January 2008 Tape measue, not scale, regarding heart disease Several studies have shown that waist size is clearly linked with heart attack, stroke and heart disease risk.Even if people are not overweight, those with the larger waistlines are more likely to show the early signs of heart disease than those with smaller waistlines, the team at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas reported. "Inches are as important as pounds" states James de Lemos M.D., the cardiologist that led the study.They used magnetic resonance imaging and electron beam computed tomography scans to look for early indications of clogged arteries and found a direct realtionship between waist size and eary indications of heart disease, regardless of the patients overall weight.So for the most part we are better off using the tape measure rather the the scale if we are concerned about heart disease or stroke.

Spring 2008 Quick, available workout The Center of Disease Control's Divison of Nutrition and Physical Activity made a study of the stairwells in some Atlanta- based buildings. They installed inspirational signs,artwork,carpeting and music in the stairwells. "StairWELL to Better Health" was used as a triggering devise to inspire stair walking at work.This very quick and easy idea worked.Employees took the stairs and became healthier, while they read signs such as: "No waiting one door over","Small steps make a big difference","The cheapest gym anywhere...the stairs" and "Fight or flight".Work with management at your work place and try this innovative fitness idea.

February, 2008 Generate new blood vessels Having a bad heart doesn't mean that you can skip exercise.In fact, it may even help your heart to repair itself.In a study at Leipzig University in Germany it was found that people with serious heart failure who rode a bike for up to 30 minutes a day for four months produced new stem cells in their bones. They also had more small blood vessels in their muscles.Those who didn't exercise had no change.Physical activity strains the heart's arteries and muscles by sending 10 times the amount of blood to the muscles being used. Stem cells then are dispatched to relieve this stress and may repair any damaged parts.If you continue to exercise, these stem cells help the body to adapt to the stress, by building new blood vessels and strengthening muscles. But to maintain such benefits you must exercise regularly. Source: Research presented by the the European Society of Cardiology.

December 2007 Is your mouse a pest? If you work at a computor for long hours, have hand and wrist injuries or suffer from arthritis,you may have experienced a loss of dexterity in your hands.In fact, one in five have a problem with hand dexterity when using the computor.Assuming your keyboard is ergonomically correct. Lets attack the mouse.Make sure the mouse rests right next to your key board and is the shape of your hand.If you have made these changes and still suffer with hand problems consider a voice recognition software package.This will allow you to perform tasks such as typing documents and creating presentations using your voice rather than your hands. There are also voice recognition programs that will allow you to surf to internet.