4 Healthy Girls - Helping girls lead healthy lives

Today is National Wear Red Day…do you know what that is?

Dr. Susan — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Today is National Wear Red Day to remind us that heart disease kills more women than ALL cancers combined!

Do you think that you’re too young to worry about this? Actually, NOW is the the time to begin a ‘heart healthy’ life. It’s sort of like smoking–if you smoke as a teen or young adult, you could get lung cancer when you’re older. Same with your heart–if you don’t take care of your heart now, you might get heart disease when you’re older. Start right now by eating healthy foods, exercising most days, getting enough sleep, trying to reduce the stress and drama in your life, and if you smoke, quit now because it is also really bad for your heart. Your heart will thank you now and in the future! GO RED!

Sign up for Dr. Susan’s newsletter (@www.4hg.com) and text club (text DRSUSAN to 81680) for easy ideas and tips to get healthy now!

Is winter your friend or enemy?

Dr. Susan — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:08:56 +0000

Those of you that have known me for a long time, have heard me say how much I can’t stand winter! Here in NY it is cold, wet, drab, and dark by 4pm. Beginning on Thanksgiving, I start counting the days until summer (145 days as of this post!) Junk food seems to find its way into my mouth much more often in winter and isn’t it too cold to put on exercise clothes and go to the gym…? (Yes it is!)

WELL…this winter I’ve decided to try something new. I am beginning to realize that I actually feel worse when I let winter get the better of me. so this time I am doing my best to get to the gym (I run from the car so I’m not freezing by the time I get in there), or I exercise at home.

Although the cold, dark weather still gives me the urge to eat carbs, I am choosing to NOT give into it every single time. I don’t believe in dieting or denying, so I do allow myself a handful of M&M’s or baked chips once in a while.

What about you–do you find that winter is good for your health, or not?

If you’re like me, then take one or two steps–just like I have…and send me an email to let me know how it goes!

REALLY stick to your New Year Resolution this time!

Dr. Susan — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:27:48 +0000

Many girls resolve to lose tons of weight, get a flat belly, stick to a serious diet, or run a marathon! You may really mean this when you make the resolve, but this type of reolution is probably not practical, realistic or even healthy!

Instead, make a resolution that you can really, truly keep. Pick something small and something that you can fit into your life right now. Some examples are:
–eat cereal with less sugar than you do right now
–exercise 10 minutes a day
–eat 2 more pieces of fruit a week
–switch one can of soda a day for one can of seltzer
–take the stairs, not the elevator
–instead of as handful of candy, try a handful of nuts
–eat one green salad a week
–switch one fast-food meal for one deli sandwich
–get 1 more hour a night of sleep; or take a 20 minute power nap

Remember, a resolution is only as good as the ACTION you take to stick with it. So, pick one of the things on this list and start right now! You can do it!

Don’t let the holidays stress you out!

Dr. Susan — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:26:31 +0000

This time of year can be super-stressful. It’s so busy, there’s pressure to buy the right gifts and it’s hard to fit in time for exercise. Also, for some teens, it’s near the end of a marking period and you’re waiting for your grades. AND for seniors, it’s also around the time that college decisions start coming back. Wow! it is a crazy time. But you don’t have to let it get to you; there are a few things you can do to feel less stressed.

1. Keep everything in perspective–remember, what ever is stressing you, will be over soon and you’ll be fine!

2. Focus on the positives–after all, most of this season is FUN; so keep yourself thinking about all the great times you’re going to have with family and friends.

3. Take one day at a tine. Rather than thinking about everything that you have to get done, make a short list of things to do today and do your best to cross of everything on the list. You’ll feel great about it and it will reduce your stress.

Welcome to 4hg!

developer — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:04:40 +0000

This is the place for you and girls just like you! We want you to feel good about yourself—inside and out, so, we make it really easy for you to learn how to love yourself and take care of your body!

It’s so simple–all you need to do is sign up for Dr. Susan’s awesome weekly newsletter, join our inspirational text club and check out the blog once in a while. Before long, you will be feeling healthier and happier. We will do it together, one day at a time!

Please ‘like’ us on facebook here.