I’ve been reading a lot of magazines, newspapers, and message boards – there is so much cool information out there – about EVERYTHING!  Here is a list of the six most recent random health facts that I found and think you need to know too!

- Its been proven that physical activity can decrease your risk of cancer.  Sitting still and not moving increases  the levels of estrogen (increase the risk of breast cancer) and insulin cells (unhealthy and healthy cells) that circulate around your body to mulitply faster. Time to get moving!

- Carbs are not the answer to a satisfied stomach.  Studies have shown that people whose carb intake was 55% of their daily calories were less satisfied and full when compared to those whose carb intake was only 43% of their total daily caloric intake. Next time your hungry, instead of grabbing a bag of potato chips, grab some healthy whole grains or veggies, to help keep your tummy happy.

- A smile a day keeps the stress away. Smiling really is the best medicine. Not only will smiling help you reduce stress by helping to change your mood, but a recent study has found that when you have a smile and a positive attitude may help you live longer.  People who smile are better able to handle stress, and are better equiped to deal with the negative facts of life.

- Caffeine has become the most popular drug in the world.  People who consume more than 300 milligrams of caffeine per day are increasing their risk of high blood pressure, insomnia, and stomach irritation.  If you need to have caffeine to keep you going through the day, try to keep your intake minimal and in the morning.

- Eating smaller meals, 6-8 meals per day, controls your blood sugar levels by spreading your calorie intake throughout the day.  Eating smaller meals keeps your metabolism working continuously throughout the day, burning fat even as you sit at your desk. (Most importantly, it keeps you feeling full, which helps you avoid the mid-afternoon binges).

-The hip bone’s connected to the…well, we’re not talking about the hip bone here. But there are two systems in your body that are very connected – your digestive system and immune system.  What happens in your digestive system can affect whether or not you get sick. So in order to avoid getting sick this winter, make sure your diet is full of probiotics (found in low fat yogurt) and quercetin (found in broccoli and apples). 

Attitude is everything.

If you wake up in the morning, stub your toe walking to the shower, spill coffee on your new shirt, get stuck in traffic on the way to work and therefore you’re late, missing an important meeting – how is your day affected? Are you angry the rest of the day? Or do you decide that things happen, take a deep breath and work to make the rest of the day better?

Or what happens if you miss your workout and then have a cheeseburger for dinner? Do you forget your fitness goals and never go to the gym again or do you step it up and make sure that next time you miss the gym you eat better?

Jack Canfield, author of The Success Principles (one of my FAVORITE books), is someone who always stresses the importance of attitude and how it affects what you do and how you look at things.  A negative attitude won’t take you anywhere you want to go.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUBJReN4GnM[/youtube]

Next time something goes wrong – take a deep breath – then try to find the best in the situation. You’ll be amazed to see the difference in yourself and what you can do.

Try it.

Start your day with a smile and maybe a laugh.

Its nothing scientific, but it truly helps you see through the bumps in the road. Keeping a positive attitude and outlook on life, will help you reach your goals faster, whatever they may be!

Watch this video…and you’ll be SURE to start your day with a smile!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk-1mla0LeU[/youtube]