POP SUGAR shared that with beaches, bikinis, and bare arms beckoning, getting in shape is starting to feel like a sprint to the finish line. Bottom line: there’s no quick way to make the pounds melt away, but this formula from Barry’s Bootcamp can definitely help to speed up the process. “The key to burning fat is interval training on the treadmill,” says Alycia Stevenin, trainer at Barry’s Bootcamp NYC. “If you bring the heart rate up and down for short periods of time, that will put you in your optimal fat-burning zone.”

Instead of fussing with complicated treadmill workouts, keep it simple with this easy interval routine: 30 seconds of walking followed by 30 seconds of all-out sprinting, then repeat. While you can keep this up for a full 30 to 45 minutes, POP SUGAR also  recommends maximizing your body’s calorie-burning potential by adding strength training to your workout. Using this simple interval routine, perform four minutes on the treadmill, followed by one minute of a basic strength-training move — think push-ups, squats, or lunges. Repeat this six to eight times, and you’ll swear that you can feel your metabolism surging!

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Helping the environment doesn’t have to be that hard, in fact there many small things you can do that have a big impact. The Shaklee Corporation offers there great tips.

Take a look:

1. Filter your own water: Since studies show bottled water is often no better than tap water, why would you waste your money and harm the environment by buying bottled water? Fossil fuels are wasted in the unnecessary production, manufacture, and transportation of bottled water. Once in a consumer’s hand, it is estimated that more than 75 percent of these bottles end up in landfills. To ensure you are getting the best water your body needs, try filtering your own water; it is much cheaper and far healthier for you. I like sparkling water, so I’ve purchased a snazzy little device that adds CO2 to my filtered water—and voilà, I have healthier, environmentally friendlier bubbly water!
2. Replace your bulbs: Both compact fluorescent bulbs and LED bulbs use much less energy than old incandescent bulbs (and save you money). LED bulbs have a very high up-front price tag, but have a lifespan of around 20 years. Imagine replacing a bulb and then not having to do it again for two decades!
3. Plastic bags: One-use, throwaway bags are a waste of energy and resources. Choose a few strong, reusable bags and put them in your trunk. It takes only a few times having to run out to your car to get those reusable bags for you to remember them every time.

Continue reading →

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To help DuPage County residents protect themselves against West Nile virus (WNV), the DuPage County Health Department is introducing an enhanced version of last year’s Personal Protection Index (PPI) widget. This easy-to-understand alert system informs the public about the risk of contracting WNV, as well as the steps that should be taken to protect themselves and their families.

The PPI widget provides residents with a real-time snapshot of WNV activity in the county, which ranges from zero to three, zero meaning there is no risk and three announcing a high level of risk with multiple confirmed human cases of WNV. The widget is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Continue reading →

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The lazy, hazy days of summer are here!  Take time to enjoy but also take time to consider these summer cautions shared in the Daily Herald Newspaper on JUne 16, 2014:

Swimming pools – Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among 1- to 4-year-olds, and most of these deaths occur in home pools. Even when drowning isn’t fatal, it can cause serious brain damage and long-term disability.

Research suggests that formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning in young kids by up to 88 percent.

It’s also a good idea to install an isolation fence around your pool to keep out wanderers. Finally, remember: Drowning doesn’t always look like drowning. Continue reading →

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Beth, from Baby Booth Camp, is looking to add a 6-week Strollfit class to her schedule to better accommodate working moms.
Let her know what time works best for you by visiting the link below and voting.
Survey for Baby Boot Camp

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The warm weather offers many outdoor activities to enjoy this summer but the DuPage County Health Department advises residents to take precautions against ticks to prevent contracting the diseases they carry, including Lyme disease.

Ticks live in and near wooded areas, tall grass and brush.  If infected, ticks can transmit diseases including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia and other diseases.

A person who experiences a rash, or any unexplained illness, accompanied by a fever following a tick bite, should consult a medical professional.  It’s important for people to recognize the signs and symptoms of tick-borne diseases so treatment with appropriate antibiotics is not delayed.  If left untreated, some tick-borne diseases can cause serious illnesses and may be fatal.

The best way to protect against tick-borne illnesses is to avoid tick bites by taking the following precautions:

• Ticks are usually found in ankle- to shin-high grass and weeds.  Ticks cannot hop or fly. Walk in the center of trails so weeds do not brush against you.
• Check your clothing often for ticks climbing toward open skin.  Wear white or light-colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants so the tiny ticks are easier to see.
• Tuck long pants into your socks and boots.  Wear a head covering or hat for added protection.
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin (except the face). Use repellents containing DEET or permethrin to treat clothes while in locations where ticks may be common.
• Remove any tick promptly.  The best way to remove a tick is to grasp it with fine-point tweezers as close to the skin as possible and gently, but firmly, pull it straight out.
• Wash the bite area and your hands thoroughly with soap and water; apply an antiseptic to the bite site.
• Keep your grass mowed and keep weeds cut back around your home.
• Check your pets for ticks if you let them outdoors.

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Lexington Square of Lombard is hosting a

Grand Opening Event for its Assisted Care Program.  

Thursday, June 19, 2014 from 3 – 6 PM

To attend, call 630-620-0099

Cocktails – Appetizers – Desserts – Music

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