A nutritional supplement that is free of charge, offers a wide range of health benefits and poses little risk sounds like fodder for a late-night TV commercial. But proponents of vitamin D are increasingly convinced that the sunshine vitamin delivers the goods, no strings attached. Read the whole story in this month’s Science News. You can also check out our awesome D3 Supplement. It contains 2000 IU!
How do you know when it’s time for new athletic shoes? Do you wait until the tread has deteriorated? Or when your toes are sticking out? Some people replace their shoes based on mileage, how long they’ve worn them, or even fashion. For me, it’s all about comfort and support. I’ll try on a new pair of shoes at a store, walk around, then slip my shoes back on. If my shoes feel more like house slippers, it’s time for a new pair.
* Remember different athletic shoes are made for different activities. Tennis shoes, for example, are designed with durable soles and reinforced toes for quick side-to-side movements and stop-and-go action. Whereas running shoes have thick soft heels and are designed for forward motion only.
So if you feel like your shoes are kaput, you’re probably right. Hey, I hear there’s a sale this weekend.
Get your paper! Get your paper! Read all about it! Be sure to pick up the Wisconsin State Journal this Sunday (6/19). Writer Andrea Zani is featuring a story in the Sunday Best section about my designation as the “Healthiest Man in America.” What a privilege this is! It will also be on the Wisconsin State Journal website. So don’t miss it!
Registration is open for Madison Sports and Social Club’s summer kickball and volleyball leagues. Here’s the details.
In a study funded by the California Raisin Marketing Board, Christine Wu of the University of Illinois in Chicago found that extracts from raisins could slow the growth in a laboratory of Streptococcus mutans, the main bacterial species implicated in tooth decay. Five chemicals in raisins – oleanolic acid, oleanolic aldehyde, betulin, betulinic acid, and 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furfural – seem to be responsible for the effect. Wu says that her team’s next step will be whether raisins have a similar bacteria-suppressing effect in people’s mouth. — (Science News, 2005)
A BIG THANKS to all of you for your encouragement and support as Balance Personal Training celebrates 7 years of doing business in Middleton. My dedication to your health and fitness continues to grow, and I am even more excited as Heather builds her organic gardening consulting business, Green Garden Gal. We look forward to serving you for many years to come.
Phase II of my Virtual Training Program is up and running. Along with 160+ video demos, you can now keep a food journal and track your calories.
Unlike other online personal training programs, when you purchase virtual training from me, I’ll be your trainer. This not a software program that automatically generates a “workout of the week” or emails you a “tip of the day” based on a questionnaire you fill out. I’ll be the one talking to you over the phone, designing your workouts, and reviewing your food journal.
The cost is $149 for 4 weeks of virtual training.
This includes:
– Three 30-minute phone consultations OR Skype workouts OR a combination of the two. This is the time we’ll discuss your fitness goals, go over your diet, and design an exercise program that’s right for you.
– Weekly emails from me giving you tips, answering questions and staying accountable.
– My monthly newsletter, HealthBuzz, which includes healthy recipes, nutrition and fitness articles, and new products.
– Access to my video library and stretching pics (coming soon!) each with a written description.
Click here to check it out.
News 3 This Morning’s Rob Starbuck paid me a visit to talk about being the “Healthiest Man in America”. Here it is!
I was recently interviewed by Men’s Health Magazine. They were on the hunt for the “healthiest man in the USA”, and well, um, they chose me. Here’s the article.
After the article was posted, I was interviewed by Landon Hall, health reporter and blogger for The Orange County Register in southern California. He wrote a great follow-up story titled “How a UCI grad became Healthiest Man in America.”
Last week I was interviewed by Rob Starbuck from Channel 3 News. This Thursday (May 5th) at 6:45AM, they will air the Healthiest Man in America story. It will also air in their 5AM hour – not sure what time. You can also catch it on their morning show Facebook page.
Plantar Fasciitis is swelling and irritation of the thick tissue (plantar fascia) on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that starts at your heel and goes along the bottom of your foot. It works like a rubber band between the heel and the ball of your foot to form the arch of your foot. A pad of fat in your heel covers the plantar fascia to help absorb the shock of walking. Damage to the plantar fascia can be painful and make walking more difficult. Some people describe the pain like a nail was being driven into their heel. The pain is strongest first thing in the morning (just getting out of bed), and walking on tile or hard wood floors is painful.
What are some risk factors?
Obesity
Repetitive loading on the feet
Tight Achilles tendon
Sudden trauma to the foot
Shoes with poor arch support
What can you do to relieve the pain and swelling?
Rest (try to get off your feet)
Use Ice
Massage
Use heel cushions in your shoes
Stretch (see pics below)
