Running While Pregnant

In a previous blog I marveled at a spirited mom who was featured in a recent issue of Runner’s World magazine. She ran a marathon while she was eight months pregnant and is now preparing to run another with the son she carried in utero. Having struggled to complete the various marathons I’ve run (while not pregnant) I can’t imagine the mindset this mom possesses. It’s simply amazing to me. While sharing my thoughts about the fearless mom with a fellow running friend of mine I was reminded that super runner Paula Radcliffe also trained for the New York City … Continue reading

Exercise More Forget Less

A new study says adding even a few minutes of exercise to your daily routine can help improve your memory and brain function by a measurable amount. We all know exercise can help us lose weight, relieve stress and boost energy, but this particular study set out to prove that engaging in moderate exercise (“moderate” being the operative word here, and I will explain why in just a bit) may also be used as a weapon in the fight against diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. The study included more than 1,700 adult participants aged 65 and older who didn’t … Continue reading

Home Blog Month in Review: August

Did you have a good month? We seem to have packed an entire summer’s worth of activities in this past month. Now, it seems, it is back to school and time to get ready for autumn. Still, it is nice to look back toward warm sands and wearing shorts even as we will soon be crunching leaves and taking out the sweaters. August 1st Getting Out Grass Stains With summer in full swing, chances are that your family has been playing outdoors quite a bit. And with all of that outdoor play comes the grass stains, especially if you are … Continue reading

Getting Motivated to Move

After a long day at the office or at home running after kids and running a household how many of us really want to lace up our running shoes and hit the pavement? I would venture to guess that most people would prefer to prop up their feet on the couch than slip their tootsies into workout shoes. That’s where self-motivation comes in. People are motivated by different things. If you are trying to lose weight so you can fit into your wedding dress you might not mind going for a run after work. Or, maybe you are determined to … Continue reading

Getting Fit Before the First Flake Falls

So many people wait until New Year’s Eve to make a resolution to get into better shape. While it makes sense that you would want to start the new calendar year will a new goal I never understood why anyone would want to start working out in the dead of winter when the weather is at its worst. Personally, I think fall is a much better time of year to begin a fitness routine. Not only is the weather spectacular (warm, sunny days followed by cool evenings and gorgeous fall colors), but also by starting to workout now you will … Continue reading

How to Get Your Kids in Shape

In a previous blog I detailed Olympic gold medallist Michael Phelps’ efforts to motivate kids to get moving. As part of his new mission to get kids interested in physical activity the swimming super star is making trips to community pools around the nation to highlight the value of fitness. Of course, the 23-year-old swimming phenom won’t be visiting every public pool in the United States so if you want to get your children off the couch and outside to burn off calories then you’re going to have to do some of the work yourself. This might be especially challenging … Continue reading

Another Reason to Get Running

When I decided to run my first marathon almost a decade ago I didn’t do it because I wanted to get in shape, lower my blood pressure or reduce my risk of a heart attack. I decided to run 26.2 miles because a guy I dated in college doubted that I could do it. So, I proved him wrong and lost a few pounds in the process. It’s not exactly the most inspiring story out there, but it just goes to show that there are a variety of factors that motivate people to run. If you don’t have anyone in … Continue reading

Is Your Child Getting Enough Exercise?

According to a recent study, the percentage of overweight children in the United States has doubled in the last 30 years. And while many factors have contributed to this epidemic, most health experts agree that kids are simply not moving as much as their parents did when they were young. The bottom line: We are a nation of sedentary individuals and our children are the youngest victims. In a recent report the American Academy of Pediatrics noted that the average child watches roughly 3 hours of television a day. What’s more, those same kids spend an additional 2.5 hours sitting … Continue reading

Baby Blog Week in Review July 6 to July 15

Friday, July 6 Ask a Baby Blogger: Early Exposure to Allergens I answer the question whether or not you should avoid highly allergenic foods while pregnant or breastfeeding. Sunday, July 8 No More Pricks for Jaundiced Babies If you have had a baby who had jaundice more than a couple of years ago, it is likely that the poor little dear had to suffer through heel prick after heel prick in order to measure their level of bilirubin. Now, hospitals across the country are starting to get a machine that will make immediate diagnosis much easier. Hooray for the Transcutaneous … Continue reading

Another Five Ways To Save Money On Rising Gas Prices

Gas prices are almost painful to look at. Once again, we find ourselves paying unbelievable prices, and it is definitely impacting our very frugal budget. Gas is a necessity if you own a car, so it is not like you can just substitute with something else. There are a few ways you can help decrease your overall spending on gas, and some tips to ensure that your gas lasts a bit longer. #1 – If you normally eat out for lunch, at work, bring your lunch instead. No reason for leaving the building and wasting gas on a short trip. … Continue reading