The world-at-large might be heading for its own version of the Fiscal Cliff but many people are determined to meet economic gloom and doom with a healthy body and mind. It seems the human instinct for forging ahead is still alive and kicking. Fitness trends reported by the IHRSA reveal that over 50 million Americans are currently members of health clubs and year-on-year this figure has been increasing.

First Defense will be closed for a Holiday Break between December 24 - January 1. The regular class schedule will resume on Wednesday, January 2.

You don't need to be a rocket scientist to understand that festive overindulgence can lead to a holiday hangover of excess weight and feeling rather out of shape. This is the time of year when the man of the house can expect to sit in his favorite chair, eat, drink and make merry.

Having one of those rare good hair days and don't want to sweat up your lovely locks? Most of us probably tie up our tresses and worry about our hairdos after our workouts, but apparently some worried women are letting their hairstyles get in the way of their health.

The festive season is upon us and with it the end of the year sales too. While it's hard to avoid the consumerism that comes packaged with Christmas cheer, you can still buy your loved ones a gift that's going to give them a healthy start to 2013. What better present could you give somebody than the encouragement to get fit?

Everybody, regardless of their age loves gadgets and with the health and fitness industry booming more than ever, there are some exciting and interesting gifts out there.

With news of Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge's pregnancy and subsequent chronic morning sickness, cures for this pregnancy symptom are in the spotlight. While the wife of Prince William has had a severe case of morning sickness which has meant hospital treatment, can exercise help to alleviate some of the pain and nausea?

The general medical consensus seems to be that light exercise can help reduce the symptoms of morning sickness.

Psychiatric disorders can be helped through exercise. This is the message that delegates at last month's Psych Congress 2012: US Psychiatric and Mental Health Congress were told. There certainly is a body of studies, research and evidence to suggest that not only is exercise useful as part of a therapy program but for certain psychological conditions it can act as a valuable therapeutic treatment.

Tis the season to be merry but festive fun aside, the holidays can prove to be one of the most stressful times of year. Not only is the pressure on to have a good time, keep family happy with visits but there is also the added stress of finding money for gifts and having to step outside your usual routine.

The epidemic of childhood obesity in many countries across the globe, particularly the US, is hardly breaking news. However, with the link between one of the biggest killers, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, there is at least one serious health condition that needs to be tackled alongside the issue of kids getting fitter and not fatter.

Beginning January 7th, First Defense will be holding regular Monday night classes at the Ohr Kodesh Congregation in Chevy Chase, MD. Classes will be every Monday evening from 7:30-9:00pm.

Location:
Ohr Kodesh Congregation
8300 Meadowbrook Lane
Chevy Chase, MD 20815

For more information on the classes and to register, please contact Instructor Jonathan at jonathan@firstdefensemac.