Strength training may ease chronic neck and shoulder pain, a problem that is increasingly common as people spend more time on computers a new research suggests. Neck and shoulder pain commonly stems from the upper trapezius muscle, which spans the upper back and shoulders, and helps move the neck. Continuly performing monotonous tasks, such as computer operations, can cause the muscle to become tight and tender which can lead to pain.

A recent study showed findings that being merely moderately fit  can lower the risk of having a stroke. Stroke is the nation’s third-leading cause of death. It occurs when blood flow to the brain is stopped when a blood vessel is blocked by a clot or bursts. Physical activity can help prevent blood clots and the buildup of artery-clogging plaque. Most people can reach a moderatly fit level by walking briskly for 30 minutes a day, five times a week

A recent study done in Philadelphia showed that  senior women experienced measurable improvements in their walking speed and balance after a nine-week yoga program . They also gained a centimeter in height, on average.

“The only explanation may be that they are standing more upright, not so much crouching,” study chief Dr. Jinsup Song of Temple University told Reuters Health. Song presented the findings April 4 at the Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society’s Annual Meeting.

Healthy Eating Tip #1: Plan Your Meals In Advance Ahead

Make sure to plan your meals ahead of time to avoid a last-minute  take-out meal from a local fast food joint.

Healthy Eating Tip #2: Make A Healthy List For Your Shopping Needs.

Create a healthy shopping list and stick to it when you go to the store. This can help you stay on track and stear clear of that dreaded candy isle. Be sure to add plenty of fresh veggies and fruit to your list. Start your shopping on the fresh produce side of the store, this can help you fill up your cart with plenty of healthy items.

The Wall Push Up is an excellent Upper Body Exercise. When done correctly, the wall push up can build a strong upper body. Wall Push Ups are done to build muscle and strength in the chest and triceps. Wall Push Ups are a great modified version of traditional floor push ups.

Wall Push Up Directons:

1. Start standing straight up with your feet about 2-4 feet from a wall.

2. Lean you upper body forward and place your hands on the wall with slightly bent elbows.

3. Push your body back to starting position using your hands.

INGREDIENTS

1 (12 inch) pre-baked whole wheat pizza crust (use plain crust if you can’t find whole wheat crust)
1/2 cup pesto
1 ripe tomato, chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1 can chopped black olives, drained
1/2 small red onion, chopped
1 can artichoke hearts, drained and sliced
1 cup crumbled reduced fat feta cheese

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Spread the pesto sauce on pizza crust. Top with tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, red onions, artichoke hearts and feta cheese.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and browned.

Chair Stands.

Chair Stands strengthen your inner and outer thigh muscles as well as your abdominal.

1.Place pillows against back of chair.
2.Sit in middle or toward front of the chair, knees bent, feet flat on floor.
3.Lean back in half-reclining position, keeping your back and shoulders straight.
4.Raise upper body forward until sitting upright, using hands as little as possible or not at all, if you can. Your back should no longer lean against the pillows.
5.Slowly stand up, using your hands as little as possible.
6.Slowly sit back down. Keep back and shoulders straight throughout exercise.
Repeat 8 to 12 times. Rest for 60 seconds and repeat one more time.

Shrimp: The Fit Fish

 
Shrimp is about 90 calories per 3-ounce serving with virtually no fat. Shrimp is packed with protein making it a great diet food.  It may even help prevent heart disease, thanks to astaxanthin, the antioxidant that gives the fish a slightly red tint.

A recent study found that eating  1 cup of shrimp daily can raise your good cholesterol level. Shrimp is also rich in cancer-fighting selenium and bone-building vitamin D.

Green Tea

The Benefit: Helps reduce risk of osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease and cavities. Green tea contains a rich concentration of flavonoids and polyphenols, natural antioxidants that may protect cells from carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) and inhibit tumor growth by helping to neutralize free radicals in the body. The tea’s antioxidants may also guard against heart disease by relaxing blood vessels, inhibiting the formation of blood clots that trigger heart attacks and strokes. Green tea also contains fluoride, which strengthens teeth.
Calories: 0

Mint Tea
Mint Tea can ease cramps and helps ward off indigestion.It also aids in digestion by promoting the movement of food through the digestive tract more easily.
 
Calories: 0

According to a recent Mayo Clinic Study, regular exercise may help protect against mild cognitive impairment. People with mild cognitive impairment can handle everyday activities but often have trouble remembering the details of conversations, upcoming appointments and events. The study found that a majority of the people with mild cognitive impairment experience a progressive decline in their cognitive abilities, which is usually caused by Alzheimer’s disease and or dementia.