Our Zumba class starts with a warm-up session, then breaks into the main session and ends with a nice slow cool down. The hour just flies by. Annie, our instructor does different routines each time, so it is never boring and each class is fresh and fun. Zumba mixes it up with body sculpting movements and dance steps from cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, hip hop, mambo, rumba, flamenco and calypso. Zumba targets many areas of the body such as your legs, arms, glutes, abdominals and the heart. The routines are a mix of aerobic/fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that help to tone and sculpt the body.  Zumba is wonderful for your mind, body and attitude.

Zumba originated in Columbia, South America in the 90′s. The creator, Alberto “Beto” Perez, was a fitness instructor in Miami. One day he forgot his regular music for class. He took the Latin music tapes from his car and improvised with some dance steps for his class that day. Everyone loved it and the rest is history.  It Is and has been a great success.

I found a few You Tube videos of Zumba classes, but since Annie is our instructor and even though this is not the best video for clarity, I thought you might enjoy it.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvPOpLr9TaM[/youtube]

You can see for yourself Zumba is loaded with lots of red-hot dance steps, great Latin music that keeps you moving and grooving and even shaking the weight off. It is really bunches of fun. If you haven’t tried it I highly recommend it.  If you live in Siena the classes are Monday and Friday mornings at 8:00 AM. Yep, 8:00 AM.  It starts your day out right and you will be looking forward to the next class. Remember to bring a towel and lots of water. You will do some sweating!

Zumba Zumba Zumba

Chuck and I have entered a contest to promote the new healthy energy drink from Monavie called EMV ( E to the power of Monavie).  The video is posted on  You Tube under the name:  EMV I Get A Kick Out Of You. You all know, of course, that Chuck is the talent, crooner, and comedienne of our twosome. I can only boast from behind the scenes. I worked on the lyrics, directed, produced the video and played at being camera girl. We had a lot of laughs and silly moments while we put it together. We think most of you will get a “Kick Out Of Viewing”our production.

We need everyone’s support with this in order to win. If you think we are deserving then please go in and hit us on You Tube. The more people that view it the more points we rack up. It is important that you actually go to the You Tube site to view the video or we will not get the credit. I have inserted the video into this blog, however, NO points will be given to us for viewing it here.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Sz4JiVtDrI[/youtube]

If you want to learn more about EMV (E To The Power Of Monavie) and a great business opportunity you may contact Chuck and I at:  grammies1@cox.net or visit our website: www.theactiondrink.com/chuckngayle.

Thanks everyone for your support and please wish us luck!

Gayle Larson and Chuck Marone, Independent Distributors ID#1613472

When I was a young girl, in the late 40′s and early 50′s, it was a great place to be when all of the teams and young boys came to town. Years ago the field was located across the bridge in Williamsport. That first diamond, situated behind a minor league park known as Bowman Field, was initially used for softball.  We had to sit on the dike to watch the games. My Uncle Lewis Browne  was one of the first umpires for the Little League players. The first Little League game took place on June 6, 1939. Lundy Lumber defeated Lycoming Dairy 23-8.  Little League Baseball grew from three teams in this Pennsylvania town to an international organization of nearly 200,000 teams in every U.S. state and over 80 countries all around the world.

This is a picture of the Howard J. Lamade field as it looks today. You can see the mountains surrounding the city. The view from the field is outstanding. August is a great time to visit Williamsport. The league headquarters are located in South Williamsport, directly across the Susquehanna River from the site of the original league.  The Little League International Complex facility hosts the Little League World Series at Howard J. Lamade Stadium and Little League Volunteer Stadium. It is also the site of the Little League Museum, which provides a history of Little League Baseball through films,interactive games and displays.

This is a picture of International Grove where all of the teams stay for the nearly two weeks during the World Series. There is an outdoor and indoor pool for recreation, a cafeteria and dining hall and a medical facility as well as dorms for the young boys. It is a beautiful setting among the trees. All the teams participating in the series receive room and board for free at the Little League International complex. Each of the 16 teams from around the globe in the Little League Baseball World Series are also provided transportation to Williamsport and back home at no charge.  If you love baseball this is great fun to watch these young boys play ball and a wonderful place to visit. There is great recreation on the river all summer and beautiful scenery to enjoy. If you are a hiker, there are great trails nearby and a museum that provides the history of the lumbering era in Williamsport. We also boast of “millionaires row”where you can see all of the wonderful homes that were built during the “1800′s by the dozens of wealthy lumber barons. Williamsport is filled with history.

Enjoy!

Gayle

How often have you felt like you need some energy? We could all use some extra energy through out the course of our busy day, especially in those afternoon hours after we have just eaten.  No matter what your age a bit of an energy boost can keep us going through all of the demanding tasks we face each day and get rid of the tiredness we might be feeling.  Energy is needed in order to get through the daily exercise we need, like taking a walk or going to the gym. It takes energy to solve a problem or finish a task. It is the enthusiasm or boost our bodies need to tough it out and get going! Does a lack of energy prevent you from accomplishing what you want or need to do? An increased level of energy can definitely contribute to a better quality of life. How do we get the energy we need?  It is vital that you exercise regularly and consume the right diet. Getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, losing those unwanted pounds, cutting out junk food and stopping the smoking will all help in boosting your energy levels.

You may even use a drink, usually with caffeine, such as coffee or an energy drink, to stimulate your metabolism or eat a candy bar for a sugar high. Both of these provide a quick fix but often bring you crashing down or leave you with the jitters or a headache or even nauseated.  There are tons of energy drinks on the market today that can provide that boost or high we are looking for.  Many are extremely powerful. The most obvious benefit of energy drinks is, of course,  the energy or power they provide. But are they all safe? Are they good for you?

Knowing what is in them and what you should be aware of before you purchase these drinks is very important to your health and well being.  Powerful does not always mean they are good for you. The power they provide may raise your blood pressure and heart rate. Caffeine is one of the most common ingredients found in most of these drinks. The caffeine in these drinks is usually much higher than what is found in coffee or colas and other soft drinks. Caffeine can keep you awake at night, cause indigestion, anxiety, agitation and irritability.  Sugar is also an ingredient that is common and loaded in most energy drinks. Sugar, as we know, is a quick source of energy. Too much sugar can cause you to be hyper or over active and can increase the possibility of dehydration. Caffeine also acts as a diuretic and promotes dehydration. Both sugar and caffeine can alter your mood as well as your performance.

Be sure to read the ingredients carefully on the energy drinks you purchase.  Look for healthy energy drinks that have no sugar added are not artificially colored or flavored and contain no caffeine. Be sure there are antioxidants included to promote health and well being and all natural ingredients. Stay Healthy Everyone!

ChucknGayle

Years ago I made a promotional record for Gene Norman, a night club owner and record producer. He owned the “Crescendo” a night club on the Sunset Strip. Billy Strange, Nancy Sinatra’s record producer is the band behind my voice on this recording. Recently my niece who lives in London discovered this recording on You Tube. I was probably in my late 20′s when this was made.  I hope you enjoy it. It sure was fun to hear this lost recording.

There are two recordings on You Tube by me. It Hurts and Ordinary Girl. Click on You Tube and type in Chuck Marone to hear them.

Many older people develop macular degeneration as part of the body’s aging process. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that affects the macula, a part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail.  Age-related macular degeneration destroys sharp central vision. Central vision is what you see directly in front of you. It is the vision you need for everyday tasks such as reading, watching TV and driving. AMD affects as many as 15 million Americans with about 200.00 new cases every year. It never causes complete blindness, but can affect your daily lifestyle in many ways. In many cases the impact of macular degeneration on vision is minimal. Even people with more advanced cases continue to have some useful vision and are able to take care of themselves.

Studies indicate that people over the age of 60 are at greater risk for age-related macular degeneration than other age groups. it is the leading cause of vision loss and legal blindness in people 55  years of age or older.  Because our life expectancy continues to increase, AMD has become one of the major public-health concerns.

Age is not the only risk factor. Smoking, obesity, family history, race and gender can also play a role in age-related macular degeneration. Whites are more prone to AMD than African Americans and women are more at risk than men. If someone in your family had AMD the odds of you developing the disease is higher. Exposure to cigarette smoke and smoking doubles your risk. People with light colored eyes are also at greater risk of developing the disease. Cardiovascular disease contribute to the risk, such as  high blood pressure,heart attack,coronary artery disease and stroke. Low levels of nutrients, minerals, zinc, antioxidants and vitamins A,C and E play a role in developing AMD. Antioxidants may well protect the cells from oxidation, which is responsible for the effects of aging and the development of disease. Although the exact causes of AMD are not fully understood, researchers may be getting closer to an effective way of preventing it. They believe that vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid may have a significant effect in slowing the progression of this disease. More studies need to be done  on the actual prevention of age-related macular degeneration.

Eating the right foods is essential to healthy eyes and will help you avoid or slow the progress down of  age-related macular degeneration.  Eat foods containing antioxidants.  The antioxidants and minerals found in green leafy vegetables and fish can help keep your eyes healthy and help prevent many diseases such as cancer and those affecting the heart and  immune system. Antioxidants include Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Vitamin E . These antioxidants can help prevent macular degeneration, cataracts, and other eye diseases. Good sources of antioxidants are found in highly pigmented fruits and vegetables.  When choosing fruits and vegetables choose the ones with more color to them.  Fish is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and can also reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

It is also important to note that vitamin supplements are not a cure nor will they restore any of the vision you may have lost due to AMD.  The antioxidants  and vitamin supplements can reduce the impact by slowing down the progression of AMD.

Take a look at this you tube video for keeping your eyes healthy.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NnEdcw6GhE[/youtube]

Stay healthy everyone,

ChucknGayle

Baby boomers and older seniors are hitting gyms and health clubs at a record rate. According to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association,” the number of health club members over 55 grew by 343% from 1987-2003, while the number of members in the 35-54 age group increased by 180%.” Don’t let the tools of fitness scare you or intimidate you such as exercise bikes, elliptical machines, treadmills, free weights and exercise balls.  We live in a community for people over 55.  We have a great gym here in Siena with several trainers that work with seniors to plan a program tailored for the capabilities of each individual. They also teach seniors how to use the machines safely. We have people in our gym in their 80s and 90s.  The best part is everyone is a baby boomer or older senior.  It is a known fact that seniors prefer to exercise alone or with people their own age. Our gym justifies that statement because it is always busy and no one feels intimidated or out of place.

Some of the safest and easiest exercises for seniors are walking, swimming and water aerobics. These activities have less impact on the joints. Another good activity for seniors is riding a stationary bike. It improves the strength in the thighs and does not require balance.

Walking is probably one of the easiest ways to begin an exercise plan. Almost every magazine or article you pick up has an article about walking. Walking is very popular in our community. It is also the simplest way to get exercise.  All you need is a pair of sneakers or good walking shoes and a sidewalk or path.  If you don’t have time for long exercise sessions you can walk in 10 minute sessions four times a day and still gain the same health benefits as a daily 40 or 60 minute walk.  Just remember little strolls can yield big results.  Walking to music, with a friend or even your dog will blast fat, boost your energy and tone your body every step of the way. You can burn more than 250 calories an hour just by walking around your neighborhood, local park, golf course or mall. The farther you walk, the better your mood, walking perks you up and makes you feel good. Exercise like this boosts energy levels and triggers the release of dopamine, a feel-good chemical. If you are suffering from aches and pains from arthritis, or every day wear and tear on the joints, walking has been proven to reduce these pains, banish fatigue and even strengthen your legs for better balance.

Prevention Magazine December 2007, has a short article titled “3 Tips for a Healthier Walk”. They are as follows:
1.    “Count your steps with a pedometer.  Aim to take 3,000 steps or more within 30 minutes or 1,000 in 10 minute bouts.
2.     Use a 1 minute benchmark. Strive to hit 100 steps or more in 1 minute and hold that pace.
3.    Track your laps. Try to walk a mile in 20 minutes or less.”

“A fast stride may mean living longer.  Adults in their 70s who could walk a quarter of a mile in 5 minutes were 30% less likely to die in the next 5 years compared with their peers who took 6 minutes to walk the same distance”, revealed a National Institutes of Health Study.

Moral of the story is to maximize your walk and go for speed. This will also bring your heart rate up and give you energy to last the whole day.  It is important to be consistent, choose a walking routine that fits your lifestyle and ability level, but most important, get walking!  Vary your walking pace, by alternating 3 minutes of strolling with 3 minutes at a fast, breathless pace. This will help keep your heart, lungs and joints young and maximize age-defying benefits.

The following is a simple walking plan designed by Mark Fenton, author of the new book “ The Complete Guide To Walking, New and Revised; For Health, Weight Loss, and Fitness” (Lyon Press).

“Choose one of these 15 minute walks 3 days a week and complete it twice daily, either all at once or at two different times. If it is too challenging at first, do two moderate 15-minute walks each day until you feel more fit.  Be sure to do 5 minutes of easy walking to warm up and also to cool down after each walk.”

“WALK 1.   Alternate brisk and moderate walking for 15 minutes.

WALK 2.   Alternate moderate walking, brisk walking and jogging for 40 seconds each; that is one cycle. Do 3 cycles, walk slowly for 3 minutes and then do 3 more cycles.

WALK 3.   Walk briskly uphill for 2 minutes. Walk back down the hill at a moderate or easy pace.  Now repeat this walking uphill for 3 minutes and then 2 minutes.”

These are just a few ideas to get you started. You may have some ideas of your own.  I started walking about 5 years ago when I moved to Las Vegas.  I walked 3 times a week for an hour with a walking group. I have since graduated to the gym and riding my bike. I loved walking and still do. I am a young and energetic 68 year old woman. I not only lost some weight and built up my fitness level, but I met some super people as well. Walking is only one way to get the exercise you need to extend your life and be healthy.  It is, as I mentioned before, the simplest and easiest way to get started on a fitness plan.

Make no mistake you need to find an exercise program that you will stick to, one that matches your abilities and expectations as well as one you will enjoy. Start slowly, build up endurance and work toward a specific goal. If you have medical problems that preclude certain types of activities, eliminate them as choices for your exercise plan. Low impact exercise may be just right for you where a more high impact exercise like running may work if you are already relatively fit.  There are even programs for those that are of limited mobility, or perhaps confined to a wheelchair. You can sit and be fit at the same time.  We found that music helps distract us from some of the boredom and routine of exercise. We added our favorite music and singers to our iPods to match our workout routines.  Time just flies by. We see people reading on the stationary bikes and treadmill and many are plugged into the TV stations for news, entertainment and soap operas. Sometimes just meditating, perhaps while swimming laps or walking, is all you need to relax and enjoy the exercise time.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1580-Cv-DHg[/youtube]

I hope you are motivated to begin your exercise program today. Here’s one more idea to try this year.  Plan an active vacation.  Learn a new sport or go walking or biking in a new and beautiful area.

Remember to take water with you when you exercise. A good guideline is to drink 8 ounces about every 15 minutes. Your body needs to stay hydrated when you exercise. An easy way to calculate how much water you need each day is to divide your weight by 2 and use that as the number of ounces you need each day.  I weigh 115 pounds, therefore, I would need 57.5 ounces of water each day.

Before implementing any changes in your physical activity consult with your doctor. Counsel from your doctor will help you to choose the  most appropriate types of exercise for your age and physical condition. Fitness varies from person to person. Fitness is influenced by many factors; sex, age, heredity, exercise, and nutrition. You have the power and ability within you to take charge of your fitness through exercise and a healthy diet.

Happy Walking Folks!

Chuck and Gayle

Exercise can help you take charge of your health and maintain the level of fitness necessary for an active, independent lifestyle. Regular exercise and physical activity are very important to the health of older people. Not exercising is risky business. In fact, once you pass the ripe old age of 25, your total body strength decreases by about 4% every ten years. By 30 bone mass has peaked and you begin to lose it at the rate of 1-2% a year after that. At age 40 muscles begin to shrink. In order to combat the loss of muscle strength and bring back endurance and flexibility it is important to engage in regular physical exercise. It is indeed one of the best anti- aging secrets for both men and women by far.
An intriguing study on physical activity and anti-aging, conducted by the University of Nevada Las Vegas adult exercise program, found that there was a dramatic decrease in factors associated with aging compared to the normal population that does not exercise. Many of the studies show, bones get denser, muscles get stronger, and joints become more flexible.

We know for a fact that getting started is the hardest part of keeping fit and planning an exercise program. However, studies show that even moderate daily exercise will help slow down the aging process and reduce the risk of heart attacks and disease up to 50%. That knowledge in itself should get you up off the couch and moving. It is never too late to start looking and feeling better with an exercise program designed specifically for you. It is also never too late to start an exercise program. You will reap the benefits no matter what your age. The goal for all of us should be, “Active For Life”.

Exercise does not have to be a chore or boring. If you think of exercise that way, challenge yourself to think differently, make it an enjoyable pastime. You are more likely to make a lifelong commitment to fitness if you shift your thinking and begin your program with something you enjoy. Walking, biking, jogging, swimming, dancing of any kind, kayaking and skiing, just to mention a few, are all great fun and terrific aerobic exercises.  Tai chi, pilates and stability ball techniques improve balance, strength, flexibility and range of motion. Recognize the fact that regular physical activity can provide more than just physical benefits. It is a way to keep you actively engaged in the world doing things you love to do. Feeling involved in this way, connecting with others and being passionate about things will help you live a longer and healthier life!  People who wake up in the morning with a motivating purpose (something fun to do or a reason to live) age better than those who don’t.
Senior citizens and baby boomers are well aware of the importance of exercise, yet 85% do not exercise on a regular basis. Fact is, the more fit you are in your 30s and 40s, the easier it will be to maintain your fitness in your 60s and 70s. Regular activity will actually keep you young, in every cell of your body, perhaps even a decade younger than your sedentary peers. Anyone who exercises daily sidesteps heart disease (in most cases) and will live nearly 4 years longer than inactive people. Exercise truly is a fountain of youth and a way to extend your life.

Carol Bollinger pointed out in her article, “The Fitness Formula “for Prevention Magazine in October 2007 the many ways regular exercise benefits your health. “Count the ways: In study after study, regular workouts have been proven to insulate you from heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, stroke and diabetes. Exercise lowers blood pressure, reduces body fat, raises “good “ cholesterol, lowers “bad” cholesterol, improves blood flow, keeps intestines and the colon healthy, and regulates key hormones.” Four important cornerstones of age prevention should be part of your ultimate anti-aging exercise plan.  In order to reap the benefits for your health and add years to your life you should include; consistent cardio, intense intervals, weight training and Yoga.

Your body is meant for movement, and just like an automobile, it needs to be used to keep working properly and functioning at its best and healthiest.  Treat your body right, have fun doing it, and you will unlock the key to anti-aging.  You cannot stop getting older but you can keep yourself from prematurely aging. Take care of your body,
keep it functioning correctly despite your age.  Any activity is better than none, some are much better than others.  Get up, get moving and never stop trying. Exercise keeps you young in many ways; it boosts your mood, helps you fall asleep, burns up calories and helps control your appetite, it firms up sagging muscles and boosts your libido to energize your sex life.

[youtube]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=JvomWcK4lRU[/youtube]

The time to start is NOW, you will be surprised at what
your body can do!
Happy Anti-Aging Everyone!

ChucknGayle

When it comes to staying young, a mind-lift beats a face-lift anyday.  ~Marty Bucella

Mental and emotional health is extremely important to healthy aging and maintaining your youth. Depression, stress and anxiety can affect your ability to recover from illness.  Spiritual, mental and physical aspects of life all influence longevity.  Living a healthy lifestyle and learning new things can keep your brain functioning optimally. A healthy mind is part of a healthy body. If you are in a good state of mind you are better able to make the best decisions for yourself about your lifestyle and your health. Longevity depends on a healthy brain and attitude. One of the most important things you can do as you age is to maintain a healthy sharp brain.

There are many things you can do to keep your mind healthy and sharp and in peak condition.  Did you know many of these things are also key to maintaining a healthy body as well?

• Reduce the stress in your life. Stress can damage the brain.
Relax, meditate and treat yourself once in a while. Managing
the stress in your life improves your memory, makes you less
sensitive to pain and more able to cope.

•  Practice the art of positive thinking. Develop a positive attitude
about yourself and the world around you. To ensure longevity
in the brain keep a positive sense of purpose and a healthy
optimism.

“Cheerfulness and contentment are great beautifiers and are
famous preservers of youthful looks.”
Charles Dickens

• Take time to do the things you enjoy. Pursue leisure activities.
Read books and magazines, take a walk, play golf, knit with a
friend, enjoy a movie together. Leisure activities can reduce the
risk or delay the onset of dementia.

• Stay in touch with family and friends. Staying connected and being active helps us to live longer and retain mental sharpness. Build strong social networks to help the brain tolerate told age. Lonely individuals are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s. Volunteer and donate your time to something worthy. It allows you to use your brain and try new things.  It is intellectually stimulating and you meet new people.
Several studies have found that people who volunteer live longer than those who do not.

• Get enough sleep.  Getting enough sleep increases your
concentration and is critical for memory and information
processing.  Sleep is when your brain sharpens new skills and
solves problems.

• If you feel depressed or anxious get help from a professional.
Depression is one of the most common conditions seniors
face.

• Free your mind and body of harmful drugs and alcohol. Stop
smoking and cut down on alcohol consumption.

• Use your mental muscles, working out your brain strengthens
neuronal pathways and builds new ones. Train your brain to
improve memory skills, reasoning and visualization efficiency.
Active learning through out your life will keep your brain
healthy later in years.

• Get regular exercise it is the best way to improve brain health,
improve memory, concentration and abstract thinking. Exercise
increases blood flow to the brain, which nourishes the brain
cells and allows them to function more efficiently. Certain areas
of the brain shrink as we age. Walking can reverse this affect. A
University of Illinois study of adults ages 60-80 revealed that
walker’s brains looked 2-3 years younger than others their
age. Walk everyday!

• Eat nutritiously to decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s and age-
related cognitive decline. Remember what you eat can affect how you think.

A man is not old as long as he is seeking something.  ~Jean
Rostand

Some of the myths about aging and the brain are just not true. We can all acquire new knowledge, sharpen our skills and learn new tricks no matter what our age. Learning new things can help maintain mental functions and sharpen your mind. Researchers have learned that our older brains are quite capable of learning new things. We continue to learn as we age and we gain wisdom. Older people learn things just as well as younger people.  It may take a bit more time or effort but, yes, you can teach “an old dog new tricks”.

Do a crossword puzzle, Play a game, take on a new hobby, study a language, take a college course about a passion of yours, learn a new sport, learn how to play an instrument, take dancing lessons or cozy up with a good book. Reading keeps your mind sharp for life and provides an intellectual boost, especially when reading great literature. Research believes that people who read develop a brainpower reservoir that may lessen the risk of dementia.

All of these new experiences help stimulate the area of the brain that produces dopamine.  Dopamine is a chemical involved in memory and learning.  Learning and doing new things builds brain mass and increases your mental agility. Don’t be afraid of challenging and expanding your horizons with fresh and new
activities. You do not have to excel in your new pursuits to reap the many benefits.

I still have a full deck; I just shuffle slower now.  ~Author
Unknown

Contrary to popular belief the brain does not lose brain cells everyday, rather it grows new brain cells and reshapes itself through the experiences you encounter and the learning you do. As you challenge your brain, new brain cells sprout and the brain carves a new neural pathway keeping the brain vital and sharp.  When stimulated by new activities the brain is capable of regeneration.

One of the major keys to defying your age is staying mentally active and sharpening your brain. Get out there and train your brain for longevity. You will be glad you did and smarter for it!

First you are young; then you are middle-aged; then you are old; then you are wonderful.     Norman Vincent Peale

Be Wonderful Everyone!  Happy Anti-aging!

Chuck and Gayle

Overweight, obesity, fat, plump or heavy are all labels for ranges of weight that are greater than what is generally labeled healthy for your height and age. These terms also identify weight ranges that are shown to increase the risk of disease and other health problems.  The killer waiting to happen. Having more body fat than is healthy is a generally a good definition for being overweight.  It is also defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher. A BMI  of 30 or higher is considered obese. Normal or healthy range is between 18.5 to 24.9. If less than 18.5 you are considered underweight.

One way to tell if you are at a healthy weight is to calculate your BMI (body mass index). Check out the BMI calculator or the BMI Index Chart at The Center For Disease Control (CDC) site; BODY MASS INDEX

Another way to check your weight is to measure your waist size. Measure around your abdomen just above your hip bone. Stand up straight, relax, exhale and measure your waist with the tape snug but not too tight. A good rule of thumb for men is not to exceed 40 inches in circumference and for women not to exceed 35 inches. Excessive belly fat places greater risks for you developing serious obesity related diseases.

Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing many types of disease such as;
•    Coronary heart disease
•    Type 2 diabetes
•    Stroke
•    Gallbladder disease
•    Dyslipidemia (cholesterol problems)
•    Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
•    Some cancers, (breast, colon,prostrate, and endometrial)
•    Gynecological problems
•    Degenerative joint disease
•    Psychosocial disability

Just because you are a little overweight does not always mean you aren’t healthy. A person’s shape is not always a good indicator of your health. It is the abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to your health.  A person can be overweight according to ordinary standards but not considered obese. Their body fat may actually be below-average but their muscle mass may be above-average.  A 250 pound football player is a good example of this.

It is a fact that your diet and the amount of calories you take in and lack of physical exercise are the two biggest factors that lead to overweight, heavy, fat, plump, or obese ( whatever you want to call it) individuals.  It is recommended that you engage in at least 30 minutes of regular, moderate intensity exercise every day. Muscle strengthening and balance training are also recommended to help reduce the risk of falls. You may have to increase the amount of physical activity for proper weight control.  Exercise can help slow down Alzheimer’s disease and boost your brain power. Exercise is great medicine.  If you want to live longer, be healthier and look slimmer, working out is the best thing you can do for yourself.  Walking is great exercise and you benefit by also soaking up some vitamin D (sunshine) that is good for your bones and helps decrease the risk of all kinds of cancer by 60 percent.

Your health is not a blessing it is your responsibility to take charge and make some positive changes. Get up off the couch and get out your sneakers. It is never too late to make a difference in your health. Remember even a little exercise and a little weight loss can mean HUGE health benefits. Slim, trim, slender,lean and thin are words to LIVE FOR. Overweight, heavy, fat, plump and obese are words to DIE FOR. LITERALLY!!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5-gbB-MTcs[/youtube]

Stay Healthy Everyone and Happy Antiaging,

Gayle and Chuck