SHAKE YOURSELF IN TO SHAPE?

Have you seen Shake Weights advertised on infomercials? These 2.5 and 5 pound weights have molded plastic handles with springs at each end.

Researchers used electromyography testing to compare the Shake Weight workout to conventional exercises utilizing calisthenics (modified push-ups) and elastic resistance bands. For the chest and shoulders, the effectiveness of the Shake Weight exercises was inferior to the conventional exercises, and for the upper arms, it was about the same. In addition, the Shake Weight routine burned fewer calories than either the traditional exercises or walking at a pace of 3 miles per hour for the same length of time.
Source: Consumer Reports


THANK YOU FOR PATRONIZING AND REFERRING PEOPLE TO MY INDEPENDENT PRACTICE. WHEN YOU SPEND AT A LOCALLY OWNED OFFICE, MORE THAN 50% STAYS IN OUR COMMUNITY. AT A CHAIN, MORE THAN 80% GOES TO DISTANT CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS!

HOTEL HINTS - Part One

Are you traveling over the next few months?

Know how to handle hotels' overbooking - Often the hotel will have a nearby property or an arrangement with another hotel to honor overbooked reservations. You can usually get an upgrade to a larger room at the substitute property for no extra charge. If the room is the same or inferior to the one you have reserved, demand a rate reduction for your inconvenience.

In a hotel dispute, document everything - Write down the names of everyone you speak with, when you spoke with them, and what they said. If you have a camera, take photos relevant to your complaint. This information is handy for presenting to corporate public relations personnel, who can be sensitive to these occurrences and may be willing to compensate unhappy guests.

Stay tuned to future blog posts for more helpful hotel hints!
Source: Fodor's Travel



I APPRECIATE YOUR REFERRALS!

MORE MONEY-SAVING TIPS AT THE GAS PUMP

1. Minimize driving with a cold engine - Engines run most efficiently when they are warm. Making multiple short trips and starting the engine from cold each time can reduce fuel economy by almost 4 mpg, as well as producing more pollution and faster engine wear. So try to combine several short trips in to one to keep the engine warm.

2. Keep tires properly inflated - Underinflated tires can produce approximately 1.3 mpg loss in fuel economy, compromise handling and braking, wear faster, and run hotter which can lead to tire failure. Check your tire pressure at least once a month with a tire gauge -- the owner's manual explains how to do it.

3. Buy tires with lower rolling resistance - Look for more highly rated tires with low rolling resistance to add 1-2 mpg. They generally don't cost more, and replacing a worn tire could save you more than $100 a year in fuel.

4. Avoid idling - When idling, your car gets 0 mpg -- so turn off your engine if you expect to sit for more than 30 seconds. The engine will warm up faster as it is driven than with idling.
Source: Consumer Reports




COULD YOU USE HEALTH EDUCATION CONTENT FOR YOUR NEWSLETTER, BLOG, WEBSITE, OR HAND-OUTS FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS, OR EVENT? I CAN SAVE YOU THE TIME AND EFFORT -- BY PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED MATERIALS ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS FOR YOU TO REPRODUCE AND PERSONALIZE WITH YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION. PLEASE CALL ME AT 617-738-8222 FOR MORE DETAILS.

DON'T GET RIPPED OFF!

Maybe you've seen plastic "performance-boosting" bracelets (with brand names Power Balance, EFX, iRenew, Trion:Z, and others) being sold at fitness events or worn by pro and amateur athletes. The manufacturers claim that the bracelets are programmed with special energy frequencies to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Salespeople will "test" your balance without and then wearing the bracelet to demonstrate these claims.

Exercise scientists from the American Council on Exercise created tests using the Power Balance and sham bracelets in randomized trials. Subjects performed two tests each of flexibility, balance, strength, and jumping height. No benefit was found from the "performance" bracelets; rather, the researchers observed that subjects invariably did better on the second trial, regardless of which bracelet they were wearing, possibly due to the effects of muscular learning and warm-ups.

In addition, the Australian government has pressured the Australian Power Balance manufacturer to publicly admit that there is no scientific backing to their claims. In the U.S., we may see a similar outcome as several class action suits have been filed citing false advertising and unfair business practices.
Source: American Council on Exercise





GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND EASY RELAXING MEDITATION CD's MAKE THOUGHTFUL PRESENTS FOR MOTHER'S DAY (SUN., MAY 8th)! PLEASE CALL ME AT 617-738-8222.

HOW TO SAVE AT THE GAS PUMP

Here are some tips . . .

1. Drive at a moderate speed - This is a big factor. The faster you drive, the more fuel it takes to power the car, lowering your miles per gallon.

2. Drive smoothly - Frequent hard acceleration and braking reduces miles per gallon, as well as decreasing the life of the engine, transmission, brakes, and tires.

3. Remove car-top carriers - Even driving with empty racks on the car reduces fuel economy.

4. Don't use premium fuel if you don't have to - Check your owner's manual for recommendations. If it specifies regular fuel, premium will not make the engine run better.

5. Some things that do not impact fuel economy - morning fill-ups, using air conditioning, and dirty air filters.
Source: Consumer Reports



ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY IS WED., APRIL 27th. REWARD YOUR LOYAL STAFF WITH GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND EASY RELAXING MEDITATION CD's!

GARDENING IS GREAT!

Getting out in the garden is not only enjoyable and relaxing -- it's a good way to stay fit. Did you know that gardening burns an average of 300 calories an hour?
Speaking of gardening . . .

Over the past year, I have become involved in a community gardening project. We are seeking gardeners -- no experience necessary! You'll have fun gardening with the seasoned gardeners, whatever your experience.

Volunteers are welcome at Greenside Out Garden in Brookline Village where we are raising food for the Brookline Emergency Food Pantry. We appreciate whatever amount of time you can offer, as well as donations of seeds/seedlings, tools, organic mulch/fertilizers/pest control products, and financial contributions. For more information, please call me at 617-738-8222 and see http://www.bountifulbrookline.org/.

WINDSHIELD-WIPER CARE

Have your windshield-wipers taken a beating lately? Most wipers deteriorate after 6-9 months due to dirt, debris, and road grime abrasion and sunlight breaking down their rubber edges.

Check their condition - Lift each wiper arm off the glass and run your finger along its rubber edge. If the rubber is rigid or chipped, or produces nonstop streaking, you need new wipers. Replace both, as if one is worn out, the other will surely die soon.

Keep them clean - Put windshield washer fluid or mild dish liquid on a damp sponge or rag and wipe debris off the rubber and the windshield where the wiper rests.

Keep them free - If wipers are frozen to the glass, use the defroster and hand-clear snow and ice from around them before turning them on. Use windshield washer fluid with antifreeze.

Get the correct size and type - Look in your car's owner's manual, measure the blade, or ask at an auto-parts store. On some cars, one blade is longer than the other, so check both, as well as the rear wiper if your car has one.
Source: Consumer Reports




Hope you can make it to this fun and informative day -

BOUNTIFUL BROOKLINE - SPRING INTO GARDENING

Grow local, eat local . . .

Workshops, demonstrations, children's activities, resources for new and seasoned gardeners

Local food pioneer Greg Watson - Sustainable Food Systems

Raffle, refreshments, books, and gardening supplies

Sunday, March 27th 10 AM - 4 PM
Pierce School, 50 School St., Brookline www.BountifulBrookline.org