Congrats to the HBHL'ers that ran the Seaside Half Marathon this weekend. Great job ladies! We'll be looking for another half marathon for HBHL'ers to meet up at later this year. If you've never run one before this may be your opportunity! More to follow...
Thanks to Kelly Baker for putting on the Roddan & Fields event on Wed night and donating 50% of her first 6 months profits to HBHL! We had a great time - Whitney led us in a great PBz class, and Jessica followed it up with some yoga moves. If you weren't able to make it, but would like to place an order (all orders support HBHL!) check out the local HBHL - AL page for more details.
Last bit of local news - look for a feature story on HBHL in the Montgomery Advertiser on Wednesday! I'll post the link to the article once I get it. We've also got the Earth Fare 5K next Saturday at 10 AM. If you've never run a 5K, here's your chance! We've got a ton of HBHL'ers participating. Make sure you wear your t-shirt and let Pam know you're coming so we can get everyone together for a picture.
CLICK HERE for more local HBHL - AL info
You may have noticed that I sent out a VOLUNTARY survey with my blog notification this week. I really hope you find the time to answer a few short questions to help make HBHL better! Even if you aren't a part of the local HBHL - AL group, and even if you aren't a military spouse, we want to hear your inputs! HBHL is expanding this summer and it may be coming to your military or civilian community. Help make us the best we can be! Thank you in advanced for your support :)
Powerbodyz: This week's Powerbodyz workout is a 22 minute workout. Check it out!
CLICK HERE for this week's PBz Workout
Wellness Lesson: Veggies as a Sunscreen?
Why are there more new cases of skin cancer each year than any other cancer? The risk of developing melanoma has doubled in the past decade, despite the availability of sunscreen and the large push to protect yourself in the sun. Why is that? Some studies have concluded that there is not enough scientific data to support that all sunscreens can actually prevent skin cancer. So, you may be putting chemicals onto your skin, soaking toxins into your body and they may not be doing anything to prevent your development of skin cancer. All sunscreens are not created equal. I'm not in anyway advocating that you stop using sunscreen - just like everything else, do some research and make sure you read the labels and know what you are putting onto your skin. Remember your skin is the largest organ in your body and will absorb anything you put on it.
Check out the Environmental Working Groups 2011 Guide on Sunscreen. This is just one site that will breakdown the benefits of sun protection, but provides information on paying attention to the labels of your sunscreens. I highly encourage you to do some more research, but this is a good place to start:
EWG 2011 Sunscreen Info
Also, here is Web MD's take on the best sunscreens:
Web MD Choosing a Sunscreen
Finally, here's a holistic take on choosing sunscreens:
Chemical Free Sunscreen?
Another group of studies has also linked the incidence of skin cancer to individual diet choices and our "fear" of the sun which causes a lack of Vitamin D absorption. Our primary source for Vitamin D is the sun. If you avoid the sun and slather on too much chemical sunscreen you are actually depleting your body of vital Vitamin D. In regards to diet, studies have found that skin cancer rates are directly related to the consumption of trans fatty oils (partially hydrogenated oils) which are found in margarine and many other processed foods. One particular study looked at Mexico where for many years skin cancer was non-existent. As our Southern neighbors have adopted a more Americanized diet, their incidence of skin cancer has quadrupled. However, there is still a low incidence of skin cancer among the poor populations in Mexico that are not located near supermarkets that sell processed food. Interesting...
Eating your veggies can actually work as an internal sunscreen. YES! Plants contain lutein and zeaxanthin (which provide plant sun protection) and those benefits can be passed onto us. These are fat-soluble nutrients that are stored in our fat tissue and liver, and can be circulated in our blood, eyes, skin just like a natural sunscreen. So, which plants have the most lutein and zeaxanthin? Kale and spinach have the MOST, but they are also found in broccoli, peas, zucchini's, celery, tomatoes, oranges, romaine lettuce, carrots and tangerines. Turnip greens and brussels sprouts are also good choices!
Check out this article on veggies as sun protection:
Eat Your Sunscreen
Like I said, wear sunscreen - but choose the right one. In addition, eat the right types of foods to enhance your bodies natural ability to protect you from the sun!
Weekly challenge: Try to incorporate a new veggie into your diet. Still wary of kale? Haven't tried butternut squash? Scared of cabbage? Just try it and you might even find your family enjoys it!!
This week's Facebook Question: What's your best new habit since joining Healthy Body Healthy Life?
Have a wonderful week!
Be Educated. Be Balanced. Be Fit. Be Healthy.
Namaste,
Jannell
Jannell MacAulay, BS Biology, MS Kinesiology
Certified Yoga, Powerbodyz, Piyo and Fitness Instructor
AFAA Certified Personal Trainer
HBHL ~ Learn. Change. Grow.
www.healthybodyhealthylife.org
I love this info on foods as sunscreen! Good thing I ate kale, spinach, tomato, romaine lettuce, and an orange today! :)
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