Where will you 'goal' on your summer vacation? Forget about 'lazy days of summer,' get active and be bold.

Michelle Jezycki, owner of Tri the World, an endurance and multi-sport travel agency based in Washington, D.C., helps people do just that. She's seen her business grow in the last six years as, she says, "more and more people add marathons and triathlons to their bucket lists."

Considering the way the sport of triathlon has grown over the last decade - from less than 20,000 USA Triathlon annual memberships in 2000 to a record high of more than 150,000 last year - many people have added finishing a triathlon to their bucket list and are returning to the outdoor fun they had in their youth by swimming, biking and running during their summer vacation. John Martin, spokesperson for USA Triathlon, says that last year's annual membership peaked in the summer with the highest numbers recorded in June, July, August and September.

After four consecutive years volunteering for the Life Time Minneapolis Triathlon, Christine Strohmeyer, 44, of Shakopee, Minn., decided she wanted to do more than assist triathletes; she wanted to become one. "I was inspired by all the different athletes over the years," she says. In years past her summer activity included jogging a few miles several times a week and biking with her kids to the park. Last year she bumped up her activity and finished her first triathlon.

"Going from outdoor play to triathlon start line isn't too much of a stretch," says Troy Jacobson, head multisport coach for Life Time Fitness, The Healthy Way of Life Company. "Anyone can finish a sprint triathlon with minimal training."He says would-be triathletes can prepare for a sprint race in as little as six to eight weeks, training in each sport two to three times each week. This translates to anywhere from six to 10 hours of activity a week.

Strohmeyer felt so emboldened after finishing her first triathlon that she went on to finish another. "Even after both tris, I participated in a trail run and 5K," she says. "Definitely a highlight of the summer."

Jacobson added that preparing for an athletic event doesn't need to take over your life. "Training doesn't have to be super intense and uncomfortable," he says, adding that athletes can maintain an aerobic intensity, or a level of exertion in which you can still hold a conversation. "You can enjoy the social aspects of training without suffering," he comments.

The social aspects of training with others who have similar goals adds another layer of fun to summer. So does including your family in the pursuit of your goals.

"Getting the entire family involved in exercising and then attending a race to watch Mom or Dad do their thing or join them in competition is a great bonding experience," Jacobson says.

Mark and Sharon Fowler who moved from Chicago to Charlotte, N.C., use the summers to set goals together as well as separately. "We've got great weather here nine months out of the year, but we still have the Chicago mentality of being locked up till spring time. In summer we're definitely more active."

Last summer, Mark, 50, set a goal to climb Mt. Rainier. He spent several months training - many hours on a stair climber with a 40 pound weighted vest - before flying to Washington state that June. "I got to say, I climbed the tallest mountain in the United States, what did you do?" he proudly states.

What will you do over the summer? If you're looking for inspiration, check out one of Life Time Athletic Events, which offers finisher's medals at more than 60 events in locations across the country from mountain bike races to triathlons. And as Mark Fowler points out, bragging rights are pretty satisfying too.

New research shows health benefits of salt

According to Taubes, a flood of new research published in the last two years has not only shown the health benefits of salt but also revealed the risks of low-sodium diets.

"There was no disputing that salt is a natural, no-calorie and tasty nutrient essential for life, but the biggest nutrition story in recent years is the proof that following the government's low salt advice could actually shorten your life," says Lori Roman, president of the Salt Institute.

Within the past year, peer-reviewed medical studies have documented:

* Type 1 diabetes risk: In one Australian study on patients with type 1 diabetes, low sodium intake was independently associated with increased all-cause mortality and ESRD (end-stage renal disease).

* Type 2 diabetes risk: In another Australian study with type 2 diabetes patients, lower sodium consumption was associated with increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

* No cardiovascular benefit to salt reduction: A study published in the American Journal of Hypertension showed that eating less salt will not prevent heart attacks, strokes or early death. On the contrary, low-sodium diets increased the likelihood of premature death.

* Increased risk of illness and death: The Journal of the American Medical Association published a multi-year study on a very large cohort that concluded that lower salt intakes resulted in higher morbidity and mortality.

* Negative effects of low-salt intakes: An analysis of 167 studies showed that individuals placed on the U.S. Dietary Guidelines-recommended salt levels experienced significant increases in plasma renin, aldosterone, adrenaline, noradrenalin, cholesterol and triglycerides - all risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

* Health risk of current U.S. Dietary Guidelines: In a Journal of the American Medical Association publication, an analysis of the association between sodium intakes and cardiovascular events in almost 29,000 adults, showed that CV risk was increased among those with the lowest levels, equivalent to the current recommendations in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines.

* Nutritional risk of current U.S. Dietary Guidelines: The American Journal of Preventative Medicine published an article demonstrating that following the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for salt will result in unbalanced and unsustainable dietary choices.

* It is well documented that the Japanese and the Swiss enjoy among the longest life expectancy rates of any of the world's population groups. Less known however, is that they are also among the highest rates of salt consumption. Comparing the available data on salt consumption and longevity around the world indicates that if we were to actually consume the low levels of salt recommended in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, our life expectancy figures would drop dramatically.

Taubes is far from the only journalist to have questioned the government's policy on salt. Scientific American reviewed the studies and summarized its findings in the headline, "It's time to end the war on salt."

Seven reasons to mulch! Why's and how to's

Your landscape is a large living investment and like most investments the more information about it, the more you get in return. Most of us regard mulch as having one function, to give our landscape a fresh new appeal. The truth is, properly laid mulch has many other functions that are vital to the health and life of our plants.



There are basically two types of mulch, organic -- such as hardwood, bark chips, leaves and pine straw that easily decompose, and inorganic -- such as stones, brick chips and dyed rubber that are permanent. Although inorganic mulches have their place in the landscape, this tip sheet will be limited to the use of organic mulches.



Why Should I Mulch? Mulching is one of the simplest and most beneficial practices you can use in your landscape. In addition to giving your planting beds a uniform, well-cared for look, mulch will:



-Help maintain soil moisture. Evaporation is reduced, and the need for watering can be minimized.



-Help control weeds. A 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch will reduce the germination and growth of weeds.



-Serve as nature's insulating blanket. Mulch keeps soils warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.



-Improve soil aeration, structure (aggregation of soil particles), and drainage over time.



-Improve soil fertility.



-Can inhibit certain plant diseases.



Plants growing in a natural wooded environment have their roots anchored in a rich, well aerated soil full of essential minerals. Urban landscapes, however, are typically a much harsher environment with poor soils, little organic matter, and large fluctuations in temperature and moisture. Applying a 2 - to - 4 inch layer of organic mulch can mimic a more natural environment and improve plant health.



How To's. While mulching can be beneficial to your landscape, if improperly applied it can be equally harmful. Most organic mulches must be replenished but the rate of decomposition varies. Coarser mulches may remain intact for many years while finer mulches many need replenished every year or two.



-Define the edges of your landscape beds using a garden spade or power edger. Cutting a 3 to 4 inch deep trough along the edge of your landscape bed will keep mulch from bleeding into the turf.



-Check the depth of your existing mulch. If there is an existing layer of mulch, either remove and replace with fresh mulch or till the existing layer.



-Not too much! Deep mulch can lead to excess moisture in the root zone. Remember recommended mulching depth is 2 to 4 inches.



-Piling mulch against the trunk of plants can stress stem tissues and may lead to insect and disease problems.



-For trees, the mulch bed should be as large as the drip line of the tree. This will ensure the feeder roots, located near or even beyond the drip line of the tree, will be protected from drying out as quick and receive nutrients from the mulch.



-Thick blankets of fine mulch can become matted and may prevent the penetration of water and air. In addition, a thick layer of fine mulch can become like potting soil and may support weed growth.



-For landscape beds that do not drain well, apply a thinner layer of mulch.



Remember, your landscape is a large living investment and the more information you know about it, the more you can expect in return.



by: Steve Combs

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6873.shtml

Pet boarding is the best bet for your family friend

When you have pets there are many considerations to keep in mind, especially when you go away on business or for a leisure vacation. Pet boarding offers an easy solution to those who need someone outside of family and/or friends to take care of their pets. Pet boarding facilities are good choices because they are establishments with a good amount of staff members who will take good care of your pet while you are gone. Here are some more reasons why pet boarding businesses are ideal:

Offer a Full-Service Solution

Pet boarding companies are often in business for quite a long time as they offer pet owners a full-service pet care solution. In addition to feeding your pet and caring for them in your absence, pet boarding facilities also play with them, let the dogs play with each other and keep them safe the entire time you are gone. Some pet boarders will even offer grooming and training options to their pet guests.

Watch Your Pets 24/7

Pet boarding companies will watch over your pets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This allows you to enjoy your vacation or get work done on your business trip and not have to worry about your playful pup or frisky feline being alone at any time. The constant supervision means that anything your pet may need can be acquired when in the care of a pet boarder.

Have Vets on Call Just In Case.

No pet owner likes to envision their pet needing a veterinarian's assistance while they are away but the fact of the matter is that every once in awhile a pet may need some help due to an unexpected illness or just to be checked out for one reason or another. Many pet boarding facilities have an in-house vet or have one on call when needed for pet emergencies. This means that your pet will have that safeguard in place just in case it is necessary.

Now that you have a general overview of what a pet boarding company does and how they can help you with your specific pet care needs, it is the ideal time to get started. Pet boarding offers your pet a safe and enjoyable place to stay when you are on vacation or away on business.

by: Queen Diana
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/pets_and_animals/article_4204.shtml

http://www.jaredanthonycox.com

Lose weight for the wedding, but say 'I do' to a healthy lifestyle

Every bride wants to look great when the big day comes, but how many brides commit to fitting into her wedding dress on their 10th anniversary? Do you want to look good for a day, or feel good for the rest of your life?

While considering vows, include a commitment to live healthfully ever after. That's the advice from Cliff Edberg, a registered dietician and personal trainer at Life Time Fitness, The Healthy Way of Life Company, in Chanhassen, Minn. "When I work with a bride and her goal is to look her very best the day of the wedding and fit into the dress she has dreamed about for years, I encourage her to make this a lifestyle change, not just a short-term diet."

Brown, who visits her neighborhood Life Time Fitness, and her fiance both lost a significant amount of weight before meeting each other (70 pounds for him, 40 pounds for her) and plan to stay devoted to their healthy lifestyle as well as to each other.

"It's not just about the wedding pictures - although I want them to look amazing - but also about feeling my absolute best on the day I marry my best friend," Brown says.

Jen Emmert, 30, of Minneapolis, and another August bride-to-be shares the same outlook. "I was overweight my entire life and it was only about four years ago that I decided to make changes. Now that I'm months away from the big day, I want to make sure I'm focused on being the healthiest I can be."

Edberg, says it's important to celebrate the milestone and good work you put into the wedding day. "Just be sure to continue to set goals," he adds.

Brown is already thinking beyond the wedding day to having a healthy honeymoon. "Just like all of the vacations we have taken, we will seek out meal options that are healthy and satisfying," Brown says. "While we haven't decided on our honeymoon spot yet, we are looking at places where we can be active, instead of locations where the days are filled with lying on a beach."

Once the honeymoon is over Edberg suggests newlyweds rely on each other as their support team. One way to do that is for couples to spend time cooking meals together. "Often people get bored with 'eating healthy' but they just don't take time to explore new food and new ways of preparing food."

Edberg also suggests exploring new ways to exercise together as a couple. "Try to emphasize play in your activity," Edberg says. "When we have fun during activity, especially together, there is a higher likelihood that it will continue and form a habit." And the less likely you will be to fall back into old sedentary habits. "No better time than now to commit to a lifelong partnership in health, not sickness," he adds.

Emmert, who chronicled her weight-loss journey in a blog, acknowledges that planning for the wedding day is exciting, but "it's just one day out of the rest of our lives," she says. "Working out and being healthy will always need to be a priority, no matter what kind of life event is going on around us."

When the honeymoon is over, life goes on. Will you fit into that wedding dress 10 years later? In 20 years will you still be fit and healthy? In other words, look at the big picture. And you won't find the "big picture" in your wedding album. Need additional advice or assistance? Visit www.lifetime-weightloss.com.

Six tips to liven up your laundry room

(BPT) - With the average American family doing more than 400 loads of laundry each year, it's no wonder that the laundry room has become one of the most popular remodeling projects in the house. Often out of sight and out of mind, most laundry rooms are designed like closets rather than efficient utility rooms. But according to Decorator Jenny Komenda, who blogs at The Little Green Notebook, with just a few inexpensive changes, you can brighten your clothes and your mood by transforming your dark and dingy laundry room into a bright, functional (and even enjoyable) place.



Check out these tips from Jenny, The Home Depot, Tide and Maytag for the Brilliant HE Clean campaign on how to create more efficient and enjoyable laundry rooms:



*Dealing with a dark, cave-like laundry room is a chore in and of itself. By taking off the doors on a few of your upper cabinets, you'll open up the space and create a place to store baskets. Assign baskets for every member of the house, which makes sorting a breeze.



*Why not decoupage or paint the insides of your cabinets for a fun pop of color? It's a guaranteed smile each and every time you reach for your detergent. Also don't ignore the door. Adhere some cork panels on the inside of the cabinet doors and create a space to pin all those stain removal tips.



*Don't like the cabinets, floors and countertops in your laundry room? Every surface can be painted or resurfaced. Update your laundry room with paint and a concrete overlay for less than $30 in materials. Say goodbye to the outdated linoleum, brick pavers and old, dark cabinets.



*A rolling laundry butler can be your best friend, doing triple duty with a hanging bar, a rolling basket and a drying rack. It's the perfect choice for smaller laundry rooms that haven't been updated in a few decades.



*Don't neglect your laundry room walls. Hanging interesting art and mirrors will elevate your room and make it feel less utilitarian and a little homier. Suddenly those 400 loads of laundry most of us will do this year might actually be enjoyable.



*A folding station makes all the difference. Use a slab of stone or a simple piece of painted medium-density fiberboard (MDF) on top of washer/dryer units to create a folding station that also prevent socks from slipping in between the appliances.



Learn more about the campaign and enter to win a $5,000 laundry room redesign from Jenny and a Maytag Washer and Dryer by visiting www.tideandmaytag.com.



Courtesy of BPT