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fall-related stories

Warm It Up When It's Cooling Down

cold weather headband

Photo: athleta.com

I live in Florida, so I can usually wear my running shorts and tanks year-round. But, last week I was in Michigan, where I took a jog on a beautiful 45-degree fall day. And I promptly froze my butt off.

Now, those of you who live in seasonal areas know that it's going to get a whole lot cooler than 45 degrees, and before long, it's going to take more than full pants and a long-sleeved shirt to keep you warm when you go running. Fortunately, there are lots of cold weather options that will keep you comfortable without making you look like the abominable snowman. Runner's World has a slew of suggestions, and I have a few additions to make.

Let's start at the top. If you don't keep your head warm, good luck keeping the rest of your body warm. One stylish option is the Sugoi Kana Tuke, a hat that has fleece on the inside and a perfect amount of stretch within (plus, flowers!). If you can't wrap your head around wearing a hat while running, keep your ears toasty with the Athleta Polartec Power Stretch Headband -- it even has a ponytail hole in the back!

Daily Fit Tip: Running in the dark? Run safely

Daily Fit Tip

The days are getting shorter -- just one of the depressing signs of winter's impending doom. Runners, lack of light is no reason to stay home, but stay safe while you pound the pavement.

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Fit Beauty - Creating a fabulous fall face

If your make-up routine consists of little more than a little powder for shine and a swipe or two of mascara, you're probably not too concerned about fall make-up trends. However, by adding just a product or two, you can really update your look for the season.

I've always been of the opinion that a new lipgloss is far cheaper than a new pair of trendy boots. And, most likely, that lipgloss will be of use the following season, and possibly even the following year, while trendy boots can look dated within months.

Cosmetics for Your Fall Face(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Trend: MetallicsTrend: LuminescenceTrend: Deep, rich, dark colorsTrend: Dark lipsTrend: Embellished Naturals

The problem is that so many people get flustered when it comes to cosmetics -- how do they know what'll work for them? I'm giving you my best tips in the gallery, so whether you are a makeup maven or just want to freshen up your face for fall, there's something for you!

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Daily Fit Tip: Enjoy the season healthfully

Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Nutrition & Supplements

Autumn's cooler weather may be starting to chill the air, but don't let it put a freeze on your fitness and nutrition habits. Enjoy the best autumn has to offer, healthfully.

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10 awesome autumn vegetables

Nutrition & Supplements

The leaves are turning, the days are shorter -- it's impossible to ignore the fact that fall is coming ... er ... make that already here. Despite the fact that it means the impending doom of winter is just around the corner, I like fall -- the colours, the clothes, the warm food and the selection of produce at my local farmer's market.

Mark's Daily Apple Recently counted down the top veggies for fall -- next time you go shopping, stock up on these:

  • Endive
  • Broccoli
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery root
  • Onions
  • Pumpkin
  • Spinach
  • Zucchini

Want to know more about these awesome veggies, including how to eat them? Head over here for more info.

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Walking game aids recovery

Fitness, Alternative & Green Health

Martha recently posted about how exercise can help stroke patients recover. A new virtual reality program that is undergoing clinical trials in the UK and in Canada helps the recovery process a little more.

A researcher at Portsmouth University in the UK created a treadmill that's linked to a virtual reality system. The system helps people recovering from strokes, traumatic falls, and those living with osteoarthritis to build up their endurance, increase their range of motion, and improve their gate.

The system displays scenes -- cityscapes, forest trails, mountains, etc. As the patient is walking on the treadmill, the scenery changes. The system gives them the motivation to walk -- and it also encourages them to virtually pick up objects which aids in balance. In addition, the motion of the scenery is adjusted so the patients walk faster and more smoothly, almost without realizing it.

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Working in the Workouts: Worth the weight

Fitness

My daughter has surpassed 30 pounds. And it's a good thing, because if it weren't for her whining to be carried, I wouldn't be getting any strength training in these days. As for aerobics, walking to and from the rec center twice a week for my kid's swim classes has been my only so-called workout recently.

These waning days of summer are always tough, right? The heat. The kids' boredom. The heat. The vacations. The needing a vacation from your vacation. The heat. I'm more apt to end up toasting cold brews with neighbors outside at 5 o' clock than working in any sort of workout this time of year.

I think the best thing I can do at this point is start plotting my fall schedule to get back on the wagon. And it will be easier, don't you think? We dread September in so many ways. End of summer. End of fun. Back to school. Back to schedules. But I think we need to get back to schedules. There's a reason we have them. They force us to do the things we need to do. Like working in the workouts. You with me?

Getting your garden ready for fall

Nutrition & Supplements

vegetable gardenGrowing your own produce is an economical way to feed your family healthfully. As an added perk, pulling all of the weeds helps to burn a few calories each day.

If you haven't gotten around to planting a garden this summer, you're not too late. There are plenty of veggies that can still thrive even into the fall. Perhaps even into the winter, depending on the weather conditions where you live. Divine Caroline has a list of edible goodies that can be planted now and enjoyed in the coming months:
  • Long-maturing crops such as carrots, cabbage, and potatoes can be planted now for regions with October frost dates, or in August for regions with November frost dates.
  • Medium-maturing crops like broccoli, Swiss chard, and kale take about two months to mature. You can plant them now or hold off a bit longer for fall growth.
  • Fast-maturing crops such as spinach, arugula, and leaf lettuce mature in about a month and can be planted as late as September. Plant some now and then plan to plant again for a second crop in the fall.

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7 ways to avoid a fall

Fitness

Did you know that falls are the top cause of injury and death for the elderly in the United States? According to the American Geriatric Society, that is, in fact, the case. What might surprise you even more is that most of these falls occur in the home.

Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to protect yourself or a loved one from taking a dangerous spill. Because every home is different, it's a good idea to take a walk through the home in question with the specific purpose of checking for possible dangers.

Click through the gallery to see the seven tips given by the American Geriatric Society, and feel free to leave a comment if you have other suggestions!

7 Ways to Avoid a Nasty Fall(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Wear shoes with a non-skid sole.Get rid of or tack down loose rugs or carpeting.Use night lights in dimly lit areas of the home.Remove clutter, boxes, and low furniture, especially near stairs.Make sure all outdoor steps and uneven areas have sturdy handrails.

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Bunk beds and safety

Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements

When my girls decided they were happier sharing a bedroom than having their own, we decided to invest in a bunk bed. I take comfort in its sturdiness and safety railings, but health experts say that -- despite regulation changes that have made them safer -- bunk beds are still a common cause of childhood injury.

The most common reason for bunk bed injuries, obviously, is falls. Researchers found that boys get hurt more often than girls. The most common injuries are cuts, bruises, and bone fractures, most often to the head and neck. They also found that over 93% of falls happen at home.

However, researchers discovered something interesting. Young adults -- age 18 to 21 -- are particularly at risk for bunk bed injuries when away from home (dorms, military facilities, etc.), so the risk doesn't end with childhood. That said, kids under the age of 6 make up half of all bunk bed injuries, so keep those little ones off the top bunk. Visit CBS News for more on bunk bed safety.

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Before flu comes allergies and croup

Diet & Weight Loss

It's not quite flu season yet, but for some people, it's worse -- it's the time when allergies run rampant. According to this article, fall is also a time when colds are common, and in kids, croup. Yikes. Seeing as there's no shot you can get to prevent colds, allergies and croup, I'd say this time of the year leaves me wishing for flu season.

So what can you do if you or a family member gets sick during pre-flu season? Steam is a good natural treatment for kids and adults who are having trouble breathing -- try a humidifier. And not to sound like a broken record, but you can't beat plenty of fluids and lots of rest, as far as treatment goes.

How do you survive pre-flu season?

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Kids falling off bikes costs us $200 Million a year

Nutrition & Supplements

My mom worked for a neurological organization when I was growing up, so as a result, we were the kids who weren't allowed to jump on the trampoline or do anything fun without wearing a helmet. In elementary school, this was the equivalent of social suicide, but as I get older, I think my mom might have been on to something. Case in point: A recent study shows that kids falling off their bikes costs the healthcare system $200 Million a year.

Moreover, wearing a helmet reduces a child's risk of brain injury by 85%. So if your kid (or teen) isn't wearing a helmet, why not? Sure, it might make them cringe, but I promise, they'll forgive you one day.

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Fall dessert makeovers

Nutrition & Supplements

Fall is a bit of a dieting disaster for me -- there's Thanksgiving, Halloween and the birthdays of several people close to me, mine included. So when turning down dessert isn't on the agenda, what's a girl to do? Well, offer to make dessert and use a healthy recipe. eDiets has four great recipes:
  • Low-fat pumpkin cheesecake
  • Pecan rice pudding
  • Baked apples
  • Low fat mocha almond pie
Sound yummy? Check out the recipes here. And if you have any healthy fall dessert, please do tell!

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Like the clocks, fall back ... into fitness

Fitness

Now that the leaves are falling, it's time to trade in summer laziness for hard work -- whether at the office, at school or at the gym. But getting back into a routine can be difficult; Here are some tips from eDiets:
  • Find the time: Or, if you have to, make the time. Whether you work out in the morning, noon or night, the important thing is to work it into your schedule -- and stick to it.
  • Create a habit: Get out your calendar and make a routine. On Mondays, I do yoga; On Tuesdays, I do weights; on Wednesdays, I run ... you get the picture.
  • Try something new: Now is the time, when you're getting back into it.
  • Refresh your memory: You used to be pretty up on healthy living news and information, but that's fallen to the wayside. Do some research and remember why you were exercising in the first place. Reading That's Fit is a great start!
  • Join a club: There's no better way to kickstart a routine than by joining other people in it. They'll keep you motivated.
How do you get back into fitness?

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How to adjust your summer workout to the fall weather

Fitness

If you're a gym rat then you really don't need to worry about the seasons, except for wearing extra layers on your way into and out of the building. But if you're like me and love the outdoors then the season has a lot to do with when, what, and how you get your exercise. Making adjustments for the changing weather is a necessity. Here are a few things to think about:
  • Say goodbye to the water until spring, or else head indoors to the gym pool.
  • Change up your outfit. The t-shirt and shorts aren't going to cut it anymore, although they can still work if you layer them under heftier items.
  • Check your schedule, because if you've been heading out in the evenings (like me) you're quickly running out of daylight.
  • Keep fitness a priority, and don't let changing routines and new seasonal activities sideline you from your fitness goals.
The biggest thing you can do to prepare for seasonal changes is to plan ahead. Don't let cooler weather or an earlier sunset catch you off guard and throw off your whole routine, making it difficult to get back on track. By knowing how you're going to handle it you can smoothly switch over and avoid any chance of falling off the fitness wagon due to predictable issues.

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