PETER'S PRINCIPLES - April 16 -
20, 2007
Ashley from Eastpointe emails asking if there's a
particular time of day that's best for getting in an
effective workout!
Ashley, in this case timing can influence the kind of
exercise you do and the gains you make!
In the morning joints are at their stiffest! That makes warming up before working out especially important. But it's also important to note that your body's ability to build new muscle is greatest in the morning-- so that might be the best time for you.
By mid afternoon, most of us experience a sort of mid-day slump even if they don't eat lunch-- but a quick workout can still be effective.
By the late afternoon and early evening your bodily functions are reaching an optimal level for an effective workout.
The body seems to recover more quickly when you exercise between three and seven. It'll also help you fall asleep faster!
Joan from Taylor has been noticing subtle changes
in her voice. She emails asking if she should see a doctor
about the problem.
Joan the answer is yes! A change in vocal pitch can be
something as minor as a cold or sore throat. But according
to researchers at U of M it can also indicate more serious
problems like acid reflux!
Watch for warning signs like a voice that's unusually raspy-- even though you aren't sick. If you sing and have trouble hitting certain notes that can be another danger sign. If the changes persist for more than a few weeks check with your doctor.
To keep your voice healthy be sure to drink plenty of water! be sure to avoid smoking - and second hand smoke! Try to avoid shouting, and be careful not to excessively clear your throat!
Kathy from Southfield says 'her daughter can't seem
to lose weight: she emails for help!
Kathy, your child
could be suffering because her schools phys ed class isn't
making the grade!
The numbers are startling! Third graders in the US average
less than half an hour of vigorous activity in PE classes
every week!
The standard rule is that each child get thirty to sixty minutes of activity per day! Parents need to make up the remaining three hours needed as a kind of Physical Ed homework assignment... it comes down to time management!
Take a look at your child's habits --like watching tv or playing video games. Most kids can shave three hours a week off those and still have plenty of time to spare!
It isn't all the school's fault-- budgets and class times have been cut.
Be sure to make the physical activities fun! It's important for parents to remember that physical and mental development in children are strongly linked!
Mitch from Southfield has been hearing more and
more about the health benefits of nuts-- and emails for
more information.
Mitch-- nuts have been getting a bad rap for years because
of their high calorie content. But a new series of studies
are pointing out a variety of health benefits for nuts!
One study shows people who eat nuts regularly can cut their risk of heart disease as much as fifty percent! nuts can also lower cholesterol levels --and other dangerous substances found in the blood!
So which nuts are best? Walnuts are richest in heart healthy omega three acids. almonds have the most calcium and vitamin e. brazil nuts are rich in calcium.
But remember moderation is key to avoiding weight gain.
Hank from Lincoln Park is concerned about osteo
arthritis. He emails for a game plan to get it before it
gets him!
Hank, its sad but true that nearly all of us will come
down with osteo arthritis at some point in our lives.
That's why a good prevention strategy is key! Step one:
keep your weight in check! the numbers say it all. Every
ten pounds of body weight adds thirty to fifty pounds of
stress on your knees!
Avoiding injury is also, important. An injured joint is more likely to be hit by osteo arthritis later in life. Another key part of the game plan is good muscle tone. The stronger the muscle the more weight will be taken off weight bearing joints like the knees.
Obviously exercises is an important part of a prevention plan. Muscle helps prevent the joints that are most at risk! Two exercises that are me most effective are the back and hip extension.
Check with a doctor for the game plan that's just right for you!
Do you have a question you've been working on? Send me an email!
