bye bye to brittle bones
Brittle bones could be a thing of the past for many women suffering from osteoporosis, if a new treatment proves successful. Research from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre shows that twice-yearly injections with a new drug slows down bone loss and makes bones stronger. Results from a trial of more than 400 women show that the injections increased bone density in the hip by between 4 - 7% after 12 months of treatment.
Preventing the on-set of this chronic disease or minimising its impact can be achieved in the areas of exercise and nutrition. Promote healthy bones by:
- Ensuring you have a sufficient daily calcium intake. The best way is to consume at least three serves of dairy foods or high calcium food each day.
- Participating in regular weight-bearing exercise e.g. walking, line dancing, tennis, tai chi.
- Stopping smoking and limiting your intake of alcohol, carbonated drinks, caffeine and salt.
- Talking to your doctor if your menstrual cycle has been interrupted for six months.
Whilst genetic factors are the biggest single determinant of developing osteoporosis, minimising the risk factors you can change is an important goal. Consult your doctor to discuss your options or visit www.osteoporosis.org.au for more information.
sizzling hot - win a bbq!
Perfect for healthy Sunday lunches, the Cordon Bleu 4 Burner Gas BBQ could be yours. For every new member you introduce to the Club between 1st May and 14th June, you’ll receive an entry into the draw to win this fantastic prize, valued at over $700 (does not include gas cylinder). The BBQ is on display at the club and the competition will be drawn on Wednesday 15th June at 7am! |
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on the radar...
- Bike Bonanza: the hit cardio challenge from 2004 is back! Starting in July, challenge yourself during every workout to go further in 10 minutes on the bike than you did during your previous workout. You’re only competing against yourself! Each Active Team member will be forming their own team, so to enrol, chat with your favourite Team Member today and get ready to have fun!
- Tri-Personal Training: our fun new personal training opportunity for groups of three starts in June. See Av, Chris or Tony for more info.
- Start Moving: If you know someone who is overweight or not exercising, we can help them get started with NO membership. They can use Active Health Club between 10am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday for free. Have them call us on 9870 8775 to book their free visit.
member advantage
 The Greengate Hotel in leafy Killara now offers Active members a 20% discount off their meal when dining for lunch or dinner in Portico, their a-la-carte restaurant. We recommend booking on 9498 3577.
The Greengate’s full-service function centre, The Green Rooms, is located above the Hotel with a separate, private entrance and has 4 separate spaces that can cater for a diverse range of functions from meetings to seminars and private parties to weddings. You can select from fingers foods, platters, buffets or formal dining complimented by an excellent range of wines and beverages. If you would like more info on holding an event at The Green Rooms, please call Angela Raspass on 9496 7208 and mention that you are a member of Active Health Club or visit www.greengatehotel.com.au.
Every month a business from our Member Advantage Program will be highlighted. Visit www.activehealth.com.au/partners.htm for more info, or email Justin at jt@activemgmt.com.au to be included.
get your shoes on...
Active’s Saturday walking group now leaves at 8am from the Club. Come and join in! It’s an excellent way to end the week - walking, jogging or running through Lane Cove National Park. Ask one of our Active Team Members if you want more info.
did you know?
- Cinnamon has been shown to improve glucose and cholesterol levels in the blood, so is good for people with Type 2 diabetes.
- A drug-free therapy has been developed that is scientifically proven to lower high blood pressure. RESPeRATE is a computerised musical device that uses exercises to encourage slow, deep breathing. Six clinical trials found that hypertensive patients who used RESPeRATE for just 15 minutes a day, three or four days a week, had significantly lower blood pressure.
- Scientists at UK’s Oxford University are developing breath testing technology that can detect disease. Human breath contains hundreds of trace compounds, some of which are characteristic markers for disease. The procedure is highly sensitive, non-invasive for the patient and gives a result in seconds, so there’s no waiting around.
- Overweight men and women who ate three serves of yoghurt a day lost 61 per cent more body fat than those who cut their kilojoules by the same amount but ate no dairy. Apparently it’s due to the combination of calcium and protein in dairy, which helps cells burn more fat.
people are talking about...
... a US lawmaker’s bill that would require schools to add Body Mass Index to the student’s report cards... Pepper Boost, a hot pepper extract that you spray on the tongue or food that reportedly boosts metabolism... the new-found benefits of strength training for people suffering Multiple Sclerosis...
healthy weight loss seminar
Caroline Hill, one of the qualified dietitians from NND, will be providing tips on eating right for reducing your weight on Monday 16th May, 6.30pm - 7.30pm in the Simbiosi Conference Room. Tickets are just $10 for members and guests; includes your chance to win a Polar Heart Rate Monitor! |
from the dietitian
Barbecuing is a fun and relaxing way to cook and can also be healthy for you when making the right food choices. Try the following:
Chicken breasts marinated with soy, honey and garlic... Rissoles made from lean mince or fish cakes made from salmon or tuna... Kebabs made with lean meat, chicken or seafood, and veges... |
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lemon bbq fish
Serves: 4. Prep time: 10 mins. Cooking time: 35 mins.
1/2 cup white wine
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon coarsely cracked pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (try thyme, parsley, oregano, rosemary, or a mixture of these)
4 cod steaks or fillets (or any other white fish)
Combine wine, juice, pepper and herbs in a shallow dish. Place fish in mixture, turn each steak over and leave for at least 30 minutes. Remove fish from marinade and place on a barbecue or under a pre-heated grill. Cook for no more than 8 - 10 minutes, turning once. When fish flakes easily it is cooked. Serve with fresh garden salad and herb whole grain bread.
Source: Eating for Life - Rosemary Stanton (Family Circle, Murdoch Books, 1992)
The numbers for Active Lotto, our most popular program ever, were drawn early in April. No one had the exact numbers, so everyone who participated went into the draw. The winner was George Lagos, seen here at the Club collecting his $500 prize from Stacey.
Congratulations George! |
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active health club
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