It’s almost spring – and that means bathing suit season is just around the corner. If you’re like many Americans, you probably made some weight-related New Year’s resolutions... but, after a couple of months, you may have given up on your weight loss or fitness program. 

It’s that time of year again: Time to select a Mother’s Day gift to show mom how much you love and appreciate her. Not sure what to buy? We’ve got a gift idea that will not only show mom how much you care, but help support a very worthy cause.

The Fitbug: Mom’s Personal “Online Health and Well-being Coach”

Eating a diet rich in nutrients, and low in unhealthy fats, is important regardless of the state of your health, but it is especially important for those living with diabetes. If you fall into this category, here are a few tips to help you follow a nutritious diabetic diet:

Foods to Introduce into Your Diet:

These delicious foods pack nutrients and flavor, making the calories you consume count!

Controlling portion size and eating healthy food are essential to a successful weight loss plan. But, that doesn't mean you have to starve yourself or completely deprive yourself of the foods you love in order to lose weight. To the contrary, it's important to eat regularly and to occasionally enjoy (in moderation) some of the foods you crave, so that you don’t feel deprived.

To help you lose weight and keep it off, follow these three tips to stay on the right track:

1. Have a Plan - You know what it's like to come home from work and make the easiest meal you can think of. Unfortunately, this is not always the healthiest meal. Planning your meals in advance and having

Every year, many people resolve to lose weight. Sadly, few meet their goal. Some set goals that are a bit too lofty; others set reasonable goals but simply don’t see them through. If you are overweight, what can you do make this year the one you become a “loser”? Here are a few tips to help you succeed:

Set Realistic Goals

First and foremost, it’s important to set yourself up for success from the very beginning. With your physician’s help, identify your end goal and lay out a game plan. Setting a goal of achieving 17 percent body fat or fitting into a bikini by Memorial Day might be a bit unrealistic. Instead, talk to your doctor about your goals and your current level of health. Together you can outline a series of smaller goals to aim for throughout the year. This ensures that you’re setting healthy weight loss targets and gives you a plan by which to measure your progress. If you ultimately need to lose 50 pounds, it’s best to focus on losing 5 to 10 pounds at a time.

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that is frequently caused by an excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, with the sun and tanning beds being two of the commonest sources. It is however important to remember that skin cancers can also occur in the absence UV exposure. One of the most common types of cancer in humans, skin cancer has been on the rise in recent years.

While skin cancer can affect almost anyone, those most likely to develop it are exposed to many hours of bright sunshine and have a light or fair complexion. Additionally, individuals who have a family history of skin cancer, those who have a large number of moles, those who have been exposed to radiation and certain chemicals, as well as smokers, are also at increased risk.

Did you resolve to lose weight in 2012, but find your resolve petering out as the months go by? Don’t be one of the thousands of overweight or obese people who will fail to meet their weight loss goal this year. There’s still plenty of time to make it happen in 2012! Here are some tips to help you fight the bulge throughout the year:

Go to the Gym

Regular workouts can tone your body and help the pounds melt away. If you already have a gym membership but you can’t remember the last time you were there, dust off those athletic shoes and get going! Make a plan to attend at least twice a week, then stick to it. For added motivation, sign up for

If you’re working to lose those extra pounds once and for all, your “weight management” strategy is just as important as your “weight loss” strategy. It’s no secret that losing weight requires discipline and consistency, but what happens when you hit your goal weight? The majority of dieters find it even more difficult to keep the weight off. That’s why it’s so important to consider your weight loss and weight management efforts to be a lifestyle change rather than a “diet.”

Not convinced? A study from researchers at UCLA found that as many as two thirds of dieters not only gain their weight back, but eventually tip the scales at an even higher weight.* This eye-opening fact truly puts the importance of continued discipline into perspective. If you’re currently working toward a leaner, healthier you, we encourage you to think long term!

It's hard to overstate the benefits of breastfeeding. Breast milk contains antibodies, probiotics, and immune system boosters that can't be simulated in formula. It promotes brain growth, helps maintain a healthy metabolism, and a supports the immune system.

A comfortable, reliable breast pump enables breastfeeding mothers to provide their infants with nutrient-rich breast milk even when they can't be there in person to nurse the baby. It can ensure there will be extra milk on hand in case of emergencies. In addition, it allows other family members and caregivers to engage in the bonding experience of feeding the baby.

With so many different pumps to choose from, it can be confusing to decide which one is best. Here are some tips on what to look for in a breast pump.

Though fad diets come and go, there’s no “quick fix” for weight loss success. If you are overweight, rather than spending time and money on the next great weight loss trick, now is a great time to focus on what really works: exercise and healthy eating.

Exercise

The benefits of exercise are many: better overall health, more energy, a longer life expectancy, a more attractive physique, fewer medical concerns, lower medical bills, a better sense of wellbeing… the list goes on and on.