I recently went to the dentist for a cleaning, and my hygienist loves to talk about dental health (of course). I definitely learned a thing or two. Take this quiz to see if you're taking good care of your pearly whites.
When the heat of Summer has you looking to quench your thirst, it's a good idea to do so with a healthy beverage. The question is: What are healthy beverages? Health.com is reporting on a new study that ranks 10 beverages by their levels of disease-fighting antioxidants. Here are the top 10 healthiest beverages.
In making the transition from playing Jane Austen to super agent/action hero, Anne Hathaway decided to buff up. She told Self that she wanted her character, Agent 99, to have muscles and curves.
After wrapping the movie, Hathaway was inspired by her tough character to take a self-defense class. Not wanting to play the victim literally, she learned how to take care of herself if someone attacked her. I'd say she has made a 180-degree turn, with a round house kick, since her days of playing princesses.
Dear Fit,
Last weekend after a night of camping, I was washing my hair and realized there was something stuck to my scalp. My husband took a look and found a small black tick embedded in my skin. He removed the whole thing, and aside from being completely freaked out, now I'm worried that I have Lyme disease. How do I know? —Totally Ticked Off by a Tick
I'm sure many other readers can feel your pain in discovering a creepy crawly bug on your head, and I can understand your concern about Lyme disease, but don't panic yet. Just read more
Gym time is precious, and you don't want to waste it waiting around for a popular weight machine to become free. The lat pull down is a favorite among many gym goers, but you can work your back with free weights. And free weights will challenge your core too. Try the bent over dumbbell row instead.
Both exercises work your back, shoulders, and biceps, but dumbbells are often free while machines are not. Try it next time you're at the gym.
I'm always looking for bargains on workout wear. Recently I found this steal of a deal. Check out these Old Navy Active Yoga Shorts ($12.50).They're perfect for running or biking in this Summer heat and you really can't beat that price. I love the wide pink band at the top, which sits right at the hips, comfortably, without digging into the belly. They're short, but not obscenely short (5.5 inch inseam), and the material is stretchy but very soft. I love that they're fitted but not tight, so when I'm moving, they stay put. I just may have to get another pair. Too bad they don't come in other colors.
If working out in a gym bores you to tears, you need to move your workout outside and hit a trail. Hiking is a great challenge for your heart and lower body, and you can do it with friends. If you've never been hiking in the Summer, here are some things to keep in mind.
Head out for your hike first thing in the morning since the temperature will be cooler. Hiking in full sun is difficult and could lead to heat exhaustion.
Bring along a backpack or lumbar pack and make sure you have tons of cold water. Pack an extra long-sleeve layer just in case. Snacks or sandwiches are a good idea, too, if you're planning on being out for a few hours or more.
Lube yourself up with sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you head out. Keep the bottle in a Ziploc bag in your pack, and reapply at least every two hours.
If the trail you're hiking is woodsy, pack some bug spray. Dealing with swarming mosquitoes while trekking through the woods is unbearable. Plus bug spray will also keep away ticks and spiders.