With it nearing the end of January, I thought I would check in. Did you make a fitness related resolution? If you are losing your momentum, make sure that you set realistic expectations. It is recommended to get:  

30 minutes of moderately intense cardio five days a week
Or
 20 minutes of vigorously intense cardio 3 days a week
And
8 to 10 strength-training exercises, eight to 12 repetitions of each twice a week

There are many people who will not reach these goals because they simply loathe exercising. Today’s blog post is particularly intended for those people who would like to exercise, but find that the traditional methods (going to the gym, running on the track, swimming laps, etc.) to difficult. Some activity is better than no activity.

Here are a few helpful ideas on combining exercise with fun activities to keep you moving.  

1. Combine a hobby with exercise. (more…)

Sitting too much can kill you… Check out this cool new graphic based on recent research from the American Cancer Society. (more…)

Flu vaccines are generally given at the beginning of the “flu season” – usually late October or early November in the U.S. However, they may be given as late as March, and still provide some benefit. Most people achieve protection from the flu approximately 2 weeks after receiving the vaccine. Many companies offer flu shots on-site, so check with your HR department or wellness coordinator to see if this is being offered. ODS is doing this very thing for our own employees next week.  

Symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, sore muscles, and cough. Thousands of people in the U.S. die each year from the flu or its complications. Most of those who die are the elderly, young children, or people with compromised immune systems.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anyone who wants to reduce their risk of the flu should get a flu vaccine. The flu shot is for people age 6 months and older. People at risk for more serious flu infections should always get a flu vaccine every year.

You should get a flu shot every year if you: (more…)

A new obesity trend report was released yesterday from the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) entitled F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future 2011. In this report Oregon ranked 35th most obese state in the U.S. This report looked over the past 20 years and Oregon’s obesity has increased by 80% in that time.

As for the rest of the country, (more…)

What do Nick Jonas, Bret Michaels, Mary Tyler Moore, Halle Barry, Dick Clark, Larry King and Randy Jackson have in common? (more…)

When it comes to stretching, many of us have memories of our grade school PE teacher shouting at us to touch our toes. Perhaps now would be a great time to go over the proper way to stretch and outline the benefits that stretching outside of PE. How does stretching apply to your life now as an adult? Why should you stretch? (more…)

If you work for an organization that wants to begin a wellness program (but you are not exactly sure how), or perhaps you’re supporting wellness today and  just have questions as to how to increase participation then I have some good news!

One of my recent projects here in Healthcare Services has been pulling together the Well@work toolkit  that employers can use to both implement and maintain a wellness program. All you have to do is visit our website at www.odscompanies.com and click on the Employer tab to find the section titled ODS Well@work. Here is a direct link you may use as well www.odscompanies.com/employers/wellatwork/index.shtml. (more…)