Designing a Good Exercise Program: Part II

 This is Part II of a series focusing on how to build a balanced exercise program.  As mentioned previously, there are three key components that should be included in every exercise regiment: Aerobic Exercise Strength/ Resistance Training Flexibility/ Stretching Today, I will focus on information about strength/weight training, which is the final key component of a balanced […]

Designing a Good Exercise Program

To get the maximum benefits out of your workouts and to reduce the risk of injury, it is very important to have a balanced exercise program.  There are three key components that should be included in every exercise regiment: Aerobic Exercise Strength/ Resistance Training Flexibility/ Stretching For general health benefits, approximately 60% of exercise time […]

Not All Fats Are Created Equal

Often, fats are referred to as “good” fats or “bad” fats.  But what makes a fat “good” or “bad”, and which foods contain these different types of fats?  Fats are often defined as good or bad based on how they affect heart health.  Some fats can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke by […]

Are you at risk for metabolic syndrome?

What is Metabolic Syndrome?  Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a “group of risk factors that increases the risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke and perhaps some types of cancer.”  Currently there is not one set definition used to diagnose MetS but one commonly used definition comes from the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel […]

Plants Sterols and Stanols May Improve Cholesterol Levels

Did you know plants can improve your cholesterol?  Sterols and stanols, which are components of plant membranes, structurally resemble cholesterol.  In fact, their structures are so similar to cholesterol that our bodies can’t distinguish the difference.  However, plant sterols and stanols are either not absorbed or minimally absorbed in the body.  When they are present in sufficient quantities […]