Hell Month - Final Posting

Listed below is some interesting information that was given to me at work. I thought I would share it. As for Hell Month, I will not be posting any more posts until my next doctor visit. I want to spend my time focusing on my new site because I think it will be far more beneficial to people than my blogs. I wish you all the best! ~Edd~

Fast Guide to Fats
Is dietary fat bad for you? Actually, fat is an important part of every cell in your body, and it contributes to healthy hair and skin. But fat has more than double the calories of protein or carbohydrates, so a little goes a long way. Here’s a quick summary of the American Heart Association’s recommendations:

Trans fats. Often listed on labels as "partially hydrogenated," these fats are found in some baked goods, snacks, margarines and especially fried foods. Trans fats contribute to clogged arteries, so eat as little as possible or avoid them altogether.

Saturated fats. These fats are found in meat and dairy products, as well as palm and coconut oils. Try to limit them to 7 percent of your total calories, since saturated fat is a major factor in unhealthy cholesterol.

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. The best sources of these heart-healthy fats include olive oil, canola oil, avocados and nuts. The omega-3 fatty acids, a special type of polyunsaturated fat found in fish such as salmon and herring, are especially good for your heart.

The bottom line: Try to keep your fat intake to 25 to 35 percent of your total calories. If you stick to mostly mono- and polyunsaturated fats, you’ll be doing your heart a big favor.

Watch Those Liquid Calories
A recent study found that people get 22 percent of their calories from beverages and that people who drink beverages with calories tend to eat more. TIP: If you’re trying to lose weight, choose sugar-free beverages or water, which has zero calories.

4 Quick At-Work Exercises
Our bodies are designed to move, so sitting or standing in one place all day can make you ache. What can you do? Use brief breaks for some simple moves that can bring relief. You can stretch between phone calls, while your computer is loading a file or between tasks. Just 5 minutes of movement per hour will help you feel more calm and productive. Get going with these ideas:

Stretch. Relieve tension and stiffness with some stretching. Try this one: Lift your shoulders toward your ears, then rotate them backwards and down. For other exercises, click on "Musculoskeletal System" at http://dohs.ors.od.nih.gov/exercises.htm.

Pump it up. Exercise your heart by taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Go for a quick walk instead of a coffee break.

Build strength. Work your muscles with filled water bottles or resistance bands. While seated and reading e-mails, place one foot on the floor and raise the opposite leg several inches. Gently move the leg up and down a few inches. Do this 10-20 times and then repeat with the opposite leg.

Strike a pose. Yoga builds flexibility and strength. While sitting, gently turn your head to the side and your torso to the opposite side, then hold for a few seconds. Try other poses from "Free Yoga Lesson" at http://www.americanyogaassociation.org/contents.html. Aim to loosen your neck and shoulders every 20 minutes and walk or stretch every 40 minutes. And try to fit in a regular exercise routine most days of the week.