Starting a new exercise routine? Here’s how to make it stick

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50504778_SWe all know that exercise is good for us and can help us lose weight. But it can be challenging to get into the exercise habit. Here are some ways to stick with a new exercise routine:

  • Have some fun. Developing a habit you will stick with will make you more successful. Go for a hike or a bike ride. See what nature has to offer while you help your body become healthier.
  • Get an exercise buddy. Do you have a friend who is trying to become more physically active and make better food choices? Pair up!
  • Don’t weigh yourself every day. Weighing yourself every day could actually make it harder to lose weight. When you put it away, you are able to focus on the positive things you are doing to reach your goal. Your weight can fluctuate a little every day, even if you haven’t changed your routine. Use the scale weekly to help you stay on track.
  • Don’t push yourself too hard. It’s easy to keep going when you’re feeling good. But it can also lead to fatigue and injury. Give yourself time to rest properly.
  • Be smart in the kitchen. You can’t expect your body to change for the better if you’re feeding it the wrong kind of food. A balanced diet with fruit, veggies, dairy, carbs, protein, and so on is essential to providing fuel for your body. Ditch the processed foods and stick with lean meats, fresh produce and high-quality dairy products.
  • Quit tracking every single calorie. Instead, keep a food journal to track what you’re eating every day.

When buying toys, take a few minutes to think about safety

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You’re looking for a toy for your child’s birthday or other special occasion. Before you buy, take a few minutes to think about safety. Each year, popular toys cause hundreds of thousands of emergency room visits.

One popular purchase for children, trampolines, are so dangerous they are not covered by some types of homeowners insurance policies. Although they are extremely popular, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that trampolines should never be used unless by athletes under supervision and training for a sport such as gymnastics. A big issue for insurers is that not only can a member of your own family be injured, but so can any child who visits your home. That creates a huge liability risk. Before you purchase any size of trampoline for your family, check with your insurance agent first!

If you have small children, you’ll want to check out the CoPIRG Foundation’s ‘Trouble in Toyland 2015′ report. This guide, released each year around the holidays, is a great year-round guide that can help parents avoid toys that are known to cause injury, including those that are high in lead and other dangerous chemicals.

The World Against Toys Causing Harm organization also publishes an annual safety guide. The latest guide reminds parents to be especially careful when purchasing toys online. Always buy from reputable retailers, whether in person or online. And be especially vigilant when purchasing used toys. Each year, thousands of toys are recalled. That’s why it’s always a good idea to check for recalls. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission makes it easy with its online tool.