Cutting Salt Slowly Could Prolong Half a Million Lives

I've known for a long time that high blood pressure and salt intake were related but it was made very clear to me about a week ago.  Let me go back a few years first.  I've never had many issues with my blood pressure until a few years back.  I had a high-pressure sedentary corporate job and family life was at an all time high level of stress for a slew of reasons.  My blood pressure crept upward even though my diet and weight did not change.  Stress kills; this I can say for certain.  In a nutshell, I started monitoring my BP, chucked the J O B, lived through the family stress, and lo and behold the BP was restored to normal.  This didn't happen overnight but over a few years but I'm happy to report that my overall average blood pressure is low to normal again.  Until a week ago that is.
What happened a week ago? I couldn't figure it out.  Every time I go in to our local Rite Aid I like to take a BP reading at their machine by the pharmacy. Geez, the drug store used to be all about makeup, beer, and silly celebrity magazines.  Now it's the place for health screenings. Boo.  Anyhow... last week I noticed a marked spike in my BP and I couldn't figure out why.  Recently I lost 6 pounds after a few months of a consistent walking program.  My business is going well too.  Those are supposed to be good things right?  So why the "Stage 1 Hypertension" reading?  I wracked my brain to come up with a reason.  An hour earlier for lunch I had homemade crockpot chicken soup with vegetables and noodles and no salt added.  Except that I had fresh-out-of-the-package saltines that tasted so good with my healthy soup that I ate a HALF A PACKAGE.  Mystery solved.  Short term spike for sure caused by a mega-consumption of saltines (Note To Self:  Foods that contain the word "salt" should be eaten in moderation.)
Here's the whole story on cutting salt:
Cutting Salt Slowly Could Prolong Half a Million Lives, Study Finds 

Almost Any Act of Kindness Boosts Happiness

A previous study that I posted here showed the relationship between acts of kindness and likability and happiness of high school peers.  I guess it's not just limited to kids. Here is more information that concludes the correlation between kindness and happiness.  No mention in this article about money.  Surprised?

We Have Found that Almost Any Types of Acts of Kindness Boost Happiness

Ultimate Fitness Tips to Maximize Your Workout

I thought I had better write a blog about fitness since I've actually, for the first time in a very long time, been maintaining a regular workout schedule.  OK, so it's only been a few weeks but that's a long time for me.  :)  Maybe it was no coincidence that Walgreen's sent me an email today with all kinds of good links to articles about exercise.  This one was the best and I've implemented just about every one of these hints. In case you're too busy to scroll through all of these (perhaps you're working out?) here are a few gems:

• Shorten Your Workout, But Make It Count
• Find An Active Hobby
• Motivate With Music
• Use Instant Gratification In A Healthy Way
• Walk Faster

There are more good ones so check them out when you can.  I'll add one more because it's the most important one: 

• Just Do It Because You'll Feel SO Much Better

Boost Your Immunity By Eating These Foods

Seems like all I've been hearing about is the flu.  Knock on wood I've escaped its clutches so far this year and I hope to keep it that way.  This article lists some foods that boost immunity and I'm happy to report (no oysters for me thank you very much) that I eat most of these on a regular basis.  Do you? 
Superfoods That Fight Colds

11 Ways Exercise Improves Your Health

It's a brand new year and most of us have either made some resolutions or have thought long and hard about making some overdue improvements.  I fall into the latter category since I refuse to make official resolutions that I might have to keep.  :)  But seriously, I did sort of semi-commit (geez Louise) to moving more and eating better.  Couldn't be more vague could I?  OK, I dusted off the treadmill, cleaned out the room where it was previously collecting dust, and asked my wonderful husband for a small flat screen TV for that room for Christmas and he gladly complied.  The flat screen is still in the box but the room is close to being ready for some "treading" while I watch The Food Network (calorie free) or The Biggest Loser (I heard that Jillian Michaels will be back this year shrieking louder than ever. BTW a new season starts next week.)
Here's an article to inspire all of us to commit to getting more exercise this year.  They give a lot of great reasons to get moving.  My favorites are the ones about improved eyesight and better sleep.  Yes please.  Here's the article:   11 Ways Exercise Sends Health Soaring