Inactivity "AS BAD AS SMOKING"

Smoking is seen as one of the world's biggest health risks - yet according to a team of experts around the world , not enough exercise is killing people as much as smoking. In a report published in the medical journal The Lancet, experts claim that about third of adults are not doing enough physical activity, which causes more than five millions deaths worldwide every year.

And there's worse news. The UK ranks among countries that are the least active, the report suggests. "The UK is really lagging behind when it comes to staying fit,"

Try basic things like, use the stairs instead of the lift. Get off the bus one stop sooner. Try to park the car further away from work and walk. Start with these basics.

Happy Healthy Life's Everyone...

Sweet Potatoes

Ideal for soups and stews as well as for mashed and roasted, sweet potatoes are used as an alternative to ordinary potatoes because they have a lower glycaemic index - there sugars are released into the blood stream slowly but there are plenty other reasons why sweet potatoes are great for you:

• High in beta-carotene, an anti-oxidant nutrient which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vit A is essential for the immune system, as well as your skin and cells that line the airways, digestive tract and urinary tract.
• also contain other vitamins and minerals including vitamins B3, B5 and B6 and vitamin c, potassium  manganese and copper, a source of fibre too.
• Other antioxidants called anthocyanins, these have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Studies suggest to get the best out of sweet potatoes you should cook them by boiling or steaming them, that way their nutrient contents are higher.  

DIABETES PRESCRIPTIONS TOP 40 MILLIONS

Health experts claim there is a desperate need fr increased awareness of Type 2 diabetes in this country following the news that the number of prescriptions for diabetes treatments has risen by 50 percent during the last six years.

In England alone, 2.5 million people are diagnosed diabetes, 90 percentage of whom have Type 2 diabetes ( or onset diabetes). If the number of diabetes prescriptions continues to rise accordingly, however, charities UK claim they could bankrupt the NHS within the generation.

Are you at risk of becoming diabetic? Ask your pharmacists or doctor for more information, even better still speak to Faye for more information on healthy eating.

Lode Half Marathon Runners

Just a few tips for the day and a few days leading up to it:

Stock up on your carbohydrates, over the next few days, until race day, as well as waking up on the morning of the race eat plenty of carbs.

Drink plenty of water, a sedative adult on average is required to drink 8 pint size glasses a day, so anything more than this is a bonus especially when you lose a lot while perspiration through running/exercise.

Its mind over matter, if your training has gone according to plan then stay mentally strong throughout your race, possibly pet talk if needs be.

If you are running as a group, even a bigger bonus, you will encourage each other.

Try the wide strides techniques towards the end mainly to cover a wider space area when running, try and encourage those of you who are looking to beat your Personal Best.

Try not to under dress, so possibly have a light jacket/jumper with you if you need it, you can use, as some of us rather be too hot than cold.

Jelly beans, they are a brilliant source of energy, so many have a few handy in your pocket.

Throughout the course there will be water stations, try and drink even a few sips each time as you are losing water through perspiration, you are more likely to dehydrate.

This covers the basics, GOOD LUCK and let us know how you get on or even let us know how your feeling before and after the race.