The stomach flu is going around at the school where I teach.  I’ve had several students out sick over the past two or three weeks.  I guess I need a patient monitor to keep up with how they’re doing at home.  It’s so sad when kids are sick, especially when they have trouble communicating that they feel bad or what the symptoms are like.  Hope you and your family and friends are staying well!

Getting more exercise has been on my “To Do List” for quite a while.  Finally, I have been able to fit in a long walk two or three times a week.  That helps me lose weight, probably because it speeds up my metabolism.   I’m also trying to eat healthier, drink more water, and cut out some snacks and treats (not completely, though, because that’s when people have a tendency to binge).  I haven’t read any hydroxystim reviews or looked at any diet pills because I’m doing OK with more exercise, healthy eating, and having snacks and treats in moderation.  My goal has been to lose ten pounds, and so far I’ve lost two or three pounds.  I’m headed in the right direction!

Nowadays, there are so many people in our country who are in need of treatment centers for various types of addictions.  There are rehab treatment centers in california, in Texas, and I would imagine in every state in the United States.  My husband and I do a little volunteer work with a Bible-based 12 step program at church to help those trying to overcome their addictions.  It’s very hard for many of them at times, and my heart aches for them sometimes for all of the pain, struggles, and hardships they go through in trying to overcome their addictions.  It’s not easy, but their is hope!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Spartan Race for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you looking for a challenging fitness activity that the whole family can do together?  Well, let me tell you that Spartan Race is really different and not anything like I’ve seen before.  It looks challenging, actually almost intimidating, but it is supposed to get fitness resolutions into high gear.  Check it out see what the Spartan Race is all about.  For more info, go to Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.

Spartan Racing is definitely a new revolutionary way to work out with their world leading obstacle courses.  They have something for the beginner with 5k sprint trail races, muddy 3+- mile events with 10 or more obstacles for something more challenging, and  up to more than 40 mile events for those experienced with obstacle courses.  People of all ages can enjoy this new muddy way to stay fit as long as they have the determination and self discipline to be part of this new fitness frenzy.  99.9% of all people who try this event will finish.

Why Spartan?  This race is one that promotes family, community, and overcoming obstacles.  They provide a daily workout, a weekly newsletter, and inspiring blog, and for those who follow the plan and daily tips plus have the determination to never give up, this will become a life changing experience.  Join the more than 300,000 people that will participate this year, but if you’re really interested then don’t wait to sign up as their races do sell out!.

A friend of mine at work has been having some back problems.  She’s not going to have surgery, but if she did, I wonder if she would research laser spine surgery?  There are different options available for people nowadays, and it’s good to check out the options to see which one is best for each individual person.  What works for one person might not be the best option for someone else.  That’s why it pays to do the research!

According to wiki.answers.com, one regular 12-ounce can of Coke has about 10 teaspoons of sugar. That makes me sick to think about putting that much sugar in a glass of tea, yet most people don’t mind having that much sugar in a Coke or other type of soda. Knowing how much sugar is in sodas makes me want to continue not drinking them except on a rare occasion when I have an upset stomach. When I’m really nauseated from allergies, nothing settles my stomach like a Coke (except sometimes ginger). Otherwise, I’ll stick to my freshly made tea sweetened with KAL Stevia. That tastes so good and doesn’t have any sugar in it!

Want to eat out and want chicken but you want a healthy chicken dinner?  Here are some healthy suggestions for chicken dinners from Food Network.  Check out their site for more info.

• Olive Garden: Venetian Apricot Chicken
  Nutrition Info: 380 calories; 4 grams fat…
• Applebee’s: Grilled Dijon Chicken & Portobellos
  Nutrition Info: 470 calories; 16 grams fat…
• Ruby Tuesday: Barbecue Grilled Chicken
  Nutrition Info: 592 calories; 4 grams fat…
• Outback Steakhouse: Grilled Chicken on the Barbie & Fresh Seasonal Vegetables
  Nutrition Info: 523 calories; 15 grams fat…
• Chili’s: Margarita Grilled Chicken
  Nutrition Info: 260 calories; 7 grams fat…