SparkPeople Community Coordinator
Denise's first introduction to SparkPeople was January 1, 2004, as a member. It took her eight months to lose 40 pounds and reach her goal weight, which she's maintained for many years thanks to regular walking, yoga, and fitness videos. Losing weight and exercising inspired Denise to change her life. She went back to school and earned a bachelor's degree in wellness at Lincoln University in Missouri and become an ACE-certified personal trainer. Now a SparkPeople employee, she helps others achieve their health and fitness goals, including the 13- to 17-year-old members of our sister site, SparkTeens.com, where Denise works as the Community Leader. At SparkPeople, you'll find her throughout the Community, answering questions, leading SparkTeams and challenges and providing support to members.
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VIDEO: Dear 16-year-old Me
With summer here, it is important to remember to protect your skin when enjoying outdoor activities. However, even tanning beds have given good reason to cause alarm and we should be mindful of the consequences of those as well, not just the harmful rays from the sun. Below is an interesting and informative video that has numerous people speaking out to their 16-year-old selves about melanoma skin cancer and how it has affected them.
Posted 7/15/2011 2:00:00 PM By: : 36 comments 21,348 views
VIDEO: Hands-Only CPR Made Easier
Even though we have written about hands-only CPR several times here on the dailySpark, we would like to share a fun video with you to help save lives. Ken Jeong, an actor/comedian/physician, teamed up with the American Heart Association to create this funny video using a popular disco tune to help continue promoting hands-only CPR. As you watch the video below, you will see that the video offers some simple tips on how to perform hands-only CPR, which will hopefully get people to be less afraid, but more willing to perform CPR when needed.
Posted 7/8/2011 10:00:00 AM By: : 51 comments 20,875 views
This Month's Best Member Blogs
This Isn't About Being Perfect Or Being the Best
Contract With Myself
A warm and fuzzy perspective
Photos: Me - a year and a half ago
Posted 7/1/2011 2:00:53 PM By: : 7 comments 13,062 views
All You Ever Wanted to Know about Summertime Fitness Activities
Summer is here and the heat is on! With the warmer temperatures here, are you looking to find a way to keep fit and cool during the summer or looking for new ideas for summertime fitness activities? We've rounded up a variety of resources to help you learn all you ever wanted to know about keeping fit in the summertime, including vacation exercise ideas and how to stay safe in the heat.
13 Ways to Cool Down Your Summer Workout
Active Vacation Ideas
Easy Vacation Exercises
Exercise for Different Vacations
Posted 6/29/2011 6:00:00 AM By: : 6 comments 14,401 views
VIDEO: Choose You!
Did you know that one in three women will get cancer in her lifetime? That statistic is one that the American Cancer Society wants to make people aware of, but also wants to help women know and understand that there are actions that can be done to change it. The "Choose You" movement has been created by the American Cancer Society to help raise awareness about the actions that women can take to help change this statistic in a positive way.
To help mark the first anniversary of the "Choose You" movement, the American Cancer Society has teamed up with Hilary Swank as an executive producer for a documentary film that tells the emotional stories of three women and their journey of putting their health first.
Posted 6/22/2011 10:00:28 AM By: : 17 comments 14,248 views
All You Ever Wanted to Know about Eating More Fruits and Vegetables
Do you have a difficult time eating enough fruits and vegetables? Or are you looking for new ways to include more fruits and vegetables into your daily meals and snacks? We've rounded up a variety of resources to help you learn all you ever wanted to know about fruits and vegetables, including how to choose, store and prepare them to help you increase your daily fruit and vegetable intake. Today is Eat Your Vegetables Day, so be sure to celebrate it!
The No-Excuses Appeal of Fruits and Veggies
Easy Ways to Eat 5 Fruits & Veggies Each Day
Posted 6/17/2011 9:00:05 AM By: : 14 comments 18,908 views
All You Ever Wanted to Know about Vegetarian Protein
Not sure how to meet your protein needs without meat? Look no further! We've rounded up a variety of resources to help you learn all you ever wanted to know about vegetarian protein.
Reference Guide for Proteins
How to Meet Your Protein Needs without Meat
Meatless Meals Benefit Your Health
Tofu 101
So Many Ways to Enjoy Soy!
Posted 6/8/2011 10:00:00 AM By: : 17 comments 26,274 views
This Month's Best Member Blogs
What I like about my body!
Non-scale Progress/Victories
What mountain have you climbed today?
Posted 6/3/2011 6:00:52 AM By: : 1 comments 13,482 views
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6 Healthy, Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipes
Now that cookout season has begun, are you looking for some fun and tasty new ways to make your own barbecue sauce? We've rounded up some healthy barbecue sauce recipes to help liven up your grill recipes.
Honey Barbecue Sauce
Super Easy Barbecue Sauce
Posted 6/1/2011 2:00:00 PM By: : 19 comments 106,510 views
Healthy Cookout Dessert Recipes (Plus More!)
This weekend kicks off the season for cookouts, which some may be dreading because they are trying to lose weight. Have no fear though, there are plenty of healthy options when it comes to cookout meals and desserts! We've rounded up a variety of healthy desserts that are 200 calories or less that are great for a cookout (or anytime).
Red, White & Blueberry Crisp
Lemon Blueberry Squares
Lemon Shaved Ice
Posted 5/25/2011 2:00:56 PM By: : 16 comments 22,638 views
VIDEO: Watch the U.S. Get Fatter
It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words, but does that still hold true when viewing an animated map demonstrating the rising rate of obesity here in the United States over the past 25 years?
We all know that obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, has been steadily rising across the country, especially in the south. It is a major risk factor for type II diabetes, liver disease, cancer and cardiovascular disease, however, even with these staggering statistics, we, as a nation, only continue to put on the pounds with each passing year as seen in the maps below.
Posted 5/20/2011 6:00:00 AM By: : 29 comments 16,109 views
Healthy Homemade Salad Dressings
Looking for a way to replace your store bought salad dressings that are high in calories and/or sodium? We've rounded up some healthy salad dressing recipes that will be sure to liven up your salads with less sodium and calories.
Mango, Cilantro & Lime Salad Dressing
Mandarin Salad Dressing
Curry Dressing
Posted 5/18/2011 2:00:00 PM By: : 144 comments 897,386 views
Have You Heard of Meat Glue?
Not all meat may be as it appears. Dr. Mercola reveals how consumers may be deceived by meat scraps being "glued" together and sold as a prime cut.
Posted 5/13/2011 6:00:00 AM By: : 178 comments 36,761 views
Guilt-Free Mexican-Style Recipes
Looking for a fun and flavorful Mexican-style recipe to make for your Cinco de Mayo celebration (or anytime)? We've rounded up a variety of healthy and flavorful Mexican recipes for you to enjoy without the guilt.
Chef Meg's Creamy Green Enchilada's
Slow Cooker Refried Beans
Fajita Tacos
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Posted 5/4/2011 6:10:48 PM By: : 29 comments 37,937 views
Jell-O Recipes That Won't Make You Jiggle
Looking for some low calorie snacks/desserts? We've rounded up a variety of Jell-O recipes that are low calorie, easy to make, and tasty!
Yogurt Jello
Grandma Luetta's Strawberry Jello Salad
Strawberry Crunch Jello Salad
Posted 4/27/2011 10:00:00 AM By: : 32 comments 60,366 views
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