For some people, it’s hard to break out of a comfortable routine. Did you know that in order to improve your fitness level you may have to do just that? Bodies adapt. Beginners may continue to improve their fitness level for up to 12 weeks using the same routine. However, seasoned exercisers may need to make changes as often as every four weeks. Changing routines can challenge your muscles and make further improvement more likely.

Source: Ace Fitness

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one-third of the 571,950 cancer deaths expected to occur in 2011 are attributed to poor nutrition, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity. How can you help reduce your cancer risk? Maintain a healthy weight throughout life, adopt a physically active lifestyle, and eat a healthy diet with an emphasis on plant sources. If you drink alcoholic beverages, limit your intake. Get tested for common cancers and pre-cancers.

Source: American Cancer Society

Can you really boost your metabolism? Yes, in a sense you can. When you exercise, you consume more oxygen, increasing your metabolic rate. This increase even continues for a short time after exercise. If you are able to include higher intensity workouts or intervals, this boost in metabolism will be even greater. Other metabolism boosters include finding ways to move more throughout the day, doing strength training exercises, eating breakfast, not skipping meals, getting enough sleep and even fidgeting.

(HealthDay News) -- It's never too early to start caring for baby's teeth and gums.  The American Dental Association offers these suggestions:

• Even before teeth emerge, wipe down baby's gums using clean gauze or a small, cool spoon.
• Using water and a toothbrush made for babies, start brushing teeth as soon as they poke through.
• Starting when your child reaches age 2 years, use a pea-sized squirt of toothpaste with fluoride.
• Always clean baby's pacifier before offering it.
• Don't let baby take a bottle to bed.

If you are a very social person, finding an upbeat workout partner can be a great way to maintain or increase physical activity. Positive people tend to encourage each other and bring out the best in one another. This can positively affect your attitude and increase your desire to come back for more. Pick a day and time to walk with a neighbor or meet a friend to workout at the gym. You won’t want to let them down so you will be more likely to stick with your commitment. Plus, catching up as you workout can make the time fly by!

Need a great gift idea that really shows you care? Consider one of the following: pedometer, jump rope, water bottle, heart rate monitor, stability ball, exercise mat, dumbbells, healthy cookbook, exercise DVD, gift card to a sporting goods store, or even a gym membership. For a no-cost gift (and as a gift to yourself), make a coupon committing to exercise with the recipient one time per week.

Are you a frequent business traveler? If so, it can be a challenge to stick with a healthful eating plan when you’re tempted with large portions, delicious desserts and enticing menus. Consider the following tips when traveling: pack a snack such as dried fruit, pretzels or almonds; air travel can be dehydrating so drink plenty of water; fit exercise into your daily travel schedule; go easy on the alcohol, if you drink; skip dessert and look for more healthful options when dining out.

Did you know that by age 65, the average adult has spent the equivalent of nine years watching television? Make your TV time work for you. Combine it with physical activity or stretching. Ideas include floor exercises (push-ups, sit-ups, etc.), stationary cycling or treadmill walking, working with hand weights, resistance bands or balls, or performing a series of upper- and lower-body stretches.

Source: AC Nielson Corporation

Up to 85% of women experience at least one symptom of premenstural syndrome (PMS) every month.  Although PMS cannot be cured, there are many lifestyle choices that can help reduce your symptoms, and improve your quality of life.  Start by keeping a diary to track your symtoms each month.  If you are overweight, try to lose some of it.  Excess body weight has been shown to increase symptoms.  Many women also benefit from boosting their calcium intake and reducing caffeine, refined sugar and sodium.  Getting regular exercise can also help with mood-related symptoms. 

Source:  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services