Your health: Power of the plank

Powerful plank

According to The Washington Post, replace crunches with a series of plank-type exercises. What does that mean? Here are the details and how to make it work best for you.

The basic plank is a push-up position, except your forearms are on the floor with the elbows aligned beneath the shoulders. Try to hold this as long as possible, keeping your back straight so that you form a “plank” from your head to your toes. It's harder than it sounds, and it really works your core.

When you get that down, you can do traveling planks: Hold the plank position, go down to the floor, then resume the plank position, repeating every five seconds or so.

And there are side planks that call for you to hold a rigid position propped up on one forearm with your side to the floor.

Don't forget teeth

February is Dental Health month, and here's a fact to chew on — according to the U.S. Surgeon General, 108 million people lack dental insurance and one in three adults haven't been to the dentist in the past year. No dental insurance isn't an excuse not to go. Free clinics are available in many parts of the country.

And many local dentists now offer patients an affordable prepay dental plan that has no monthly premiums — Quality Dental Plan. Patients can get free initial exams, X-rays and cleanings and pay for the care they actually need. Check with your local dentist to see if they offer the plan, and don't ignore those pearly whites!

Get with guidelines

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans shape U.S. food policy, governing everything from school lunches to military provisions, and they are online at dietaryguidelines.gov for you to read.

You may not agree with the departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services' recommendations, but they're a great springboard for eating more healthfully. Be one of those well-informed Americans who actually reads the document.

Include the kids

Recognition of the childhood obesity epidemic has reached gyms and fitness centers, according to the nonprofit American Council on Exercise.

“Expect to see more youth-focused classes and clients popping up in gyms,” the organization states. “Schools and fitness centers will also incorporate more exercise” curricula for youngsters and tweens.