Summer = Skin Care and Hair Removal

Posted on 19 March, 2013 by activeforever

It’s almost Summer. That means the time for subtle, flawless, natural beauty is upon us. The first step to achieving this look is to obtain a clear, beautiful complexion.

For youthful, glowing skin, you have the modern miracle that is Microdermabrasion. The Crystalift Microdermabrasion System clears away old, dead skin cells and diminishes lines, wrinkles and age spots. The Crystalift is painless, easy-to-use and designed for home use.

Non-invasive, non-chemical, and non-surgical, the Crystalift Skin Resurfacing Microdermabrasion System combines two new technologies: crystal resurfacing and vacuum-lift therapy to remove dead and damaged skin cells. $199.00

The Quasar MD Plus Advanced Light Therapy Device is the most powerful wrinkle-reducing technology ever used before in the Quasar family. $795.00

The Quasar MD Plus Advanced Light Therapy is an excellent remedy for problem skin as well. This Quasar is 25 percent stronger than the original Quasar MD, treating acne and signs of aging with no downtime. This “medical-grade skin rejuvenation” therapy promotes the development of collagen and elastin, making it ideal for repairing wrinkles around the eyes.

Internationally acclaimed, Quasar Bio-Tech has been featured on TV’s “The Doctors”, in Vogue Magazine, and The New York Times. Quasar Bio-Tech has also won the 2010 and 2011 New Beauty Magazine “Beauty Choice” awards.

Facial hair is a frequent culprit behind drab skin which is often overlooked. Female celebrities these days take pains to ensure all but their scalps are completely devoid of hair. As a result, their complexion’s appear baby smooth and clear. The Vector Electrolysis Permanent Hair Removal System provides for painless and permanent hair removal and constant red-carpet readiness.

And of course…

Make sure your skin stays fully hydrated. Drink lots of water and invest in a quality moisturizer suited for your skin type.

Eat a healthy diet full of whole, not processed foods. Foods rich in “good fats” such as salmon, avocados, nuts and seeds are ideal.

Wear sunscreen and sunglasses. All that squinting does leave a mark!

Don’t smoke.

Always make sure you get proper rest, and while you’re at it, sleep on your back. Over time we develop our own unique sleep lines depending on where we rest our faces. People who sleep on their backs do not develop these lines. If nightly lying in the casket style sounds unmanageable to you, it’s time to invest in a groove-shaped pillow that supports that position. The enVy Pillow—truly a modern marvel of modern sleep and wellness technology—works like a dream.

The enVy Anti-Aging, Wellness Pillow helps you sleep comfortably on your back for a beautifying, wrinkle-free slumber. $159.00

Emergency Preparedness Solution to Violence in Schools

Posted on 5 March, 2013 by activeforever

As Arizona Sherriff Joe Arpaio and action movie veteran, Stephen Segal trained volunteers to defend Phoenix-area schools against gunmen, one thing was made clear. The threat of brutality against America’s children is an epidemic that demands immediate action. ActiveForever has answered the call with an affordable emergency survival kit.

The Classroom Emergency Lockdown Kit from ActiveForever is a must-have safety precaution for schools across the country. As a twenty-year leading advocate of health and safety, ActiveForever believes this survival kit should be standard equipment in each and every classroom. Therefore it is providing them at a more affordable price than its competitors. Read the press release.

“No matter what side you are on in regard to gun control and guns in schools, ActiveForever has a solution everyone should profoundly value; for the safety of our children, as well as the staff. These supplies can also help save lives for a variety of common emergencies that arise in schools of every type.” –ActiveForever CEO, Erika Feinberg

There are many different viewpoints coloring the controversial issue, however one commonality is the desire to keep children safe. While there may not be enough resources to equip every school with armed guards and firearms, ActiveForever believes the Classroom Lockdown Kit is a safe, sensible step in the right direction.

The Classroom Emergency Survival Kit is available from ActiveForever as a single unit or in cases of 50.

Classroom Emergency Lockdown Survival Kit Contents:

Item – Count
4.225 oz. Pouches of Water – 30
3600 Calorie Food Bar – 3
Portable Toilet – 1
Standard Roll of Toilet Paper – 1
Toilet Disinfectant – 2
Moist Towelettes – 100
Toilet Liners – 4
AM Radio w/Batteries – 1
Whistle – 1
10 yd. Roll Duct Tape – 1
Large Mylar Blanket – 1

UniBand Resistance Bands for Summer-time Strength Training

Posted on 1 March, 2013 by activeforever

Summer is coming and you knew it would. It happens every year at approximately the same time. Are you ready this year? If not, don’t fear. Unibands are here!!
$UniBand$ The latex-free resistance bands are colorful, resilient and durable. They instantly amp up any workout or routine; targeting problematic, leftover winter flab on arms, legs, backs, glutes and any other danger zones with a powerful laser-like precision.

The Unibands the only resistance bands on the market built to withstand harsh pool chemicals so they make for a fun addition to water aerobics as well.

Unibands come in a range of color-coded resistance levels that facilitate customized weight training sessions. Just like free weights, the Unibands target major muscle groups as well as the smaller, under-worked neighbors, providing attractive tone and definition.

Unlike bulky, costly weights however, there’s no need to continue purchasing more equipment as your strength training routine progresses over time. No to mention that they are a breeze to store and a cinch to lug around. As with all of our UniBand products, when you buy them from ActiveForever, they ship FREE.

Why you ask? Simple. We are here for YOU. We want you to look great this summer in your sleeveless shirts and two-pieces and whatever else you want to wear throughout the most sweltering of seasons.

We love these Resistance Band exercise routines we found online!

Viviscal Hair Growth Fixes for the Follicularly Challenged

Posted on 28 February, 2013 by activeforever

Hair is everywhere. Long, silky manes, meticulously coiffed dos and everything in between are front and center in fashion magazines, billboards, movies, TV and beyond. So when hair is everywhere, except on your head, it’s a problem… especially if you are a woman.

It’s no wonder then, that hair growth solutions make up an advanced and lucrative industry. When it comes to their crowning glory, women have a lot of choices, but it’s important that they make a smart one.

Viviscal Hair Shampoo and Rinse Tray $19.95

Extensions are damaging and can exacerbate hair loss so they are a poor choice for someone who doesn’t just need added length, but actual hair regrowth.

Viviscal Extra Strength Dietary Hair Growth Supplementsare a top-seller among the comprehensive line of Viviscal solutions for hair loss. The extra strength formula addresses the major causes of hair loss in naturally progressing stages. Stage one hits the reset button for thinning hair and sets the stage for new growth. In this preliminary phase, hair follicles are essentially re-nourished and new hair is able to grow in newly “fertile” ground. Stage two strengthens and revitalizes existing hair, building thickness and volume. Stage three promotes growth at and below the hairline where hair tends to be thin and wispy. By stage four the new head of glorious head of hair is strengthened with restored shine and resiliency.

The supplements can be used with the Viviscal Gentle Shampoo and Viviscal Moisturizing Conditioner for a double, or even triple follicular whammy!

Get the long, luscious locks you’ve always wanted with this 5 Star consumer rated product! $39.95

The Skinny on the Oil-heavy, Mediterranean Diet

Posted on 26 February, 2013 by activeforever

Image courtesy of dusky at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

There’s been a great deal of buzz lately about the Mediterranean diet as a heart healthy diet, but is there any substance behind the rumors? Author of “Eat to Live” and board certified family physician specializing in nutritional medicine, Joel Fuhrman, MD, thinks not.

Dr. Fuhrman is known to credit the observed benefits of the Mediterranean diet, not to the olive oil, but rather in spite of it, and instead notes the abundance of fruit, fish, beans, tomato sauce, salads, etc.,

Fat is fat is fat when it comes to losing weight. Weight loss is one of the greatest things a person can do for their heart and their health. While good fats like salmon, eggs and seeds do have significant health benefits, even they need to be used sparingly by those who are determined to shed extra bulk.

Any way you slice it, oil is pure, 100 percent fat. When a person is trying to lose weight, especially a person that is middle-age or older, that is simply too much.

Image courtesy of m_bartosch at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Dr. Fuhrman’s daughter, Talia Fuhrman, an accomplished nutritionist in her own right, weighs in on the subject of the ominous oil:

“Some have proposed that extra virgin olive oil is heart healthy because it is rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols have antioxidant characteristics and studies show that they reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, all plant foods are rich in polyphenols and most deliver much more polyphenols (and far fewer calories) than olive oil.”

Then of course, there’s exercise. (It’s not called cardio for nothing after all.) Regular exercise is one of the best things a person can do to reduce cholesterol and improve heart health. It doesn’t have to be vigorous either:

The AgSilver CleanMat Hot Yoga Mat, regularly $30.01 is now available for just $19.99. (60% off!)

“Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise on most — if not all — days. Studies show that yoga and tai chi, an ancient Chinese exercise involving slow, relaxing movements, may lower blood pressure almost as well as moderate-intensity aerobic exercises.” Source: University of Maryland Medical Center

32 GB Crossover Pocket Player for Visually Impaired Media Lovers

Posted on 22 February, 2013 by activeforever

The PlexTalk Pocket DAISY Player PTP1 is a lightweight, easy-to-use, crossover media player with an embedded text-to-speech engine and up to 32GB of available space.

The Daisy was created for busy, resourceful individuals who need a handy, organizational tool for their media files. It’s expert design and intuitive functionality are ideal for anyone with visual or learning impairments.

With 32 GB of space the Plextalk Pocket Daisy Player PTP1 is enormous on functionality but small on size and price. $349.00 and ships FREE.

Structured, voice memo recording enables the user to easily log phone numbers, appointments, memos, etc., Users experience crystal clear playback of voice recordings, music and audio books on the SD card or an external USB drive, via top-quality speakers.

When the DAISY is connected to a PC, it becomes an external drive with an abundance of available space. It is compatible with Windows 2000, XP, Vista and 7 and features easy, drag-and-drop functionality for hassle-free, file transfer. It is available in white or black.

Heart Smart Salmon: More Spice, Less Fat.

Posted on 22 February, 2013 by activeforever

Chef David Kamen shows you how to fight obesity, cancer and heart disease with the help of a healthy diet. The key to eating heart-smart is to learn to add flavor to healthy foods without the addition of bad fat or salt. Salmon, however is bursting with the healthy, unsaturated fat and Omega-3′s that the body needs to function properly.

Unsaturated fats come mostly from plant sources and are liquid at room temperature. They can be either monounsaturated or polyunsaturated. Foods high in monounsaturated fat include avocados, olives, peanuts, as well as canola, olive, almond, hazelnut, and peanut oils.

Foods high in polyunsaturated fat include fatty fish, nuts and vegetable oils such as safflower and sunflower. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are found in certain cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna, sardines, and lake trout. Omega-3′s may help prevent heart disease because they lower triglycerides and reduce blood clotting. They may also lower blood pressure and prevent arrhythmia.

Some healthy herbs, spices and seasonings that are great for giving salmon and other healthy dishes an extra kick are basil, oregano, cayenne pepper, chili, garlic and ginger. In this video, Chef Kamen prepares Asian-Style Steamed Salmon in: “Cooking with herbs, spices and other seasonings!”

Source: The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Visit their recipe section for more great meal ideas.

Or try this alternative Asian-Style Steamed Salmon recipe from Ricardocuisine.com Image source: ricardocuisine.com

Enjoy!

Lady Gaga Could Benefit from some Far Infrared

Posted on 19 February, 2013 by activeforever

Lady Gaga has cancelled her entire U.S. tour due to pains from Synovitis.

Medical tests revealed Gaga has a labral tear of the right hip. A hip labral tear involves the ring of soft elastic tissue, called the labrum, that follows the outside rim of the socket of the hip joint.

Often compared to lupus, Synovitis, also known as “Toxic Synovitis” is an inflammation within the hip joint. A diagnosis is obtained following an ultrasound or joint x-rays of the hip or blood tests.

What is going on in the body?

Synovitis is a non-traumatic hip pain, which means that it is not caused by an injury. Instead, pain is caused by swelling and inflammation in the hip. Synovitis often follows an upper respiratory infection such as a cold or flu.

What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

pain in one hip
a limp or inability to bear weight because of the hip pain
low grade fever at the beginning of the illness
knee and thigh pain on the affected side
often the infected person does not appear to be ill

What are the causes and risks of the disease?

While Synovitis often follows an upper respiratory infection, the exact cause is not clear, so there is no known prevention.

According to The Detroit News (and others) Lady Gaga released the following statement when announcing the initial cancellations: “I am completely devastated and heartsick. I’ve been hiding this injury and pain from my staff for a month, praying it would heal, but after last night’s performance I could not walk.”

Far Infrared therapy has been known to be especially effective in relieving pain from inflammation or irritation such as that caused by conditions like Synovitis or lupus.

What is Far Infrared Heat?

Far Infrared is a band of light that we perceive as heat. While we cannot see infrared heat, we can feel its effects. Infrared radiation, or radiant heat, represents over half of the energy emitted by the Sun and is divided into three segments: near, middle, and far.

Infrared rays heat our body by a process called conversion. Through conversion, far infrared heat can penetrate organic substances such as the human body without heating the air in between. By using far infrared heat as opposed to traditional heating methods, you enable the heat to penetrate deeper into your body without the skin discomfort of heating pads, hot towels, and some pain relief gels/creams.

Vivo Infrared Jade Sauna. Regularly $17,999.00, is available at ActiveForever at 24% off for $13,500.00. Shipping is FREE.

The Vivo Infrared Jade Sauna (right) is a new and wildly popular addition to the ActiveForever infrared product line. As with most of our Infrared products, shipping is FREE on each of these items.

The Infrared Portable Sauna is an “ActiveForever Approved” product. Regularly $3,499.99, is available at ActiveForever at 43% off for $1,995.00. Shipping is FREE.

The Infrared Portable Sauna is a 5 Star Rated, ActiveForever product.

The Thermotex Knee Infrared Heating Pad (below) provides safe, non-invasive and highly effective therapy and relief.

The Thermotex Knee Infrared Heating Pad is an “ActiveForever Approved” product. Regularly $199.00, is available at 15% off for $169.00. Shipping is FREE!

Congenital Heart Defect survivors and their stories

Posted on 12 February, 2013 by activeforever

February 7-14th is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. Congenital Heart Defect, also known as Congenital Heart Disease, (CHD) is any birth defect which affects the heart or the large blood vessels. Congenital means that the defect is present at birth.

Congenital Heart Defect is considered to be the most common birth defect, and is a leading cause of birth-defect related deaths worldwide. Congenital Heart Disease affects approximately 1.8 millions families in the United States according to the Congenital Heart Information Network (C.H.I.N.)

The inspirational and heart-warming Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week Pinterest page is something you don’t want to miss. Here are some of the CHD survivors on that page and their stories:

Kaden (above) was diagnosed with Transposition of the Great Arteries the day he was born. He had open heart surgery at 12 days old. Complications during and after the 11-hour surgery led the surgeon to believe his heart wouldn’t sustain life. He went home two weeks later. He has pulmonary stenosis and a small VSD but is doing amazingly well.

Olivia (left) was born with half a heart as a result of a severe and complicated congenital heart defect known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). During the past four years she has endured three open-heart surgeries, five heart catheters and a stroke.

Norah (right) was born with Heterodoxy, an ASD, VSD, interrupted IVC w/ Azygos continuation, an Intestinal Malrotation, minor Hydronephrosis, Pulmonary Stenosis and Polysplenia (she has 2 functional spleens). She had Ladd’s Procedure when she was 5 weeks old and open heart surgery at 9 months.

Mother says:
“We were fortunate enough to know she’d have a CHD before birth. It was tough to go through the pregnancy not knowing what would be wrong with her (bad news started when I was about 12 weeks along), but always loving her. She was, and IS, perfect. It took a long time to remember that she was perfect (at least to me) before I knew about her conditions and that they didn’t change anything. She was still the baby I loved, she’d just have a more colorful story than some.”

National Wear Red Day!

Posted on 1 February, 2013 by activeforever

It’s National Wear Red Day! Not because it’s such a beautiful color, but rather because it’s a way to show support for the women who are taking action to protect their hearts and by extension, their lives!

They do this by reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol. They maintain a healthy weight by getting regular exercise and they do not smoke. All of these actions taken together go a long way toward decreasing the risk of developing heart disease.

Are you at risk of developing heart disease? The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute helps you find out.

Getting a healthy jump start on matters of the heart

Posted on 31 January, 2013 by activeforever

Well it’s not quite February yet, but we thought we’d get ahead of the curve and begin posting about Heart Health today!

Why? Well we just ran across this interesting article in the BBC today: Vegetarians ‘cut heart risk by 32%’. The piece outlines findings from a recent study which illustrates the role that Vegetarianism can play in promoting a stronger ticker.

It reads in part:

A study of 44,500 people in England and Scotland showed vegetarians were 32% less likely to die or need hospital treatment as a result of heart disease.

Differences in cholesterol levels, blood pressure and body weight are thought to be behind the health boost.

Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Heart disease is a major blight in Western countries. It kills 94,000 people in the UK each year – more than any other disease, and 2.6 million people live with the condition.

The heart’s own blood supply becomes blocked up by fatty deposits in the arteries that nourish the heart muscle. It can cause angina or even lead to a heart attack if the blood vessels become completely blocked.

Dr Francesca Crowe said: “The main message is that diet is an important determinant of heart health, I’m not advocating that everyone eats a vegetarian diet.”

The results showed the vegetarians had lower blood pressure, lower levels of “bad” cholesterol and were more likely to have a healthy weight.

Tracy Parker, from the British Heart Foundation, said: “But remember, choosing the veggie option on the menu is not a shortcut to a healthy heart. After all, there are still plenty of foods suitable for vegetarians that are high in saturated fat and salt.”

The study was originally published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

The Isagenix IsaLean Shake

The meal replacement shake is great for heart health because it’s nutritious, low in calories and provides a balance of quality whey protein, active enzymes, fiber, and other essential vitamins. It helps burn fat and maximize nutrient intake, preventing food cravings and overeating.

ActiveForever carries these and other Isagenix products.

When it Comes to Weight Loss, Consider the Timing–Not Just the Content–of Your Diet

Posted on 29 January, 2013 by activeforever

So you’re doing everything right. You’ve done the impossible and stayed true to your New Year’s resolutions.

Watch the calories *and* the time.

You figured out ways to soldier on with regularly scheduled sweat sessions despite a recent weather pattern that screams at you to surrender to the security of your most comfortable blanket.

You stick to your diet and remain ever mindful of what you eat; but somehow the weight loss just isn’t going as planned.

According to a new study published today in the International Journal of Obesity, when it comes to losing weight, the time you eat can have as much of an effect as what you eat. (Original article appears here.)

***

“We should start to consider meal timing in addition to calories and meal composition when thinking about weight loss.”

-Frank Scheer, senior author of the study, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and an associate neuroscientist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

***

It’s definitely food for thought, and a welcome bit of news as far as we’re concerned. Who wants to put off that long-awaited lunch break anyway? After all, doing so is bad for your health!

The Stamina 4-Way Mini-Trampoline is just $49.17. An hour on it will cause a 150 lbs. adult to burn around 250 calories!!

Big wins for Folic Acid

Posted on 25 January, 2013 by activeforever

The benefits of folic acid, or “folate” are numerous. So it’s unfortunate that such a large proportion of the population is deficient in this vital nutrient. Low levels of folic acid can lead to anemia, kidney and liver complications, etc., as well as an inability to absorb nutrients in general.

Folate enjoys wide consumption as a way to prevent certain types of cancers, heart issues, stroke, hearing and memory loss, gum infections, osteoporosis, depression and more. It’s been used as a treatment for alcoholism. Expectant mothers take it to prevent miscarriage and birth defects.

In a press release issued today, Barbara Griffin, NMD, CNC, Certified Gluten Practitioner, and owner of Vital Health, Inc. suggests “L-MethylFolate” to be the preferred form of folate ingestion due to long-standing absorption issues associated with other methods.

“L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF) is the predominate form of folate. L-5-MTHF is a reduced, metabolically active form of folate that occurs naturally in foods and is the primary form of folate found in the blood and tissues,” Griffin says in the report. “As a result, it is far more effective for people who have or are prone to a folic acid deficiency.”

Just as every rose has it’s thorn, so have there been reported downsides to adding folate to your vitamin regimen. Some studies have linked it to increasing the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Contrary evidence released today sheds a ray of hope on the subject. A study, conducted by Stein Emil Vollset, MD, from the University of Bergen in Norway, receives analysis in this Health.com article.

“The study provides reassurance about the safety of folic acid intake, either from supplements or through fortification, when taken for up to five years,” study author Robert Clarke, from the University of Oxford, said in a journal news release.

Bread: Folate rich since 1993. Click for info on the healthiest types. | Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

As with everything of nutritional value, folic acid is found in an assortment of fruits and veggies. For the past 15 years, federal law has required carb manufacturers to add folic acid—a water soluble ‘B’ vitamin—to their products. These days everything from flour, and breads, to pastas, cereals, cookies and crackers is flush with folate.

Still, there simply is no substitute for the real thing. Not only is folate obtained via natural foods more efficiently absorbed, but the risks associated with supplement intake is nullified.

Eat healthy!!

&

Eat these:

Naturally high Folate foods:

Mmmm… broccoli… Click for broccoli-rich, side dish recipes from allrecipes.com. | Image courtesy of Toa55 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Spinach
Broccoli
Lettuce
Okra
Asparagus
Bananas
Melons
Lemons
Beans
Yeast
Mushrooms
Beef
Liver
Kidney
Orange juice
Tomato juice

Women, are you still smoking?

Posted on 23 January, 2013 by activeforever

The answer is “Yes” according to new research published today by the New England Journal of Medicine.

The study reports that these days women who smoke are at a much greater risk of dying from lung cancer than their predecessors. This is due to a growing parity in smoking habits among men and women over the years. Apparently today’s woman has come a long way baby as far as smoking younger and more often.

In fact, women have basically achieved equal opportunity when it comes to dying from smoke related diseases such as emphysema. If they continue on this tar and nicotine filled trajectory, they will surpass men… in a very unsavory way.

I don’t know about you, but I really don’t think this is the right way to go about achieving greater equality.

Smoke like a man, die like a man: Study says women have caught up to men on lung cancer risk – The Washington Post.

Time to QUIT. But don’t do it alone! Here’s how:

Guide to Quitting Smoking (American Cancer Society)
Quit Smoking TODAY! we can help (smokefree.gov)
25 Ways to Stop Smoking Cigarettes (Reader’s Digest)

Click the pic for info on how to quit smoking for good! Credit: voxxi/Shutterstock photos

Health advice, the flu & chicken soup recipes

Posted on 22 January, 2013 by activeforever

The Huffington Post’s Healthy Living section is like a bright beacon of hope today.

For what it’s worth, they’ve posted an optimistic article suggesting ways in which one might avoid catching the flu from an infected person they are attempting to nurse back to health. Now, I am a huge fan of science fiction, but this article suggests the existence of something I’ve never been so bold as to consider a possibility. Once I hear whisper of infection amongst my inner circle, I consider it a miracle bolstered by the strength of my sheer will if I don’t contract whatever nastiness is swirling about.

Don’t get too close!! We kid. Look at that little face. Awww
Credit: Huffington Post/Alamy

But when it comes to actually being there, caring for an ill unfortunate, I figure I might as well just crawl in bed alongside them… (as long as we have equal rights to the remote of course.) After all, why fight it? It’s only a matter of time, let’s be honest.

This article takes a different approach altogether. It advises against getting a last-minute flu shot since immunization takes a few weeks to kick in. It also mentions maintaining a distance of 6 feet from said sick person. I personally don’t see how this would work, but it’s something to shoot for. The bottom line I guess being, don’t crawl into bed with them.

For those who do succumb to the failings of their immune system, we offer a few tidbits:

Treatments:

That which we call the “flu” is generally treated by addressing its symptoms. Rest and plenty of fluids are top priorities. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin can help reduce fever and aches. However, recent studies have shown that people who used these medications suffered from flu symptoms several days longer than those brave souls who endured the virus gauntlet un-medicated.

That looks delish. Click on the big chunk of chicken for 25 different chicken soup recipes from cookinglight.com! You’re welcome.
Credit: Cooking Light

Perhaps the thing to remember is the fact that your body heals by cleansing itself of toxins. The same applies to viruses. The ultimate goal is to help your body flush out the virus. Medication, while it may be momentarily soothing, is just another toxin that requires flushing… thereby inhibiting the body’s ability to focus on eradicating illness. This is also why it is wise to stick to very light or liquid foods such as broth and chicken soup. Heavier foods force your body to work on digestion, rather than fighting the infection. And you know it’s true because it (pretty much) rhymes. We kid. It really is true, regardless of how you choose to say it.

Of course, aspirin (and aspirin-containing products) should never be given to children who are 17 years or younger with the flu as this may cause a rare but serious disease called Reye’s Syndrome.

It’s also good to keep in mind the possible side effects in regards to ibuprofen, aspirin and acetaminophen, which include stomach upset and allergic reactions.

There are also some FDA approved prescription medications available. They can result in some particularly unpalatable side effects, such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Some may even cause nausea and vomiting.

Which, if you ask us, defeats the purpose entirely.

Look, it will (or should) be over in 7 to 10 days.

Drink water. Eat broth. Rest.

And next year, get a flu shot.

Beyond coffee, water and tea

Posted on 21 January, 2013 by activeforever

We’ve all heard the astounding health benefits of green tea. The miracle nectar is said to promote weight loss, while preventing memory loss and a host of diseases including Type 2 Diabetes and well beyond. We’re sold. In fact, we had our first steaming cup on the morning commute.

Coffee is an antioxidant and a healthy stimulant. It’s also been lauded as a mild diuretic by medical experts. You have to drink it black or with a splash of non-fat milk or a healthy milk substitute however. (We love almond milk.) The fancy, fat and sugar filled coffee flavored shakes and smoothies do not pass the health test.

Water, of course, is a given. It accounts for 70 percent of our body composition. You *must* drink your eight glasses a day. It cleans you out, gives you energy and makes you feel full. Add a little lemon and it’s like taking a scrub brush to the inside of your intestines. Just do it. Fruit is made up of mostly water too. In fact, some experts recommend starting your day with just a piece of fruit and nothing else for 30 minutes before you dive into your real breakfast. It has the same cleansing “scrub brush” effect as the lemon and water.

Credit: WebMD

Then, there’s apple cider vinegar. Where do we begin? For centuries, the smartest, most advanced thinkers have sworn by it. The health benefits are endless. “ACV” reverses the signs of aging, clears up your skin, gives you energy, etc., etc., We drink two tablespoons with eight ounces of water each morning. It’s important that it be diluted. The acidity will harm tooth enamel if taken alone.

Alright, if you’re still reading, you’ve passed the test and now you get to indulge with us in the fun stuff. We found this great little article, “Drink Your Way to Health” on myrecipes.com. It lists some healthy and fun drinks that look as refreshingly delicious as they sound. We can’t wait to try them. Enjoy!

The beautiful and healthy “Blackberry Limeade” drink, featured in “Drink Your Way to Health.” Credit: myrecipes.com

Health Matters 2013

Posted on 15 January, 2013 by activeforever

Did you catch this year’s Health Matters conference?

The flu, vaccines and prevention

Posted on 11 January, 2013 by activeforever

By now you must be well aware of the severe flu outbreak weaving a fevered path of annihilation across the country; scoffing at immune systems and even resulting in deaths.

Physicians from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) warn us that this particular flu strain is distinctly severe.

Credit: science.howstuffworks.com

The proportion of all deaths in the United States last week caused by pneumonia and influenza reached 7.3 percent, above the epidemic threshold of 7.2 percent, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday.

-Source: Reuters

So naturally you’ve had an ear-full of scientific jargon surrounding this flu virus, its corresponding vaccine (H3N2), the shortage of said vaccines and of course, Tamiflu. Not to mention the debate about whether or not stocking up on Tamiflu is even worth it.

Since it is something we at ActiveForever struggle with ourselves, we won’t even touch the discussion about sickies going in to work, loaded to the gills with contagion and all.

Credit: The Press-Enterprise, (PE.com)

So, while we wholeheartedly believe in arming yourself with insight into what has now turned the corner into an all-out epidemic, we decided that what we ultimately wanted to do was remind you of ways in which to stay out of the whole thing altogether.

Germ-laden locations to steer clear of for a while

Grocery store (Just say ‘NO’ to shopping carts, for now.)
Playgrounds (Ew.)
Public restrooms (Hands are still dirty during the initial phase of faucet operation.)
Offices (You need a day off.)
Restaurants
Libraries (Really? Just get it online people.)
Cruise ships (This one’s easy for those of us who customarily drain their cruise budget on food and shelter.)
Malls

Source: Lifescript

Ready?? Break! Let’s wash our hands of this nasty ol’ flu bug!

Seriously though, let’s really wash our hands… at home, or with sanitizer. A lot.

And don’t forget… Be on the lookout for these warning signs:

fever
cough
chest pain
nasal discharge
headache
malaise, or a vague feeling of illness
muscle pain
shortness of breath
chills
excessive sweating
nausea
vomiting
joint pain and stiffness
sore throat
nosebleeds

Credit: pbs.org

Here’s to your health!

Diet right, to drop more weight in less time

Posted on 7 January, 2013 by activeforever

Yes. Following a healthy and consistent diet, (at least at the beginning,) can be very hard.

You are not eating foods that you are accustomed to and you might not even be sure that you are doing it right.

We feel you. As we speak, a few of us at ActiveForever are digging into new diets of their own. So we know first hand that if we are going to forego your favorite and most comforting guilty pleasures, it better be worth your while.

We’ve put together a little primer/reminder on how to get the most out of your new-found dietary discipline.

What is a “balanced” diet?

A balanced diet is one that includes the Recommended Dietary Allowances, also called RDAs, for all the essential nutrients. These include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. A balanced diet supports normal growth and development. It also contributes to good health and quality of life.

What can I eat?

All foods, when chosen wisely, can be part of a balanced diet. For example, some fat is needed in the diet to support life. But too much fat or the wrong type of fat can increase the risk of heart disease. A balanced diet provides an adequate amount of calories, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. A balanced diet avoids an excess of calories, saturated fats, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar.

Photo source: Alivebynature.com, (another great site/resource.)

Establish a healthy eating pattern.

Choose an overall balanced diet with foods from all major food groups, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables. Choose 5 or more servings per day.
Consume a variety of grain products, including whole grains. Choose 6 or more servings per day.
Include fat-free and low-fat dairy products, fish, legumes, skinless poultry, and lean meats.
Eat at least 2 servings of fish per week.
Avoid excess intake of calories.
Limit foods that are high in calories or low in nutritional quality, including those with a high amount of added sugar.

(Don’t stop there!)

Maintain a level of physical activity that achieves fitness, and balances energy expenditure with calorie intake. For weight reduction, calories burned should exceed calories consumed.

and… Calorie cutting Tips:

Finally, to break it all down, we bring you this great little piece from a site that we love, everyday Health. Lose weight fast with these easy tips for cutting calories when cooking, choosing beverages, etc.,

Resolution and Weight/Weight Loss Revelations

Posted on 4 January, 2013 by activeforever

Let’s face it. These days, weight loss tops the list of the most popular New Year’s Resolutions. Of course many also hope to get a new job, better education, etc., However it seems that all but the conviction to shed a problematic fat suit is engulfed in the wake of the post-holiday surrender to reality.

Not that we are lazy or that we give up easily, it’s just that continuing on with the same job or level of education does not increase our risk of diabetes, heart attack, stroke, along with a whole host of serious health issues that are part of and parcel of being—and staying— overweight. (In other words, your physician will not peer at you from behind a furrowed brow of concern in response to your modest salary.)

Many of us view the debut of a new year as a solid, tangible break from the past that translates into a “break” from our old, unhealthy habits. It’s a whole new paradigm; another chance.

As we should. Depending on your disposition, you can either view the American obesity epidemic as discouraging or an opportunity for growth; *not* in the physical sense of course.

Percentages of Overweight Americans Ages 20+

More than two-thirds (68.8 percent) of adults are considered to be overweight or obese.
More than one-third (35.7 percent) of adults are considered to be obese.
More than 1 in 20 (6.3 percent) have extreme obesity.
Almost 3 in 4 men (74 percent) are considered to be overweight or obese.
The prevalence of obesity is similar for both men and women (about 36 percent).
About 8 percent of women are considered to have extreme obesity.

Source: Weight-control Information Network

Yesterday we wrote about some healthy weight findings that we found to be a little unorthodox: A recent study claims that those who carry a few extra pounds around have a lower risk of premature death than that of their healthy weight counterparts. The article does not address obesity however. A person is obese when their BMI (body mass index) is 30 percent or above.

This is a different story. An article in USA Today “weighs” in on the topic with the help of a few reputable physicians. The piece is a fitting follow-up to yesterday’s post. Plus it includes links to diet and exercise tips and information on how to lose weight by forming healthier habits.

Need help sticking to your resolutions? We do too!

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