Issue Date: May 4, 2008
Bike to work
There's a long list of reasons to bike to work. "It's surprisingly quick, it's good for your health and your pocketbook, especially in light of rising gas prices, and it helps people get out of their physical inactivity rut," says Andy Clarke, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. And, he says, it's the ultimate in multi-tasking: You clear your head and get in a workout while simply commuting to the office.
Tips for commuting by bike
First, get a helmet. (And a bike, if you don't have one!)
Next, test your route. Clarke suggests trying this on a weekend so you can take your time and get familiar with your path. Some cities have bike route maps available online.
If your commute is long, consider driving to a location that's only 5 miles from work, then biking the rest of the way.
Keep in mind that you don't have to bike to work every day. "Two or three times a week has great health benefits," Clarke says.
Always follow this simple rule: "Be predictable and visible."
Visit bikeleague.org for resources and information about Bike to Work Day, which is May 16.
Contact FitSmart Editor Jorge Cruise, author of "The 12-Second Sequence," at 12second.com.
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A new way to pay restaurant bills
Wireless technology that lets diners swipe their credit cards at the table may offer protection against dishonest waiters who "skim" account numbers. You're the only one who handles your credit card, so your account number doesn't end up in the wrong hands. "European restaurants have used this technology for a while," says Tanya Steel, editor in chief of Epicurious.com. Until it's prevalent here, some tips:
Keep the waiter in sight after you hand over your card. Ideally, he'll take it to a central register, where you can see what's going on.
Check credit card statements carefully. Report irregularities right away. The faster you report a problem, the easier it is to clear it up.
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Find an eco-builder, from the ground up
Making your existing home more green is one thing. But doing it with a home that you're building from scratch is another.
The possibilities are endless -- but don't let that overwhelm you. "If you're only comfortable taking a small step, and your neighbor is taking a small step, it all adds up," says professional house planner Jack Thomasson, who worked on the HGTV Green Home near Hilton Head, S.C. (You can enter to win this eco-friendly dream home until May 9 at HGTV.com.) "There's a cumulative effect of small steps."
Suggestions for green construction
Find a builder who recycles. On the site, Thomasson used separate Dumpsters for metal, plastic and wood, plus one for miscellaneous materials. Scrap wood was used to make the bed in the master bedroom and the bunk beds in the second bedroom.
Avoid meandering pipes. Pipe routes that go directly from the source to the fixture increase overall water efficiency.
Insulate better. Thomasson used spray foam insulation because it fills every crevice, keeping in air that has been heated or cooled.
Go for long-lasting materials. If a product is durable, you won't need to replace it as often, meaning you use fewer resources and less energy.
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Calcium isn't enough
Want strong bones? Take both calcium and vitamin D. The combo is far more effective long-term than calcium alone in preventing bone loss in older women, finds a new Australian study. In fact, calcium alone was shown to stop bone loss for only one year. But a daily dose of 1,200mg calcium and 1,000 IU vitamin D guarded against bone loss for the entire five-year study.
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