In my last blog, I discussed some of the basics of osteoporosis, but I am also concerned about the ongoing myths. So, here are some of the most common misconceptions about the illness. Have you heard that....

• Elderly Caucasian women are the only ones affected by osteoporosis? Not true.  Although it is more common among older Caucasian women, men and women of all races − and even young people − get osteoporosis. Everyone needs to take care of their bones.

• Bone Density Tests are painful and loaded with radiation? Not true. They are painless, non-invasive, and very similar to having an X-ray... but with LESS radiation.

• Those with osteoporosis can feel a lightening or weakening of the bones? Not true. There are no symptoms with this disease, and often the first sign is a broken bone (or decrease in height).

• It's all about heredity − if your mom has it, you will too? Not true. Although family history may put you in a higher risk group, it is not a sentence....

The topics of osteoporosis − and osteopenia − come up repeatedly through conversations with my clients.  And they should − bone health is critical; it affects everything.

Throughout our lives, we lose old bone and make new bone. 30 seems to be the magical age where we have arrived at our maximum bone density and strength − but what we eat and how we treat our bodies contributes to our bone health long after...  Osteoporosis (meaning "porous bone") occurs when this natural system of bone strength and health grows weak. There isn't enough bone density; so either you have lost too much bone, are not making enough bone, or you are experiencing a  combination of the two. Bottom line? Bones are greatly weakened and something as mild as a sneeze or a bump or a trip can result in a break. It is estimated that 50% of women over the age of 50 will experience bone injury due to osteoporosis.

Referred to as the silent disease, there are no symptoms to tell...

So, I came across this meme on Facebook the other day and had to smile: "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful. Hate my Pilates instructor."

Actually, I'm still smiling. You have to admit... it's kind of brilliant. The truth often is! I have been passionate about Pilates for nearly a decade now. My experience began in 2003 − and continues to grow (and guide my life in countless ways). Our essential ideology at Flow Pilates Centre celebrates Pilate's core philosophies − despite a common thread among other fitness facilities to jump on the latest trends. We honor the merits of Pilates and all its key concepts... a mind-body connection where energy flows, where moves are deliberate, where every single exercise has a purpose and a goal, and results are... obvious.

  I follow the 5 contemporary Principles of Pilates. They are the basis from which every exercise stems; they focus on position, safety, effectiveness, and mastery. BREATHING: Relaxed and focused...

Let's talk Blue Zones.

And in case you're not familiar with the term, this is not about sadness. On the contrary − it's about long life (the longest!) and vitality.

Blue Zones refer to those geographical locations where individuals live longer... well into their nineties (and beyond)... and flourish with strong mental acuity and physical well being! These "longevity hotspots" have been identified in Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Icaria, Greece; Nicoya Peninsula, and Costa Rica. The actual term Blue Zone stems from specific research and demographic studies where blue circles were drawn around longevity zones as a means of identification.

Hundred-year-old hikers, low rates of cancer, diabetes, and obesity... longer, healthier lives. Intriguing isn't it?!  

Two years ago, Dan Buettner's book, "The Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Who've Lived The Longest" created an important shift in awareness. Suddenly, we were seeing...

Sunday, March 9, 2:00am = more light, longer days, sunshine. You in?????

A gentle reminder: Before slipping between those silky sheets on Saturday night, set your clocks ahead an hour. I, for one, am so ready for longer, lighter days. Bring on the season, bring on the light!

For some, however, Daylight Saving Time is an awkward transition. And over the next couple of weeks, you can spot these people in the crowd. They're the ones looking dazed and confused, rubbing their eyes, drinking from one coffee cup while waiting in line for the next. What's the deal with sleep cycles and why does one little hour shift an important balance for some? 

Dr. Michael J. Breus (clinical psychologist and author) explains it this way: "Moving our clocks in either direction changes the principal time cue light for setting and resetting our 24-hour natural cycle, or circadian rhythm. In doing so, our internal clock becomes out of sync or mismatched with our current day-night cycle."

Suddenly,...

Glistening sweat. Rising heat. Pumping heart. Rushing blood. Feel the heat?

Ah, Valentine's Day. It's all about love. That indescribable, wholly inspirational, beautiful force we search for, embrace, and give back again and again. It's magic. And what is hotter, sweeter, and more love-filled than a killer workout? Let's face it health and strength feed love... are love! 

I really don't get why workouts aren't as big as roses and candy here. Seriously, we are trapped in a frigid, snowy winter. If this isn't the winter that keeps on giving, I don't know what is! So what better holiday for movement? Making our own heat? Love is health, strength, and well-being. And if you're still not sold... well... let's make this day the official start of our summer bodies. Feel the love now? That's what I thought.

Get moving with a love inspired workout. And know, too, that there are always joyful ways to increase exercise in the midst of your everyday madness. Give it a try... come on....

It's a bird, it's a plane... well, actually, it's more like a powder, but... it's Superfood!  The superhero just waiting to optimize your health − and strengthen your bones − through specialized nutrition.

We've discussed food basics and which choices  best serve strong, healthy bones. But it is balance, or the actual teamwork of nutrients within a body, that ultimately gives us our best selves. Superfoods provide a heightened level of nutrient density. They are excellent for those of us who want to keep animal protein to a minimum while ensuring the right concentration of nutrients for our bodies and bones.

A little background Superfoods (a single food source packed with vitamins, nutrients, enzymes, and minerals) provide a very high nutritional boost while working to  nourish, heal, promote balance, and optimize all body functions.  

Ironic, that what seems relatively 'new' to us has been circulating for thousands of years; Superfoods have been the...

There's an elephant in the room. No one wants to talk about germs. As if the mere mention of colds and flu makes us more vulnerable. But ever notice how many people start sneezing and hacking as the holidays roll around? Ho, ho, h--achu! That elephant's looking awfully pale.

"The holidays are a virus distribution system," Dr. William Schaffner, chair of the department of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University, explains. "They help us distribute influenza and other common cold viruses from person-to-person because of close contact." Wha wha.  

In fact, this is the time that flu season peaks thriving in the colder weather and tight proximity among people. From crowded shopping malls to holiday parties, movies and shows, we are experiencing a whole new level of sharing via door handles, clothing racks, airborne particles, food, and holiday hugs.  Add to that a shift toward indoor activities and closed windows. Yikes!

Not to worry! Take a deep breath (well, you may want...

"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." - Marcel Proust 

Hard to believe another Thanksgiving has arrived. The holidays feel so different throughout adulthood... they carry sweet memories, surprise us with renewed meaning, and always whisper blessings if we pause to listen.

This, of course, is especially true at Thanksgiving. And the other day, while shopping at a crowded pre-holiday, customer-infused store, I was hit with a big dose of gratitude...

My day had been full and rushed, and I had to give myself the "car pep talk" to even motivate this shopping adventure. I just wanted to go home. Alas, and ho, ho, ho, the holidays are coming, and I have a list... so I pulled into the lot and hoped for the best. I don't know why November shopping crowds always surprise me, yet they do. This store was no exception. It was hot, crowded, and stuffy. I felt claustrophobic the moment the automatic doors sucked me...

If you aren't already familiar with "Stevia", allow me to make the introduction:  Meet Stevia. She's incredibly sweet (like 300 times sweeter than sugar), has barely an aftertaste, works well in recipes (bye bye sugar!), doesn't cause tooth decay,  may be beneficial to diabetics (in that she regulates blood sugar levels), has been linked to lower blood pressure, inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria, and really soothes an upset stomach. Oh, and she comes from the stevia leaf, a variety of the daisy plant!  

She's a keeper, huh? Wait it gets better. Mix her up with some filtered water and a bit of olive oil and experience a truly rejuvenating face mask. Just be prepared: you may look and feel a whole lot younger when you're done.

Enjoy!