Health tip – How risky is your Heart

Submitted by: Curves of Leominster

Researchers in Finland looked at the lifestyles of nearly 40,000 people between the ages of 25 and 74 to learn more about risk of heart disease.

Here’s what they found about heart failure risk in women

• Smoking increases risk by 109%
• Moderate activity decreases risk by 13% if you’re really active your risk drops by 36%
• Eating veggies three to six times a week drops the risk by 27%
• Being overweight increases risk by 21% being obese up risk to 106%

$43.6 billion – this is the cost of treating women for heart disease, making it the most expensive women’s health problem in the United States.

Share on Facebook

Curves Health tip – Cooking in the Microwave

Cooking in the Microwave

Cooking in the microwave causes food to lose nutrients, right?  WRONG. Microwaved food may retain vitamins better then stovetop-cooked food.  That’s because the microwave zaps it quickly and without much water.  One study found that spinach retained only 77 percent of B-vitamin folate when cooked on the stove—but retained all of its folate when cooked in a microwave.

By Curves of Leominster

Share on Facebook

Health Tip – Early Birds Stave Off Extra Pounds

from: Curves of Leominster

People who stay up late and sleep in consume more calories and have a higher body mass index than their early-to-bed, early-to-rise counterparts. According to research from Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, night owls also tend to consume more fast food and full-calorie sodas than folks who hit the sack earlier.  The reason behind late-nighters’ gains could be how the body processes food at different times.  “Circadian rhythms in sleep and metabolism are synchronized, so that when the sun goes down, you’re supposed to be sleeping, not eating.  When sleeping and eating are not aligned with body’s internal clock, it can cause changes in appetite and metabolism, which could lead to weight gain.

Share on Facebook

Health Tip – Lung Cancer – Protect your lungs

Submitted by Curves of Leominster

• · Number one cancer killer among women
• · Nearly twice as many deaths as breast cancer
• · 60% of new cases are non-smokers

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women, killing more than 90,000 Americans each year. While smoking is the leading risk factor, it’s important to remember that non-smokers are at risk as well. Research shows that one in five women with lung cancer has never smoked. To reduce your risk, avoid secondhand smoke, have your home tested for radon and take actions if high levels are found, and avoid unnecessary x-ray images of the chest. Because 80% to 90% of cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking, you can greatly reduce your risk by quitting today. For more information and support visit www.smokfree.gov.

Share on Facebook

Curves Health Tip-A Giggle A Day

Health Tip – A giggle a day

Laughter  really is the best medicine.  “Multiple studies have shown that there are benefits for people physically, as well as psychologically, in laughter.” Says  Rosemary Hornak, PhD, a professor of psychology at Meredith College, in Raleigh, NC. “If you don’t feel happy but go ahead and put a smile on your face,” she says, “you are more apt to rate your mood as happy.  “In other words, you can affect the way you feel just by literally forming a smile.  And a recent study from the University of  Maryland Medical Center, in Baltimore, has found that laughter is good for your heart health too.  A good chuckle opens blood vessels, allowing blood to circulate more freely.

Submitted by Curves Of Leominster

Share on Facebook

Health tips – Smart Swaps for your Heart

from Curves of Leominster

Protecting your ticker doesn’t have to be an exercise in sacrifice.  Here are some tasty ways to get a balance of good carbs, lean protein, and healthy fats.

You want

A cheese omelet

Try

scrambled egg whites and veggies wrapped in a whole-wheat tortilla

You want

A tuna- salad sandwich

Try

Plain tuna mixed with pesto and veggies in a Whole-grain pita

You want

A burger

Try

Lean beef and broccoli stir-fried in sesame oil With brown rice

You want

Apple pie

Try

sliced apple wedges with 1Tbls. of almond butter

Share on Facebook

Health tip from Curves – What’s your hurry

Health tip – What’s your hurry

In our go-go-go culture it’s tough to find time to enjoy a leisurely meal.  But when we don’t take time to savor each bite, we may be sabotaging our healthy efforts, according to recent research.  Elissa Epel, PhD, a researcher on stress-eating at the University of California, San Francisco, says that those who scarf down meals—even healthy ones—tend to eat bigger portions and have more belly fat. She hypothesizes that slowing down and paying attention to feelings of fullness may help lower cortisol levels and decrease the amount of food you eat.

Curves of Leominster

Share on Facebook

Curves Health Tip- 7/5/11

Health Tip – High Quality Protein

28 Cost, in cents, of two eggs, making them an affordable source of 12 grams of high-quality protein (that’s 26% of the Daily value).  Eggs are rich in amino acid leucine, which helps muscles recover after exercise.

Fool proof hard-boiled eggs – Place raw eggs in a large saucepan fill with cool water.  Bring water to a boil, cover, and remove from heat.  Allow to sit for 24 minutes.  Remove cover and run the eggs under cold water.  To crack the shells, shake the eggs in the pan or  gently tap them against the side of the sink.  Peel under cool running water.

Homemade Humus

In a food processor, combine one 10-ounce can of drained chickpeas with 3 cloves minced garlic, ¼ c plain yogurt, 1 tsp. olive oil, 1 Tbs. lemon juice, ¼ tsp. salt, ¼ cayenne pepper, and 1 Tbs. fresh parsley.  Process until the mixture is smooth.  Per 2  Tbs. serving:  33 calories, 0 g fat.

Share on Facebook

Curves of Leominster-Health Tip

Health tip – Joint friendly moves

33% of decrease in risk for developing osteoarthritis of the knee in women who drop from “obese” to “overweight” or from “overweight” to “normal weight.”

For years expert s believed that exercise was a no-no for people with osteoarthritis, a joint condition affecting nearly 17 million Americans.  Today, doctors know the truth: exercise is an essential tool in managing this type of arthritis and can help prevent it  from developing  in the first place.

The Curves workout is particularly joint-friendly because the machines operate using hydraulics.  “With hydraulics, as with swimming,  your’re moving liquid, which provides gentle resistance, unlike free weights, which use gravity and actually strain joints.  Also, the user control the intensity of the Curves machines, and movement is smooth, so there is less jerk and strain on the joints.

Share on Facebook

Curves of Leominster Health Tip

Health Tip – Blood Pressure by the Numbers

35 million American women have high blood pressure, yet only one-third of them know it.

Blood pressure isn’t just high or low.  Doctors have several classifications and ranges that they watch.  Here’s what you need to know:

Normal:

Less than 120/80

Prehypertention:

120-139/80-89

Stage 1 High Blood Pressure:

140-159/90-99
Stage 2 High Blood Pressure:

160 and above/100 and above

Share on Facebook

Curves Health tip of the Week – Produce

Health tip of the Week – Produce

From: Curves of Leominster

Is your produce losing its superpowers?  – How you select, prepare and serve produce can seriously affect its nutritional value.

Think small -  Plants have a limited amount of nutrients that they can pass on to their fruit, so if the fruit you choose is smaller, then its level of nutrients will be more concentrated.

Keep things fresh – The nutrients in most fruits and vegetable start to diminish as soon as they’re picked.  Consume fresh produce within one week of buying it.

Don’t prep too early – When vegetables are sliced, peeled or shredded, and then shipped to stores, their nutrients are significantly reduced.  Whenever possible, prep produce just before you’re ready to cook or serve it.

Get steamed up – The nutrients in some vegetable are easier for your body to absorb if you steam the food first.  Broccoli and carrots are two examples. Tomatoes also release more of the antioxidant lycopene when they’re lightly sautéed or roasted.  Boiling, however, can leach nutrients.

Share on Facebook

Be a Water Warrior

DID YOU KNOW?
By 2025, 1.8 billion people will be living in places that experience extreme
water scarcity, and 2/3 of the world’s population will feel their daily access
to water more seriously affected by the water crisis than they do today. *

Water-borne illness is the second highest cause of childhood death in
the world.**

Changes in water quality are primarily the result of human activities that
pollute water or re-route fresh water creating accessibility issues. *

AVEDA: FIVE YEARS FIGHTING FOR CLEAN WATER
Since 2007 our global network of salons, spas, schools and stores with
the help of guests like you has raised more than $12 million for clean water
projects in communities close to home and around the world.
TAKE ACTION:
SUPPORT ORGANIC FARMING
Runoff from conventional farming contains nutrients and pesticides that
pollute the fresh water supplies into which they empty. In many places this
is the largest source of water pollution. Organic farming is healthier for our
water supply. *
CONSERVE ELECTRICITY:
Every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of traditional electricity that we use takes about
2 gallons of fresh water to make. Conserving electricity and opting for
renewable energy saves water, too.
GO MEATLESS MORE OFTEN
It takes up to 5,000 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of meat.

Enjoy a veggie meal and use less water.
LEARN MORE:
epa.gov/watersense
wateruseitwisely.com
facebook.com/aveda for more tips.
aveda.com
* United Nations Environment Programme: Global Environment Outlook, February 2009.
(www.unep.org/geo/geo4/report/04_water.pdf)
** UNICF: Clean Water Campaign. (www.unicefusa.org/work/water)
River Network: Clean Energy. (www.rivernetwork.org/clean-energy)
Eating Well: 6 Reasons to Eat Less Meat.
(www.eatingwell.com/food_news_origins/green_sustainable/6_reasons_to_eat_less_meat)

Please recycle.
Aveda Corp., Minneapolis, MN 55449-7106 800.328.0849 USA / 763.951.6999 aveda.com

Rituals Salon & Spa

646 Central St
Leominster, MA 01453
978-537-9394
www.ritualsspa.com

Share on Facebook

Curves of Leominster Health Tip

Health tip – Try This

The next time you reach for a snack, try to make it last a full 10 minutes.   Measure out one serving size, spend a minute or so to smell it, look at it and think about it.  Take a small bite, chew slowly focusing on the texture and taste, then swallow it.  Ask yourself whether you want another bite or if that satisfied you.  If you still want more, repeat, this time chewing the food 20 times.  When you take the time to slow down and  be more mindful of what something really tastes like, you’ll feel more satisfied.

25% – the percentage you can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by drinking 3-4 cups of coffee daily.  Darker roasts contain bioactive compounds.

2 + 2.5 – number of cups of fruits and veggies, respective, that you need to eat each day to beat muscle fatigue. (which in turn make workouts feel easier).

From Curves of Leominster

Share on Facebook

Curves Health Tip

Health tip – Label Lingo

% Daily value (DV)…the percentages under this heading (on the right side of the Nutrition Facts panel) are based on healthy levels of each nutrient of a 2,000 –calorie diet.  But even if you’re eating fewer calories, the DB figure helps you determine if a serving of food is high (205 or more) or low (5% or less) in a nutrient.  The number is also helpful when tracking, for example, how much fat you’re eating in one day.  Record your figures and it will help you make sure the total amount of fat (or sodium, cholesterol) stays below 100% DV.

from Curves of Leominster

Share on Facebook

Curves of Leominster-Health Tip

Curbing Cortisol – Keep your stress in check with a few surprising strategies.

MAKE CONNECTIONS – Just having that special someone can reduce your stress hormones.  A 2010 study from the University of Chicago showed that the cortisol levels were significantly lower in participants who were married or in a committed relationship. Researchers cited that meaningful bond as the reason subjects handled life’s challenges with less stress.

LISTEN TO THE MUSIC – Heart-surgery patients in a Swedish hospital showed a 22% reduction of cortisol levels after just 30 minutes of listening to soft music post-op.  And you can’t beat the classics: A 2007 study by Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital , both  in Boston, found that listening to Mozart’s piano compositions reduced stress-hormone levels and lowered blood pressure and heart rate in trauma patients.

OPT FOR OJ – Three thousand milligrams (mg) of vitamin C can help lower your cortisol level back to normal after a stressful event like giving a speech, according to a 2002 German study.  (Participants were given three 1,000 mg supplements.) Experts believe vitamin C works best in concert with other micronutrients, so be sure to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetable to help you calm your nerves.

BUBBLE UP – Researchers found that people who chewed gum during stressful tasks had significantly better alertness and lower anxiety levels than their non-gum-chewing counter-parts had.  Scientists behind the 2009 study credited gum chewing’s improvement on cerebral blood flow.

DIG IN – Looks like working in the dirt is good for more than just the flower beds; people who worked in the garden for 30 minutes showed significant decreases in cortisol levels compared to those who read indoors, according to a study published in June.

Curves of Leominster

Share on Facebook

Curves of Leominster Health Tip

Health Tip #23- Make a commitment

Now is the time- Make a personal commitment to become stronger in at least one area.  Perhaps you want to get fit enough to go on a hiking expedition or learn a new work skill.  Write it down. Then break it down into achievable steps that require specific actions within a specific time frame.  Say you want to lose 50 pounds within the next year, your first steps might be to start a fitness diary and tell at least two people of your plans. To help you stay focused on your goal.  Goto MyCurves.com message board.  It’s a place where we can encourage each other.  Make a commitment to post at least once a week.  We are always stronger together.

Cut out the added sugar – One way to cut added sugars out of your diet is to limit processed foods and satisfy your sweet tooth with fruit.  Check food labels for exact sugar content.

Share on Facebook

Health Tips

Health Tips from Donna Dimarzio
Healthy meals – Lifestyle change #1
Eating healthy will not only protect your heart, but it will also
impact your overall health. Limit foods high in fat, cholesterol and
salt; but, be sure to get plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains
and low-fat diary products. Most of us don’t get enough Omega 3 fats
(found in fish), but research has shown Omega 3 to have a positive
impact on your heart health. Ask a member of our staff how you can
order your Curves Omega 3 supplement today.
Exercise – Lifestyle change #2
It’s recommended that we get at least 30 minutes of physical activity
on most days. Wow, that’s just one more reason to love your Curves
workout!

Air (Tobacco Free) – Lifestyle change #3

No amount of tobacco is a safe amount. To quit smoking today is
absolutely, without a doubt, unequivocally one of the best decisions
you can ever make for your health.
Regulate your weight – Lifestyle #4
Even a little extra weight can lead to high blood pressure, high
cholesterol and diabetes, which increases your chance for heart
disease. A BMI (body mass index) less than 25 and a waist measurement
less than 35 inches are ideal, but remember that if you can reduce
your weight even by just 10% that will make a difference.
Take the Tests – Life style change #5
Get regular health screenings for your cholesterol and blood pressure.
If you know your numbers, you know what action you need to take.

Share on Facebook

Recycle Caps with Rituals

RECYCLE CAPS WITH RITUALS SALON & SPA and AVEDA

Bring plastic caps as described below to RITUALS SALON & SPA, 7 Central St, Leominster, MA 01453. If you are a school, please see below to register your school or group.

Aveda found that a majority of plastic bottle caps do not get recycled today.

Often these caps end up as litter or trash and migrate into our rivers and oceans. Birds and other marine creatures mistake them for food with tragic results.
Your school can be part of the solution by joining recycle Caps with Aveda.*
Join Aveda’s caps recycling initiative that helps extend the current boundaries of recycling and elicits participation from all corners of our community. With the help of our network of salons and stores, in partnership with community schools, we have created a recycling program for plastic bottle caps. Caps are collected enrolled schools and then sent by Aveda to our recycler where the material is recycled into new caps and containers. Rituals will collect caps fro indiviuals and send them to the recycler. Aveda has been able to work closely with our suppliers to develop ways to make new caps from the recycled caps and we plan to incorporate these caps into future Aveda products.

What type of caps do we collect?
The program accepts caps that are rigid polypropylene plastic, sometimes noted with a 5 in the chasing arrows recycling symbol. This includes caps that twist on with a threaded neck such as caps on shampoo, water, soda, milk and other beverage bottles, flip top caps on tubes and food product bottles (such as ketchup and mayonnaise), laundry detergents and some jar lids such as peanut butter.

Excluded from collection are pharmaceutical lids and non rigid lids such as yogurt lids, tub lids (margarine, cottage cheese), and screw on lids that are not rigid. Please do not include any metal lids or plastic pumps or sprayers. Unfortunately, too much of the wrong types of materials can contaminate the recycling process. We appreciate your efforts in keeping it clean! Please help Aveda in our mission to encourage local recyclers to accept plastic bottle caps.

Want to know how your school can get involved?
Click to learn more: Parents | Teachers. Remember to contact capcollection@aveda.com when you are ready to enroll your school.

For more information on how to enroll your school contact capcollection@aveda.com or call 1-877-Aveda09.

Share on Facebook

5 things each of us can do to reduce our carbon foot print

5 things each of us can do to reduce our carbon foot print.

1. Buy local- support the farmers markets. Use your local merchants.
This reduces your gas consumption and helps to employ local residents.

2. Drive a clean, fuel efficient car- Check emissions on a new car
before you buy. Try to conserve trips by planning errands. It has been
said that UPS achieved substantial gas savings by redesigning their
routes to have only right turns. Empty the extras from the car. Extra
weight in the car causes the car to burn more fuel. Keep your tires to
proper inflation for better fuel economy.

3. Reduce, reuse, recycle- think before you make purchases, paying
attention to excess packaging. Learn proper recycling methods for your
town. Before you toss an unwanted item, is there another use for it in
your home? Would it be useful to someone else? Join Freecycle. Recycle
your soda bottle caps by bringing them to Rituals.

4. Purchase Energy Star products- Your house can cause twice as much
pollution as your car. Appliances and electronics  are just some of
the items Energy star evaluates. go to www.energystar.gov for
information.  Your flat screen TV can add $120 a year to your electric
bill during the time it is NOT being used. Unplug as many electric
items as you can.

5.Evaluate your energy options- Sign up for renewable energy if
available through your energy supplier.  Ask for an energy audit of
your home. Your electric supplier usually performs this service for
free. It is a basement to attic inspection of your home

submitted by Rituals Spa

Share on Facebook

PlasticCity Electric-Winter Tips

As we start to prepare ourselves and our homes for the long winter months ahead, there are some things we can do to save energy and make our lives a little safer.

Some tips for saving energy and increasing safety:

• Install foam insulating sheets behind receptacle and switch plates to seal out cold drafts.

• Insulate your hot water heater with a water heater insulating blanket. They are very inexpensive, easy to install and will pay for themselves in savings.

• Install a digital programmable thermostat. You will save money on your heating bill by setting programs to turn the temperature down while at work or sleeping.

• Install motion and photo activated outside lights. They will not come on during the day and will turn on when people approach. This will save energy while insuring that the lights will be on when needed for safety.

• Change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Fresh batteries will make sure the alarms will still work during power outages.

• Install a whole house generator. These generators will automatically start during a power failure and switch back to the utility when the power returns.

• Replace filters on hot air heating systems. Installing hepa filters will also help to keep your home cleaner and healthier.

• Close curtains and shades at night and during periods of extreme cold to save on heat.

• Keep the dryer vent pipe, hoses, and dampers clean. Built up lint can overheat and ignite.

• Insulate that bulkhead door with rigid foam insulating board. This will help keep the wind out of the cellar causing heat loss and blowing out pilots on gas appliances.

• Install hard wired electric radiant heaters in those hard to heat or cold rooms. They are energy efficient and supply quick, safe heat when you need it. They can also supplement your heating system.

• Seal up any cracks in the foundation. This will prevent drafts and moisture from coming into the basement

• Install compact fluorescent bulbs in place of incandescent.

submitted by: PlasticCity Electric

Share on Facebook