I admit it.  At my age,  I’m no longer the most “hip” person in the room.   But when it comes to music….I like rock and I like it loud!     Especially when I’m working out.    On the treadmill…or on the road….there’s nothing better than running while rockin’ to Golden Earring’s “Radar Love” or “Gimme Shelter” by the Rolling Stones.   And while health experts probably don’t have a problem with my choice in music…they definitely would not go along with my choice to set the audio on my iPod at 90 %.    Not only that, the deafening music eminating from the ear buds buried deep in my ear canal also prevents me from being aware of my surroundings.    Fact is, the inability to hear what’s going on around you could not only cost you your hearing.  It could cost you your life. A recent story from Vancouver, Canda (May, 2008) told the grim tale of how a 23-year old man was killed when a crashing helicopter struck him.   According to the report, he was unaware of the chopper crashing over his head while walking to his mailbox wearing isolating in-ear headphones.

   That’s why I want to tell you about a neat, new  new product developed by local inventor, Ken Wright.   AirDrives Interactive Headphones are designed for people with active lifestyles.  According to Wright, AirDrives enable the user to have personal music while remaining aware of his surroundings.   “The new, outer-ear design of the headphones easily molds around the outside of your ear,” says Wright, ” and offers a comfortable, fully adjustable fit that stays secure…even when doing aggressive sports.”

Apparently, Wright came up with the idea when he became concerned about his daughter’s potential hearing damage when she got her first iPod.  Audiologist Blanche Blankington from the San Diego Center for Hearing tested AirDrives.  “We were amazed,” said Blankington.  All other headphones were in the 90-decibel range.  When you reach 110, hearing damage can occur in minutes.”  It seems AirDrive “off-access ” placement offers a complete soundstage without reducing volume output while maintaining safe sound pressure levels.  Simply stated, the 80 decibel max output makes AirDrives safe to listen to all day!

I gave AirDrives a try and was pleasantly surprised.   While Foreigner’s “Cold As Ice” was coming in loud and clear…. I was also aware of what was going on around me.   There are also AirDrives For Kids…..and I’m told the technology is also ideal for those who wear hearing aids (though I did not get a first-hand report on that) because they experience no feedback.    According to the literature, the headphones are compatible with iPhones, i_pods, MP3, computer, portable CD and DVD players.  Depending on the style, AirDrives range in cost from $49 to $99.  You can go to AirDrives.com…..but they’re also available through Best Buy, Target,  Circuit City REI and Apple stores.

These days, in the interest of saving my hearing,  I have been turning down the decibel level when I’m on the run.  But with these new headphones,  I can pump up the volume and not worry about blowing out my ear drums……even on a hot, hilly run with Aerosmith crankin’ “Dude Looks Like a Lady” in my AirDrives.

Rock on.  Run safe!

     If you’ve ever found yourself in the middle of a grocery store frazzled (in my case, it’s more like paralysis!) and uninspired about what to fix for dinner….your life just got easier.  And I don’t mean warmed-over prepared food or take-out!

     Last week, my husband and I ate like kings…at home!   Sunday night, we feasted on Marinated Beef Tip Brochettes and Rosemary Potatoes.  Monday night featured Tuscan chicken with Pasta.  Fisherman’s Grilled Salmon and Rice was the special on Tuesday …..followed by Lemon Chicken Piccatta on Wednesday…..and Summertime Chicken and Pasta with hot, buttered garlic bread on Thursday.   What’s amazing is neither of us can cook!  (OK, if I have to, I can broil a piece of fish…bake a potato and toss a salad. That’s it!)  But every one of those delicious meals was freshly cooked in MY kitchen! 

     Amazing?  I did it with the help of a new trend in dining called “meal preparation.”    I tried two local companies specializing in this hot, new trend.   “Cena” cenatogo.com recently opened in Scripps Ranch.  Owner Rebecca Aukland gave me a tour of “Cena’s” enormous, shiny-clean commercial kitchen where I got to mix the ingredients for several delicious dinners right there.  Everything was in easy reach…ingredients…mixing bowls, utensils and plenty of Zip-loc bags to carry it all home.  Easy cooking directions were placed in each bag and I was off!  The produce is freshly chopped.  They feature naturally aged meats…..hormone-free chicken, fresh herbs and a selection of  “sides” ready for the oven.  And I didn’t even need to make a shopping list! 

    “Dream Dinners” dreamdinners.com has several stores county-wide.   I tried several of their menu items….all delicious AND nutritious.    Valerie Bass…the owner of stores in Solana Beach and Carlsbad… says for those looking for healthy alternatives to fast food and eating out…”Dream Dinners” average 270 calories per serving.  Most have 10 grams of fat or less with fewer than 650 mg. of sodium. 

    “Dream Dinners offers value, convenience, health, nutrition…something all guests are looking for in their lives,” says Valerie.    And in down economic times, it’s a pretty good deal, too.  According to Valerie, for about $160 and one hour of time….guests can walk out of a “Dream Dinners” store with 12, 3-serving dinners…..the average cost of each serving…$4.00.

Both companies offer additional services such as assistance with assembling dinners…”Fast Lane” dinners that are ready to go…even delivery to nearby locations.  Rebecca says “Cena” offers help for large groups and special events.  At “Dream Dinners,” Valerie told me she can guide guests on how to assemble “Dream Dinners” in bulk to serve a anywhere from 25 to 100 guests.

Look, according to the 2008 New American Diner Study published by Restaurants and Institutions, 80% of consumers make weekday meal decisions based primarily on convenience.  Everyone knows that home-cooked dinners are healthier….because they’re lower in fat, sodium and total calories than restaurant or takeout.  But who has the time, or…in some cases…the inclination to cook these days?  

I’m no gourmet….but I know good, clean food when I taste it.   I was very impressed with the quality of these meals.   Besides, it’s fun, easy and delicious.      Anyone who knows me well knows I’d rather address a joint session of Congress than prepare a meal for guests.  I’m THAT uncomfortable in the kitchen.   But if I ever DO have you over for dinner, don’t worry.  I may be cooking the meal….but I’ll make sure the professionals help me prepare it!  Bon appétit!

.

UCSD researchers have found the increase in childhood obesity may be due, in part, to the decline in physical activity as children age.  The study, published in the July 15 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, discovered that childre’ns moderate-to-vigorous physical activity decreased by more than a third as they aged from 9-15. 

I suppose another study on the relationship between inactivity and childhood obesity shouldn’t surprise anyone.  “While we all knew children and youth were moving less….the magnitude of the rate of decline calls for renewed action to increase activity levels in the population,” said lead author, Philip R. Nader, M.D., from the Department of Pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine.  “Physical activity is a crucial part of the energy equation; declining physical activity will only complicate the obesity epidemic.”

I find it a pleasant coincidence that Thursday, July 17, one local organization is doing something about the problem.   More than a thousand  kids from around the county will be enjoying a day of sports, games, dancing and other fun activities at the 4th annual “Go Play, Get Fit Youth Day.”   Organized by the Greater San Diego Recreation and Parks Coalition for Health and Wellness, “Get Fit Youth Day” will take over Tidelands Park in Coronado from 10 am to 2pm.

Despite all the wonderful opportunities San Diego affords for sports and outdoor activites, sadly….according to the California Center for Public Health Advocacy…. San Diego County ranks higher than the national average for childhood obesity rates.  A whopping 40 percent of school children are physically unfit.  But not Thursday!  Kids will be encouraged to “play their way to a healthy mind and body” while participating in a variety of action-packed recreational activities at 40 different station….everything from Junior Jazzercize, parachute games, giant twister and cheerleading. 

New this year is a session on health eating.   I’ll be joining the San Diego Padres’ “Pad Squad” and Channel 9 fitness expert Cindy Whitmarsh to encourage the kids to make healthy choices.   Kudos to many of our local mayors who will proclaim July 17, 2008 as “Go Play, Get Fit Youth Day” in their cities. 

The study results are discouraging…..but Thursday’s event and others like it are a step in the right direction.  Something must be done to stop a national epidemic that could have deadly consequences for our kids.

What are you doing this Sunday morning, July 13?   I certainly don’t want  to discourage you from attending church services…but if you’d like to take your worship outdoors…get some exercise and raise money and awareness for a good cause….head to Shelter Island and join me for the “Walk For a Cure!”

The “cure” for which you’ll be walking includes two serious autoimmune disorders…Lupus and Scleroderma.    I’m participating in the walk because more needs to be done to create awareness for these diseases which, frankly, don’t get enough attention from the scientific community…and the community at-large.

Lupus is a chronic, inflammatory disease in which the body’s immune system misfires….attacking and destroying healthy body tissue and organs.  It’s a serious, life-threatening disease than can cause significant damage to any vital organ of the body…including the heart, lungs, kidneys and brain….as well as the skin and joints.  An estimated one in 85 Americans is affected by Lupus.  The cause is not known and scientists have yet to discover a cure.

Scleroderma is a chronic disease that afflicts some 300,000 Americans.  Collagen over-production causes hardening of the skin…..but hardening of blood vessels and internal organs can also happen.  Sceroderma symptoms, such as arthritis and severe fatigue, are similar to more than 30 other autoimmune diseases…..so patients often suffer through long and difficult diagnoses.

As I’ve tried to get the word out about this weekend’s Walk, I’m stunned at the number of people who have never heard of Lupus or Scleroderma.  In this day and age, that’s dimply not acceptable!  As a child, I remember whispered references to my Aunt Gloria’s “mysterious” illness.  It was Lupus.  No one would even talk about it.   Well, this Sunday, we’re going to walk AND talk about these diseases.  Hundreds will gather on Shelter Island to fight these diseases with a “one-two” punch that will raise funds for both the Lupus and Scleroderma Foundations.

We’ll be meeting between 8 and 9am for registration.  The Walk starts at 9.   Are you in?   Go to lupussocal.org for more information.  See you Sunday!

So….Sunday, hundreds of us will be walking to fight both of these diseases with a “one-two” punch that will raise funds for both the Lupus and Scleroderma Foundations.  These groups promote awaremenss, research and help pa;tients and their families dealing with these diseases.

When the economy’s down,  the first thing to go are those pampering luxuries we all enjoy.   You can always do your own manicure. ….cancel your monthly facial….even put off your haircut and color an extra week or two.    And vacation?  Maybe next year…. when gas prices and air fares come back down to earth!

But what if you could combine your favorite spa treats with a short, easy trip to a peaceful getaway for a fraction of the cost?   For the first time, Rancho La Puerta, the world-famous resort and spa, is offering a “Ranch Spa Getaway” for 3 or 4 nights.  Most spa getaways require a long trip and week-long committment.  But for the next few weeks,  you can book a long weekend, at an adjusted rate….just a mile south of the border at Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico.

     I recently ran into Barbara Ouellette from the Ranch and recalled with her the amazing week I spent at the Mexican retreat in the early 90’s.  It truly is an amzaing place.  It’s one of the few times I’ve been able to leave the world behind and allow the “magic” of  Rancho La Puerta re-energize my body, mind and soul.   The Ranch is a local treasure….just south of the Tecate border crossing.  Set in a hidden valley, with mystic mountain vistas, garden tapestries and beautiful nature trails…the resort and spa offers 3,000 acres of peace. 

But it’s more than the peace!  It’s the food!  I’ve never had healthy, organic food prepared so wonderfully.   I stayed in a  cozy, Mexican-style casita….took unique fitness classes…..got pampered with facials and massages and took early-morning hikes with breathtaking views.   Ahhhhh.

But then…. back to reality.  And let’s face it.   For most of us,  a luxurious week at a world-class spa isn’t something you can do very often.   I had to admit, the cost and week-long committment has kept me from scheduling another trip.   But when Barbara told me about their special weekend deals…I just had to let you know, too   She says the package includes accomodations, all meals and snacks, fitness classes, use of facilities, entertainment and more!  Also included….a cooking class at Rancho La Puerta’s new cooking school, La Cocina Que Canta…and a complimentary Relaxation massage.

So, if you can unwind in 3 or 4 days….check with Barbara at rancholapuerta.com.    I’d love to hear about your experience! (Maybe I’ll see you there!)