How much water should you drink each day?

Do you know how much water you drink on any given day? A glass here or there, perhaps left half empty on the coffee table when we headed up to bed. Do you negotiate with yourself: well I had one glass of water, but I had 2 cups of coffee and a really juicy apple so that should do it? If you really stop to think about it, you probably haven't had that recommended 8 glasses of water a day. But is that all our bodies need?

Our bodies are about 66% water, depending on activity level and diet. We depend on water to flush out toxins in our bodies, keep natural bodily reactions going, and as a temperature regulator. When we have too much fat in our diet, and not enough water, we tend to find our temperature irregular usually on the warm side. For an average adult woman, you need about 11 cups of water a day. We get some of this through our food intake, but still you need to drink about 9 glasses a day.Aside from the sugar and sodium intake from these beverages, caffeine in coffee and soft drink acts as a diuretic, causing our body to flush water out quicker than it can be used. So next time you reach for a can of Mountain Dew, step back and think.....how much water have I actually had today?

Boost Your Health With Sushi

The Japanese cuisine of fine Sushi has taken the world by storm. More and more people around the world have acquired the taste as of late, and lucky for them, Sushi is one of the healthiest dishes out there.

With many varieties of Sushi, any one can choose a different kind of healthy meal. Vegetarians have many options ranging from types with avocado, cucumber, ginger, aspargaus, and many other vegetables. For non-vegetarians, raw fish or "sashimi" and crab are typical meats for Sushi.

There are many reasons why Sushi is so beneficial for your health:
1. Seaweed: This is wrappe around the outside of the Sushi and keeps it together. The nutrients in it are good for your body, and also keep your hair healthy, as well.
2. Vegetables: You can basically ask for any kind of vegetable you want and as we all know, veggies are great and essential for your body.
3. Meats: Of course there are ways to choose unhealthy options with Sushi. But overall, "sashimi," although hard to get the hang of, is one of the healthiest options around. The great thing is that you can choose what is right for your body and your diet.
4. Rice: Sushi offers a great serving of Carbohydrates. Servings sizes are smaller but very filling, the consuming of more Carbs is unncessary. But be careful with using too much soy sauce. It contains a lot of sodium.

Try something new and get acquainted with the art and taste of Sushi, popularizing all over the world. To read more about this cuisine, click on the following links:
The World's Healthiest Foods: Is Sushi Healthy?
ExtremeBodyWorkout: Is Sushi Healthy?
IFoodTV: Healthy Sushi Recipes with Videos

Practice Art to Improve Your Health

By Marina Takagi

One of the most beneficial hobbies and practices that develop both mental and physical health is simple: Art. Whether playing the piano or painting a scenic landscape or taking a dance class, these forms of art help to maintain our body and our psychological well-being.

Music
Teaching yourself to play an instrument, singing, taking music lessons: any of these help your health. As a woman grows older, the more movement and exercise she gets, the healthier. A simple daily hour of playing the piano helps finger and hand articulation, strenghtening and fighting against arthiritis. The same goes with playing a flute or a violin. Not only does this help one physicially, but the satisfacton of musical accomplishment is a dessert for the ears. Even going to the occasional concert at a local venue helps to get a load off of your shoulders and rejuvenates.

Some music companies that are available:
1) Ann Arbor Music Center: Take music lessons!
(734) 665-0375
2) The Ark: Find concerts to attend!
(734)-761-1800

Dance
Although there are types of dance that are physically vigorous, there are also kinds that anyone can do. Whether you take a beginner's ballet class or take a salsa or ballroom dancing class with your significant other, you are bound to have fun. Along with being an activity that you can thoroughly enjoy, it keeps the body healthy and active, definitely a plus. Like music, seeing a dance performance is great entertainment as well. Perhaps, you'll even be on the stage, too!

Some dance ideas available:
1) Dance Theatre Studio: Take an adult ballet, ballroom, or even pilates class! (other genres also available)
711 North University
Ann Arbor, Michigan
dancetheatrestudio@att.net
(734)-995-4242
2) Swing City Dance Studio: Take a swing class with a friend or a significant other!
1960 S. Industrial E&F
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734)-668-7782
3) Visit Ann Arbor: Find a dance event to attend and view!
(734) 995-7281

Painting & Drawing
Painting or drawing a picture is typically the first thing that one thinks of when thinking of the word "art." These classes are accessible in the area, just as music and dance classes. Like music, the utilization of wrists, hands, and fingers generate movement beneficial to health as one gets older. There are so many types of painting and drawing, that you are bound to find an activity that is right for you. Also, you can go to a local art museum just to take your mind off of things and see art at its finest.

A couple examples of art centers:
1) Ann Arbor Art Center: Take art classes!
117 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI
(734) 994-8004
2) University of Michigan Museum of Art: Take a look at a great art gallery!
525 S State St, Ann Arbor
(734) 764-0395

There are also other activities that one can do: pottery, beading, knitting, clothing design, decorating, cuisine. Any of these can be done from the home and can be entertaining and helpful.
As you can see, there are endless ways to boost your health, just by taking part in any of these artistic activities. Not only do you get the sastisfaction of accomplishing something, but you keep your mind and your body in peak shape, also giving you the satisfaction of a bright future.

How Your Kids Can Help Maintain Your Health

By Marina Takagi

The easiest way to maintain your physical and mental health and keeping them in great shape, is simply staying active. And what is the easiest way to stay active? Be with your kids!

Whether you take a walk with your child or swim in the pool with them, you are keeping your body strong while being with the ones you care about most. Along with being active with your children, you also try to feed them well right? As you feed your kids healthy meals, making sure they get their vitamins and minerals, give yourself the same health-conscious cuisine as well. Kids, whether 6 or 16, are always active. What better thing is there than to keep yourself healthy as you keep your family active as well?

For a detailed article, visit: MLive: How Your Kids Can Help Maintain Your Health

10 Ways for Healthy, Happy Living...No Matter the Age

by Marina Takagi

Every woman has wants and needs. Every woman is capable of fulfilling those single-handedly. There are easy methods that any woman, any age can utilize, easily boosting health, happiness, and being.

10. It's okay to indulge: Eat a chocolate bar, buy shoes or a bottle of wine that may be a little more expensive, or get a manicure/pedicure.

9. Say it: you're a woman!: Feel empowered as a woman, physically and emotionally.

8. Feel the beat: Music is a gift. Whether you need Mozart to help you study, Shania Twain to listen to in the car, or Norah Jones to relax you, there is a fitting genre to fit your mood.

7. Do something you normally wouldn't do: Maybe you never wear high heels and dresses. Maybe you have never liked the outdoors. So then, go on a date in some stilettos and a cocktail dress or go camping for a weekend. You can do what you want to do.

6. Be careful in the sun: Sunshine can be a pick-me-up, but too much sun can be a hand-me-down. Use that sunscreen and be careful. You know your body's limits when it comes to those UV Rays.

5. A smile goes alone way: You can read a book that makes you laugh, watch a TV show, or enjoy the company of jokster friends. No matter the choice, laughter boosts your mood, pulling you out from slumps and dreary days.

4. Relax: Take a bath. Read a book. Go on a run. Watch a movie. Breathe. Every woman deserves a step back and time to relax.

3. It always helps to stay informed: Read about the latest health news and make sure you know what is going on in your society. It never hurts to be safe and also help others be aware, as well. Along with staying informed about our society, check-up on your own health too.

2. Eat smart: Eating healthy is important. It's okay to have the occasional dessert or coffee drink. Just make sure you know your body and its' limits. (Don't go to the grocery store hungry...that'll save your bank account, too!)

1. Move!: Whether it's going to the gym, playing sports, or just walking around the block with your dog...stay active.