Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Luna Mom Update for Expecting Mothers

Omega-3 fatty acids are important in baby's brain and central nervous system development, as well as preventing low birth weight and premature birth. Some reports also say that it helps regulate your baby’s sleep patterns. Low-mercury fish is a good source of omega-3s. But if you’re looking for alternatives to fish, it’s easy to get more of it. Supplement your oatmeal or smoothie with flaxseed (oil, ground, or the entire seeds), always care around a container of walnuts for snacking, and look for eggs that are fortified with omega-3s.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Core Exercises

There is a great article I read in Runners World this month about strengthening your core muscle groups. Even if you aren't a runner, strengthening your core is essential to all things mom. I put an excerpt from the article and a couple of exercises you can try at home here today. If you'd like to read the full article, you can go to http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-263-266-13030-0,00.html.

Fast Abs:

A generation ago, you'd be hard-pressed to find elite runners paying attention to their abs. Today, it's practically mandatory. "Our coaches drill the importance of core conditioning into our heads," says world champion hurdler Lolo Jones. "We're at it all the time." That's because scientists and coaches now know that you can't run your best without a strong core, the muscles in your abdominals, lower back, and glutes. They provide the stability, power, and endurance that runners need for powering up hills, sprinting to the finish, and maintaining efficient form mile after mile. "When your core is strong, everything else will follow," says Greg McMillan, a running coach in Flagstaff, Arizona, who has worked with scores of elite and recreational runners. "It's the foundation for all of your movement, no matter what level of running you're doing."


Exercises:

Superman What It Hits: transversus abdominis (deep abs) and erector spinae (lower back)Start facedown on the floor, with your arms and legs extended out front. Raise your head, your left arm, and right leg about five inches off the floor. Hold for three counts, then lower. Repeat with your right arm and left leg. Do up to 10 reps on each side. Keep It Honest: Don't raise your shoulders too much. Make It Harder: Lift both arms and legs at the same time.



Bridge What It Hits: glutes and hamstrings Lie faceup on the floor, with your knees bent 90 degrees, your feet on the floor. Lift your hips and back off the floor until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Hold for five to 10 seconds. Lower to the floor and repeat 10 to 12 times. Keep It Honest: Squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement, and don't let your spine sag. Make It Harder: Straighten one leg once your hips are lifted.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Parenting Guide for Oakland County


http://www.oaklandcountymoms.com/ is a website that is an interactive, e-newsletter for families residing in Oakland County, Michigan. The objective of the website is to be a family resource for moms residing in Oakland County. The site is filled with an exchange of valuable information such as local events, recipes, health articles, play dates, parenting solutions, toy testimonials, and much more. Within the past few months, membership has increased to about 300 families. More and more moms have been able to share experiences with and support one another. Moms who sign up and become members are privy to contests and giveaways, member deals, and special announcements. OCM works closely with local businesses to bring its members special offers and family fun.

OCM is sponsored by Crittenton Hospital Medical Center in Rochester, Michigan. It is updated daily with helpful and interesting content. Topics include Events and Activities, Swaps and Sells, Women’s Health, Children’s Health, Recipes, Playdates, Product Testimonials, Parenting Solutions, Restaurant Reviews, local retailer discount specials, and much more. The site is interactive...moms can submit and exchange information.

OCM has been featured on FOX2 news Live at 11, Radio Disney, and in Rochester Eccentric, Suburban Lifestyles, Oakland Press, and TheOaklandPress.com. Efforts for Macomb, Wayne, and Washtenaw county divisions have begun.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Great Mom Web Sites

It always amazes me how much us moms can squeeze in to one day. Well, in case some of you have soooo much free time that you don't know what to do with yourself, here are two great web sites to check out: http://www.oaklandcountymoms.com/ & http://www.raisingthem.com/. They have some great information for groups to join, places to vent your frustrations, ask questions, the latest on health and safety of our kids, and on and on. Both are free to join if you so choose. Happy web surfing!

Sunday, January 11, 2009

New Year

With the new year already upon us, it's time for us to stop grazing table side and lock up the cookie jar! Moms it's time for us to get back to our pre-holiday eating and exercise habits. Come out and join us for some great exercise and fabulous quality time with your little ones. Our full body work out will leave you feeling rejuvenated and the kiddos laughing and singing all our silly songs. For more information on class locations, prices, and times please go to www.strollerstrides.net/northoaklandcounty. Hope to see you soon!