Regular Dental Visits can Prevent Heart Attack and Stroke

Recent studies show that the association between heart disease and gum disease is at least as strong as the linkage of heart disease to cholesterol, body weight and smoking. New research shows that common bacteria found in dental plaque may enter the blood stream through gums and clump together on the walls of these blood vessels. Just like cholesterol, these clots block blood circulation through the body, causing an increase in blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause these clots to dislodge from the walls and escape into the heart or the brain, causing heart attack or stroke. Your dentist can quickly and painlessly remove this dangerous plaque during a routine dental cleaning and check your x-rays for any signs of calcifications in your carotid arteries, the major arteries carrying blood to your brain.
Resource: Gina Dorfman, DDS of Dentistry for Kids and Adults
513-9393 or 299-2525

Try Nordic Pole Walking for Increased Calorie Burn and More

The sport was originally developed in Europe for cross country ski athletes trying to simulate cross-country skiing techniques in the summer without the snow. Nordic Pole Walking is quickly becoming a worldwide phenomenon. The activity burns up to 46 percent more calories compared to traditional walking; strengthens core muscles; reduces stress to knees, hips, and back up to 30 percent; enhances cardiovascular performance up to 22 percent; improves posture and body alignment and more.
Resource: Jon Chaitt of Foot Solutions 702-0070

Many Pitfalls of Aging can be Avoided

According to the CDC's website(www.cdc.gov/aging), "Chronic diseases exact a particularly heavy health and economic burden on older adults due to associated long-term illness, diminished quality of life and greatly increased health care costs. Although the risk of disease and disability clearly increases with advancing age, poor health is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Much of the illness, disability, and death associated with chronic disease is avoidable through known prevention measures. Key measures include practicing a healthy lifestyle (e.g., regular physical activity, healthy eating and avoiding tobacco use) and the use of early detection practices (e.g., screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers, diabetes and its complications, and depression)."
Resource: Tami Lindahl of Club 50 Fitness 253-4950

Prevent Heat Loss when Walking or Running in Cold Weather

Proper outfitting is vital when exercising in the cold. Unfortunately, cotton is the worst choice during this time of year because it won't pull moisture off your body. When one's clothing doesn't promote sweat evaporation, you will perceive the environment to be 10 to 15 degrees lower that the real temperature. Choosing pieces with synthetic fibers woven into clothing is best. Synthetic material allows four times or more moisture to move through clothes. Most pieces made by top manufacturers also have temperature control to keep your body warmer and drier.
Resource: Flo Mina of Runners Lane 260-3368