Welcome to the Health Express Online Magazine!

We created this blog to help our peers and community learn fun and interesting tips about Eating Well, Exercise and a safe, healthy Environment. You can expect to see tips, articles and fun activities that you can try at home. We plan to update our webpage weekly, so be sure to leave us comments and questions on the posts you read. We have decided to choose pen names for this project, so expect to see each of us listed under a fun alias like ‘Noodles’ or ‘Jumping Jack'.

We are also open to sharing your ideas and projects too! If you have written about a health related topic or are working on a project that will help our community members live healthy lives, we want to hear about it! Please send your article, along with your name, grade or occupation and any pictures you would like to share to healthexpressjackson@gmail.com. Your story may even be posted to our website!

To stay updated on whenever we update the site, please become a subscriber by entering your email address into the ‘Subscribe via Email’ box in the left column of our blog and click ‘Submit’.

We welcome you aboard the Health Express, where you can take a on the roadway to health!

Sincerely,

Ms. Hardy-Smith’s 3^rd period Health Class
Blackburn Middle School

Get Fit with Video Games

Written by. The Running Man

Are you tired of everyone telling you to get your lazy butt up and exercise, but you are in the middle of your game? Well kiss those complaints goodbye and come with me to do some gaming exercises.

Game Time

• Use your Wii or Kinect to help you stay fit during the winter.
• Choose your favorite games to exercise with.
• You can dance to your favorite game music or buy your own.

Play Safely

• Tighten your straps to make sure your controller doesn’t flip out of your hand.
• Move all furniture to avoid injures.
• Use loose clothing so you will be able to move freely.
• Make sure to take breaks every 30 minutes and drink plenty of water.

Play with your friends and family

• You can play together or go head-to-head in health challenges.

With these tips, you can get fit without ever turning off your game system!

Express Question: What fitness games do you like to play on your game system? Respond to this post with your answers!

Workout with the TV

Written by. The Muscle Man

If you want to stay healthy in the winter, you can work out with the TV! Most cable providers have a network that airs different exercise shows. You can view them at any time to work out. The one I recommend is Zumba.

The first thing you need to do is move your furniture so you won’t injure yourself or others. If you have exercise equipment, get ready to use it but it is not necessary for every workout. Next find a program. Get moving with the people on the program and on the road to fitness!

But, if you want to make things even more fun, invite family and friends over to exercise with you. You can make some healthy snacks for your guests so everyone can eat well and have fun.

Express Question: Is there a workout program on TV or DVD that you like to watch? Respond to this post with your answers!

Winter Skin Care

Written by. Pretty Healthy Me

Now that winter is here, it is time to turn up the heat in your homes and offices. In the winter your skin can get dry, rough, and itchy. According to Dr. Susan Taylor, dermatologist, the reason we get so dry is because moisture diffuses from our skin cells (which are made primarily of water) into the air. Here are some tips to help you keep your skin beautiful, soft, and moisturized.

When you are done taking a bath or shower, rub lotion or baby oil on your body. Only take baths and showers for 5 minutes a day. Use only warm water, not hot. To soften rough skin, grab a banana, peel it and rub the peel on your skin before you shower.

It's fun to go outside and play in the snow. When you are outdoors, choose winter clothes that protect your skin. Clothing protects your skin from the cold, dry air. Don't you hate chapped winter lips? I avoid this by putting on lip balm.

When your skin is too dry and it’s itching like crazy, try using cocoa butter lotion. It always works for me. At the end of the winter months, you can go back to your normal skin care routine and do things like taking long showers again.

Express Question: Do you know of other ways to keep your skin healthy during the winter months? Respond to this post with your answers!

Winter Workout Clothes

Written by. Young Wonder

If you want to stay in shape, it’s a good idea exercise in the winter. It will be cold, so you will need to choose the right clothing and shoes to avoid getting sick or hurt. Here are a few suggestions that will help you prepare for your winter workout sessions.

If you’re going outside, it is good to wear sweatpants, jogging pants, jeans, or tights. Anything that goes all the way down to your ankle is a good option for winter workout gear. You should also wear warm clothing underneath your jacket. This means you need a long sleeved shirt or something that covers your upper body and keeps you skin protected. These clothing items should be worn to prevent health problems like the common cold, flu, hypothermia, and frostbite. After all, who wants to be sick?

Express Question: What's your favorite outfit to wear when you go outdoors in cold weather? Respond to this post with your answers!

Deck Your Halls!

Written by. Sapphire Diamonds

Many people love to decorate their homes for the holidays or special occasions! Here are a few helpful tips about home décor safety.

I love decorating with lights. Use non-combustible or flame resistant materials. To avoid injury, wear gloves when handling items that are not safe for your skin to touch. You can also try decorating with paper and string instead.

If you are like me, you may have younger family members to worry about. Avoid placing hanging décor in or around baby play areas to prevent the touching, chewing or eating of harmful items. Tell young children to keep away from electric sockets and chords. For more tips, read the decoration packaging. They usually provide information on what the products are made of and how to handle them safely. Have fun!

Express Question: What occasions do you enjoy decorating for most? Respond to this post with your answers!