Dr. Curtis McElroy

Category: Internal Medicine

  • Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill

    Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill

    Product URL: http://www.amazon.com/Weslo-Cadence-R-5-2-Treadmill/dp/B009P9ROII/

    Product Description:

    The Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill is a treadmill that will help you with a wide variety of different needs. It can help you start on a journey of weight loss with the interval training mode. There are also ways to increase your speed before you next race or help you to increase your endurance so that you can run longer. The 2.5 HP motor offers you the power that you need to ensure that you are never outrunning your machine. There are 2 different incline positions, comfort cell cushioning to make the machine easier on you, an LCD display, and an extra-long belt for those who have a long stride.

    Product Features:

    • Adjustable Incline – 2 Positions
    • Space Saving Design
    • Deck made with Comfort Cell Cushion
    • 2.5 HP Motor
    • 67”x30”x10” Dimensions

    Plus Points:

    1. Multiple Workout Choices – With the Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill you will have many different options for workouts to choose from. You can walk or run at your own pace in the three different positions. There are also six different pre-programmed workouts that you can perform with this treadmill. These six workouts are going to challenge you and keep you interested along your journey even when you feel bored or like giving up.
    2. Easy Assembly – Users have been impressed with the ease of assembly with this treadmill. Not only are they able to successfully put the machine together, but they also find that they are able to put it together quickly. This means that you can get your new treadmill, put it together, and still use it the day that you receive it. It is not going to take all of your time or energy to assemble this one.
    3. Low Price – While not the cheapest treadmill that you can find, this treadmill offers you a lot without the high price tags that come on many of today’s treadmills. In fact, the Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill offers you more so that you are able to get the best possible value. There are not a lot of treadmills in this price range that feature a solid 2.5 HP motor and a solid steel frame. This treadmill has all of those things and is still less than $300.
    4. LED Monitoring Screen – There is also a LED monitoring screen provided with this treadmill. This screen is great for pushing yourself further and getting to know your own workout needs. Not only will you become aware of the distance that you are running, but you will also be able to figure out how many calories you are burning, your speed, and your heart rate (as long as monitor is on). This means that you can track your fitness levels and goals to get where you need to be.

    Things to Consider:

    1. Noisy Workouts – One thing that you might not like with the Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill is that it is very noisy when you are operating it. As your speed increases, the noise is also going to increase. So you might want to make sure that you have some good noise canceling headphones or a loud TV. Another thing to consider with the noise is that if you plan on using the treadmill while others are sleeping or working that it might be hard to do so.
    2. Not For Heavier Weights – If you weigh more than 165-175 lbs then you might not like this treadmill for running. Users who weighed more reported that they did not feel stable when they were running and that they only felt stable when they were walking. Those who were lighter did not report any issues with running. They were able to run with ease and felt sturdy at the same time.

    Product Summary:

    The Weslo Cadence R 5.2 Treadmill is definitely one that you should check out if you are looking for a solid electric treadmill on a budget. The price tag is low in comparison to other electric treadmills that you will find. However, that does not mean that it is low on performance or features. This treadmill features two different incline positions, the ability to run or walk in any of the three positions at a wide range of speeds, and six different workouts that will help you achieve your goals. There are three pre-programmed workouts for weight loss and three pre-programmed workouts for endurance. Using these workouts will help you achieve new heights in your personal fitness. The only big complaints with this machine are that it does not feel sturdy to heavier users and that it is noisy when turned on.

  • The Most Common Causes for Childhood Obesity

    The Most Common Causes for Childhood Obesity

    Childhood obesity is a significant problem that will not just go away.

    The lifestyle your children are living today, will determine their health 10, 20, 30, 40 and more years from now.

    No parent wants that 3 am phone call from the hospital emergency room informing them their child has suffered a heart attack or some other obesity related illness and may die.

    Children as young as five are so overweight that they cannot be children.

    When your children are overweight they may lack the motivation and physical stamina to run and play. The ability of your child to stay active is one of the essential elements of getting and staying healthy.

    Children are meant to play and enjoy life.

    Childhood obesity causes a number of health issues. Children who are overweight tend to be sick more often, miss more days of school, get behind in school work, suffer poor self esteem.

    Poor self esteem can lead to your child staying in their room playing video games and being less active.

    Obesity in children becomes a vicious cycle if someone is not willing to step in and break the cycle.

    That someone has to be you, the parent.

    A better understanding of childhood obesity can help parents make decisions that will help reverse and prevent obesity so your children can start living a happier and healthier life.

    What Is Childhood Obesity?

    Childhood obesity is a health condition.

    When obesity is diagnosed, it’s generally based on a child’s BMI or body mass index.

    The Center for Disease Control defines obesity as a BMI greater than the 95th percentile. When you visit your pediatrician your child’s height and weight are ranked on a scale. The scale is then compared to the average child across the country and healthy levels.

    What Causes Childhood Obesity?

    There are actually many causes of childhood obesity. In some cases there are hereditary elements involved.

    A child may inherit a thyroid problem or another hormonal problem.

    If parents and other family members are obese, then children are more likely to be obese as well. However, there are other environmental factors that may have more significant bearing on a child’s health.

    Most commonly childhood obesity is caused by poor eating habits and inactivity.

    Many obese children live on a regular diet of starchy carbs and high fat foods.

    A fast food diet is a prime cause of obesity amongst children.

    A diet that is high in sugar, white flour and fat will quickly cause children to have imbalanced blood sugar. They’ll have blood sugar highs and lows which lead to cravings. Cravings lead to more unfortunate food choices and the cycle can quickly get out of hand.

    The problem is only further enhanced when parents are unable to or do not provide healthy options. When cupboards are stocked with junk food, children almost always choose the junk over a healthy snack.

    Couple the issues of an unhealthy diet with inactivity and you have the makings for childhood obesity.

    More and more children are left home to fend for themselves after school. When they’re home they sit on the couch and watch television. They play video or computer games.

    They’re not active outside.

    They’re not moving their body.

    They’re not playing.

    The bottom line is children are consuming way more calories than they burn.

    The calories they do consume are not providing them with the nutrients they need.

    Overweight and obese children face a life of ridicule by their peers. They face health challenges most adults cannot fathom.

    They also face a shorter lifespan.

    It’s a very sad prognosis.

    The good news is that childhood obesity can be reversed.

    Children are incredibly adaptable. They can learn hew habits. But they cannot do it alone. They need support.

    They need adults who can help them make responsible and healthy decisions.

  • 6 Reasons We Get Sick Alot

    6 Reasons We Get Sick Alot

    Some people seem to be ill all the time, and pick up every bug that’s going. In contrast, others always seem to healthy and very rarely do they get a cold.

    For those who get sick a lot the impact on overall quality of life can be devastating. Lack of energy that comes with not feeling well can affect how well you perform at work and at home. It can also lead to mild depression as down time begins to take its toll.

    The first thing you should do is see your doctor and get a full checkup to be sure that there is not something serious causing you to be ill more than the average person is.

    Second, keep in mind that it is not simple luck that some are very healthy, while you seem to catch something every other month. There are some well-researched reasons as to why some people get ill much more often than others do.

    1. Diet

    There are so many sayings around about healthy eating, such as ‘you are what you eat’; this has never been truer. Your body needs a well-balanced, healthy diet that provides all the essential food groups and vitamins. Without this, your body cannot function effectively and fight any infections away. Different people, and those of different ages, require a slightly different diet. It is important to know what diet suits your body best, and try to stick to it. This will ensure your body is in fighting fit condition, so any small bug that comes your way can quickly and easily be fought off without it turning into a proper illness.

    2. Sleep Deprivation

    Quite simply, if you don’t get enough sleep, you will become ill. Sleep enables the body to rest and recover, and without this, it will be unable to function properly. During sleep, the immune system produces proteins that fight inflammation and disease. When you are sick or stressed, your body needs even more of these proteins; without sleep, your body simply cannot make enough to fit the infection.

    While sleep deprivation leads to increased illness like colds and flu, it has been shown to have much more harmful and long lasting effects. Conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes have all been linked to sleep deprivation.

    3. Stress

    We all experience stress in some form, and in small doses, it can be healthy. However, when we become too stressed for too long, our health is significantly affected. Research has repeatedly shown that chronic stress directly affects our immune system, weakening it and making us much more susceptible to illnesses.

    Stress directly contributes to minor illnesses, but also much more serious conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Too much stress is also linked to sleep deprivation – how many times have you not been able to sleep because you have too much on your mind that you worrying or stressing about? In short, too much stress is very bad for our health.

    4. Nutrients and Vitamins

    While all vitamins and nutrients are important, some are especially good at fighting off infection and illnesses. Magnesium in particular, helps us to manage stress, and react to situations. When we are stressed, unwell or sometimes even just cold, we are using up our stores of magnesium. Unless this is replaced, we will be running low and therefore more likely to get ill.

    Similarly, vitamin D is essential for many basic functions, and it is much harder to get sufficient levels in the winter. Vitamin C is an essential component to the immune system, and without it, you will be much more likely to get ill. If you are not getting enough vitamins and other necessary nutrients through your daily diet, consider taking a supplement to ensure you are always topped up and able to fight any illness that comes your way.

    5. Dehydration

    Every part of our body depends on a sufficient amount of water to function correctly. Without enough water, vital organs and muscles will struggle. Each day we lose a large quantity of water through our bowels, sweating, and urinating. Imagine how dry and sore your throat would be without any moisture or water.

    Dehydration happens when you are not replacing lost fluids adequately, and your body starts to struggle. It may not seem like a big problem at first, as the symptoms are similar to that of a mild cold or headache. However, dehydration can become life threatening if left long enough.

    6. Overwork

    Are you a workaholic? Do you work much more than you rest or relax? Is work always your first and foremost priority? This can well contribute to being run down and when you are run down, you are more susceptible to illness.

    Bottom Line

    There is no magic to wellness; it really is all about self-care. It takes effort to maintain a high level of good health, but you are well worth it!

Copyright @ 2017 DrCurtisMcElroy