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I have read and re read the different e books when I need inspiration to do my work out. By the time I am 2 paragraphs in (to Female Fat Loss Over 40), I am ready to get my work out clothes on and go for it. I really enjoy the challenging work outs and the audio book with the different timing intervals makes it easy!! I am really enjoying your program, particularly these 2 months which are especially busy for me. I can’t always make it to Boot camp but I feel so much better when I exercise. It’s great to have the option of doing a challenging workout at home. I am looking forward to taking your program on my next vacation. Thanks!!
Julie

Hey Shawna, I bought the FFLO about a month ago and have finally started using it on Tuesday. I quit waiting for Monday to start it. It's just been 3 days but I can already tell that it is working. I sleep better and want to eat better so that I'll see results. How can I mess up with menus and workouts spelled out for me? I know what I need to do and have worked with trainers over the years to know that your program will work. For me it has just been a matter of getting started. I gained 15 lbs over the winter and need to get it off. I was diagnosed 2 years ago with Type 2 diabetes so exercise is a key part of my health. I love to walk / run but I know that with the interval training I will not only see the results I want on my body but my blood sugar will be where it needs to be. The interval training is a great workout for me in the morning. Then in the evenings I can walk for stress relief and to just relax. I saw myself in your message yesterday about the woman who still tries to walk everyday for 2 hours - who has time for that? I enjoy your blogs and am glad that I found you on Facebook! To good health!
Becky M

This Month In Life
  • Is Your Home Sick?
    • Want to get your home in good health? Here are eight easy and inexpensive ways to improve the air quality in your home so you and your loved ones can live in a healthy and safe environment. Read >>
  • Put Them to Work!
    • While it can be like pulling teeth to get you child to clean their room, there are ways to motivate your kids to do those dreaded chores. Read >>
  • Whiter and Brighter
    • How do bleaching and whitening toothpastes work? Read on to find out and determine whether whiter teeth are worth the risks. Read >>
  • Kids and Stress
    • Is your child stressed out? If so, what are the possible causes, and what can you do as a parent to help your kid cope? Read >>
Need a No Nonesense Approach to Fitness?

Is Your Home Sick?

8 ways to improve the health of your home.

Your home—your castle—should be where you feel secure and safe. But what if your home is exposing you to harmful chemicals and pollutants?

Studies have shown that indoor air is often up to five times more polluted than the air outside. And that's for homes in the country as well as the city. Even worse is that research has linked overexposure to toxic chemicals with behavioral problems, cancer, asthma, and brain damage.

Want to get your home in good health? Here are eight easy and inexpensive ways to improve the air quality in your home so you and your loved ones can live in a healthy and safe environment.

Get Out the Dust Mop

The tiny dust particles that collect on furniture and floors aggravate allergies and contain hazardous chemicals like lead, pesticides, and fire retardants. If you have an option, choose hardwood, tile, or non-vinyl floors over carpet, which harbors dust and allergens. Dust your furniture often and vacuum at least once a week with a vacuum that has as HEPA filter. Clean the vacuum bag and filter every time you vacuum.

The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned. - Maya Angelou

Stop Smoking

Secondhand smoke is the greatest cause of asthma for children. The list of health problems associated with smoking is so long it is a wonder smoking is still legal. If you are at all concerned about your health, the health of your family, or the health of your home, it is time to kick the habit.

Test for Lead and Radon

Exposure to lead and radon can cause serious health problems. Lead can be found in paint used in homes built before 1978. Lead poisoning can cause brain damage in babies and children. If you live in an older home, send paint chips to be tested in a lab or have a professional run a simple test. In the event lead is in your paint, hire a professional to rid your home of the dangerous toxin.

Radon is an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas made from the soil and rock under your house. This gas can seep up through your floors and is the second greatest cause of lung cancer. Buy a radon test kit at any home store for less than $30, and you can easily find out whether or not radon is coming up from the ground under your home.

No More Pesticides

It shouldn't surprise you that if pesticides kill insects, mice, and weeds, they can also cause damage to humans—especially children. Exposure to pesticides is associated with an increased risk of asthma, learning problems, and brain damage. You'll not only save money by not using pesticides, but you'll also save your family from potential health problems.

Clean Green

The majority of cleaning supplies you use to clean your home are filled with powerful and potentially dangerous chemicals. Look for "green” cleaning products that don't contain ammonia, chlorine, petroleum, or phosphates. Vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, and borax are all safe options when it comes to keeping your home clean and healthy.

Be Aware

It is important to know that upholstered furniture, synthetic carpeting, stain resistant chemicals, and materials used to install carpet bring pollutants into your home. Choose carpets made of natural fibers like wool or cotton or make sure the carpet can be aired out before being installed, and then ventilate your home after installation.

Also be aware that plywood, fiberboard, and particleboard furniture are often made with glue that releases harmful chemicals. Look for green options or furniture made with water-based or VOC-free glues.

Ventilate

The cheapest and easiest way to improve the health of your home is to open the windows and let the fresh outdoor air in when the weather is nice. If you suffer from asthma or allergies, it would be worth the investment to get an air filter for your home. To prevent mold and mildew, run exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom and a dehumidifier in your basement.

Bring Nature Indoors

After doing what you can to limit the amount of pollutants and harmful chemicals in your home, add some houseplants to your decor. Healthy indoor plants look nice and improve oxygen levels, combat mold, and filter volatile organic chemicals including formaldehyde and ammonia out of the air.