I was reading your blog, and I really have to say, your thoughts are inspirational. I too am trying to lose weight, and I feel your frustrations and successes!

A company I recently stumbled upon, Simple Memory Art (www.SimpleMemoryArt.com), created a 50 Healthy Foods magnet set, which I recently purchased. It’s a really cool item actually — it’s a magnet set that lists the major food groups, has them color coded in rainbow-like colors, and tells you everything about the food — vitamins, calories, grams of fat, protein, etc. It’s REALLY helpful and it makes my fridge look happier too! I emailed the company to ask where they got the idea from, and apparently, her husband was the inspiration behind the set. He was dieting and trying weight watchers, and needed a little extra reference material when trying to pick up a snack or prepare a meal. So she was inspired to create the 50 Healthy Foods magnet set with him in mind.

Anyway, I think it’s really neat, and thought I would share! I do so much of my shopping and etc online now, and I really do reference many ideas (movies, restaurants, etc) by reviews from other people, so I try to let people know if I find something that I think they also may be interested in

Have a great day!

All the best,
Marissa

It is clear from reading Fitness over Forty, that you are concerned about health. I wanted to let you know about the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) Healthy Heart Handbook for Women 20th Anniversary Edition. The Handbook is one of the key educational materials for The Heart Truth, NHLBI’s national campaign for women about heart disease. Would you consider commenting on or linking to the Handbook?

The Handbook is packed with the latest information on preventing and controlling the risk factors for heart disease – the #1 killer of women. It’s the most up-to-date information on heart health in one easy-to-use guide. The 122-page full-color booklet offers practical suggestions for reducing the risk of heart-related problems as well as describes the warning signs of heart attack and how to get help quickly. This special anniversary edition also features a welcome letter from First Lady Laura Bush, The Heart Truth’s ambassador. The Healthy Heart Handbook for Women can be downloaded online and print copies are offered at special promotional pricing in honor of Mother’s Day through May 31, 2007. Information about The Heart Truth campaign can be found at: http://www.hearttruth.gov.

Please let me know if you have any questions, and if you are willing to help promote this booklet for women’s health. We’d love to hear about the success of your efforts (contact Dan Jeffers at djeffers@air.org).

Sincerely yours,

Ann Taubenheim, PhD, MSN
Project Director, The Heart Truth Campaign

I caught up with Joey L. Dowdy and his World Dance Groove at the Athletic Garage Dance Showcase in Pasadena last Sunday. I have known Joey for several years, and I love his enthusiasm but all fitness gurus sound the same to me. Eat right-blah, blah, blah, Exercise-blah, blah, blah. The usual svelte, youngsters were well, OK fine, but that is not me. Then Shonda came on stage, 6 + feet and 250+lbs, and moves like the wind. I was awestruck! Move over Victoria’s Secret models because you have nothing on this woman. I am inspired to dance! All women should learn these dance moves. The guys in your life will be impressed and you do not need to be a size 3. It’s been life-changing for me and I’m officially off the couch. Joey’s music is sexy, the dances are seductive and the experience was totally rewarding. For those of you that are not in Pasadena, Joey has a DVD and that works for me too because I am often too lazy to go to class. I can just pop it in the DVD player when I have a moment and dance. Getting back to the show, it was a. great opportunity for me to experience the raw power of movement across a variety of dance forms. There is something for everyone, even cute size 3 dancers. For more information about Joey or to buy the video visit: http://www.worlddancegroovefitness.com.