Hiking In Florida - Great Guide Books

Author Sandra Friend is 'Florida's Hiking Expert' so I am going to take her advice featured in her many books and start my hiking adventures! Check them out for yourself!

Don't Miss The View Just Because of The Name (Poo Poo Point)

I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen the sign (photo below).......I would have thought someone was pulling a joke on me............it's a real place in the Pacific NW, Washington State: 'Poo Poo Point'.

With a name like that I knew there had to be a story behind it and my curious nature is too inquisitive not to discover it. One website claims it got its name from nearby railroad noises. Hmmm.........?

Located in Tiger Mountain State Park in Washington State. It's just a point and not a summit but look at this link and view the surrounding scenery. Definitely a point to get to and especially if you're into hang gliding or parasailing. If you're near the Seattle, WA area, be sure to check it out. 

If you need a trail guide extraordinaire, I'll put you in touch with Nicole Adams, as she is the one who hiked there on Super Bowl Sunday and took this photo.  

(photo courtesy of Nicole Adams)

OUTDOOR GEAR

Always be prepared when you are out-of-doors and in unfamiliar territory!


Be sure you have quality outdoor footwear when on the trail. Check these out:

Men's Hi-Tec Phoenix Athletic Shoes; great especially if you want to do some trail running.            

   Women's Hi-Tec Multiterra Sport

                

            





            





 

Simple Life Changes Could Stop Millions of Cancers

(via Reuters) says the   American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)

Oh how often do we say aloud or inwardly hope that a cure will be found for cancer or a treatment that will slow the progress of some debilitating and horrible Diseases and Syndromes? How often do we personally run to our medicine cabinet or the nearest pharmacy for some liquid, powder, capsule, or tablet that will provide even a little ease or relief from our pain or discomfort from some minor annoying thing? Or have we found ourselves sitting once again in a Doctor's office hoping for another prescription refill for that magic pill that will tone down that Acid Reflux or Stomach Discomfort (or any other discomfort), which in reality, we could very well minimize or eliminate if we would only implement some wiser choices in the foods/beverages we consume or stress management techniques?

We are willing to donate $$ to foundations and agencies for research for a cure, we are willing to physically train ourselves for weeks or months to participate in a fitness event that will raise money for such research........in the hopes of..................

I am not so draconian or ill-informed to be saying that all diseases, syndromes and cancers are self-caused. That is not scientifically based or substantiated in any way. However we do know (can anyone else also speak personally here?) that we sometimes experience illness BECAUSE we have been neglectful with our choices and wellbeing? And it is some of those elements that WE CAN do something about. That is the essence of the article message at the heading of this blog post today.

We each CAN:

1. Eat Healthier

2. Drink Less Alcohol

3. Exercise More

 Optimal lifestyle wellness begins with a conscious, intentional decision/choice to assume responsibility for the quality of your life. It may mean raising your standards above what you have been comfortable with; it will require time, commitment, energy, motivation and attitude.

For most of us, it also requires finding an accountability partner or group to participate in. 

As a Health Adventure Coach, Let me offer you myself if you need a telephone or email accountability partner. Together we can review what you presently do, work on daily or weekly manageable, sustainable steps, keep accountable to implement those steps and, if  you live locally, I can go shopping with you for healthier choices, we can have a healthy kitchen coaching session with you and up to 3 friends, we can enjoy some healthy cooking demos/meal prep in your own home and we can explore some perhaps new, fun and interesting ways to keep your body moving at that minimum necessary 30 minutes/day of exercising. 

Really, it IS doable, it IS possible. And in the remaining 21 days of Healthy Heart Month, begin something you've always wanted to, have recently needed to and now desire to for a healthier and more responsible YOU.

Today is Day 1 of 21 of Healthy Heart Month. Here are my tips for today:

Eat Healthier - consume 1 serving ( ½ cup cooked or 1 cup raw) of dark yellow or orange veggies today as they are know to contain high concentration of carotenoids and other antioxidants have been advocated for their potential to prevent cancer. Examples: Squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, yellow peppers, yellow tomatoes.

By beagle, Bailey with a dark yellow Spaghetti Squash :-)

Exercise More – if you walk for 30 minutes at a steady pace then implement this into today’s workout: 

Take with you a watch with a second hand or a timer. 

For your first 2 minutes walk at a slow, steady pace to warm up. 

Next stretch for 1-2 minutes. 

For the next 22 minutes complete the following in 30 second segments: walk as briskly (or faster than normal) as you can (for 30 seconds) and then walk at a slower, steady pace (for 30 seconds). 

First, this will be different. Different can be better and fun. 

Secondly, you will be breathing harder and more air enters into the heart and lungs enabling the body to detoxify itself; The brain will releases the hormones endorphins, adrenaline, serotonin and dopamine for a mood raising, natural chemical high, and you will burn more calories. 

For the remaining 4 minutes of your workout, slow down to a slow, steady pace for 2 minutes than spend the final 2 minutes stretching.

If you need details on any information in these day 1 tips, then book your coaching session with Lori or book a 30 minute workout or try a FREE Nordic Pole Walking Taster Session with her in the Winter Haven area.

Return tomorrow for Day 2 of 21 for more Healthy Eating and Exercising Tips/Ideas

Email: lori@health-adventure-coach.com  or phone (863) 268-4404


Resources: American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR
                      World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)

New! Revolutionary Bikeskins!

Revoutionary Bikeskins cover your cycling shoes while remaining nestled in your shoes while you ride Only $17.95

Boost Your Heart Health & Walk With Your Dog Sun Feb 6

Pledge To Walk Your Dog on Game Day (Feb 6) 
and have fun too. Bailey and I are signed up!

Sign Up Here

Running Red - by Amy Smith

Before February arrived, I had been pondering how to design my posts for Healthy Heart Month. By today, the 2nd day, my composing buttons are still STUCK. 

It was this evening on Facebook that I read my friend Amy's blog posting titled 'Running Red'. I knew then that I was going to post a link to her posting so my readers could go there directly.


Each time I read Amy's postings I am touched inwardly and usually humbled by God's life within her and her humble, expressive way of describing things in life. Just an ordinary life but not an ordinary life. For me, being the mother of 5 children under the age of 10 would not be ordinary! But she does it magnificently and so gracefully and allows the rest of us inside her home, her children's lives and her heart........to see our Maker's influence in 7 precious souls..........all in a day in the Smith Family home.


Okay, back to her posting........read it for yourself and allow God to visit with you as you do. Be open. 

Perhaps you too will want to become a 'follower' of her blog.


Too, if you see her running red in the streets of Ontario Oregon, maybe roll down your window, smile, wave and say, 'Go Run Red Amy, Go Run Red!'



And lastly, perhaps.......could it be so........that the healthiest heart is actually the surrendered one?..........

Resist Exercising? Want to Know Why?

FREE TELECLASS Today - 3 pm EST on your computer, from the comfort of you home!

Your Body Is Not Your Enemy.

by Coach Stephanie Wood

POLE WALKING DVD'S

                


                                                 

Want to learn to use your walking/hiking/trekking poles for balance, mobility, regular walking or technical adventures but can't find a local Instructor? 

No  problem! These Progressive Learning DVD's will be your Personal Coach to learn and practice and be successful in your poling goals!

Canadian Snowbird Extravaganza Jan 25, 26/11 Lakeland, FL



Today is the 2nd day of this yearly FREE event in Florida, held at the Lakeland Center, Lakeland, FL.

The Canadian Snowbird Association is a non profit organization that lobbies to protect the rights and privileges of Canadian Travellers. This groups works to develop and improve products and services that compliment the snowbird lifestyle.

Approximately 500.000 Canadians spend their winters in the 'sunbelt' for an average of 4 months/year.
If you cannot attend in person, you can watch live online at http://29sports.com/29/live/livefeed.html

Click HERE for your invitation to this event.

If you will be spending your winter in Arizona or Texas, you can visit the Snowbird Extravaganzas being held there this year.

Winter Texans' Snowbird Extravaganza

South Padre Island Convention Center, South Padre Island, Texas
Tuesday and Wednesday, February 1 and 2, 2011
9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Click here for your invitation to this event!
Snowbird Extravaganza Canadian Celebration in Arizona
Mesa Convention Center. Mesa, Arizona
Tuesday and Wednesday, February 8 and 9, 2011
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Click here for your invitation to this event!

Links:
Canadian Snowbird Tourism
Canadian Snowbird Association

If you are a local or a snowbird in the Lakeland/Winter Haven area, please come visit my booth [Health Adventure Coach] at the Winter Haven Community Day  and Health Expo on Saturday, Jan 29 @ the  Wilfred Smith Resource Center , 135 Avenue Y NE, Winter Haven, FL, 33881

This FREE Event is from 10 am - 2 pm.
Admission is free and activities include health screenings and exhibitors, and a kids zone with arts and crafts and a bounce house. Food vendors on site will charge fees.

I will be demo-ing Nordic Pole Walking and giving out Coupons for a FREE Pole Walking Taster Session Class [future date & time TBA]. I will also have Nordic Walking Poles for retail.



For questions or info about Nordic Pole Walking in Polk County, call Lori @ (863) 268-4404 or email: polewalkingpolkco@gmail.com



Fitness guru Jack LaLanne dies at 96

While famous for the quote "I can't die, It would ruin my image", Jack LaLanne's ultimate time did come, yesterday, January 23/11 peacefully at his California home from respiratory failure.

For a video synopsis of his lifework by Good Morning America click HERE

Jack's Blog

More videos of Jack


While we all have our own preferences and levels by which we move our bodies and exercise, Jack is an inspiration and will continue to be a legend and example for all of us.

I believe that Jack lived out well my following quote:  "Wellness is about TOTAL YOU; but it is not achieved by accident...just picking the dimension of wellness that you like and minimizing the others doesn't work in the long run. Optimal lifestyle wellness begins with a conscious, intentional decision/choice to assume responsibility for the quality of your life. It may mean raising your standards above what you have been comfortable with; it will require time, commitment, energy, motivation and attitude. "

Read full article: Lifestyle Wellness

Lastly, let's do what we each can to avoid the High Cost of Inactivity

Plant-Based Nutrition Expert & Professional Triathlete-Florida Seminars

In 2004 when I penned my article titled, "Can The Vegan/Vegetarian Lifestyle Sustain The Goals of An Active-Living Individual?",  I mentioned Brendan Brazier  as a successful professional vegan Ironman and Triathlete. I knew of him through my employment affiliation at the Alive Academy of Natural Health and his vegan nutrition products at the Vancouver Wellness Show.


I recently discovered that Brendan will be appearing 5 x from Jan 24-28/11 in various Florida locations so I wanted to notify my Floridian readers to give opportunity to attend.


Professional triathlete, plant-based nutrition expert, and bestselling author, Brendan Brazier shares how to thrive on a whole foods, plant-based diet.


Click for a free download of Vega's Alkaline Forming Foods to pH Balance The Body


Event Type: seminar, book signing, product, product tasting [For schedule see below]



I greatly value my copy of Brendan's book: 




















but don't yet have a copy of:   



Vega Products That I Recommend 
For Active-Lifstyles On-The-Go: 











BRENDAN'S JANUARY LIVE SEMINAR SCHEDULE IN FLORIDA


Time: January 24, 2011 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Location: Chuck's Natural Food - Brandon
Street: 114 N. Kings Ave   City/Town: Brandon
Website or Map: http://www.chucksnaturalmarketplace.com/
Phone: 813-657-2555


Time: January 25, 2011 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Location: Nature's Food Patch
Street: 1225 Cleveland Street
City/Town: Clearwater
Website or Map: http://www.naturesfoodpatch.com/
Phone: (727) 443-6703


Time: January 26, 2011 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Location: Abby's Health &  Nutrition
Street: 14374 N. Dale Mabry
City/Town: Tampa
Phone: (813) 265-4951


Time: January 27, 2011 from 7pm to 9pm
Location: Hippocrates Health Institute at Wigmore Hall
Street: 1443 Palmdale Court
City/Town: West Palm Beach
Website or Map: http://www.hippocratesinst.or…
Phone: 561-471-8876

Time: January 28, 2011 from 5:30pm to 7pm

Location: Miami City Club at Wachovia Financial Center

Street: 200 South Biscayne Blvd. (55th Floor)

City/Town: Miami

Phone: 305-358-9988

If you attend one of these seminars, please post your comments here on the blog so we all can read it. Thanks!

Portion Control For Weight Loss

Easily limit calories to 1,200–1,500 per day—and lose weight!—with this dietician-designed portion control plate. Just insert one of 10 two-sided meal-planning disks between the clear plastic plate and blue tray; then fill the compartments with suggested foods. Features specialized disks for diabetic, vegetarian, and low-carb fare and a cover for portability or freezing. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Includes recipe and instruction books.

Link: Portion Control

How To Bike With Your Dog

I am sure there are many articles written on 'How To Bike With Your Dog' however mine is personal and recent and I want to share it with you.


If you are like me and are a dog lover, you don't want to leave your furry buddy at home while you are out exercising and he/she certainly doesn't want to be left at home. Creating a healthy, active lifestyle for yourself and your dog is a great way to keep you both happy, heart-healthy and trim.


Thus, the great invention of the Walky Dog Bike Leash!

This is the packaging but shows a good photo of the actual item in use.

The great thing about the leash is that it can be used for all sizes of dogs and all bikes!

For small dogs like my beagle, remove 2 of the 3 springs that are contained within the cyclinder. For medium dogs, remove 1 of the 3. And for large dogs, don't remove any springs. By removing the springs, it causes more length of leash to be exposed - to attach to the dogs collar or harness.

The Instructions on the reverse of the package summarize the item. 

What I REALLY appreciated about the product was that the instructions were very clear and simple.  Not being mechanically or technically-inclined, I was able to attach the fixing jaw and connectors quickly and easily. In my books, it is 'Girl-Friendly' and I felt great that I didn't need my husband to help me :-)

And the one for whom it was intended gave it a 'paw up' as well

Notice the space/distance between the bike and the dog. 

Our Beagle, Bailey is a natural 'puller' so the WalkyDog Bike Leash is a great training tool for him to learn to submit and obey and not be the one in charge

This is our 2nd week training with Bailey and he still will pull if he sees a dog or cat, however with the weight of the bike and the rider, the dog soon realize that 'resistance is futile' and he quickly falls into line.

Special THANKS to my husband, Bob & Bailey the Beagle :-)

If you purchase a WalkyDog Bike Leash, please share your experience with us by posting in the comments section or emailing me : pawzitivefx@gmail.com