"Wrapping it up" doesn't cut it

Are you doing "the dirty?" Have you done it? Have you been tested recently? If you have engaged in the act of sex, you have made a mature decision that greatly heightens your risk of contracting an STD. According to the American Social Health Association 1/5 of the United States population in infected with an STD, 2/3 of this group are 25 years old or younger. It is also said that 1/5 of Americans have genital herpes and 90% of this group are unaware they have it.....A bit disturbing, considering that untreated STDs may lead to more serious infections such has cancer, birth defects, and infertility. Go get you private parts examined...keep them healthy!

Tanning

And the sunning weather has arrived! Time to soak up the rays...but not too much. It is a constant debate. I am pro-sunning. I love the feeling after a day at the beach, a walk in the glorious sun, or 15 minutes in a tanning bed when you busy schedule doesn't permit time outdoors. The Vitamin D in sunlight is known to raise one's serotonin levels creating a high. The sun can actual be addicting. Too much of it can lead to burns, rashes, and eventually cause skin-cancer. So be sure to find a happy medium. Use sunblock....but certainly don't be afraid...it's gorgeous out!

How bout that cup o' Joe

On a regular day, I have two medium sized iced coffees from my favorite coffee shoppe. It's a treat. Coconut Hazelnut. The employees know my car and have the coffee ready for me as soon as I reach the window. I always tip them graciously. I know I am addicted. I have heard, and tend to agree that, coffee produces adrenaline. However, only for a brief period of time. When this production stops, the body craves that rise again, and often wants another caffeine boost. Coffee aids in alertness, working out, and is an antioxidant. But, on the other hand, it has little nutritional value, can be a complete waste of money, and may potentially cause reproductive problems, anxiety, etc. So, hmm? Good or bad? I suppose there are worse habits...

Speedy

So, my very large, 48 year old male boss challenged me to a foot race once the warm weather arrives. I think, originally he meant it jokingly. He is quite aware of the fact that I routinely exert myself physically and at first said he would compete in a stairmaster contest...who could climb for the longest. However, when he maxed out at five minutes, he desperately changed his mind. A 100 yard dash it is. After a few too many sips of Jack and Coke after a long night working at the restaurant, my boss starts competitively "trash talking" me. I presume he is getting quite anxious...his "training" as it "hits his lips" is a bit different than mine. I have been sprinting for the past few weeks. It has been so invigorating. Though I have only been getting out there about two days weekly, it's been refreshing. The back roads of Groton are lovely. I run between the posts with music blaring between my small, chilled, ears...hyper/high on life....running brings such a rush...a way to get rid of every frusteration, followed by such nirvana. LOVE it. I will also relish in the fact that my boss will see nothing but my backside on the day of the race...

Hot Chocolate

Though I am not a chocolate-lover...not one of those woman who hides chocolate or who will do crazy things in its name, it certainly felt good to sip on a nice cup of hot cocoa last night with some whip cream. I call Sundays my "cheat day." I allow myself a few treats on Sunday. It is my theory that every one needs one day like this that breaks their regimen. As I was sipping on the delicious rich chocolate, I decided to research a little more on the studies that have been done concerning the health values of chocolate. A few of the healthy qualities of chocolate (up for debate) are as follows; chocolate prolongs life up to a year, it has calming effects, it increases appetite but DOES NOT cause weight gain, it lifts one's mood, and decreases the risk of cancer and other diseases.
So, as far as I am concerned...all you chocolate crazies...get your daily dosage!

Back on the Wagon

So it's been quite the break for me. Many movies nights with my girlfriends, pizza nights, Chinese food excursions, steak, margaritas, McDonalds, beer, karaoke nights...quite a week of amusement and laziness. Sure, I worked some shifts where I was forced to move around while I waitressed only to meet up with friends upon the close of my shift for a drink followed by more nonsense. I had a great time. But it felt AWESOME to get back to my normal routine today. I woke up early, had a breakfast consisting of an egg and a dry english muffin. I then studied before my class, which to my pleasant surprise was cancelled. I lunched at Subway, and then found my way to the gym where I did a solid 45 minutes on the stairclimber followed by some stretching. It wasn't anything too strenuous. But it was invigorating. I figure, I need to ease myself back into my schedule. I wouldn't want to strain anything...hehe. It is pure gluttony when your pants are tight after one week...worth it?
I found some interesting health tips upon signing on to AOL today. The welcome screen posted some foods that give you a "full feeling." Three of the foods they suggested and I concur with include whey protein (used in shakes often), apples, and pine nuts. What are some of your favorite healthy snacks/appetizer suppressants?

Jarrod's girl

So, I am assuming that most of you are aware of my beau Jarrod. He campaigns for Subway. He went from being a rather hefty man, to a lean Subway-eating machine. I started dating him earlier this summer. We get together approximately five days a week. I pride myself on eating fresh. I starting courting him because I like a quick/cheap/healthy relationship.
He's a consistant guy. When I go over, he offers me 8 sandwiches for less than 6 grams of fat. If I ask for a bag of baked chips and a drink to go along with my Subway sandwich...it only runs me around 5 dollars. With him I know what I am getting. The flavor is always delicious. Our relationship is never dull because he gives me many choices and freedom. Jarrod likes me a lot because I am loyal and stay lean.
Visit him, it's always refreshing!