That's Fit http://www.thatsfit.com That's Fit http://www.thatsfit.com/media/feedlogo.gif That's Fit http://www.thatsfit.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Mandatory fast food calorie counts...http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/08/09/mandatory-fast-food-calorie-counts/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/08/09/mandatory-fast-food-calorie-counts/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/08/09/mandatory-fast-food-calorie-counts/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Obesity is a growing epidemic in North America and someone needs to be held responsible for all the available fast food. I know that personal responsibility is an obvious option, however, fast food is just that -fast, cheap and easy to justify. So if the health board decides to make a Big Mac or a Whopper a bit less desirable -then all the power to them.

I realize we have become a fast food nation, but with baby steps, I think the general public could be swayed from eating their way into numerous health problems. And the idea of displaying calorie counts in bold numbers right beside the food item in a fast food restaurant would certainly deter me from ordering. I also think that it would force the fast food industry to shape up and offer a few more healthy choices.

If it is the fear of making an eyesore of the menu, I think that is a small price to pay -- what do you think?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>fast food, mcdonalds, burger king, wendy's, calorie countFastFood,Mcdonalds,BurgerKing,Wendy's,CalorieCountSarah AndersonThu, 09 Aug 2007 12:42:00 ESTWhat should be our role in world health?http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/07/18/what-should-be-our-role-in-world-health/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/07/18/what-should-be-our-role-in-world-health/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/07/18/what-should-be-our-role-in-world-health/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When I say "our" role, I mean you and I -people living their lives relatively free from the threat of hunger and rampantly spreading diseases.
My thought process was sparked by viewing a documentary that aired on the CBC, about photographers in the line of fire. There are many mind blowing and disturbing images of starving children and horrific statistics revealing death by numbers -but are we desensitized to all this as we sit comfortably in front of our TVs?
Journalist and author, Stephanie Nolen, appeared on The Hour, to talk about her new book, 28, a journal on AIDS in Africa and how desperate the situation has become due to world wide indifference.
I realize the task of lending a helping hand may appear daunting, but really the best thing to do is educate yourself and simply spread the word through advocacy.

Want to learn more about how you can help? Click here.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>AIDS Stephanie Nolen, 28, The Hour, world healthAidsStephanieNolen,28,TheHour,WorldHealthSarah AndersonWed, 18 Jul 2007 07:22:00 ESTYou can't bank your sleephttp://www.thatsfit.com/2007/07/11/you-cant-bank-your-sleep/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/07/11/you-cant-bank-your-sleep/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/07/11/you-cant-bank-your-sleep/#commentsFiled under: ,

Once you loose out on sleep that's it, there's no turning back. Yes that's right, all you insomniacs who promise to catch up on your sleep tomorrow, can forget it.

A common misconception about losing out on sleep is that you have the opportunity to bank your REM hours, but the fact is that once the body misses out on a good night sleep, the damage is already done. And on top of that, the effects of not getting your necessary eight hours of sleep per night can rish your good health. In fact, health problems such as diabetes and obesity can result from lack of sleep. The longer you are awake the more you tend to eat and it will usually be something easy like junk food.

I find the best thing to do in order to maintain a healthy sleep pattern is to stick to some sort of routine. Once your body gets used to eating and exercising at the same time each night, bedtime should follow.

How do you maintain full eight hours of sleep?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>sleep, insomnia, healthy eating, diabetes, obesitySleep,Insomnia,HealthyEating,Diabetes,ObesitySarah AndersonWed, 11 Jul 2007 16:36:00 ESTCan ADHD treatment lead to later drug abuse?http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/07/06/can-adhd-treatment-lead-to-later-drug-abuse/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/07/06/can-adhd-treatment-lead-to-later-drug-abuse/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/07/06/can-adhd-treatment-lead-to-later-drug-abuse/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a fairly well know chemical imbalance in children, teens and adults which impairs concentration and learning skills.

There are a couple of treatment options for ADHD, including medications that regulate dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain and secondly, behavior modification therapies. A recent study suggests that administering drugs which alter dopamine within the brain may lead to possible drug addictions in the future. A series of tests performed on lab rats indicated that cocaine produces a similar result by releasing dopamine into the brain.

There are alternative therapies and behavior modification options that can aid and help control the symptoms of ADHD in your children. The process of modifying a child's behavior may prove to be harder work than a simple handful of pills a day, but I know first hand that it works. So my question to you is why risk possible side effect and choose to prescribe when other options are available?


Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>adhd, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, drug abuseAdhd,Attention-deficitHyperactivityDisorder,DrugAbuseSarah AndersonFri, 06 Jul 2007 13:27:00 ESTYoga laugh your way to healthhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2007/07/04/yoga-laugh-your-way-to-health/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/07/04/yoga-laugh-your-way-to-health/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/07/04/yoga-laugh-your-way-to-health/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Now, before you deem me to be insane, think this one through. Laughing is not only a great release, but also a coping mechanism for stress and when coupled with yoga how can you go wrong?
Ha ha or Hasya yoga combines breathing techniques with chanting laughter. The general goal is to inspire genuine laughter through a series of ha has and ho hos. This may sound absurd, however, I know first hand that once you pretend to laugh, the real thing is soon to follow. Once you've caught your breath, you feel like you've had a workout and a load lifted off your shoulders. This exercise enables the events of the day to melt away, leaving you relaxed and content.
How do you deal with stress?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>yoga laughing breath stress releaseYogaLaughingBreathStressReleaseSarah AndersonWed, 04 Jul 2007 17:24:00 ESTSix pains that women shouldn't ignorehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2007/07/03/six-pains-that-women-shouldnt-ignore/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/07/03/six-pains-that-women-shouldnt-ignore/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/07/03/six-pains-that-women-shouldnt-ignore/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Aside from the obvious pain caused by a bang to the funny bone or that pesky hang nail, several pains should not be ignored and could instead be signs of possible health problems to come.

Listen to your body and if you feel a persistent tummy burn, be sure to ask your doctor about ulcers. As well, instead of just ignoring particularly bad menstrual cramps, check into the possibility of endometriosis. Now don't get all paranoid and turn into a hypochondriac, but also take special note of sore throats and gums or a horse voice that persist beyond a couple of days. All these minor symptoms can lead to major health issues. This article outlines the six pains that require attention.

What are your experiences with these symptoms?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>women's health, ulcers, endometriosis, sore throat, horse voice,Women'sHealth,Ulcers,Endometriosis,SoreThroat,HorseVoice,MenstruSarah AndersonTue, 03 Jul 2007 20:37:00 ESTOrganizing your memoryhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2007/07/03/organizing-your-memory/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/07/03/organizing-your-memory/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/07/03/organizing-your-memory/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Your head is full of extraneous information that can fuzz up your daily functioning memory. Our minds try to organize tasks and memories in some sort of order of priority.

I have found that if you take five minutes or so to write down all your daily chores as apposed to trying to remember each short term deed, you will clear your mind for the more important long term memories. I tend to be a bit on the disorganize end of the spectrum, so I take a note pad with me everywhere. Having a good organized head space will allow you to reduce the stress that every day life can dish out.

So when you pick up the phone to call your best friend or partner and draw a blank on the phone number or forget your pin number, perhaps it's just filed away temporarily out of access to enable more free thinking space.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>memory, stress release, organizationMemory,StressRelease,OrganizationSarah AndersonTue, 03 Jul 2007 19:44:00 ESTGet a stronger sexy back for summerhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/29/get-a-stronger-sexy-back-for-summer/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/29/get-a-stronger-sexy-back-for-summer/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/29/get-a-stronger-sexy-back-for-summer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Summer is just around the corner and we all want to look good for the beach. There is always so much focus on building beautiful abs and thighs, but what about your back?

A strong spine can help posture while elongating your body and preventing future health problems. I know first hand what it's like to have a hurt back and I am very careful to maintain my back muscles. I have learned several methods to gaining a strong spine, some of which are outlined here. I fully encourage everyone and anyone to improve and build back muscle, as a result you will look and feel great.

Are you bringing sexy back?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>sexy summer backSexySummerBackSarah AndersonTue, 29 May 2007 14:27:00 ESTDoes taking aspirin on a daily basis help or hinder a stroke?http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/25/does-taking-aspirin-on-a-daily-basis-help-or-hinder-a-stroke/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/25/does-taking-aspirin-on-a-daily-basis-help-or-hinder-a-stroke/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/25/does-taking-aspirin-on-a-daily-basis-help-or-hinder-a-stroke/#commentsFiled under: ,

There seems to be a considerable amount of controversy when it comes to advice on the daily intake of aspirin. This article weighs the pros and cons, especially for elderly patients. You may be young now, but consider the future.

Ingesting aspirin each day just for the sake of lowering the risk of stroke is not a good idea unless recommended by your doctor. There are various conflicting studies that outline both benefits and risks; however, I suggest discussing this topic with your doctor before taking any action. Know your body's limits, because there can be many side effects resulting from prolonged use of aspirin.

Should people take an aspirin a day?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>aspirin, strokes, elderlyAspirin,Strokes,ElderlySarah AndersonFri, 25 May 2007 06:35:00 ESTJust an hour of exercise can do the trickhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/24/just-an-hour-of-exercise-can-do-the-trick/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/24/just-an-hour-of-exercise-can-do-the-trick/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/24/just-an-hour-of-exercise-can-do-the-trick/#commentsFiled under: ,

That's right people, according to this recent study, 72 minutes of exercise per week is considered sufficient.

I know as well as the next person how hard it can be to get motivated from the couch to the gym, so gain some perspective. An hour or so of physical activity is nothing on the grand scale of things and it can make a significant difference in your daily life. So I say, stand up, put on your runners and get going for a walk, run or bike ride. If neither of these options sound appealing, perhaps joining an amateur ball team or dance lessons is more to your taste.

What do you do to keep fit?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>cardio, activity, running, workoutCardio,Activity,Running,WorkoutSarah AndersonThu, 24 May 2007 20:33:00 ESTTeatree oil for your skinhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/24/teatree-oil-for-your-skin/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/24/teatree-oil-for-your-skin/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/24/teatree-oil-for-your-skin/#commentsWe have all heard of tea tree oil, but are we aware of its medicinal qualities? Tea tree oil is an essential oil that's extracted from paperbark trees in Australia and has been used for decades as a natural antiseptic to heal infections.

In the past decade or so tea tree oil has become more recognized by the general public for its skin soothing qualities. Dandruff, psoriasis and even acne have benefited from this natural healer. I use a tea tree oil facial wash and it has done wonders for my skin. So next time you reach for chemically enhanced products to sooth the skin, try tea tee oil instead. Click here for more information on tea tree oil.

Have you ever tried tea tree oil for medicinal purposes?

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>tea tree oil, dandruff, skin healthTeaTreeOil,Dandruff,SkinHealthSarah AndersonThu, 24 May 2007 15:00:00 ESTColonics: what nobody wants to say...http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/22/colonics-what-nobody-wants-to-say/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/22/colonics-what-nobody-wants-to-say/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/22/colonics-what-nobody-wants-to-say/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I don't know about you, but I have never had a colonic, otherwise known as colon hydro therapy or colon irregation. The thought of paying money to invite someone to pretty much plunge my lower intestines, doesn't sound like a walk in the park. However, I spoke to a holistic doctor, did some research and discovered that many health issues - from allergies and acne, to chest pain and peptic ulcers, can benefit from colon hydro therapy.

I have had a few friends that recently went together to receive colon hydro therapy and before you cringe, they all reported back to me with nothing but good reviews. Feeling more energized, with reduced digesting problems and noticeable weight loss seemed to be the main effects of this therapy. Now I'm not saying go out and get a colonic to loose weight or anything, just talk to your doctor and find out more information to see if this sort of therapy is right for you.

What are your experiences with colonics?

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>colon hydro therapy, colonics, holistic healthColonHydroTherapy,Colonics,HolisticHealthSarah AndersonTue, 22 May 2007 14:52:00 ESTImportant questions women should ask their doctorshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/14/important-questions-women-should-ask-their-doctors/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/14/important-questions-women-should-ask-their-doctors/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/14/important-questions-women-should-ask-their-doctors/#commentsFiled under: ,

With so much contradicting available information about health issues today, it's tough to get a grasp on how to live a healthy lifestyle. Much of this responsibility falls into our own laps. There are several steps outlined in this article that women can take to protect themselves from future health risks such as heart disease, high cholesterol complications and strokes.

My advice when it comes to maintaining your health is to ask as many questions as possible during physical check ups. Don't be shy, remember that you know your body better than anyone and if you feel that something isn't right, be sure to speak up. Check out this link to learn what your optimal body weight should be and ask your doctor questions like: "What is my blood pressure? Is that healthy for my age?" Another good question to ask is: "What should I know about the effects of menopause on my health?"

As a woman, what issues do you and your doctor address?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>heart diseaseHeartDiseasestrokewomen's healthWomen'sHealthSarah AndersonMon, 14 May 2007 10:20:00 ESTTop ten best and worst foodshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/14/top-ten-best-and-worst-foods/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/14/top-ten-best-and-worst-foods/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/14/top-ten-best-and-worst-foods/#commentsFiled under:

As we all know, eating our fruits and veggies is a daily necessity and according to this article, some foods hit top ten on the health chart. Blueberries and sweet potatoes are right up there boasting antioxidants and potassium. On the other hand, click here and find out if your guilty pleasure ranks among the top ten foods to avoid. For example, a 20-ounce Starbucks specialty coffee can amount to a quarter of your entire daily calorie intake.

So my advice is to really think about that next craving for a fast food burger or cheesecake before you give in. Weigh your options and decide if it's really worth it. Don't get me wrong, we should all treat ourselves once in a while, but there are alternatives that won't be harmful to your health. Click here to find healthy meal makeover ideas.

What is you idea of a healthy treat?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>antioxidantshealthy foodHealthyFoodsweet potatoSweetPotatoSarah AndersonMon, 14 May 2007 10:06:00 ESTSummer swimsuit shopping tips to rememberhttp://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/08/summer-swimsuit-shopping-tips-to-remember/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/08/summer-swimsuit-shopping-tips-to-remember/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/08/summer-swimsuit-shopping-tips-to-remember/#commentsFiled under: ,

With summer just around the corner -- it's swimsuit season ladies! The toughest thing for us to do is hit the mall and find a suitable swimming costume. This article supplies information on how to buy swimsuits that flatter each body type.

Remember not to become a fashion victim and fall for this season's fads. Always shop for the best possible style that works for you. One such tip that I came across to ease those shopping blues, is to apply tanning lotion prior to the shopping trip -- it's easier to disguise all that winter fat with a golden bronzed bod! Living in Canada especially, our skin hasn't seen the sun for months!

What swimsuit tips work for you?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>summer, fitness, swimsuits, bikinisSummer,Fitness,Swimsuits,BikinisSarah AndersonTue, 08 May 2007 11:38:00 ESTAtkins promises women that pounds will drophttp://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/05/atkins-promises-women-that-pounds-will-drop/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/05/atkins-promises-women-that-pounds-will-drop/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/05/atkins-promises-women-that-pounds-will-drop/#commentsFiled under: ,

Recently a friend of mine who is looking to drop some pounds has decided to give the Atkins diet a try. I am taking this opportunity to research the diet's pros and cons. As well, I will follow my friend's progress throughout her diet and update this particular blog at the start of each month.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Atkins diet, adapted by Dr. Robert Atkins in the early 70's, it is a meat-heavy diet that emphasizes avoiding refined carbohydrates such as sugar and flour. Of course, exercise and nutritional supplements are needed to accompany the diet.

I have skepticism for this type of weight loss, because I think that carbs are a crucial part of any diet for a number of reasons; however, as far as weight loss goes Atkins tends to have a wealth of success -- especially for women noted in this study.

For more information on the diet click here.

What is your experience with Atkins?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>genetics, Atikns diet, weight lossGenetics,AtiknsDiet,WeightLossSarah AndersonSat, 05 May 2007 11:04:00 ESTEating for your blood typehttp://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/03/eating-for-your-blood-type/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/03/eating-for-your-blood-type/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/05/03/eating-for-your-blood-type/#commentsFiled under: ,

Have you ever wondered why some foods go down so easily, while others tend to be less welcomed? It may have something to do with your blood type.

There are four different blood groups; A, B, O and AB and -- depending on which group you fall under, according to this article -- specific foods should be avoided. Blood type A is the least tolerant for digesting proteins, while people with blood types O and B can get away with eating a wide range of meals and finally, AB sits right in the middle. I researched my blood type and found that dairy products are very difficult for me to digest. Since then I have tried to cut as much dairy out of my diet as possible with noticeable results.

What's your experience with eating right for your blood type?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>blood type, diet, digesting, foodsBloodType,Diet,Digesting,FoodsSarah AndersonThu, 03 May 2007 10:03:00 ESTDetect breast cancer early through geneticshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2007/04/25/detect-breast-cancer-early-through-genetics/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/04/25/detect-breast-cancer-early-through-genetics/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/04/25/detect-breast-cancer-early-through-genetics/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Breast cancer is a scary household word with little relief in sight; however, there is a small window of calm offered to patients through the knowledge and understanding that genetic testing can provide. And there is a current medical trend of genetic cancer clinics popping up in North America to help patients do just that.

Through my experience, gaining peace of mind is worth having almost any test that may shed a little light on personal health concerns. My mother had breast cancer and it is a constant worry in the back of my mind that I too will be diagnosed one day. Technology combined with genetics gives us the edge on catching cancer at a very early stage, which is key to giving women a better opportunity for treatment and recovery.

What is your take on genetics aiding in breast cancer research?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>cancer breast cancer geneticsCancerBreastCancerGeneticsSarah AndersonWed, 25 Apr 2007 23:14:00 ESTAlcohol pros and conshttp://www.thatsfit.com/2007/04/24/alcohol-pros-and-cons/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/04/24/alcohol-pros-and-cons/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/04/24/alcohol-pros-and-cons/#commentsI am guilty of enjoying a glass or two of wine with dinner as much as the next person, but how much damage can it possibly do? According to this link, moderation and personal choice play an important role when it comes to alcohol consumption.

There are a number of long-term health risks involved when it comes to drinking anything boozy, including breast cancer, pancreatitis, stroke and more; however, the cons are somewhat balanced by the pros. Alcohol is also known for many positive effects such as lowering risks of heart disease, diabetes and gallstones. So I say put all the confusion aside and be sure to know yourself and your family medical history. Only then can you choose what amount of alcohol is right for you to indulge in.

What is your take on boozing it up?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Alcohol, health risks, wineAlcohol,HealthRisks,WineSarah AndersonTue, 24 Apr 2007 23:24:00 ESTDo multivitamins really work?http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/04/24/do-multivitamins-really-work/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/04/24/do-multivitamins-really-work/http://www.thatsfit.com/2007/04/24/do-multivitamins-really-work/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I don't know about you, but I have often wondered how effective vitamin supplements really are. I was raised in a health-conscious environment with an emphasis on eating right, as opposed to taking a vitamin a day. As an adult I have come to realize that a large percentage of my friends and acquaintances are taking vitamins instead of taking the time to eat a balanced diet.

In my opinion, bad eating habits can be created when nutritional supplements are the main source of vitamins in a person's diet. In fact, some vitamins aren't even properly absorbed into the bloodstream because of the easy-to-swallow coating. Don't get me wrong, I do not completely condemn supplements -- all I ask is do the research and make sure you are taking the right ones. Check out this link to find out which supplements actually pass the test.

What do you think about taking daily vitamins?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>multivitamins, supplements, eating habitsMultivitamins,Supplements,EatingHabitsSarah AndersonTue, 24 Apr 2007 13:08:00 EST