Sleep being a key to weight loss and performance enhancement?

Dr. Mercola's article below is a great description on how sleep really affects all of us.  The lack of sleep over time can really increase our chances for many disease states (heart disease, obesity, depression, high blood pressure and diabetes).

Now, if you are like me at all, it can be really hard to get into a good habit for sleep.  Whether it be the distractions of work, recreation, childeren, personal problems, sleep becomes a lower priority as we get older.  The good news is, that there are more studies coming out where we can actually 'make up' for lost sleep.

So not only for my own personal benefit here, but I want you all to consider how each area of our life can affect our health, positively or negatively.  It is the awareness and the action to change our habits that will create a better lifestyle.  We all want to be happy when we get older without large medical bills.  We all want to be able to look great and feel great while being active.  Sleep is just another consideration of our total wellness.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/08/23/seven-hours--the-magic-number-for-sleep.aspx

Do your part to help reduce obesity.

Almost 25% of America is now considered obese. This is a telling article on some statistics on the rise of obesity. It is a scary thought to think that it will only get worse if things with our kids do not change. We need to set good examples for our children so they make better choices, so we are here on this earth... longer and healthier for them. If you are in a 'unhealthy' zone with your food and lifestyle and want some good ideas on how to break free from them, PEASE ASK! I would love to help.See NY Times article on childhood obesity:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/04/health/nutrition/04fat.html

Don't be afraid to feel dumb when exercising - you're challenging your body.

See my advice in the following Washington Post quote: "There's a huge advantage if you get a different type of challenge"; says Jeremy Rucker, a trainer at the Gold's Gym in Clarendon.

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/.../AR2010071402359.html

Artificial Sweetners

If you drink Diet, Sugar Free drinks or add the little blue packet to your tea or coffee, you need to consider the effects of Aspartame on your body, especially your brain: Memory Loss, Headaches, Brain Tumors.

www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/recent.html#4