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Chopping wood is a great form of exercise. Image Credit: Akchamczuk/iStock/GettyImages Many people, when they think of working out, picture running shoes, treadmills, barbells and weight rooms with specific dedicated exercises. The truth is, though, that many chores and tasks that you need to do every day can provide an excellent full-body workout. Advertisement For example, the simple yet difficult act of chopping wood can improve your cardiovascular endurance and improve your strength — although calories burned chopping wood vary based on how quickly and how long you work....

Man doing pushups Image Credit: hoozone/iStock/Getty Images Basic Military Training is taxing even for someone who is already physically fit. Other trainees, in a video on the Air Force website, recommend getting into shape before you report. These trainees suggest running, doing pushups and sit ups and waking up early. You will also need to meet the height and weight requirements. If you are 5 feet 10 inches tall, you can weigh no more than 191 lbs....

One tasty way to reduce food waste is by blending about-to-expire produce into savory soups. Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative Healthy habits are built one day at a time. Our monthly fitness challenges can help you stay on track all year long. Creativity in the kitchen isn’t just about exploring new recipes and experimenting with different ingredients. It’s also about making the most of your food, including the ends, stems, peels and other little bits that many people just throw out....

A close-up of a weight stack. Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Stockbyte/Getty Images The Weider 8530 is a home gym system that has two weight stacks and a pulley system to deliver resistance up to 270 pounds. There are several stations to work all the major muscle groups. The front weight stack is connected to the press arms, the butterfly arms and the upper and lower pulleys. The weight stack at the rear is only connected to the squat arm....

Fried foods can cause gallbladder inflammation. Image Credit: rakratchada/iStock/Getty Images Your gallbladder works together with your pancreas and other organs that aid in the digestion process. Certain types of foods can cause your gallbladder to become inflamed and irritated and cause gallstones to form. Gallbladder inflammation can cause intense pain. If you begin to experience symptoms of gallbladder inflammation, voice your concerns to your health care provider. Advertisement What Causes Inflammation?...

The artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium or Ace-K can be found in diet drinks, instant coffee and tea. Image Credit: ablokhin/iStock/GettyImages Acesulfame potassium, also called acesulfame K or Ace-K, is one of six artificial sweeteners that have been approved for use in the United States, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The other five are sucralose, saccharin, aspartame, neotame and advantame. Advertisement The main benefit of so-called nonnutritive sweeteners — which don't provide any vitamins, minerals or any other nutritional benefits — is that they "provide little, if any, calories," Nancy Farrell Allen, RDN, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, tells LIVESTRONG....

Charcoal grilling increases your exposure to carcinogenic chemicals, but there are ways to lower your risk and enjoy charcoal-grilled food. Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative How Bad Is It Really? sets the record straight on all the habits and behaviors you’ve heard might be unhealthy. In This Article Risks Benefits Avoiding Risks Gas vs. Charcoal Summary Whether you're flipping burgers or veggie skewers, charcoal grilling imparts a nice smokey flavor to your dishes....

If you've ever rolled out of bed into a workout, you've probably wondered if it's bad to exercise without a bra. The answer? It depends. Image Credit: LIVESTRONG.com Creative How Bad Is It Really? sets the record straight on all the habits and behaviors you’ve heard might be unhealthy. With orders to practice social distancing in place, many of us are exercising in the comfort of our own homes more than ever before....

Weight training does not reduce breast size, but your breasts can get smaller if you lose weight in general. Image Credit: patrisyu/iStock/Getty Images Lifting heavy is a great thing to add to your fitness routine, but does lifting weights reduce breast size? If you’re new to weightlifting and concerned that weight training will make your chest smaller, here’s what you should know. Advertisement Tip Lifting weights will not decrease your breast size, but overall weight loss might reduce the size of your breasts....

Ankle cramps can significantly interfere with a good night's sleep. Image Credit: catinsyrup/iStock/GettyImages Night ankle cramps are a relatively common nuisance that can have a variety of different causes. While some cases occur due to a condition called night leg cramps, others are caused by repetitive strain and exertion on your calf and shin muscles throughout the day. Advertisement For best results, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and ask whether or not these specific exercises will help with your ankle cramps....

Ginger is one of the best foods for a sinus infection because of it's antimicrobial properties. Image Credit: Maya23K/iStock/GettyImages Headaches, congestion, sinus pressure…whatever your symptoms, sinus issues are unpleasant. Fortunately, there are certain foods for sinus infections that have immune-supporting nutrients to help ease those symptoms. Advertisement Your sinuses are pockets located along your eyes, nose, cheekbones and forehead, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Mucous membranes line these cavities and produce phlegm that filters out incoming bacteria....

Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. The best sleep headphones are comfortable, include your must-have features and fit your budget. Image Credit: LIVESTRONG Creative Image Credit: LIVESTRONG Creative How We Chose Best Overall Best for Comfort Best for Side Sleepers Best Earbud Best On-Ear Best Sleep Mask-Style Best Wireless Best Sleep Headphone Alternative What to Look For Budget-friendly 10-hour battery life Comfortable headband design Can be used for exercise or travel...

1600 calories per day is a healthy way to lose weight. Image Credit: barol16/iStock/GettyImages If you’re trying to lose weight, following a meal plan that averages about 1,600 calories a day is a healthy way to do it. Men and more active women may need more calories to feel satisfied, but most people should be able to lose weight at that calorie level, and it’s fairly easy to stick to....

Close-up of a woman slicing chicken. Image Credit: kjekol/iStock/Getty Images Zinc is a naturally occurring essential mineral that is present in some foods and is also widely available as a nutritional supplement, either by itself or combined with other vitamins and minerals. Zinc serves many important roles in both men and women, including immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. Zinc supplementation may offer women additional benefits....

Foods like berries are good sources of nutrients like fiber and phytonutrients, which may help you recover after a hysterectomy. Image Credit: id-art/iStock/Getty Images In This Article Soft Foods Fiber Protein and Fat Phytonutrients Phytoestrogens Fluids A balanced diet will supply you with the nutrients you need to heal and rebuild strength after a hysterectomy. Here are the best foods to eat after your hysterectomy, including what to snack on in the first few days following your procedure and foods to include in your longer-term recovery diet....

What Are the Effects of Too Much Spinach? Image Credit: istetiana/Moment/GettyImages Versatile and delicious, leafy green spinach is an excellent source of fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. It is a low-calorie addition to your diet, served raw or steamed. Although not a common problem for the average healthy person, too much spinach may cause some rare negative effects under certain circumstances. Advertisement Nutrition in Spinach According to USDA National Nutrient Database, a cup of cooked spinach contains 49 calories and provides 5 grams of fiber, important for your digestion....

Wearing a mask can make bad breath a lot more noticeable. Image Credit: Iam Anupong/iStock/GettyImages When it comes to mask annoyances, you probably never thought stink-to-high-heaven breath would be on the top of your list. But more than 80 million people suffer from chronic halitosis, according to the Academy of General Dentistry, a condition you may not normally be able to sniff out on your own. Advertisement "Masks that cover the mouth and nose create a closed or contained air pocket, which collects our breath and reintroduces any odors back into the nose," explains Gregory Levitin, MD, an otolaryngologist at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai in New York City....

Everyone has a favorite swimming stroke. Here's what your swimming style says about you. Image Credit: Orbon Alija/E+/GettyImages Between bootcamp workouts, running and cycling, there’s probably one outdoor summer workout you’re overlooking: swimming. But pool-based workouts offer many of the same benefits of your usual workouts — and then some. Advertisement "Swimming is both a cardiovascular and strength workout," says swim instructor, exercise physiologist and chiropractor Nora Fahlberg. "Plus, it's a much lower-impact exercise than running, so even older adults and injured folks can incorporate swimming into their exercise plan....

Oats are gluten free. Image Credit: Ekaterina Garyuk/iStock/Getty Images Multiple food allergies and intolerances can make meal selections a challenge. Following a gluten-free, wheat-free and dairy-free diet means avoiding all wheat, rye, barley and dairy products and foods made from them. At the beginning of this new diet, you may find yourself eating the same foods you know are safe daily. However, with time, you’ll feel more confident branching out to new, safe breakfast options....

Try to get your calcium from food rather than supplements. Image Credit: Nikolay Trubnikov/iStock/Getty Images You need calcium for strong bones and teeth, but also for proper function of your muscles and nerves and for blood clotting. Although getting your calcium from food is best, some people do not eat enough calcium-rich foods to meet their daily calcium needs. In this case, you can take calcium supplements to make up the difference....