Thump Thump: What your heart wants to say…

February was heart awareness month and everyday I tried providing a tip on how to be healthy. The following are 29 (leap year this year!) tips to a healthy heart. PLEASE be informed and take care of yourself….if not for yourself, then for the ones that love you.

1. Know your family history – Heart disease can be hereditary & those with it in their genes should talk to their doctor for specific prevention tips.
2. Bye bye salt – You get enough sodium in your diet that you don’t need to add more to your food. Eliminate fast food since it’s more salt hazardous than fat-hazardous.
3. Recognize 5 signs of stroke – weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, sudden vision problems, headache, & dizziness.
4. Don’t wait until you’re old to care - If you’ve hit your 20s, now’s the time to check your cholesterol levels & blood pressure. Prevention is the best cure.
5. Eat blue & purple foods – Eating plums, eggplant, & blueberries increase anthocyanins in your body which lower high blood pressures.
6. Heart disease is the #1 cause of death for women, not cancer. – Just like you get a regular pap smear test or mammogram, check your cholesterol levels and blood pressure too.
7. Decrease your midsection – A large waistline is an indication for potential disease & stroke.
8. Quit smoking – Do not smoke & if you do STOP! Ask your doctor for more information about programs to quit smoking.
9. Say no to drugs - Cocaine causes artery spasms, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes in otherwise healthy people.
10. Diabetes is a strong indicator – Diabetes often occurs with heart disease. People with both have higher risks for heart attacks. Eat well & healthy.
11. Eat Omega-3s – Omega-3 fatty acids may lower blood pressure & blood clots. They’re found in fatty fish & flax seed. Include them in your diet.
12. Manage stress – People with high stress may have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or atherosclerosis. Take time out for yourself and do an activity that calms you. Suggestions: yoga, paint, read, vacations, talk to friends.
13. Exercise –  Do at least 30 min of regular cardio exercise per week. Switch it up if you get bored. Play a sport, run, dance, just keep moving!
14. Decrease fat – Fat intake should be less than 30% of your total calories. Choose unsaturated fats, skim milk, and lean meat. Read the label.
15. Sleep well – Uninterrupted sleep means you’ll be better rested, have more energy, and are able to breathe better. If you have sleep apnea (waking up suddenly due to poor breathing or snoring), talk to your doctor.
16. Eat garlic – It lowers blood pressure & cholesterol levels while stabilizing blood sugar levels. Eat it raw or slightly cooked.
17. Avoid restrictive diets – Frequent dieting imbalances your electrolyte levels and causes weakening of the heart muscle.
18. Tackle mental & physical health – Turn on the music and dance. Not only will you get physical exercise but happiness reduces stress by decreasing cortisol levels.
19. Laugh – Out loud and freely. Laughter reduces stress and therefore damage to your endothelium tissue of your blood vessels.
20. Make time for breakfast – This is one meal that is easy to eat healthy with so many whole grain options, low-protein, and fruit.
21. Take care of your pearly whites – Oral health is linked to heart health. Brush and floss your teeth regularly with dentist checkups in between.
22. Limit alcohol – You don’t need to cut it out entirely, just don’t binge or overdrink. Longterm drinking weakens the heart muscle & increases blood clotting.
23. Don’t be sedentary – Exercise during your daily tasks by walking to short distance places & doing chores regularly. But be safe while doing so.
24. Raise good cholesterol- Your body needs high amounts of HDL (good) and low amounts of LDL (bad) cholesterol. HDLs remove LDLs from your body so you’ll want more superheroes and less villains.
25. Measure your portions – Don’t bring a weigh scale to every meal, but mentally weigh your portions by comparing them to your fist size, which is equal to one serving.
26. Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there – Cholesterol builds up overtime so don’t wait until you have a heart attack to act. Healthy habits also build over time so start now.
27. Speak up – Share these tips and others you may know with people who are at risk. Dialogue and conversation increases knowledge and prevention.
28. Love your body – You only have one and these tips aren’t hard. Be conscious of your decisions now and they’ll become second nature later!
29. SEE YOUR DOCTOR – Seek a medical professional for personal advice and ask questions to know why you’re taking a particular medication or why you should make a specific lifestyle change.

 Have a heart and take care of it too!

xx Miz250

 

DJ Pauly D in Kamloops..Yeaaaah buddy!

By now, everybody has heard of the Jersey Shore.  Fist pumping, guidos/guidettes, Italian-Americans who love to party in New Jersey. MTV first aired this reality show in 2009 and it’s been a hit amongst young people everywhere. People watch it for the antics or to simply, make fun of it. Admit it….it’s your guilty pleasure show. Well it is mine!

The reason I’m writing about this today is because one of the “stars” of the show, Pauly D., will be in Kamloops tonight. Here’s some quick info about the guy: He’s the eldest of the stars at 31, he’s a DJ and was one before the show, he didn’t audition but was asked to be apart of it, he’s signed on with 50 Cent’s G-Unit Records, he’s opened for Britney Spears, and his spin-off show will air later this year.

So is he the most successful cast-member?  That’s debateable but he is one of the most likeable. His easy-going, drama free, good time attitude makes him a charming fella. And let’s not forget his crazy blowout and catch phrases such as “Yeaaah buddy” or “The cabs are here!” It’s no secret that there will be some major fist pumping tonight or people prepping GTL-style before the show. Some girls will even be DTF.

Party hard, but let’s try keeping it classy, Kamloops. This girl won’t be at this sold out event at CJs. If DJ Pauly D had brought his bff Vinny, we might have had a different story!

xx Miz 250

 

Pet Peeve: Slow Walkers

I have many pet peeves but I dislike complaining. So I’ll use a blog post every now and then to speak my mind to let it out. Then I’ll quit complaining….That’s the deal!

I dislike slower walkers. I’m not talking about people that have an inability to walk fast. I’m referring to those that take up the entire sidewalk or walkway without moving out of the way. There is limited time in a day to accomplish everything that I’d like to do. So I would appreciate it if you could leave some space so I can overtake you. This reminds me of two slow cars driving side by side and disregarding the intended use of the passing lane.

Also, please don’t abruptly stop in front of me forcing me to swerve in all different directions to avoid hitting other people. Worse is when I end up stepping in the big pile of mud, ruining my shoes just because you didn’t release that there are other pedestrians in this world. You can tie your shoelace or check your text message one foot to the right of where you stopped.

I understand that conversations with your friends about the game last night or “she said this and like…like…like…” is really important to you but could you avoid blocking entrance ways and pathways? I’d like to get to my friends to have those same conversations too.

Lastly, I also take strolls and leisure walks. If you move for me, I will definitely move for you. In the meantime, I’ll use my cat-like reflexes to dodge your walking manoeuvres so as not to inconvenience you.

With love but slightly annoyed,

xx Miz 250

 

An Evening with Peter Mansbridge

Peter Mansbridge is arguably Canada’s most well known reporter/journalist. To have him come to Kamloops was kind of a big deal and a surprise for most residents. He was invited to Thompson Rivers University’s lecture series and shared his stories with an audience of about 300 people! Tickets were free but they went fast. Chilly temperatures below zero did not stop the young nor the not-so-young.

If you’re like me, you watch the National regularly and you’re a huge fan of Mr. Mansbridge. Hearing how he started out, who he has interviewed over the years, and his personal stories was inspiring and refreshing. Storytelling is definitely his forte and he had the crowd laughing and applauding throughout.

Mansbridge shared how he got pulled over for speeding one day, only to find out that the officer was someone he went to Scouts with as a boy. He went on to tell everyone how he started his career in Churchill, Manitoba while he worked at the airport. Like any humble and successful person, he has not forgotten his roots. His next few stories involved world leaders. He shared his hilarious story of interviewing US President Obama and he was the first international journalist to sit down with UK Prime Minister Cameron as well. He described his painfully awkward interview with Margaret Thatcher and explained how sometimes journalism just doesn’t go your way.

The main focus was on Canadians and what they mean to the world. His inspiring stories from Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and an Afghani woman in Canada demonstrated how well Canadians are perceived throughout the world. The crowd nodded and smiled in agreement.

The last hour of the talk involved a Q&A session where Mansbridge gave advice to budding journalists, shared a story of being mistaken for the President of Poland on CNN, and told youth not to give up in this economy. Three hours flew by and before you knew it, it was time for the autographs and photos.

There are many aspects of the night that I enjoyed. Hearing Mansbridge’s stories was definitely something that will not be forgotten and by the looks on everyone’s faces, I’m sure many others would agree with me as well.

If you’d like to read the live tweets from the evening, search for the hashtag #petermtru. If you ever get the chance to hear Peter Mansbridge speak in the future, I highly recommend you to attend.

xx Miz 250

 

Red Light on Frostbite

Brrrr….you’re feeling it too aren’t you? Not to disappoint you, but the worst has yet to come. Reports are saying that we should prepare ourselves for frostbite. But what is it and how do you prepare for it?

Frostbite occurs when your skin is exposed to temperatures below freezing. Your skin can turn hard and pale and you can lose sensitivity in the area as well.  First signs are pins and needles. When the area thaws, it can be very painful causing cracked skin and bleeding. In extreme cases, you can even lose your limbs! Areas most affected are hands, feet, nose, and ears.

Let’s keep you Kamloopsians warm! Here are some tips.

1)   Dress warmly. This is a no brainer but sometimes you don’t realize that you’re not dressing very effectively. Layers keep the cold out better than one or two heavy items.

2)   Wear waterproof footwear. Some boots aren’t made for the snow. Fabrics hold on to moisture a lot longer and can “hold” the cold for a while. Rubber or proper snowboots are a must.

3)   Keep out of the cold if you can. Avoid making snowmen and playing outside. You don’t want to feel wet in the cold. Let the temperature rise a bit more before you enjoy the outdoors.

4)   Avoid excessive drinking and smoking since it prevents blood circulation and lowers the body temperature. Lighting one up to keep you warm isn’t true.

5)   Don’t forget your mittens, long underwear, two pairs of socks, and cover your ears!

Give yourself an extra few minutes to get dressed because layering takes time. Take a double take in the mirror before you head out. Remember: if you’re too cold seek shelter immediately!

Happy Winter!

 xx Miz250

 

Fitness in Kamloops

It’s almost half way through January and how many of you are still sticking to your New Years resolutions? Every year, the most common resolution is to get healthy. Thus, fitness centres and gyms make a killing during the first month!

Kamloops is known to be the Tournament Capital so you might expect most people to be healthy in this city. But like anywhere else, there are people at both ends of the scale. Those that keep up with fitness throughout the year will probably be annoyed with the influx of people at their gyms. On the other hand, people that are just starting out might not know where to begin. So I have made a list of a few options to try out.

Fitness Centres:

They are probably the most common places people think of when they want to exercise. They’re great if you plan on going regularly so you get your moneys worth. They usually have every type of machine you need, personal trainers, extra classes, and maybe a swimming pool. If you’re not shy and you’re willing to put down some money, try these places in Kamloops: Bodyworks, Curves, Gold’s Gym, Heavy Metal Gym, the TCC, or the YMCA.

Classes:

If gyms bore you and you’d rather get your workout doing something a bit more fun, join a specific class! There are many options such as dance, martial arts, or yoga. Additionally, they make for a great social activity as well. Check out Akimbo Dance Studios, Bikrams, Let’s Move Studio, Nuance Dance Studio, Tiger Martial Arts, or Western Karate Academy.

Low-Cost:

Exercise doesn’t have to be expensive. You can go out for a run of bike in this beautiful city, work out in your home (away from the kitchen!), use your apartment gym, or get a few friends together to play a recreational sport. Mixing it up decreases boredom as well.

Whether you buy a new membership, try out a new activity, or get moving outside, the key is to stick to it! 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day keeps you physically AND mentally healthy.  Don’t take living in Kamloops for granted.

 xx Miz 250

 

2012: A Year of Positivity

Welcome to 2012!

The holidays are over and while some of you are relaxed and ready to kick off the year, others are finally letting go of the holiday stress. If you’re like me, you’re experiencing a bit of both.

In the next couple of weeks, you can expect a new blog site from me and a hopefully informative post on fitness activities in Kamloops. It’s time to shed the pounds away and like many, there are resolutions to get into shape for 2012. The key is to stick to it!

I hope to bring you way more content this year and I’d love any feedback. Thanks for all your support in 2011 and thanks to the people of Kamloops for welcoming me into your community. Let’s keep the positive attitudes throughout the year.

Much love!

xx Miz250

 

Cold Party Wear: the Classy Version

Brrr it’s cold outside. Who wouldn’t want to curl up in a blanket in their comfiest sweats near a fire? But nooooo, you have a Christmas party to go to. Not only do you have to get out in the cold to get to your party, but you must look good doing it as well. Coworkers, family members, inlaws, friends, frienemies, and potential friends will all be judging you. What to do?!

 I have come up with a list of fashionable warm Christmas party attire ideas for the 20-something year old woman. Hopefully this list will help you come up with some clothing options and it will be one worry you can set aside. Instead, you can focus on controlling how much you drink because you don’t want to be known as “that girl” at your office party!

Dresses. A lot of cocktail parties, or smart dress codes require you to wear a dress or skirt. But your gams will be chilly, right? How about wool-blend or fleece-lined tights! They are thicker than your average tights and come in many fashionable colours or patterns.  Urban Outfitters sells fleece-lined for $18. If you can’t wait for them to be shipped, Sears carries your basic colours from $26.96.

Boots these days come in many lengths, materials, heel size, and colours. Pair your outfit with an ankle booties or mid-length boots. Any higher length will have people questioning what you do for a living. Flat boots have become very popular over the years and they look appropriate if the foot size is slender.  Otherwise go for the heel size you can walk in! If your outfit is one solid colour, try adding a bright shoe to break it up. Check out these red dress boots from Aldo on the left (sale $45.49) or these black booties from Michael Antonia on the right ($60)

           

Sleeves. If want to cover up those arms but don’t want to wear a shawl, you don’t have to. There are many long sleeve length dresses in style this season, arguably inspired by Kate Middleton’s wedding dress. Or wear a long sleeved top with a shorter skirt. But don’t wear a mini skirt and bare arms unless your party is held at a club.  Or, cover up with a tailored blazer that you won’t need to take off. Left:  Black Velvet dress from the Banana Republic ($124). Right:  Notched Collar Boyfriend Blazer from Guess ($108)

                              

If you’re not a dress type of girl, wear pants. Dress pants, skinny pants, wide leg pants…they’re all appropriate if paired with the right top. Remember proportions. Dress pants need a dressy blouse, skinny pants require a flowy top, and wide leg usually needs structure on top.  Left: Guess Skinny Pants (sale: $49.95). Right: Silk/Wool Wide Leg Pants at the Banana Republic ($59.69)

Whatever you do, wear what’s comfortable for you. At the end of the day, you’ll feel the best when you’re at ease and you can always make a show stopping outfit using colourful and bold accessories. But confidence is the best thing you can wear!

xx Miz 250

 

Kamloops Christmas Tree Lighting

New York City, Washington D.C., and Kamloops…what do these cities have in common? Christmas tree lightings!

Now that we’re in December, I can finally talk about this holiday season. How many of you were young and remember going to your local town craft fair, attending a Santa Claus parade, or witnessing the lighting of a community Christmas tree? I know it was exciting, memorable, and a warm feeling when I was a child. So I was excited to hear that Kamloops has the same kind of event.

Downtown had a fair amount of families, young and old. Businesses came out to offer samples and deals for the occasion. There was even a hayride! People were in great spirits and running into familiar faces was an experience many shared. It made me smile that young people would grow up having the same happy memories that I have from this time of the year. It doesn’t matter whether you celebrate Christmas or you come out because you’re simply curious about what’s going on. Being apart of a close-knit community is rare and a trait that Kamloops definitely possesses.

Our tree may not be as big as the one at the Rockefeller Center or as extravagant as the one on the White House Lawn. But it is OUR tree and that’s what makes it special.

What a great way to start the holiday season!

xx Miz 250

 

Mastering Twitter (Part 2)

Finally, part 2 is up after many people asked when I would be writing a few more tips! Thanks for the feedback and sorry for the delay.

6) If you’re using twitter to promote your business, provide a brief description in the about me section. Also, include a full web link instead of a shortened URL so that it doesn’t look like spam. Feel free to share your products, promotions, and services but space them out to keep people interested. And never use automatic DMs; they’re just annoying!

7) Twitter pics are an interesting way to tweet because a picture speaks a lot more than 140 characters. Your pics are shortened to little links that the viewer can click if they choose to. Remember to give a description of your photo to get them to click the link. Twitter pics are especially interesting when you’re live tweeting at an event (giving a type of play-by-play or highlighting what’s going on).

8 ) Don’t follow people and then unfollow them once they’ve followed you. Not only is it rude, but it also becomes obvious that you’re just trying to gain a large base and new followers won’t be interested in you. Create a genuine base by being interesting and effective via your tweeting abilities.

9) Avoid abbreviating every word to make the most of your characters. People usually skim tweets and they’ll just gloss over excessive abbreviations. Keep your thoughts concise, not the letters in your words.

10) Breathe between tweets. Don’t tweet too much because your followers need to catch up with what you’re putting out there. Last thing you want to do is frustrate your base and end up in twitter jail (tweeting more than 100 tweets per hour leads to a temporary suspension of your account).

Happy tweeting! Follow me @miz250 if you like

xx Miz250