AU Blogspot

Although we primarily discuss the serious health and medical issues of the day, we also think it’s important to share in a good laugh, especially when we’re examining the somewhat contradictory nature of our fitness/entertainment obsessed culture. The following video parody of “Wii Fitness” perfectly satirizes the aforementioned dichotomy in a very humorous way. By they way, the video game fitness craze did not begin yesterday, and I’m not talking about the Nintendo “Power Pad” either–does anyone remember “Foot Craze” by Atari? This game was designed to get lazy kids to exercise back in the 80’s. I think you’ll enjoy this video. Please comment on what aspect amused you the most. Talk to you soon.

Kathy Carter
Nutrition, Diet, And Health Science Instructor
Ashworth University

There’s nothing better than sharing a great recipe with the people you care about.  In that spirit, I’m providing you with a recipe for making granola bars that are of course very healthy for you, but also taste great as well! 

I encourage all our students out there to share some of your favorite recipes in the comments section of this post.  Thanks everyone!

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, blueberries, etc.)
• 1 cup sliced almonds, walnuts or pecans
• 1 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
• 1 cup Splenda or Stevia
• 6 TBS sunflower oil
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 TBS water1 egg white 

PREPARATION 

Preheat oven to 330º.  Line an 8” square baking pan with crisscrossed rectangles of parchment paper, leaving a 2” overhand at 2 opposite ends.  In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts and dried fruit.   

In a small saucepan, whisk together oil, Splenda, peanut butter, cinnamon, and water over low heat for about 2-4 minutes.  Let cool slightly; whisk in egg white.  Pour over oat mixture; stir until moistened.  Spread evenly in bottom of pan; smooth top. 

Bake until top is firm, about 40 to 45 minutes.  Let cool 10 minutes.  Lift out of pan, using paper as handles.  Let it cool completely; cut into bars with a serrated knife.

Carla Hardy MS, CSCS
Fitness and Exercise Instructor
Ashworth University

              Thanks to timtinman for permission to use this Photo.                 

Even though you massage only one body part at a time, it’s critical that you keep the body’s “wholeness” in mind.  The book explains this concept well.  For example, when someone has a headache, you know that they will benefit from a head massage.  That’s obvious.  But if you have a good understanding of the body’s wholeness, you’ll know that you need to massage the neck and shoulders as well.  As we’ve discussed in previous lessons, it’s all connected.  Everything!  I know you’ll be absolutely amazed as you begin to experience for yourself the interconnectedness of bodily regions and parts.   

You’ll probably find that the majority of the massages you give focus on relaxing the neck or back.  These are the two most common “problem areas.”  Both of these regions affect posture, which can be dramatically improved with massage.  I’m sure you know someone who spends a good part of the day sitting hunched over a computer or desk.  Prolonged sitting with a forward head position is by far the most common cause for bad posture.  Again, consider the body’s wholeness.  Work the neck and back, but don’t forget about the chest.  By loosening up the chest and the front of the shoulders, you can “open up” the upper body, bringing shoulders and neck back into proper positioning.  Stretch the neck, shoulders, and chest on a regular basis, and you will improve posture. 

Kristy Carter
Massage Techniques Program Instructor
Ashworth University