The App Wrap

Look around... It's getting hard to find someone without a smart phone. In fact, a 2014 Pew Research study found that almost 60% of American adults have smart phones (90% have a cell phone). While smart phones get blamed for many health ailments (like eye strain, youthful arthritis, more sedentary behavior, etc.), there are apps designed to help improve health. Examples include:
- Greatist's The 65 Best Health & Fitness Apps of 2014
- Real Simple's The Best Health & Fitness Apps
- Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics' Weight Management App Review

As you can see, LOTS of health apps are exist. Check out MD Anderson Cancer Center's How to Choose a Good Health App article to help narrow your search. The Greatist link also shares more tips to consider.

Come on... Be Flexible

Stretching regularly is really beneficial. For example, it can help reduce stiffness & the likelihood of being injured. To learn even more reasons, the American Council on Exercise offers its Top Ten Reasons to Stretch.

While the experts may disagree on when to stretch, they do agree on how to (or not to) stretch & which ones to try...
- American Diabetes Association's Stretching & Balance Exercises
- WebMD's Stretch Your Limits: Feel-Good Stretching Routines
- Mayo Clinic's A Guide to Basic Stretches.

Remember to move slowly & smoothly within a comfortable range for you. If you have injuries or significant health issues, consider talking to your healthcare provider for personalized tips. Here are a few examples of specialized stretching routines:

- Arthritis Today's Stretching Exercise Videos

- Muscular Dystrophy Association's Stretching Exercises

- American Heart Association's Stretching & Flexibility Exercises for Cardiac Rehabilitation.

Sitting too long can make anyone feel stiff & sore. Check out WebMD's Stretching Exercises at Your Desk: 12 Simple Tips you can easily incorporate into your day.

Drive-By Meal Alternatives

Sometimes life gets busy... & cooking doesn't make the proverbial cut. By using carefully selected pre-prepared meals or components, healthier eating is still possible. This may not be the cheapest way. However, grocery store items may still be just as quick as, more affordable, & better for you than many restaurant foods.

For tips, check out:
- KidsHealth's Is Ready-Made Food Healthy?
- Good Housekeeping's Frozen Food Guide
- WebMD's The Best Frozen Dinners
- WebMD's Easy Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
- Cooking Light's 55 Rotisserie Chicken Recipes

Feeding Your Exercise Habit

Do you feel sluggish or get nausea & stomach pain during your workouts? Perhaps your pre-exercise food & drink needs some adjustment. Too much, too little or hard to digest food or drink can cause discomfort & negatively impact your performance.

 
Properly refueling your body afterwards is also a crucial part of recovery both for the rest of the day & future workouts. However, overeating or rewarding yourself with food can easily undo the calories you just burned.


Remember to hydrate properly before, during, & after physical activity. This becomes even more important in extreme weather conditions & with lengthy or intense routines. (For more info, type "hydrate" in our search box on the left sidebar.)

Since everyone & their goals are different, it may take trial & error to find what works for you.

Learn more at:
- WebMD's What to Eat Before, During, & After Exercise
- Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics' Timing Your Nutrition
- Greatist's 50 Awesome Pre- & Post-Workout Snacks
- YouBeauty's Nutritionist Approved Pre- & Post-Workout Snacks