Take Your Picks

So many folks responded to my recent best picks article, that I decided a few more were in order.  Again, here are some of my favorites. 

RealAge Quiz and Website:  Do you know your real age?  By “real age”, I don’t mean the days you’ve lived on the planet.  Instead, how old are you, based on your lifestyle choices?  One of my favorite websites is www.realage.com.  On RealAge.com, you will find the RealAge Quiz, a very detailed interactive test that takes all parts of your life into consideration, and calculates your age (older or younger) based on your answers.  My age is 40.6; however, based on my lifestyle of eating, exercise and many other factors, I’ve managed to shave off over 11 years, and lower my RealAge to 29.2 years.  If you’ve previously taken the RealAge Quiz, there is now an update to the original test, based on the most recent health information available. 

In addition to the Quiz, RealAge.com is loaded with other health assessments for such conditions as arthritis, diabetes, depression, incontinence, back pain, menopause, enlarged prostate – you name it – it seems they’ve got a quiz for it.  But it’s not just about the quizzes, assessments and risk calculations.  After calculating your real age, the website tells you what you’re doing right; and gives you an Age Reduction Plan, which lists specifics to lower your risk for certain diseases and conditions, and thereby lower your real age. 

In addition, if you’re not already receiving enough in your e-mailbox, you can sign up for the RealAge “Tip of the Day”, and “HealthBytes” news and information, based on subjects you request.  These tips are sent regularly to your e-mailbox; so if you don’t check your email every day, I’d skip this feature.  RealAge.com is probably the most comprehensive, user-friendly website I’ve found to help a person be their healthiest and youngest.  Take the quiz, and calculate YOUR real age. 

Braum’s Fat Free Milk:  Okay, before you stop reading this because you swore you’d never drink skim milk, hear me out.  I grew up in Illinois.  Dairy country.  My earliest recollection of milk was it being delivered to our house from a local dairy in big, wide-mouth jars.  We had to skim the cream from the top before we could drink it.  I regularly used the cream in my cereal—yummy, but not particularly healthy!  So, I can say I am somewhat an expert on how good, fresh milk is supposed to taste.  For those of you who are milk fans; but are concerned about giving up the taste with the fat – relax.  Braum’s Fat Free Milk has all the taste (actually more); plus, it contains more calcium and more protein than the stuff you’re buying at the store.  It looks and tastes thicker than regular skim milk because it’s concentrated. 

The American Heart Association even gave its seal of approval for Braum’s Fat Free Milk as part of a heart-healthy diet.  When I talk to clients about trying Braum’s skim, I rate the freshness, thickness and taste as better than the store-bought 2% milk I used to drink.  Good, and good for you.  Their milk is only available at Braum’s Dairy Stores, so be sure to avoid buying the half-gallons of ice cream while you’re there!