Again........Hey, teacher..... don't leave them kids alone!!

With the ever increasing epidemic of obesity hitting school yards everywhere, including the teachers and staff and just about 60% of the population...... teachers need to really push to fight for the well being of their students.

I would urge all teachers to send a letter to the school board and their government representative asking for sweeping changes in the Canadian and U.S. school systems banning junk food during school hours. The same goes for vending machines. The corporations who make the pop and artificial juice drinks need to look at healthier and cheaper ways to get good quality nutrition in schools.

Kids hold the key to our future, our health future. They are little sponges that learn what they are taught very quickly. Teach them to eat healthy and they will eat healthy, simple as that.

Parents take note, if you are overweight, your children have a greater chance of being overweight as well. It starts in the home and is carried on at school. This will secure the health of our population.

Good health, nutrition and fitness information need not be expensive. Get to the library and learn about your body. Knowledge is king!!

A.J. McAlendin

Sitting at a desk job for long periods of time is very stressful on your back, neck, shoulders and all of the muscles that stabilize the spine. For every hour you sit, get up for 5-10 minutes and stretch or walk around. Even if you get up and walk to the bathroom even if you do not have to go. GET UP and GET MOVING, your body wants to move, we were made to move!! The human body is great at adapting and desk jobs can help you pack on the pounds.

A person working on an assembly line and standing for 10 hours a day will burn more calories than a person who answers the telephone. Make sure your calorie intake reflects your job, especially when you switch jobs.

If you need help to figure that out just send an e-mail and let's get you back on track!

A.J. McAlendin

Women Cut Your Fat!

A study in the Journal of Nutrition found that women who scaled back their fat intake (animal fats) reduced their risk for ovarian cancer.

Scaling back on animal and trans fats is a great way to improve your body and digestive system. Trans fats have been linked to cancer and many other health problems.

A.J.McAlendin

Drink Your Juice!

A study from the Amercian Journal of Medicine showed that people who drank antioxidant packed juice three times a week were 76% less prone to Alzheimer's disease. Pomegranate, blueberry and all natural varieties are best. Feel free to mix and max juices together for a new combination. You can also add a little bit of wine to your juice and make a cocktail for your evening enjoyment! Add some sprite or seven up for fizzle!

A.J. McAlendin

Warm Grapefruit Tea

2 cups of fresh ruby red grapefruit juice
4 tablespoons honey or splenda if you are looking not to add calories
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 teaspoon of allspice berries (not ground spice)
1/2 cup of water

Combine everything in a pot and bring to a boil. Pour into some nice mugs and enjoy. You can even add a little spiced rum if you want something to wind down after a long day.

Cheers!!

A.J. McAlendin