If you want to build muscle or burn fat, then going to the gym and lifting weights or running long distances is far from the only way to accomplish this.

Anything that involves a lot of exertion and strength over an extended period is going to be sufficient for burning fat and building muscle which means that a range of activities can be used to get the body you want, many of which are more interesting and entertaining than just lifting weights over and over.

For example, one of the very best activities for toning your body is rock climbing which in many ways is actually more effective that normal gym activities. Here we will look at the benefits of rock climbing and how to utilize it in your own training program. [Read more…]

Living (and loving) Life

Skin cancer is becoming more common because people aren’t protecting their skin in the proper ways. This can lead to a variety of different health problems and even death.

If you want to identify skin cancer moles, using the ABCDE method is really important. This can help you determine whether or not you have moles that you should worry about.

Everyone is different, so if you question a mole and its health, just go see your dermatologist to have it tested.

What is the ABCDE method?

A for asymmetry. Moles that are symmetrical are generally not going to carry cancer cells inside of them. When looking at a mole, imagine drawing a line in the middle of it. Would both sides be symmetrical? If not, go have this tested right away.

B for border. The border of the mole is something that is very important to pay attention to. If the border has a lot of jagged or curvy edges, it is at risk for being cancerous. If it’s just a round circle it is probably a benign mole that you don’t have to worry about. [Read more…]

Many of us enjoy spending time outdoors especially on bright, sunny days. Some of us also bask in the sunshine soaking up its comforting warmth. Although the sun may feel good on the skin, which is our body’s largest organ, it is imperative we protect it from damaging rays even on overcast or cloudy days.

UV Rays and the Dangers of Sun Exposure

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by the sun can cause serious damage to the skin particularly during childhood. Having just one sunburn as a child may double one’s risk of getting skin cancer later during adulthood. Because of this it is rather important to learn how the sun affects the skin and how to protect yourself.

Both types of sun rays, UVA and UVB, can kill the skin’s delicate cells. UVA rays are typically regarded as the “safer” of the two but they too can cause the skin to age prematurely. UVA rays are able to deeply penetrate the skin irreparably damaging collagen, the substance needed to maintain soft, supple skin.

UVB rays are the direct cause of sunburn which not only leads to aging and the appearance of wrinkles, freckles and sun spots, but also an increased risk of skin cancer. Roughly 90 percent of skin cancer cases are caused by sun exposure. [Read more…]

Lets face it, life is stressful. No matter what you do for a living and what/who you’re responsible for, every woman gets stressed out from time to time.

Fortunately, there are many things to do and places to go to relieve some stress. If you’re in a stressful situation, though, it’s sometimes difficult to come up with non-stressful things to do.

So, here are some tips to help you on your search for stress relief!

• Schedule some guilty pleasure time. Whether your guilty pleasure is watching crappy reality TV, reading a novel, trying on outfits in your closet, getting a massage or a mani/pedi, eating a brownie while watching a chick flick, or anything else that’s not harmful, fit at least an hour or two of it into your weekend or evening. Whatever it is, it’ll help you relax for a bit. [Read more…]

Your immune system is your body’s defense against anything that can destroy it, whether it’s a virus, bacterium, fungus, or parasite. You need to keep your immune system working and well-maintained, or you could end up getting sick over and over again.

Many of our bad habits can wear out our immune system. For instance, if you neglect to eat a lot of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, then you could end up shortchanging your immune system.

If you lack sleep, go to bed late, or have a less-than-refreshing date with your dreams, then you could also deprive your immune system the chance to regenerate. If you have a stressful life, say, because of a lot of work or school demands, then you could also tax your immune system. [Read more…]