Approximately 57% of the adult population is estimated to have hypertension (resting blood pressure > 140/90) or pre-hypertension (Ostchega et al). We’ve all been told that aerobic exercise is a great way to lower blood pressure. However, there is more concern surrounding resistance training especially in individuals with high blood pressure. Given that resistance training causes a rise in both systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure when lifting, some individuals have avoided resistance training for fear of excessive rises in blood pressure.

My cousin told me this week that her five-year old son had learned to count to 100 recently. One of the ways he learned what 100 looked like was to put 100 Legos on a board. When he finished he exclaimed, “That’s 100? Wow!”

There are numerous lifestyle factors related to back and neck pain such as poor posture, improper biomechanics, poor flexibility, muscle weakness, upper body obesity, and smoking.

In 2010, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) was signed into law by President Barack Obama. Discussed in a previous blog, the HHFKA was championed by Michelle Obama to address both childhood hunger and childhood obesity.

I have a son and a daughter who are, nicely put, extremely active (wild and crazy!). For instance, my son who is 3 is already riding his bike without training wheels and my daughter (now 14 months) at 11 months decided to climb out of her crib. They keep me on my toes for sure. I am a pretty “hands-off” parent letting them climb and jump (and fall) but there are times that I worry about safety and if certain activities or ways in which they are playing are too risky.

Hooray for a (successful) Super Bowl ad that promoted health and fitness… even if the main character was a dog! Last year, we wrote a blog asking for just this!

Have you noticed a higher than normal predominance of red outfits being worn by your friends, co-workers or others? Maybe not, but interestingly enough the lack of seeing red is very similar to the reason that I asked the question.

Take a look at this neat “infographic” from TurboTax (click to enlarge). In particular, hone in on the second box, “Fans Eat, Drink, and Be Merry from Home.”