Running with(out) Shoes!

Being a runner always requires a lot…mentally and physically. Some would go as far to say that to be a runner you need to be somewhat insane. People always ask me…who runs for 10 miles at once? They say I have to be insane…but really when I run it’s the time I give to myself. I take that time to think over things and to relax. I know…I know how do you relax.

When I run, I run in my Vibram Five Fingers. What’s Vibram Five Fingers?? Only the best movement in running! Basically you’re running barefoot! I know, you have the question…”who would run barefoot?” You’ll typically think that running barefoot would be horrible…it lacks arch support…cushion…etc. Wrong…running barefoot is good for you.

The typical human foot is an anatomical marvel of evolution with 26 bones, 33 joints, 20 muscles, and hundreds of sensory receptors, tendons and ligaments. Like the rest of the body, to keep our feet healthy, they need to be stimulated and exercised.

They look like gloves for your feet! When you run in Vibram Five Fingers your feet become stronger!  Your feet begin to support you and wearing shoes won’t ever be the same.

You can either buy Vibram Five Fingers online or at Fleet Feet Gaithersburg . Watkins Station is less than 15 minutes away from Fleet Feet Gaithersburg. Check them out!

Fleet Feet Gaithersburg
68 Market Street
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
(301) 926-6442

Photo by vanRijn

Give Phones Hope

Hope Phones is a non-profit organization that takes old cell phones and gives them to developing countries. All you need to do is:

1. Visit HopePhones.org and hit the donate button
2. Turn off old phones and deactivate them  (they don’t have to work)
3. Print the FREE shipping label and send your phone in.

Hope Phones are processed through their recycling partner – The Wireless Source. They prep the phones and fully recycle them for the developing countries. Now, you can really make a difference in someone’s life. Donate your old cell phones that are collecting dust and let a developing country have it to save lives and money!

The Cough

My heart goes out to my c0-workers because they’ve been listening to my excessive coughing for the past 2 days. I did some research on tips to find the cure to this obnoxious noise, and I found out about the two kinds of “coughs.” We’ve got the dry cough (which I’ve got) and the productive cough (something blocking the airway passages and cases you to spit out phlegm).

A dry cough comes from dust, asthma, or climate control systems. They’re annoying to have and can be painful. The cure to escape the noise is drink plenty of fluids.  Ginger tea or any kind of warm herbal tea could help. If you work in a cold office wear layers. I’ve been sleeping at night with a scarf around my neck and making sure I’m bundled up. Keep a stash of Vick’s Cough Drops on you at all times.  Stick to this and you’ll be better in no time.

Have any other tips to fix that nasty cough?

To Think Left Or Right…

What comes to your mind when you see these questions and answer yes or no? This quiz takes your answers and lets you know if you’re a right or left brain thinker. I always thought I was a left brain thinker, but my results showed me divided down the middle.

Here’s a few of the questions:

1. Are you often late getting places?
2. If you lost something, do you try to remember when you last saw it?
3. Are you a good detective?
4. When you talk, do you gesture a lot?
5. Do you believe there are two sides to every story?
6. Do you like to draw?
7. When you are confused, do you go with your gut instinct?
8. Do you keep a journal?

There are 30 questions total, so take the quiz and tell us what you are!

2 Left Feet

Do you have two left feet? I use to be guilty of this, but dance classes really helped me out and now it’s my favorite hobby. Two Left Feet is a great dance studio for beginners in Gaithersburg.

They offer several classes for adults:

• Private Ballroom Lessons
• Evening Group Classes
• Senior Adult
• Wedding Preparation
• Adult Pop Dance
• Pilates – great way to lose weight
• Zumba -  one of my favorites
• 8020 Body – Total 30 minute express workout that lets you burn 500 calories per class
• Moving with Mommy

These classes are strictly social and don’t have an emphasis on competition. Has anyone taken a class at 2 Left Feet?

The Time of the Season

It’s the time of the season.  Swimsuit Season! College students stress out to look fit in their bathing suits. Are you excited for the season? It’s hard to work off the winter weight, but the sun is relaxing.

Looking at different sites it seems that paisleys, graphic prints, polka dots, and bright colors are the trends for the season. Not sure if I like the cut-out one pieces… Do you?

Swimsuits can be pretty expensive. They range from $40-$150 a piece. Why are they so much? Victoria Secret has a few suits under $40. Other places to look are:  Alloy.com and Swim’n'Sport.

What are your thoughts on swim season??

The Responsible Pet Owner…

Everyone should be doing it. The question is: are you doing it? Give into the peer pressure, and pick up after your pet. It’s one of the things pet owners ignore, but we’re asking you to do it.

Do you enjoy stepping on gum? It’s the same feeling when you step in a pet’s waste.  Think of your neighbors when you take your pets out. Not only is it necessary, it’s also healthy for you. Viruses, bacteria, and parasites  can spread and the waste creates a nasty odor.

Things to remember:

• Golden Rule:  Treat others the way you wish to be treated!
• Do-it-Yourself: Pick up your animal’s waste
• You can help keep down the amount of illnesses
• Use Flushable bags: A bag that breaks down any wastes and won’t affect your plumbing

We love your pets, but we also love our property. Help us take care of Watkins Station and please remember to clean up after your pets!

Breathe in Deep: Learn More About Aromatherapy

Improve your mood and keep your food cravings at bay through the power of aromatherapy. I can personally attest to the power of scents, I feel most relaxed when I am surrounded by the scent of Lavender which is a proven stress busting scent.

Do you believe in aromatherapy?

Phtha-what?

I’m going out on a limb here and guess that most parents of little boys don’t want their young-ins to develop…ummm…breasts. But a study by pediatricians recently found that certain chemicals known as phthalates found in many toys could cause just that. Health.MSN.com carries the full release, but if you have a lot of plastic in your apartment, you may want to re-evaluate the safety of some items. PVC and vinyl are reported to have fumes that you should avoid already, so a little research may be exactly what you need. Check out bottles and other items in your home that have the recycling labels – the number 3 plastic need to go, if you think this study has some truth behind it.

What do you think of materials in our homes that may be dangerous?

You Could Have This And Not Know It

As we all know with World AIDS Day being this week, awareness is the common killer of all diseases.

 

Being aware of certain diseases can bring power and a hault to some dreadful diseases.  There 5 diseases that you could have without knowing it.  You should always check with your doctor to check on some of the se diseases and others that are not listed.

 

5 Diseases here 

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