Beef and Port

Mechanically Separated Turkey - A pastelike substance produced when tissue is removed from bones through a high-pressure sieve. This product is versatile and cheap - and not just for turkey dogs.

Sodium Nitrite - Helps preserve the red tint of cured meat. Studies have shown that consuming sodium nitrite may increse cancer risk and trigger migraines.

Corn Syrup - A combo of cornstarch and acids, corn syrup is used as a thickener and sweetener. It contains  no nutrients but does add extra calories.

Extractives of Paprika - As a spice, paprika is a good source of fiber and vitamins A & E. However, the extractive form doesn’t offer much aside from color.

Look for Organic Beef Hot Dogs (ie Applegate Farms for one). Made with USDA-certified organic beef and without nitrites and corn syrup, these dogs are lower in saturated fat, calories and sodium than typical supermarket or ballpark fare. - Paige Nestel, Prevention Magazine

Well, A few people in Pickens County, GA are about to put on a Bike-A-Thon for a GREAT cause!!! It is for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Pickens County!!!

The Bike-A-Thon will be right before the Walk-A-Thon, Which is in 63 days at the Lee Newton Memorial Park, Jasper, Pickens County, Georgia on, Saturday and Sunday, April 24-25 and is for the Relay For Life of Pickens County, GA

We need volunteers!!! Let me know if you are interested in doing this Challenge! The Ride!!! ~ It might be a mile or Ten Miles or a 65 mile ride like my niece, Courtney, is doing in San Francisco for the bike marathon called the “Cinderella Classic” in SF. If they can do it, we here in Pickens County can do it!

Whatever the miles, it is going to be well worth it - the Bike-A-Thon will be tough but we can do it. Let me know that you are willing to be a biker…send me an email at Beth@getfitjasper.com and tell me you’re in!!! Whose with me!!! Let me know!

A bike-a-thon ~ riding a bike, something we all did as kids, its fun, its good exercise and by doing it now, its for a great cause…come on-let’s do it together!!!

I appreciate each and every one of you who are willing to do this Bike-A-Thon, it will be fun, it will be challenging but in the end, it will be worth it!

Are you sitting on the couch dipping a cookie into your coffee and feeling guilty?

Is your quality of life being spoiled because you are tired and sluggish?

Well, read on and find out what you can do to improve the situation

And maybe it will inspire you to get off the couch?

Here are the top 10 healthy facts of fitness you should know.

Enhances Brain Power

The more exercise we take part in the more energetic we become and the serotonin levels in the brain increase dramatically. Serotonin makes us more alert and if we are fully alert we are then far more productive. Certain studies have been carried out and the results are able to tell us that anyone who takes part in regular exercise will be that little extra productive in the workplace. Most companies recognize that a fit workforce makes for health care costs being lowered, less time off work sick and the optimization of working hours.

Stress Reducer

Exercise lifts your mood which in turn combats depression and low moods. As you exercise you become aware that there is ‘less time to reflect’ therefore the distraction of exercise relaxes you. This impacts on everyone who comes into contact with you in your everyday life. Your family and working relationships are improved.

Energy Booster

It is pretty common for people to say they are too tired to exercise, but exercise has the opposite effect, rather than tire you it actually energizes you. Just try slipping a dance or workout tape into the video for thirty minutes and exercise along with it, the results are conclusive. The workout will have released those valuable endorphins and your energy levels will be renewed. This has the knock on effect of making the everyday jobs take on a different light.

Fitting Fitness Into A Busy Schedule Is Not That Hard

You need to plan wisely to fit exercise into your everyday life. As time goes on it will come naturally, all too soon playing ball with the kids or a family bike ride will become an every day occurrence. Rather than meet a client in the office why not meet them at the local golf club. You don’t have to tie yourself to unnecessary gym visits or try to make time for long workouts. Ten minutes to spare? Then do ten minutes of valuable exercise. Two or three ten minute sessions of brisk walking or skipping followed by another walk later on in the evening is fine! A daily thirty minute session of exercise will help to fight disease and keep you fit, if you can spare more time then all well and good.

Brings Friends And Family Together

Social support is often the key to a successful fitness plan, if you have friends or family who are there to keep you company then the chances are that you will keep on going with the exercise. It can be good to take a walk with a friend or your spouse, or maybe play  a tennis match with your brother. If you have lost a substantial amount of weight and want to keep it that way then enroll the help of family and friends rather than go it alone.

Exercise Keeps Illness At Bay

Exercising plays a vital part in warding off disease. It has often been documented that exercise can help alleviate some of the signs of aging. High cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks are all diseases linked with obesity and being in an unfit state. Introduce a fitness plan into your life and it can help ward off these conditions. Regular exercise can strengthen the joints and muscles and give the immune system a considerable boost. The power of exercise cannot and must not be understated.

Good For The Heart

The heart obviously counts as our most important muscle and it invites exercise to strengthen it. Exercise and fitness plan an important part, it makes the heart and the cardio-vascular system efficient. As the heart gains efficiency it is able to pump to its full potential. A strong heart pumps  much more blood with each beat, so the heart doesn’t have to beat as fast to keep pace. After a couple of exercise sessions you will notice that your body is already starting to welcome the new routine and is responding positively.

Exercise For Extra Food

Of course each time you take exercise you will inevitably burn some calories and if you have the odd treat then no harm will come of it. Muscle burns far more calories when resting than body fat, so the more muscle composition you have then the resting metabolic rate is also higher. In short it is possible to give yourself the odd treat when you are continuing to keep exercising.

Improve Performance

After embarking on an exercise plan it is quite possible that a few weeks of practicing fitness will have enhanced your overall muscle tone. You personally may notice slight body changes as the muscles get stronger. Constant exercise will almost certainly make you more flexible, improve performance and give you more strength. Given time your balance and reaction will significantly improve also.

Are you sitting on the couch dipping a cookie into your coffee and feeling guilty?

Is your quality of life being spoiled because you are tired and sluggish?

Well, read on and find out what you can do to improve the situation

And maybe it will inspire you to get off the couch?

Here are the top 10 healthy facts of fitness you should know.

Enhances Brain Power

The more exercise we take part in the more energetic we become and the serotonin levels in the brain increase dramatically. Serotonin makes us more alert and if we are fully alert we are then far more productive. Certain studies have been carried out and the results are able to tell us that anyone who takes part in regular exercise will be that little extra productive in the workplace. Most companies recognize that a fit workforce makes for health care costs being lowered, less time off work sick and the optimization of working hours.

Stress Reducer

Exercise lifts your mood which in turn combats depression and low moods. As you exercise you become aware that there is ‘less time to reflect’ therefore the distraction of exercise relaxes you. This impacts on everyone who comes into contact with you in your everyday life. Your family and working relationships are improved.

Energy Booster

It is pretty common for people to say they are too tired to exercise, but exercise has the opposite effect, rather than tire you it actually energizes you. Just try slipping a dance or workout tape into the video for thirty minutes and exercise along with it, the results are conclusive. The workout will have released those valuable endorphins and your energy levels will be renewed. This has the knock on effect of making the everyday jobs take on a different light.

Fitting Fitness Into A Busy Schedule Is Not That Hard

You need to plan wisely to fit exercise into your everyday life. As time goes on it will come naturally, all too soon playing ball with the kids or a family bike ride will become an every day occurrence. Rather than meet a client in the office why not meet them at the local golf club. You don’t have to tie yourself to unnecessary gym visits or try to make time for long workouts. Ten minutes to spare? Then do ten minutes of valuable exercise. Two or three ten minute sessions of brisk walking or skipping followed by another walk later on in the evening is fine! A daily thirty minute session of exercise will help to fight disease and keep you fit, if you can spare more time then all well and good.

Brings Friends And Family Together

Social support is often the key to a successful fitness plan, if you have friends or family who are there to keep you company then the chances are that you will keep on going with the exercise. It can be good to take a walk with a friend or your spouse, or maybe play  a tennis match with your brother. If you have lost a substantial amount of weight and want to keep it that way then enroll the help of family and friends rather than go it alone.

Exercise Keeps Illness At Bay

Exercising plays a vital part in warding off disease. It has often been documented that exercise can help alleviate some of the signs of aging. High cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks are all diseases linked with obesity and being in an unfit state. Introduce a fitness plan into your life and it can help ward off these conditions. Regular exercise can strengthen the joints and muscles and give the immune system a considerable boost. The power of exercise cannot and must not be understated.

Good For The Heart

The heart obviously counts as our most important muscle and it invites exercise to strengthen it. Exercise and fitness plan an important part, it makes the heart and the cardio-vascular system efficient. As the heart gains efficiency it is able to pump to its full potential. A strong heart pumps  much more blood with each beat, so the heart doesn’t have to beat as fast to keep pace. After a couple of exercise sessions you will notice that your body is already starting to welcome the new routine and is responding positively.

Exercise For Extra Food

Of course each time you take exercise you will inevitably burn some calories and if you have the odd treat then no harm will come of it. Muscle burns far more calories when resting than body fat, so the more muscle composition you have then the resting metabolic rate is also higher. In short it is possible to give yourself the odd treat when you are continuing to keep exercising.

Improve Performance

After embarking on an exercise plan it is quite possible that a few weeks of practicing fitness will have enhanced your overall muscle tone. You personally may notice slight body changes as the muscles get stronger. Constant exercise will almost certainly make you more flexible, improve performance and give you more strength. Given time your balance and reaction will significantly improve also.

Don’t Make Weight Loss Your Main Goal

Often weight loss is the primary aim of any fitness or exercise program. But what happens when after a few weeks we see very little result, the scales are registering almost the same weight? Yes, you have guessed, we feel disillusioned and just abandon the whole idea. This is why a fitness plan has to be approached in a different way altogether, look upon it as a way of staying healthy, a way of keeping fit and active. Stop and take time to notice that you are feeling less stressed and are more energized. Leave the weighing scales where they belong. Treat exercise as a part of your daily routine and not just something that has to be endured, you never know you may be pleasantly surprised

How much exercise do I need?

Source

Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.

American Academy of Family Physicians

Reviewed/Updated: 12/09
Created: 01/96

Some people like working out, but let’s face it even the most energetic people sometime feel like skipping a workout. The following are some of the most common excuses for missing a fitness workout. Are any familiar to you?

Most Common Excuses for Missing a Fitness Workout

• No clothes. I don’t have any clothes to wear to workout in. You’re here for your health, not to walk the runway. Pull out the old pair of shorts and the fading T-shirt and get going.
• No energy. I don’t have enough energy to workout. It’s time to take a good look at your sleeping, dietary and workout habits. You need at least seven to eight hours of sleep at night, you also need to get quality calories from nutritious foods and beverages and check your workout frequency; overtraining symptoms include lethargy. Exercise has been shown to increase energy levels and leave people feeling better about themselves and more energized.
• No clue I don’t know what workout I should do. Through Internet you can easily find information on fitness workouts. Go and buy a fitness magazine, ask a friend who workouts regularly for some workout tips, or hire a personal trainer.
• No pain. I hurt when working out. Working out should never hurt. There’s a difference between working your muscles and hurting your body. If you have a lot of joint issues, you can look at alternative types of workouts like yoga, walking, Pilates, or swimming, which are relatively gentle on the body. You should not discontinue exercising altogether, but do lower intensity training to maintain fitness.
• No way. Working out is too hard. Fitness workouts don’t have to be hard. Find something you enjoy doing and work up from there. It’s all about building a little confidence and realizing that workouts can be rewarding.
• No time. I’m too busy to workout. You can find at least 30 minutes to work out during your day. If your schedule is filled with important meetings, chores, appointments etc. There are plenty of good efficient workout routines you can squeeze into your schedule in the morning or at lunch.
• Not close. The gym is too far away for my workouts. Even if you can’t get to the gym to workout every day, you can still get in great shape by working out at home. Buy a set of dumbbells and some resistance bands. Stability balls are another great piece of exercise equipment. Home cardio workout only requires a good pair of running shoes, a jump rope, or even bike.
• No commitment. I can’t make the commitment to stick to a workout routine. Looking at exercise in the long term it can be overwhelming. Start with small goals, such as to be more active every day by taking the stairs and moving around more. Decide you’ll get up 10 minutes early to walk or lift weights. Over time, you can increase your workout time and try new things. For now, just worry about making it a daily habit.
• No training partner. Many people use the excuse of a lack of a partner for not going to the gym, or use the excuse when their training partner misses, they skip too. Do not let other people choose your destiny with your progress. The gym should be for you, so do not let others create obstacles or deter you from your goals regarding fitness.
• No motivation. I can’t seem to stay motivated to continue working out. If you’re tired, stressed or bored with your workouts, it’s hard to keep going. To combat that, change your workout routine every 4 to 6 weeks by trying something new or changing your workout intensity or time. Remind yourself every day what your goals are and what you have to do to reach them.
• Have to work late. If you are consistently working late, then get up early and grab a workout BEFORE work.
• No freakin way. My Ex works out at the same gym. A bad break up can be good motivation to workout harder and let that someone see what they’re missing out on.

Bottom Line on Missing Workouts

There are many other excuses not to exercise such as it’s too hot, too cold, it’s raining, I feel a little sore, I feel a little run down, I will do it tomorrow, next Monday or next year. But there are many good reasons to exercise and you can start where you are right now. It all starts in your mind.

About the Author, Jeff Behar

Jeff Behar, MS, MBA is a recognized health, fitness and nutrition expert, regularly writing about hot topics in the areas of health, fitness, disease prevention, weight loss, nutrition, anti aging and alternative medicine. Jeff Behar’s work also often appears in several of the major health and fitness newsletters, health and fitness magazines, and on major health, fitness and weight loss websites. Jeff Behar is also the CEO of MuscleMagFitness.com, and MyBestHealthPortal.com; two very popular health, fitness, disease prevention, weight loss, nutrition and anti aging information sites.

Courtesy of American Heart Association

Finding time in our overscheduled lives for exercise is a challenge for all busy Americans. Especially for those who are parents or are working full-time or both. But the benefits far outweigh the sacrifices it takes to carve out that time. And anyone who has successfully managed to do so will tell you how happy they are to have found the time. They’ll tell you how much more energy they have, and how they are actually able to do more than before they started getting regular exercise. So no more excuses! Take an active role in determining your future. You deserve to give yourself the gift of living well with good health.

Why is Getting Active So Important?

The facts are clear: By exercising for as little as 30 minutes each day you can reduce your risk of heart disease. Without regular physical activity, the body slowly loses its strength and ability to function well. Physical activity = living a longer, healthier life.

Regular Physical Activity Helps: Lower blood pressure, increase HDL “good” cholesterol in your blood, control blood sugar by improving how your body uses insulin, reduce feelings of stress, control body weight and make you feel good about yourself.

American Heart Association Guidelines

We suggest at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise. Or a combination of moderate and vigorous. Physical activity is anything that makes you move your body and burns calories, such as climbing stairs or playing sports. Aerobic exercises benefit your heart, such as walking, jogging, swimming or biking. Strength and stretching exercises are best for overall stamina and flexibility.

The simplest, positive change you can make to effectively improve your heart health is to start walking. It’s enjoyable, free, easy, social and great exercise. Check out the Start Walking program to get going with expert advice.

Get Active Success Story:

Mike Wilson, Associate Superintendent of Schools. Previously worked with the American Heart Association and company leader for the Start! Walking Program; City-wide chairman for the 2007 American Heart Walk.
I applied for the Start! Challenge program because of a deep commitment to work with the American Heart Association again and to change my life. I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at age forty-four. I had a twin brother die of sudden death congestive heart failure at age forty-three. I recently lost my youngest sister the same way.

After my sister died, I reviewed my lifestyle and have determined it needs to change. I have used several excuses to sit around, do no exercising, and have gained weight. I also know that without this change, I am a prime candidate to die of this disease at a young age. I want to enjoy my later years and be around to watch my grandsons grow up and be able to spend quality time with them.

In addition, I want to serve as an example to those people like me. I want to be an example that people with those inflictions can work, exercise, eat properly and can improve their physical well-being. No more excuses! We can do it!

Courtesy of American Heart Association

Hypertension is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can injure or kill you. It’s sometimes called “the silent killer” because it has no symptoms. One in three adults has high blood pressure, yet, about 21% don’t even know they have it. Of those with high blood pressure, 69% are receiving treatment, yet, only 45% have their blood pressure controlled.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a widely misunderstood medical condition.

The blood running through your arteries flows with too much force and puts pressure on your arteries, stretching them past their healthy limit and causing microscopic tears.  Our body then kicks into injury-healing mode to repair these tears with scar tissue. But unfortunately, the scar tissue traps plaque and white blood cells which can form into blockages, blood clots, and hardened, weakened arteries.

Why High Blood Pressure Matters?

High blood pressure is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can injure or kill you. It’s sometimes called “the silent killer” because it has no symptoms.

Blockages and blood clots mean less blood can get to our vital organs, and without blood, the tissue dies. That’s why high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and even heart failure.

By keeping your blood pressure in the healthy range, you are:

• Reducing your risk of your vascular walls becoming overstretched and injured,
• Reducing your risk of your heart having to pump harder to compensate for blockages,
• Protecting your entire body so that your tissue receives regular supplies of blood that is rich in the oxygen it needs.

What Influences High Blood Pressure and the Risk for Stroke?

By keeping your blood pressure in the healthy range, you are: Reducing your risk of your vascular walls becoming overstretched and injured, reducing your risk of your heart having to pump harder to compensate for blockages, protecting your entire body so that your tissue receives regular supplies of blood that is rich in the oxygen it needs.

American Heart Association Guidelines

While there is no cure, high blood pressure is manageable.? Even if your blood pressure is normal (less than 120 mm Hg systolic AND less than 80 mm Hg diastolic) and your goal is prevention only, the lifestyle modifications provide a prescription for healthy living. These changes may reduce your blood pressure without the use of prescription medications: eating a heart-healthy diet, which may include reducing salt; enjoying regular physical activity; maintaining a healthy weight; managing stress; limiting alcohol; avoiding tobacco smoke.

Blood Pressure Success Story:

Tisha Dixon-Williams, 32, of Brooklyn, NY

A year ago, Tisha thought she was pretty healthy, despite a junk food diet. Then one day she was dizzy and couldn’t get her balance. When her computer screen seemed blurry, she told herself she needed new glasses. “I finally went to the doctor, and when I walked in my blood pressure was 190 over 120. I was a walking stroke.”

Now Tisha controls the risk factors that she can. She stays physically active by doing something she loves – dancing. Tisha has made other positive lifestyle changes too, as well as taking blood pressure medication.

“I’ve learned that if you can control your body and what you put in your mouth, you can control anything, like saying ‘no’ to that bag of salty chips. I’m not a saint all the time, but I do make wiser choices. I’ve learned that if I control what I eat, everything else is a piece of cake – no pun intended!”

Making resolutions is easy; keeping them is hard. Even if you set clear, realistic goals on January 1, many of us find that by mid-year our best intentions have been derailed by work, school, or a busy social schedule. Before you know it, another year has gone by and you find yourself vowing to do better next year.

This year, if your goals involve eating better and exercising more, make your resolutions stick by enlisting the help of these tips and tools.

Keep a food journal. If your goal is to get to a healthier weight, you need to consistently burn more calories than you eat. Experts say people who keep food journals have better success rates than those who don’t.

Writing down every little thing you eat and drink will give you a better idea of what you’re actually consuming (compared to what you think you’re consuming), and may highlight areas where you could be doing better. Aim for 5 or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits every day, choose whole grains over processed grains, limit intake of processed and red meats, and watch portion sizes.

Ready to get started? Download this sample diary from the American Cancer Society.

Make an exercise plan. This year, increase your chances of success by creating a workout plan and writing it down. If you have clear objectives, you’ll be more likely to follow through. Decide what you’re going to do, when you’re going to do it, and for how long. The Society recommends adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on 5 or more days a week; 45 minutes to an hour is ideal.

Pocket a portion control guide. If you struggle not with what to eat but how much to eat, tuck a portion control reference in your wallet or purse, or print one out and post it on the fridge.

Create a playlist. If your workout has gotten boring, a new playlist can rev it up. Many fitness magazines and Web sites have sample playlists. Check out the sample playlists at Shape magazine, for example.

Make one small change each day. If getting in the recommended 5 fruits and vegetables everyday sounds daunting, start by eating just one apple a day until it feels effortless. The next week, try adding a small side salad to your lunch menu. Keep going until you’ve hit 5 a day.

Anticipate situations that might lead you astray. If your evening workout constantly gets sabotaged by dinner plans, carve out time in the morning instead. Or, if you’re habitually at the vending machine because you’re short on time, keep healthy snacks at your desk or in your purse.

Stay motivated by focusing on immediate benefits. Not seeing 6-pack abs yet? Focus instead on the ways exercise is already making you feel better, such as having more energy.

The American Cancer Society can help you learn more ways to stay well and reduce your risk for cancer – visit cancer.org/GreatAmericans or call 1-800-227-2345 for more information.

Revised: 12/30/2009

Like the colors of summer, this salad combines corn, bell peppers and yellow squash for gorgeous visual appeal. What a delightful way to enjoy these garden vegetables. (We fixed this corn salad for Christmas dinner and used red and green bell pepper, was just as good and a little darker in color).

Serves 4 1.5 Cups per serving

1/2 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil (extra-virgin preferred)
1 teaspoon snipped fresh parsley and 1 teaspoon snipped fresh parsley, divided use
1/8 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
3/4 cup frozen whole-kernel corn
1 tablespoon water
1/2 medium orange bell pepper, diced
1/2 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
1/2 medium yellow summer squash (about 2 1/2 ounces), diced
1 tablespoon pine nuts, dry roasted

In a medium serving bowl, whisk together the vinegar, oil, 1 teaspoon parsley, mustard, salt ad pepper.

In a small microwaveable bowl, combine the corn and water. Microwave on 100 percent power (high) for 2 minutes. Drain in a strainer. Run the kernels under cold running water for 30 seconds to coll. Pat dry with paper towels. Transfer to the serving bowl.

Add the bell peppers, squash and pine nuts. Toss to combine. Serve sprinkled with the remaining 1 teaspoon parsley.

Nutrition Tip: As soon as corn is harvested, its surgars begin to convert to starch. The sooner it’s eaten or processed after it’s picked, the better. That is why frozen corn can be just as sweet as - or sweeter than - corn that sits for days in the produce department.