July 2010

Maybe it is the Florida girl in me or maybe it is the fact that you can pick up a cute pair inexpensively but I love flip-flops. I wear them almost everyday in the summer. That is why I was so disappointed to learn that foot experts consider flip-flops to be a health hazard. A 2008 study conducted by Auburn University concluded that wearing flip-flops for prolonged periods of time could result in ankle, foot, leg, hip and back pain. Flip-flops have also been blamed for sprained ankles, overpronation, tendinitis, stress fractures and flat feet causing the American School of Sports Medicine to declare flip-flops “more harmful than high heels.” If that isn’t enough of a bummer consider that due to their open, loose fitting construction flip-flops are also a driving hazard. In May, a 17-year old driver in Pennsylvania struck and killed a bicyclist while trying to free his flip-flop that had fallen off his foot and lodged itself under the gas pedal. But lovers of this popular fashion item should not despair – it is okay to wear flips-flops for short periods of time, at the beach, poolside or in public showers where they protect feet from hot surfaces, athlete's foot and other fungus.

I am just about ready to abandon my Blackberry for the new iPhone 4. With all the fun applications you can download, the iPhone 4 seems more like a toy then a communication device. It can also be a handy “Good Health” tool. With apps like iPhodometer, SparkPeople, DailyBurn, and ZenTimer you can use an iPhone to create a diet plan, track calorie intake, monitor your fitness level and meditate. There is even an app called iPeriod to help you keep track of your menstrual cycle. But the craziest application I have seen so far has to be the Bedometer. Bedometer measures the time and intensity of “bedroom athletics” and then allows you to post that information on Facebook. My first thought was – OMG . . . really? I would be very surprised to hear any of my female friends say, “Yikes I can’t believe I just ate that super-size brownie, better work it off with my iPhone.” But my Good Health mission is to increase awareness so if Bedometer sounds like something that would be a nice addition to your health/fitness routine you should download Bedometer today.

Make the time to be good to you and enjoy a Berry-Good Smoothie. At only 161 calories it is a healthy and tasty treat. Just combine these ingredients in a blender and process until smooth -- 1 cup berries (raspberries, strawberries and/or blueberries), ¼ cup pomegranate juice, ¼ cup water, half of a banana and 1 cup ice.

Good Health!

Terry

“I don’t have time for bad decisions.” ~Kirstie Alley