"The mind unlearns with difficulty what has long been impressed on it." Senca

Do you ever think "that won't happen to me?" Some people put off exercise because heart disease "happens to other people" or "I'm young now, why worry?" I don't advocate living in fear of what might happen, but I advise being proactive and not doing anything foolish.

Last month's newsletter contained an article on the dangers of ephedra. I hope you are looking at quick fix products with a skeptical eye. I'm sure some people think, "that would never happen to me." I am compelled to share a letter I received:

Dear Heather,

I read your last newsletter article about the dangers of ephedra with more than usual interest. "Mary" (not her real name, to protect her identity), a young woman who works for me, is a tragic case in point. In June of this year at age 30, she died of a heart attack and the paramedics revived her. She was in a coma for 10 days. Now awake, she has many miles to go to regain the life she had before the heart attack. How could this lovely, slender young woman suffer a heart attack? The answer is ephedra. She didn't work out because "I don't like to sweat." So while she ate a reasonably healthy diet, she kept herself slim by using ephedra in place of exercise. At the moment she's in a rehab facility learning to walk again and to work around the aphasia that accompanies the loss of oxygen to the brain. We don't know if she can come back to work. Her fiancé doesn't know if he'll regain the woman who died in his arms. And Mary is left depressed and struggling to regain herself. Please encourage your clients to stop using it, or never start. It may save their lives and their well-being.
               - Joanne Reynolds

Please keep good thoughts for Mary. I will too.

Message from the President

Do you practice gratitude? I could use more practice myself. When I read the letter about "Mary," I am especially grateful for my health, my life.

Do you ever blow off exercise because you are busy or don't feel like it? Reframe your thoughts. Exercise is sometimes a chore for me but when I'm in the right frame of mind I enjoy it and appreciate what my body can do.

We can only work so long and so hard (on work, family, the house, etc.) before the body says "enough!"- you get sick when you're pushing too hard and won't take a break. Don't wait for the signal. Take a break and enjoy life. Be grateful.

To your health,

Heather Lynn Moreno
PeopleFit USA, President

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What To Do (or not)
When You're Sick

You are tired and achy and feel like you're coming down with something. Here are some guidelines to find out if exercise is going to help or hurt:

1. Feeling hot - never exercise with a fever - your body is battling a virus.

2. From the neck up - if your symptoms are above the neck, like a sore throat or runny nose, you are safe to exercise moderately. If your symptoms are below the neck, like swollen glands, congestion or muscle aches, let your body recover before starting back.

3. Be kind - no one wants to exercise at the gym next to someone sneezing and coughing. Look for outdoor activities, weather permitting, or exercise at home. As your immune system is compromised when you are sick, staying out of the gym will lessen your exposure to other bacteria that could prolong your cold or flu.

4. Take it easy - modify your routine when sick. Pushing too hard can worsen your illness. The body needs an occasional break so this is a good time to work out at a lesser intensity. Enjoy activities you might normally pass up because they are not "real exercise."

5. Keep it strong - research shows exercise boosts the immune system. Keep up those workouts to better fight off future illness.

PeopleFit USA Works! - Fitness by Phone® Client Testimonial:

Client: Tara Stein - Morgan Hill, CA
Biggest Challenge: Didn't like exercise
Goals: To increase her strength and stamina through consistent exercise.

Her Story: "Except for my college years I hated exercise. I tried various things but nothing lasted long. A few years ago I joined a gym and discovered I loved the machines, but then I changed jobs and the gym was no longer feasible. A friend at work suggested Fitness by Phone®. I didn't have to go anywhere but could call my Coach from work and just walk out the door to exercise. Why not?

I started out walking and soon began a bit of a jog, building up to jogging the entire 30 minutes. It was addictive - I actually looked forward to it! Then encouraged by my Coach, I added strength-training and intermittent "cross-training"- e.g., bike riding (to and from work), using the slide (especially rainy nights when I didn't want to go outside), and a weekly yoga class.

On occasion I slip and take a break now and then, but I am determined to keep going. And if I lapse I can always call my Coach for a check up. She acts as my conscience and guide. It has worked out so well that three of us here in the office have used the Fitness by Phone® program. I have learned that exercise can be a joy."

Tara Stein - tarastein@earthlink.net

Remember when OJ was served in small glasses and restaurant plates were not the size of UFOs? The American Journal of Public Health recently reported on an NYU study that found portions have increased considerably since the 1970's. A few items of note:

I don't know why the government bothers with cookie size standards (aren't there more important things?) but the point is well made. My best advice is to pay attention to when you've had enough, because if you simply "clean your plate" you're getting more calories than you bargained for.