Study: 16,000 Auto Deaths Caused By Cell Phones, Texting
If one definition of "wellness" is "avoiding death," then this story should give some readers pause. Reuter's reports the results of a study at the University of North Texas that determined there were 16,000 automobile fatalities resulting from cell phone use between 2001 and 2006.
Jackie's Slimdown
My Dad called me "Slim." As a high school senior, I was 5 foot, 5 inches, and 118 pounds. Years passed, and after birthing and breast-feeding two wonderful sons, my once-maidenly body waved goodbye.
Time to Recommit
I have allowed myself to become a victim to a couple of common phenomenon: I messed up, so f*ck it; and I over-committed, so I'm not doing anything.
Set Do-Able Goals
My main goal on the Road to Wellness has been to turn trips to the gym into a habit -- instead of a chore. That's tough for a guy who has never prided himself on a ton of will power. I do it three ways. First, I tell myself that every trip to the gym can last as long (or as short) as it needs to. Most of the time I get in 45-60 minutes on the elliptical, my cardio of choice, even if I didn't feel like I'd spend that much time when I'm on my way in the gym. But if 30 minutes is all I feel like doing, I'll stop. Something is better than nothing, and lowered the bar just a bit makes it easier to get to the gym. Second, I've convinced myself I don't have to go every day -- but I should "earn" the days I don't go by getting there the next day. If the Saints play Monday Night Football, that means I can skip an after-work session, but only if I double-down the commitment to make it on a Tuesday. That keeps me on track for at least 3 sessions and week, and usually four -- which is pretty good considering I wasn't going at all a few months back, right? Third, I recommend prepping for the next gym session right after your last one. For me, that means refilling my water bottle and sticking it in the fridge, making sure my headphones go right back in my gym bag (I've got a special $2 set just for the gym) and locating a clean towel. That way, when the next gym day comes around, I'm ready to change shoes, walk out the door and get on with it -- without finding an easy excuse for putting it off.
I Did It (Sort Of…)
They say that if you do something 21 days a row, it becomes a habit. For me, if I actually remember to do something three times, it's a miracle. I'm proud of myself because within a two-week period, I remembered to spend a few minutes outside to soak in some sun. I didn't always stay outside for 15 minutes since it has still been unseasonably warm, but I did feel rejuvenated each time I took a moment to do so. Now, if I can just do it every day, I'll be on to something.
Bumps in the Road
My Road to Wellness started all uphill but positive and has somehow taken a nosedive into procrastination, health issues, and sweets. What the heck happened and how did it all happen at once? I'm not exactly sure, but what I DO know is that it's time to pick up the pace once more.
[Stiggers] Same Process, New Taste
Bill "Munchie" Wilson: "Greetings, Crunchie Burga World customers. I'm Crunchie Burga World's head dietician, here to introduce you to our new fall processed-foods menu. The dietary staff and I worked very hard to provide customers processed food with a new taste.
‘Tell Me a Story'
I was born into a family of storytellers. Both sides, though they couldn't be more diverse—one rural Minnesota farmers of Swiss-German descent, and the other Mexican-Americans that hopped between Texas, Europe and the East Coast, finally settling in the Midwest—have been recounting their vibrant familial tales since I was still in the womb.
Julep Fried Chicken, Oh How I Love Thee
I would love to say that I have been good. I would REALLY love to tell everyone this. But, in order to keep a clean conscience and for the sake of my spiritual well-being, I must admit that have been cheating. And not just a little. I've really been indulging. I had Julep fried chicken for lunch last week. Yes, that melt-in-your-mouth completely satisfying Honey Rosemary Fried Chicken. Honey + Chicken?! How better tasting can you get? USA Today really knew what they were talking about.
Au Revoir to French Fries
I have made a decision: I'm giving up french fries for at least 30 days.
I have a love/hate relationship with french fries: I love them, they hate my gut. No, not my guts. My gut. The one that's there hiding my waist.
Eating with a Little Self-Respect
Over the long Labor Day weekend we headed up to the Ozarks to see Donna's brother and sister in law. For decades they've been great eaters -- purposeful, careful eaters who take the job of fueling their bodies pretty seriously. Of course, they have their own organic garden (I'd call it a *farm* given the effort it appears to take) -- and amenities (new bread machine, small tractors, dirt roads, acres and acres of trees) that would make a D-I-Y city dweller drool.
I Made Up My Mind
Last time, I mentioned that I was going to focus on one goal for a while so I wouldn't fail miserably at all of them. Well, I decided to focus on the goal of spending some time outside for 15 minutes. I need the vitamin D and the serotonin, which should help boost my energy and my mood. Maybe if I stick to this goal for a couple of weeks, I'll be motivated enough to start on another goal.
I Blame it On the Weather
I've finally found a workout routine and I'm blaming in on the weather.
The amazing fall weather is not too hot and not too cold. Fall is my favorite season because I crave balance and as the muggy long summer days fade, I also feel an inner balance. I want to be outside all the time, which makes riding my bike and going on a run more enjoyable. As I cleaned out the clutter in my life last month, I also tried to get rid of some of my mental clutter---mainly the voice that reminds me of all the things I should or need to be doing rather than the things I want to do. Getting to the gym is difficult when there are a million things on my to do list. I often feel guilty for taking that hour for myself when there are deadlines to make and phone calls to return at the end of the day. Slowly, I'm making that one hour a priority and as long as the temperature stays like it is, it should be a piece of cake.
Sexy Fitness
This was the moment I had been waiting for: my first session of i to Pole Fitness. I was excited and intrigued by what I would see and learn.