Linda Quirk, a 56-year-old marathon runner who recently completed a marathon on each of the seven continents in 11 months, understands the importance of running younger for longer. Linda ran around the globe to raise $1 million and awareness for Caron Treatment Centers — a network of addiction treatment and recovery facilities . To help her complete her mission of raising funds and with the support of BP and BP gasoline with Invigorate – an additive which helps cars run younger for longer, Quirk is now training to attempt to become the first woman to complete the “4 Deserts” in under a year – a series of four, seven day and 155-mile footraces across some of the most daunting deserts on Earth.

“For me, running these extreme missions helps me stay younger for longer,” says Quirk. “Running fuels my life and keeps me feeling my best. For others, it may be swimming, yoga or walking. Whatever the case, you have to find time to do the exercises and activities that you’re passionate about.”

To keep your body running younger for longer, Quirk recommends these tips:

Partner up: Find a friend to be your training buddy or sign up for fitness classes to help meet your fitness goals and keep you on track. It’s easier to stick to your fitness schedule if you have someone to join the experience and helps you stay accountable if you miss a class.

Fuel up with the right nutrients: Simply because your cardio workouts are increasing your body’s metabolism, that doesn’t mean you can eat whatever you want. Eating a balanced diet of carbohydrates, protein, good fats and fiber is always going to be the best way to fuel your body – no matter how hard you are working out.

This same principle should be applied to your car. In fact, filling up with a high-quality fuel like BP gasoline with Invigorate can help cars run younger for longer. BP gasoline with Invigorate is a unique formula that helps clean and protect vital engine parts to help restore fuel economy lost to a dirty engine, so your car could get a few more miles per tank.

Embrace your age: As your body ages, it’s important to pay attention to how it responds during any new physical activities. The older your body gets, the more you need to ease it into any new fitness regimens. This will help you reduce the risk of over-training. Be sure to incorporate the use of gentler exercises – when necessary – like swimming or the elliptical machine.

Post-workout care: After completing a workout routine, remember to keep moving to allow the blood in the body’s muscles to circulate back to the heart. If your leg muscles experience soreness after a lower body workout, take an ice bath to instantly reduce any inflammation in the legs. Finally, be proud of your achievement.

To keep track of Linda’s “4 Deserts” mission and to learn more about BP gasoline with Invigorate, visit www.bpinvigorate.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Clean indoor air will help your family breathe easy in a healthier home.

(ARA) – It’s one thing to live in a well-kept home, but is it also a healthy place to live? While your home may look sparkling clean to the eye, there are a number of invisible factors that can seriously affect the health of your entire family, and even contribute to a heart attack or stroke. Chief among them is the quality of the air your family breathes while indoors.

Up to 72 trillion microscopic irritants, or allergens, find their way into your home every day. They include dust, pollen, pet hair and dander, dust mites, mildew, lint, fungus, tobacco smoke, cooking grease and bacteria. Many of these particles are so small that your nose and throat can’t filter them out and they can get deep into your lungs.

The Environmental Protection Agency, American Lung Association and American Heart Association all agree that exposure to airborne particles impairs breathing and increases the risk of asthma attack, stroke, heart attack and other serious illnesses. These fine particles enter your home through doors, windows or small openings in frames, walls and roofs. They stem from various sources outside including fossil fuel burning in vehicles and manufacturing plants, and from activities inside such as smoking or cooking.

No matter how hard you scrub and dust, your family can still breathe in tiny little particles that can aggravate allergies and asthma, and even affect the heart. However, it is possible to have a cleaner, healthier and comfier home. American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning has compiled a list of simple steps to help your family breathe easier.

1. Clean your home’s air.
Start with the basics by installing an effective and proven whole-home air cleaner. For example, studies show that the American Standard AccuClean(TM) whole-home air filtration system may help prevent an asthma attack, heart attack or stroke. With the highest clean air delivery rate in the industry, its patented air cleaning technology eliminates allergens and particles you don’t want in your home, such as dust, pollen, bacteria, pet dander, mold spores, smoke and the common flu virus.

2. Control humidity.
Keep a relative humidity of 30 to 50 percent for optimal comfort and to control irritants like mildew. Controlling your household humidity can also kill dust mites, one of the most common allergens. Having a humidifier or variable-speed fan technology as part of your HVAC system can help you take control of your humidity.

3. Repair damages.
Have your HVAC system components, including furnaces, flues and chimneys, inspected before each heating and cooling season to repair any damages, holes or cracks. In addition to repairing your equipment, a certified HVAC dealer can inspect and clean your system’s parts and pieces, ensuring they perform at optimal efficiency. It’s not just your HVAC system — it is equally important to maintain the other components of your home that impact indoor air quality including the roof, foundation and insulation.

By taking these simple steps you can ensure that you and your family won’t be breathing indoor air full of contaminants and, ultimately, you’ll all breathe easier. For more information on how to breathe easier at home or to locate an American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning dealer near you, visit www.americanstandardair.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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DHA is an important nutrient in promoting good health; nerve cells in the brain and eyes need it to function normally. DHA is particularly important during the first two years of life and early childhood. Between birth and 5 years of age, the human brain increases approximately 3.5 times in mass. It is important that children consume adequate amounts of DHA in their diet to support this period of rapid brain and eye growth and development.

When it comes to DHA, a good diet is crucial. You must get DHA through foods since your body cannot make enough of it on its own. To understand this healthy fat better, nutrition and wellness expert, Monica Bearden, answers some common questions.

Why do we need DHA?

DHA is important to both adults and children for healthy nerve cells in the brain and eyes. In adults, DHA can protect against the development of a number of chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In infants and children, DHA is essential for visual and cognitive development.

How much DHA do we need?

Adults should get a minimum of between 160 to 300 mg of DHA each day, according to the Dietary Reference Intakes and clinical studies. But American adults typically fall short, getting less than 50 percent of the recommended DHA intake each day. And while in the U.S. there are no formal guidelines established for DHA in children, some estimate that children should get at least 100 mg. Children also fall short and on average only get 40 to 50 mg per day.

Why are we not getting enough?

While the number of fortified foods available with DHA is increasing, it is sparse in our food supply. Children are especially at risk of a shortfall because when they are weaned from DHA-rich breast milk or infant formula, the foods and beverages that replace breast milk and formula are low in DHA, if they contain any at all. The main dietary source of DHA, fish, is not a staple of most kids’ diets, and concerns about contaminants, as well as the rise in food allergies, have reduced children’s fish intake even more.

Why should parents be concerned?

More than likely their child is not getting enough. Aside from needing DHA for normal brain and visual development, there is data to suggest that DHA deficiency is linked to learning difficulties and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. Making sure their child has adequate DHA intake from before birth on into childhood is one small thing parents can do to help their child’s growth and development.

What are good sources of DHA?

Good sources of DHA are cold-water fatty fish like canned salmon, canned tuna, wild Alaska sockeye or Alaska pink salmon. If you’re not a fish lover, there are many foods on grocery store shelves that are fortified with a vegetarian form of DHA made from algae called life’sDHA. For example, you can now find yogurt, milk, juices, breads, soymilk and nutrition bars with this vegetarian DHA. Make sure to look for “DHA” on the labels of your food choices to make sure you are getting the right kind of omega-3. In addition, certain eggs now contain higher levels of DHA. Interestingly, the chickens are fed a specially fortified DHA diet, which results in DHA-rich eggs. You can also take and give your children DHA supplements, but talk with your family doctor before taking any supplements or giving them to your children.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Enjoy a fresher morning routine

(NC)—How do you go from 0 to 60 in the morning? Dove (www.dove.ca) shares the secrets of early birds and night owls for an energized morning.

Many sleep experts recommend a combination of two strategies for maximum sleep enjoyment. First, go to bed when you’re tired and your body tells you to. Second, wake up at the same time every morning. When the alarm clock goes off, turn it off, stretch and get up. Don’t let your head start a conversation about sleeping in – get up and get moving.

If you’re waking up groggy, consider purchasing these sleep-conducive items: An allergy-free mattress cover, heavy curtains or an eye mask to block out light, herbal teas and bubble bath to relax you before bed. Sounder sleep means less morning drowsiness.

If you need a cup of java first thing to shift you into high gear, program your automatic coffee maker to start brewing 10 minutes before your alarm clock. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee can help lure your out of that comfy nest.

Even if you never make it out to a yoga class, you can benefit from the energy released while stretching at home. Stretch your arms, wrists, toes, feet, ankles and legs for 15 minutes and the flow of blood and the extra shot of oxygen will get your joints jumping.

Whether you prefer rock, jazz, classical or hip-hop, music can make the difference between a lacklustre start to your day and a spirited one. Consider books-on-tape or motivational speaker CDs and enjoy the added benefit of a good story or encouraging word before you start your day.

Ask more from your anti-perspirant, body wash, beauty bar and shampoo. When you’re moisturizing, bathing and even applying deodorant choose products that are energizing or refresh the spirit. Experiment with mint, citrus, lemongrass and rosemary.

-News Canada

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Healthy Hearts Need More Than a Great Romance

(ARA) – February traditionally means Valentine’s Day, and a time to celebrate that special someone. But love isn’t the only thing that can make a heart happy. Consider the physical state of your heart this February, which is also American Heart Month.

With heart disease being the leading cause of death among Americans (men and women), we could all use a little more TLC for our hearts. Heart-related illnesses are widespread, but the good news is, unlike certain diseases, your lifestyle choices can have a positive effect on your overall heart health.

“Ensuring heart health is about lifestyle change,” says Ellie Krieger, registered dietitian and Food Network Host. “By altering certain factors in your life, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. For starters, consider your diet. Evaluate what you are eating and make some simple changes to protect yourself for years to come.”

True, there are factors that you don’t have control over when it comes to heart-health, including age, gender and family history. However, by monitoring controllable risk factors such as diet and exercise, you can take the necessary steps to limit your threat and improve your overall well-being.

Food for Thought
Some foods are more heart-healthy than others because they have crucial nutrients that improve blood pressure, cholesterol and overall heart function. With just a little bit of knowledge, you can easily incorporate these into your diet for optimal heart wellness.

* Foods with Omega-3 fatty acids are excellent for heart health. Omega-3s help lower blood fats called triglycerides, which are harmful to your heart. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in a variety of foods including salmon, tuna, walnuts, soybeans, brussel sprouts, and flax seeds. There are numerous ways to easily add these to your diet. For example, keep Del Monte StarKist Tuna Pouches in your desk drawer and add it to salads for a healthy lunch. Try sprinkling walnuts and/or flax seeds into low-fat yogurt; snack on edamame for a healthy movie snack instead of buttered popcorn.

* Increase vegetable, fruit and lean protein intake. Fruits and veggies are not only low in fat and calories, but they are also a great source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. A diet high in soluble fiber can decrease cholesterol and blood pressure. An easy way to eat more fruits and veggies is by participating in the Just One More for Healthy Living pledge.

The program encourages families to take simple steps each day to yield significant results towards a healthy lifestyle. Simply pledge online at www.EatJustOneMore.com to add just one more serving of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes daily, one more serving weekly of lean protein, such as tuna, and 30 more minutes of daily activity.

* Choose whole grains over breads, rice, and pasta made with refined white flour. Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber and nutrients which help control blood pressure.

* Keep your pantry stocked with different varieties of canned tomatoes. Tomatoes contain lycopene – a leading ingredient in fighting cardiovascular disease. Studies show that canned tomato products may be even better than their fresh counterparts. Antioxidant properties of lycopene are quite resistant to heat and cooking and bioavailability of lycopene in processed tomato products is higher than in unprocessed fresh tomatoes.

Pump it Up
Exercise is a crucial element to your heart-health plan. Not only will it boost your energy level, but physical activity also improves heart function. According to most experts, 30 minutes a day is all you need to improve heart function, reduce cholesterol and reduce blood pressure.

You can add 30 minutes of physical activity daily – and, this doesn’t have to be all at once. “Research supports that any additional activity will help,” says Laura Molseed, Del Monte registered dietitian. “Ten minutes here and 10 minutes there may be just as effective as a 30-minute jog.”

Butt Out
Don’t smoke – it’s as simple as that. Smoking drastically increases your risk for heart disease. There are a tremendous amount of resources available to help you quit; some states are even offering free patches and lozenges. Talk to your doctor about finding a treatment option that works for you, and do whatever it takes to put that cigarette out for good.

Weighing Your Options
Maintaining a healthy weight is critical to the regulation of cholesterol and blood pressure, which are factors in heart-related disease. Extra weight on the body results in extra strain on the heart. Portion control is key in managing weight, so think about what you are putting on your plate. Try to halve portions when going out to restaurants and share dessert. Portion your snack out onto a plate rather than eating out of the package, and drink water before and during the meal to help feel satiated. The best way to watch your waistline is to watch what you eat!

For more information on how to love your heart and take the pledge, visit www.EatJustOneMore.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Q: My New Year’s resolution is to lose weight so I look and feel healthier. What is the best way to lose weight and keep it off permanently?

A: In my practice I often see clients who want a quick fix for permanent weight loss. However, in order to safely lose weight and keep it off, I can’t stress enough how important it is to make changes to your eating habits and lifestyle that you can maintain over the long-term.

I recommend a safe and steady rate of weight loss of approximately one-half to two pounds per week. Any more than that and you are likely just shedding body water, in addition to losing muscle mass, as well as putting yourself at risk for deficiency of several important nutrients.

Here are some tips I recommend to help you lose weight – and keep it off for good:

. Eat four to six “mini-meals” throughout the day, rather than two or three larger meals. Eating every three to four hours keeps your metabolism going and helps give you greater control around food by keeping hunger pangs away.

. Watch your portion sizes. When dining out, order small or appetizer size dishes when possible. You can also share an entrée with a friend or ask for half to be packed up to take away with you.

. Take a daily multivitamin such as Jamieson Super Vita-Vim to help supplement any nutritional gaps in your diet

. Incorporate 20-30 minutes of physical activity into your daily routine. Exercise will help you burn calories and gain muscle to keep you stronger, leaner and feeling good about yourself.

. Keep a food diary. Recording everything (yes, everything) you eat can give you a more honest look at where all of your calories are really coming from.

. Safe and easy to use nutritional supplements such as Slim Down One can also support weight loss by helping to curb your appetite and burn body fat.

More information is available online at www.jamiesonvitamins.com or toll-free 1-800-265-5088.Credit: www.newscanada.com

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(NC)-The Ingredient List and the Nutrition Facts table on a food package have key information to help you make healthy food choices when you’re in the grocery store. They can tell you what ingredients are used most and what nutrients the product provides.

“Now that all food packages use a standard way to list all the information about a product, it’s easier to make informed decisions,” explains Katie Jessop, registered dietitian with the Heart and Stroke Foundation. “The product label can help you compare products and decide which one might be the healthier choice for you and your family.”

. The ingredient list starts with the ingredient used most in the product.

. The Nutrition Facts table (see example) tells you how many calories and nutrients there are based on the product’s serving size.

. When you compare products, make sure the serving sizes are similar.

. If you eat 2 times the serving size, you will get double the listed calories and nutrients.

. Look for higher (25% or more) % Daily Value for nutrients such as fibre, Vitamin A and C, Calcium or Iron.

. Look for a lower (10% or less) % Daily Value for fat, saturated and trans fat, cholesterol and sodium.

. Limit the amount of saturated and trans fat you consume.

. Choose foods with 2 grams or more of fibre per serving. Diets high in fibre can lower your risk of heart disease.

. Look for the Health Check symbol on food products. This means that these products have been reviewed by the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s dietitians. More information on making healthy food choices is available online at www.healthcheck.org.

Credit: www.newscanada.com

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Every year around this time, people start to give serious thought to the resolutions they will make to improve their lives in the New Year. Among the more popular ones are: to save more money, to eat healthier and to exercise more.

For the over 5 million Americans diagnosed with heart failure, a progressive condition in which the heart’s muscle becomes weakened after it is injured from something like a heart attack or high blood pressure, the latter two couldn’t be more important. If you are already 70 or older, you have a 10 percent or greater chance of developing heart failure and a lifetime risk for eventually having heart failure that may be as high as 1 in 5 individuals so this information is important for everyone to know.

One of the most important moves you can make in the coming year is to develop a treatment plan that is right for you, according to Clyde Yancy, MD, chair of the education committee for the Heart Failure Society of America, a non-profit organization of health care professionals and researchers who are dedicated to enhancing quality and duration of life for patients with heart failure and preventing the condition in those at risk. “In the past, people with heart failure were advised to rest and give up many of their usual activities, but recent research has shown that activity can help them feel better, may decrease symptoms and may improve the heart’s function,” Dr. Yancy says.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with heart failure, or are just trying to prevent yourself from falling victim to this major cardiovascular disorder that is on the rise, here are some tips on how to take charge of your condition:

* Become More Active

Start by picking a simple aerobic activity that you like, such as gardening, walking, fishing, swimming or biking, and do it regularly. The goal for most people with heart disease or at-risk for heart disease is to accumulate at least 30 minutes of mild to moderate activity per day on most days of the week. Note that you do not have to be active for 30 minutes in a row to benefit. For example, you can be active for three 10-minute blocks.

Whatever activity you choose, do it slowly and gradually. Spend a few minutes warming up and cooling down before and after each activity session to avoid injuring yourself and stressing your heart. Warming up by walking or stretching helps your body and your heart adjust to the increased demands of activity, and stretches tendons and muscles to avoid cramping. Cooling down allows your heart rate, blood pressure and other body functions to return to their usual resting levels and brings down your adrenaline level gradually.

Although regular activity is good for you, you should not exercise or increase your activities when you feel exhausted, have a fever or infection, have chest pain or are experiencing more shortness of breath symptoms at rest than usual. Be certain that you select activities that are not too strenuous or risky. Remember, moderation is the key. Above all, do not start a new exercise program or engage in a new activity without reviewing this with your physician.

* Change Your Diet

In addition to staying active, it’s also important for patients with heart failure to change their diets. The most critical change they’ll be advised to make it to cut back on sodium (salt) intake and here’s why. Heart failure causes the body to hold on to extra sodium, which in turn causes extra fluid to build up in your body. The extra fluid makes your heart work harder.

Cutting back on sodium is admittedly a challenge because salt is everywhere — in canned soups, canned vegetables, fast food, restaurant meals and processed foods like frozen dinners, boxed noodle and rice dishes. So, even if you do not add salt while cooking or use a salt shaker at the table, you may be eating too much.

What can you do to cut back on the sodium (salt)? Here are four tips from the Heart Failure Society of America:

1. Instead of salt, flavor your food with black, cayenne and lemon pepper; fresh herbs like garlic, onion powder, dill, parsley and rosemary; lemon juice; and flavored extracts like vanilla, almond, etc.

2. Adapt preferred foods to low-sodium versions. Instead of buying lunch meats, which typically contain high amounts of sodium, you can cook fresh chicken, turkey, roast beef or pork without adding salt and then cut it up for sandwiches the next day.

3. If you like soup, instead of buying the canned version which is high in sodium and preservatives, you can cut up fresh vegetables, put them in a slow cooker and use herbs and spices for seasoning.

4. Pick foods naturally low in sodium, like fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh meat, poultry and fish.

It can be difficult to change your eating habits. It may take weeks before you enjoy the taste of low-sodium foods, but your taste buds will adjust. Eventually you may not even miss the salt. Your heart will thank you for the lifestyle change.

To learn more about heart failure and how to manage your condition, log on to the Heart Failure Society of America’s Web site: www.abouthf.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Bike riding is a favorite summer activity for young and old alike. From a quick trip down the block to a family outing at the park, a ride on a bike burns calories, helps heart health and, most importantly, is tons of fun!

According to bicyclinginfo.org, research shows the health benefits of bike riding are far-reaching: reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and other chronic diseases; lower health care costs; and improved quality of life for people of all ages.

“At least 30 percent of children don’t get the daily exercise they need, so it’s important to get outside and active with your children whenever possible,” says Dr. Laura Laskonis, pediatrician affiliated with Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. “Bike riding, which burns 300 to 400 calories per hour, is an excellent way to have fun and be active outdoors in the summer.”

Jennie-O Turkey Store offers simple tips to ensure families have fun, eat healthy and stay safe the next time they hit the trail.

Bicycle Safely
While a family bike outing is a great way to get active and have fun, it’s important not to forget safety. In fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, kids ages 5 to 14 get hurt more often than bikers of any other age. Follow these tips to stay safe:

* Wear helmets: All riders, even moms and dads, should wear properly fitting helmets that sit evenly between their ears and low on their forehead.
* Dress for safety: Dress in reflective, brightly-colored clothing so drivers can easily spot riders.

Fuel the Ride
It’s important to eat a balanced meal prior to exercising to keep energy up throughout the ride. Try these tips to keep riders rolling:

* Pack a picnic: Take along a protein-filled picnic, like a turkey wrap made with fresh veggies and Jennie-O Turkey Store Turkey Breast, to fuel your ride home.
* Hydrate: Remember biking is exercise so drink plenty of water before, during and after your ride. Try freezing a water bottle the night before so it will stay cool during a hot day.

Sharpen your Skills
As they say, practice does make perfect. Attempt these fun tricks as an exercise before an outing:

* Set a course: To help riders master turning and breaking, arrange an obstacle course in your driveway with obstructions likes cones or boxes.
* Bike with balance: Start new riders off on a bike with training wheels to help them get a handle on balancing and pedaling.

To encourage more families to get biking, Jennie-O Turkey Store is giving away 40 Schwinn bicycles through an instant-win sweepstakes on www.jotspedalpower.com from June 1 through August 31, 2007. In September, Jennie-O Turkey Store will draw one lucky grand prize winner who will receive a family bike package including four bikes, a bike carrier and trailer, helmets and other safety gear.

For creative, protein-rich recipes, tricks to improve biking skills and additional bike safety tips, look for free Pedal Power! pamphlets at local grocery store deli counters or visit www.jotspedalpower.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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