Healthy Living Buzz

One of my dear friends is so prolific and insightful and funny.

She's also clean.

Sue Shapiro stopped smoking and quit her other bad habits. Then she wrote a book about it called Lighting Up. When she gave up her addictions, her life got way better. 

Do you have a friend who accomplishes great things and gives amazing advice? Sue does this for me, so I asked her share her secrets of success with all of us.

Photo by roxysmommy

I've been to the gym. I've been wearing makeup everyday, thanks to some great lipstick tips from Cafe MicheleZ last week. (Lipstick is the most intimidating product for me.) But I haven't been eating my five fruits and veggies every day. Yesterday, I only had three. I gotta step up.

I'm trying to stay inspired, so here are the most popular New Year's resolutions according to the U.S. government website. Are some of your picks on here?

I am embarrassed to admit that I have never once in my life given blood.

There. I said it. Now I should be, and am, ashamed enough to do something about it in 2009. I used to be scared to donate, but if I compare it to giving birth, sharing my blood with someone who needs it is really not a big deal.

Blood is traditionally in short supply during the winter months due to holidays, travel schedules, illnesses and bad weather. January is the slowest month of all, and that's why it is National Blood Donor Month.

So you know what I'm going to say: Now's the time to give blood.

I share everything with my husband. Embarrassing bodily functions are no big deal (especially after your significant other sees you give birth). Beauty regimes like dying my hair, doing home facials and clipping my nails are okay to do in front of him. We share a house, three kids, a puppy, so it's hard not to see each other--warts and all.

But there is one thing I do not like my husband to see me do. I go to dance classes often, and I freak out if he sees my moves. My dancing, except if I'm tipsy, is off limits.

Another friend of mine will not use the bathroom in front of her husband. And still another one won't ever let her husband see her without makeup. She actually runs to the mirror before he gets up to put on her face.

Our church at holiday services.

Do you attend church regularly? Then you're already one step ahead of the game when it comes to keeping those New Year's resolutions.

Psychologists at the University of Miami say religious belief and piety are secret ingredients to self control, according to a recent story in The New York Times.

But I must confess: This past Sunday, I went to the mall instead of church. The twins needed jeans, and the advertised sales were ridiculously cheap. Our family attends 11 a.m. services at least 80 percent of the time. I hope this means I'll be at least 80 percent successful in my goals for 2009.

Jan. 2009 O Magazine

Today, Oprah Winfrey is coming clean about her obvious weight gain. I'll definitely tune in at 4 p.m. EST.

She's like so many of us with body weight ups and downs. And now it sounds like she has the most popular New Year's resolution: Lose weight. Fitness and diet guru Bob Greene will be on hand to help her--and all of us in the audience who plan to join in.

Train 360

I'm hoping to work up a sweat after the holidays, and just not from running to the mall to eye those big sales.

If you're like most of us, you'd like to get in shape for the New Year. But time and especially money might be issues. Well, here's a giveaway that'll get you moving.

Gabby Reece wants to offer three free lifetime membership to her online fitness studio called Train 360. (You might have seen it in last week's stocking stuffers.) Train 360 offers more than 300 expert workouts that are just 20 to 40 minutes long and require very little equipment. (Think a chair and your stairs.) Download workouts to your computer or even your iPod and access them anytime.

Once we get a cold--and then get over it--it's gone, right?

Wrong. Very Wrong. Those of us with multiple kids see it happen all the time. During the holiday break, the common cold picked off my family members one by one. I got it first right before Christmas, then the 3-year-old, then the baby, then the other 3-year-old. By New Year's, my husband had a runny nose, sore throat, achiness and itchy eyes.

A new study confirms what we already suspect: That cold viruses linger in our homes long after we start feeling better. Here's more on the secret spots where germs lurk.

UPS delivery women, like Julia Carlson in this CNN news video, get a great workout every day on the job. She walks 2 to 3 miles carrying packages, and her company has yoga and stretch programs to keep employees in top condition.

Cafe Suzanne says she does not make New Year's resolutions. I've read posts from lots of CafeMoms this weekend who agree with her. 

As for me, I make my yearly list. I'm sentimental.

What about you?