That's Fit

Though stroke is the number three killer in the United States and a condition that doesn't discriminate by age, the majority of Americans don't know how to recognize when someone is having a stroke. Emergency care is crucial to treatment of a stroke, so it's especially important that the general public be aware of signs and symptoms.

I saw a sign the other day while sitting in my doctor's waiting room. It used the word "fast" as a clue to help people remember stroke signs and symptoms:

F -- facial numbness and weakness (especially on one side of the body)
A -- arm numbness or weakness (again, especially on one side)
S -- slurred speech or difficulty speaking and understanding
T -- time to call for help, dial 911

If you see someone exhibiting these symptoms, call for help right away!

On its own, joint pain isn't usually something that warrants a visit to the doctor's office. It's more of a nuisance--something to make note of and mention the next time you go in for a physical. But sometimes, joint pain can be a sign of something more serious, as Everyday Health points out. When does joint pain warrant medical attention? When ...

• ... its accompanied by a fever, rash, fatigue, headache, or weight loss
• ... its a result of joint trauma or injury
• ... the pain is severe
• ... there are neurological symptoms too, like numbness in the hands or pain in the neck or back.
  

Not to freak you out or anything, but joint pain can be a symptom of autoimmune diseases, infections and even cancer, so make sure to pay attention to those aches and pains.

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose two per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hi Fitz. I need some advice on how to best use my treadmill. I have a seven month old baby, and have lost a bunch of weight....but I've hit a plateau. I'm nursing, and am constantly hungry. Please don't suggest a gym, because I can't afford one. I'd just like to make the best of my treadmill. I'm desperate. Help! Melanie.

A. Plateaus suck, Melanie. Very frustrating. Fortunately though, it sounds like we can get you moving in the right direction. I nursed both of my children as well, and remember the feeling of constant thirst and hunger. In fact, the second I sat down to nurse, my husband went running to get me a drink. The urges are wild, aren't they?

You don't need a gym. Gyms are fantastic tools if you choose them, but they are no means the end-all when it comes to fitness. You can work wonders in the comforts of your own home, while junior can comfortably sleep or play as well. You didn't tell me what you're doing on the treadmill now, but I can give you this advice. Do more! Go further, faster or walk at an incline. Cranking up the intensity of your workout is a sure way to burn extra calories and develop the muscles in your legs as well. If you don't have specific health issues that prevent you from jogging.......do it! Many of my personal training clients shied away from jogging pre-me, because it seemed too hard. Now they're all running several miles a day.

Increase the level of your training gradually. Don't expect to double your efforts right away. Jog for two minutes, walk for two minutes. Jog for three minutes, walk for two. Jog for four, walk for two. Increase that way. Soon a complete jog will be possible. If you can't jog for some reason, use the incline. Increase the level by one percent each day you train.......and soon you'll be climbing mountains. Not only does that burn mega calories, but you'll earn the firmest fanny for miles. And if you can't jog or walk at an incline....walk further. Increasing mileage decreases you!

Add strength training daily as well. The more muscle you have, the more calories you'll burn throughout the day. Push-ups, squats, lunges, dips, crunches, leg lifts, planks. All of those things are free, and will provide you with a great total body workout. You can use your baby as resistance. Do all of your strength training exercises while holding him. You'll both have fun!

Lastly, eat wisely. Since you're hungry quite often, be particular about what you put in your mouth. Look for low calorie, highly nutritious options. Fruit, veggies, lean meat and lean dairy in small portions will keep you satisfied and on the way to your fitter figure. Let me know how it goes Mommy! Fitz

Q. Hello! I have recently started working out again and have gradually worked my way up to using the elliptical machine for an hour. I do 30 minutes of elliptical, then ten minutes of walking, followed by another 30 minutes of elliptical. Unfortunately 20 minutes into my workout, my feet begin to go numb. It's like the tingling sensation you get when you're feet go to sleep. At first I thought it was the shoes I was wearing, but I changed them and it made no difference. Have you ever heard of this before? Do you know what causes it or what I can do to alleviate it? Thanks. Anna