On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as “the Great War.” Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars. The Great War & Armistice Day Though the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, … [Read more...] about Veteran’s Day, Let us thank all who serve our country past and present.
Sports Performance Nutrition Guidlines
The goal of most athletes is to become bigger, faster, and stronger than the leading competition. They will spend countless hours performing speed and agility training, strength training, stretching, etc., however the one area that is most often neglected by an individual is nutrition. Nutritional protocol is one of the most crucial aspects in an athlete's repertoire. If they don't consume the proper balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and fluids the training benefits can fall by the way side. In this excerpt by Felicia D. Stoler, DCN, MS, RD, FACSM, she gives some basic guidelines as to … [Read more...] about Sports Performance Nutrition Guidlines
Injuries that are most common to athletes
Whether you are a weekend warrior competing in a Tough Mudder or an athlete at the collegiate, high school, or professional level, one of the most devastating things that can happen is to develop an injury. It does not matter if it is an injury that only keeps you out for one game or an injury that keeps you out all year, it ruins everything that someone has worked so hard for. For most athletes in the 7 to 12 year old range, many at this age neglect things like a warm-up, cool-down, stretching, etc. Many high school athletes tend to neglect the importance of nutrition and recovery when it … [Read more...] about Injuries that are most common to athletes
Common Myths associated with Training for Speed
Whether the sport is field hockey, basketball, football, soccer, baseball, or any other sport that involves speed and agility the training modalities used have similar principles. There is no 100% correct way to train an athlete because every individual is different and requires different cues, drills, and has various strengths and weaknesses that need to be improved upon. Over the 15 years, I have been in the fitness industry there are countless myths floating around about strength training and speed training. I thought I would share some of the myths that I have heard over the years from … [Read more...] about Common Myths associated with Training for Speed
Organic and non-organic foods are compositionally different, says new study
A new analysis appears to refuel the debate about the nutritional value of organic versus conventional foods, by finding that organic crops and crop-based foods contain up to 69% more of certain antioxidants, are four times less likely to contain pesticide residue, and have significantly lower levels of the toxic heavy metal cadmium. Led by Newcastle University in the UK, the international team of experts reports its findings in the British Journal of Nutrition. In what is thought to be the largest study of its kind, the researchers describe how they pooled and analyzed data from 343 studies … [Read more...] about Organic and non-organic foods are compositionally different, says new study
Statin use associated with less physical activity
One of the longest studies of its type has found that use of statins in older men is associated with less physical activity, a significant issue for a population that is already sedentary. The findings, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, raise concerns about a decline in much-needed physical activity among men who take some of the most widely prescribed medications in the world. Almost one-third of older Americans take statins, usually to reduce their cholesterol levels. The research did not identify why men who took statins exercised less -- it just confirmed that they did. Possible … [Read more...] about Statin use associated with less physical activity
Best gift ideas for Mother’s Day
As we approach Mother's Day, there will be a few individuals who are left scrambling the day before or the day of this holiday. Some of the more common items purchased for Mom are gift cards, flowers, cards, jewelry, and clothing. There are some traditions that some families follow such as going out for lunch or dinner, possibly a trip to the movies or something. Every one searches for that perfect gift for the woman who has such an influential role in your development into an adult. I'm sure by now you are saying to yourself, "Just tell me what the best gift is already". Well, that is not … [Read more...] about Best gift ideas for Mother’s Day
Ready for Easter? You might not be ready for all those calories
With Easter quickly approaching, many families will be hustling out to buy their children an Easter basket filled with non-nutritious goodies. Many of the favorites that might end up in the coveted basket can be peeps, chocolate peanut butter eggs, Dove chocolate bunny, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, jelly beans, chocolate marshmallow bunnies, and many others. Even a modest basket like the one pictured can consist of well over 1,000 calories and 250 plus grams of sugar. If your children are like most, they will try to devour the entire basket if they are given the opportunity to. If you consider … [Read more...] about Ready for Easter? You might not be ready for all those calories