While it’s never too late to turn your health around, it’s also never too early to make a difference. One of the scariest parts of childhood obesity is that it can have health repercussions later in adulthood.

Take a recent study, for example. It says that if parents were to feed there children a diet lower in total fat and saturated fat and more fiber, it would help ensure lower glucose levels and lower blood pressure in adulthood. A high fat diet is associated with an increased risk of the metabolic syndrome.
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Garmin has finally introduced its first fitness app for the iPhone and Android. The $.99 Garmin Fit App will make it easier for all to measure distance, time, calories, and speed during their workouts. As Garmin is one of the most popular tracking devices among runners, cyclists, and triathletes, many others will be able to see the benefits of tracking their stats for a much lower price than purchasing a Garmin wrist unit.

The app claims to provide all the same functions as their physical wrist tracking unit, though. Whether walking, running, or cycling, users can track their speed and distance and then load the stats to the free online log at garminconnect.com.

The mobile app allows for users to stay totally connected. All the functions of a powerful fitness app are coupled with a mobile device that will still allow for music control, phone and text use, all without app interruption. The app also allows for goal setting and result sharing among social media accounts.

The Fit App is designed for those who are just entering the fitness arena and need an effective way to get started. The app is also a great solution to seasoned athletes who may have forgotten to charge their wrist device or left it at home by mistake while traveling. The app makes it possible for all activities to be tracked, no matter the circumstance.

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We’re used to seeing the Energy Star rating system on our appliances, but are we ready to see it on our food? With so much interest in how Americans are eating lately, it’s no wonder that the Institute of Medicine (IOM) is proposing a change in the current food labeling system in an effort to declutter the nutrition claim overload seen on today’s food packaging.

The proposed labeling, which would appear on the front of packages and highlight a few top nutrients consumers are interested in, would allow consumers to more easily identify healthy options without having to spend too much time reading small print or interpreting the variety of health claims plastered on many of the products lining grocery store shelves.

Yet this isn’t the first front-of-package label to be introduced to consumers. In fact, the IOM’s label is just one of many new labels being touted as the “next best thing” in food packaging. Food companies have already begun to introduce their own line of similar labels designed to point out what makes their product better than their competitor’s variety. In fact, the IOM has quite the battle ahead as it attempts to put their unique mark on the foods we eat. Unfortunately, in the heat of that battle, consumers seeking better food choices may suffer in the short-term as they continue to make attempts to decode each unique food labeling system currently available.

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For years we’ve been hearing how “breast is best” for both mom and child. From improved immunity to a better bonding experience between mom and baby, breastfeeding has many benefits that make it worth pursuing. Additionally, breastfeeding provides opportunity for the earliest obesity prevention possible. In fact, breastfeeding has been shown to impact weight throughout an individual’s lifespan, making the decision whether or not to breastfeed even more important as we see childhood obesity rates continue to rise.

Yet, why exactly is breastfeeding so important in preventing childhood obesity? And are there certain guidelines parents need to follow to help their child avoid all of the complications and risks associated with having an increased weight? Tammy Gold, owner of Gold Parent Coaching, answered some of our toughest questions about breastfeeding and the role it plays in preventing childhood obesity.

According to Gold, breastfeeding for as long as possible and knowing when to introduce solid foods are both important strategies in promoting healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.

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I live right in the middle of town and October 31st is definitely a day that keeps me busy. I have skeletons on my front porch (one in lotus pose holding a yoga mat), spiders hanging from the eaves and scary music cued up for the big night.

Last week, one of my yoga students asked me if I was going to make the kids do a yoga pose before I give them some Halloween candy. To be perfectly honest, I never really thought about it, but it sounds like a good idea!

I scanned the memory bank of kids costumes that I have seen throughout the years and created a list of yoga poses that could match what the kids might be donning this year.

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