Getting Healthy in 2012 ($50 GNC Gift Card Giveaway)

December 28, 2011 By

The new year is only days away. For most people the new year brings new hope and new adventures. It’s also a time when most people resolve to improve their lives, or the lives of others. Personally I don’t like to make resolutions because I a believe it’s only setting myself up for failure. Rather then make resolutions I set goals for myself. My usual yearly goals are to be organized, exercise, eat healthy, read more and spend more quality “couples time” with my husband (aka Date Night). These are just some of my yearly goals. I have more.

Getting healthy and staying healthy is always on top of my goal list. I want to make sure I’m around for a long time so I can enjoy my future grandchildren and maybe even great-grandchildren.

I suffer from a few health issues including Diabetes, Iron Deficiency Anemia and B-12 Deficiency Anemia. I also need to take Vitamin-D and Calcium.

Diabetes can only be controlled through diet, exercise and medication. My Anemias are also suppose to be taken care of medically but due to the cruddy healthy insurance we have we cannot afford it. I’m SUPPOSE to get yearly IV Iron Infusions (normally 8-12 weeks) and monthly (although my doctor would prefer weekly) B-12 shots. Thanks to our insurance these are not an option for me. I have to resort to taking vitamins to help supplement my needs until we can afford the medical treatments again.

Did you know that B-12 deficiencies can cause irreversible brain damage? That scares me the most. I don’t want to have Demensia or some other brain ailment because of the B-12 deficiency. That is why it’s important for me to take B-12 pills (or sublingual B-12 which absorbes better).

Thanks goodness we have a GNC down the road from where we live. I’m able to pick up B-12 and Iron pills whenever I need them.

I’m not the only person I know who recognizes their need to get healthy and stay healthy. Many of my friends and family members tell me the same thing. They want to get into a routine exercise program as well as eat healthy and get more vitamins and nutrients into their bodies. Sometimes that is not accomplished by foods alone. Sometimes we need to take supplements to make up for what our bodies are lacking.

Most people only need to take a multivitamin to make sure they meet all their daily recommended allowances of vitamins and minerals. GNC carries pretty much every brand of Vitamins & Minerals you can think of. You can check them out there, http://www.gnc.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=3593185.

Personally I want to try the GNC B-12 1000 (120 count) pills. They dissolve in your mouth (similar to a sub-lingual) which is perfect for me because I have absorption problems.

I also want to try out the GNC Gentlesorb Iron Vegetarian Capsules (90 count). Thankfully GNC has reviews on their site. From what I read about these Iron pills they work great and are gentle on your stomach. If you have ever had to take Iron pills before you know they can reap havoc on your stomach. These sound gentle enough to use every day without problems.

I’m not “self medicating”, so to speak. I genuinely have to take these supplements as per my Hematologist. Before taking any kind of a supplement I would recommend that you speak with your doctor first.

I’m going to ask my doctor if I can take the GNC Salmon Oil 1000. I hear that it’s great for your heart, memory and cholesterol. I’d like to try this and see if this helps me too. There is nothing worst then totally forgetting something. Not too long ago I stood in front of the open refrigerator door looking for something and I totally forgot what I went in there to get (carrots). That scares me! I worry about “brain issues” a lot. I don’t want them!

If dieting to lose weight is one of your goals in the new year, GNC has a lot of diet aids too. I personally don’t think they work, but I know others who swear by different diet aids. A few people I know swear by HCG for loosing weight.

If exercise is on your new year’s “to do” list GNC has you covered with many different types of sports nutrition products. Personally I’m going to try and get back into walking. It’s simple, non-impact and free to do.

For more information about GNC products, or to find a store near you, visit www.GNC.com.

GNC has generously offered to give a lucky reader a $50.00 GNC gift card. Thank you GNC!

To enter please comment on what product you would like to purchase from GNC if you are the winner. Please be as specific as possible if you can.

For extra entries you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each that you have done. Extra entries are optional.

- Subscribe to She Scribes via E-mail or RSS. Both options are found on the right side bar.

- “Like” GNC on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/GNCLiveWell.

- “Like” She Scribes on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/SheScribes.

- Follow GNC on Twitter, www.Twitter.com/GNCLiveWell’

- Follow GNC’s Marketing Director on Twitter, www.Twitter.com/JeffHennion.

- Follow She Scribes on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/She_Scribes) and tweet about this giveaway. Be sure to include @She_Scribes in the tweet so I may see it too. This is limited to three tweets per day.

- Blog about this giveaway and include a link back to this post. Please provide the URL of the post.

- Share this giveaway with others (Facebook, Digg, Technorati…). Be sure to tell me what you did and provide a name and/or URL so I can verify.

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents and will end on January 11, 2012 at 11:59 PM (EST). The winner will be chosen at random using  a random number generator from all eligible entries. The winner will be notified via e-mail and will have three days to reply with a name and mailing address (no PO Box) or a new winner will be chosen.

Other awesome giveaways are found on the right side bar under “Win It”.

Kimberly

*I will be receiving a GNC gift card as compensation for this post. There was no financial compensation. The opinions expressed are my own. GNC will be providing the gift card.

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Get in shape in 2012 with the Fitbit XBOX 360 Kinect bundle

December 28, 2011 By

 

Now that we’re stuffed ourselves with turkey, ham, tons of holiday cookies, cocktails and other tasty goodies, it’s time to get back on track and think about our health again. The start of a new year usually turns to thoughts of health and nutrition. I bet if you surveyed 1,000 people more then half would be planning on starting an exercise routine and eating healthy in the new year.

If you are someone who is planning on getting healthy in 2012 you might be interested in this information.

On December 27, 2011, Sam’s Club Game Hub is launching a new holiday bundle with XBOX 360 Kinect to help shoppers and their families actually keep their New Year’s fitness resolutions. The Fitbit XBOX 360 Kinect bundle, includes an XBOX 360 Kinect, a FitBit Activity Tracker and ”Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2012“, the sequel to the #1 fitness game on Kinect. 

The FitBit Trackeris like a super advanced pedometer that tracks your real-time activity stats, including: steps, distance, floors climbed, and calories burned. People using the FitBit claim that because they are aware of their daily movements, they walk 43% farther and lose an average of 13 pounds. 

The Fitbit Ultra uses a MEMS 3-axis accelerometer that measures your motion patterns to tell you your calories burned, steps taken, distance traveled, and sleep quality. A built-in MEMS altimeter measures your vertical climb up stairs and hills.

The FitBit also gives users valuable information on sleep patterns, helping you figure out better habits. Sleep is an important factor when it comes to weight loss. Studies have found that people who get an adequate amount of sleep each night tend to lose more weight and keep it off compared to those who don’t. I sleep an average of 4-5 hours a night, which could explain why I have a hard time loosing weight and keeping it off.

The “Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2012” fitness game is a social and fun workout experience, totally customizable. Your Shape includes over 90 hours of activities to suit you and your family’s taste and fitness goals. It also has a feedback system that guides you on how to improve your technique and results. 

Your Shape will take players into a stimulating world showcasing an array of captivating visual effects and an environment that will transform as their workouts evolve in the game. The improved player projection will allow players to see themselves in the Your Shape universe and keep a close eye on their workouts.

With Your Shape you can choose how you want to play. Do you want a personal trainer to help meet your set fitness goals? Or do you want to focus on a specific muscle group? You can also build a program around the time you have to work out.

These technologies are meant to help people stay on top of their 2012 fitness goals from home, easily allowing all family members and friends to be involved. The Fitbit is like a friendly personal trainer that goes where you go!

If you would like to learn more about this bundle please visit www.SamsClub.com/GameHub. There you can also watch a video that explains more about the bundle.

It does sound like an interesting fitness package. Most people can’t afford a gym and often walking or using exercise DVDs can be boring, especially if you do them every day. This special fitness bundle seems like it would be a nice change of pace from a regular routine, and dare I say it sounds fun too.

Kimberly

*I was compensated for this post however any opinion expressed is my own and not influenced in any way.

 

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Sprite Spark Parks Project – Win a Playground Prize Package (Giveaway)

August 9, 2011 By

When we first moved into our condo complex my husband and I didn’t really take a good look at what they offered us. We were young and excited to have our own home. In hindsight we should have given our condo complex more consideration. They offer NOTHING as far as places for children to play and hang out. We don’t so much as have a swing set or a field where kids can run around, play catch or chase butterflies. We do have a pool but that is not open year round.

Kids need a place to play, have fun and be active. Playgrounds and parks offer children a venue to enjoy being a kid while squeezing in some valuable exercise. Not every community has a playground or park and some that do seriously need to be upgraded. We have to take our kids to near by parks and playgrounds and some of them are in really sad shape. A couple of them haven’t been maintained or upgraded at all. Their equipment is old, splintered, rusted and basically falling apart. How is a child suppose to have fun when they are concerned about their safety on something as simple as a “jungle gym” or teeter totter?

There is something that YOU can do to help out your neighborhood and community parks and playgrounds.

This year, Sprite will invest $2 million to construct, refurbish and creatively refresh more than 150 neighborhood parks , athletic fields, school playgrounds and basketball courts. Ultimately their goal is to give young people a chance to be physically active, inspire their imagination and create clean, safe and creative places to play for years to come. 

 

Members of the My Coke Rewards program can enter for a chance to have their local school playground or athletic field refurbished. To submit your school simply head on over to the My Coke Rewards for Schools Program and enter the point codes found on all Sprite and Sprite Zero products. 

If you are not yet a My Coke Rewards member, simply log on to www.MyCokeRewards.com and follow the prompts for new member registration. Registration is FREE! And you can use the points you accumulate to redeem for great prizes.

If you already enjoy Sprite and Sprite Zero it won’t cost you a think to help out your neighborhood and community. All it will cost you is a little of your time entering in the codes.

To get you excited about Sprite Spark Parks Project I have a special “Playground Prize Pack” to offer one lucky winner, courtesy of Sprite. The prize pack is valued at approximately $100 and consists of:

- Sprite Spark Parks Pen

- Sprite Spark Parks Backpack

- Sprite Coupon

- Medibuddy First Aid Kit

- Hand Sanitizer Wipes

- Green Jump Rope

- Sizzlin’ Cool Sling Racket or Baseball Glove set

- Crayola 3-D Chalk Set

- Everything Kids Travel Activity Book

- Tootle Turtle Bubble Set

- $25 AMEX Gift Card

This prize package would be PERFECT for taking with you and your family when you head out to your local park or playground. It has all the essentials, plus you can use the gift card and take the family out for ice cream after a fun day at the park.

Thanks Sprite!

To enter please comment on your family’s (or child’s) favorite thing to do at your local park or playground.

For extra entries you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each that you have done. Extra entries are optional.

- Subscribe to She Scribes and/or Connect with Google Friend Connect. Both options are found on the right side bar.

- “Like” She Scribes on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/SheScribes.

- “Like” Sprite on Facebook, www.Facebook.com/Sprite. 

- Follow Sprite on Twitter, www.Twitter.com/Sprite.

- Follow She Scribes on Twitter, www.Twitter.com/She_Scribes and tweet about this iveawa and/or the Sprite Spark Parks Project. Please include @She_Scribes in the tweet so I can see it too. This is limited to three tweets per day.

- Share this review/giveaway with others on Facebook, Digg, Technorati and so forth. Be sure to tell me what you did and please provide a name and/or URL so I can verify.

- Leave a thoughtful comment on a non-giveaway post on She Scribes and tell me which post you commented on. There is a limit of one comment per post, but you can comment on as many posts as you want for an unlimited extra entry option.

- Post about this giveaway and/or the Sprite Spark Parks Project on your site and please link back to this post. Please provide the URL.

This giveaway is open to US residents only and will end on August 20, 2011 at 11:59 PM (EST). The winner will be chosen at random using a random number generator from all eligible entries. The winner will be notified via e-mail and will have three days to reply with a name and mailing address (no PO Box). Failure to do so will result in a new winner will be chosen in their place.

Other fun giveaways can be found on the right side bar under “Win It”.

Kimberly

*I will be receiving free product samples and gift card for this post. There was no other compensation. The opinions expressed are my own. Sprite will be providing the prize.

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Are You Ready for Summer?

June 6, 2011 By

Even though it’s not officially summer people are already out and about on the weekends, swimming in backyard pools and heading for the beach. Another words, people are doing summer time things already.

One thing I really dislike about the summer is the heat, humidity, the constant whining from the kids “I’m bored. What can I do?” and having to wear shorts and a bathing suit. My body is NOT ready for the summer, yet.

I have only lost 10 pounds in the past two months. I know I could lose a lot more if I was able to exercise more. I am currently doing an exercise routine (I’ll be reviewing it later) but I know I need to add different exercises to my routine too. Once the thermometer hits 90 degrees the idea of going outside to get some much needed exercise makes me cringe. When it’s THAT hot outside I rather close the curtains and crank the AC. Ha Ha.

The good thing about summer is that I like to stay out of the kitchen as much as possible since the air conditioner doesn’t keep it cool and we don’t have a window in our kitchen. I rather eat salads, fruits and sandwiches.

I still need to keep track of how many calories I am eating. If you eat too much you won’t lose weight and you can risk gaining weight. If you eat too few calories then your body goes into starvation mode which causes your body to hold on to the fat which is NOT a good thing either. Therefore I find it very important to have a calorie calculator so that you can keep track of how many calories you are consuming. That way you know if you are eating too much or too little each day. To be honest I think I don’t eat enough during the day. You would think at my weight I would eat thousands of calories every day. People might assume that I down ice cream, cookies and cake all day long. That is not the case at all. I honestly don’t eat a lot of things like that. With my Diabetes I CAN’T eat bad stuff like that. Once in a blue moon I’ll splurge on something, but nothing major.

Recently I told my cousin what size clothes I wear. She was shocked. She said I don’t look like I would wear that size clothing. I take that as a compliment, but sadly, it’s true. I carry a lot of weight in my belly, thighs and butt. I really need to find exercises for belly fat and do more walking to take care of my thighs and butt. Walking is one of the best exercises around and it’s free. You can also do it anywhere. My husband walks around the college campus he works at on his lunch break for around 20 minutes a day. He does a brisk walk so he breaks out in a sweat.

Did you know that in order for exercise to be effective you need to really build up your heart rate and break a sweat? It’s not enough to start huffing and puffing, like I do just trying to walk up all the stairs where we live. You really need to get your ticker racing in order for it to be considered a cardio workout.

Ideally you should do cardio exercises and muscle/firming exercises. I don’t know if there are many exercises that do both, but I’m sure there are.

Currently I am using an exercise DVD program. I also have a trampoline (small indoor one). I would love to get one of those all-in-one pieces of fitness equipment, an elliptical and/or a treadmill. Have you seen those Pilate’s chairs? Those look really interesting too.

I would really love to lose 50 pounds by the end of 2011. That is my goal. So far I’ve lost 10 so I’d like to think it’s possible to lose another 40 pounds in the next six months. Next year I’ll make new goals for myself.

What are your #1 fitness tips? Is there anything you do, or anything you eat or drink, that you swear by to help you lose weight or stay in shape? Is there one piece of equipment that you feel is a “must have” aside from a great pair of sneakers (which I need to get). Do you have any fitness goals? I would love to hear about them.

Kimberly

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Does “Slow and Steady” Really Win the Race?

May 20, 2011 By

I have been “officially” Diabetic for almost two months. I’m grateful that my condition was caught early enough before it grew into a much bigger, less manageable problem. When I was diagnosed my blood sugar level averaged around the mid-200′s (it should be no more then 110, at least that is what my doctor told me). I know other Diabetics who have levels in the 300′s, 400′s and even 500+.

These days my blood sugar levels are at a much better level. They are still “high” but not as bad as they were. I bounce around between the 130′s – 140′s. My goal is not to go over 110 and stay between 90 – 110 before and after I eat. I know it’s not going to be easy.

I am on medication. Actually I’m on my second medication. The first one upset my tummy. The new one doesn’t bother me and I think it helps my numbers a bit better too.

I’m about 100 pounds overweight for my height. I know if I lose the weight my blood sugar levels will get down to a healthy level, and most likely stay that way, without the need for medication. At least for a while (I’m sure as I get older I might continue to have issues with the numbers).

I am the first person to admit that I don’t “do” diets. In fact I don’t even use the word “diet”. I have done them all and so far have never had any long term success. Either I go off track and go on a massive eating binge and give up or I get stuck on a plateau, get frustrated and give up. That is the story of my life. Sigh…

Being Diabetic I have to watch what I eat and drink. Needless to say I can’t drink a glass of soda and down a box of cookies. No one should do those things anyway, but there were days I did stuff like that.

Watching what I eat now is a matter of life and death, not just loosing weight. Being Diabetic opens the door to worst health issues. I don’t want that to happen so I have made changes to what I eat and drink and avoid the really bad stuff like it was the plague.

Technically I need to lose weight AND control my blood sugar levels. Its seems like a very overwhelming task but oddly enough, it’s not. I do watch what I eat and drink but I haven’t really deprived myself of anything.

I have focused my attention on making wiser, healthier choices and being mindful of portion sizes. I have done things like swapped white bread for whole grain bread and whole wheat pasta for regular pasta. I thought I would hate eating things made with whole grains but I really don’t mind it.

I LOVE pasta and rice. I could eat BOWLS of pasta or rice smothered in butter. Now I don’t really care much for rice. I still make it for my family, just not as much. Their serving sizes are much smaller too. I do put a spoonful or two of rice on my plate but I don’t eat it. I guess just seeing it on my plate gives me the sense that I had some. If I feel like having some I’ll only take a spoonful.

Just making conscious choices in what I put in my body and being mindful of the serving size and the ingredients it a lot easier then you think. Trust me, if I can do it any one can.

I wish I could lose weight quickly. In fact I have my 25th High School Reunion in July. When I graduated High School I was around 150 pounds (back then that was considered chubby!). Now I’m well over 100+ heavier. I am NOT looking forward to letting people see me at this size. I’m considering not going. If I could lose 50+ pounds by July I would consider it but realistically I can’t do that.

I want to lose weight NOW! I couldn’t imagine having to wait six months, a year or longer. I got to the point where I would get so frustrated at the scale not moving by leaps and bounds that I would kick it across the bathroom.

Just by being mindful I have lost around 10 pounds in the past two months. That is NOT a lot by any means, but keep in mind I haven’t been exercising like a crazy person. I have also enjoyed the things I like such as pasta, ravioli and even ice cream cake. I just make sure to LIMIT those things and when I do indulge I make sure to have small amounts.

AH HA! A light bulb moment. You DON’T have to go on a diet or work out six hours a day. You can if you want but you can also get success just by making small, manageable changes. Swap out regular pasta for whole wheat pasta. Don’t put butter on your veggies. Opt for a sugar free Popsicle or pudding instead of a big bowl of ice cream, have one cookie instead of three cookies, park your car far away so you have to walk a little further. These are all common sense things that people tell you all the time but no one really wants to listen. LISTEN TO ME NOW… small changes can make a big difference and you DON’T have to give up the things you love.

Ok, so I only lost 5 pounds a month (on average). That is a very small and slow weight loss. BUT… if I keep up that rate I will have lost 60 pounds in one year WITHOUT giving up everything that I love and WITHOUT doing a lot of strenuous exercise.

Eventually I’ll exercise more, and I know there will be times when I can’t lose 5 pounds a month. That is OK with me. I rather lose a pound then gain a pound. Especially now that it’s a matter of life or death.

My mom always told me “slow and steady wins the race” (think Tortoise vs. the Hare). Mom was right. It might take me a year or more but I know eventually I am going to win this race. The race we call “life”.

What do YOU think? Is it better to take a year or more to lose weight an

Kimberly

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I need of a major life overhaul

April 2, 2011 By

 

Thursday evening my husband and I went to my later mother in law’s Cardiologist, just so my husband could have some tests done to make sure his “ticker” is OK. My late mother in law had heart disease and my father in law, whom I never met, died at age 47 from a heart attack. His brother died from a heart attack on the morning of his 55th birthday.

Since heart disease runs in my husband’s family I felt strongly about him getting some base line tests done just to make sure he doesn’t have heart disease too.

My husband has to go for a cat scan that checks the calcium levels in his blood (something like that, I’m not sure of the medical terminology) as well as have some blood tests done and a stress test.

My husband is also at risk for Cancer. His mom had breast cancer, as did his sister. His brother (who died from a heart attack) had Kidney Cancer.

My husband and I would both feel better if we knew the status of his health and if he’s at risk for anything.

My husband’s Cardiologist suggested that my husband follow a Mediterranean type diet (fish, oil olive, fruits, veggies, red wine, limiting red meat…). He also suggested Omega-3 (fish oil) because it’s heart healthy too.

Since my husband doesn’t really exercise it was recommended that he do at least 45 minutes of exercise (like a brisk walk) five time a week.

Fast forward to today (Friday). I went to see an Endocrinologist for Diabetes, Hypothyroidism and Vitamin D deficiency. Oddly enough the doctor wasn’t overly concerned about my Thyroid or the Hypothyroidism. He did tell me what I have to take a whopping 3,000 mg of Vitamin D every day. Wow! That is A LOT!

I left today with a Glucometer to test my blood sugar levels three times per day. I also have to take these rather large pills every day. Twice in the AM and twice in the evening before dinner. They are huge! If anyone knows anything about Diabetic medications I’m taking Metformin HCL 500 mg (which comes out to 2,000 mg per day).

WOW! Who knew test strips were so expensive. My co-pay for a month’s worth of test strips was $45! No telling what the full price was. A month supply of the medication with my insurance came to $7 and change.

I have to go and see a Diabetic Nutritionist at the local hospital. Oddly enough the doctor I saw today NEVER mentioned my weight or having to lose weight. I know I do. And I am positive if I lost the weight the Diabetes wouldn’t be a problem anymore. Or at least for now.

I really need to take a good, long look at what my family eats. I wouldn’t think that we ate THAT bad, but I know there are plenty of areas where we can make improvements, such as eating more fresh fruits and veggies, grilling and steaming foods rather then boil or bake them. I also want to try and get more fish into my diet. My family won’t eat fish. Hubby will only eat Tuna and the kids will only eat fish sticks.

I have a Diabetic cookbook. I need to look through it and get some ideas. I also want to pick up a Mediterranean cookbook to get more ideas.

I NEED to exercise. That is a huge problem for me because I hate to do it. Walking is all I can do right now. We can’t afford a gym membership.

I know there are plenty of exercise equipment you can use at at home that work well. Does anyone have any suggestions?  I would LOVE to get a tread mill but they are so much money and we can’t afford one.

I see all this “as seen on TV” type of exerciseequipment. Has anyone had any experience with any of those things? If so I would love to hear about it.

I’m open to suggestions, tips and tricks. If anyone deals with Diabetes I would love it if you could share some tips with me. If you follow a Mediterranean diet I would love to hear from you too. I am also open to suggestions on how to get more exercise into my day without  going to a gym.

Looks like we’re going to have to do a major overhaul on our lifestyle and how we eat and exercise. My husband and I are only in our early 40′s. I’d like to have another 40+ years together if possible.

Kimberly

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