Apple Cider Vinegar: All That — and Natural, Too

image courtesy Health4Us

Open a bottle of apple cider vinegar for a plethora of health benefits.

Need a little help lowering your blood sugar? Pour two teaspoons into part of your meal; healthy diners will see a 20 percent drop in post-meal blood glucose.

Improve your skin health by taking a teaspoon or two a day, diluted — or apply it undiluted directly on your skin to relieve sunburn or heal blemishes.

Sinus problems? Indigestion? More relief is in the bottle, according to WebMD and IDEA Fitness Journal. A teaspoon or two in a glass of water could help settle a sour stomach, prevent indigestion (if taken before a meal) and drain sinuses.

Hair conditioner? Fever reducer? Cure for hiccups? Yep, yep and yep.

Have you tried any of these remedies? Or have you used apple cider vinegar for a different ailment?

Fitness Friday: The Real Secret to Lifelong Good Health

Can You Give the Gift of Fitness?

Everyone wants to give the perfect gift for the holidays. But can someone give the gift of fitness?

The more important question is: can someone receive the gift of fitness?

No one can be forced into fitness or health. You may want Mom to eat healthier or your husband to start working out — but that doesn't mean they want to do it. In fact, giving someone a gift that suggests they need improvement could be insulting and, ultimately, could backfire.

Listen, and ask questions, even if you're an expert in the field. In fact, especially if you're an expert in that field, listen carefully. Find out what the person wants to achieve, then help them find the best way to do it.

Ask an expert: find someone at the gym or sporting goods store for recommendations. Consider taking them to the store or the gym to look around and ask questions.

Always include a gift receipt and don't take it personally if the gift is exchanged. If you're giving a gift that cannot be exchanged, consider giving a gift certificate, or take the person to the site to purchase the class or equipment.

Don't make them do this alone: join your friend or family member in this endeavor. If you buy your friend a hula hoop or baseball mitt, get one for yourself. Both of you will benefit, with the bonus of spending time together. Barring that, hire a coach or personal trainer to help them identify how to achieve their goals.

What recommendations would you add?

Friday Visual: How Much Sugar Is In Your Food or Drink?

Amazing how much — or little — sugar is in any given food or drink.

Courtesy Muffin Top-Less.

Find Me at the Whole Health Festival 9/23

When thinking about your own health, you have to take in to account the entire person, not just the part that isn't healthy or you want to improve.

If you're in Fairfax today, you have a chance to do that very thing at the Whole Health Festival — and to stop by, say hello to me and watch my Tai Chi demonstration.

The festival will be from 1-4 pm at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center, 2740 Old Lee Highway. My demonstration is scheduled for 2:40 pm — click here for the program schedule.

Hope to see you there!

Those Who Do Not Find Time For Exercise...

This image says it all.

Do you agree?

Thanks to by blogsbyryan (via Photobucket)