Tune-Up's For Your Body

Tune up your hearing by turning down the volume on your iPod. Of course, those cute little ear-buds are fashionable, but they are also the leading contributor to hearing loss. The president of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, Dr. Engelmann, Au.D says the unique shape of ear-buds increase sound pressure on the ear canal. Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting people over the age of 40. Help change the statistics, improve your health and turn that music down!

Tune Up Your Blood Pressure by standing up straight. Did you know there is a link between high blood pressure and bad posture? There is a direct connection between neck muscles and the part of the brain system that plays a key role in regulating heart rate and blood pressure. When you hunch, your neck muscles send a signal to your brain to speed up your heart rate, which in-turn increases your blood pressure. When you stand straight, your brain keeps your heart rate steady and your blood pressure will decrease.

Tune Up Your Heart by replacing soda with orange juice and/or milk. If you drink ust one can of soda a day, you are at a 48% higher risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome Raises your risk of suffering a heart attack by as much as 4X over just a 10 year period. Look for new varieties of orange juice and milk that have been fortified with plant sterols. These natural substances are very effective at lowing your cholesterol. Just 2 grams a day can lower your total cholesterol about 10% in only 2 weeks. Look for Minute Maid's Premium Heart Wise, Unilever's Promise Activ Supershot, and Kroger's Active Lifestyle Fat Free Milk.