Chronic disease to top deaths globally

Chronic conditions such as heart disease and stroke, often associated with a Western lifestyle, have become the chief causes of death globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Tuesday.

These diseases, which can be either positively or negatively affected by lifestyle choices, have now become the leading cause of death - but they do not have to be. Maintaining a healthy weight level, managing stress, avoiding external toxins, incorporating exercise and healthy nutrition, can all play a role in staving off chronic disease.

Find out more about this topic by following the link below:

http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSPAT05559120080520

10 Best Diet Substitutes - Part 1

Simple changes can go a long way in terms of your nutrition and dietary habits. Instead of simply looking for the things to eliminate from your diet, try to also replace the bad with the good, by making the following substitutions:

1. Sweet Potatoes for White Potatoes
Higher in fiber, and vitamins A & C, sweet potatoes taste richer and sweeter, eliminating the need for tons of butter or sour cream.

2. Walnuts for croutons in salads
Walnuts provide the texture to salads that croutons do, but with added protein, fiber and healthy fat for sustained energy. In addition, they're a good source of omega-3's which are important for heart health.

3. Avocado instead of Mayonnaise
The creaminess of the avocado makes it ideal as a spread and healthier with half the fat and calories of low-fat mayo. As a bonus, you get healthy amounts of fiber, niacin, folate and vitamins B6 and K.

4. Shiitake Mushrooms in place of Button Mushrooms
Shiitakes are rich and hearty, and have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for their unique health properties. Compounds found in Shiitakes have been found to protect against cancer, boost your immune system and lower cholesterol.

5. Dark Chocolate instead of Milk Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids while their is only a small amount found in milk chocolate. These antioxidants have heart health benefits which include the ability to lower blood pressure. Look for labels with 70 percent or more cocoa to ensure you receive the full dark chocolate benefit.

Check back later for Part 2 of these smart substitutions.

Baltimore makes the list of 20 Healthiest Cities in America

Check out this article link from webmd.com (http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/cooking-light-best-cities-awards) Cooking Light conducted a survey, using statistics from such organizations as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Zagat Survey, and ranked major metropolitan areas on 15 criteria.

Baltimore made the top 20 coming in at number 11. There are many opportunities to exercise throughout the area, and a vibrant community of healthy restaurants that offer fresh, local foods. There is also a somewhat underground movement in Baltimore of "slow-eating." This moniker refers to eating foods that are fresh, and often organic, with a focus on mindful dining.

This past weekend on April 5th, The National Aquarium held a Green Gala as part of this month's upcoming Earth Day events. This event not only focused on environmental consciousness, but also on healthy living with regional chefs presenting organic and locally grown fare.

So explore the healthier side of Baltimore and visit restaurants such as Azafran, Roy's, Stone Mill and The Bicycle, just to name a few, for nutrient rich meals.

Embracing Change

Most people hate change.

Change can be difficult. Change is often uncomfortable. Change sometimes forces us to realize that the things we've been doing or the way we've been doing them are not necessarily the best for us.

But change can also be inspiring, invigorating and life-altering. Change is also, more often than not, a necessity. Without creating some change in your life, you may become stagnant, bored or feel defeated.

This is certainly the case when it comes to your health & fitness. Every point along your journey toward improved fitness requires change; whether you're just beginning a new exercise program, or you've been religious in your dedication yet have hit a plateau. Changing habits is key, but more important is the change you create in your own mindset. Creating a healthy relationship with food, exercise and stress serves as the foundation for realizing results in your health & fitness.

Examine your life and your habits with exercise and nutrition. Where can you change for the better?

National Cancer Awareness Month

Tomorrow marks not only April Fool's Day, but the beginning of National Cancer Awareness Month. Almost everyone's life has been touched by the disease, whether it is through a loved one who was lost to the disease, or an inspirational friend, coworker or relative who is a survivor.

I think this month presents a great opportunity to become involved in the fight against this disease, whether through the support of someone who is currently undergoing treatment, or by sponsoring or participating in a local Relay For Life.

Look for opportunities in your community to bless others with compassion and support, and you'll find your own life being blessed as a result.

Synergy Health & Fitness will be sponsoring and participating in the local Perry Hall Relay for Life this year. I'll provide more details with information on how to become involved as the event approaches.

Recycle-A-Shoe

I recently sent out an email message with a link to a great program that Nike has initiated to help reduce waste and close the loop on their manufacturing processes. Their "Nike Grind" is a material they're using to help surface basketball courts, tennis courts, etc., and is made from recycled shoes. If you haven't checked it out yet, take a minute to visit the link here:

http://www.letmeplay.com/reuseashoe/program

I know as someone who exercises regularly, I go through athletic shoes (and you should too) every 6-8 months. Now with this new program, Nike offers the opportunity to make use of those worn out shoes rather than making waste with them. Their Recycle-A-Shoe program offers drop-off locations for old shoes at many locations including most Nike stores and outlets.

Welcome to the Synergy Health & Fitness Insights Blog!

Welcome to the new Insights Blog brought to you exclusively by Synergy Health & Fitness!

This Blog is designed to serve as an interactive tool for the communication and discovery of health & fitness topics. Postings will include insight on current, relevant topics in the areas of fitness, exercise, nutrition and healthy living.

As readers, you will not only gain insight into these topics, but will have an opportunity to participate, by writing your own entries to share your experiences or ask questions that you may have regarding your health & fitness.

The goal of this blog is to discuss relevant issues related to health & fitness, and to help readers sort through the myriad of misconception and misinformation that abounds in the media.

So join in with Insights, and experience the difference of having Synergy in your life!

Yours in Health,

Jason Bosley-Smith, CSCS
President
Synergy Health & Fitness - Creating healthy lifestyles that last a lifetime.