Health-and-Fitness online information.

DURING this month, as we celebrate Black love, why not take the time to prove how much you love yourself? You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain by becoming physically fit. Fitness experts say the best way to prove it is to move it. Get your body moving and eat healthful foods to increase your chances to live a long, active and healthy life.

"Everyone's looking for that magic pill to help them find the fountain of youth," says Adrian Williams, a certified personal trainer from Greenbelt, Md. "Exercise is definitely it."

To help you in your quest for better health, the following are seven health and physical fitness tips that can save or add years to your life:

1. Visit Your Doctor For An Annual Checkup.

Regular checkups are an important key to good health. Doctors can inform patients about preventive measures and early detection of life-threatening diseases or conditions. The earlier you and your doctor know about diseases like breast, prostate or colon cancer, the better your odds of recovery.

In addition, your doctor can help you recognize when there's a threat to your health. Perhaps you've gained or lost a lot of weight recently, with no clear explanation. Your physician can help you get to the bottom of things, and try to ensure your good health for years to come. Often our doctors are the first to tell us we have a weight problem, and they can outline an eating and exercise plan that is most healthful for you.

2. Consult Your Physician Before Beginning Any Health Or Fitness Program.

At this time of year, many Black men and women get on a health kick, go on a diet, head to the gym and overdo it. Without consulting a physician, it's difficult to know if your body is prepared for strenuous exercise or a change in your diet. Without that extra step, you could be putting your health, or even your life, in danger, experts say.

Talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise or diet program! Start slowly and seek out a doctor who can tell you whether any medications you're taking would interfere with exercise, or whether you're fully healed from that surgery you had a month or so ago.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:30 AM