Happy and Healthy, The Heather Way

Many of us love the summer and all the outdoor activities that go along with it. Long walks, playing at the park, sports, swimming, hiking, and so much more. While all all of these activities are very healthy for you, the heat of the summer can actually be a danger to your health. There are more heat related deaths than any other natural weather occurrence including tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods combined. Each year thousands of Americans fall victims to heat related illness. Most often times it is the young and the elderly who are most at risk but heat can have an affect on all of us unless we use our common sense and take precautions. The CDC offers specific recommendations for us to stay happy and healthy during the heat of the summer. To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, remember to keep cool and use common sense. The following tips are important: Drink plenty of fluids Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages Wear appropriate clothing

Looking for some healthy summer family fun in the Chicago area? Fun and Fit Day may be just what the doctor ordered. Fun and Fit Family Day is a day full of healthy and happy family activities to be held at Lambs Farm in Libertyville on Saturday, June 29th, 2013. Your truly and my fit crew will be out on the grounds showing everyone how to Happy and Healthy, the Heather Way! Read all about it!

June 27, 2013 National HIV Testing Day! Take the test, and take control of your health. It is easier than you think! Take a look. , take the test, and take control!

In Chicago we are used to the weather pendulum swinging quickly.  A region of weather extremes can wreck havoc on your health.  This spring was no different in the windy city. Chicago saw a longer than usual winter, followed by the wettest April in history. May brought a sudden rise in temps and now experts warn of both a harsher allergy and asthma season. Both are a major concern for this region especially in the under or un-insured areas serving minority populations. Many health advocates and medical professionals are working to get the word out so that sufferers can be proactive and find the necessary resources to stay happy and healthy this spring.

Illinois is one signature away from helping may with chronic painful debilitating illnesses. Opinions ares strong even among the experts. Governor Quinn has said he is open minded about it. What are your thoughts.... A step closer...

Tomorrow marks the first ever World Ovarian Cancer Day designed to raise awareness globally for this deadly disease. Read, tweet, share, and spread the word for our sisters in teal. World Ovarian Cancer Day

Why do I write about health? The answer to that for me is easy. I feel health is a commodity that so many of us take for granted.  We work hard to make money, we work hard to keep our relationships in order, we work hard at raising our children, and we work hard at making a nice home for ourselves.  But none of these things amount to an ounce of beans if we are not able to enjoy them. If we do not have our health. Our health can be stolen from us in an instant even if we do work hard at maintaining it and let's be honest  most Americans do little to pay attention to their health on a regular basis.  Once it's gone, then we sit up and take notice. I'm not here judging anyone. I would have been the same way but I never really ever seemed healthy so I was always keenly aware of health related issues. As a child I struggled endlessly with allergies and low blood sugar. Both these conditions were so extreme that they impacted my life daily and frustrated my Mother to no