Wii Fit

If you enjoy being a little silly and find it a challenge to get your daily fitness in, you should try Wii Fit for a change in your routine.

Prices for the Nintendo Wii have started to fall a bit, which helps in your start-up costs, and you can purchase the Wii Fit bundle which comes with the console and the balance board.  If you already have a Wii console you can purchase the Wii Fit with Balance board seperately to extend your game options.  The just released Wii Fit Plus adds on to the original Wii Fit, and can be purchased as disc only for around $20. 

Wii Fit Plus has new balance and cardio games, additional Yoga and strength exercises, and it will import all your data from Wii Fit.  There's a new feature that you can even set up a weight tracker for your dog, and you'll get to design a cute little dog avatar to join you in the Wii Plaza.

While this is not intended to get you in the best shape of your life, it is a fun way to add a little extra fitnnes time in your day while it just might add some laughter along the way. 

For a more detailed overview, visit Nintendo Wii Fit page.

Flu Shots

Seasonal Flu season is upon us, and this year brings the added H1N1 virus.  The usual seasonal Flu shot does not protect against H1N1, which will require a seperate vaccine.  The first doses have been distributed in the form of a nasal mist, currently recommended for children ages 2-4 years of age.  Further vaccine distribution will continue throughout October and November, and in the meantime, you should consider getting your seasonal Flu shot now.

Remember that the shots do not contain a live virus and you won't get sick from them.  You should consider getting the shot if you have other underlying health issues, care for children, are a health care worker, over age 65, or care for someone over 65.

here are some of the symptoms that may indicate you have the flu. Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:

•Fever (usually high)

•Headache

•Tiredness (can be extreme)

•Cough

•Sore throat

•Runny or stuffy nose

•Body aches

•Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)
 
Be sure to check with your doctor as these symptoms are common with other illnesses as well, and your doctor can determine how best to treat you. 
 
Wash your hands often, eat a well balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits, get a moderate amount of regular aerobic exercise, and consider that flu shot.  If you develop symptoms, stay home until 24 hours after your fever has returned to normal, get plenty of rest and fluids, and follow your doctors orders.

Budget for the Economy

Used to be, if you watched your money carefully, people called you a "penny pincher" like that was a dirty word. Being "frugal” was considered an undesirable description of your character. People would call you “cheapskate” or "tight" if you didn’t throw your money around.

These days, you may be “pinching pennies” because that’s literally all you have. You might be “frugal” out of necessity rather than choice. You might even embrace being “tight” as a way of life. The perception now is that you are smart with your money and others admire your budget management skills!

While you may have less money to go around, and the cost of everything keeps rising, we all have to look at every aspect of our budget just to make ends meet. Here’s few simple things that might take a little of the pressure off, and you might even enjoy them!

• Try dusting off the crock-pot – you can buy less expensive cuts of meat to cook slowly over a long period of time that will come out tender and full of flavor. You also save time, and get to come home to a hot hearty meal just waiting to be served. A few simple and quick sides can round out the meal with plenty leftover!

• Make your own soup instead of buying canned – add your favorite vegetables, spices, herbs, and protein if desired. You control or eliminate the salt, fat, and other additives. You also eliminate all that excess packaging cutting down on your trash, so it’s even good for the environment.

• Turn off the TV after dinner and go for a neighborhood stroll. Greet your neighbors. Walk the dog. Explore and enjoy the different seasons. You’ll improve your health and well being.

The connotations of these colorful old terms may change and evolve, but the bottom line is to manage your money on your terms. Set your budget and find little ways to make the most of all your resources.