Embrace the Season and Power of Change

September is a time of change, as temperatures get cooler, days get shorter, and leaves start to fall.

As the famous words – from the Bible and a 1960s hit song – tell us, “To everything turn, turn turn… There is a season… and a time to every purpose under heaven.”

So, what can we learn about our healthy habits during this time of year? It’s a great question for everyone, no matter where you are on the fitness spectrum. And what better time to improve your position on that spectrum than during this month of change?

Change comes in a few ways, as we have all learned by now. Sometimes it comes at us, as part of nature – like autumn or the weather. Sometimes changes are forced on us by other people or by circumstances we can’t control.

But another kind of change flows from inside each of us when we’re ready to improve ourselves.

Too many people dread the idea of making changes or improving themselves.

But what if we learn from our past and remember when we decided to lean into the forces of change, to make the power of nature work FOR us instead of fighting it? Can you remember a time in life when you wanted desperately something different and worked like hell to get it?

Maybe you landed a desired job or a date with your future spouse.

Maybe you got in shape once before or started eating right.

The point is this: You can make positive changes in your life.

You can set a goal to get in better shape.

You can start small and celebrate each little success along the way.

You can find a helpful, supportive community of likeminded people to help you and encourage you.

You can have the life you want, not matter how old you are or how out-of-shape you might be.

This isn’t just us saying so. Science proves the benefits of exercise come quickly at any point in life.

And change begets change. Start working out a few times a week, and you’ll start eating better, too. You’ll start sleeping better… looking better, feeling better, and moving better…

It’s the nature of change, which is also what? CONSTANT.

Even if you avoid change and stay at home on the couch, you’ll still be changing – just not in the direction that leads to freedom and a joyful quality of life.

So, seize the day, seize the season, and come see us now.

We’ll assess where you are and help you set smart goals. We’ll show you what’s fun, safe and effective. And all we ask is that you open your mind and move your body – in the spirit of powerful, positive CHANGE.

You’ve made harder changes before and turned, turned, turned to face a brighter future because of it.

Let’s head into the last third of the year set to make it the best yet.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer

The recent death of “Margaritaville” singer Jimmy Buffett from skin cancer at 76 is a good reason to think about the disease.

Buffett’s website said he had Merkel cell carcinoma for four years. “A rare and aggressive form of skin cancer, Merkel cell is diagnosed only about 2,500 times a year in the United States, and until recent years it had carried a life expectancy of five months,” The New York Times reported.

Most skin cancers are diagnosed in people over 65. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, with 1 in 5 getting it by age 70. It is also the most preventable, according to the National Council on Aging.

Skin cancer is usually treated successfully, and early diagnosis helps.

It is also usually preventable. The council says, “It’s never too late to change your habits and reduce your risk of skin cancer. It’s important to protect your skin from UV radiation year-round, including on cloudy and hazy days.”

To reduce risk the CDC says:

• Avoid sun or stay in shade during hottest hours.
• Wear clothes that cover arms and legs, and a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, head, ears and neck.
• Wear sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, and both UVA and UVB (broad spectrum) protection.
• Avoid indoor tanning.
• Examine your skin once a month and tell your doctor about any changes. Annual skin-care checks with a dermatologist are also commonly suggested.

Healthy Recipe, Watermelon and Feta Tartines

Watermelon and feta have made a popular snack in the Mediterranean for ages. The combo has caught on elsewhere, too, usually in the form of a salad. In his new cookbook, “I Could Nosh: Classic Jewish Recipes Re-vamped for Everyday,” Jake Cohen provides the perfect appetizer for a sunny cocktail gathering or lunch. Ample olive oil in the skillet to cover the bread’s surface gives the toasts just the right crunch and helps prevent the juicy topping from turning them soggy. Serves 4 to 8. – Susan Puckett

Tartines (Toasts)

• 8 ounces sourdough (or other) sturdy, unsliced bread
• 6 tablespoons olive oil (more or less, as desired)

Topping

• 12 ounces watermelon, cut into ¼-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
• 6- to 8- ounces feta cheese, cut into ¼-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh mint
• 2 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

   

  Instructions

  1. Make the toasts: Cut the bread into thick (3/4-inch) slices. Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. When hot, add enough bread slices to fill the pan and let them sizzle for a minute or two until golden-brown and crispy. Flip the bread, adding a little more oil if the pan is dry, and cook a minute or two longer until crispy. Remove to a plate and set aside. Cut in half if the pieces are very large.
  3. Make the topping: In a large bowl, toss together the watermelon, feta, olive oil, lime juice, mint, scallions, and salt and pepper to taste.
  4. To assemble: With a slotted spoon, heap the mixture onto the toasts and serve.

   

Article Credit Jay Croft, creator and owner of Prime Fit Content.

Susan Puckett is a cookbook author and former food editor of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Follow her at susanpuckett.com.