The DASH diet gained popularity in the mid-90s when it proved to lower blood pressure in a significant way. Three groups of people followed either a) a typical American diet, b) the American diet with more fruits and veggies, or c) the DASH diet [see sidebar].

The results were astounding! Those on the typical American diet, of course, had no change. Subjects who added fruits and veggies to that diet did, indeed,

have some benefits but those on the DASH diet lowered both blood pressure and cholesterol in a big way!

Now, another study of middle-aged women just released results that prove the closer to a DASH-like diet they ate, the more they lowered risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. That's huge news!

For more info: Download and view this pdf. Also, try DASHforHealth.com, a retail site designed to improve your health over time.

With the cost of gas prices expected to rise further in the coming months, more people are turning to public transportation. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority reports record breaking numbers of commuters within the past month! Save money and the environment-ride your bike!

Biking is a great cardiovascular and strength workout. Your legs have to turn the pedals and your heart has to pump the blood to your legs! With each pedal stroke, your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves get stronger and more powerful. Because you use your core muscles to maintain your upright posture over your bike frame, you also get an abdominal workout!

If you are adventurous enough to take your bike off road and dodge rocks and roots, your body does even more work to keep you upright. You get a whole body workout while barreling through the woods!

That being said, you may still ask, "why cycle"? Let me count the reasons:

I ask, "why not cycle!?"