxidation, and the same thing happens inside our bodies. Lemons minimize the damage caused by oxygen exposure because they are a rich source of antioxidants.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – High cholesterol. It’s the disease of overweight, balding men, right? Nope! Cholesterol is something affecting Americans of all ages, genders, races, and sizes. And it’s about time that we educate ourselves on how to keep our cholesterol in check.
Maintaining healthy knees is critical for anyone who leads an active lifestyle. Knees can be achy or tight and may pop or swell. Cartilage damage, injured hips and weak feet, or excess body weight contribute to knee pain, and minor structural misalignments can lead to injuries and arthritis later in life.
Just because the weather outside is frightful, doesn’t mean your skin has to be. Cold, dry air can leave skin red, blotchy and dehydrated. With the right care and nutrition, you can turn a fresh face towards winter doldrums.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Diabetes. It’s the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. It’s the main cause of kidney failure, limb amputations, adult onset blindness, and a major cause of heart disease and stroke. You know it’s serious. But, do you know how many people it affects and how you can take immediate steps to fight it?
(CARLSBAD, CA.) Since 1963, the President of the United States has proclaimed February “American Heart Month.” Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association's nationwide movement that celebrates the energy, passion, and power women have to band together and wipe out heart disease. Thanks to the participation of millions of people across the U.S., the color red and the red dress have become linked with the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives. Don’t be surprised if you see people wearing red on Friday, February 4 – it is National Wear Red Day!
When you finish a great workout and reach for something to refresh yourself, it’s important to know that the bottleholding your beverage of choice is safe. Studies have indicated that drinking out of certain types of plastic beverage bottles containing BPA (bisphenol A) are less safe than available alternatives.
Have you ever noticed that when you are flexible with your plans, life feels easier? Our bodies are like that, too. When we have physical flexibility, we move fluidly and easily in everything we do.
Summer allergies can drive us crazy while pollen from grass, weeds and trees fly through the air. These tiny spores can challenge our immune systems, causing our bodies to release histamines that trigger itchy eyes, runny noses and lots of sneezing.
Just like any other muscle in your body, your heart becomes stronger with use. The more you exercise within your target heart rate, the more easily your heart will pump blood, helping you stay healthy for life.
We often joke that drinking a diet soda cancels out our French fries. But are diet drinks really the best choice for us? As with most things in life, health professionals remind us that moderation is key.
Our bodies rely on good circulation to distribute oxygen and blood through our systems in order to keep us healthy and feeling lively. Circulation brings blood to our muscles, color to our skin, focus to our brains, and removes toxins and lactic acid. In short, having good circulation fills us with vitality.
When President Obama declared September Childhood Obesity Awareness Month last year, he stated that nearly one in every three children in America is overweight or obese.
How do you feel on Sunday night after working all weekend in your yard, or doing a marathon of home repair or house cleaning? Like you’d rather not move for hours, right?
We all know the statistics. But what is our best chance to prevent breast cancer from affecting ourselves and the people we love? Awareness is the key. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Jazzercise Founder and CEO Judi Sheppard Missett would like to remind you of ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer, and also methods of early detection.
Our lives are busy, and when you add decorating the house, holiday shopping and making delicious food, our lives get even busier. A hectic lifestyle is a gold-plated invitation for stress, and stress weakens your immune system.
If it’s true we are what we eat, then we are also what we think.
When you want a quick snapshot of your health, calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI), a fairly reliable indicator of body fat based on your height and weight.
It’s summertime and it feels great to be outdoors, soaking up the warmth of the sun that provides us with a healthy dose of Vitamin D. But it’s important to take precautions when outside for extended periods of time.
Ahh, summer vacation is a time to travel and let it all hang loose. But if you plan ahead, you can stay healthy and fit while enjoying time off.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Ring in the New Year! It’s time to set resolutions, determine goals, and make small changes. Yes, that’s right – small changes! As you scribe your heartfelt list of all the ways you plan to save the world this year, remember to set some goals for a few small changes in your daily life.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Ghosts, goblins, mummies and ghouls. Costumes, masks, make-up, and capes. Empty calories, obesity, tooth decay and H1N1?
(CARLSBAD, CA) – An apple a day is supposed to keep the doctor away. But, apples or no apples, the time will come when you will need to see a medical professional. Finding the right doctor for you is one of the most important decisions that you will ever make regarding your health. Many of us will look for a new doctor at least once in our lifetime, if not multiple times. How do you go about finding a doctor who meets your needs?Jazzercise Founder and CEO Judi Sheppard Missett has been an advocate for health and fitness throughout the past four decades. Take a look at Missett’s suggestions to find your Dr. Right.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Feeling down in the dumps? Are you easily annoyed, bothered, or angered? Do you feel sad or anxious? Having difficulty staying focused? Losing interest in regular life activities? If so, you may be suffering from a case of depression, and you’re not alone.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – It’s late, you’re tired, and you can’t sleep. So, you write on your Facebook wall that you can’t seem to catch enough ZZZzzzs. Within seconds, a helpful friend responds with her Aunt Jenny’s surefire remedy for insomnia. Ten minutes later, your sister posts the URL to a blog jammed with tips and tricks for falling asleep in five minutes. Isn’t social networking great? You can find the answer to almost anything without ever leaving the comfort of your desk chair.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Breaking bad habits. It’s easier said than done. Whether it’s nail biting, teeth grinding, or throat clearing, most of us have an annoying habit that we’d like to ditch. And in some cases, ditching bad habits may have a remarkable affect on our overall health and well-being.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Back pain. More than three-quarters of Americans experience it at some point in their lives. Back pain can be a muscle ache, stabbing pain, limited range of motion, shooting pain down the leg, or an inability to stand straight. Regardless of how back pain manifests itself in each individual, it can be debilitating and hinder your daily life activities.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – You see your doctor for an annual physical. Your visits to your dentist, optometrist, and gynecologist are all up-to-date. You exercise, you eat healthy foods, and you don’t smoke. What more can you possibly do to protect your health?
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Do you consider yourself sun savvy? You wear a hat when gardening outdoors. You don your sunglasses when taking your kids to the park. And you never, ever leave the house without lathering on sunscreen. That’s enough, right?
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Order up! A hamburger on a buttery bun, greasy fries, and sugary soda. Chicken salad drowned in high-fat dressing. A cheesy pastrami sandwich loaded with fats and preservatives.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Ever leave your doctor’s office feeling dazed and confused about your diagnosis? Or walk out of the hair salon wishing your stylist hadn’t cut your tresses quite so short? If so, you’re one of countless women who report that they have difficulty speaking up when it comes to talking with health, wellness, and beauty professionals.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Dozing off during your mid-morning meeting at work? Rushing off to coffee house for a jolt of java during an afternoon slump? You’re not alone. According to the National Sleep Foundation, a whopping 68 percent of women report difficulty sleeping at least a few nights per week. Sleep deprivation is rampant, and according to recent research, it can wreak havoc on your health.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Bicep curls to strengthen your arms, stomach crunches to tighten your abs, cardiovascular drills to improve your endurance, and crossword puzzles to power-up your brain.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – The results are in. The average American gains one to two pounds during the holiday season. That’s not so bad, right? Wrong!
(CARLSBAD, CA) –According to the Arthritis Foundation, 46 million Americans suffer from arthritis, and two-thirds of these people are under the age of 65.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Willpower. It’s that ability to deny yourself a slice of homemade apple pie or a new pair of Lucky jeans that you really don’t need. It’s also that drive that forces you to crawl out of bed in the wee hours of the morning to attend your workout class.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – You eat right, exercise regularly, and you don’t smoke. You’ve taken all the right steps to minimize your risk for heart disease. Or have you? The newest recommendation by American heart experts may surprise you. Cardiologists across the country are now encouraging patients to floss their teeth!
(CARLSBAD, CA) – True or false: Someone dies from heart and blood vessel diseases every 37 seconds. The American Heart Association (AHA) says, “true.” In fact, AHA reports that 35 percent of all deaths in America are as a result of heart-related illnesses.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Listen up, women around the globe! It’s time to take charge of your personal health and wellness. Women are more likely than men to suffer from heart disease, osteoarthritis, obesity, and depression. Yet, the latest stats show that we’re not taking care of ourselves!
(CARLSBAD, CA) – It’s time to paint the town red! The American Heart Association has declared National Wear Red Day on the first Friday in February to draw attention to women’s heart health. Increased focus is being paid to women’s heart disease, particularly since more women than men die every year from heart-related conditions.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Autumn has arrived. Leaves are changing color. The weather is turning cooler. Football games flash on TV, families gather for holiday festivities, and crock-pots simmer with mom’s homemade soup.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Got stress? Seems like an obvious question, doesn’t it? After all, in the 21st Century, doesn’t everyone have stress?
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Breast cancer - one in eight women will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime. That diagnosis kicks off a plethora of examinations, treatments and procedures as each woman fights her personal battle against the disease.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Let’s face it. Having your period can be a pain – literally. And even in the 21st Century, it seems that women shy away from asking questions related to menstruation.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Struggling with downcast emotions? Experiencing a bad case of the blues? Feeling run down? Try laughing more! The infamous expression that “laughter is the best medicine” just may be true.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – A trip down the vitamin aisle of your local drugstore may put your head into a tailspin. How do you know what you really need? Which vitamins are essential for optimal health? And which ones are a waste of money?
(CARLSBAD, CA) – If you’ve ever completed a vigorous workout, then you’ve probably experienced some muscle aches and pains. There’s nothing unusual about that. But, what about those aching joints? That swelling and stiffness that just doesn’t go away when you get out of bed in the morning? Should you halt your workouts because the aches and pains in your joints keep you from feeling up to par?
(CARLSBAD, CA) – When you think of osteoporosis, do you picture your 90-year-old grandmother hunching over her walker, or your elderly neighbor shuffling around in her frail frame? If so, then think again. Osteoporosis is not just a disease for “old people.” It’s striking young folks, especially women, and it’s time to take notice.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Having trouble getting started in the morning? Feeling like you just can’t get a good night’s sleep? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of women complain of fatigue and sleep deprivation at an increasing rate each year.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Ever wish that you could strength train your brain? Believe it or not, it’s actually possible! By exercising, eating right, and changing a few daily habits, you can power-up your intellect.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Aaaacchooo! Sneezing, coughing, sniffling, stuffy nose, body aches. It’s that time of year again. The winter season brings snowball fights, hot cocoa, and festive holidays. Unfortunately, it also brings seasonal colds and flu.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Ugh! Your clothes don’t fit properly, your waistline keeps expanding, and those endless crunches seem futile in your attempt to flatten your midsection. What could you possibly be doing wrong? Perhaps it’s time to consider that some of those extra inches around your midsection could actually be bloat, not fat.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” That’s what Abraham Lincoln once said. And according to new research from the University of Miami, it turns out that he’s right. There really is power in positive thinking!
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Trips to the beach, walks in the park, volleyball games, picnics, and barbecues. Summer has arrived! That means it’s time for outdoor fun. It also means that it’s time to brush-up on your tactics for summer skin safety.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – ZZZZZzzzzzz. How’s your sleep these days? Are you getting enough shut-eye? Or do you find yourself yawning in the morning carpool and nodding off during lunchtime meetings?
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Everywhere you look, it seems that detox diets are celebrated as the best way to drop pounds and shed unhealthy toxins. Hollywood’s A-listers are reportedly undergoing detox treatments. Spas and health food stores tout detox diets as an essential part of your weight-loss regimen. Even grocery and drug stores sell the latest detox drink, pill, or powder.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Whew! Working up a good sweat can be exhilarating. When you finish your exercise hour drenched in sweat, you feel like you’ve accomplished something. But, what does medical research have to say about sweat? What exactly is sweat? And how do you know if you’re sweating enough? Or too much?
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Having difficulty breathing? Feeling chest pains and breathlessness? You may be experiencing asthma, and you don’t even know it. By 2020, one in every five American families will be affected by asthma, according to the American Lung Association.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Whew! What a day! Your daughter forgot her clarinet, but you rushed it down to school. Your husband needs a root canal, and you scheduled it with the dentist. Your dog was due for an annual check-up, so you squeezed in a visit to the vet. Your boss requested lunch for 15 executives at the last minute, and you brought the caterers to the rescue. At the end of the day, you managed to make dinner, run a load of laundry, check the kids’ homework, and return three phone calls. You did it! Everyone’s needs were met. Or were they? Did you get a chance to take care of yourself today?
(CARLSBAD, CA) – What do you picture when you think of a heart attack? Perhaps it’s the “Hollywood Heart Attack” scenario, whereby someone clutches his chest in pain and collapses to the floor. Whatever your picture, most people tend to see the victim of the heart attack with one common factor – the victim is usually male. And this is where the problem lies.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – “Mom, can I have a cookie?” Before you answer “yes” to this question the next time it comes around, you may want to think about the long-term effects, beyond cookie crumbs on the carpet or teeth that need brushing. Kids are getting heavier every year in America, and dozens of health complications are accompanying the weight gain.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – You probably know someone who fits this description. The person is brilliant, with a mind unparalleled by others. But their success has been halted by a social ineptness, an inability to handle personal emotions and interpersonal relationships with finesse. This person may have an extremely high IQ, but a faltering EQ.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – You’ve dieted, you’ve exercised, you’ve practically set-up residence at the gym. And yet those stubborn pounds just won’t come off. If you’re doing everything right, yet your numbers on the scale keep increasing, there may be a surprising reason. Your thyroid may be the culprit!
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Aches, pains, and just plain uncomfortable feelings in your body have you stumped. You don’t know what you did, you don’t know how to feel better, and you don’t know how to keep from doing it again!
(CARLSBAD, CA) – The “M” word. Metabolism. It’s what determines the number of calories that you burn simply by being alive. Talk to your friends, search the Internet, or read through any fitness magazine, and you’ll find plenty of discussion about metabolism.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – “Ouch! My aching back!” If it’s not an expression you’ve used before, it may be one that you’ll use in the future. Back pain is prevalent among Americans, both young and old, active and inactive, male and female.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – It’s summertime! Beach vacations, outdoor barbecues, and family bike rides may be on your agenda this season. But, do you know how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful rays of the sun?There are quite a few myths about sun safety, some of them fooling even the most sun-conscious outdoor aficionados. So, take a moment to test yourself on your sun safety IQ. See if you’ve fallen prey to any of these fictional myths.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – School is back in session! The bell has rung. It’s time to sharpen the pencils, refill the notebooks, zip-up the backpack, and ... pop the Claritin?
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Tick-tock! You’ve heard it before, if not from yourself, then from the gentle prodding of your mother or your well-meaning in-laws. And whether you hear it now, or whether your biological clock is laying low for a few more years, chances are that your fertility will come to mind sooner or later.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Frank Sinatra sang the immortal words, “Fairy tales can come true. It can happen to you, if you’re young at heart.” And while the definition of “young at heart” means different things to different people, the overall message remains the same. Why just exist if you can really live?
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Hypochondriacs: they’re often the butt of jokes or the subject of gossip. You know the type, from your worrywart grandmother who insists you wear a sweater on a warm summer day to your best friend who launches a Google search for signs of respiratory failure every time she sneezes or coughs.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Your mom, your aunt, and your grandma pay attention to their bone mass and take steps to fend off osteoporosis. They know the dangers, they’ve had the appropriate tests, and they take their calcium supplements. But, what about you? Do you know the status of your bone health?
(CARLSBAD, CA) – It began decades ago in hospitals. In the 1990s, it started showing up outside hospital settings. And now, it’s suddenly making national headlines, with healthy people – even athletes – teetering between life and death, all from one superbug. In fact, in 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention produced a large-scale report on the culprit – MRSA.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Advertisers are targeting your kids. And if you think they’re just trying to convince your kid to ask for the newest PlayStation upgrade, then think again. Television and Internet advertisements are leading kids to ingest foods that are high in calories and low in nutrition, such as sweets, fast foods, and soft drinks.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there’s no time like the present to take an inventory of your breast tissue health. What are you doing to be sure that you’re not next?One step you can take to prevent breast cancer is to make adjustments in your diet.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Atkins, South Beach, Slim-Fast, Weight Watchers . . . you’ve tried them all. And nothing seems to help you shed those stubborn pounds. Your first instinct may be to log more hours on the treadmill. But, have you tried logging more ZZZzzzs? It sounds surprising, but sleep is actually an important component of any weight loss regimen.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – The house needs to be cleaned and decorated. Relatives and friends are coming from out-of-town next week. There are gifts to buy, cookies to bake, and parties to plan. With all of these tasks on your to-do list, it’s no wonder that the holidays can be the most stressful time of the year.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Bad habits. We all have them. Whether it’s nail biting, knuckle cracking, or simply leaving unwashed dishes in the sink, each of us has something that we seem to do unconsciously; a habit that just can’t be shaken. And while it may not seem imperative to stop biting your nails tomorrow, there are some bad habits that can actually cause damage to your health. Take a look at these top ten bad habits that can take a toll on your health and wellness.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – It’s that time of year again. Sniffles, coughs, runny noses, and sore throats. Almost every child and adult in the United States will suffer a common cold this winter season, and many will endure a case of the flu.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Women of all ages, listen up! One in eight women will battle breast cancer in her lifetime. It’s the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women following skin cancer.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Would your kitchen pass a food safety inspection? If your meal preparation, service, cleanup, and storage were put to the test, would your kitchen meet the mark?
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Anger. It’s not a “bad” emotion. In fact, feeling angry is a perfectly normal part of being human. But when you don’t deal with your anger in a healthy way, it can quickly become destructive.
(CARLSBAD, CA) –Just a few decades ago, a woman’s conversation with her doctor was minimal, sometimes conducted entirely via her husband. But, times have changed, right?
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Your neighbor insists that you see her acupuncturist to relieve migraine headaches. Your co-worker swears by the carpal tunnel relief she has experienced from her chiropractor. And your sister raves about her newfound freedom from depression, thanks to St. John’s Wort. But, you’re not sure if any of these alternative medical options are for you.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – “There ain’t no cure for the summertime blues,” or so it seems, when the blazing sun wreaks havoc on your outdoor adventures all summer long. The good news is that you can protect yourself against both mild and severe heat-related illnesses. Donning sunscreen is just the first step. Learning about common summertime health hazards is imperative for hot weather safety.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Do you know what to do if a friend or family member suddenly experiences numbness, blurry vision, severe headaches, loss of balance, and slurred speech? Would you recognize these symptoms as signs of a stroke? Would you rush the afflicted person to the emergency room, knowing that early detection allows a stroke’s effects to be lessened, or even reversed?
(CARLSBAD, CA) – You’ve found a suspicious mole. Is it cancerous? Is it harmless? Do you need to schedule an appointment with your doctor? Or are you losing sleep over nothing? If you’re unsure what to look for when it comes to possible skin cancer cells on your body, you’re not alone.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Trips to the beach, picnics in the park, and other adventures in the great outdoors may be on your agenda this summer. But, all of this fun in the sun can equate to dangerous rays penetrating your skin, increasing your risk for melanoma or other forms of skin cancer.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – When was the last time you read a book for pleasure? How often do you pursue a hobby or personal interest? Are you spending enough time on things you like to do? If you find yourself hopelessly searching the archives of your memory for the last time you had a moment to yourself, join the millions of Americans who are experiencing the time famine epidemic.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – You watch what you eat. You exercise regularly. You minimize stress. But, you may still have unknown risk factors for serious health maladies if you don’t know your family health history.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Between work, school, laundry, cooking, cleaning, friends, family, volunteer service…It’s easy to lose your head in today’s fast-paced world, especially if you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from headaches on a regular basis.
(CARLSBAD, CA) – Hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, short-term memory lapses, and sleep problems…these are all what women typically experience in menopause, right? Yes, but these symptoms may also be experienced long before menopause actually takes place.
(CARLSBAD, CA) - When you think about a heart attack, what enters your mind? If you envision a middle-aged man clutching his chest, you’re missing half of the picture. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among American women, and more than eight million American women are currently living with some form of cardiac condition. In fact, the American Academy of Family Physicians reports that more women over age 65 die of heart disease than from all cancers combined.