Work it Out

If you are one of those people who enjoy the outdoors, and go for walks and runs until the snow storms comes, you tend to get cabin fever in the middle of winter. Fitness clubs have their best deals at the beginning of the new year, and many have a pay-as-you-go option! Benefit from the "no enrollment fee" advertisements and get yourself a winter gym pass!

Another alternative is to take advantage of indoor tracks at ice rinks. In Milwaukee, the Pettit National Ice Center is a cheap way to keep up your cardio fitness. For as little as $3, you can enjoy the 443-meter track daily!

Resolutions... get a head start!

As the holiday season approaches, you begin to stress about family gatherings, shopping, and travel plans. The next thing you know, you are ringing in the new year! Then comes the age old question "what are your new years resolutions?" You quickly start to think about what you could do, make a messy plan without much thought and by the beginning of February your resolution is history.

This year I wanted to successfully complete a new years resolution so I gave it some thought early in December, and actually started it 2 weeks later. Why? Because I already know exactly what is going to happen at the end of December and beginning of January, as it does every year... a hectic schedule that includes cooking, last minute shopping, multiple family parties on the same day, and trying to juggle friends who are back in town. I now have a 3 week head start, and if a miss a day or so, it's ok. By the time the new year arrives, my schedule will be more free and my resolution will have been part of my regular schedule for weeks and I won't have to think twice and try to remember it. The pressure to start will also be gone, since I will be well on my way to my resolution!

-Steph, Communications Specialist

A (healthy) taste of summer, in the winter

It's that time of year for us in the North to get ready for months of overcast skies, whiteout snow storms, and freeze-your-toes-off temperatures. What if you could take your mind back to the warm, sunny days of July? Look no further than your local grocery store!

Pick yourself up a few cups of lemon greek yogurt (the one's with the real lemon pulp are the best!) and a small container of fresh raspberries. Put 1 cup of yogurt in the freezer for about 3 hours. When time is up, toss in a handful of raspberries, and you just made a satisfying, healthy treat that will take you back to the days of a warm summer breeze!

Thanks to Darcie our Graduate Program Manager for introducing me to lemon yogurt!


-Steph, Communications Specialist

November!

November is here and it is time to get informed, get tested, and give back to our community. Did you know that their are over 8 national health observances for the month of November? A few are listed below.

National Alzheimer's Disease Awarenesss
American Diabetes
National Hospice Palliative Care
National Healthy Skin
National Stomach Cancer Awareness
National Lung Cancer Awareness
COPD Awareness
Prematurity Awareness

What can you do in the month of November for yourself, family and friends? You can schedule a screening with your doctor so that you may be tested for Diabetes or Skin Cancer.

If you have family members or friends who have been affected by any of the diseases mentioned above or at http://www.healthfinder.gov/nho/nho.asp#m11 then perhaps you can further research in the fields by providing a monetary donation, hosting or participating in an event such as the March of Dimes Walk or the National Hospice Run to Remember Program.

Get Active!

It's so easy to throw on some layers and cuddle up in front of the TV. But while your favorite TV show is on commercial break why not do a bit of exercise? Here's an idea, say your favorite one hour show has 4 commercial breaks during the hour; if you take that time to work in a little movement you're killing two birds with one stone! Try to run in place during one break, squats during another, push-ups or crunches during the third, and finally jumping jacks. You should be able to get in 15 minutes of exercise while mostly relaxing.

On The Prowl?

Join us on October 9th for the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee's 7th annual Panther Prowl.

Not only is it a healthy way to spend a Sunday afternoon, you'd also be supporting  UWM Alumni Association programs and scholarships for students.  The event begins at 10.00am and is followed by a party afterwards. The 5-Kilometer run/walk is super scenic and cuts through beautiful Lake Park. Come out and support the UWM community and Team Zilber! Register online at the link below. Be sure to register and select register with a team. Team Zilber is our name and Todd Miller is our captain.

You can view more details at: http://www4.uwm.edu/pantherprowl/  or contact sjhecht@uwm.edu.

Minor Headache?

Did you know that some headaches are caused by mild dehydration? Before you take an Aspirin (Bayer), Ibuprofen (Advil), Acetaminophen (Tylenol), or a Naproxen (Aleve) try drinking several glasses of water. If your headache disappears you've found your culprit!

Walkin the walk

This is a great time of year to go out for a walk and enjoy the vibrant colors of the season. Not sure where your local trails are hidden? Check out Trails.com! Zoom into your area to view the trail length, and a short description of the activities available there.

Photo credit  Liza Durkin

No time to prepare breakfast in the morning?

Try mixing 1/4 cup of Muesli with 1 cup of yogurt and a dash of honey. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes while you get prepared. Add fresh fruit and you have a healthful and quick breakfast. If you want something hot to warm you up, just mix a 1/2 cup of Muesli with a 1/2 cup of water or milk. Top with honey. Yum!