Paris Hilton's Workouts to Get Fit and Toned

There is one thing that generally unites all celebrities, and that is they all work to ensure that they always look good for the cameras. Generally, being a celebrity is about looking perfect, or as close to perfect as possible. OK, some do not fall into this category, but generally unless you are a very well respected male actor, looks are essential. Paris Hilton is an example of this. She is not an respected actress, or a top model, or a television presenter of any great fame, but yet she is well known and chased by the paps. Maybe a few sordid porn videos were her ticket to the celebrity spotlight, but she has built a career, mostly due to her looks and her body. Paris Hilton has become an American "IT" girl, meaning that she is famous for being famous, and hangs out in the social circles of the wealthy and famous. She is not dissimilar to Tara Palmer-Tompinkson in these respects. Paris Hilton actually began modelling as a child, initially at charity events. When she was 19, she signed with Donald Trump's modelling agency, T Management. Hilton has also worked with Ford Models in New York, Models 1 Agency in London, Nous Model Management in Los Angeles, and Premier Model Management in London. She has appeared in numerous advertising campaigns, including Iceberg Vodka, GUESS, Tommy Hilfiger, Christian Dior, and Marciano. In 2001, Hilton began to develop a reputation as a socialite, being identified as "New York's leading It Girl" whose fame was beginning to "extend beyond the New York tabloids". Hilton was voted the second "Worst Celebrity Role Model of 2006", behind Britney Spears. However, saying all that, which is mostly negative, even though she is a multi-million dollar one woman business, she is still human. And many people still aspire to achieving her fame and good looks. So, how do you workout like Paris Hilton? Paris Hilton's fitness instruction mostly comes from trainer Teddy Bass who trains many of Hollywoods celebs. Teddy Bass has toned a lot of famous Hollywood tums, including Christina Applegate and Lucy Liu. He is famous for motivating the stars to greater fitness levels. What does he do? Paris Hilton is unlikely to be seen performing a clean and jerk, or snatch, as hardcore bodybuilding training would not suit someone of such a small frame, but lighter weight training and bodyweight training suits her well. Body weight exercises, such as those of Pilates, help tone and strnegthen without bulking up. Not all celebs want to look like Madonna or Angelina Jolie, many are happy with a slim, petite and feminine figure. Generally the usual core body workouts - weight training, resistance training, and cardio workouts. Even slender framed models do some lifting to stay in shape. But mostly Paris Hilton goes for short intensive cardio sessions. She is reported to practice yoga and Pilates with Mari Winsor at Equinox in Los Angeles. But other than that, it seems that Paris Hilton does not do a lot to stay slim. She once admitted in an interview that she eats "at McDonald's or Taco Bell" and that she generally drinks Red Bull, as she hates the taste of alcohol. So is she healthy? Probably not. Unless she want to portray an image of being an unhealthy celebrity, there is little evidence tat she is indeed fit or healthy. She just seems naturally slim. It was also reported that she did Pilates in jail. In fact, Pilates is the perfect exercise for a jail bird with limited space and no weight training equipment. One source reported that she was doing jumping jacks and her own little Pilates exercises and stretches to keep herself in shape while doing her time. So, how do you get a sexy body like Paris Hilton? The real answer is, you need to have her genes. It seems that she is one of the lucky ones. Maybe it will all backfire on her when she reaches middle age, but for now, she is just naturally talented in the fit body department. The rest is uncertain, as she rarely discusses her fitness, and keeps her training activities confined to her private gyms. One thing is sure, she knows how to stay in shape and show off her body. Paris Hilton has "got it", and she knows how to flaunt it.

David Beckhams Football Fitness Workout

David Beckham is probably the most famous footballer (soccer) of the current day. He has risen through the ranks from a schoolboy hopeful, to team captain, to win caps for England, play in two World Cups, and now helping to increase soccer awareness in the USA, playing for LA Galaxy. But in addition to this, he has become something of an icon, a style guru, and a model for male health and fitness. So, the big question is, how does he do it? How do you get a body like David Beckham? How does he train, what does he eat? Many years ago professional footballers moved on from relying on a few Sunday morning training sessions to get themselves in shape for a game. Superior fitness is now essential in the modern football game. David Beckham's well toned physique is due to three essential components to a perfect body: strength training, cardio/endurance training, and diet/sports nutrition. In some ways David Beckham's body is similar to that of the greatest fitness icon of all time, Bruce Lee. David Beckham has minimal body fat, well toned, but not overly bulky muscles, and a lean and lithe appearance. The three parts to David Beckham's body can be summarized as follows: David Beckham's Diet To ensure fat is kept to an absolute minimum, but muscle can still grow, it is essential to ensure that you have a fast metabolism that burns fat (body fat and dietary fat). To do so requires a well balanced and healthy diet - plenty of green leafy salads, low GI vegetables, lean meats, fish and poultry. Avoiding sugar, high GI carbohydrates (such as bread, pasta, flours, sugars, cakes, and general junk food) is essential to keeping the fat off and the metabolism fired up. David Beckham's Strength Training The key to athletic and functional strength is compound weight training. Bodybuilding exercises which focus on individual muscles are only for show. To build functional strength for sports and athletics, compound training is essential. Compound exercises include the dead-lift, squats, bench press, bent-over/cable rows, shoulder presses and standing barbell curls. The picture on the right shows him performing a free weight inclined bench press. As there is no safety cage and no sign of spotters, David is likely to be lifting a lighter weight, with higher reps. This provides more muscular endurance. Most athletes train with heavier weights for increased upper body functional strength, but for footballers, the main strengths are skill with the ball and speed. However, by bench pressing the upper body is kept in muscular balance with the lower body, and overall athleticism is increased. David Beckham's Endurance Training For David Beckham, the bulk of his cardio fitness training probably comes from football training sessions, but supplemented with some running and cycling. The main training routine for footballers is a specific circuit training routine. Footballers include in their arsenal speed work and plyometric training routines, as well as classic old school circuit training, such as shuttle runs, squat thrusts, jumping jacks, skipping, jogging forwards and backwards, plus abs/core workouts and upper-body conditional with crunches, leg raises and press-ups (push ups). Take a look at our circuit training section for more in this type of training. Soccer players require excellent strength and conditioning not only to perform well on the pitch, but also to help prevent injury during a game. Keeping the joints strong and flexible is essential. Here diet plays an important role, and supplementing a diet with cod liver, lucosamine and chondroitin, and other vitamins and minerals is essential to ensure supple but strong joints. Flexibility training is a vital area of physical training, with stretches both before and after workouts. Combine these three elements of training and you can get a body like David Beckham, and strive to perform as well on the pitch as he does. We cannot help you with looks and style, but for fitness, endurance and strength, this should get you on track to have a "Beckham Body".

Wii Fit already Sold Out Before Its Release On Friday!

After the success of Nintendo's Wii Sports, they are now jumping on the fitness and wellness bandwagon by releasing Wii Fit. Wii Fit is proving to be so popular that it has already sold out, and it has not even been released yet. The RRP for the game is £69.00, which makes it an expensive addition to the Wii family of games, but the dynamic nature of the Wii is really motivating people to play and exercise. The game uses a balance board, and fitness activities include downhill skiing and football, as well as a series of core workouts, yoga, and other fitness training programs. Having your own Wii Fit is more like an interactive DVD tutorial than a personal trainer, but it is certainly a step in the right direction for virtual health and fitness advice. It cannot be long before technology has advanced enough to allow everyone to have a 24/7 virtual fitness instructor in their living room to help them get fit and in shape. However, the big question is, will people remain motivated? And is it really comparable to joining a fitness club, and having real physical interaction with other people. Wii martial arts, or Wii Rugby, would provide and interesting challenge for Nintendo. But yoga, pilates and circuit training, really can be done, to a beginners level at least, with Wii Fit on the Nintendo. Anything that gets people interested in exercise and fitness must be a good thing though. We predict Wii Fit to be one of the top ways for people to become reintroduced to fitness this year. The Beijing Olympics may motivate some people to get out and join a fitness club, but the Wii Fit will get people hoola-hooping and skiing in their living rooms and bedrooms all over the country. Buy Wii Fit from Amazon.co.uk + essential accessories, including yoga mats and balance boards Buy Wii Fit from Amazon.com + essential accessories, including yoga mats and balance boards

Low Carb Diets - Why Do They Work?

Low carb diets, especially the Atkin's Diet, seem to win and lose favour as the years pass. Many people still hold on to out of date concerns regarding high protein diets, such as high cholesterol, that eating too many eggs is bad for you, that fat makes you fat, and that bread and flour is healthy. But research and data gathered from doctors surgeries has shown that in fact bad cholesterol levels fall while on a high protein diet, that eggs contain good cholesterol which actually prevents arteries clogging up, that fat is essential for proper functioning of the gall bladder, and prevention of gallstones, and that people with high triglyceride levels, and those at high risk of developing diabetes, can effectively reverse their conditions with a low carb diet. So, why do people still fear protein and fat - which make up the larger percentage of a natural diet? For those that are looking to lose weight, it is nearly impossible NOT to lose weight with a low carb diet. If you follow the rules, weight loss is guaranteed! This is a biological fact. Trigger Lipolysis by restricting carb intake, and you will start burning fat, and lose weight. Only very rare genetics* will prevent you from losing weight. To understand the true nature of low carb diets, read our latest article - Low Carb Diets. *it should also be mentioned here that some medications. thyroid problems and other hormonal problems can hinder weight loss.

How Do Celebrities Stay Fit?

Oprah Winfrey used the "Total Body Makeover" from personal trainer Bob Greene. Lauren Graham does four-mile runs on the treadmill. Kirstie Alley lost more than 50 pounds on the Jenny Craig Plan. Jennifer Garner of Alias enjoys martial arts workouts and.... Halle Berry follows a nutrition and fitness routine known as 5-Factor Fitness. Celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon, Julianne Moore, and Meg Ryan follow the teachings of Hollywood's most sought after fitness expert: Michael George. In fact, Michael has helped sculpt some of the best bodies in Hollywood. However, his programs are certainly not for the weak of heart. To get an actress ready for the big screen, he perscribes a strict diet, five days of weight training per week and six days of cardio. Like many of today's nutritional experts, he promotes eating five small meals per day versus two or three large meals. By eating every three hours, the metabolism is put into overdrive, helping the body to burn fat at an optimal level. Other fitness celebrities swear by the power of Pilates. Rebecca Romijin is one of them. In fact, she's been doing Pilates for the past seven or eight years. She also works the treadmill and the elliptical machine for about 40 minutes each. Julia Roberts shed much of her extra weight after pregnancy with regular Pilates workouts. Other celebrities using this incredible workout routine include Madonna, Sharon Stone, Jennifer Anniston and many more. One of the most popular celebrity fitness trainers is Kathy Kaehler, who has trained the likes of Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Ellen Degeneres, and others. To get Julia Roberts ready for her role in America's Sweethearts, Kathy designed a program centered around strength training, Yoga, and Pilates. Kathy Kaehler also helped Drew Barrymore get in peak shape for her role in Charlie's Angels. Although exercise is certainly an important part of staying in peak shape. You will never reach your fitness goals without proper nutrition. While starring in the popular TV show "Friends", Jennifer Anniston chose the Zone Diet to look her best on screen. The Zone diet was created by Dr. Barry Sears and promotes eating a ratio of 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat. He advises you choose low-starch fruits and vegetables as your carbs and lean protein sources as well as healthy fats. Pork and red meat are certainly not on this menu. So, do these whole foods and healthy portions work? I'd say so, and I think Jennifer would agree, along with other celebrities who have used this diet, including Renee Zellweger and Cindy Crawford. However, keep in mind that not every body is the same. Some have a lower tolerance of carbohydrates and may have to limit their carbs more than others. The key is finding out what works for you and forming good habits that last a lifetime. OK, so how about the men? They are also working hard to keep their bodies camera-ready. However, their workout routines look very different from the women. Let's take Bruce Lee as an example. He not only has an incredible physique, but also incredible strength and style. Here is one of his favorite workout routines: Shoulders: Clean and presses: 2 sets, 8 reps Lats: Barbell pullovers: 2 sets, 8 reps Biceps: Barbell curls: 2 sets, 8 reps Chest: Bench-presses: 2 sets, 6 reps Lower Back/Glutes/Hams: Good mornings: 2 sets, 8 reps Quads: Squats: 2 sets, 12 reps Abs: Waist Twists: 4 sets, 90 repetitions; Sit up Twist: 4 sets, 20 repetitions; Leg Raises: 4 sets, 20 repetitions; Leaning Twist: 4 sets, 50 repetitions Bruce Lee would perform this weight-lifting workout every other day while filling the rest of his time with stretching and aerobics. And then there's LL Cool J. Certainly a very different style than Bruce Lee, but his physique is incredible. What's the answer to his huge biceps and ripped abs? Hard Work. Heavy Lifting. Strict Diet. LL Cool J does lots of cardio, weightlifting and boxing. He also works in lots of pushups and a lot of running. In fact, he's running 12 miles per day. Although you don't have to go to these extremes to stay slim and fit. A healthy lifestyle certainly requires dedication. Healthy habits are the key to a lifetime of fitness, energy, and vitality.

Britons Swap Health Clubs for the Park

It seems that people are finally realising that they can achieve as good a workout for free in their local park, than they can by joining an overpriced gym. Overweight Brits are ditching the gym and opting for "DIY" fitness solutions. Last year, 54,000 fewer adults joined health clubs compared with the previous 18 months. Instead they are opting to get fit at home or going for a run or walk at a local park. Health experts say clubs are sterile places where repetitive use of equipment is boring. And Martin Hagger, a health psychologist at the University of Nottingham, said "Gyms feed into people's insecurities about their weight and appearance." Five years ago, gym numbers peaked at 8.7 million, accountancy firm Deloitte said. But a fall in new applications has led to a 17% drop in fees. However, the Fitness Industry Association insisted: "There is no evidence there has been a downturn." We at Motley Health are in favour of home exercise regimes. By exercising at home, you always have access to your gym equipment, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Bad weather, bad traffic and gym closures for "staff training" need never keep you away from your training. Calories Per Minute of Exercise: Jogging 11.5 Cycling 7.8 Having Sex 5.6 Mowing the lawn 4.8 Dancing 4.4 Using Wii Fit Circuit Training 4.5 For more ideas on exercising at home, or in a park, check out our articles on circuit training, running, and our 20 minute fitness routine. Also consider building a small home gym and do some weight training.

Health Warning: Vitamin Pills and Supplements Can Be Bad for Your Health.

Recent studies have shown that some vitamin supplements, rather than increase your lifespan and improve your health, are actually likely to do you more harm. Many people started taking vitamins in high doses with the hope that they would boost their immune system and make them stronger and healthier. Celebrities are famous for taking vitamin supplements. Robbie Williams had a dose of multivitamins injected into his bum after a particularly intensive party, and Madonna was also reported to have given Justin Timberlake a B12 vitamin injection in his backside. Apparently Justin Timberlake was feeling a bit tired, and Madonna offered him a shot from one of her syringes stashed in her handbag. Geri Halliwell used vitamin injections to keep going when she was on a starvation diet and skeletally thin. But were they actually improving their long term health? Here are the main problem vitamins: Vitamin A (retinol) Helps keep skin healthy, enhances immunity and helps you see in dim light. But all you need is 0.7mg a day if you are a man and o.6mg if you are a woman, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which says you can get all you need from foods such as cheese, eggs, oily fish, milk and yogurt. Liver, another source, is not recommended for pregnant women. More than 1.5mg of per day may make your bones more brittle and prone to fracture as you age. Vitamin C We need around 4omg a day and it is not stored in the body because it is water soluble - but we should get enough from a normal diet. It is in a wide variety of fruit and vegetables and protects cells and helps the body absorb iron. Taking less than 1000mg in supplements is unlikely to do harm, says the FSA, but large amounts can cause diarrhea and flatulence. Beta-carotene Turns into vitamin A in the body. You should get all you need from a varied diet, in particular from yellow and green leafy vegetables such as spinach, carrots and red peppers; and yellow fruit such as mangos, melons and apricots. Too much beta-carotene can increase the chances of smokers developing lung cancer. The FSA recommends taking no more than 7mg a day in supplements. Vitamin E Protects cell membranes. It is fat soluble, so the body will store it and you do not need a dose every day. It is found in plant oils, nuts and seeds and wheat germ in cereals. The FSA advises that taking too much supplementary vitamin E is not a good idea, but less than 540mg a day is "unlikely to cause any harm". Selenium The tiny amounts we need should be easily obtained from meat, nuts, bread, fish or eggs. It has an important role in the immune system, in thyroid hormone metabolism, reproduction and prevention of damage to cells and tissues; Too much can lead to loss of skin, hair and nails, but ingesting less than 0.3Smga day will do no harm.

Yogalates - Another Fitness Fad, or the Best of Both Systems?

Terms such as yogalates often seem to be a typical fitness con / fad designed to make a quick buck from poorly advised people looking to lose weight. At first, I thought that the term yogalates was a complete joke. To start with, many of the exercises in Pilates are taking directly from various schools Yoga. Yoga is essentially a form of stationary exercises and stretches aim at improving balance, strength and flexibility. Pilates was developed to help hospitalised patients to build strength while still bed-bound. So what does Yogalates have to offer, which traditional yoga, or Pilates, classes cannot? All it actually does is strip down both yoga and Pilates to there core exercises, which work the abdomen, and upper body. The Yogalates DVD(Available from the UK) shows how to harness the health benefits of Yoga and Pilates. YOGALATES FOR WEIGHT LOSS is the ultimate low-impact workout for those wanting to slim down, tone up and lose weight safely. It not only targets the tummy and upper body, sculpting the arms and toning the abs, but also targets the lower body, tightening the buttocks, shaping the legs and aiding all over toning. Follow this award-winning programme at least three times a week, and you'll see a noticeable difference within a month. For even faster results, a 15 minute 'Instant Abs' routine is included for an intensive abdominal workout. Of course, what Yoga plan would be complete without a guided body relaxation to help you unwind? Alternatively the book Yogalates: the breakthrough workout that combines the best of yoga and pilates (available fro mthe USA) is described as a brilliant combination of the gentle stretch of yoga and the core-building strength of Pilates. Yogalates is quite simply the perfect East meets West fitness answer for just about everyone. Everything a beginner needs to know is shown in dozens of color photographs, from body basics and breathing essentials to six complete, easy-to-follow workout plans. This total toning program will kick start the abs; work the waist, shoulders, and arms; tighten the butt and thighs; and train every muscle. There's even a resistance series and dynamic stretching. In-depth information explains how to control the breath; find the proper alignment; master the principles of movement and coordination; build endurance and prevent injury; and activate the core muscles. Each series of exercises is laid out clearly, simply, and logically, and taken together they absolutely transform any body into something beautiful. There's no better way to reach your ultimate goal.

Forearm Strength Training Tips - Wrist Curls and Wrist Rolling

The forearm is an often neglected upper-body muscle, but it is responsible for a vice-like grip, crucial in both confident corporate handshakes and grappling and clawing in martial arts (or when you are required to open a jar). Without a strong grip, it is difficult to increase the strength of other larger muscle groups. For example, consider doing a set of heavy dumbbell rows, or deadlifts - without developing forearm strength you will not be able to hold the weight for the required time. Since the forearm is a much smaller muscle, it tires quicker than larger muscles such as the back and chest, preventing you from completing heavy or high-rep back exercises. You will often find that a large difference exists between the strength and stamina of your left and right forearms because one side dominates everyday lifting tasks. To test the strength of each forearm, try this simple test: take hold of a 20kg weight plate between the thumb and fingers in a pincer-like grip. Hold on to a flat part and time how long you are able to hold it with one hand, then change sides and compare, The following exercises help to develop a strong grip. 1. Reverse Curls Stand holding a barbell with a reverse grip, with elbows against your sides. Curl the bar up. bringing your hands towards your shoulders, then slowly lower, ensuring your upper arms remain still. Three sets of 12 repetitions 2. Behind the back wrist curls Stand with your feet roughly shoulder-width apart and hold a barbell behind your back with both palms facing away from you. Curl the barbell up using only your wrists and forearms, return to the starting position, allowing the bar to roll into your fingertips and then repeat, Three sets of 15 repetitions 3. Palms down wrist curls over a bench Holding a barbell with palms facing down, kneel beside a flat bench, forearms resting on the bench with hands extended over it. Lower barbell then curl up as high as you can without moving your forearms. Three sets of 15 repetitions 4. One arm hang Hanging from a bar, drop one arm and shake out your forearm for five seconds. Reach back up and take hold of the bar with both arms, then drop the other arm and shake it out. Continue alternating, performing 10 changes in total. Five changes on each hand. 5. Wrist rolling Wrist rolling is often considered to be a safer method of grip/forearm strengthening than wrist curling. There are no wrist rollers on the market currently, so you will have to make your own one. All you need is a thick piece of wood, such as a tree post. Cut it so that it is about 30cm (12 inches) long, and sand it down. Drill a hole though the centre, and pass a thin rope (washing line wire seems ideal) and hang a light weight on the end. Only 2-5 kilos is required to start with. Then hold the roller out at shoulder height in front of you, and wind the weight down to the floor, and continue until the line is rolled up to the other side. Then reverse the direction so the weight falls back to the floor, and returns. Keep the weight moving at a steady pace, with the wrists curls smoothly. Avoid sudden jolts or twists, as these can lead to injury. 6. Use a Powerball Powerballing is a relatively new way to increase wrist strength. We first reported on it last year - Powerballs – New Grip Strengthening Device. (Amazon currently have a selection of Powerballs on offer). A Word of Warning Start out with a light weight on all the wrist curling exercises. It is very easy to injure a wrist, and once injured, your weight training, martial arts and corporate handshakes are all forced to stop while you recover. So take it easy and build up. Whether you build a dedicated wrist training routine, or incorporate these exercises into your usual training schedule, by improving wrist and forearm strength, you will gain in all areas of weight training and martial arts.

Most Londoners Cannot Run a Mile

London is trying to build an image for itself as a super-fit city ready for the 2012 Olympic Games, but London took a knock today as research showed that more than three-quarters of the population could not run one mile. A new survey claimed a third of all Londoners could climb only three flights of stairs before stopping for breath and half cannot touch their toes. The research also disclosed a lack of understanding about exercise, with over half of participants claiming to be very confused about what they should be doing to keep fit. Nationally, two thirds of Britons cannot do 20 sit-ups and more than two thirds do no fast-paced exercise at all. Fred Turok, chairman the leading UK chain of gyms LA Fitness, which commissioned the research, said: "These worryingly low levels of fitness will ultimately ignite the time bomb that is the obesity issue." London Fitness Facts, and Action You Can Take: More than one in three Londoners cannot climb three flights of stairs without getting out of breath - if you work in a tall building, test yourself at work by taking the stairs instead of the lift. 75% of Londoners can't run a mile - Even if you are unfit and have not run in years, you should be able to comfortably run (or jog, or even plod) a mile in 15 minutes. In fact, average walking pace is 15 minutes to the mile. So test yourself. Get some trainers (ensure that they are road running shoes) and go for a 15 minute jog. Half of Londoners cannot touch their toes - This is a trickier one. Even people that do regular exercise often find that they cannot touch their toes. So, after exercising, or as soon as you have warmed your muscles up, do some stretching exercises - stretch up to the sky, then down to the floor. Repeat a few times. In time, flexibility will increase. 72% of Londoners do not know their weight, or what it should be. Many people live in denial of their ill health, and many are ignorant of the fact that they are overweight. Weigh yourself, and check your body mass index. Unless you are a rugby player or professional sumo wrestler, your body mass index should not really be over 30 (this is considered obese), and ideally it should be between 20 and 25.

Is Coffee the New Wonder Drug to Treat Alzheimers?

Dr. Susanne Sorensen of the Alzheimer's Society has reported that recent research shows that cognitive decline was significantly less among people who drank three cups of coffee every day. Previous research showed that drinking coffee was a possible way of delaying and even preventing Alzheimer's disease. However past studies had only ever involved a small number of people and were reliant on participants remembering how much tea and coffee they drank earlier in their lives. "The latest studies add weight to the body of existing evidence suggesting long-term caffeine intake may have a protective effect against the onset of Alzheimer's disease. It is too soon to say our morning coffee or afternoon cup of tea is anything more than a pleasant pick-me-up. It is important to now research further how caffeine consumption impacts on dementia risk." - Dr Susanne Sorensen. This is great news for both coffee drinkers and people at risk of Alzheimers. Although the causes of Alzheimers is not known, there is a heredity trend in some families, so genetics seems to play a role. So people who have had a history of Alzhemiers in the family should consider drinking more coffee as a preventative measure. However, do not forget that coffee, if not drunk black, can add many calories to your daily diet. Heavy coffee drinkers can consume up to 30% of their daily calorific intake from cups of coffee alone. The consumer magazine Which? found that a Starbucks large (vente) white chocolate mocha with whole milk whip contains up to 628 calories. A medium (tall) version of the same drinks contains 396 calories. Adding sugar increases this total even more. Many people opt for Lattes and Cappuccinos without considering the number of calories that they are consuming. One a day is not going to cause too many problems, but if you consume 4 or 5 coffees with full fat milk per day, then the calories soon add up. So, if you are planning to start drinking more coffee to battle Alzheimers, then make sure it is neat espresso or black "Americano", with no sugar. For more information on Alzheimers visit the Alzheimer's Society website.

Government Considering Paying Obese People to Lose Weight

As the obesity epidemic continues to increase, with almost 25% of the British population now officially obese (according to the Body Mass Index), action is needed to at least halt, and ideally reverse, this growing epidemic. If nothing is done, then it is estimated that by 2050 obesity will affect 60% of the population. Fortunately the government is now taking action. A £372 million incentive scheme is aimed at making Britain the first country in the world to reverse the rising obesity levels. Initiatives, which will be tested in a few selected areas at first, include a single food labelling system, measures to boost walking and cycling and extra controls on junk food advertising to children. Measures in the USA, which have showed some positive results, include offering obese adults $14 for every 1% reduction in their body weight. With such an incentive, adults were found to be five times more likely to reach their weight loss target. Some English counties are already providing free fitness classes for obese adults. The Chief Instructor at 5 Elements Martial Arts in Basildon has been approached by local government to devise a series of exercise classes for patients referred by the NHS. Classes will involve simple exercises to introduce cardio and strength training, combined with some kick-boxing moves, and will aim to show that exercise can be enjoyable. This is not a new initiative though, as in 2006 dance classes were provided on the National Health Service as part of a pilot scheme to reduce obesity. And before that, in February 2004, the Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust (PCT) in south west London subsidised diet and fitness classes for 20 people picked from seven surgeries. This was funded by the National Lottery's New Opportunities fund. Not all members of parliament were in favour however. Tory MP Ann Widdecombe suggested that people could dance around in their own homes or go for walks rather than have dance classes on the NHS. However Patricia Hewitt, the Health Secretary at the time, believed that intervening at key points will encourage healthier behaviour and save money for the NHS in the long term. Hopefully the new initiative will form a blueprint for the future. If anything can be learnt from the past four years, it is that initiatives need to lead to greater things, or they will be quickly forgotten by government in favour of a new scheme, and local councils will lose funding before they have had time to report on their success.