1. If you missed the first Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) Obesity Prevention and Policy Management (Obesity PPM) webinar, "Introduction to the Complexity of Obesity." You can download the full presentation with audio from the OAC's web site by clicking this link. Don't miss this informative overview that sets the stage for the FREE 14 part series. The next webinar is set for Thursday, March 29, 2012 and will focus on the topic of "Addiction." According to the OAC website registration for the next webinar will be available soon! The series is free but you need to register for each to obtain an access code. I'll give you a heads up when it starts up again.
Thank you OAC and Obesity PPM for hosting these free webinars and for the perfect title "The Complexity of Obesity" because anyone who is fighting this war on a personal level knows obesity is more than the simple math of calories in, calories out.
Everyone that told me (I'm sure a lot of you have heard the same) things like... "Why don't you just stop eating and exercise more" or the especially lovely comment I once received, "Try shutting your pie-hole and getting off the couch" should be forced to listen and take a quiz afterwards.
2. The first winter after weight loss surgery I was freezing. I thought OK I have less insulation it makes sense but I really thought it would get better or I'd get used to it by now. I'm 5 1/2 years out now and nope, I am still a shivering icicle. The minute the temperature drops below 70 (I know I am a wimp) I'm pulling the sweaters out and huddled under a blanket.
My current favorite find are these little doohickeys: Hot Hands Hand Warmers. I bought them as sort of a joke but OMG I love them. I pop one in my jacket pocket when I'm heading out for coffee, a movie, or have to run an errand in the evening.
They are single use air-activated heat packs that contain iron, activated carbon and water. Once you rip open the outer pouch and the ingredients in the little pouch come into contact with the air, the ingredients oxidize and produce heat. It takes about 15 minutes to get to max temp and they stay warm for hours. I used to avoid going out at night because my hands would be soooo cold I couldn't function. Now I stick my hands in my pocket and ahhhhh. I feel for the weight loss surgery post-op Mom's that need to get up at the crack of dawn and take the whippersnappers to school or sit on cold bleachers watching soccer games. Do yourself a favor and get some of these.
Look for them in the camping supply sections of stores or here is an online source. They are about 50¢ a piece. I'm sure the people I go out with are happier I found them. I complain A LOT LESS. Now if I could just win the lottery I could travel the globe and follow the summer months.
3. Some articles I read this week that were worth checking out:
'Fed Up with Lunch' exposes worst school meals
New Campaign Aims to Improve Troops, Families’ Health
How metabolic and bariatric surgery treats obesity
More than half of America's pets are obese, survey shows
4. Even though I am technically Valentine-less I'm getting in the spirit. The beginning of my decorating. My homemade stuffed felt heart garland... perfect for shoving pins in. Just kidding ;)
5. I made this cool collage for my What's Eggciting? page with pictures of just a few of the giveaways I've done on the blog. Check it out...
So much fun! If you haven't entered this week's giveaway for 30 day supply of Celebrate ENS and a Valentine Pink Blender Bottle you have till Sunday, midnight, pacific time to add your name to the hat. Remember Every Sunday in the month of February (5th, 12th, 19th, 26th) a new I ♥ Giveaway will begin. 