ActiveForever and Laser Gym Present Core Laser Pro for Physical Therapy

Posted on 21 May, 2013 by activeforever

The Core Laser Pro Exercise System Offers a Solution for Lower Back Pain, Balance Training and Athletic Performance.

By Nicole Girard

Scottsdale, AZ, May 21, 2013– Responding to demand from physical therapists and chiropractors, Laser Gym has introduced a professional version of its Core Laser Exercise System. This is a revolutionary laser therapy device that relieves back pain, improves balance, flexibility and core strength by encouraging targeted hip gyrations.

“This institutional Core Laser design was motivated due to many requests from health care professionals for an adjustable unit to accommodate the various heights and body types of different patients,” says Laser Gym Executive Vice President Ryan Jeffrey. “Core Laser Pro requires minimal space and takes less than a minute to assemble.”

As with the original Core Laser Home, the professional version works through what Jeffrey calls “direct visual feedback” training. Using a laser attached to an adjustable belt, a user stands in front of a target and traces lines and patterns via dynamic pelvic tilts and twists. Patients see and feel improvement in their flexibility and strength with just eight minutes of practice. The system is available at ActiveForever for $199.00

The Core Laser Pro differs in that it allows health care professionals to quickly and easily adjust the target, providing greater efficiency while requiring less space in a clinical setting. The Core Laser Pro, which includes an adjustable, free-standing Pro Target and professional carrying case, is available at ActiveForever for $599.99.

“We’ve already received very positive responses from our individual users, and from the major rehabilitation specialists and athletic trainers who rely on us to bring them the most effective and credible treatment and conditioning ideas,” says ActiveForever CEO, Erika Feinberg. “The Laser Core line is a perfect fit for our offering and audience. The demonstration videos on our website sum it up nicely, and specialists ‘get it’ just by seeing it in action.”

ActiveForever will accommodate any health care provider organizations with a Core Laser Pro educational demonstration.

About ActiveForever:

ActiveForever is a fully integrated sales, marketing, warehousing and fulfillment services agency. It is a multi-channel merchant with print product catalogs for staff and patient education, retail showrooms with education centers, a warehouse/distribution services center and one of the nation’s top ranked eCommerce websites.

ActiveForever offers the best choices in medical products, e-low vision devices/assistive technology, athletic performance and rehabilitation/healing devices, home-care equipment, travel, productivity and safety products for the home and workplace.

Print Healthcare Innovations catalogs are free for care providers to share with their patients, therapists, athletes, employees, residents and caregivers anywhere in the country.

Ask@ActiveForever.com is available for quick, interactive product solution guidance.

More information can be found at www.ActiveForever.com.

# # #

If you would like more information about this topic, or to book ActiveForever’s CEO for a speaking engagement: Please contact Media Relations directly at 1-800-377-8033 or Media@ActiveForever.com.

Active Halo GPS: Another ActiveForever Exclusive!

Posted on 13 May, 2013 by activeforever

ActiveForever Joins AMBER Alert to Present Active Halo GPS to the Adult Market!

Save big on SIGVARIS Compression

Posted on 6 May, 2013 by activeforever

Compression Specialists Will Be On-Site in our Scottsdale & Peoria Locations May 9th & 10th For “Leg Health Days!”

Are you concerned about your circulation, deep vein thrombosis, or leg pain?
Our compression garments are phenomenally designed for pro athletes and the fashion conscious user.

ActiveForever has the largest and best selection in the country; including best pricing by far!

Enjoy Education & Refreshments!!
PLUS, SPECIAL PRICING ON ALL SIGVARIS ITEMS!
Come join us, it’s for your health!

Contact Nate Turock, (480) 459-3220, NTurock@activeforever.com, to arrange an outing or busload.

For more information, see details below or click here.

Responder Protection in Attack, Emergency or Disaster

Posted on 17 April, 2013 by activeforever

Let’s face it. Things are not the way they used to be. We as a society live under the near-constant threat of attack. It seems that every day in the news we read about people suffering at the hands of a terrorist attack, shooting spree or record-breaking natural disaster. The list goes on and on.

Chances are, even if you are not a responder, you will be called upon to offer help in the form of CPR at some point. The MDI CPR Microshield Mask is a mouth barrier designed to protect administers, as well as recipients, of CPR.

The Microshield Mask from ActiveForever is a wonderful thing for responders and hospitals to include as part of their emergency arsenal of equipment. Its also ideal for individuals who just want to be prepared in case of emergency. It’s lightweight, compact and very easy to carry and store… just in case.

The MDI CPR Microshield Mask for CPR protection. Single pack: $8.99, Box of 10: $79.99 or Case of 50: $359.99

Happy OT Month!

Posted on 9 April, 2013 by activeforever

April is the month for Occupational Therapy!

In honor of OT Month, ActiveForever has chosen The Fund to Promote Awareness of Occupational Therapy as their Check-out Charity for the month of April.

Don’t forget to give a donation to the AOTA upon check-out!

What Is Occupational Therapy?

In its simplest terms, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help people across their lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes. Occupational therapy services typically include:

OT at Cincinnati Children’s

an individualized evaluation, during which the client/family and occupational therapist determine the person’s goals,
customized intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform daily activities and reach the goals, and
an outcomes evaluation to ensure that the goals are being met and/or make changes to the intervention plan.

Source: AOTA

Massachusetts Association for Occupational Therapy

Active Halo GPS Tracking: Worry-Free GPS monitoring

Posted on 8 April, 2013 by activeforever

Active Halo GPS Tracking System

The role of a caregiver is never easy. Worry and stress, while a part of most any job is really front and center when it comes to assuming full-time responsibility for another individual’s well-being and security.

Brought to you from the folks behind Amber Alert, the Active Halo GPS Tracking System is a powerful, GPS monitoring safety product, chock-full of advanced, feature-rich functionality at an affordable price. Active Halo GPS software is compatible with any mobile phone carrier, making it easy for caretakers to access the freedom to enjoy the little things in life.

ActiveForever Launches Active Halo GPS Tracking Press Release

Brought to you from the folks behind Amber Alert, ActiveForever brings you ActiveHalo GPS. A powerful, feature-rich safety product that takes the stress and worry out of keeping track of those in your care. $193.99

ActiveHalo GPS Tracking System features include:

Breadcrumbs
Real-Time Location Tracking
Customized “Safe” Zones
Destination Alerts
SOS button with voice monitoring
2-Way Communications
Locate via app or computer
Unlimited email alerts
300 Text message alerts
Low Battery alerts

ActiveForever Presents: From Slam Dunks to Golden Sets

Posted on 4 April, 2013 by activeforever

ActiveForever Member Profile: Natalie Martinez

Former college basketball player Natalie Martinez has found a new obsession to replace her old one. As a consequence, the bulk of her time is now spent on a tennis court instead of the gym. This Albuquerque native was a child star and former three-time All-State basketball player at Rio Grande High before ending up with a college scholarship to play for the famed Kentucky Wildcats.

She’s been done with basketball for more than a decade now however and by now she has sunk the same dedication that made her a great baller into becoming a top tennis player. She’s been a quick study; going from 3.5 to 4.5 in just a few short years, and she’s given herself a heavy dose of competition to get her there. She’s a frequently player and fierce competitor in tournaments and leagues (17 League teams since 2005).

We chose Martinez as our March ActiveForever Member profile because it just seemed a natural fit. We recently caught up with her to hear about her transition from basketball to tennis and, of course to get her March Madness bracket picks. (Don’t worry, her bracket busted, just like ours.)

USTASW: It’s March Madness now and you have a great story as a former college basketball player coming into tennis. Was tennis just a whim after basketball was over? Tell us how you got started and how you ultimately found yourself in the game of tennis.

NM: After playing overseas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I was invited to training camp for the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA. When I didn’t make the team, I knew my professional basketball days were over. I had always wanted to try my hand at tennis. I grew up watching the Slams on television with my Mom Mary Ida, and my Dad Joe. I really enjoyed watching Agassi, Sampras, Graf, Sabatini, Capriati…I was told to go see Joe Felice at the Albuquerque Country Club in 2005-2006. He outfitted me in my first racquet and gave me my first lesson. I was hooked!

Although Natalie Martinez, pictured here with her racket, always appreciated the tennis greats she grew up watching, she didn’t play the sport until later in life.

USTASW: Growing up playing basketball in Albuquerque, you ended up out in the Blue Grass State, and playing basketball for Kentucky – Big Blue! Talk a little about that. I’m sure playing Div. 1 college basketball and all those fun arenas was an incredible experience?

Natalie pictured here in her college days wearing her Kentucky Blues!

NM: Every kid who loves playing basketball has dreams and aspirations to play for a big time college basketball program. I was fortunate enough to have been recruited and signed by Kentucky. It was definitely a big decision to leave home and my family, but having the opportunity to play for the Big Blue Nation was something I couldn’t pass up. It is the best conference in the nation for women’s basketball (SEC) and playing on ESPN and in front of thousands of fans was definitely a GREAT experience for me.

Kentuckians bleed blue for basketball. Basketball is a way of life out there and the mens’ and womens’ programs are met with high expectations year-in and year-out to vie for the National Championship. I was very fortunate to be able to watch Rick Pitino’s & Tubby Smith’s Cats practice for four years and learn the game from watching. Tubby Smith’s Cat’s won the Championship in 98’ and boy did we celebrate! It was a great time to be a Wildcat!

For the rest of the story click here.

News Coverage of ActiveForever’s “Special Tomato”

Posted on 25 March, 2013 by activeforever

The Special Tomato Jogger Stroller from ActiveForever was mentioned in the Journal Review Online when it became the object of a fundraiser for Arianna Brady and her son Johnathan. The fundraiser was held at Creative Designs Hair Salon in early March.

Johnathan has no head control because of a condition he was born with called Lissencephaly. The Special Tomato product line is designed to provide head and body stability and support for special needs children.

The Special Tomato Jogger Stroller is a compact and lightweight pushchair designed for special needs children and their parents. $498.79

The following excerpt is from the article:

Almost nine months ago Johnathan was born with a rare brain disorder called Lissencephaly (which means he was born with a smooth brain), Microcephaly (abnormally small head), eye conditions, a seizure disorder and is hearing impaired like his mother, who wears cochlear implants to hear.

“Is that it? It seems like there’s a lot more,” Laurie says as we sit in Creative Designs Hair Salon, Arianna holding the sleeping Johnathan. “The doctors didn’t give him a very good chance of living.”

But he survived the birth, and his first four eye surgeries and countless check-ups. He’s survived the better part of a year and continues to grow. Johnathan weighs nearly 25 pounds now and is getting too heavy for Arianna to carry all the time.

Read the rest of the story here: Salon owner to hold fundraiser Saturday

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

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

Weather Forecasts Call for Heavy Snow as “Q” Storms In

Posted on 21 February, 2013 by activeforever

February 20, 2013, Scottsdale, Ariz. snowfall from the vantage point of the ActiveForever balcony!

Judging by the snowfall in Scottsdale yesterday it’s safe to say winter isn’t over just yet. Weather forecasts predict some pretty significant storms across the country.

The following excerpts from “Huff Post Green:”

A powerful winter storm system moving through the central United States could bring up to a foot of snow to areas of the Plains and reach as far east as the Ohio Valley, according to the National Weather Service.

The Weather Channel has named the system winter storm “Q,” apparently after the New York City subway line, according to The New York Times. But as whimsical as the name might be, authorities aren’t taking winter storm Q lightly.

The STABILicers Heavy Duty Ice Cleats are a 5 star consumer rated product and they ship FREE.$44.95

Winter storm warnings were issued from Colorado to Illinois Wednesday as the system dumped snow in the Rockies and moved eastward. According to the Associated Press, hundreds of snow plows and salt spreaders were prepped in St. Louis Wednesday, well in advance of the storm…

AccuWeather forecasted snowfall totaling up to 24 inches for areas of the Plains, with snow and ice spanning a large part of the central U.S.

Are you prepared?

The Snow Joe Ultra 13.5 Amp Electric Snow Thrower is an “ActiveForever Approved” and 5 star consumer rated product. $220.35

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!

Nothing Says Love like Dark Chocolate

Posted on 14 February, 2013 by activeforever

Holidays are full of traditions and Valentine’s Day is no different. No matter who you are, you have most likely been on the giving or receiving end of a box of chocolates on this most cherubic of days.

Fortunately, you and your valentine do not have to sacrifice health in the name of holiday celebration. Dark chocolate is actually good for you. It contains a higher level of beneficial, heart healthy, cocoa flavonoids than milk chocolate.

Image courtesy of m_bartosch at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

According to an abc news article published today, the dark chocolate trend is picking up steam. Dark chocolate sales broke records this year. When pressed for an explanation, experts point to the buzz in recent years about chocolate being good for the heart.

Some studies link high chocolate consumption with a “37 percent reduction in cardiovascular disease risk, a 31 percent reduction in diabetes risk and a 29 percent reduction in stroke risk when compared to low chocolate consumption.”

Also, it is safe for all the lovers out there who are lactose intolerant.

So this year make sure the goodies inside that heart shaped box are actually good for the heart!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Health Mark for Prevention of Heart Disease and Heart Attacks

Posted on 6 February, 2013 by activeforever

After years of aggressive marketing efforts on behalf of womens’ health advocates and organizations, the long-held misconception of heart disease as being a predominantly male issue is beginning to fade.

The widely understood concept of an actual heart attack and the process in which it manifests is perhaps still a little behind the times however.

When you think of the term, heart attack, or cardiac arrest, what sort of image pops into your head? It’s most likely a man, experiencing a sudden onslaught of pain that takes over his whole body in a moment. His face registers agony as he clutches his chest and is no longer able to stand. A horrific occurrence which no one should have to endure for sure, but it is not the whole story.

For women, the process is infinitely more subtle and therefore harder to detect. Whereas men experience extreme tightening of the chest, for women it has been described as more of a discomfort. This is followed by flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, dizziness, difficulty breathing and even insomnia.

The Health Mark Port-A-Vibe is the only ‘Whole Body Vibration’ machine built to accommodate a space conscious or fluid lifestyle. $259.00

What it boils down to is this:

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women in the United States today. It is a deadly and widespread disease with common, nondescript symptoms that are easily and very often ignored.

By the time a woman seeks treatment it is often too late.

Consider the times (like these,) when the flu virus is rampant. It’s no surprise that heart disease in so many women goes undetected.

Health Mark carries a line of affordable cardio machines for prevention such as the Port-a-Vibe Whole Body Vibration Machine.

Their extensive line of products also includes some really smart devices such as this Body Tone Heart Rate Monitor.

The Health Mark Heart Rate Monitor allows you to keep track of your heart rate so it stays in the right zone for optimal health and fitness. $64.55

Customizable preset functioning allows for individualized and thus more accurate readings.

No matter how it’s done, it’s crucial to know the symptoms and the signs of heart disease and to be pro-active about your health and the health of those around you.

Top 5 Symptoms of Heart Disease in Women

1. Fatigue

2. Shortness of Breath

3. Indigestion, Upper Abdominal Pain or Nausea

4. Jaw or Throat Pain

5. Arm Pain (Especially the left arm)

Source: abcnews

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!!

ActiveForever Member Profile: The Abbotts

Posted on 25 January, 2013 by activeforever

Don & Kathy Abbott of Tucson, Ariz.

Don and Kathy Abbott are this month’s spotlight member profile. We chose this tennis loving couple from Tucson because they have been relentless of late, finding their names together in several tournament draws throughout the Southwest and even United States. This couple was one of our 2012 Adult Slam Series Champions in the 65 Mixed Doubles category, and Kathy was also our top performer in the Women’s 65 Singles.

The Abbotts from Tucson, Ariz. Image courtesy of USTA Southwest.

We got to talking to them and found out they had a great back story, and that the couple—
who have been married more than 40 years—actually met through tennis back in their home state of Ohio.

The couple used to take plenty of travel trips to play tournaments, often hitting the road and popping up a tent at tournament stops along the way. After a ten-year break from the sport and a relocation to Tucson a little more than a decade ago, the self-professed “tennis addicts” dove back into the sport and have been warriors with it ever since.

We caught up with the couple from the road this month. They were in Palm Springs playing the Babolat World Tennis Classic Adult Age Group National Level 2 Tournament. We got their thoughts on how they met, how couples can play (and stay) together doing it, and why they are so gung-ho about tennis.

ActiveForever profiled members, the Abbotts. They love their tennis! And we love them!! Image courtesy of USTA Southwest.

USTASW: What got you started in tennis?

Don: We both were trying to find a fun way to get exercise. We discovered that we were both competitive. We liked the idea of trying to develop a set of skills that we could enjoy throughout our lives. Tennis was also comparatively inexpensive and a good aerobic activity.

Kathy: Before I ever met Don, a fellow chaperone of a high school ski trip asked if I played tennis. I had picked up a racquet a few times in college and thought it would be fun to play so I told her yes. We joined a local public outdoor facility that I thought was outrageously expensive at $20 for the summer, but that was the only place she’d play because a guy that she had gone out with a few times played there. She was the one who played tennis so what could I say?

Turns out we played almost every day. Picking up a racquet and “playing” creates such bad habits. But what did I know? I was having a great time.

Go to to USTA Southwest to read the rest of the story as it appeared in the original article.

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

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