Would You Get A Sun Tan If You Could See What Really Happens?
Getting a sun tan makes you look good, or does it really?
Many people go off on a hot beach holiday to the Med or the Caribbean to relax – and also with the intention of coming back home afterwards looking and feeling refreshed. And for many, coming back with a deep brown tan is part of looking good. Having friends tell you ‘What a great colour you are’ is all part of it, and the result of many hours spent lying prone by a pool on a sun lounger.
Although being seen with brown limbs may make you feel fitter and slimmer and more attractive, in actual fact if you could see with a special camera the skin damage that occurs to your epidermis as a result of tanning, you might think twice before exposing your fair skin to harsh tropical rays.
Premature Ageing Anyone?
Exposure to the sun without sunscreen increases our risk of damage to our skin cells, premature wrinkles, skin cancer and age spots. In the short term you may look good with a tan, but in the longer term?
Your skin turns brown as a reaction to the sun and is a way of protecting itself – it actually shows that your epidermis (which is the top layer of your skin) has been damaged.
By tanning itself, it protects you against the sun to an extent. If you are fairskinned, your skin will become red at first and may feel rather hot to the touch, and sensitive. In fact, sunburn is a form of first degree burn, which puts it in rather a different context. If you then see blisters appearing on your skin, then your sunburn could be classed as a second degree burn and you…
Beating the Heat
Along with most other people in the Midwest, Michiganders have been forced to find creative ways to stay cool in this summer’s record-breaking heat. Bloomberg news reports that 1,067 temperature records have been tied or set due to the Midwest heat wave. For farmers, the drought has created some of the worst conditions for crops since 1988. The heat isn’t just affecting farmers, though. Thousands of Midwesterners have faced dangerous living situations due to the unusually warm weather.
Many Michiganders are taking basic steps to stay cool. However, many more have looked for more creative means to beat the heat.
Basic Tips
Air conditioning and fans will keep you cool indoors. Michigan residents are being urged to keep outdoor activities to a minimum during periods of excessive heat. Going outside doesn’t have to be off limits, though. Early morning or late evening may offer enough relief from the heat to make outdoor activities enjoyable. When you have to be outside, wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Getting Creative
You can take many different steps to get relief from the heat:
Take Advantage of Your Surroundings. Michigan is surrounded by the Great Lakes. With access to Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and Lake Erie, Michiganders may be able to cool-off by sticking to outdoor activities such as swimming and boating.
Consider Energy Efficiency: It doesn’t take much to undermine the efficiency fo your air conditioner. Close the blinds or curtains to keep the sun from warming your home’s interior and turn-off devices that can generate heat, like televisions, gaming systems and computers. Use microwaves when possible to avoid the heat of a stove or oven.
Cool Yourself: Pay attention to your body’s cues. You can cool your body temperature quickly by running cold water over your wrists or by applying cold water to your face, temples or…
A Beginner’s Guide to Exercise Bikes
How can you change the way you get fit? Whether you want to lose weight or maintain your good health, an exercise bike can help you achieve your goals. And you don’t need to visit a gym to use one.
How Exercise Bikes Fit into Fitness
Are exercise bikes adequate for a whole workout, or should I supplement with other activities?
Exercise bikes provide a complete aerobic workout. Great for cardiovascular training, exercise cycles allow for low-impact, safe and effective cardio for general fitness and weight loss, according to Marc Hukle of LiveStrong.
You will notice muscle development in your legs, with regular use of an exercise bike. If you want to build more muscle, consider supplementing your bike session with weightlifting and abdominal work. Medicine balls and bodyweight exercises are simple and affordable ways to tone arms and abs.
Choosing the Right Bike
What model is right for beginners?
Exercise bikes come in different styles, with a variety of features. Consider the primary attributes of each type when selelcting which model fits your needs:
- Upright bikes allow users to stand up during the ride as cyclists do during competitive cycling events.
- Recumbent bikes have a seat that’s much lower to the ground, offering low-impact exercise. This style is an option for all users but most appropriate for those with injuries or joint problems.
- Indoor bikes most closely resemble outdoor bikes. The user sits upright and can lean forward to use the handlebars.
Using an Exercise Bike
What is the best way to exercise on a stationary bike? Do I just hop on and ride?
The exercise bike is incredibly versatile. You can use the bike in many ways for a great workout, as mentioned by Kevin Rail of LiveStrong. If you need help getting started, consider integrating the following in your workout:
- After a simple warm up, aim for a 60- to 90-minute session…
Make Exercise Fun Again!
Make Exercise Fun Again!
We all know that exercise is good for us, but that doesn’t mean it’s something we want to do all the time. One of the best ways to encourage yourself to continue your exercise routine is to be sure to keep it fresh and fun. There are several tips everyone can use to ensure that their fitness routine doesn’t become dull and boring. Exercise shouldn’t be a chore — it should be something you want to do to keep your body fit and healthy!
Biking
When it’s nice outside grab your mountain bike and hit the road. Biking in a gym can get dull and monotonous. Keep this exercise different and exciting by taking your bike onto new trails each week. Try a nature trail, which will give you more inclines and a more interesting ride. When you are in the mood for a more leisurely bike ride, take your bike to the local park and give it a ride. When the scenery is changing and you have the wind at your face, you are much more likely to enjoy this exercise routine.
Running
Running can be one of the most tedious exercises out there. Even those that love to run know it is important to keep your runs interesting, and change things up every once in a while. Get a bit of fresh air and head outside. One day, run through your neighborhood and admire the houses. Also, keep an eye out for local 5Ks and charity races — these are a great way to get some exercise while also supporting a good cause. It’s also a fun way to meet other runners, who can keep you company in order to keep your runs interesting. Running with someone else can be great motivation. If you want to do cardio,…
Water rehabilitation
For hundreds of years, water rehabilitation has been used as a form of therapy by traditional healers. The medicinal use of water, referred to as hydrotherapy, can be used for conditions like muscle pain, injury or recovery after surgery. People who are on the mend after a strain, sprain or hospital stay can work their way back to wellness through water exercise. The buoyancy of water minimizes the impact exercise has on the body and is a safe and effective solution for a number of ailments.
Process
Water therapy is typically done in three parts: the warm up, stretching or toning and the cool down. Therapists enter the pool alongside patients and aid in assistive movements as they instruct the proper techniques. The warm up consists of a combination of various cardiovascular exercises. Depending on the type of session, warm ups may include swimming laps. Water strength exercises are ideal for targeting certain areas of the body, such as the hips, quadriceps, back, arms, shoulders or abs. Warm ups should take only a few minutes before moving onto the stretching or toning part of the session.
Benefits
Water has been proven effective as a treatment for pain. Ice packs constrict blood vessels, thus decreasing swelling and pain from everything from a sports injury to bad headache. Hot tubs are often used to facilitate relaxation, reduce pain from muscle soreness and can be used for active persons of all physical levels and ages. Water therapy speeds up the healing process and allows the injured person to maintain his/her fitness levels without having to try and put their full weight on an injured leg, foot or other part of the body. Taking the time to relax in a heated bath at home is also beneficial.
Significance
Studies…
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