I can never remember a time in my life where my weight wasnt an issue, says Dalton Blanchard, a 29-year-old IT manager from Houma, Louisiana. As a sedentary kid, he didnt try out for sports he feared he was too out of shape to play; growing up, diets made his weight yo-yo, but he never kept it off. Things got worse in college, as the stress of school led him to binge eat, sometimes hitting 6,000 calories a day. I didnt have exercise or other healthy outlets to relieve stress, so stress eating was a big part of my life and I oftentimes would eat just to feel okay, he says.

By his second year of grad school, he was 330 pounds. I felt like absolute garbage, he says. He dressed in baggy clothes to hide his body. I didnt look at mirrors, I didnt worry about clothes, and there was absolutely no respect for myself.

Online dating turned him aroundspecifically, his now-wife, Francesca. She brought out a lot of things inside of me that I didnt know were parts of my personality, he says, and I found out that I did like being social and that I did like meeting new people. Blanchard admits feeling ashamed as she introduced him to new people. I felt like she deserved more than who I was, he says, and thats really what sparked my change.

He started small. One day after a stressful day at work, he went to the gym and tried jogging. Hed tried for years to get into a workout routine, but it always felt like a chore. This time, though, he loved it. He soon developed a cardio routine, 45 minutes of jogging every weekday. I remember one gym session where I jogged three miles without stopping and I felt like I was on the top of the world, he says.

Cardio quickly helped him slim down, but he also worked to get his diet under control. He used the MyFitnessPal app to count his calories, eating no more than 1500 a day. Lean Cuisine prepackaged meals and salads helped him establish a routine. He aimed to burn 1000 active calories a day, while allowing himself the flexibility of weekend cheat meals to keep from going crazy.

With two years of primarily cardio work, Blanchard went from 330 pounds down to 168, hitting that mark on his wedding day. Since then hes worked to build muscle, and hes now at 180 pounds. Physically, I feel incredible, he says. I dont have as many back pains, leg pains, and moving around is just so much easier. Hes more confident and likes buying clothes again. Hes able to look in the mirror with pride.

Consistency, he says, was the key. He established his weekday routine and stuck to it, using weekends to blow off any stress he felt about it. MyFitnessPal and Apple Watch let him quantify his progress and focus on simply running a calorie deficitburning more than he took in. And he found he really loved running. Find an activity that drives you, he says, and then the rest will become easy.

Read the rest here:
A Simple Cardio Routine Helped This Guy Drop 150 Pounds in 2 Years - menshealth.com

Weight loss: Here is how one minute of plank can be all you need for a toned body   |  Photo Credit: Getty Images

New Delhi: The New Year 2020 has begun, and many people might have made a New Year's Resolution to get fit and healthy, this year. If you are one of those people and are looking to lose weight quickly this month, you must ensure that you include an exercise routine in your lifestyle. For people who are the right weight, but want a more toned, proportionate body, including certain exercises in your routine can help.

One such exercise is the planks. Though every one who knows about the exercise dreads it, you will always find fitness enthusiasts vouching for the benefits of the exercise. If you are looking forward to getting a toned body, you must include a minute of the plank exercise in your exercise routine.

Getting in the plank exercise is pretty basic and simple. Lie down on your stomach, and face up. Place the part of your arms from the elbows to the palm on the floor, making support. Move the weight of the body on your arms, and your toes, and extend your body upwards from the belly. Imagine a straight plank, and try to imitate the posture with your body. Your body should not be swinging from the belly. Make sure you use your core muscles to hold the pose. While holding the pose, look straight, and breathe normally. Hold the position for one minute.

Initially, holding for one minute will be difficult. So aim for 45 seconds, and hold for as long as you can, and not less than 30 seconds. With time and practice, you will be able to hold the plank for a minute.

The plank exercise is a full-body exercise, even when it engages the core muscles as primary. It tones all parts of your body, from your shoulders, arms, and core, to your glutes and hamstrings. Since all the muscles are put into action when doing the plank exercise, it can help make them stronger and more toned, giving your body a really nice, chiselled, and fit look. The plank exercise can also help you get abs if you are aiming for them.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

The rest is here:
Weight loss: Here is how one minute of plank can be all you need for a toned body - Times Now

Rebel Wilson has been flaunting her incredible weight loss as she vowed to have a healthy 2020.

The actress, 39, took to Instagram to post a picture of herself on the beach as she showed off her slimmed down figure.

In the snap she looked visibly slimmer as she posed in a sports jacket, gym leggings and a pair of sunglasses.

In the caption she declared that this year would be her "year of health" as she swore to cut down on junk food and sugar in favour of a healthy lifestyle.

Rebel wrote: "Okay so for me 2020 is going to be called 'The Year of Health' so I put on the athleisure and went out for a walk.

"Deliberately hydrating on the couch right now and trying to avoid the sugar and junk food which is going to be hard after the holidays I've just had but I'm going to do it!

"Who's with me in making some positive changes this year?"

Her fans quickly flooded the snap with compliments.

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One commented: "I'm so proud of you!! You look fantastic already with your weight loss."

"You look amazing!! 2020 bring on health, I'm with you!!" another posted.

A third wrote: "You look great, you looked absolutely beautiful beforehand and still now."

"You look great Rebel!" another agreed.

Rebel went on a health kick last year when she enlisted the help of celebrity personal trainer Gunnar Peterson.

She now works out four times a week.

Gunnar told US Weekly : "When she's in town, shes a solid four days a week . She is such a cool person to work with."

See more here:
Rebel Wilson shows off incredible weight loss as she vows to make 2020 her 'year of health' - Irish Mirror

The average British adult will try 126 fad diets over the course of their lifetime - and typically abandon them after just six days.

A study of 2,000 adults found each person will embark on at least two trendy diets a year in a bid to quickly shed weight.

The most common 'quick fix' methods are the Atkins Diet, the 5:2 and the Cabbage Soup Diet, while the Keto, South Beach and Juice diets are also popular.

Unsurprisingly, the typical fad diet is abandoned after an average of just six days.

But, when wanting to lose weight, 52 per cent of those polled admitted they were really confused about which diets were sustainable and which were not.

One fifth don't know where to go to get reliable and truthful information, and more than half are baffled about which foods can and can't be cut out.

Almost one third of adults even believe consumption of fruits such as berries, apples and bananas should be limited.

Nick Marston, chairman of Love Fresh Berries, which commissioned the study, said: "January tends to be the month when people embark on fad diets as a quick fix.

"However, we know that it isn't a sustainable or even healthy approach.

"Instead, nutritionists advise that we follow evidence-based nutritional advice and look for a well-balanced diet that does not cut out any food groups.

"Incorporating lots of fruit and vegetables is important, including berries as they have many important nutritional benefits."

The study also revealed that when deciding to 'emergency diet', almost half of those polled would turn to Google as their first port of call for information, while 10 per cent would find out what their favourite celebrity does to look good.

Social media and self-help books are referred to by 15 per cent of people, but only 27 per cent say they'd consider consulting a GP.

Key motivations for Brits to take up a crash diet include having a big event on the horizon (18 per cent), preparing for a holiday (21 per cent) and wanting to feel happier with appearance (24 per cent).

But some of the methods of dieting proved even more extreme than others, with 16 admitting they would consider drinking up to 12 glasses of lemon juice a day to lose weight quickly.

And one in twenty would even be happy to intentionally ingest a tapeworm to burn 'extra' calories.

Other drastic - and unhealthy - methods respondents would consider trying include eating ice every day, drinking olive oil between meals and tucking into jars of baby food.

The apparent confusion about what works and what doesn't means many Brits are opting to cut out essential food groups, believing this will encourage faster weight loss.

And with the majority of adults admitting they experience more than five food cravings a day when trying to crash diet, the research indicates the elimination of certain foods is not sustainable for any period of time.

Loving food topped the poll of reasons why dieters found these plans impossible to stick to while a quarter said food and drink were integral to their social life.

Among the chief diet breakers are chocolate, bread and pasta, but for one in 10 fruit juice and bananas prove hard to resist.

Some Brits have even had to abandon a diet after it clearly affected their health, with fatigue (21 per cent), weakness (29 per cent) and headaches (26 per cent) putting an end to quick weight loss plans.

The study, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed just under half are confused about whether fruit should be limited when dieting, due to fears the food is too high in sugar (45 per cent) and carbohydrates (13 per cent).

More than one in 10 are convinced fruits are too calorific, while another tenth believe they contain worrying levels of fat.

Dr Emma Derbyshire, a nutritionist speaking on behalf of Love Fresh Berries said: "It seems there are still ongoing confusions about how much and what form fruits should be eaten.

"Concerns about sugars and carbohydrates are largely unfounded.

"The benefits that fruits bring in terms of micro and phytonutrients far outweigh any potential sugar concerns.

"Sugars naturally occurring in fruits are intrinsic and not 'added' sugars, also known as free sugars.

"Fruits such as berries are naturally sweet so there is no need to add extra refined sugar to these.

"In terms of calories and fats in fruit, this is rather concerning.

"When put into a larger context fruits contain far fewer calories, sugars and fat than refined snacks such as crisps, biscuits and cakes.

"Such confusions are worrying and clearly further myth busting is needed to help correct these misconceptions."

1. Atkins diet 2. The 5:2 3. Cabbage soup diet 4. Keto diet 5. Juice cleanse 6. Salad diet 7. Juice diet 8. Grapefruit juice diet 9. Paleo diet 10. 3-Day diet 11. Raw food diet 12. Alkaline diet 13. South Beach diet 14. Negative calorie diet 15. 3 hour diet 16. Macrobiotic diet 17. Zone diet 18. Brazilian diet 19. Tapeworm diet 20. Pioppi diet

More here:
Brits will try 126 fad diets in their lives in a bid to quickly shed weight - Daily Star

It's the same every year - Christmas comes and delicious food is everywhere.

If you've had enough of Fat Santa's, Christmas cake and Quality Street and are thinking about starting a healthy eating regime, or you just want to shed a few of the festive-pounds you put on, then look no further.

This list is filled with 28 individuals that are sure to give you some inspiration.

From wanting to lose weight for a sky-dive, to just wanting to be able to walk without getting out of breath, these fabulous slimmers have made weight loss look easy.

Scroll through the list of amazing transformations below.

If you have a weight loss story to share, get in touch via email at katie.timms@reachplc.com.

Tamsin Cole joined slimming world with her family in March 2018.

Tamsin has autism and when she first joined Slimming World she would sit on the floor in the back of the room with her family and wouldnt speak to anyone.

Her consultant, Mandy Cole, said: "Tamsin had such low self esteem that she wouldnt make eye contact and this went on for several months. As the months passed and Tamsin began losing weight it was a joy to watch her slowly, week-on-week raising her head and eventually finding the confidence to speak in group.

"Tamsin was nominated for Miss Slinky and I can remember worrying about her feeling worried about taking part but I neednt have been worried.

"Tamsin was happy to participate and proudly marched to the front of the room to accept her award."

She then went on to be nominated for Woman Of The Year 2019 and was successful in becoming a regional finalist.

Mandy added: "The transformation in Tamsins both physically and mentally is unrecognisable. Tamsin now sits proud in group every week and she has so much to say and share.

"Tamsin has lost a sensational 5st 7lbs and she truly is a different person. She is now passionate about sending the message to anyone suffering with learning difficulties or any form of autism that the Slimming World plan can help them to lose weight with plenty of support and resources to support additional needs."

A Plymouth woman says that Slimming World has changed her life and helped her deal with the death of her young child.

In 2013, Rebecca Hele had lost her confidence, was unhappy with her weight and was trying for a baby without success.

But 11 months after that, things couldnt have been any more different for the then 30-year-old.

Bex joined Slimming World to support her mother, but soon found that weight was dropping off her. She was still eating plenty of her favourite foods but a more balanced diet and some understanding about food saw a body transformation she wasnt expecting.

In just 11 months Bex lost three-and-a-half stone and in the same week that she discovered that she had reached her target weight, Bex found out that she was pregnant with her first child.

Sadly her second child, Jack, was born with a rare heart condition and passed away at just nine days old.

Bex continued to attend meetings where she found great comfort and support and is now helping and supporting others as she has trained as a consultant.

Read her full story here.

A young woman from Plymouth looks almost unrecognisable after losing a whopping SEVEN stone.

Lauren Fidler joined Slimming World in April 2017 after joining Peverell group and has now been nominated for the Young Slimmer of the year 2019 award.

The 21-year-old has revealed that the reason she thinks she has dropped from 17st 11.5lbs to 11st 1lbs is due to 'free food' allowing her to feel full.

Lauren joined the weight-loss group as she hated how she looked and felt "isolated" because of her weight, which also meant that she suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [CFS].

Her CFS "is currently in remission" thanks to her new healthy weight and life-style.

Lauren joined Slimming World and lost almost a stone in her first month and she was still able to eat some of her favourite foods and never felt hungry.

She thanks the staff and members at her group for changing her life and earlier this year she was able to graduate feeling confident and content.

Lauren went from a size 20 to a size eight and has since been horse riding and ran the Plymouth 10k, something she could only have dreamt of beforehand.

Lauren is now hoping to help others in the same way she was helped and opened her own Slimming World group in Mount Gould on November 11.

The group is held at Mount Gould Methodist Church every Monday at 5.30pm.

Read the full story here.

A Plymouth woman has defied the odds and gone from being bed-bound and unable to speak to losing three dress sizes and running her own weightloss class.

Sophie Rice has overcome incredible obstacles to transform her body and mind with the help of Slimming World and has shared the secrets to her success with Plymouth Live.

But it certainly wasn't easy as after having suffered a massive seizure on September 9, 2017, Sophie was left unable to move or to speak.

She was taken to Derriford hospital, where the seizures continued, but no cause could be found. Sophie could no longer speak normally and needed 24-hour care.

Fortunately Sophies mother and brother stepped in to care for Sophie and her daughter, so she was allowed home from hospital.

The future seemed bleak with Sophie having seizures every day, housebound and confined to a wheelchair, not knowing whether she would ever recover.

Things took a turn for the better however, when in February 2018, an operation to relieve pressure in Sophies spine was a success. Sophie was delighted that her rehabilitation could start and she would be able to walk again.

Sophies happiness was marred however because during the time that Sophie had been housebound, she had gained weight and now hated the way she looked and had lost all of her confidence.

Over the next few months, with the help of the neuro-rehabilitation team, Sophie introduced body magic through walking as a way to build strength but also to have an overall healthier way of life.

With the help of speech therapy, Sophies speech improved, so she became able to join in conversations in the group.

After only 22 weeks of joining Slimming World, Sophie had reached her weight loss target of three stone and to top it off, was crowned the groups Woman of the Year 2018.

She said: "I went from a size 18 to a size 12 and felt amazing in a bikini again. Slimming World has changed my life - I'm now able to cook again, family meals such as chicken and leek risotto and pitta pizza are still on the menu.

For Sophie's full story, click here.

As she stepped on the scales for the first-time in a long-time, 24-stone and four pounds flashed up at her.

Seeing the number on the scales was an "awful feeling" for Louise Ings, but she was determined to shed the weight for her health and a better family life.

The 48-year-old credits her weight loss to WW (formally known as Weight Watchers), which has helped her lose a whopping 12 stone in just 18-months.

Louise has gone from a size 30 to a slinky size 14 and has never felt better.

A mum who hated having her photograph taken is now feeling more confident than ever after losing an incredible four stone.

Pareasa Kingwell started her weight loss journey just under a year ago and has already seen a drastic improvement.

The mother-of-three first walked into Lorraine Wotton's WW [formerly Weight Watchers] class at the Unitarian Church in Notte Street, weighing 17 stone 12 pounds, after disliking how she looked in her holiday snaps.

Now, just 11 months later, Pareasa weighs 13 stone 11 pounds, and is more determined than ever to hit her targets.

The 38-year-old said: "I still have a long way to go, but doing WW has been the best thing, not just for me but my family too.

"It's so easy to follow and my children eat all the same food, so no need to cook separate meals for everyone."

Pareasa said that at the time of starting her weight loss journey, she was having health difficulties and wanted to improve her fitness so we would be able to look after her children better.

Read her full story here.

A grandmother has wowed Slimming World consultants with her amazing willpower and determination.

Jeanette Murphy originally joined the weight loss group in 2017 to support her daughter, Caroline, who has been through a traumatic time, losing her partner when she was pregnant.

Unfortunately Caroline could not continue with the group due to illness and Jeanette became her carer and was forced with the decision to leave or continue with the group.

But despite caring for her 16-year-old granddaughter, Charlotte and her daughter Caroline, as well as coping with her own health issues, including epilepsy and osteo arthritis, she was determined to carry on achieving her weight loss goals.

Jeanette realised she was quite unfit and to keep up with Charlotte she needed to continue on her weight loss journey.

The 68-year-old has now been named Ernesettle Slimming World's diamond member of the year 2019 for losing 4st 7lbs in just over a year.

Jeanette has managed to maintain her weight and has become an inspiration to other members in the group.

Read Jeanette's full story here.

Ten years ago Charlotte Kelly met the love of her life and jetted off on the trip of a lifetime travelling the world.

After spending a year together, experiencing new things and ticking off places from their bucket list, they decided they wanted to start a family.

The then 33-year-old suffered with polycystic ovarian syndrome, which "proved challenging" for the couple.

Throughout Charlotte's travels, she gained more weight and at her heaviest, weighed 17st 3lb.

Charlotte decided to sign up to a WW [Weight Watchers] group, in an attempt to lose weight to improve her fertility and lost just under three stone.

She gave birth to a beautiful baby girl and hoped that the next time they tried to conceive, it would be the same, but instead Charlotte found herself "in an ever deepening black hole".

The pair "scrimped and saved, begged and borrowed" to self-fund three rounds of IVF.

She said: "It was nothing to do with the weight. It was my age. Unfortunately we were getting to the bottom of the barrel in eggs. The doctor told me I was too old and am running out of eggs."

Charlotte made a promise to herself before the last round of IVF started, "in case of disappointment" - which prompted her to take on a new venture to keep herself busy.

She said: "I wanted to do something that I loved and was passionate about.

Charlotte was worried she would fail, but with some gentle reassurance from her sister and her coach, she filled in the form to become a consultant and has never looked back.

Charlotte's WW groups run at Redeemer Church on Monday evening's at 5.30pm, St Edward's Church Hall in Peverell on Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm.

She also runs workshops in Liskeard at the Liskerrett Centre every Monday at 11am and 12.30pm and Polperro on Tuesday's at 11am.

Linda Kittle decided she needed to overhaul her diet for her health as when she ballooned to a size 24 she suffered from type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

But after dropping NINE dress sizes, Linda says she doesn't suffer from the conditions and she has never felt better.

Weighing 21st 10lbs nine years ago, Linda started first started losing weight on her own by dieting and she managed to keep it off for around nine years, but she said she "got comfortable" and the weight slowly started to pile back on.

The 60-year-old was back at 15st 5lbs in January of 2018 and she was determined to improve her health and Linda joined the HonicknowleSlimming World group.

The slimming superstar was even awarded the "greatest loser" title and in just over a year and eight months, Linda has lost a whopping 7st 10lbs.

The mother of four said: "First I lost the weight on my own by just dieting and kept it off for nine years, but then I got comfortable and started slipping and went back to being big then I joined Slimming World and lost it again.

"I started at a size 24 and now I am a size four to six.

"When I was big I was a type 2 diabetic and had high blood pressure and now I have nothing I feel amazing."

Read Linda's full story here.

Two years ago, Tanya Rawlings found herself struggling to walk and despising how she looked.

She gorged on crisps, sandwiches and would finish her children's leftovers - but would never eat a proper meal.

The 41-year-old became addicted to fizzy drinks and would drink a large amount of calories in a few minutes.

"I felt like a big, fat, gross person" the mother-of-five said.

She suffers from COPD and the extra weight was hindering her condition.

The tipping point came when she was unable to walk her youngest son to school as she struggled to breathe if she walked too far, which sometimes resulted in her having to be treated in hospital.

But in June 2018, Tanya said enough was enough and was determined to shift the weight and joined the Honicknowle Slimming World group.

She has now gone from 17st to a slinky 11st 7lbs and said her whole life has improved.

But she doesn't just credit the weight loss group for improving her life, she believes she would not be here if she did not join the group.

Tanya said: "Six weeks ago I had an operation but it went wrong and I ended up with sepsis.

"If I didnt go to Slimming World I dont think Id be here.

"I think if I was a lot more heavier like I used to be and I wasnt as fit as I am now, I really dont think I would be here now.

Originally posted here:
The biggest Slimming World and Weight Watchers weight loss transformations of 2019 - Plymouth Live

It doesnt matter how much or how little knowledge you have of the medical field. Everyone knows what cancer is, and its something we all fear to some degree. Thats why it can be comforting to know the symptoms: it gives you more of a feeling of control.

Of course, there are many different forms of cancer and they all come with their own symptoms. Still, there are certain symptoms that appear more often than others.

What are the warning signs of cancer? Start with this list.

If you are like the many Americans who are overweight and would prefer not to be, this may not seem like a bad symptom at first. It isnt unusual to drop small amounts of weight quickly, for example as the result of releasing water you had been retaining.

The time to be concerned is if your weight loss continues for several weeks and you havent changed your lifestyle habits. This can be a sign of cancer or of a wide range of other conditions and changes.

One of the most well-known warning signs for breast cancer is a lump in the breast. However, this is not the only lump to watch for.

You have lymph nodes in areas like your armpits, your groin, and your jaw. When you have an illness or infection, those lymph nodes help your body get rid of the waste from fighting the infection. They become swollen because they gather bacteria and other materials.

It is normal for your lymph nodes to be swollen and tender on occasion. If this lasts for more than three weeks, though, it could be a sign of cancer.

The same goes for any other lump throughout your body. If a lump develops and you dont know what it is, regardless of whether it is tender, its best to have a doctor examine it.

Many people think lung cancer only occurs in people who smoke. If they arent a smoker, then, they dont pay attention to an ongoing cough because they dont believe it could be cancer.

In reality, anyone can get lung cancer. If you have a cough that lasts for more than a few weeks, you should see a doctor no matter what your health habits are. That cough could signal cancer in your lungs or anywhere along your respiratory tract.

While this is true for any persistent cough, its especially important to see a doctor if you also have blood in your saliva or phlegm.

While most people think of a breast lump as the tell-tale sign of breast cancer, that isnt the full picture. Not only are most breast lumps benign, but there are other potential warning signs you dont want to ignore.

One symptom to watch for is unexpected breast discharge. For example, if you have discharge and you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, it may be a cause for concerned.

Pay special attention to whether the discharge comes from one breast or both breasts. If both breasts have discharge, it may be more likely to be a hormonal issue or another condition. It is still better to be on the safe side and see a doctor, though.

You should also make note of the discharge itself. If there appears to be blood in it, make it a priority to visit a doctor.

While many of us pay little attention to the details of our habits going to the bathroom, its important to notice if there are sudden changes.

For example, blood in your urine or your stool is always something you should have a doctor examine. While most cases of this are caused by a simple infection, hemorrhoids, or other minor issues, they may also signal cancer.

You should also note whether your stool has changed its shape. If you repeatedly have extremelynarrow stool, for example, or if you have persistent diarrhea, it can be a warning sign.

Changes in your urination could give you clues as well. Pay attention to any changes in your urines flow and the amount of urine, as well as the urines flow.

Any of these changes could signal one of many potential cancers in the urinary or digestive systems, as well as prostate cancer in men.

One of the tricky aspects of cancer is that it is so varied and can look so different in different people. However, the signs and symptoms above can give you your first clues.

If you spot any of these warning signs, what do you do?

If you have any signs of cancer or other illnesses for that matter, your first step is to see a doctor. The only way to truly know about your health is to complete medical testing.

Your general practitioner is a good place to start. They may be able to rule out cancer on their own, putting your mind at ease. Otherwise, theyll be able to refer you to the right specialist to do more detailed testing.

As important as it is to get your symptoms examined, there is no need to panic. All the symptoms above are more likely to be caused by other conditions than by cancer. Chances are that any illness you have is minor, but if cancer does appear, early detection is your best action.

When you visit your doctor for an exam, you can also discuss ways to ease your symptoms if they are uncomfortable. Make sure you ask your doctor before trying any remedies or medications to ensure they wont interfere with your testing.

Your doctor can guide you through your options, regardless of your health. On option that is becoming popular is CBD for cancer symptoms, as this article explores.

When it comes to your health, knowledge is both a gift and a curse.

On the one hand, knowing the answers to questions like what are the warning signs of cancer lets you know what to look for. At the same time, dont always convince yourself of the worst-case scenario. Just think positive and go to your doctor to find out the facts.

If you want to learn more about how to protect your health, check out more health articles right here on our blog.

Continued here:
Cancer 101: What Are the Warning Signs of Cancer? - - RushPRnews.com

It's a terrifying situation no parent wants to imagine, but the wildfire crisis in Australia can't be ignored. For mamas in the midst of a disaster like this one it can be hard to know what to do or say to help your children feel better.

A mama from Australia messaged us in the hopes of finding some tools to help her children cope with the anxiety. We know that kids are scared and parents are scared, too.

But we also know that in the face of that fear, we parents can empower ourselves to protect their children's sense of security and their mental health.

Dr. Laurie Zelinger is a child psychologist and author of Please Explain 'Anxiety' to Me: A Story for Children, PEARLS of Wisdom for Their Parents. She says that while it's natural for parents to feel anxious during events like disasters or after acts of terrorism, we should try to control our own anxiety before having a talk with our kids about theirs.

Even if [you're] not comfortable, you have to do a couple of things to make yourself look more comfortable," she suggested in a previous interview with Motherly.Talk much more slowly than you think you need to, and sit at your child's eye level."

That is exactly what mom of two Meaghan Wegg did when her family had to evacuate during their vacation and spend six days sheltering in a movie theatre, watching kids movies as the ash fell outside.

"It was super hard for me to keep calm but knowing my kids were there and needed my support definitely helped me focus on them. I had to keep them being kids to avoid the stress getting to them," she tells Motherly, explaining that her family usually lives in Montreal, Canada, but her husband, Tim, was born in Australia. They were visiting his home country this holiday season with their children, 3-year-old Georgia and 5-year-old Jackson and were staying at a popular campground when they were advised to leave and eventually ended up sheltering in a cinema with more than 100 others.

Intuitively, Meaghan ended up using some of the strategies Dr. Zelinger previously suggested to Motherly for parents dealing with anxious children during chaotic events outside their control: "Prepare, explain, answer, reassure, listen, safeguard."

"We played rock, paper, scissors over 100 times," Meaghan tells Motherly.

She has some advice for parents in Australia who may have to leave their homes: "Know your safety plan and exit plan if ever anything needed to urgently happen, and keep your focus on your kids' health. I became glued to them!"

Eventually, Meghan's family was rescued from the area and is now safe at her in-law's home outside of Melbourne, away from the fires.

Dr. Zelinger suggests parents don't start heavy discussions right at bedtime. Instead, set aside an earlier time in the day to hang out with your kids and answer their questions.

Before discussing evacuation plans with your children, decided what you think they need to know and plan out how you're going to explain it at an age-appropriate level. They don't need every detail, but give them the broad strokes.

If your child wants to know why the family must be prepared to evacuate, or why everyone keeps talking about fire, tell them, but keep it simple and on their level. I would probably give them an explanation that was only two or three sentences and see if that satisfies them," says Laurie.

If it seems like your kid isn't getting what you're saying, as them to break it down for you. You cannot assume that what you say is understood unless you check, Dr. Zelinger explained.

If your child asks the same question more than once, try to use the same explanation each time you respond. You're usually better off using the same answer you used before so the child realizes there is certainty in it," Dr. Zelinger says.

According to Dr, Zelinger, one of the best things parents can do for a child who is anxious about an event outside their control is simply reassure them that the grownups are doing their best to keep them safe.

Don't make guarantees, but remind them that there is more good in the world than bad.

Just let your kids talk," says Dr. Zelinger. Take some mental notes while they go on. The things they keep repeating are the issues they're confused about and that you can clarify later. Be mindful of the areas that they're avoiding too because maybe you need to fill in an important detail that they've totally missed.

If your child is worried that they will lose their home or be hurt, take a moment to talk about all the things their community is doing to prevent that from happening. Make sure we're reminding the children of all the safeguards in place to protect them," says Laurie.

Unfortunately, parents can't guarantee that homes and schools will not be lost. But you can guarantee your children that you will always be there to listen to them, and that you will do your very best to keep them safe.

[A version of this post was published February 6, 2018. It has been updated.]

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Lisa George, 47, whos appeared in ITVs Coronation Street since 2011, is now appearing on Dancing On Ice, and over the last few weeks has been training hard to feel comfortable on the ice. Fitness has played an important role for much of the actresss life because of her familys experience with diabetes.

Her mother Muriel, known as Min, and father Kenneth both have diabetes.

Min has type 1 diabetes and Kenneth has type 2 diabetes. Both conditions affect a persons blood sugar control.

With type 1 diabetes, the body attacks the cells in the pancreas that makes insulin so the bodys unable to produce any insulin at all.

With type 2 diabetes, the body is unable to make enough insulin or the insulin the body does make doesnt work properly.

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Both types of diabetes cause blood glucose levels to become too high.

While Lisa hasnt been diagnosed with diabetes, shes aware the condition can be hereditary.

Fortunately, up to 80 percent of cases can be delayed or prevented by making some simple lifestyle changes, and Lisa has been determined to do that.

So to prevent the condition developing, Lisa has made some simple lifestyle changes.

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She told Express.co.uk in 2014: I thought Id better get right on it, so Ive been using the MyFitnessPal app and logging what I eat.

Ive started power walking and Ive got an exercise bike thats no longer just a clothes hanger. And Ive lost weight just under a stone.

The main symptoms of diabetes are listed by the NHS as:

Type 1 diabetes can develop quickly over weeks or even days.

But many people with type 2 diabetes can have it for years without realising, because early symptoms tend to be general.

There are no lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of type 1 diabetes.

But you can help manage type 2 diabetes through simple lifestyle changes.

The NHS advises a healthy diet and keeping active can help a person manage their blood sugar levels.

When it comes to diet, theres nothing you cannot eat, but certain foods should be limited.

The health body says: You should eat a wide range of foods including fruit, vegetables and some starchy foods like pasta, keep sugar, fat and salt to a minimum and eat breakfast, lunch and dinner every day do not skip meals.

When it comes to being active, the health body says you should aim for 2.5 hours of activity a week.

It advises: You can be active anywhere as long as what you're doing gets you out of breath. This could be fast walking, climbing stairs and doing more strenuous housework or gardening.

Losing weight if youre overweight can also make it easier for the body to lower blood sugar.

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Lisa George health: Coronation Street stars ongoing health battle - how she fights it - Express

It's a terrifying situation no parent wants to imagine, but the wildfire crisis in Australia can't be ignored. For mamas in the midst of a disaster like this one it can be hard to know what to do or say to help your children feel better.

A mama from Australia messaged us in the hopes of finding some tools to help her children cope with the anxiety. We know that kids are scared and parents are scared, too.

But we also know that in the face of that fear, we parents can empower ourselves to protect their children's sense of security and their mental health.

Dr. Laurie Zelinger is a child psychologist and author of Please Explain 'Anxiety' to Me: A Story for Children, PEARLS of Wisdom for Their Parents. She says that while it's natural for parents to feel anxious during events like disasters or after acts of terrorism, we should try to control our own anxiety before having a talk with our kids about theirs.

Even if [you're] not comfortable, you have to do a couple of things to make yourself look more comfortable," she suggested in a previous interview with Motherly.Talk much more slowly than you think you need to, and sit at your child's eye level."

That is exactly what mom of two Meaghan Wegg did when her family had to evacuate during their vacation and spend six days sheltering in a movie theatre, watching kids movies as the ash fell outside.

"It was super hard for me to keep calm but knowing my kids were there and needed my support definitely helped me focus on them. I had to keep them being kids to avoid the stress getting to them," she tells Motherly, explaining that her family usually lives in Montreal, Canada, but her husband, Tim, was born in Australia. They were visiting his home country this holiday season with their children, 3-year-old Georgia and 5-year-old Jackson and were staying at a popular campground when they were advised to leave and eventually ended up sheltering in a cinema with more than 100 others.

Intuitively, Meaghan ended up using some of the strategies Dr. Zelinger previously suggested to Motherly for parents dealing with anxious children during chaotic events outside their control: "Prepare, explain, answer, reassure, listen, safeguard."

"We played rock, paper, scissors over 100 times," Meaghan tells Motherly.

She has some advice for parents in Australia who may have to leave their homes: "Know your safety plan and exit plan if ever anything needed to urgently happen, and keep your focus on your kids' health. I became glued to them!"

Eventually, Meghan's family was rescued from the area and is now safe at her in-law's home outside of Melbourne, away from the fires.

Dr. Zelinger suggests parents don't start heavy discussions right at bedtime. Instead, set aside an earlier time in the day to hang out with your kids and answer their questions.

Before discussing evacuation plans with your children, decided what you think they need to know and plan out how you're going to explain it at an age-appropriate level. They don't need every detail, but give them the broad strokes.

If your child wants to know why the family must be prepared to evacuate, or why everyone keeps talking about fire, tell them, but keep it simple and on their level. I would probably give them an explanation that was only two or three sentences and see if that satisfies them," says Laurie.

If it seems like your kid isn't getting what you're saying, as them to break it down for you. You cannot assume that what you say is understood unless you check, Dr. Zelinger explained.

If your child asks the same question more than once, try to use the same explanation each time you respond. You're usually better off using the same answer you used before so the child realizes there is certainty in it," Dr. Zelinger says.

According to Dr, Zelinger, one of the best things parents can do for a child who is anxious about an event outside their control is simply reassure them that the grownups are doing their best to keep them safe.

Don't make guarantees, but remind them that there is more good in the world than bad.

Just let your kids talk," says Dr. Zelinger. Take some mental notes while they go on. The things they keep repeating are the issues they're confused about and that you can clarify later. Be mindful of the areas that they're avoiding too because maybe you need to fill in an important detail that they've totally missed.

If your child is worried that they will lose their home or be hurt, take a moment to talk about all the things their community is doing to prevent that from happening. Make sure we're reminding the children of all the safeguards in place to protect them," says Laurie.

Unfortunately, parents can't guarantee that homes and schools will not be lost. But you can guarantee your children that you will always be there to listen to them, and that you will do your very best to keep them safe.

[A version of this post was published February 6, 2018. It has been updated.]

See the article here:
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But 12 months ago the 37-year-old decided to face her fears head-on and since then she hasnt looked back.

She now trains five times a week with instructor Luke Morris at Portway Lifestyle Centre, run by Sandwell Leisure Trust (SLT), in Oldbury.

My weight and lack of fitness were really getting me down, so I started running on my own first, at night so nobody could see me, as I didnt have the nerve or confidence to go to a gym, says Sally, who works as a healthcare inspector.

It was really tough and lonely at the beginning, but I persevered and started losing weight, so that gave me the strength and will to go on.

A year ago, however, I moved to Oldbury, from Halesowen,to be closer to work and because I didnt know anybody at all, I finally took the plunge and decided to join Portway for the gym and their classes.

I wanted to take myself out of my comfort zone of road running and do something different with other people and without a doubt its been the best thing Ive done in a long while, she adds.

Sally began attending a body pump class run by instructor Luke and she liked it so much that she quickly progressed to body attack straight after and also spin classes.

I started at the back in the corner, but before long I was down the front and loving it and really mixing with the other members and developing a much-needed social network as well.

I work from home a lot now and can go for days without seeing anyone, so my Portway time has forged some great new friendships and really lifted my spirits too.

Portway has a genuine family feel. I love the variety of so many classes and there is always someone to help you in the gym.

I love the teamwork, the motivation, encouragement and the inspiration other members give you. The instructors are incredible and the receptionists make me smile before I even get into the gym.

I have made some super amazing friends through Portway Lifestyle Centre and coming here regularly makes all the difference its my happy place.

Its also taught me that fitness is fun, really good for your mental health and I am a much more cheerful, optimistic and healthier person now. Putting the work in consistently helps you to achieve goals and thats such a rewarding feeling.

Recently Sally also completed a challenge close to the heart the Nottingham Christmas Marathon in memory of her cousin Ian who lost his battle with leukaemia in late 2018, at the age of 31.

I jokingly said to him one day before his chemotherapy that I would run a marathon to raise awareness and money for cancer charity Bloodwise and so I had to honour it.

Luke came up with a specialist gym training programme for me centred more around strength, core and conditioning than running and it absolutely paid off because I finished in four hours, 12 minutes and 38 seconds, which is exactly 40 minutes quicker than my previous best time.

I also raised 700 for Bloodwise with the kind support and donations of family, work colleagues and of course my Portway friends, so I hope that Ians parents and the family are proud of my efforts,she tells Weekend.

Over the past year shes struck up a positive and productive working relationship with Luke and the 24-year-old says hes proud of the progress she has made.

Its been an absolute pleasure working with Sally and shes really come on leaps and bounds and her confidence has grown so much.

It started with just general fitness goals, but she quickly got the bug and now does her own research on the programmes weve implemented and asks technical questions, which has been really great for my development as well.

Apart from the weight loss, shes ultra trim and toned now and the cardio work we did in the gym recently for her upper body and back to assist in the marathon was quite tough, but shes always so willing and her progress has been amazing and its been a gratifying experience for me too.

Sally has brought a lot more people to my classes as well and its really nice to be recommended in that way and much appreciated.

Working out with Sally doesnt really seem like work, so shes definitely played a big part in me becoming a full-time instructor and Ill always be grateful, explains Luke, who lives in Halesowen.

Sallys journey and transformation has not gone un-noticed with other Portway members either and she has become a bit of a mentor to others struggling with the likes of eating and drink disorders.

She is keen to share her experience with others and encourage those who may be worried about joining a gym.

I run a few private WhatsApp groups and a motivational page off my Instagram and just draw on my own personal experiences really.

I remember how hesitant and unsure I used to be and that feeling can stop a lot of people getting started and even binge more.

Honestly, I am living proof that anyone can lose weight, get fit and generally turn their lives around for the better with a bit of determination and the right kind of support.

If my story can inspire just one person to take the first steps towards a fitter and healthier them, then Ill be delighted.

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Get fit and feel better: Sandwell woman turns life around on fitness journey - shropshirestar.com