15 Years of the Gym

Guest post written by my buddy Lavern Small

The gym has been a staple in my life since my first year in college, about fifteen years ago. I was always a little butterball and I had finally had enough. So I turned up the heat and worked off the pounds. Now I am committed to a lifestyle that promotes health and weight loss because I know that I could become that little butterball again very easily.

I go to the gym religiously on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Before heading out I always give the dogs plenty of loving and treats, set my SecurityChoice home alarm system and grad my work out towel.

On Mondays I swim for around an hour. I try to go super early on Mondays to avoid the crowds that come, especially in summer people flock to the pool. Wednesdays I do a Zumba class that is super fun and is a great dance work out. Thursdays and Sundays I focus on running and lifting. I usually run for about an hour each day and then I do some weights. I really try to focus on my upper body because it is the hardest for me to keep toned for some reason.

I really love to eat and so keeping myself on a super healthy diet is also important to stay in shape. I have found ways to make healthy food palatable over the years.

Beware Of Those Harmful Bites

When on a vacation and doing outdoor activities, safety is the first concern. And when traveling far, we do not want to be in harm. You see there are many harmful elements around us. If we do not take extra precautions, we might get sick. Example of these are mosquito bites. Summer is very hot. And during this hot season, mosquitoes come out and do not hesitate biting.

One of my friends back home had "dengue" ( sickness caused by a mosquito bite). She was bit by a mosquito when we had our school camping in high school. Luckily, she was treated immediately and survived. Now, the schools back home require mosquito traps everywhere. School officials and parents ensure students health and safety at all times.

On vacation, camping or outdoor happenings, our safety should always be the first priority. Beware of mosquitoes. Do not let them touch you. Trap them.

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Be Sure Your Elders Are Secured

It is good to know that my mother convinced her father not to live in his house at the farm but to stay with the family instead. He has no decent home there...no more. What scares us is that, there is nobody who can look after him if something happened like if his hypertension attacks? That is going to be difficult for him to ask for help. His house does not have any life alert device installed.

My grandfather agreed to stay with my family back home now. My parents can attend to him and help him on emergency. If emergency happens, life alert detectors are just close by. It would be very convenient for my grandfather to visit his brother and sister who lives in the neighborhood. I can tell that my grandpa is happy to be with the family especially with his grand kids.

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How Does It Happened?

OMG! My friend J had a miscarriage just few days ago. C called me to last night telling me the bad news. Boy, we were so excited about J's pregnancy. All of a sudden it went away. I have no idea why it happened. C is so upset...I do not understand what I feel. I hope everything will be fine for M and J. We pray for you having a baby in the near future.

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Stay Away From The Flu

Oh no! Two the girls at work are having flu right now. One started to sneeze and cough with scratchy voice since Wednesday. The other was not feeling well either since last week. Her doctor said she has the flu. Oh no!

I hope I will not get it. My honey asked me if I am taking my vitamins. I said...yes (with hesitation). I am drinking fruit juices and lots of water now. At work, we sanitize the workplace especially the things we have hand contact on like the telephone, calculators, and other non-consumable office supplies. We are doing the best we can to get rid of the virus that way. Being sick is difficult. The best thing to do now is to get your flu shots done as soon as possible. Always remember, prevention is better than cure.

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Ways To Have a Safe Summer

Summer is super hot. And as hot as this time of year are accidents everywhere. Of course we do not want this to happen. But we love doing outdoor stuff. The question is how can we protect ourselves from getting the risk? Check out the ways on how we can have a SAFE and healthy summer.

1. *When biking, always wear a helmet and bright colors. Obey the same traffic signs and signals that cars do. Ride single-file.
2. Never swim alone. In lakes, rivers and oceans, swim in supervised areas. Always keep an eye on children around water. Most important: *DON'T DRINK.
3. In a thunderstorm, immediately seek shelter, such as building or car. Don't take shelter under a tree, and avoid open water. If you are carrying metal items, put them down.
4. Play outdoor sports in safe areas where there's no traffic. Wear protective gear.
5. Drink plenty of water when working or playing outdoors. Take breaks in shade to keep from overheated.
6. To prevent insect bites when hiking, apply an insect repellent. Avoid using perfumes and scented lotions. Wear protective clothing like long pants and long-sleeved shirts plus shoes with socks.
7. *When boating, be sure everyone wears a personal flotation device. Don't boat in bad weather or near swimmers and water skiers.

Have a safe and healthy summer everyone!