H1N1 (Swine Flu) Pandemic

“President Obama has formally declared the Swine Flu outbreak a national emergency. By declaring it a state of emergency, hospitals will be allowed to move off-site to treat those affected and provide more accessible care to those seeking the vaccine.”  [Full Article] The H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine is a pandemic (spread over a large region[s]), so it’s important to be cautious no matter where you go.  The first line of defense is to try and get vaccinated when available to them.  Also it is good to take these precautions according to the CDC:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.*
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

In regards to going to the gym where there is a large amount of people in a closed area certain safety measures should also be taken.

• Wipe down equipment before and after use.
• Take a shower or wash hands before leaving the gym.
• Always use hand sanitizer in between exercises (usually readily available)
• Lastly STAY HOME !! if you have any signs/symptoms of illness

P90x (3.5 out of 5 Toasts)

P90X is a great innovative program that strays away from the monotony of watching one video over and over again.  BeachBody (the parent company) teamed with Trainer Tony Horton has created a successful fitness video series.  The dvd package includes 12 workout videos, a nutrition plan, and a fitness guide (informational purposes) to be performed withing a 90 day period.  According to Beachbody.com website “P90X system is an advanced training technique called Muscle Confusion™”  

Nutrition Bars (Good or Bad?)

There is a mystery that surrounds nutrition bars that leaves people skeptical if they should even pick one up. Nutrition bars have alot of health benefits but they can also be misused and end up being worst than eating a candy bar. There is a huge assortment of nutrition bars (see video above), so how do you know the right one to pick to aide you in your goals? Here is a quick guide to help you determine what is right to eat otherwise you’re basically just eating another unhealthy candy bar!

• If eating as a snack then make sure it is under 200 calories and over 300 calories as a meal replacement
• Eat a protein  bar before and after a workout out to feed your muscles
• Preferably eat a bar with organic ingredients such as Clif or Lara Bars
• LOOK at the ingredients high frutcose corn syrup makes it another candy bar (too many companies are trying to make a greater tasting bar that they are straying away from the health benefits of the bar)
• Limit your soy intake (detrimental effects on thyroid function which can lead to weight gain and etc)
• Eat a piece of fruit along with the bar to have a more “filling” effect.
• It is convenient snack/meal but it doesn’t replace a natural healthy meal with complete nutrients.

If your choice is between a candy bar and a “nutrition” bar, always go with the nutrition bar because it has a little bit more to offer.  To check out reviews of any nutrition bar to see how nutritious they really are check out http://www.barsarefood.com