Modern lifestyle not conducive to staying physically fit

BY ROBERT HORZEPA Correspondent

Traditional physical culturist and certified personal trainer Bob Horzepa blends physical fitness, nutrition and self-defense training to help his students achieve their goals. We all want to look good and feel great, no matter who we are, and whatever our age.

To accomplish our goals, we join health clubs, go on diets, consume miracle weight-loss supplements, consider performance enhancing drugs, purchase 90- day DVD workouts, and even resort to surgery.

In the end, the results are usually less than expected, and we experience disappointment and a loss of motivation.

This can be avoided by viewing your fitness and nutrition needs from natures perspective and not the perspectives of Madison Avenue and the national media.

Although we often dont care to admit it, we are all simply mammals, genetically programmed by nature.

Human beings began as hunter/gatherers, progressed into agriculture, then on to the Industrial Revolution, and to the hightechnology age in which we now live.

These changes have taken place over a very short period of time from an evolutionary standpoint, and genetically, we remain the same hunter/gatherers that we started out as a few million years ago.

Man no longer hunts mastodons and giant elk, and women no longer dig roots and gather berries, but our genes keep signaling us to do so, and our bodies are equipped to meet those challenges on a daily basis.

The rest is here:
Nature’s way: Sensible fitness and nutrition

By Phyllis Day, Times Staff Writer Phyllis DayTampa Bay Times In Print: Thursday, August 9, 2012

Health and support

Alcoholics Anonymous: For Hernando County locations, call (352) 683-4597.

Alzheimer's Association: The Florida Gulf Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association offers support groups at several locations:

2:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month, Oak Hill Hospital's Senior Partners Club (behind the hospital), 11361 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill. Jerry Fisher, (352) 688-4537.

2:30 p.m. the first Friday of each month, Lykes Memorial Library, 238 Howell Ave., Brooksville. Jerry Fisher, (352) 688-4537.

2 p.m. the third Monday of each month, Residence at Timber Pines, 3140 Forest Road, Spring Hill. Diane Koenig, (352) 683-9009. Free day care available with advance reservations.

11 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 550 U.S. 41 S, Inverness. Sue Piatek, (352) 527-4600.

5 p.m. the fourth Tuesday, Emeritus at Barrington Place, 2341 W Norvell Bryant Highway, Lecanto. Free day care provided with advance reservations. Sue Piatek, (352) 527-4600

1 p.m. the second Monday, First United Methodist Church, 8831 W Bradshaw St., Homosassa. Free day care provided with advance reservations. Sue Piatek, (352) 527-4600.

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Health and support

North Beach

Zumba Classes: Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a dynamic workout system. Class participants follow the Zumba instructor who will do choreography dancing to Latin music like salsa, merengue, cumbia, samba, flamenco, reggaeton and some American music. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, through Aug. 30, at North Beach near the Beachside Oasis, 100 Kewaunee St. (North Beach). Free.

BloodCenter of Wisconsin

BLOOD DRIVES: Donors must be in good health, age 17 or older (16 with parental consent) and have photo ID. Call (877) 232-4376 to make an appointment or visit the websites listed for each drive. The following blood drives have been scheduled in Racine County:

Aug. 13 Tichigan Civic Center, 6710 Big Bend Road, Tichigan, 2-6 p.m. http://www.bcw.edu/TichiganLions.

Aug. 18 Gooseberries, 690 W. State St., Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Go to ww.bcw.edu/gooseberries.

Aug. 21 Veterans Terrace, 589 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington, 2-7 p.m. Go to http://www.bcw.edu/BurlingtonAugust.

Aug. 22 Burlington Town Hall, 32288 Bushnell Road, Burlington, 3-7 p.m. Go to http://www.bcw.edu/Station3.

Walk-ins are welcome. Attempting donors will be entered in to a drawing for a chance to win a four-pack of Milwaukee Brewers tickets and the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the game Oct. 1.

Fitness File is published every Wednesday and includes notices of nonprofit fitness and health-related programs. The deadline to submit an announcement is seven days before the desired publication date. Mail information to Fitness File, c/o Diane Collins, 212 Fourth St., Racine, WI 53403; fax to (262) 631-1780; or submit it to the online calendar at http://www.journaltimes.com/calendar and use the Health-and-fitness category.

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Health & Fitness File, Aug. 8

Perhaps youve had a mammogram recently, or taken a child for an immunization or consulted with a specialist about a weight problem. Since late 2010, those visits to health care providers have carried an additional benefit: Theyre free. Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, signed into law 28 months ago and upheld in June by the Supreme Court, its illegal for insurers to charge consumers a co-payment for a long list of health care services designed to prevent disease.

In fact, while they have been largely overshadowed by the furor over the requirement that everyone carry health insurance, there are many provisions in the law designed to encourage wellness, fitness and prevention. Its an effort to improve health and reduce the ever-escalating cost of health care.

Some measures have been in effect for nearly two years and escaped cancellation when the Supreme Court preserved the law. Others are on the way. Just last week, the controversial regulations on free contraceptives and other preventive care for women took effect.

A large portion of health-care costs are attributable to preventable disease. Federal statistics show, for example, that more than one-third of American adults are obese a condition that carries all manner of health risks, such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. The health-care law tilts heavily toward preventive services and developing new prevention policies.

When you remove cost barriers, people are much more likely to use services and thats been demonstrated for many, many years, said Karen Pollitz, a senior fellow at the Kaiser Family Foundation who specializes in health-care reform and private insurance.

The benefits kick in when your health insurance plan changes or is updated. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 54 million people have received free services under the law that previously would have cost them at least a co-payment.

Workplace benefits

Most people will receive the greatest tangible impact of the new law where they work. That only makes sense. Its where most of us get our health insurance, and employers increasingly have been turning to wellness programs to cut costs anyway.

A 2010 study by Harvard University researchers, published in the journal Health Affairs, concluded that medical costs fall by about $3.27 for every dollar spent on wellness programs and that absenteeism costs fall by about $2.73 for every dollar spent. It remains difficult, however, to pinpoint which wellness programs produce the greatest bang for employers buck.

Beginning in 2014, the health-care law will allow employers to increase incentives for participation in programs that require an employee to achieve an agreed-upon wellness goal, such as giving up tobacco or losing a certain amount of weight. The incentive can be as much as 30 percent of an employees insurance costs, and in some cases as much as 50 percent. That is up from 20 percent allowed by law now.

Original post:
Obama’s health-care law: The fitness and wellness provisions you may have missed

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4ICElNpuCw

06-08-2012 09:43 Introduction to some of the facilities and services available at BHB Health and Fitness. Whilst showing demonstrations on main pieces, with Helens private gym

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BHB Health and Fitness - Video

Well-being enhancement company Healthways (HWAY) recently revealed that it is providing its Prime Fitness Program to First Coast Service Options located in Jacksonville, Florida and to Novitas Solutions based in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. The two companies will provide access to Prime Fitness to their staff as a benefit paid for by the employer.

Periodic exercise helps manage health problems and leads to improved productivity and reduced systemic costs. Research results indicate that physical exercise three or more times a week (instead of zero to once a week) leads to a significant curtailment of healthcare costs.

Participants in Healthways Prime Fitness Program can avail of over 8,000 fitness centers across the country. Other benefits include access to an online site capable of designing fitness regimens. In addition, the company also provides telephonic support.

The Healthways model encourages people to make favorable lifestyle changes that lead to enhanced well-being, reduced healthcare costs, improved performance and economic value for customers. The company has invested in technology platforms that provide scalable support with large populations. It has tie-ups with a large proportion of U.S. health plans and counts many millions of lives in its customer base.

Due to its unique scalable business model, Healthways shares may present a long-term investment opportunity, although it may face many challenges in the short term.

Healthways is the leader in a strategically critical and rapidly evolving part of the health care services market. Its fitness program (SilverSneakers) for seniors is available at 14,000 centers across the U.S. and caters to several million eligible enrollees.

We currently have a Neutral recommendation on Healthways. The stock retains a Zacks #3 Rank, which translates into a short-term Hold rating.

Zacks Investment Research

More From Zacks.com

The rest is here:
Healthways Acquires Users for Prime

Arthritis Foundation Program Introduction to Tai Chi: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays (Aug. 7-30) at St. John's Episcopal Church (Parish Life Center), 3245 Central. $35/month or $5/class. Call 901-230-9427.

The Wolfpack Triathlon: 20th annual multisport 400-meter swim, 7-mile mountain bike, 2-mile trail run. 6 p.m. Friday at Herb Parsons Lake in Fayette County near Eads. Registration fees: $45 in advance, $55 by Thursday, $70 race day. Relay $75 in advance, $95 by Thursday, and $110 race day. Online registration closes at midnight Aug. 9. Call 901-274-2202.

Annie Oakley Super Sprint Triathlon: 7 a.m. Saturday at Herb Parsons Lake in Fayette County near Eads. Registration fees: $75 in advance, $80 by Thursday, $105 race day. Relay $145 in advance, $150 by Thursday, and $175 race day. Online registration closes at midnight Thursday. Call 901-274-2202.

Elvis Presley 5K Run: 8 a.m. Saturday on Elvis Presley Blvd. (near Graceland) Pre-registration, $30. Register online until 8 p.m. Thursday. In-person at Packet Pick up locations, $35. Race day, $40. Registration between 6:30 and 8 a.m. at Elvis Presley Park (corner of Craft Road and Elvis Presley Blvd.). Registration will be accepted after 7:30 a.m. but must be registered by 7:30 a.m. to receive an official time. 30th annual 5K Run benefits LivItUp, Inc. 901-316-0377.

Strategic Financial Partners 5K: 8:30 a.m. Aug. 25 outside the Strategic Financial Partners building at 795 Ridge Lake Blvd. $20 in advance, $25 after Aug. 18. $12 in advance and $15 after Aug. 28 for ages 5 to 18 ($2 discount for Memphis Runners Track Club members). The 4th annual event benefits Le Bonheur Children's Hospital Neuroscience Institute. Race-day registration and packet pickup 7:30-8:20 a.m. Race-day fee $25 ($15 children). 901-767-5951. sfp5k.racesonline.com

Health Events

American Cancer Society's Look Good ... Feel Better Program: Free service teaching female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore self-image. Call 800-227-2345.

Monday: 2-4 p.m. at The West Clinic, 1588 Union.

Aug. 13: 10 a.m.-noon at Baptist Centers for Cancer Care, 55 Humphreys Center Drive, Suite 100.

Aug. 20: 2-4 p.m. at Baptist Memorial Hospital, 7601 Southcrest Pkwy., Southaven.

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Health and fitness calendar: Aug. 6, 2012

Thinkstock

Courtesy Photo

You dont have to be a gym buff to get your daily dose of exercise; take advantage of the great summer weather and head outside! The countless benefits of physical activity transcend the treadmill and surpass the stair climber. Engaging in exercise beyond our houses four walls will free your mind and expand your horizons. Consider visiting Mother Nature the next time you put your sneakers on and go for fit!

Breathing in fresh air and surrounding yourself with natures garden can increase your strength and boost your health. Scientists in the Finnish Forest Research Institute reported that stress, anger, and aggression decrease when individuals are exposed to natures green environment. Spending more time outdoors can instantly improve your mood and help strengthen your immune system as well.

Save Money

Todays economy makes joining a gym a challenge for your wallet. Taking your workout to the trees will save you from expensive membership and studio fees. In addition to cashing in, you have the leisure of exercising at any time. Mother Nature is open 24/7 and she wont kick you out because you forgot to pay your dues! Other benefits include:

Boost in energy from increased oxygen intake and more fresh air

Reduced distractions from computers, phones, and televisions

Escape from crowds of people waiting to use gym machines

Improved sleep

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Dr. Mao's Wellness Central: Head Outside For Better Health And Fitness

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

UnitedHealthcare today announced the winners of the third annual Hair Fitness competition, which seeks to promote styles that facilitate healthy and fit African American women.

The company hosted the competition in partnership with the Bronner Bros. at the International Hair Show on Sunday, Aug. 5, a trade show that draws 60,000 hair stylists from across the nation.

Linette Battle of Palm Beach, Fla., won first place. Battle received the grand-prize of $5,000 and a trophy for outstanding design and execution. Runners-up included Camilla Brown, who won the second-place prize of $2,000; and Elisha Heard, who received a $500 prize. Tiffany Thames and Keysha Quinn rounded out the top-five finishers.

Im thrilled to have been recognized at this years Hair Fitness contest. Ive been leading a healthy lifestyle and talking to my clients about it for years, so its wonderful to see a company like UnitedHealthcare helping to bring attention to this issue. I cant wait to share what I learned with my clients and community, said Battle.

Battle was among more than 50 stylists competing before a crowd of 1,500 to showcase innovative, stylish and exercise-friendly hairstyles. The goal of the Hair Fitness competition is to encourage professional hair stylists to create hairstyles that are easy to maintain and empower their clients to make exercise a part of their daily routine.

The Hair Fitness competition, now in its third year, was inspired by studies that showed many African-American women avoid certain fitness activities in order to maintain their hairstyles, as well as the alarming rates of obesity among African Americans. According to the 2011 edition of Americas Health Rankings, the prevalence of obesity among African Americans exceeds 30 percent in 36 states and the District of Columbia, which dramatically outpaces obesity rates for whites and poses serious health consequences for those affected including diabetes and heart disease.

Also appearing at the event were Regina M. Benjamin, M.D., M.B.A., Surgeon General of the United States; celebrity hair stylist Elgin Charles, known as the Emperor of Hair and star of VH1s Beverly Hills Fabulous; and Reed Tuckson, M.D., former Washington, D.C. Public Health Commissioner and executive vice president and chief of medical affairs at UnitedHealth Group. WNBA Washington Mystics player Ashley Robinson also spoke at the event.

We applaud everyone who participated in this years Hair Fitness competition for the important work they do and the trust they have earned in their communities, said Dr. Tuckson. We look forward to continuing our work with Bronner Bros. and stylists across the country to help African-American women enjoy great style and great health at the same time.

The stylists were judged on the technical execution of the styles, originality, suitability and head contour, and new ideas. Contest categories included: low-impact workout, which involves little to no sweat and requires only one shampoo/condition per week; moderate-impact workout, which involves modest sweat and requires 1-2 shampoo and conditions per week; and high-impact, which involves profuse sweating and requires 2-3 shampoo/conditions per week.

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UnitedHealthcare Announces Hair Fitness Contest Winners at Bronner Brothers International Hair Show

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Aug. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Dietitians and health experts everywhere regard daily tracking of physical activity and food intake as the single biggest tool for success in any health, diet or fitness program and that process just got easier for millions of Americans thanks to a strategic partnership between Sodexo and MyFitnessPal. Now, tracking good nutrition in the workplace is simple as Sodexo, Quality of Daily Life Solutions provider to more than 1,800 corporate workplaces in the United States, directly connects its database of thousands of chef-developed menu items directly with MyFitnessPal's mobile applications and website.

"Millions of people have downloaded health and fitness related mobile applications for their phones; in fact research predicts there will be more than 1 billion annual health-related app downloads by the year 2016," said Bill Mitchell, national director of consumer technology solutions for Sodexo. "People want help managing their day-to-day progress and keeping track away from home can sometimes present a challenge. MyFitnessPal fits perfectly with Sodexo's commitment to the communities we serve by taking an approach to health and wellness that's integrated into all aspects of lifeat work, home and playgiving real-time nutrition information to guide dining decisions."

The MyFitnessPal application, widely praised and rated Editor's Choice by PC Magazine and Editor's Pick in Wired Magazine, is available as a free download on iPhone, Android, Blackberry and Windows smart phones. The technology utilizes a bar code scanner allowing consumers to instantly download nutrition information for a product as an alternative to searching for it in the database or entering it manually. MyFitnessPal's nutrition database of over 1.8 million products is also available on the MyFitnessPal.com website.

As part of Sodexo's focus on technology and an enterprise-wide point-of-sale system it has introduced unique codes for all products and recipes. Those unique codes, which Sodexo incorporates on signs, labels, and receipts, are integrated into MyFitnessPal, making access to nutrition information even faster. In addition, the program allows for integration of the consumer's information with FitBit, an innovative tool used to track activity, fitness, diet, and sleep patterns, helping people lead healthier, more active lives.

"We're extremely pleased to partner with Sodexo," said Albert Lee, co-founder of MyFitnessPal. "This partnership supports our goal of making it easy for consumers to be able to find accurate nutrition information wherever they may be dining as they use our application to simplify keeping track of their nutrition and fitness goals."

The partnership with MyFitnessPal is aligned with the priorities for Sodexo's Better Tomorrow Plan, the company's sustainability roadmap, which includes actively promoting nutrition, health and wellness; committing to local communities and protecting the environment.

About MyFitnessPalFounded in 2005, MyFitnessPal is a leading health and fitness service with easy-to-use web and mobile apps for tracking nutrition and exercise activity. Over 20 million people have already selected MyFitnessPal's top rated nutrition tracking tools to empower them to achieve their health and fitness goals. MyFitnessPal's free application is available on any iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone 7 device or the web and is supported by an enormous food database of over 1.7million food items and a fully featured social network to enable a steady stream of community engagement and support. Follow MyFitnessPal on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/MyFitnessPal, or join MyFitnessPal's 350,000+Facebook Fans athttp://www.facebook.com/MyFitnessPal.

About Sodexo

Sodexo in North America

Sodexo, Inc. (www.sodexoUSA.com), leading Quality of Daily Life Solutions company in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, delivers On-site Service Solutions in Corporate, Education, Health Care, Government, and Remote Site segments, and Motivation Solutions such as Esteem Pass. Sodexo, Inc., headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., funds all administrative costs for the Sodexo Foundation (www.SodexoFoundation.org), an independent charitable organization that, since its founding in 1999, has made more than $17 million in grants to end childhood hunger in America. Visit the corporate blog at http://www.sodexoUSA.com/blog.

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Sodexo and MyFitnessPal Partner to Make Good Nutrition Easy