Proper Nutrition During Pregnancy: Get To Know The Best Foods To Eat While Pregnant

A baby starts begins forming its major organs during the first few weeks of a pregnancy. It is therefore important to devise a nutrition plan that will begin prior to getting pregnant. A history of good eating habits before getting pregnant will translate to knowing the proper foods to eat when pregnant, which will result in good nutrition during pregnancy.

Why Nutrition in Pregnancy is Important and the the best foods to eat while pregnant:

Pregnancy nutrition needs to be taken seriously since the essential nutrients a baby requires to develop come from the mother’s diet. A mother who takes the time to learn about the correct foods to eat when pregnant and in turn eats the proper foods ensures optimal nutrients to her baby through a well laid out nutrition during pregnancy plan. If the mother eats too many empty calories the baby’s cell development can be compromised and the baby will have a low birth weight. Low birth weight babies are usually prone to numerous health problems. During the first few months of a pregnancy, a mother’s metabolic rate increases and so does her circulation. This happens to ensure that the baby receives the nutrients needed to develop the baby’s bones, organs and tissues. Poor nutrition during this phase will lead to an unhealthy baby.

Pregnancy is Not the Time to Diet, so find the best foods while pregnant:

Weight gain in the mother during pregnancy is normal and is definitely not discouraged. The pregnant mother’s body gains weight not only because of the baby’s weight but also due to the increased volume of blood, fat storage, increase in muscle size and an increase in size of the mammary glands as they prepare for milk production. However, the weight gain should be slow and steady with an average pregnancy weight gain of between 22 and 32 pounds. A well balanced nutrition plan ensures that nutrition during pregnancy is carefully monitored.

Making a Pregnancy Nutrition Plan.

To properly monitor your nutrition during pregnancy diligence is not required; What is required however, is a good understanding of the foods to eat when pregnant via the food guide pyramid. The food guide pyramid teaches pregnant mothers correct proportion size, which foods should be eaten in moderation, and it also teaches that a variety of foods are important to nutrition during pregnancy. A pregnant woman should eat the minimum recommended requirements of the pyramid.

Bread and cereals are at the base of the pyramid. This group supplies the necessary vitamins, minerals and fiber. Fruits and vegetables make up the second level of the food pyramid. The sources of many essential vitamins are found in this group. Folic acid which is very important in the fetus’s development can be found in this group, so are vitamin A and vitamin C. Experts recommend that pregnant women should eat at least one food high in vitamin A and one high in vitamin C daily. Proteins make up the third level of the pyramid, which are essential for healthy cell wall development. The final group which is comprised of fats and sugars can be consumed in moderation as they are not essential.

Learning about the correct foods to eat when pregnant is important as it helps start and maintain good nutrition during pregnancy. Pregnancy nutrition does not take time to plan and does not mean giving up favourite foods; it just requires healthy food choices.

To give your baby a great start in life you need to get to know about nutrition during pregnancy and the best foods to eat while pregnant.

Swim Wear for Women with Baby Bumps

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) July 27, 2006

Whoever says that pregnant women can’t use swim wear during their pregnancy is mistaken. Nowadays, there are swim suits or swim wear specifically designed to cater the needs of pregnant women. With the creation of swim wear for moms-to-be, women can now hit the beach, wear the latest fashion in bikinis and show that baby bump during summer escapades. Before, some pregnant women had to suffer watching people in enjoying the cool waters. In fact, these pregnant women just read books or prepared the food during a family outing. The bottom line is that pregnant women stare enviously as other people swim and have fun under the sun. It was a belief that swimming was bad to the baby and mother as it will cause miscarriage.

I had a pregnant aunt, who used to wear black fitting shorts like tights and white t-shirts, since there were no bikinis that will her body. Incidentally, my aunt is like a water nymph for she loves water so much. In fact, she often tries different water sports like diving, surfing and jet skiing whenever we go to the beach. We often call her a daredevil nymph as she fears absolutely nothing when it comes to water. But then again, she mellowed down for she was pregnant with her first child. When she was pregnant and we visited the beach, she wanted so badly to join us. However, the problem was that she had no swim wear that fitted her. We all know that most beaches have a rule that requires swim wear for men and women.

During her second pregnancy, she was glad to discover that a lot of boutiques are selling plus size swim wear. She thought, “Why not use a plus size? It fits me, so I will use it.” When we went to the beach, her plus size swim wear is not actually good for her body, since it makes her swim uncomfortably as if the swim wear doesn’t fit her. In terms of size, plus size swim wear can be dependable but on the actual use, it’s not. Plus size swimsuits are not designed for pregnant women, but for women whose size is twelve and above. Thank goodness, Brazilian Bikinis came up with their maternity swim wear which is designed solely for pregnant women. Now, my aunt, as well as other pregnant women out there, can enjoy swimming comfortably while looking elegant and sexy.

The EQ maternity swim wear by Brazilian Bikini is inspired by Harmony swim suit. Harmony is the best-seller one piece swim suit. This swim wear for pregnant women allows women to glide, dive, and swim in the waters without posing a threat of sagging and having gaps while using it. The colors and style include kona surf blue, Maroon Hibiscus, Navy Daisy, and Tangerine Floral prints. But for those who want it plain and simple, black color is also available. One of the best features of this swim wear is that it has a line on the front and back which enables to support the body and keeps it from sagging. Another great feature of this suit is that it’s “form fitting”. This means that it can elevate curves that doesn’t make the wearers look like mascots.

Another good source of maternity swim wear is Nicole Michelle Maternity shop, which specializes on clothes for pregnant women. This shop has a huge collection of maternity swim wear, and one of the in demand swim suit for moms-to-be is Nicole Maternity Goddess Maternity Swimsuit. The said maternity swim wear comes in white fabric together with touches of blue and green colors. It has a thin halter strap that can be removed if you don’t want to use it. It has a double line found at the breast area for support and protection. It is a swimsuit that looks like a short dress, since the style is for full coverage. Pregnant women can wear it while swimming or for a beach party. It is very stylish and at the same time functional for pregnant women. The goddess style swim suit can be handwashed and ironed, without threat of sagging.

The development of swim wear or bikinis for women with baby bumps is really beneficial not just for sporty pregnant women but to all *pregnant women*. This creation is not just simply for recreational purposes since swimming has a healthy benefit for pregnant women. In fact, a lot of doctors and physicians are recommending pregnant women to swim during their pregnancy. Swimming helps exercise and relax bodies of pregnant women. Sometimes, there are pregnancy trainings that require women to dip in the water while practicing delivery of the baby.

Today, women, like my aunt, don’t have to watch enviously at the sidelines while others are having fun in the water; different maternity swim wear are here to make swimming possible for them.

For more valuable information on bikini, swim wear, please visit http://www.microbikini.com

ONE FIT MAMA? Offers Free Night of Pampering to Philadelphia Area Moms

Oreland, PA (PRWEB) July 31, 2006

One Fit Mama? is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a free Mama?s Night Out, in conjunction with Trimesters Boutique in Ambler, PA. The Spa Escape Party will be held Thursday, Aug. 3 at 7 pm at Trimesters Boutique in Ambler, PA.

Local Moms will be able to enjoy a night of much-needed (and much-deserved) massages, reflexology, herbal wraps, hand and foot treatments, lip and skin masques, and light refreshments.

One Fit Mama? and Trimesters Boutique recognize that motherhood is such an important and sometimes thankless job. The boutique invites all area women to take time out for themselves to rejuvenate and be pampered, while connecting with other mothers. These companies feel that pregnancy and motherhood are times to be celebrated, and appreciated. Both One Fit Mama? and Trimesters Boutique will both be offering 15% discounts off all purchases (of exercise classes or clothing) made during the event.

In addition, with the incidence of childhood obesity skyrocketing to epidemic proportions, One Fit Mama? provides an excellent opportunity for adults to serve as active role models to children.

One Fit Mama? is based out of Oreland, PA, and offers classes out of various locations in Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties. Classes will begin in Bucks, Chester, and Delaware Counties in the near future. One Fit Mama? fitness classes are 60 minutes long, and include cardio and strength training components. Babies are pushed in strollers for the cardiovascular segment; during the strength training, moms use rubber tubing or their baby as resistance. Yoga Mamas classes are also 60 minutes long; these relaxing classes are targeted towards Mamas with pre-crawling babies, ages 6 weeks and older. Check out http://www.onefitmama.com for class schedules.

One Fit Mama? was created in June 2005 by Tricia Streit Perez. After the birth of her son, Caleb, in February 2005, Tricia found it difficult to resume her exercise routine because it wasn?t feasible to find a babysitter each time she wanted to go to the gym. As a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), Tricia knew it would be stressful and costly to put Caleb in daycare. One Fit Mama? was the perfect solution ? stay full time with Caleb and continue working in the field she loves!

Tricia earned a B.S. in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training from Barry University in 1997; she completed her Masters Degree in Sports Management from Florida International University in 2002. She became certified as an Athletic Trainer by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and became licensed in the state of Florida in 1997. She has been licensed to practice in Pennsylvania since 2003. In addition, Tricia completed coursework in Pre- and Post- natal fitness through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Desert Southwest Fitness in 2005. She lives in Oreland, PA with her husband, Willie, their son, Caleb, and their dog, Bubba.

Trimesters Boutique is based out of Ambler, PA, and owned by Meg English, mother of three. Meg started this company in order to offer hip, sexy Maternity and nursing clothing for reasonable prices. She feels that every woman deserves to look great and feel sexy while she is pregnant! Along with their New Maternity collections, they also have a consignment area in the boutique, full of ?barely worn? designer maternity clothing. Meg feels that every woman deserves to look her best during this special time, regardless of her budget. Trimesters Boutique is located at 129 E. Butler Ave., in Ambler, PA. You can visit them on the web at http://www.trimestersboutique.com.

To obtain more information about this event, Moms can call One Fit Mama? at 215-886-2869, or visit them on the web: http://www.onefitmama.com.

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Therone Shellman, Author of Love Don’t Live Here, Set to Appear at 2006 Queens Book Fair

Queens, NY (PRWEB) August 8, 2006

Therone Shellman author of Love Don’t Live Here set to appear at 2006 Queens Book Fair. The 2006 Annual Queens Book Fair will be held at the historic Rufus King Park (153rd Street and Jamaica Ave.) which sits on 11 acres in the heart of Jamaica, Queens.

The 2nd Annual Queens Book Fair will be held on August 19, 2006 and will begin at 11:00 am and end at 7:00 pm. Self-Published authors and Published authors from a wide variety of genres will be participating in the Queens Book Fair.

The Queens Book Fair has established a web site at http://www.queensbookfair.com to better diseminate information regarding vendor registration and free consumer admission for those interested in participating in the book fair. Last year the book fair attracted over 90 authors and consumers flocked to the book fair.

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall presented the Queens Book Fair committee a special proclamation recognizing the contribution the book fair to the Queens community.

About the Author:

Therone Shellman’s mission is to write entertaining and insightful books for parents, singles, and young adults. Becoming an author has been a dream of his since childhood. Therone’s story is inspirational and motivational. He spent time in and out of jail during his late teens through early twenties. During his incarceration, Therone started writing about his life experiences. In 1989 he submitted his work to several major publishers but was ultimately turned down. His writing style was too gritty and raw for most major publishers at that time. Now, at 33, Therone plans to bring a whole new brand of hustle to the literary game, vowing to become the P Diddy/ Jay-Z of the written word.

“I’m a play by the rules to get in. And then make up new ones as I go along. One day there will not be a reader between the age group of 18-35 that will not know who I am.” Therone is often asked what compels him to write. His answer “I am the gatekeeper between fiction and reality” – These words are reflected in his writing. Goals: To one day be considered one of the greatest writers and visionaries. Build “Third Eye Publishing Inc” into a full service publishing company. Write screenplays, and manage a team of screenplay writers. Most of all become a big influence in the markets of literature and visual arts. And last but not least contribute my views and arts for the advancement of society as a whole.

Message: Through my eyes and stories I plan to tell the human experience. Not just to place blame or fault. But also to educate and provide solutions by causing you to think in ways that you may of never had before. Writing is my freedom. Someone once told me “What good is it to have all this knowledge if you are not giving it to those who need it the most”.

Best Book: The Mis-Education of the Negro, by Carter G. Woodson

Best Novelist: Walter Mosley

Hobbies: Writing, reading, debating and building with like minds, exercising.

Therone resides in Ronkonkoma, New York. He is a bachelor, seeking to accomplish some long wished goals before settling down with the right woman.

Love Don’t Live Here

Author-Therone Shellman

Retail Price: $ 14.95

C&B Books Price: $ 10.00

ISBN: 0-9771004-1-3

Paperback: 227 pages

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

“Love Don’t Live Here” The first book from a generational series. A story about two black women in their early 20′s and takes place during the early 1970′s into the 80′s.

Barbara loves her boyfriend Trini dearly but finds out the hard way when he leaves her while she’s six months pregnant, that love is not always what it seems. Having to raise their son Jermaine by herself poses to be a great task.

Like Barbara, Beverly also becomes a single mother but through much different circumstances. Her boyfriend Malik, a conscious black man in his early 20′s a member of the Black Panther party, winds up getting killed during a bank robbery. This leaves Beverly to fend for herself and two children, Derrik and Tinesha. Being a woman she knows what it takes to raise Tinesha into womanhood, but is lost when it comes to Derrik.

The two women invite us into the world of relationships and single motherhood. In the end we all find out that it’s all about doing and being the best that one can be.

In the end the story begins to materialize to the point where the lives of these two adolescent males begin to evolve into a cycle of confusion-leaving you the reader to wonder-what’s to happen and become of it all.

Therone Shellman author of Love Don’t Live Here will be signing copies of his national best selling book.

For more information regarding vendor registration or to view complete details of the upcoming 2nd Annual Queens Book Fair log on to http://www.queensbookfair.com. You may also contact Brenda Piper at 718.591.4525.

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YOUTHINOL – Refined Dioscorea Extract Analogue

Clearbrook, MN (PRWEB) August 17, 2006

DHEA (Dioscorea Extract Analogue) is called the “Fountain of Youth” and the Mother Hormone of Life.

“DHEA is the most abundant steroid in the human bloodstream. Research has found it to have significant anti-obesity, anti-tumor, anti-aging, and anti-cancer effects.”

~Dr. Ward Dean~

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

At age 20, DHEA levels begin to drop.

EXCITING DHEA BREAKTHROUGH

“NEWAYS International recently announced the acquisition of world-wide rights to the patented process of what promises to be the most advanced, effective DHEA-related product on the market.

YOUTHINOL is unlike DHEA precursors made from the Mexican Wild Yam. They must be processed through four steps in the body before becoming DHEA, and they are only about 6% effective.

In YOUTHINOL, scientists started with the Mexican Wild yam extract and developed it though the four steps necessary to make DHEA. The DHEA is then further processed into “analogs” of DHEA itself. These are the actual DHEA hormonal complex analogs that trigger the biological responses in the body. This places YOUTHINOL seven steps beyond that of the various precursor products being offered.

YOUTHINOL’s DHEA analogs also contain special molecules, incorporated to increase its special potency. This makes it up to three times more powerful, in fat burning, regeneration and increasing youthful activity levels in the body, than even DHEA, within the side effects common with synthetic DHEA. Within three to four days, blood levels of analogs can increases by up to 300% to 400%, and increase from there until a healthy balance is reached.”

Neways has developed what is potentially an extremely effective supplement designed to help augment maintenance programs for overall health: Youthinol

The resulting formula could yield stunning results that quickly become self-evident to those who try it.

Whether you’re supplementing a comprehensive weight management program or simply trying to regain some of your youthful feelings of vitality, try Youthinol and find out what it can do for you!

YOUTHINOL maybe the most important nutrient discovery ever in the history of dietary supplements.

YOUTHINOL feeds your body with OXO-7 DHEA analog, the chemical equivalent of metabolized DHEA. The brain reads OXO-7 levels to help determine the body?s biological age, and OXO-7 supplementation can support the health of your muscles, cardiovascular system, and immune system. Youthinol also promotes enhanced libido and regular metabolic rates.

YOUTHINOL is a longevity supplement for men and women concerned with improving nutritional health in connection with the body’s age-related changes. It is designed to complement the body’s supply of DHEA. Based on DHEA research, Youthinol is a multi-ingredient longevity formula containing DHEA analog which is designed to nourish the body’s ability to cope with the effects of aging.

KEY BENEFITS

Supports anti-aging processes.

Supports basic metabolic rates for weight management.

Maintains cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range.

Supports feeling of well being.

Supports cellular health.

Supports female sexual performance.

Supports male sexual arousal, desire and performance.

DHEA is known as the “mother hormone.” It is short for Dihydroepiandrosterone, which is a hormone that the body manufactures in the adrenal glands. From DHEA estrogen, testosterone, and other hormones are produced. Many of the effects of aging may be attributed to diminishing levels of DHEA.

Many researchers believe that age related body changes are partially attributable to the gradual loss of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), a hormone that plays an important role in sustained health and vitality.

Of the many hormones produced by the endocrine (glandular) system, DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is one of the most abundant and important. When one reaches their late twenties however, the DHEA levels in the body reach their peak and begin to decline as the years progress. By the time one reaches their seventies and eighties, the body may have lost 90 percent of its peak DHEA levels. What’s worse is that the rate at which the body’s DHEA levels diminish may be further accelerated by stress and exercise.

YOUTHINOL’S powerful nutritional formula supplements the body’s diminishing levels of DHEA with OXO-7 DHEA analog. OXO-7 analog is the chemical equivalent of metabolized DHEA. In this metabolized state, OXO-7 can be potentially more effective than DHEA. The brain reads OXO-7 (metabolized DHEA) levels to help determine the body’s biological age. For example, a 40-year old’s brain “realizes” that the body has aged forty years because the OXO-7 levels, along with other chemical indicators, “tell” it so. In essence, OXO-7 serves as a longevity communication beacon at the cellular level, signaling vital longevity information to the brain. Dietary supplementation of OXO-7 can yield amazing results, helping support the body in potentially attaining the OXO-7 levels of a 20-year-old.

The OXO-7 in Youthinol also promotes healthy muscle mass, normal immune system function, and cardio-vascular health. It also contributes to healthy metabolic rates and enhanced feelings of libido. In this way, Youthinol helps support overall health and well-being while enhancing spry, youthful feelings. When used by men and women concerned with their health as they mature in years, Youthinol addresses the aging body’s loss of spunk and it’s vulnerability to age-related changes.

Enjoy a healthier lifestyle by enhancing the body’s diminishing supply of OXO-7 with Youthinol, and spring into the “mature years” with vigorous feelings of youth.

USAGE

Take 1 or more tablets twice daily based on need.

As with any nutritional supplement, consult a health care provider prior to use if you are pregnant or nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking any medication.

Those using thyroid medication should NOT use Youthinol.

DHEA should NOT be taken by those lab-tested with a suspicion of prostate cancer.

This product is not intended for children. It has been formulated for mature adults only. Also, please store out of reach of children.

Ingredients: Refined Dioscorea Extract Analogues, Alginates and Alfalfa Extracts.

60 ct bottle retail price $ 45.45, wholesale price $ 31.70. To purchase Youthinol and other Neways natural products at whole price visit http://www.ineways.com/womens-health-llc

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As Baby Boomers Age, Staying Active Is A Top Priority

Cambridge, Mass. (PRWEB) August 22, 2006

With baby boomers turning 60 this year, this generation of post-war babies is going to make sure that they don?t age like their parents. And while these boomers remain young at heart, they are determined to retain the physical ability to continue doing the things they love. One of the biggest factors in staying active is maintaining healthy knees.

When patients begin to suffer the onset of osteoarthritis (OA), early diagnosis and treatment are keys to maintaining mobility. According to the Arthritis Foundation, of the estimated 66 million people who had arthritis in 2005, 23.2 million live with chronic joint symptoms but have not been diagnosed by a doctor. Once those patients are properly diagnosed, treatment can begin and patients can get relief from their symptoms as soon as possible.

There are a variety of ways to treat OA of the knee. Weight loss and physical therapy are frequently the first step, often combined with over-the-counter or prescription pain pills. Natural treatments such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are also options, however, their effectiveness has been called into question. More advanced cases of OA may need surgery to ?clean up? damaged cartilage while severe cases may require total knee replacement surgery. One treatment option that can be used at various stages of the disease?s progression is called viscosupplementation. The top selling product in the class, Synvisc, has been proven to provide up to six months of knee OA pain relief and has been used on more than 2.2 million knees in the U.S. alone.

?After years playing indoor soccer I ended up suffering from osteoarthritis and was forced to stop being active,? said Becky Reed, a 54-year-old daycare provider in St. Louis who chose Synvisc to alleviate her knee pain. ?The day after my first injection I was able to put on high heels and walk to church!?

Synvisc is not a drug. It is local treatment for a local disease. In osteoarthritis, joint fluid can break down. Synvisc replaces this damaged fluid and provides a cushioning and lubricating effect. ?Synvisc is applied locally, injected directly into the joint in a series of just three treatments that last for up to six months,? said Dr. Jeffrey Kraines, Medical Director, Genzyme. ?This treatment offers a viable, non-surgical alternative for patients and helps them avoid the worry of side effects that can be associated with oral pain medications.?

About Synvisc

Unique Weighted X2 Vest To Deliver Babies, Weight Loss and More

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) October 2, 2006

The man who developed the X2 Vest will reveal all the secrets of how you can lose weight, tone and more at the annual Club Industry Show, Health and Fitness Expo on October 4 ? 7, 2006 held at Chicago?s McCormick Place, booth 953.

George Morrison, sports performance enhancement coach to professional athletes in the NFL, MLB and NBA, developed the unique X2 Vest, a weighted vest that can burn up to 70 percent more calories when you wear the X2 and add it to your normal activity. Morrison is also a former U.S. Olympic Strength and Conditioning Coach.

According to Morrison: ?Regardless of body shape or size, the X2 Vest is the definitive answer to weight loss, total body conditioning, improved strength and enhanced performance.? Morrison goes on to say, ?I?ve always had a passion to help fine-tune the body whether it be for the athlete or someone who simply wants to get in better shape. Plus, I would like to put an end to obesity. I wanted to help in someway, so I created the X2 Vest.?

One of the most recent news stories concerning the X2 Vest comes from Chicago where George Morrison and a top infertility specialist are credited with creating the unparalleled Fit and Fertile Program to help overweight infertile women get pregnant. In March of this year, that program began with 17 overweight infertile women hoping to lose enough weight to improve their chances of getting pregnant. Six months later, six of those women are pregnant. That?s an average of one pregnancy per month.

The X2 Vest is an adjustable weight vest that can easily be worn in the gym, outdoors, or just around the house. The X2 Vest works safely and effectively allowing the individual to add weight to their CORE (the mid-section of the body) in one-pound increments. Adding weight to your body requires more muscle fibers to be called into action, thus requiring more calories to be burned, which allows for muscle development and weight loss.

The X2 Vest . . .

Can increase metabolic rate and burn up 70% more calories in same amount of time

Can lose weight, build lean muscle, improve bone density all at the same time

Can wear the X2 vest around the house or added to your exercise routine

The X2 Vest is the consumer version of the award-winning weighted vest known as the XVest, used by U.S. astronauts, firefighters, U.S. Olympians, sports teams including members of the NFL, MLB, NBA and other professional athletes. Chicago Bears 2000 NFL rookie of the Year, Brian Urlacher, is one of the many pro athletes to utilize the XVest in preseason training protocol. The Xvest was voted ?Must Have Fitness Product? by Women?s Health & Fitness Magazine and Shape Magazine. Voted Best Fitness Product 2005? by Muscle & Fitness Magazine. George Morrison is in the process of writing the soon-to-be released book on complete weight best training which will be available early next year.

While in Chicago for the Club Industry Show, Morrison will also kick-off the second group of the Fit and Fertile program in the Northwest suburbs. To attend the Fit and Fertile Program on Tuesday evening October 5th or to interview George Morrison about any aspect related to the X2 Vest or his upcoming book, please contact Linda Blackman at 847-550-9937 or Linda@LindaBlackman.com.

To learn more about the X2 Vest: http://www.X2Vest.com.

Potential Feature Stories With George Morrison Include:

Fitness Expert Sara Holliday Offers Her Personal Advice to Prenatal and Postnatal Women at Fitbysarablog.com

SAN DIEGO, CA (PRWEB) October 5, 2006 -?

Fitness expert Sara Holliday is blazing new trails in the women?s health and fitness industry with her ?results-proven? mix of exercise routines for prenatal and postnatal women. Her popular brand of DVDs includes ?Sara Holliday?s Stroller Workout for Moms? plus ?Sara Holliday?s Prenatal Yoga Series? which has a separate title for the first, second and third trimester. Now, her expertise is instantly accessible online through a new blog http://www.fitbysarablog.com.

A proud mother of two, Sara devised a proprietary workout regimen to keep her own body in shape during her pregnancies. ?My personal blog is specifically catered to women who are pregnant or have had babies and really want their get their bodies back in shape. I am very open about my own experiences during and after my own pregnancies, which includes not only body changes but changes in emotions and moods,? says Sara.

Unique in their scope, Sara?s workouts include a user-friendly mix of yoga, martial arts and conventional exercise. As a certified yoga instructor, A.F.A.A.-certified aerobics instructor, martial artist, licensed marriage and family therapist and personal trainer Sara has clocked 15 years in the health and fitness industry and knows the safe and effective paths to help women achieve the body they desire. ?My DVDs are a safe and healthy opportunity for women of all fitness levels and anyone can benefit from the advice offered at http://www.fitbysarablog.com,? says Sara. Her online tips run the gamut from providing techniques to feel more comfortable during pregnancy and using yoga to help relax, to postpartum adjustments, dietary suggestions and getting fit while caring for a bouncing new baby at home.

In addition to her exercise classes and popular DVDs, Sara Holliday regularly appears as a fitness expert on KUSI-TV in San Diego. Her ?Sara Holliday?s Prenatal Yoga? DVD series sells for the low price of $ 12.99 and can be purchased at http://www.fitbysara.com, along with ?Sara Holliday?s Stroller Workout for Moms? DVD for $ 24.95. For more information about Sara Holliday and her products, go to http://www.fitbysara.com, visit her new blog at http://www.fitbysarablog.com, or call 800-568-3820.

SARA HOLLIDAY FACTS

? 15 years of expertise in the health and fitness industry

? Popular fitness expert for women during and after pregnancy

? Creator of ?Fit By Sara,? Inc. (http://www.fitbysara.com) personal fitness products

? AFAA certified aerobic instructor, personal trainer, and yoga teacher

? Licensed massage therapist

? Licensed marriage and family therapist

? Skilled martial artist

? Bachelor?s degree in Kinesiology

? Helps women reach their optimum potential in mind, body and spirit

? Regular appearances on KUSI-TV in San Diego

? Creator of “Sara Holliday?s Stroller Workout for Moms” DVD

? Creator of “Sara Holliday?s Prenatal Yoga” DVD series

ABOUT ?FIT BY SARA,? INC: ?Fit By Sara,? Inc. (http://www.fitbysara.com) was founded in San Diego in 2005 by fitness expert Sara Holliday to showcase her unique brand of personal fitness products. Based on the mission of helping women achieve their optimum potential in body, mind and spirit, ?Fit By Sara,? Inc. reflects the expertise of Sara Holliday?s 15 years in the health and fitness industry. She is a certified aerobics instructor, a certified personal trainer, licensed massage therapist and licensed marriage and family therapist. She has trained extensively in the martial arts and is certified in Yoga. Sara also has a Bachelor?s degree in Kinesiology. DVDs include ?Sara Holliday?s Stroller Workout for Moms,? a comprehensive and rewarding workout for new mothers and ?Sara Holliday?s Prenatal Yoga? DVD series. Her next DVD release is “Sara Holliday’s Postnatal Total Body Toning Workout”, where she shares her secrets for getting her body back in shape.

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As Seasonal Drinking Increases, Closet Alcoholics Find Hope in New Treatments

Fairbanks, AK (PRWEB) October 12, 2006

The numbers are staggering: 18 million alcoholics in the United States alone. An additional four ?problem drinkers? for every hard core alcoholic. Year-long success rates under 30% for those who seek traditional treatment.

And, according to the US Centers for Disease Control, the numbers will bump up at year?s end. Increased seasonal drinking leads to what they call ?The January Effect?: overindulgence during the holidays followed by New Year?s resolutions to change.

But those resolutions may be easier kept thanks to cutting edge strategies now available to help drinkers get sober. A new kind of therapy, available at inpatient centers and doctors? offices across the country, has attracted the interest of drinkers who formerly rebuffed conventional treatment. Instead, they?re opting for an emerging, blended approach centered around newly approved anti-craving medications. According to program administrators, droves of drinkers are quietly rushing in for help.

?It?s like what we witnessed nearly twenty years ago for people with depression,? says recovered alcoholic Roberta Jewell, who, with addiction specialist Dr. Linda Garcia, MD, wrote the popular self-help recovery book ?My Way Out?. ?Doctors started treating patients with medications that targeted brain chemicals like serotonin,? she says. ?They also recommended dietary and lifestyle changes. The combined therapy has proven very effective.?

The same is true, says Garcia, of alcohol dependence.

?For years, we as clinicians have offered highly ineffective treatment,? she admits. ?We?ve told patients to attend 12 step meetings or we?ve prescribed medicine that makes them sick if they drink. But we?ve not dealt with this condition like we do hypertension or diabetes,? says Garcia, an internist. ?We?ve largely ignored the physiological underpinnings that often result in illness.?

New anti-craving medications may help change that. The FDA has recently approved three drugs to treat alcoholism. They include Revia, Campral and Vivitrol. Topamax, an anti-seizure medicine, is also commonly used off-label, which means it is prescribed for a disorder other than that for which it was approved. Antabuse, which became available in 1951, behaves differently and is used as aversion therapy.

According to Garcia, the new class of drugs can be helpful because they affect the reward signaling center of the brain, blocking receptors and balancing neurotransmitter activity. ?I tell patients it helps calm the ?beast brain??, she says. Garcia has prescribed the medications to many of her patients and says pharmacological intervention can play an important role in recovery. ?But drugs are not the be all and end all,? she?s quick to point out. ?They are only one tool and they must be incorporated into a comprehensive program.?

Jewell, who self-experimented years ago with an anti-craving medication, agrees.

?I thought I?d found the magic bullet,? she says. ?But it wasn?t long before I had reverted to my old drinking habits. The alcoholic brain may be wired differently, but we still need to address the underlying emotional issues, drinking triggers, and our physical health if we hope to overcome that overwhelming desire to drink.?

Jewell says during her 20 years of research she identified a number of therapies that seemed helpful in the short term. But it wasn?t until she combined medication with self-administered hypnotherapy, nutritional supplements and exercise that she was able to finally overcome her addiction. She has since worked with a team of specialists in fine tuning a 12-week program which she describes in her book. She says support is equally important and is provided for free on the My Way Out message board.

Newsweek health reporter Temma Ehrenfeld has researched and written about the advent of virtual therapy. She says the Internet has become an effective option for recovering addicts looking for support from others, but who may be uncomfortable attending 12-step groups.

?Apparently face-time isn’t the key, and in fact can make you clam up,? she says, ?Online support really works for a lot of people.?

It seems to be true of Jewell?s online community. To date, her combined web-based forums have logged nearly 1.5 million visits. Hundreds of people check in from across the globe each day to share their experiences and offer advice to one another. Jewell, who administers the site, says most people seem to appreciate access to an anonymous support system and are usually surprised and inspired by the similarities they share with others. ?It may be a virtual community,? she says, but it?s a very powerful one.?

Jewell says some individuals in her program elect to join local, fellowship based programs like AA or Women for Sobriety, as well. ?And that?s fabulous,? she says. ?It?s important that people have choices and adopt strategies that work for them.?

Garcia concurs. ?No more stigma, no more shame. Let?s get people the help they need in the environment best suited to them. Let?s get them started on the road to recovery.?

SIDEBAR:

Alcoholism and Gender Differences

Roberta Jewell says approximately 80% of visitors to her recovery support site are women. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and the Centers for Disease Control, excessive drinking puts women at greater health risks than their male counterparts. Women?s health risks include:

More brain damage and atrophy than men who drink the same amount

A higher risk of developing diseases related alcohol abuse, such as liver disease, heart disease and breast cancer

Becoming addicted to alcohol more quickly than men

Drinking heavily later in life

Less likelihood of being properly diagnosed with alcohol dependence

Putting babies at risk if women drink while pregnant

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?Babes in the Woods? Arrives In Abington

Oreland, PA (PRWEB) October 19, 2006

One Fit Mama? is pleased to announce that it will be holding its first annual ?Babes in the Woods? event, in conjunction with Briar Bush Nature Center and Whole Foods of Jenkintown. To be held Sunday, October 22, from 11 am to 3 pm at the Briar Bush Nature Center, 1212 Edge Hill Rd., Abington, PA 19001, this FREE event promises one-stop early holiday shopping for parents, and non-stop fun activities for kids.

Babes in the Woods ? A *Smart Shopping Event. *Shop early for the holidays and support businesses and organizations that support healthy families! Enjoy good times for the whole family ? children?s activities, crafts, story times, hikes, animals, sensory excitement, and more! Join sponsors One Fit Mama?, Briar Bush Nature Center, and Whole Foods of Jenkintown for four hours of wholesome fun!

This family-centered day is featured as a 2006 ?Best of the Burbs? event. Vendors will have personalized baby items, educational toys, maternity items, handmade cards and invitations, baby shower gifts, and more available for purchase. There will be individuals on hand to discuss breastfeeding and childbirth concerns, as well as free massages! Children?s activities will be scheduled throughout the afternoon, to be provided by One Fit Mama?, Gymboree, Flip Fitness, and Stretch-N-Grow. Briar Bush Nature Center will also offer nature hikes, story times, and hands-on experiences with some of the many animals they have on site. Snacks will be provided by Whole Foods of Jenkintown; in addition, the first 50 people to arrive will receive fantastic, quality Whole Foods bags packed with goodies, giveaways, and coupons.

One Fit Mama? provides mothers the opportunity to exercise while interacting and bonding with their children. This is an incredible resource for new and pregnant moms, who sometimes feel isolated in their homes during this new stage of their life. Besides providing a great workout, group exercise has been proven to decrease the risk of postpartum depression. Participants also get an individualized exercise program without the stress of hiring a babysitter or personal trainer. In addition, with the incidence of childhood obesity skyrocketing to epidemic proportions, One Fit Mama? provides an excellent opportunity for adults to serve as active role models to their children. One Fit Mama? offers Prenatal and Postpartum Stroller Fitness and Yoga Mamas Classes, Infant/Child CPR Training, and FREE social and educational events for new, experienced, and expectant mothers.

One Fit Mama? is based out of Oreland, PA, and offers classes throughout various locations in Montgomery, Bucks, and Philadelphia Counties. Classes are scheduled

to begin in Chester and Delaware Counties in the near future. One Fit Mama? Stroller Fitness classes are 60 minutes long, and include cardio and strength training components. Babies are pushed in strollers for the cardiovascular segment; during the strength training, moms use rubber tubing or their baby as resistance.

One Fit Mama? was created by Tricia Streit Perez. After the birth of her son, Caleb, in February 2005, Tricia found it difficult to resume her exercise routine because it wasn?t feasible to find a babysitter each time she wanted to go to the gym. As a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), Tricia knew it would be stressful and

costly to put Caleb in daycare. One Fit Mama? was the perfect solution ? stay full time with Caleb and continue working in the field she loves! One Fit Mama just celebrated its first birthday on September 2, 2005; the response by Mamas in the community has been overwhelming! One Fit Mama? Founder and CEO, Tricia Perez, says, ?This past year has given me the priceless opportunity to create a sense of community among new Moms in the Greater Philadelphia area. Even more important than helping mothers lose their extra baby weight, we?ve made it a little easier for these women to be successful, happy Mamas!?

Tricia earned a B.S. in Sports Medicine/Athletic Training in 1997; she completed her Masters Degree in Sports Management in 2002. She became certified as an Athletic Trainer by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) in 1997. In addition, Tricia completed coursework in Pre- and Post- natal fitness through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Desert Southwest Fitness in 2005. She lives in Oreland, PA with her husband, Willie, their son, Caleb, and their dog, Bubba.

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