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These days, with an estimated 60% of the US population being overweight, it seems as if everyone is trying to lose weight. When I ask my friends about strategies for shedding pounds and healthy living, most of them say, “I don’t eat bread, sugar, rice, or pasta. I’m cutting back on the carbs.”   

Weight loss occurs when you consume fewer calories than what you burn off during the day. So should you cut out carbs to lose weight? Hmmm…It depends on which dietary sources of carbohydrates you eat. Carbohydrates are your body’s main source of energy so trying to cut them out completely is unhealthy. Carbohydrates are found in grains, fruit, vegetables, most dairy products, and sugary desserts. Most foods that are good for you contain carbohydrates and are fundamental to a healthy diet.  

So what carbohydrates should you take out of your diet? Cut carbohydrates that add extra calories with little or no nutritional value.  These include candy, soda, sugary desserts, and fruit drinks. Drinks that contain 100% juice have some nutritive value. Fruit drinks that are made with mostly sugar and water, such as Kool-Aid or Hawaiian Punch contain little nutritional value and add empty calories that should be avoided if you’re trying to lose weight.  

So go ahead, eat your whole grain bread, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta without guilt! Most foods that contain carbohydrates are important sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Carbohydrates do not make you gain weight. Overeating and lack of exercise does.

Carla Hardy MS, CSCS
Fitness and Exercise Instructor
Ashworth University

 
              Thanks to Gisela Giardino for permission to use this Photo.

I enrolled in April of last year, but I had to set my studies aside for a few months due to a sprained left ankle and a fractured right ankle.  It was kind of hard to study when you’re constantly sleeping!

I’m now back to work and studying…

The medical billing course has been extremely helpful in my present job working for the “Insurance” company.  It has really opened my eyes to the health-care industry as a whole. I can now see why doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies do what they do—not saying that either side is right or wrong.  I have worked both sides of the fence. 

However; I now have a greater understanding of the whole concept and I really do think that Ashworth has been my greatest teacher EVER!!

I highly recommend that all who are studying this course to not get discouraged. There is light (and a great job) at the end of the tunnel!!

Good Luck and Be Blessed…

Dani
Medical Billing Student
Ashworth University School of Health Care

It’s June and I’m seriously ready to restart a fitness and wellness routine. It’s always nice to know you can get a fresh start at the beginning of a new month. I’ve been putting it off for way too long, and I’ve constantly felt like I need to really change for way way too long. I’ll admit, I’m really not happy with how I look, no matter what anyone else says to me otherwise. 

I recently read some tips for starting and sticking to a fitness/wellness plan and here are some of the ones that I felt applied to me (and may apply to someone getting back into it all, too). 

1. Prepare

I think this is the most important because just like anything in life, it’s better to plan. You can think of this as an appointment in your calendar, like a doctor’s appointment or an important meeting. Mark it on your calendar or planner. Create an alert on your cell phone so you can’t forget. 

2. Start Slowly

Just because you know you’ve ran 3 miles before doesn’t mean you can do it as simply if you’ve been out of it for awhile. It’s probably better to start out slowly and gradually build up your distance and even speed. 

3. Be Positive

Think about the gold at the end of the rainbow. Preparing and making a goal, and sticking to it is really hard! I know because I’ve been there, and I personally battle with this myself. Hard work reaps great reward and you should constantly remind yourself with that. (more…)

From Hannah Waight of Experience:

No longer is healthcare confined to doctors and nurses - now more than ever jobs are available for people with all types of interests within this highly diverse industry. Although you may not look forward to that trip to the dentist or those yearly shots from the doctor, no one can deny that healthcare is an essential aspect of all of our lives.  People who are willing and able to work in the health industry will always be in demand.  In fact, healthcare has long been one of the biggest industries in the nation, and now, because of the aging population of the United States and advances in medical technology, the need for qualified workers is only going to increase.  Your ideal job is within your grasp as long as you have the appropriate background and inside information.

As an industry, healthcare offers a diverse range of jobs for many different types of people.  You can work in the traditional health provision sector as a doctor or nurse, or in a wide variety of medical fields.  Preventative medicine and recovery is getting increasing attention from insurance companies looking to keep their costs down: dietitians, counselors, and physical therapists all play key roles in keeping people healthy. Research in academic medicine and biotechnology provides opportunities for professionals interested in discovering the next generation of treatment.  The people- and paperwork-oriented are needed to run the business and administrative side of the industry.

Copyright © 1996 - 2008 Experience, Inc. - All Rights Reserved

To read more of Hannah’s great article, login to the Ashworth University Career Center through the student portal and click here.

Ryan Rode
Interactive Services Manager
Ashworth University

              
             Thanks to nellee100 for permission to use this Photo.

We’re all so busy and sometimes take-out is best way to get a meal on the table. But you don’t want to sacrifice your health or waistline in the process. Here are some ways to stay in health conscious when ordering take out.

Mexican: The Good And Bad

Bad

Sour cream - Let’s be honest, it’s pretty tasteless. And it has over three times the fat content of vanilla ice cream! If you must have something creamy, try a little guacamole for a healthier alternative. (It’s still full of fat, but at least it’s monounsaturated.)   Chorizo - Eleven grams of fat per ounce, four of them saturated. Yikes! Chips - Can you really eat just one? Didn’t think so.

Good 

Grilled fish - Say hola to this low-fat, heart-healthy choice. Salsa - Not only is it fat-free, but one-half cup of it also counts as a full serving of veggies. Grilled chicken fajitas - Skip the tortillas and you’re really being virtuous. 

Chinese: The Good And Bad

Bad 

Sweet and sour pork - Keep your fork away from this pork – a typical serving contains twice as much fat as in a quarter-pounder. Fried rice - The word fried is right in the name, so don’t be surprised when it shows up drenched in oil — and calories. General Tso’s chicken - Almost 900 calories and 40 grams of fat per serving? Just say no to General Tso!

Good

Steamed or lightly stir-fried veggies - Keep it simple, keep it healthy. Steamed brown rice - Fat-free and sodium-free fiber boost. Chopsticks - They’ll make you eat more slowly so you get the chance to feel full. Fortune cookies - A sweet fat-free treat for only 30 calories.

Pizza: The Good And Bad

Bad

Pepperoni - Want to save three grams of fat per serving? Then skip the pepperoni. Extra cheese - High in saturated fat and sodium. If you want to have something extra on your pizza, how about extra veggies or extra red pepper flakes?  Deep dish - Are you having dinner or going into hibernation?

Good

Cheese-free pizza - Delicious on its own, or add your own Parmesan at home for a lower-fat alternative to traditional pies. Thin crust - Fewer calories, fewer empty carbs. Extra napkins - Use them to pat the pizza dry, absorbing excess oil (read: fat) from the cheese.We live in a busy world where there never seems to be enough time in the day to get things done.  As a result, we’re a culture that eats on the go.  Well, we all know that this isn’t an ideal nutrition lifestyle, but we can all make the best of these situations by being as conscientious as possible about our take-out choices!

Carla Hardy MS, CSCS
Fitness and Exercise Instructor
Ashworth University

                            Image courtesy of Susanne Riber.

As a physical therapy aide, you should be aware of a number of exercises that may be beneficial in promoting healing of lower back pain.  The following exercies have proven very effective for me during my career. 

Have the patient lie on his or her back with a rolled blanket or small pillow under the knees and with hands held beside the head; in this position, have the patient tilt the pelvis to flatten the lower back by pulling up and in with the lower abdominal muscles; instruct the patient to hold the back flat and breathe easily in and out; relax the muscles of the upper abdomen.

Instruct the patient to lie supine with knees bent and feet placed flat on the table.  With hands beside the head the pelvis should tilt to flatten the lower back.  In this position, straighten the legs as much as possible.  Return the knees to a bent position, one leg at a time.

The patient should sit with legs extended forward.  Place a rolled blanket under the knees to allow a slight bend.  Then, pull in with the abdominal muscles, keeping the pelvis tilted back.  Reach toward the toes, bending the lower back.

If you’ve had anyexperience working with these particular methods, be sure to share your story in the comments section.

Wade Balance, PTA
Physical Therapy Aide Instructor
Ashworth University

 
                    Thanks to joelogon for permission to use this Photo.

It’s cookout season again!!  The time of year we eat good barbecue.  From pulled pork to ribs to meaty steaks.  We pack in the food, enjoy the taste, and also pack on the pounds.  This Spring And Summer, I want you to try some healthy alternatives to make your cookout experience “A Healthier One.” 

Tip 1:  Decide On One Healthy Meat 

Many time at barbecues people want to sample everything, so if you have three or four different meats, your guests are bound to try them all—even if they don’t have the room!  For example, chicken breasts are great for grilling.  Spice it up by having three different flavors: lightly seasoned, favorite barbecue sauce, and secret recipe… 

Tip 2:  Prepare Two Healthy Vegetable Options 

With such a variety of vegetables, it’s hard to go wrong with choosing.  You can choose your favorite or try something new.  For example, a nice romaine lettuce and spinach salad with tomatoes and red onions pairs well with many protein options.  Add some grilled corn on the cob and you’re really in business… 

Tip 3:  Prepare A Fruit Filled Dessert 

What’s a cookout without dessert!!!  Well, cut up your favorite fruits: strawberries, watermelons, bananas, cherries, pineapples, etc…and layer them with whip cream…PRESTO!!!

Carla Hardy MS, CSCS
Fitness and Exercise Instructor
Ashworth University

Photo courtesy of Jo Guldi

It is truly alarming the number of people around the world who are overweight these days, and it is really no wonder. After all, we as a people have become so lazy and so dependent on sugary, fatty foods and beverages. There are also other reasons why people are overweight however, such as to control their emotions or make themselves feel better. Emotional eating is perhaps one of the most dangerous problems in terms of your weight, especially if you live a very emotional or hectic life.

Sometimes the strongest longings for food happen when you are at your weakest point emotionally. If you are sad or lonely, angry or depressed, you may notice that you begin craving certain foods, perhaps some of which you never even really considered before. Eating as a way to suppress your feelings, such as stress, anxiety, boredom and even confusion, can really sabotage your weight loss efforts. The good news is that if you are someone who is prone to emotional eating, there are things that you can do to get over these habits and get back to eating healthy and looking and feeling your very best.

Find the Problem

It is important that you take the time to try and determine the actual root cause of your emotional eating. Sure you know that you are eating as a way to help yourself deal through the tough times, but there must be a more significant underlying cause. Major live events such as unemployment and health problems, for instance, may have triggered the onset of your emotional eating problem and this is what you are going to have to deal with.

Also know that there are certain foods which seem to have particularly addictive qualities. These are the foods that most people tend to crave when they are down or upset, and which you should be especially careful with. This includes chocolate and candy, and when you eat these foods what happens is that your body releases trace amounts of mood hormones which is why the foods seem like a sort of reward, because you think that they are making you feel better. They may help temporarily to relieve the feelings of tension or stress that you are experiencing, but even just a few moments after you eat them you will feel even worse than you did to begin with. (more…)

                Thanks to Sarah G for permission to use this Photo.

April is National Humor Month, so get your laugh on!! Although it may not be the best medicine, it does have some great benefits. Laughter improves your daily mood and makes a significant contribution to your health. It helps you keep a positive frame of mind when life’s problems come your way, it promotes physical, mental and spiritual health.

Laughter reduces stress hormones in the blood and research has shown that muscle relaxation results from a good belly laugh. Next time you have a good laugh, ask yourself, “What changes in my body do I notice?” Do you feel more relaxed and at ease?

So the next time you’re trying to hold in that boisterous, “Go ahead and let it rip!” Your mind and body will thank you for it.

Carla Hardy MS, CSCS
Fitness and Exercise Instructor
Ashworth University

              Thanks to Lee Gillen for permission to use this Photo.

A recent episode of 60 Minutes featured a timely report on the possible link between lack of sleep and obesity.  I describe the report as timely because it’s been widely documented that human beings are getting less sleep than ever, a particularly troubling fact when you consider that we’re also working more intensive schedules, and balancing this imbalance with drive through diet practices.  The resultant obesity effect is simply another in a long line of health problems related to sleep deprivation; the most dangerous being heart disease and diabetes.  Alright, so this isn’t the sunniest subject to discuss at the dinner table, but it’s a dialogue that must begin between families if this crisis is to be scaled back before reaching the epidemic stage.  Check out the following “Science Of Sleep” video to learn more about the implications of your potentially harmful sleep patterns.  Go to bed early tonight!  Take a nap tomorrow!

Ryan Rode
Interactive Services Manager
Ashworth University Health Care Program