Healthy Memphis

Talk to the expert

We're having an online conversation with Dr. Teresa Cutts,  a licensed clinical health psychologist at the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Center of Excellence in Faith and Health.  She was recently chairperson for the Tennessee Psychological Association Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award. Dr. Cutts will answer questions about presenteeism and workplace wellness.  

Enrollment is underway for a free weight-control program targeting adolescents and their families.

The 12-week program, called Strong Me, is designed for those age 6 through 15. At least one parent must also participate. It will be offered beginning in October at Shady Grove Presbyterian Church, 5530 Shady Grove, and at Caritas Village, 2509 Harvard.

Developed by Dr. Janice Pride Boone, a Memphis pediatrician, the program is designed to help families change their daily routine, particularly their eating and exercise. The goal is to help participants increase their exercise and stabilize their weight. Each session includes exercise and a healthy meal as well as other activities. “We walk participants through what change looks like,” explained Boone, who is also a licensed family therapist.

The Caritas Village program is funded with a grant from the United Way of the Mid-South. The East Memphis program is a ministry of the church. Enrollment is limited to 25 families at each location.

For more information, call (888) 495-6555.

Get Fit Tennessee, the state's online health promotion Web site, just expanded its nutrition section. The site now offers users an online food journal and calorie calulator. Folks can also enter the site's Weight Loss Challenge. The calculator includes information about more than 7,500 foods and beverages.

Since it was launched in February, the site's attracted more than 1,000 new users.

Anyone can log on to getfittn.com to create an account. The site also allows individuals to set and track fitness goals. It also features a health tip of the day, events calendar and other information.

The Commercial Appeal is preparing a story about the popluarity of weight loss contests. At work, the gym, the health clinic or even in places of worship, Mid-Southerners are squaring off to see you can drop pounds the fastest.

We are collecting reader stories about the strategy. In your experience, does it fuel healthy competition or lead to fad diets and furtive snacking in stairwells?

Send your stories and comments to powers@commercialappeal.com.

Talk to the expert

We’re having an online conversation with Pam Sere, maternity care coordinator at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. Ms. Sere will answer questions about health before pregnancy and prenatal care. Ask your questions here, she will monitor the blog and answer them.

Jazzercise is marking the end of summer with a variety of free offerings the week of September 2. Organizers want folks to know they are welcome regardless of their fitness level. For more information, or to find a convenient class, call toll-free (800) FIT IS IT or 348-4748 or visit the Jazzercise web site.

Know of an upcoming health or fitness event? Send the information to us at powers@commercialappeal.com and we'll post it online.

Learn fitness walking at a clinic set for 9 a.m. Saturday (August 9) at Yale Road Park in Bartlett.

The hour-long event is sponsored by Major Body Worx Fitness Center. Grace Major, the clinic coordinator, said persons from all fitness levels are welcome as well as folks interested in training for marathons and other races.

The cost is $18. For more information or to register, call 385-9725 or e-mail majorbodyworx@gmail.com.

Are you planning a fitness event? E-mail us at powers@commercialappeal.com and we will post the information on The Commercial Appeal's Healthy Memphis Web site.

Talk to the expert

  We're having an online conversation  with Teresa Dawson, administrative director of the Baptist Heart Institute. Dawson will answer questions about ways to protect your heart and health and the dangers of belly fat. Read more about the issue at  http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/lifestyle/health-fitness/
 Ask your question here. She will respond

Inbalance Fitness announced plans to mark the second anniversary of its health club at 794 S. Cooper with free classes and other events on Saturday and Sunday. That is August 9 and 10.

Saturday's scheduled events include free body fat analysis and blood pressure checks at 8:30 a.m. Free exercise classes are set for 9 and 10:30 a.m.

On Sunday, free classes are scheduled for 1 and 2:30 p.m.

For more information, call 272-2205 or visit the inbalance Web site.

Are you planning a health or fitness event? If it is open to the public, please send us the details and we'll help get the word out. Send the information to powers@commercialappeal.com.

I promise - I didn't fall off the wagon. In fact, I think I may be driving it.

After a fantastically lazy weekend at the Current River in Missouri, I came home injured and vowing not to run no matter how guilty I might feel. We spent our Sunday floating in inner tubes for seven hours over what had to be the sharpest rocks I've ever had the displeasure of walking on. I'm now sporting a 1" long, 1" deep cut on the inner pad of my right foot. Next time I'll pack more adequate footwear. But when I walked through my door at 4 p.m. Monday afternoon, I realized I couldn't just not go. I mean, I am writing about it.

And then the weather...

Monday was by far the hottest, stickiest, most gruelling afternoon of exercise I've ever endured, bar none. That being said, I'm still glad I went. The crowds were down, the spirits were struggling, but the coaches were there, smiling as always and encouraging us all to keep moving, despite the heat.

It felt like my lungs were filling with hot water instead of air. OK, that's an exaggeration. Blame it on the day job. (A big thank you goes out to all the coaches. I'm genuinely impressed by your dedication.)

On a side note, I've had no trouble with either the water bottle or key-issue since I last wrote. Thanks girls, the tips are great. On the other hand I'm now facing a new enemy: dreaded tan lines. I despise them in ways men hate Lifetime movies or shoe-shopping on Saturdays. I wear SPF 50 sunblock and I'm still developing a despicable little line around my ankles that drives me positively batty. I'm ranting now, please overlook it.

I'll see you all again this Monday. Take care of yourselves and don't forget to work in a few sessions during the week. I know, I don't love them either, but I'm more afraid of embarrassing myself at the 5K than I am of impending mosquito bites or allergy-inducing lawn mowers. Don't you just love summer in the South??