HEALTH: What exactly does fiber do?
Posted: November 8, 2012 at 11:47 pm
Special to CNNEditors note: Dr. Melina Jampolis, CNNs diet and fitness expert, is a physician nutrition specialist and the author of The Calendar Diet: A Month by Month Guide to Losing Weight While Living Your Life.
Fiber is a plant-derived carbohydrate that cannot be digested by humans, so it passes through your system relatively intact and has little to no caloric value.
There are two types of fiber: Soluble (dissolves in water) and insoluble (does not dissolve in water). Both play an important role in optimal health and occur naturally often together in foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and beans.
Fiber acts as a natural laxative by increasing stool bulk, which allows stool to pass more readily through the colon. It can also help those with loose stools and may play a role in the management of irritable bowel syndrome. Many types of soluble fiber also act as prebiotics, feeding healthy bacteria in your gut, thereby further contributing to colon health.
Fiber, especially soluble fiber, also improves blood sugar control by slowing down the rate that food empties from your stomach, thereby delaying the rise in blood sugar after meals and preventing excess or exaggerated insulin release. Delayed stomach emptying may also help with weight loss by improving hunger control.
In addition, fiber adds bulk to your diet without adding calories and helps to reduce the calorie density of your diet, one of the most important strategies for long-term weight loss. Soluble fiber can help lower cholesterol, and a high-fiber diet may help reduce blood pressure, inflammation and reduce your risk of heart failure (especially fiber from whole grains).
Studies show that those with the highest intake of fiber have a significantly lower risk of dying of any cause. A recently published study by the National Cancer Institute that included almost 400,000 participants found that for every 10-gram increase in fiber intake, risk of death dropped 12% in men and 15% in women.
Women should consume about 25 grams of fiber per day and men should consume 38 grams. The majority of Americans get less than half the daily recommended amount of fiber.
Naturally occurring fiber is generally your best bet. Many products, including cookies, crackers, drinks, sugary cereals and even ice cream, are now adding fiber to appear more healthy. In most cases, these added fibers do not have the same health benefits as naturally occurring fiber.
Aim for a variety of sources of naturally fiber-rich foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and beans to ensure that you get all the health benefits along with a host of other health-promoting vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
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HEALTH: What exactly does fiber do?
How's your mental fitness?
Posted: at 11:47 pm
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), in Proud Partnership with the AIR MILES Reward Program and Healthy Minds Canada (HMC), Launches New Highly-Interactive Website Designed to Help Canadians Improve Their Mental Fitness
TORONTO, Nov. 8, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in proud partnership with the AIR MILES Reward Program and Healthy Minds Canada (HMC), launched a new website called, 'My New Head' (www.mynewhead.com), which focuses on helping Canadians of all ages improve their mental fitness. But, the benefits don't end there, as a bonus for signing up, participants will receive 20 AIR MILES reward miles.
"There can be 'no health without mental health' and there is no greater investment than the investment one can make in sustaining and building mental health throughout one's life," says Peter Coleridge, National CEO, CMHA. "We are truly excited to launch this new and innovative mental health website designed to help Canadians learn about and improve their mental fitness. We encourage all Canadians to visit the website, work their way through the various tasks and challenges, and earn 20 AIR MILES reward miles while doing so."
"Healthy Minds Canada (HMC) is thrilled to support the CMHA and the AIR MILES Reward Program to bring 'My New Head' to households across Canada," says Jean Milligan, Executive Director, Healthy Minds Canada. "Along with these two national leaders, united by a common goal, we will be able to reach out and help improve the mental fitness of millions of Canadians through this innovative and engaging new website."
"HMC believes that 'health begins with the mind' and, for over 30 years, has been dedicated to finding the best ways to improve the mental and overall health of Canadians," continues Milligan. "'My New Head' is an exciting new approach that will help reach more people than ever before."
About 'My New Head' 'My New Head' will give users free online access to a non-diagnostic tool and practical, highly interactive and fun content that has been specifically designed to help users of all ages learn about and improve their mental fitness. Those wishing to participate are asked to sign-up and answer a few brief survey questions that are centered on four key subject areas: Mind, Body, Self and Life. Based on one's individual answers, customized content is generated that participants can complete at their own pace including: reading, watching and listening to various mental health focused pieces. Participants are then asked to make their way through various fun self-monitoring challenges. Additionally, and as a reward for successfully completing and working through the initial challenges, participants will have an opportunity to unlock bonus content and challenges.
"For the past two years AIR MILES for Social Change has been driving social change across Canada by inspiring and rewarding healthy behavior shifts on a mass scale. Earlier this year a successful pilot with the CMHA showed us that our Collectors want to learn how to better manage their mental fitness. Now we are growing our partnership further with CMHA, this time reaching out to a national audience to encourage and reward all Canadians for taking steps to proactively manage their mental health" said Angela Simo Brown, General Manager, AIR MILES for Social Change.
"Through a partnership with the AIR MILES Reward Program and the support of Healthy Minds Canada, CMHA is able to promote 'mental health for all' and reach out to Canadians in a unique and unprecedented way," says Coleridge.
Canadians can participate and register at: http://www.mynewhead.com. Registered participants will be asked to answer a few short survey questions to help serve up the interactive mental fitness content most applicable to their desires. Also, between Nov. 8 and Dec. 31, 2012 the first 62,500 AIR MILES Collectors who participate will receive 20 AIR MILES reward miles.
About Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is one of Canada's oldest not-for-profit organizations. With more than 10,000 staff and volunteers in hundreds of communities across Canada, CMHA provides vital services and support to well over half a million Canadians every year. As the nation-wide leader and champion for mental health, CMHA facilitates access to the resources people require to maintain and improve mental health and community integration, build resilience and support recovery from mental illness. Learn more at: http://www.cmha.ca.
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How's your mental fitness?
Health & Fitness File, Nov. 7
Posted: at 11:46 pm
Kenosha Visiting Nurse Association
FLU SHOTS: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Kenosha Visiting Nurse Association, third floor, 600 52nd St., Kenosha. The fee is $32 and payable by cash, check or charge. Medicare Part B, WEA and Select Humana Plans accepted. For more information, call (262) 656-8400.
Health Care Network Inc.
FREE FLU SHOTS FOR UNINSURED: Health Care Network Inc., 904 State St., will identify uninsured Racine County residents and provide them with a free flu shot voucher which will be good until April 15. These vouchers will be redeemable at any Walgreens location that offers flu shots. For more information, call Health Care Network Inc. at (262) 632-2400.
Aurora Medical Center
LIVING WELL WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS: This interactive six-week course is designed to improve the self-management skills of people living with chronic health issues. Discussions include managing pain and symptoms, reducing depression and frustration, and new strategies needed to manage the challenges of living with a chronic health condition. 1-3:30 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 12-Dec. 17, Aurora Medical Center, 10400 75th St., Kenosha. Free. Register online at http://www.aurorahealthcare.org/events or call (800) 499-5736.
BloodCenter of Wisconsin
BLOOD DRIVES: Donors must be in good health and age 17 or older (age 16 with parental consent) and have a photo ID that includes birth date. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (877) 232-4376, go to http://www.bcw.edu or see the contact information for each drive. Locations are:
Nov. 12, 2-6 p.m., Lynch Chevrolet GM Superstore, 2300 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington. Call Mary Lynch at (262) 757-2474 or visit http://www.bcw.edu/Lynch.
Nov. 14, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Catholic Central High School, Topper Hall, 148 McHenry St., Burlington. Send an email to: hmeier@cchsnet.org.
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Health & Fitness File, Nov. 7
Senior health, fitness fair set Tuesday in Rancho Bernardo
Posted: at 11:46 pm
By Elizabeth Marie Himchak
Seniors throughout the area can learn about health and safety topics as well as recreational opportunities during a free fair in Rancho Bernardo.
The Ed Brown Senior Centers fall health and fitness fair will be 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13 at the center, 18402 W. Bernardo Drive in Rancho Bernardo Community Park.
Those who attended a similar fair in the spring will find some new things at the fall fair, said Marla Cruz, an EBSC board member.
Among new activities will be two free hour-long exercise classes that anyone not just Brown center members can try that day. At 9:30 a.m. adult fitness will be offered and at 11:15 a.m. there will be Zumba Gold. Entertainment between the two classes will be provided by the centers recently added ukulele class.
At 2 p.m. the award-winning documentary The Age of Champions will be shown. It features competitors in the National Senior Olympics.
According to the films website, those featured discover the power of the human spirit and triumph over the limitations of age.
Among other offerings will be free health screenings, presentations and demonstrations such as learning how to accident-proof a home and environment and a complimentary light lunch provided by Jimbos. Throughout the day door prizes will be offered and winners need not be present.
Attendees who are not members can receive a free one-day class pass so they can try other classes the center offers.
Cruz said businesses that offer something seniors would be interested in may reserve a booth at the fair by becoming a business associate by Friday, Nov. 9. The yearly rate for this type of membership is $150, which includes having a booth at the spring and fall health fairs, option to put fliers and business cards in the centers lobby, a listing in the monthly newsletter, a one-time newsletter write-up and discounted room rentals at the center. For details, call 858-487-9324.
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Senior health, fitness fair set Tuesday in Rancho Bernardo
Health/fitness apps: iHome Zen, Alcotest, Runtastic PushUps PRO
Posted: at 11:46 pm
Some of the most popular apps around the globe this week include an app that helps you achieve a zen-like state with ambient tunes, one that trains you to perform 100 consecutive pushups, and another that tests your blood alcohol content.
Here are details on a selection of top ten iTunes paid and free health and fitness apps by country/region for the week, recorded on November 7.
US: iHome Zen This popular app provides ambient sounds to unwind, relax, or fall asleep. Comes complete with a sleep timer and is compatible with AirPlay-enabled devices. $.99 https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ihome-zen/id557197914?mt=8
Germany: Adrian James 6 Pack Abs This top British app is now a hit in Germany. Features British fitness model Adrian James, who shares more than 30 abdominal exercises of varying levels, along with videos and audio commentary. .89. http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/adrian-james-6-pack-abs-workout/id493912733?mt=8
France: Sushi Cook This app helps users become at-home sushi chefs with 31 recipes and videos. Includes spring rolls and desserts. Available in French and English, and soon German. .89. https://itunes.apple.com/fr/app/sushi-cook/id494648789?mt=8
Chile: Alcotest Get an approximation on your blood alcohol concentration with this nifty app that relies on your body weight and the alcohol content in your beverage of choice. Also lets you know how long you'll need to wait to get behind a wheel. $.99. https://itunes.apple.com/cl/app/alcotest-chile/id516596517?mt=8
Singapore: Runtastic PushUps PRO The new series of Runtastic apps for situps and squats is a global hit, as is Runtastic PushUps Pro, which aims to get you pumping out 100 press-ups. $.99. https://itunes.apple.com/sg/app/runtastic-pushups-pro/id570180361?mt=8
Saudi Arabia: SkinVision This free app helps you track moles, determine your UV exposure and skin type, and monitor changes over time. https://itunes.apple.com/sa/app/skinvision/id545293136?mt=8
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Health/fitness apps: iHome Zen, Alcotest, Runtastic PushUps PRO
Alpine Health & Fitness Finalists in Fitness Industry Awards
Posted: at 11:46 pm
8 November 2012
Alpine Health & Fitness Finalists in the NZ Fitness Industry Awards
Alpine Health & Fitness have recently received notification of their being a finalist in the New Zealand Fitness Industry Awards. The Queenstown health and fitness centre is entered in the Medium Sized Club of The Year category.
The Fitness Industry Awards have been running since 2005, and are designed to recognise those making a contribution to the health and wellness of New Zealanders through exercise and fitness.
Alpine Health & Fitness Manager, Richie Heap, said is extremely gratifying to receive industry recognition for the work his team at Alpine Health & Fitness are doing, particularly having only been in operation for three years.
We are first and foremost a community gym and these awards are not all about the gloss and glamour but about acknowledging facilities that are making a significant contribution to helping people in New Zealand improve their fitness and wellbeing. We all work really hard to help people reach their goals and that includes encouraging people in our community that would not traditionally be gym users to get into one of our programmes.
The awards ceremony is an annual event, and has had prestigious guest speakers including MPs and Ministers Hon John Key, Hon Rodney Hide, Hon Murray McCull, Sue Kedgeley and Auckland Mayor Len Brown.
The 2012 Awards will be held on Saturday 24th November 2012 at the Pullman Hotel, Auckland where the winners will be announced.
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Alpine Health & Fitness Finalists in Fitness Industry Awards
Alpine Health & Fitness finalists in NZ awards
Posted: at 11:46 pm
Alpine Health & Fitness have recently received notification of their being a finalist in the New Zealand Fitness Industry Awards. The Queenstown health and fitness centre is entered in the Medium Sized Club of The Year category.
The Fitness Industry Awards have been running since 2005, and are designed to recognise those making a contribution to the health and wellness of New Zealanders through exercise and fitness.
Alpine Health & Fitness Manager, Richie Heap, said is extremely gratifying to receive industry recognition for the work his team at Alpine Health & Fitness are doing, particularly having only been in operation for three years.
"We are first and foremost a community gym and these awards are not all about the gloss and glamour but about acknowledging facilities that are making a significant contribution to helping people in New Zealand improve their fitness and wellbeing. We all work really hard to help people reach their goals and that includes encouraging people in our community that would not traditionally be gym users to get into one of our programmes."
The awards ceremony is an annual event, and has had prestigious guest speakers including MPs and Ministers Hon John Key, Hon Rodney Hide, Hon Murray McCull, Sue Kedgeley and Auckland Mayor Len Brown.
The 2012 Awards will be held on Saturday 24th November 2012 at the Pullman Hotel, Auckland where the winners will be announced.
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Alpine Health & Fitness finalists in NZ awards
ACE Named Accredited Training Provider by the European Health & Fitness Association
Posted: at 11:46 pm
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
As the first certification provider in the United States to earn approval by the European Health & Fitness Association (EHFA) Standards Council, fitness professionals certified with American Council on Exercise (ACE) now meet European standards to practice in fitness facilities located throughout Europe.
The EHFA has awarded ACE the designation of an EHFA Accredited Training Provider, meaning fitness professionals holding ACE Personal Trainer or Group Fitness Instructor certifications can join the European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS).
Meeting the European standards for practice allows our fitness professionals to work throughout Europe as full members with EREPS, said ACE Director of Credentialing Todd Galati. As the first U.S. fitness certification organization to earn designation as an EHFA Accredited Training Provider, ACE has taken a critical step in meeting the credentialing needs of the international fitness community.
EREPS operates as an independent body for the registration of all instructors, trainers and teachers working across Europe in the exercise and fitness sector. Through its quality assurance process, the organization gives recognition to exercise professionals who are qualified to do their jobs by meeting the standards specified in the official European Qualification Framework (EQF) EQF level 3 for Group Fitness Instructor and EQF level 4 for Personal Trainer.
We are delighted that ACE has earned accreditation from EHFA, and we welcome ACE Personal Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors practicing in Europe to apply for registration with EREPS, said Cliff Collins, EHFA Director of Programmes. ACE, EREPS and EHFA have missions that align globally to get more people, more active, more often, and we approve of developing higher levels of global cooperation.
With the new designation, ACE-certified Personal Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors with at least one year of recorded experience can join EREPS with full member status, while newly certified ACE professionals are granted provisional member status for their first year of practice.
Accreditation from EHFA gives the ACE Personal Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors currently practicing in more than 75 countries worldwide the portability to work throughout Europe, Galati said. By meeting the rigorous accreditation standards of both the EHFA and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), ACE continues its global commitment to enriching quality of life through safe and effective exercise and physical activity.
About ACE
Since 1985, American Council on Exercise (ACE) has evolved from a small nonprofit dedicated to educating people about proper fitness to a 50,000-strong network of certified Personal Trainers, Group Fitness Instructors (GFI), Health Coaches and Advanced Health & Fitness Specialists (AHFS). As the largest NCCA-accredited nonprofit fitness certification organization in the world, ACE provides quality continuing education to professionals and conducts independent science-based research to protect all Americans from unsafe and ineffective products. Our goal is to inspire people to live their most fit lives through free fitness resources including workouts, nutrition information and expert advice. For more information, call (800) 825-3636 or visit ACEfitness.org. AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EXERCISE, ACE and ACE logos are Registered Trademarks of the American Council on Exercise.
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ACE Named Accredited Training Provider by the European Health & Fitness Association
Damon K. Roberts – Closing Remarks At SPHINC’s Second Debate – Video
Posted: at 11:46 pm
Damon K. Roberts - Closing Remarks At SPHINC #39;s Second Debate
Friday, April 22, 2011 Damon K. Roberts #39; closing remarks at the South Philadelphia HOMES Inc. second debate at Mt. Zion Pentecostal Church in Philadelphia. ----- Damon K. Roberts: bull; Husband and Father of two sons. bull; Real Estate Attorney, Small Business Owner. bull; Former High School Teacher and Coach. bull; Block Captain, Democratic Committee person. bull; Graduate of Harvard University and Howard University School of Law. Damon K. Roberts #39; Vision For Philadelphia: bull; Reduce Crime and Promote Clean Neighborhoods. bull; Increase Graduation Rates and Sponsor Positive Recreation to Engage Youth. bull; Promote job creation by supporting existing businesses and bringing new businesses to Philadelphia. bull; Sell City-Owned Vacant and Abandoned Properties. bull; Protect and improve the quality of life for senior citizens. bull; Restructure the City of Philadelphia #39;s Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP). Be a part of Team Roberts! Friends of Damon K. Roberts Post Office Box 6461 Philadelphia, Pa. 19145 Campaign Office: 1543 Dickinson Street (Corner, 16th and Dickinson Street) Philadelphia, PA. 19146 267-702-3111 http://www.damonkroberts.com E-mail: info@damonkroberts.com facebook.com/DKR2011 twitter.com/damonkrobertsFrom:WideEyedPicturesViews:34 0ratingsTime:03:48More inNews Politics
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Damon K. Roberts - Closing Remarks At SPHINC's Second Debate - Video
Damon K. Roberts – Democrat For Philadelphia’s City Council – Video
Posted: at 11:46 pm
Damon K. Roberts - Democrat For Philadelphia #39;s City Council
Damon K. Roberts: bull; Husband and Father of two sons. bull; Real Estate Attorney, Small Business Owner. bull; Former High School Teacher and Coach. bull; Block Captain, Democratic Committee person. bull; Graduate of Harvard University and Howard University School of Law. Damon K. Roberts #39; Vision For Philadelphia: bull; Reduce Crime and Promote Clean Neighborhoods. bull; Increase Graduation Rates and Sponsor Positive Recreation to Engage Youth. bull; Promote job creation by supporting existing businesses and bringing new businesses to Philadelphia. bull; Sell City-Owned Vacant and Abandoned Properties. bull; Protect and improve the quality of life for senior citizens. bull; Restructure the City of Philadelphia #39;s Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP). Be a part of Team Roberts! Friends of Damon K. Roberts Post Office Box 6461 Philadelphia, Pa. 19145 Campaign Office: 1543 Dickinson Street (Corner, 16th and Dickinson Street) Philadelphia, PA. 19146 267-702-3111 http://www.damonkroberts.com E-mail: info@damonkroberts.com facebook.com/DKR2011 twitter.com/damonkrobertsFrom:WideEyedPicturesViews:454 6ratingsTime:05:05More inNews Politics
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Damon K. Roberts - Democrat For Philadelphia's City Council - Video