Health and fitness briefs

NetBet
In case you haven't seen the television ads, the biggest diabetes groups in the country have banded together to create a new Web site aimed at making the nation's diabetic sufferers healthier. At www.diabetesa1c.org, you'll find information on why people with diabetes need to ask for a simple blood test, which indicates your average blood-sugar level over the past three months. Too high blood-sugar levels can greatly raise the risk of heart attack, stroke or other complications. At the Web site, you'll find tips and tools to help manage blood sugar. The site is jointly sponsored by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the American Diabetes Association and others.

Compiled from wire and other news sources by Tracy Boyd, Special to The Detroit News

Pound for pound
How is that resolution thing going so far? In case you're struggling, the American Dietetic Association offers advice:

Advertisement

Break it up. Divide big goals, such as "I will eat better," into smaller, more specific goals, such as "I will eat one more piece of fruit each day."

Write down practical steps you can take to achieve your goals. For example:

• Goal: Eat more whole-grain foods every day.

• Steps: Make sandwiches and toast with whole-grain bread. Switch to brown rice. Eat oatmeal for breakfast. Add whole-wheat pasta or whole barley to vegetable soups.

For more tips, visit www.eatright.org.

Compiled from wire and other news sources by Tracy Boyd, Special to The Detroit News

Take me home
Title: "Fabulously Fit Moms: Super Energized Workout" (Koch Vision, $14.98)

Why try it: This workout showcases a mom of two, Jennifer Nicole Lee, who has been featured on "Oprah." After the birth of her second child, Jennifer's weight reached nearly 200 pounds, but she lost the excess by doing lots of cardio, as featured in this video. Expect to sweat and prepare for the long haul; the video's run time is 45 minutes.

For your chance to win: Send a postcard with your name, address and daytime telephone number to Health & Fitness, Detroit News, 615 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226. Please note "Fit Moms" in a corner.

Compiled from wire and other news sources by Tracy Boyd, Special to The Detroit News

The pulse
Researchers at the University of Michigan say they've found the key to treating older female heart patients: Give them what they want. Of course, they have to want the right thing. A new study from the university suggests that specifically designed group and individual programs were what worked. Group programs worked significantly better when the patient's goal was to lose weight and increase physical activity. Self-directed programs worked significantly better when the patient's goal was to control symptoms, the study found. The message here may be that you should talk to your doctor about a plan customized just for your goals.

Compiled from wire and other news sources by Tracy Boyd, Special to The Detroit News