Fayette women give advice on healthy habits, good reads

If there's one thing we love to give, it's our opinion

I wake up tired in the morning. What can I do to have more energy from the get go?

Some things that our panel of Fayette ladies suggested were taking a walk before bed, cutting back on the salt, and drinking some fruit juice first thing in the morning. And, obvious but important: getting enough sleep. It is certainly hard with all of the responsibilities that women deal with on a daily basis, but our Fayette women suggest that knowing how much sleep you need, and making sure you get it, is the easiest way to keep yourself energized. Easier said than done, right? This might mean making some changes in your lifestyle, like going to bed earlier and forgoing your nightly television fix. Figure out how many hours of sleep you need (not everyone needs 8 hours; some people more, some less) and do everything possible to get it.

Can you recommend a good gym or personal trainer in Fayette County?

The one place that was recommended by several ladies is the gym at Piedmont Fayette Hospital in Fayetteville. Great staff, flexible hours, and low fees were mentioned as some of the perks of this facility. Plus the hospital is right there should you need it (just kidding, but do take it easy if you are just starting a workout program). Also mentioned was Fitness Spa of Peachtree City, a ladies-only gym located in the shopping center on the corner of highways 54 and 74 in Peachtree City. If a gym or trainer doesn’t fit into your budget this year, use the path system in Peachtree City and walk, run, or bike your way to better health in 2010.

What one thing can I add to my diet in 2010 to be healthier?

Well, our ladies are certainly up on their health trends. Lots of folks mentioned flaxseed, as well as acai and kale. Fruit of all varieties, including kiwi and apples, were given the thumbs up. Water, water, water was the other thing on everyone’s list and lucky for us it is available pretty much everywhere for free. Remember not to try anything unusual without consulting a physician first to make sure that it is proper for you and does not interact with any medications you might be taking.

What can I do to get my kids out from in front of the TV and more active when they are at home?

It all comes down to distraction, say our Fayette women. Give them another option and most kids would jump at the chance to do something besides sit in front of the tube. Plan activities with them. Go on a nature walk, do some arts and crafts, read a book. Take them to the library and get them their own library card (if the age is appropriate); besides books, the library also has lots of free programs for kids. Have them invite a friend over. Kids are more likely to be active when they have someone to play with.

I need a good book to read during my “me time.” What is everyone reading now?

It is often hard to carve out time in our busy schedules to just sit and read, but when you have a page-turner that you can’t put down you manage to find a few spare moments. There was a wide variety of genres mentioned by our panel, from Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson to the newest Stephen King novel, Under the Dome. Eleanor LaPlante says, “I recently read So Damn Much Money. It’s a real eye-opener about the rise of power for the lobbyists in Congress. The title tells it all.” One suggestion was to read a classic. Choose one that you have never read but always wanted to and have a go at it. Maybe now is the time to take on War and Peace or Anna Karenina. Go to Amazon.com and check out their bestsellers list or browse the new releases shelves at the bookstore.