Originally Father's Day was created to complement Mother's Day. The creation of this day to honor fathers was met with laughter. It took a while for Father's Day to be an official holiday. Fathers deserve a day to be honored just as much as the Mothers do. This Father's Day show Dad that you care!

Spend some time with Dad this Father's Day. Think of activities that both you and your dad can enjoy together. Summer is just around the corner so why not take advantage of the nice weather and do some outside activities with Dad.

Golf
If your Dad enjoys a low impact activity, try playing a round of golf. Golf is a sport that seems like it would be a slower paced sport, not overly beneficial to your health or fitness routine, but think again. Golf requires coordination, concentration and physical effort to be a successful player.

A study was done with a sample of male golfers varying in age, to determine how many calories would be burned using different means of transportation to go from hole to hole (nine hole course). It was found that walking and using the push cart would burn just over 700 calories using the caddies just over 600 and riding would burn just over 400 calories (per hour). Not only are you burning calories you are also covering a lot of distance on the green, for nine holes you walk approximately 2.5 miles.

Avid golfers that golf 4 times a week burn almost 3,000 calories. Burning 2,500 calories or more improves your heart health, lowers your risk of diabetes and cancer and promotes your overall well being. If weight loss is your goal, burn 3500 calories a week to lose one pound of weight. Wear a MIO Stride with built in pedometer and see how many steps you are taking or use a MIO Drive heart rate monitor watch to keep track of the calories you burn.

Kayaking
For an hour of kayaking you can burn almost 400 calories. When kayaking you are using the strength of your torso and legs to power the kayak which in return strengthens and tones. It is a great activity if you want to tone and strengthen your arms, shoulders and back. Kayaking is also a great way to hang out with Dad, in a single or double kayak.

Tennis
Playing tennis for an hour will burn 470 calories. Tennis is a great form of aerobic exercise; burning fat and increasing your energy level. It is also a great form of anaerobic exercise by offering short and intense bursts if activity followed by rest.

When you think of a summer bbq, you probably think hamburgers, hotdogs sausages etc being flipped by a man in an apron that reads " I Love my BBQ" with a can of beer in hand. Well think again, bbq is actually a healthier way to cook your foods. This Father's Day convince Dad to step away from the bbq and take charge of the tongs. If you follow these few tips you can ensure that your bbq with Dad is not only delicious but healthy as well.

When selecting what meats you are going to bbq think white meats, lean and fish. White meats such as chicken don't contain as much fat as red meats. Fish is also a healthier option and is an excellent source of omega- 3 fatty acids (prevents cardiovascular disease). The American Heart Association recommends that to keep your heart healthy it is recommended that you have at least two serving of oily fish per week.

When selecting meat try for the leaner options if possible and avoid tender cuts as they tend to be the most fatty. Try and avoid certain cuts of beef, sausages and veal. As well listen to those Aussies and "throw a shrimp on the Barbie". They know what they are talking about Down under, not only is bbq shrimp or prawns delicious it is also a great source of protein, but they contain no fat, are low calorie, and reduce cholesterol.

A healthy plate should always be divided into one third meat and two thirds veggies. Grilled / bbq veggies are great for you and are absolutely delicious! Try red peppers, green peppers and yellow peppers, mushrooms and zucchini, the brighter the colour of the vegetable the better they are for you.

Try placing some of your favourite veggies in tin foil with salt, pepper, olive oil and garlic and place on the bbq.

Another quick couple of tips;

• Have a whole wheat bun instead of a white bun
• Go easy on the condiments (mayo, ketchup, bbq sauce etc)
• Be wary of "salads" like potato and pasta

Enjoy your bbq!

I am a 57 year old male. I have had 6 heart attacks, four angioplasties, bypass surgery, and type 2 diabetes. I was overweight and out of shape.

I made up my mind to change my life and to try to improve my health as much as possible.

I have lost over 60 pounds, I no longer have diabetes and my heart doctor says that I no longer have congestive heart failure. While I do need to use oxygen to exercise, it does not stop me. I just received, on May 2nd, a Life Style Change Award from the American Heart Association.

I purchased an older model MIO watch several years ago because of my ICD I did not want a watch that used a chest band. I have used my MIO for about three years now and it shows a lot of abuse and wear but it still functions in all ways just like I do! I believe that any one with determination and support can make changes to there life and improve their health. I may never be 100 % again but I will be the best that I can.

You love your father and you care about his health and overall well being. Keep him and his heart healthy with encouraging healthy eating and regular exercise. Give him the ultimate fitness tool to monitor his heart rate and keep track of the calories that he has burned.

Barbecuing salmon on a cedar plank adds a layer of natural smokiness and keeps the fish moist. Be sure to buy an untreated plank, sold in most supermarkets.

Preparation time; 10 minutes.
Soaking Time; 1 hour.
Grilling Time; 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 untreated cedar plank
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) each soy sauce and maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) cayenne
• 4 salmon fillets, each about 6 oz (180 g) and 1 in. (2.5 cm) thick

Preparation:

1. Place cedar plank in the kitchen sink or a large bucket or dish. Cover with water. Weigh plank down with a couple of heavy cans so it stays submerged. Soak at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
2. When ready to grill, heat both sides of the barbecue to high. Then turn 1 side down to medium. In a bowl, stir soy sauce with maple syrup and cayenne. Place salmon, skin-side down, on the presoaked plank. Don't oil the plank. Brush tops and sides of the salmon with the maple mixture.
3. Place plank on side of grill that is set to medium. Close the lid and barbecue until a knife tip inserted into centre of fish and held there for 10 seconds comes out warm, 20 to 30 min. Check plank frequently during cooking. If plank catches fire, spray with water. (You may need to reduce heat under plank to medium-low.) Remove salmon from plank to dinner plates or a platter. Turn off barbecue. It's easier to remove plank from barbecue after it cools down.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutrients per Serving

• 28 g protein
• 15 g fat
• 4 g carbohydrates
• 1 mg iron
• 23 mg calcium
• 334 mg sodium
• 271 calories

http://food.chatelaine.com/Recipes/View/Cedar_planked_salmon