With summer just around the corner I thought I would share two books you might want to add to your summer reading list:

To Heaven & Back by Mary C. Neal, MD

In 1999 Dr. Neal died when her kayak became pinned at the bottom of a waterfall.  This book is Dr. Neal's incredible story of the journey she took from life, to death, and back again....and the impact her journey has had in affirming the preciousness of life, as well as the spiritual oasis that awaits when we pass. 

"I know that every day really does matter. Not everyone has a profound spiritual expereience such as a near-death experience, but taking time to really look at the patterns of your every day life and noting how events seem to unfold in a manner that is unlikely the result of chance, allow any person to begin to see God working in his own life. I think it is only when a person truly sees God working in his own life that this faith can be transformed into a complete trust that God's promises are true.  Complete trust that God has a beautiful plan and that it is one with a hope and a future allows me, and each of us, to face challenges with confidence and courage, even when the plan and its beauty seem hidden."

The Positive Dog "A Story About the Power of Positivity"
by Jon Gordon

While the story itself is a bit simplistic, the message is one we all could use a reminder of.  This is a sweet tale of two dogs living in a shelter and how the benefits of being positive shared by one to the other changes everything.

In addition to the story, Gordon shares statistics about the health benefits of positivity, along with an action plan of strategies to create a positive life.  Makes a great gift!

"It really does pay to be positive."

~ Andrea Chervenak 6/16/12

Health Risks of Belly Fat

by Crystal Giannini

Pot belly or abdominal fat - belly fat, is common not only in middle-aged men and women, but also in kids and teens. What's concerning about this is there are a number of potentially fatal health disorders that are linked to excess belly fat. Therefore, it becomes essential to learn about the these health risks and to find ways to reduce or impede belly fat!

Understanding Belly Fat

People with apple shapes, usually males, gather fat mostly around the middle of the stomach. Medically, some fat in the belly is subcutaneous, which exist below the skin. However, a majority of the belly fat is visceral existing inside the abdominal wall. Although the former fat results in ugly looking belly, it is the visceral fat that is more risky as well as responsible for fatal health risks. According to the medical experts, the visceral belly around the abdominal organs is more active to adversely affect breathing and hormonal balance.
In women who have mostly pear-shaped bodies, subcutaneous fat tend to gather around the thighs and hips, while visceral fat gathers in the belly. Usually, belly fat increases once they pass menopause. According to the various studies, it is this visceral fat that disturbs the metabolic process and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes in both the genders.

The Effects of Belly Fat

According to MayoClinic.com, health risks associated with belly fat include:
• Type 2 diabetes

• Stroke

• Sleep apnea

• Heart disease

• Metabolic syndrome

• Insulin resistance

• Low levels of good cholesterol (HDL)

• High triglycerides

• Few cancers, such as colorectal or breast cancer

• Gallbladder problems (women)
There is also been concern that belly fat can lead to dementia and Alzheimer according to a press release by the American Neurological Association in May 2012. Above all, the worst news is that extreme belly fats can double the risk of premature death.

While excess belly fat can trigger deadly cardiovascular problems among males and females, the chances of their occurrence is more prominent in males. According to the recent research that is discovering a connection between the vital immune system chemicals and visceral fat, the interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor increase the chances of cardiovascular diseases by boosting insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. When the visceral fat is in high quantities and is close to the portal vein, the negative effects are very detrimental. The portal vein carries blood to the liver from the intestines wherein the visceral fat releases fatty acids. Once the fatty acids reach the liver, they affect the production of blood lipids to generate higher bad cholesterol levels (HDL) and increase resistance to insulin.

The Amount of Belly Fat that is Risky

In men, a waist size of at least 40 inches is said to be harmful. On the other side, some studies have revealed that a waist size of 33 inches or more in women increases the danger of health problems.

Getting Rid of Belly Fat

Fortunately, it is very easy to lose belly fat, as it is burned more quickly by exercising regularly. One of the most used methods for losing belly fat is through aerobic exercises at moderate intensity. Consider brisk walking for 30 to 90 minutes daily for losing belly fat. Next, go for strength training at least two or three days in a week, wherein you use weights to restore and add muscles for boosting metabolism. With these two strategies, ensure that you also add a sensible diet plan featuring low-fat foods and high-fiber as well as high-protein items to build muscles and boost metabolism for burning overall body fat. In addition, make an attempt to control portion sizes in each meal so that you consume fewer amounts of calories throughout the day.

Learning to control belly fat effectively through exercise and a controlled diet will help you to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle!

Crystal Giannini loves to blog on weight loss tips.You can find her blog at: http://bellyfat360.com/how-to-lose-belly-fat/