5 Reasons To Work From Home (or call in sick)

There as so many reasons to actually work from home (something I have the privilege of doing), I had trouble only picking five. Okay, I know there are some of you out there who think that the only reason I had trouble picking five was because I love to run my mouth. My response? So what? *CHEESE* Enough stalling, here's what you've been waiting for:

Top 5 Reasons Working From Home Improves Your Health (of course they're in no particular order)

• Work in your pajamas/don't have to get dressed. What does this have to do with health? Well women especially can appreciate this since foot health is enhanced. There's something to be said about no longer having to worry about high heel induced corns/bunions on your toes.
• Less weight gain. No more fast food lunches. Not to mention office potlucks followed by continuously sitting on an ever spreading rear end (or "sit down place" as we grew up saying in my family) are now shifted to the past.
• Stress Levels/Blood Pressure become lower. Since office politics and gossip are reasons for now ex coworkers going postal, you can breathe a sigh of relief. After all, you're sitting comfortably at home.
• Cultivate a more positive family environment. Now you have more time to spend with your family and have the time to take an active part in your child(ren)'s education. Better yet, Billy and Susie don't have to break into their piggy banks to hire actors for "Parents Day" at school.
• Promotes Respiratory Health. Now that your commute is gone you're not only saving the environment but your lungs too. No sitting in traffic breathing in the fumes of that old truck in front of you.
  

Here's a bonus reason (yeah I know it was only supposed to be 5):
Joint Health: You're no longer jumping through hoops to win that coveted "Employee Of The Month" parking spot. Hallelujah! No more mad dashes for the last decent parking space. That's a two fold reason right there. Why? That also means no more "life comes at you hard" moments when you're trying to park and a coworker tries to swoop in at the same time.

POST NOTE:

Thanks to Darren at ProBlogger for inviting us to submit our TOP 5 lists. Hey if you have a Top 5 click on the link and get your shot at winning $1001USD!

Top 5 Issues In Black Health

When considering who takes their health the least seriously, you'll hear more than a few people say Blacks are in the lead in that area. Personally, I'm of the mind that while there could be some truth there, we're actually making strides to become healthier.

What you're finding now in Black Americans is a generation that is benefiting from the many health strides that have been made over the years. We're presented with more and more information on specific health concerns and we're also in a better financial position to take advantage of prevention, treatment and care of these health issues we face. I would even say that a consideration could be that of sports nutrition. So many of our youth have dreams of competing in sports on a professional level, they are now realizing that nutrition may be one of the top factors that will set them apart. It's no longer "talent" alone that will get them that golden opportunity.

Of the many health concerns in America, the Top 5 Black Health Issues are (in no particular order)

• AIDS
• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes

Now that we have more information readily available and socio economic (while certainly still an issue) factors are more positive, we're in position to tackle these health issues head on. We know that lack of exercise contributes to hypertension and heart disease. We're more educated concerning AIDS as well.

I will not say we're at a point that the issue of Black Health has become a non issue. I will say that we have the tools to continue on the positive path of change where our health is concerned.

Is Colon Cleansing Necessary?

Colon Health is one subject that has been getting more and more attention over the last few years. It seems as if every natural health guru worth their salt has stated at one time or another that you should colon cleanse. I've seen recommendations from 7 days upwards to 4 months. Personally, I couldn't get down with a 4 month colon cleanse. Especially since part of the colon's duty (no pun intended) is to maintain your body's fluid and electrolyte balance. Improper or prolonged colon cleansing can have you become dehydrated. Why substitute one potential health problem for another that's completely avoidable?

Is colon cleansing for you? First, let me state that I am in no way giving medical advice. I'm only putting information out there for you to dissect and discuss with your health provider. Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, should you cleanse? Well, there are pros and cons. Many traditional physicians say that colon cleansing is not necessary, although they do recommend that you may want to cleanse when preparing for a colon exam. They don't feel it's necessary because the colon already eliminates waste on its own. Advocates for colon cleansing feel that while the colon does a decent job of eliminating this waste, it may need assistance because of our diets over the years. They feel that since many of the foods we eat now are not as "natural" as they could be, this introduces more foreign bodies and parasites into our digestive systems. This may not give the colon an opportunity to catch all the waste that we're trying to eliminate and can cause it to become backed up. A clogged colon is full of toxins and as you know...toxins are the prime cause of certain illnesses and ailments. I've even heard of people who have lost weight, along with stubborn pot bellies as a result of cleansing.

For those of you who are seriously considering whether colon cleansing is for you, Colon Cleansing Zone is a good resource. This site is full of information and resources to assist you with making the cleansing decision. Enjoy!

Cheating Is Good, Mmmmkay

So you've started your "diet", have successfully lost a few pounds and have discovered your weight loss/body tone groove. APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE. Way to go! Now if only you could stop those stuffed manicotti, fried chicken, baked macaroni and cheese, chocolate cake, cookie dough ice cream, cherry pie cravings. You've been tempted to gorge yourself on your favorite foods but you're afraid the pounds will pile back on and all your hard work will be in vain. Fear no more, mi amigo. Let me hip you to a little known diet aid: Cheat Day. Let me tell you...this day will save you more than you realize.

Now this doesn't mean have a free for all just because you've secured a spot in your regime for Cheat Day. You do need to manage this "reward" properly. Corey Ritter of Fitness Factor/Body Design encourages you to "go for it" when thinking about incorporating a cheat day. He also says that on your cheat day, you should still eat five meals a day making sure to eat some form of protein at each meal. The trick to managing your free for all day is to follow it up with a lean day. This "change up" kick starts your metabolism by getting it to work harder.

You're probably thinking how can that possibly be good for you, right? I thought so. Really it is a good idea both mentally and physically. Correctly managed cheat days help you mentally because you're no longer "longing" and salivating over foods you had to give up or wish you could eat. Physically it gives a big assist because now your metabolism is working harder, initially on your cheat day since those aren't foods it's used to breaking down, then on your "normal" days since your metabolism has now been revved up. Without cheat days your metabolism can become "lazy" since there isn't anything to shock it awake. Aren't you glad you now have a Cheat Day (personally my cheat day is in the middle of the week. This makes for a nice half way point for me) to thank for that sexy, toned new you and for staying on track? See, even cheating has its purpose.

Start! Your Heart

Over the last few years, as a society, we've been told that Cardiovascular Disease is our Number 1 killer (especially for women). From high rates of obesity, smoking, lack of exercise and high blood pressure, there's no wonder why our poor little hearts have started screaming that they've had enough. So what can we do individually to literally give our hearts a fighting chance? We can begin by healthier eating and beginning an exercise regime.

Where do you begin when deciding to eat for a healthy heart? The four main considerations are to eat less fat, less sodium, fewer calories and more fiber. I know many people who think that eating healthy is bland and boring. Both of these statements couldn't be farther from the truth. In fact, here's a heart friendly recipe for Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Ricotta and Goat Cheese. Click here for more heart friendly options.

Now that you've started eating healthier how can you squeeze in physical activity? One way is to participate in the American Heart Association's Start! Program. Start! was initiated by the AHA to combat this WHOPPING statistic: 70% of Americans don't get enough physical activity. Most say it's due to the fact that they don't have the time because of the many hours we work as a nation. There are still others that just aren't motivated...period. The premise of Start! is to have employers and their employees start down the path to healthier living and physical activity by walking. Ready to get your walk on? "Start" by participating in Start! Walking At Work Day on April 25.

As cliche as it sounds, we really do need to be "heart smart" and "good to our hearts". It's amazing how little changes can make a big difference. Start! your heart and make the choice to live longer!

JOIN ME IN HELPING THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION FIGHT THE NATION'S LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH. PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TODAY TO HELP ME REACH MY HEART WALK GOAL.

What's Up With Hip Hop Abs?

If you're a regular reader of this blog, I'm sure you've figured out that I'm in love with music and dancing. I have it so bad that one "must have" for my wedding ceremony and funeral (no, I really don't see them as the same thing) is a choreographed dance routine.

Anyway, part of my exercise routine is dancing (of course). Knowing this, a friend of mine gave me the Hip Hop Abs series:
4 routines: Secrets To Flat Abs, Fat Burning Cardio, Ab Sculpt and Total Body Burn
Success Tools: Step by Step Nutrition Guide, 30 day Nutrition Calendar, Hips, Buns and Thighs, Results On The Run Diet Guide, 6 Day Slim Down Plan and Measurement Card w/Tape Measure
3 Full Hip Hop Dance Routines: Take It To The Dance Floor (check it out below), Hip Hop Groove and Last Minute Dance

I have to tell you that I laughed when she told me that she wasn't able to get the moves and it was just too much work for her (I don't know but me personally I would have made it work seeing that it currently costs approximately $75). I took that as a challenge. I popped in the first DVD (Secrets To Flat Abs) and was pleasantly surprised although I thought it was a bit short (only 13 minutes). From there (since I was feeling revved up and rearing to go), I went on a Hip Hop Abs spree! I loved it! Not only was it NOT hard (and it's not even because I'm a great dancer) but it was easy to follow along. I actually had to stop a couple times and go back because it was inspiring...I was adding my own moves. To say it was fun would be a bit of an understatement. I was sweating before I knew it and still smiling. Now that's a great workout! You'll definitely learn a few "club worthy" dance moves from this series. Go ahead, grab your Exercise Gear and get it started!

Take It To The Dance Floor (Sneak Peak)


Hip Hop Abs Infomercial

Top 10 Healthy Snacks

Anyone that knows me will tell you that I'm a professional snacker. Not being careful could seriously lead to dunlaps disease (where my stomach "done lapped" over my jeans). That's definitely not a good look at anytime, much less with summer fast approaching. I knew in order to "preserve my healthy", I either had to rein in the snacking or find healthier snacks. I guess this list pretty much tells you which of those options I chose. Without further ado, (in no particular order) I present to you:

My Top 10 List of Healthy Snacks

Bear Naked Granola
Fruit (Fresh, Frozen, Dried)
TasteGreatJerkyNow (JD) Jerky
Veggies (Raw, also with a light dip)
Popcorn (no, extra butter and bright orange doesn't count)
Nuts/Sunflower Seeds
Power Pops (actually stymies over snacking...very good in my case)
Organic Dark Chocolate (Remember the Chocolate For Health post?)
Terra Chips
Sorbet

As you can see, I like variety, which really is the "spice of life". The great thing about healthy snacking is that there are many options. An important component to staying healthy is that you actually change it up a bit. Eat what you like. If you have no idea where to begin this list is a good starting point. I don't mind. I share information but rarely do I share my snacks. I've been known to give you just a taste and watch you salivate over the rest. Ok, I'm not really that bad. Or am I?

By The Power Of Grayskull

Where'd that come from? The weight loss candy, Power Pops, triggered this little bit of nostalgia. I'm telling you, cartoons when I was a kid were off the chain! I don't know what I'd do without Boomerang now. Ahhh, yesterday...all my troubles seemed so far away (I promise you The Beatles would have been proud of my rendition).

So just what does He-Man and the Masters of the Universe have to do with today's post? Nothing really. It's just something that popped into my mind when I thought of the lollipop that boldly states "Eat Candy...Lose Weight". This lollipop also says that it'll suppress your appetite and give you a burst of energy too. That's a mighty tall order for such a small thing. Of course being the adventurous person that I am (and a sucker for all things health), I just had to try them out.

I was intrigued by the list of natural ingredients which include Hoodia, Citrimax, B6 & B12 and Guarana. Right then, I knew these pops would pretty much do what they claimed. Hoodia is a known appetite suppressant, while Guarana coupled with the B duo reduces fatigue and increases mental alertness (too bad I've been so much of an insomniac for so many years...I'd have really seen that as a benefit back in my college days). The flavors were also tempting and included two of my absolute favorites in any candy: Green Apple and Pink Lemonade. So yeah, the pops arrived and I immediately grab one and a bottle of water (water is supposed to activate the ingredients). I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. The lollipops were delicious. The texture was a little different but not unpleasant. Even the Butter Pecan ones were good. Now that was really surprising to me. I'd purchased them just to try them out (although there is a site that offers a free sample) but now I'm thinking of doing the "Power Pops Diet". Let's see how much weight I'll lose in the next six weeks. Hmmm, now I can really say "I HAVE THE POWER!" At least in the form of a lollipop and Boomerang.