A recent study conducted at the Penn State's Center for Childhood Obesity suggests that avoiding sweetened drinks and controlling weight gain during childhood may reduce risk of developing diabetes and other diseases later in life. Isn't it obvious to everyone that obesity is the underlying cause of lifestyle related illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and other diseases? And certainly sugar isn't the only culprit--how about avoiding all junk foods such as processed foods laden with unhealthful fats and adding more wholesome fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts and seeds to our children's diets?

A recent study found that women who increasingly do heavy weight training produce more growth hormones beneficial for good muscle tone and optimizing metabolism. The study, published by the American Journal of Phyiology-Endocrinology and Metablolism, found that women who do moderate to heavy weight training with increasing weight loading of 3 to 12 repetitions build more muscle and bone.

Experts agree that to keep your skin healthy during cold winter months it's important to maintain it moisturized for protection from dry cold air and heating systems. Skin care professionals recommend keeping showers short, using a skin moisturizing lotion or oil, running a humidifier at home and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.