QUICK TIPS—Health

Medical studies have shown that longevity may be influenced more by your overall fitness level than just your weight. So, if you've simply been counting calories to improve your health, be sure to add moderate exercise to your daily routine as well. You'll increase your overall fitness and improve your odds for living (well) longer! Don't forget to check with your physician before starting any workout regimen.
No matter how carefully you train, your performance will suffer if you let yourself become dehydrated. Before, during and after exercise, fluids are important for maintaining your cardiovascular health and a safe body temperature. If you plan on competing, make sure you consume a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet and drink extra water during the 24 hours prior to your event.
Getting enough sleep every day (7-9 hours for most adults) enhances your mental and physical health. Without enough sleep, your body loses strength, and your concentration and mental abilities can be seriously impaired. Even worse, loss of sleep can have a negative impact on your immune system and even increase your blood pressure.
For a complete fitness program, incorporate a variety of activities into your routine. For example, yoga improves flexibility and helps reduce stress, while aerobic activity improves heart and lung capacity and increases your metabolism. Add strength training to build bone and muscle mass/density and increase your metabolism.
The difference between an awesome outdoor adventure and a cold, wet endurance test is how well you outfit yourself. Dressing in layers— with a breathable, moisture-wicking layer next to your skin, followed by an insulating layer, and finally a protective outer shell—prepares you for most conditions and can be adjusted as you warm up or cool down. Learn how to choose fitness clothing.
Can you use a bike helmet on the ski slopes? Bike and ski helmets may look similar, but each one is designed to protect against the specific types of falls you'd experience within each sport. For example, because ski racing is an aggressive activity, ski helmets cover more of the head, especially in the back.
Don't stress out about stressing out! The keys to stress reduction are eating right, getting enough sleep, exercising moderately and developing the skills to schedule your life realistically.
Got a fever? Go to bed and don't worry about missing your workout. A fever means your body is fighting an infection. Exercising under these conditions can be harmful, as you increase your risk for dehydration, heat stroke or heart failure.
Are your kids' packs too heavy? Children who regularly carry books, food, musical instruments and CDs totaling more than 20% or their body weight may be at risk for back and shoulder strain. Buy a sturdy, well-designed backpack, and weed out all the non-essentials to keep pack weight down.
You're never too old to start exercising! Research shows that regular fitness programs that promote aerobic health, strength training and flexibility benefit seniors as much as they do their younger counterparts. Don't let your age keep you from your workout.