Tech Tip: Surf for Health

TECH TIP SURF FOR HEALTH

TECH TIP SURF FOR HEALTH

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1 THE PROBLEM

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You don’t know how to evaluate the fitness and nutrition information that you find online.

2 THE FIX

Arm yourself with our list of trustworthy Web sites. Then log on and tone up.

3 HOW TO DO IT

To feel strong and live long, there are a few steps you have to take. Believing every health-related news flash that you encounter isn’t one of them. When it comes to fitness and nutrition, there’s a lot of conflicting advice and bad information out there and more than a few scams. To protect yourself, it’s essential to learn how to filter out the fiction.

  • Zero in on a few reputable, well-vetted Web sites. You can find everything from healthy menu plans to yoga training to fitness tips on these Web sites:

    FITNESS WEB SITES

    FitDay fitday.com
    Fitness.com fitness.com
    Fitness Partner primusweb.com/fitnesspartner
    LIVESTRONG livestrong.com
    Men’s Fitness mensfitness.com
    Nutrition Data nutritiondata.self.com
    Peer Trainer peertrainer.com
    Weight Watchers weightwatchers.com
    Whole Fitness wholefitness.com
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  • Clear some floor space. You already know the first rule of healthy living: Don’t spend too much time in front of your computer. Actually, though, the Internet can be a valuable ally if you’re struggling to find time to work out. Free Web sites like YouTube and online services like NetFlix (which charges a low monthly fee) let you stream a huge variety of workout videos with no need to hit the gym.

  • Exergame. Video gaming systems like Nintendo Wii and Xbox let you enjoy real-life workouts in the virtual world. Try Dance Dance Revolution or cyberbaseball, bowling, boxing, golf, or tennis. While you’re at it, get your lazy roommate or family member to join in.

HEALTH WEB SITES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cdc.gov
Cleveland Clinic my.clevelandclinic.org
HealthFinder healthfinder.gov
Mayo Clinic mayoclinic.com
WebMD webmd.com

PERSONAL BEST

Click to a medical history site such as Google Health, Personal MD, or Web MD and create an online health profile.