Now that it is the middle of August, parents and their children are making final preparations for the upcoming school year. It's a new school year and parents want to do all they can to ensure their kids have everything they need to do their best with studies and extra curricular activities.

Two of the most important things you can do to maintain your health is to have an annual physical with your primary care physician and to follow the recommended health screenings for your age range. That is why I always recommend to my clients that they see a physician prior to starting any of my programs.

Looking for something refreshing on one of our hot days? Try a cup of fresh cut pineapple. It is packed with flavor and contains many minerals and vitamins that are important for overall good health. This tropical fruit is available in most grocery stores and markets. Cutting off the outer skin and coring it may take a little getting used to, but it is well worth making it part of your diet.

When my clients ask me the best way to shed pounds and get a full body workout, there are many types of exercises and fitness programs that I can tailor for their individual needs. Frequently, one of the programs I recommend is non-combative boxing, particularly with a heavy bag. So many people initially don't realize just how complete of a workout it is until they start doing it. More than that, they are amazed at how much they enjoy it.