We picked up another lawn customer this past week.  It’s a very large apartment complex.  It took us a little over 3 days to cut and trim the entire place.  I cut grass with my pushmower as well as the small rider the first day.  (even apt. complexes have hills down here) The second and third day, I was doing edging with an Echo SRM 230 string trimmer.  The first day I used the trimmer from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM.  The second day I used the trimmer from 9:00 AM until 6:45 PM.  I didn’t take a lunch break and only stopped long enough to drink some water  while I was cutting the first day.  The second day it was much hotter so we did take an hour lunch break.

I love this Echo trimmer.  It’s light weight and easy to use.  It has a nice big trimmer head so I don’t have to keep loading the string so often.  I’ve never done trimming.  I’ve always left that job up to my husband.  Since there is so much trimming with this complex, I knew I was going to have to learn. 

By the end of the second day, I was scooting right along with my trimmer.  I’ve claimed that trimmer as mine.  Using this trimmer has helped my shoulders as well as my upper arms.  I’m looking forward to the next job so I can do the trimming. I tried using my husband’s  trimmer but it just didn’t work for me since I’m left handed.  The guard on the bottom of the shaft was on the wrong side for me.  I had no protection from flying rocks and debris.  I tried holding it with my right hand but it just felt too uncomfortable.

In another pan, I cooked up some fresh broccoli from the garden and plan on added it to my healthy concoction.  I plan on dishing this over jasmine rice (it’s my favorite).  I don’t know the calorie content of this recipe but it has to be very low.  What a bonus, low calories and good tasting.  That is such a winning combination.

The holidays are notorious for unhealthy (albeit tasty) food and overeating…especially at the annual get-togethers. If you are hosting a holiday soiree, consider these healthy yet yummy holiday food tips I’ve gathered from various Utah catering companies.

Just 30 minutes of exercise a day is enough to rev your engine and work up a sweat. Aerobic training in intervals is one of the best ways since it really works your body in short bursts which enables you to reach higher levels of aerobic intensity in less time.  For cardio trying running (either outside or on a treadmill), jumping rope, cycling, kickboxing, step aerobics, or even fast-paced dancing.

Another way to get the heart pumping is caffeine. It stimulates the cardiovascular system, which in turn can increase alertness and improve your mood. Furthermore, caffeine can improve physical performance (which is why a little caffeine before the gym can really amplify your workout) and stimulate respiration. Try taking an energy supplement that has caffeine, an energy sports drink (though be aware that many are loaded with sugar and calories), or drink some coffee in the morning to get your day started off on the right foot.
Since hip-hop is so widely varied, it can provide a myriad of benefits including the strengthen and lengthening of muscles, making you leaner and keeping your heart in shape given the amount of cardio it requires.

The late great George Carlin said it best, "When did we get so thirsty in America? Is everybody so dehydrated they have to have their own portable supply of fluids with them at all times?"

And it turns out, that fancy bottled water may not be all its cracked up to be. In fact, unlike municipal, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have little authority to regulate the bottled stuff.

Town water is required to post public reports on water testing, but bottled water makers do not. And here’s the problem with that, a recent report by Environmental Working Group found less than 2% of popular bottled waters disclosed where the water came from, how it was purified, and possible chemical pollutants.

Professor Maffuli told the BBC it’s not unusual for participants to manipulate pedometer readings during a study. (Kind of like how I walked 2.2 miles today, but might have told my husband I walked "nearly three.") We all want to look good, especially when it counts.

Researchers found that boys and girls took an average of 12,620 and 10,150 steps a day, respectively. This is below the 15,000 steps recommended for boys, and 12,000 for girls. Since this particular borough has an especially high childhood obesity rate, researchers are planning more studies.

But, my guess is they’re going to be on the look-out for four footed friends this time around.

Central or Abdominal Obesity Carries Greater Health Risks

Patients with central or abdominal obesity, characterised by excessive visceral fat around the stomach and abdomen, have a higher risk of weight-related disease. Abdominal obesity is one of the core symptoms of cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance syndrome. In women, central obesity is signalled by a waist circumference of about 35+ inches, while in men the danger waist measurement is 40+ inches. Alternatively, check your waist-hip ratio. Women with a waist-to-hip ratio of more than 0.8 or men with waist-to-hip ratios of more than 1.0 are "apples" and are at increased health risk due to their fat distribution.

Increased Health Risk of Premature Death

According to CDC researchers, an estimated 300,000** American deaths a year are related to obesity, but see note, below. The risk of premature death rises with increasing weight. Even moderate weight gain (10 to 20 pounds for a person of average height) increases the risk of death, particularly among adults aged 30 to 64 years. Individuals who are obese (BMI greater than 30) have a 50 to 100 percent increased risk of premature death from all causes, compared to individuals with a healthy weight.

**NOTE: In April 2005, A new study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published in JAMA concludes that obesity kills 112,000 Americans each year – significantly fewer than the original CDC study. Obesity experts now seem to state that, while patients with morbid obesity (BMI 40+) or malignant obesity (BMI 50+) remain at a high risk of premature death, regular obesity (BMI 30+) is no more dangerous to health than underweight. Controversy surrounding weight-related disease, comorbidities and premature death seems likely to continue!

Increased Health Risk of Heart Disease

The risk of heart attack, congestive heart failure, sudden cardiac death, angina or chest pain is increased in persons who are overweight or obese. High blood pressure is twice as common in adults who are obese than in those who are at a healthy weight. Obesity is associated with high triglycerides and decreased HDL cholesterol.

Increased Health Risk of Stroke

Atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries, which may lead to the formation of an arterial blood clot, is an important pre-condition of many strokes. Atherosclerosis is accelerated by high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol and lack of exercise. Obesity, especially morbid obesity is frequently associated with a high-fat diet, raised blood pressure and lack of exercise. Thus obesity is now considered an important secondary risk factor for strokes.

Increased Health Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

A weight increase of 11-18 pounds raises a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes to twice that of individuals who have not gained weight. Over 80 percent of people with diabetes are overweight or obese. This may account for the newly invented word, "diabesity"®, which signifies the close association between obesity and diabetes.

Increased Health Risk of Cancers

Obesity is associated with an increased risk for some types of cancer including endometrial (cancer of the lining of the uterus), colon, gall bladder, prostate, kidney, and post-menopausal breast cancer. Women gaining more than 20 pounds from age 18 to midlife double their risk of post-menopausal breast cancer, compared to women whose weight remains stable.

Increased Health Risk of Fatty Liver Disease

The main cause of non alcoholic fatty liver disease is insulin resistance, a metabolic disorder in which cells become insensitive to the effect of insulin. One of the most common risk factors for insulin resistance is obesity, especially central abdominal obesity. Studies indicate a correlation between body mass index (BMI) and the degree of liver damage. The higher the BMI the worse the liver disease.

Weight Loss Problems
Weight loss can be difficult for the Aquarian Man who is self-protective and does not like to reveal his feelings. His first step is to admit that he needs to lose weight! Although independent-minded, Aquarian Man enjoys being part of a group and his diet may suffer as a result of his busy social life.

Weight Loss Strengths
Aquarian Man has many positive qualities that make weight loss easy. His calm, logical mind will focus on sorting out the diet and exercise issue. Once Aquarius Man has decided to follow a weight loss program nothing will divert him!

Best Exercise
Exercise is particularly important to Aquarians who are drawn to most sports. Aquarian Man often pursues unusual outdoor activities like parachuting, gliding, deep-sea fishing or surfing. For weight control, and good health Aquarian Man should continue to take regular exercise into old age.

Diet Advice
Whether he needs to lose weight or not, following a low-fat diet is important for Aquarian Man. Aquarius and its ruling planet Uranus is associated with the circulatory system and Aquarians should adopt a healthy-heart diet from an early age. So eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and try to avoid those creamy sauces you love!

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (Under-Active Thyroid)

The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary in severity and typically develop gradually over months or even years. They may include:

- Extreme tiredness
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Hoarseness of voice
- Intolerance of cold
- Swelling of face: puffy eyes, dry, thickened skin
- Thinning of hair
- Heavy menstrual periods (women)
- Some people with hypothyroidism develop a swelling in the neck

Note: If you think you suffer from undiagnosed hypothyroidism, you must see your doctor. Please also check with your doctor before starting any diet program.

Health Improvements After Weight Reduction

The good news is that losing a small amount of weight can reduce your chances of developing heart disease or a stroke. Reducing your weight by 10 percent can decrease your chance of developing heart disease by improving how your heart works, blood pressure, and levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides. Studies show that you can improve your health by losing as little as 10 to 20 pounds.

Psychological and Social Effects of Obesity

Emotional suffering may be one of the most painful parts of obesity. American society emphasizes physical appearance and often equates attractiveness with slimness, especially for women. Such messages make overweight people feel unattractive.

Attitude to Obesity and Severe Overweight

One obesity study asked severely obese persons to take a forced-choice questionnaire. That means, they had to make a choice between being at their present weight or having some other given illness. The results were astounding. Although there were some variations, every obese person said that they would rather be blind or have one leg amputated than be at their present heavy weight. Most interestingly, every person would rather be a poor thin person than be a morbidly obese millionaire.