Water Filtration System – Do You Need One?

June 12, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Turn on your tap and take a look at the water coming out of it. Chances are it will be clear and look quite inviting.

The assumption is that it is safe to drink. Of course, if it was yellow, brown or smelt of rotten eggs you would question how good the quality of your water is.

But the fact is usually it is not and you take it for granted.

Unfortunately looks can be deceiving. You could take a look at the website of your local water board. This will tell you how good the quality is.

However, it will only tell you the quality of the water leaving the plant; it can’t confirm what it is like when it reaches your home. This is why you should check this link and consider adding a water filtration system.

The Benefits Of Water Filtration Systems

There are several benefits of having a water filtration system:

Peace Of Mind

A water filter is designed to remove the chemicals used by the water board. They are no longer needed as they have done their job. These chemicals can be harmful to your health and will affect the taste of your water.

But the filter will also ensure the water is clean, providing you with peace of mind. You and your family are drinking the best water possible in your home.

Removal Of Smells

Have you ever noticed that your water has a faint chlorine smell or sometimes even smells of rotten eggs? This is a result of the chemicals used by the water board and bacteria managing to enter your water.

The right filtration system for your home will eliminate these issues and give you clean, odor less water. This will encourage you to drink more of this essential substance.

Reduced Risk Of Contamination

The water that leaves the treatment plan is tested to ensure it meets government standards. However it then travels through miles of pipe work to your home.

It is possible that these pipes can become damaged and allow debris or pollutants in; the water board simply cannot check every bit of pipe.

Pollutants include harmful bacteria, fertilizers from the fields, a variety of chemicals and even miniscule pieces of debris. All of these can be harmful to your health and you may not know about them until it is too late.

Your water filtration system will remove all these things.

Get the Right Filter

Once you realize that you do need a water filtration system it is important that you choose the best one for you and your family.

You’ll need to have your water tested to ensure you know what you want to remove from it. You should also check that the filters being supplied meet the certified standard; otherwise you could be paying for nothing!

It’s not worth the risk of not having a water filter; any of the nasty bugs that live in water can cause serious illness over a long period of time. It’s much easier to prevent them from entering your body in the first place.

 

Filed Under: health Tagged With: , ,

Tips for a Fit and Healthy Summer

June 6, 2018 by Leave a Comment

By Samantha Clayton, AFAA, ISSA, Olympic runner & VP Worldwide Sports Performance & Fitness for Herbalife

Summer is just around the corner and summer body preparation should start now.  With proper planning, and an early start, you can avoid crash diets that do little for you waistline and even less for your mood. By focusing now on an exercise routine and a balanced nutrition program, you can get your body ready for summer and beyond.  Avoid the extreme crash diets and replace them with a sensible balanced diet and exercise to set yourself up for long-term success.

 

Below are my top tips to getting fit for summer.

 

  • Commit to a Fit and Healthy Summer!  Think about increasing the types of activities that work for your lifestyle and that can easily be built into your day. Make it a point to read up on fitness news and information.
  • Perform Simple Stretches.  Ensure you’re moving your muscles and joints through their full range of motion each day.
  • Get Moving!  Increase your daily activity level by taking the stairs, parking in the furthest space from the store, gardening, dancing or playing with your children. If you become more active in your everyday life you’ll get fit faster.
  • Add Regular Walks to Your Day.  You can slowly increase your time until 30-minutes feels comfortable. Then, increase your intensity level by walking faster. Start including varied terrain such as hills, then progress to a jogging or running pace.
  • Perform Body Weight Resistance Exercises. Try simple squats, lunges, push-ups and then progress to using weights. Ideally, you need both resistance exercise and aerobic exercise to keep your body operating at its peak.
  • Engage in Aerobic Exercise.  Repetitive motion, such as running, swimming or cycling, is important for the cardiovascular system. It can also tone muscles. Incorporating a little of both aerobic and resistance training is best for your daily routine.
  • Eat More Mindfully.  Eating snacks that contain carbs and protein before a workout can provide you with energy, keep you focused and give your body what it needs to build muscle once the workout is over. Consistently pay attention to the foods you choose in order to properly fuel your body.
  • Keep Hydrated.  Consume at least two liters of water each day. It is even more important to drink water before, during and after exercise. Even low-intensity exercise requires you to be well-hydrated.

About Samantha Clayton, AFAA, ISSA
Samantha Clayton is a former Olympic runner, personal trainer, and vice president of Worldwide Sports Performance and Fitness at Herbalife, where she is responsible for all activities relating to exercise and fitness education for Herbalife Nutrition Independent distributors and employees. Before joining the corporate ranks, Samantha, a native of Liverpool, England, was a professional athlete. She represented Great Britain in the 2000 Sydney Olympics in both the 200m and the 4x100m relay events. Samantha is a personal trainer and group exercise coach through the American Fitness and Aerobics Association (AFAA) and International Sports Science Association (ISSA).

Filed Under: fitness, health Tagged With: , , ,

Life is short, live your life to the fullest

June 1, 2018 by 1 Comment

perfect vacation

Life is short and we never know when it will be our last day, so my motto is and has always been to live your life to the fullest. This is why I focus so much on happiness – isn’t that what life should be all about? I believe so. I get a lot of questions about why I write about travel so much and the answer is simple: travel brings me joy and that is what I am constantly in search of.

 

Many people struggle with focusing on happiness and I get it. You go through your busy day that is filled with work, bills, struggles, and negative people and it is easy to get brought down, but I believe that we should work each and everyday to rise above the hard things, the negativity, and the stress in order to see the light at the end of the tunnel and choose to have a great day, no matter what. If you focus on that each and everyday, you will begin to really enjoy life and learn to live it to the fullest. I have a few things that I do each and everyday that brings more happiness into my life and I wanted to share it with you all. Here are my best tips on things you can do to live your life to the fullest:

 

Not Caring About What Others Think

It is so easy to fall into the trap of caring what people think about you, especially with social media being the center of the universe right now. Sometimes I observe people who are actively going through their Instagram or Facebook feed just to talk about others lives. What they are wearing, who they are with, how much weight they gained while they were pregnant, etc. Why do we do this to ourselves? All this does is bring negativity into our lives and opens the book to allow other people in your life to judge, as well. Stop judging others and stop caring about what others think about you. You will be so much happier when the only person you are trying to impress is yourself!

 

Doing What You Love

Life is too short to be stuck in a 9-5 job that you hate. Yes, going out on your own and doing what you love could be risky and stressful, but what happens if it works out? It could change your happiness forever and I believe that (in most circumstances) that is a risk that I would be willing to take. Even if you do not go off on your own, make sure you are in a job that you are really passionate about. Travel, if that makes you happy. Start a family, if that’s what you want. Just focus on your happiness, no matter what.

 

Treating People With Kindness

Inc. says, “Treat everyone with kindness–not because they are kind hearted, but because you are. One of the greatest gifts we can give another is kindness. If someone is in need, lend a helping hand. Don’t do it only for the people you like and respect–that’s easy–but also for the ones who drive you crazy and those you don’t even know. True kindness lies in the act of giving without the expectation of getting something in return.” You never know what someone might be going through, so please just suck it up and treat everyone with kindness.

 

Documenting Your Happiness

A great way to be intentional with your time is by documenting your day and your happiness. Write down a few things that you enjoyed that day, talk about how you can make the next day better, and if something didn’t go the way you wanted it to, try to find a silver lining.

 

Giving When You Can

I believe that giving is a great way to make each and everyday more positive. You cannot find anything negative about helping someone in need, seeing a smile on their face, and doing good in your community. It just puts a positive spin on your day, no matter what. Try to volunteer your time, donate when you can, and help others out!

Maintaining A Healthy Body

To live your life to the fullest, you need to create a strong, healthy foundation for yourself and the only way you can do this is by taking care of your body. Respect your body by eating healthy, working out, and finding help when you need it. A lot of people in this world do not get to do the things they love because they are dealing with debilitating pain on a daily basis. If this is you, get help so that you can enjoy your life! In New Jersey, AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine is on a mission to add health, balance, and success to your life. They believe that “Achieving maximum health is more than the absence of an illness. Authentic human health also includes the fulfillment of potential — potential for healing, creativity, wisdom, love, friendship, family, career, spirituality, physical fitness, leadership, and more.” Dr. Alfieri, as well as his staff are prepared to give you the best care through the use of chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, and pain management physiatry services. The doctors at their Monroe Township facility are certified in multiple disciplines and work together to find the best solution for you when it comes to your pain and general health. If you are suffering with pain, do something about it so that you can live your life to the fullest. AllCure Spine & Sports Medicine could be the next step to help you get your body feeling great again!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Complete Guide To Pre-Workout Supplements: Is It for Everyone?

May 29, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Working out is hard. During the first days of hitting the gym, you are always psyched up. It’s because you have got goals or objectives that you want to achieve. Maybe you want to lose some weight, or perhaps you are an athlete, and you want to keep fit. Despite your objective, after the first week or two. The laziness comes in. You feel like you don’t want to go to the gym. It almost feels like you are out of energy. This is where pre-workout supplements come in handy.

 

You have probably heard it from friends or colleagues on how these pre-workout supplements get them in the mood of working out. It’s okay to wonder if the pre-workout supplements are suitable for you. This post will provide you with all you need to know about pre-workout supplements. By the end of it, you will be able to make an informed decision on whether to use them or not.

But, what are Pre-workout Supplements?

It’s a supplement that you should take before hitting the gym. The supplement usually entails ingredients responsible for addressing a couple of issues that may occur during training such as low energy, loss of focus, fatigue and much more. A good pre-workout supplement should provide the user with an optimal hormonal environment that enables him/her to get the most out of a workout session.

What Are The Ingredients Responsible?

Before taking any supplement, it’s always best to know which ingredient you are taking into your body. In the case of pre-workout supplements, the ingredients used are usually similar.

 

Below are some examples;

  • Caffeine

Being one of the primary ingredients, coffee is known to improve alertness, arousal and improve the energy level.

  • Amino-Acids

Amino acids are responsible for building proteins that in turn increase energy levels. The supplements provide branched-chain amino acids that enhance physical performance.

  • Carbs

Workouts involve a lot of muscle strain. But thanks to carbs, it helps fuel your muscles with glycogen.

  • Beetroot Juice

Beetroot juice isn’t a favorite for most people because of its taste. But it’s an ingredient of several pre-workout supplements. The juice can aid an individual workout for long hours.

The Advantages of Pre-workout Supplements

The main reason why pre-workout supplements are highly gaining popularity is because of the benefits that they offer the user. However, not all supplements are effective. Always buy from known brands. Below are some advantages of using pre-workout supplements.

 

  1. Enhanced Power and Strength

Power and strength are essential for any workout session. If you are feeling tired, then a pre-workout supplement can do the magic. Ingredients such as amino acid are capable of helping in muscle contraction.

 

  1. Muscle Growth

A good pre-workout supplement can help improve muscle growth. Carbs help in the preservation of muscle glycogen that keeps you strong. There is another essential ingredient found in pre-workout supplements known as whey proteins that are also effective in minimizing muscle wasting.

 

  1. Increased Focus

A pre-workout supplement can help improve focus. You should know that the brain is also a muscle. When your body gets tired, so does the brain. And this can really sidetrack your functioning at the gym.

What are The Disadvantages?

Pre-workout supplements have one disadvantage. If you use a particular supplement for an extended period, your body adapts to it, and its effectiveness reduces. This leads to the need of using a higher dosage to achieve better results. To be on the safe side, incorporate the strategy of cycling pre-workout supplements. You can either switch brands or rather give your body a break from a particular supplement for two weeks or even a month.

 

The above is all you need to know about pre-workout supplements. Before buying a particular supplement, do your research. Find the one with ingredients that are suitable for you. Read reviews to see if they actually work. Always consider your goals when selecting a supplement. Don’t take the supplement on days that you are not working out.

 

Filed Under: fitness, health Tagged With: , , ,

Sports That Will Get You Fit – And Fast

May 22, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Everyone is looking for a quick fix to their body ailments these days, cause who actually has time to dedicate themselves to something long term when you’ve got children, jobs and home life to think about too? We all know that eating healthily and exercising is the best way of keeping your fitness levels at their best, but are there any quick fixes out there? You might try a crash diet, but the results can quickly be reversed once you return to your regular eating habits. However, when it comes to exercise, a few rules can be bent because there are exercises out there which will get you fit – and fast too. Check it out:

Baseball

The great thing about baseball is that you’re using every muscle in your body without even realising it. You’re too busy thinking about either hitting the ball, catching the ball, or running to your base (or even getting a home run!). In a regular match you could be burning off up to 500 calories!! Sign yourself up for a fast train to fitness heaven.

Skiing

As you can probably imagine, skiing is another sport that uses many muscles in your body. You may think that it’s sliding down a hill on two skis, but you use your muscles working your way through the snow (and trying not to fall over!) So, if you’re heading off on a skiing holiday to say, Marriott’s Summit Watch, then why not rent out some skis and hit the mountains for a full body workout?

Tennis

Tennis is one of those sports where you’re running back and forth for the ball and then suddenly realise “I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I’m not out of breath!”. It’s an all round fun, highly active, and addictive sport that anyone can play, so why not grab a buddy and head to your nearest tennis courts for some quick fitness sporting!

Swimming

Swimming is great for boosting your fitness levels because the water takes any strains off your muscles and joints, and you will find that you’re able to do more in the water than you can on land. Just remember that even though you don’t feel it now, the next day you might ache, so try not to over do it!

Rowing

Rowing is another sport that uses literally every muscle in your body. If you’re looking to get shapely legs, abs and get rid of those bingo wings all in one sitting, then rowing is most definitely the sport for you!

Rock climbing

Finally, rock climbing takes and builds a lot of strength in both your arms, abdomen, and legs. It’s a sport that can be done within a rock climbing center, or you can go to the full extreme and climb the face of a cliff. Either way, you’re getting a kick ass workout that will help you get fit – and fast!

Filed Under: fitness, health Tagged With: , ,

Look into WhiteSands Rehab Center

May 18, 2018 by Leave a Comment

5 Things To Know About Anabolic Steroid Abuse

A very common form of drug addiction is the excessive use of anabolic steroids. The steroids are simply variations of testosterone, the male sex hormone. Steroids can either be injected into the body muscles or they can be taken orally. They are mostly used by athletes and bodybuilders and usually starts as a way to build up the muscles and strength of the body. However, some users tend to go overboard with its use and eventually become addicted to it. Below, we look at five things you should know about anabolic steroid abuse.

  1. Effect on The Brain

Anabolic steroids have a very different effect on the brain when compared to other forms of drugs. While other drugs usually trigger increased dopamine production in the brain that causes the ‘high’, steroids do not directly increase the dopamine in the brain. Instead, the steroids tend to affect the brain chemicals and pathways related to dopamine when it is used for a long period of time. And when using other drugs or medications that directly affect dopamine, the user might feel a ‘high’. As such, steroids create an indirect dopamine-induced ‘high’ in contrast to other types of drugs.

  1. Signs Of Steroid Abuse

People who abuse steroids usually gain lean muscle rapidly, typically within a 10 week period. If your loved one works out very hard on a daily basis and you see numerous syringes in their room, then that can be a sign of steroid abuse. You should check out their arms to see whether it has any holes that look inflamed and reddish. If they are using steroid creams, then you will start smelling a strange odor from them. And if they are taking the steroids in the form of pills, you should see numerous pill packets in the trash. In case the steroid use gets out of control, you must seriously look into WhiteSands drug rehab center and consider admitting your loved one for recovery.

  1. Short-Term And Long-Term Effects

Abusing steroids has several short-term and long-term effects. In the short-term, the person will likely start feeling extremely paranoid and unreasonable with their demands. They will start having delusions about many things. Extreme mood swings are also very likely with the possibility of violence. In the long-term, the person will start seeing their hands and feet swell abnormally. Acne will also be out of control. The heart may become enlarged and you will suffer from high blood pressure. The kidneys and liver might start failing. There is also a high chance of stroke.

There will also be differences in how steroid abuse affects men and women. In men, the testicles will start to shrink and the sperm count will go way down. The risk of prostate cancer will also be very high. Breasts would develop abnormally and the person will become bald.  In women, there will be an excessive growth of hair all over the body including the face. The menstrual cycle will be disturbed. They might also suffer from baldness just like men do. Plus, the clitoris will also be enlarged. If steroid use starts from teenage, then the person’s growth will be negatively affected. In fact, they might end up with a stunted height.

  1. Withdrawal Symptoms

When a person understands the negative consequences of steroid abuse and starts limiting its intake, there can be serious withdrawal issues. For one, the person will be vulnerable to depression and other such conditions. The libido is likely to be very low which can affect romantic relationships. There will be frequent headaches and the person will have a difficult time concentrating on anything for a long period. They will be extremely anxious and will be worried about anything that does not go their way. In addition, sleeping will also be difficult.  Given such negative withdrawal effects, it is advisable that you only reduce the steroid intake gradually in small quantities rather than cutting down the intake by a large amount all of a sudden. Plus, it is also recommended that you approach a good rehab center for a proper recovery.

  1. Comorbid Disorders

Steroid abuse can also trigger other disorders. Such people can be susceptible to mental illnesses once steroid use goes out of hand and they become totally dependent on it. Extreme steroid users can start developing problems with differentiating between reality and fantasy. Those who have reached this stage usually require intense psychological counseling that can get them back to a balanced mental state. In addition, behavioral therapies can also be very effective at instilling a logical way of looking at things rather than judging something based on irrationality.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Thousands of Athletes Battle Fire and Barbed Wire During Spartan’s Tri-State Obstacle Race Weekend in Vernon, NJ

April 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

World’s Largest Obstacle Race and Endurance Brand Brings Racers of All Ages and Skill Levels to Mountain Creek Resort for Two Days of Competition.

WHO: Thousands of competitors of all ages and skill levels, including kids 4 years old and up WHAT: Grit and endurance collide at Spartan’s Tri-State obstacle race weekend, which will bring thousands of athletes to Mountain Creek Resort to compete in the brand’s toughest races, the 12+ mile 30-35 obstacle “Beast” and the 30 mile, 60+ obstacles Ultra, where they will conquer obstacles including the Spear Throw, Barbed Wire Crawl, Monkey Bars and Fire Jump. A Spartan Kids race course features age-specific distances and obstacles for kids four – 13-years old.

The weekend also features a 12-hour “Hurricane Heat,” a unique endurance event, traversing on and off the Spartan race course. Hurricane Heat participants work together in teams to complete any and all challenges set before them. Spartan events focus on sport and athleticism, pushing the bodies and minds of competitors to the limit across miles of unforgiving terrain while they conquer signature obstacles. With more than one million annual participants and more than 200 events across more than 30 countries, Spartan is the world’s largest obstacle race and endurance brand.

WHERE: Mountain Creek Resort | 120 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462

Spartan Race is the world’s largest obstacle race and endurance brand, and the first in-sport to feature timing and global rankings. With more than 200 events across more than 30 countries in 2018, Spartan Race will attract more than one million global participants offering open heats for all fitness levels, along with competitive and elite heats. The Spartan lifestyle boasts a community of more than five
Saturday, April 28, 2018 Sunday, April 29, 2018 6:00am-TBD Ultra Elite Race 9:00am-TBD Beast Elite Race 6:30am-TBD Ultra Open Race 9:30am-TBD Beast Open Race 7:30am-TBD Beast Elite Race 9:00am-TBD Kids Race 8:00am-TBD Beast Open Race 9:00am-TBD Kids Race 5:00pm-TBD Hurricane Heat.
Millions of passionate social media followers, health and wellness products, training and nutrition programs, and a popular NBC television series, which has made obstacle racing one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Spartan Race events feature races at three distances, 3+Mile/20+ Obstacle “Sprint,” 8+ Mile/25+ Obstacle “Super” and 12+ Mile/30+ Obstacle “Beast,” culminating in the Reebok Spartan Race World Championship in Lake Tahoe, Calif. Visit http://www.spartan.com for more information and registration.

Filed Under: fitness, health Tagged With: , ,

Summer Safety Must-Haves for Children!

April 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Getting ready for summer travel? You’ll want to know about these items to help keep the kids healthy and ouch-free.

BugBand Be Prepared Kit
www.bugband.net

BugBand Insect Repellent Wristbands and BugBand Towelettes have been combined in a unique insect repellent kit, perfect for your child heading off to summer camp or enjoying outdoor activities! Licensed by the Boy Scouts of America through their prestigious “Be Prepared” Brand, BugBand has combined the long-lasting power of their Insect Repelling Wristbands with the potent heavy-duty protection of BugBand Towelettes in one kit. Perfect for weekend outings or summer camp, this DEET-Free Insect Repellent Kit has it all. http://www.bugband.net/guide_scouting.html

CUROXEN
www.curoxen.com

Cuts, scrapes and boo boos… with little ones, these are inevitable! Be prepared at all times by tucking CUROXEN into your first aid kit at home, or into your purse, diaper bag, or backpack while on-the-go! CUROXEN is a safe, organic, & natural wound cleaning product for your child’s cuts and scrapes that effectively kills bacteria. Providing a safer alternative to petrochemical and drug-based wound care that actually works, CUROXEN is made with just three ingredients you’ll recognize from nature, which include Olive Oil, Calendula, and Lavender Essential Oil. CUROXEN does NOT contain synthetic drugs, including antibiotics, petroleum-derived products, artificial chemicals, or silver.

For those who are careful about what we put into and onto our — and our children’s — bodies, CUROXEN’s ultrapure, ultrasafe formulation is a relief. All-natural and safe for adults, children and even pets, CUROXEN kills more than five times the amount of bacteria as its competitors. To learn more about CUROXEN, please visit www.curoxen.com.

 

BuddyPhones PLAY Headphones
www.buddyphones.com

With summer on the horizon, playing is top of mind! The NEW BuddyPhones PLAY Headphones were created to encourage safe play so that little ones can play, explore and learn without parents having to worry about their hearing safety. BuddyPhones PLAY headphones have four distinct safe listening modes for different listening needs to minimize the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, including Toddler Mode, Kids Mode, Travel Mode, and StudyMode. Like all BuddyPhones, PLAY are extremely durable, made from strong, sturdy materials and designed to last. The foldable headband is made of specially calibrated polypropylene so it can be bent and pulled without snapping. They can be fully adjusted to different sizes and are tailored to fit kids comfortably with pillow-soft hypoallergenic ear cushions for maximum coziness.

Adding to the fun is an option for kids to share a single device by connecting up to four headphones with the BuddyCable sharing system. This sharing capability minimizes the need for multiple devices and encourages kids to play together. Each BuddyPhones PLAY also comes with an extensive set of illustrated colorful stickers that give kids the opportunity to decorate the headphones themselves, encouraging creativity. The optional travel kit includes a protective hard case with a water-resistant zipper and an airplane plug that makes the BuddyPhones easy to transport. Learn more at www.onanoff.com and www.buddyphones.com.

Filed Under: health, review, safety Tagged With: , ,