We're all aware of the 'obesity epidemic' that seems to be crushing the country. And presumably we're all ware that a good diet and plenty of exercise is 90% of the answer. But how do you make the most of your chosen exercise?

Some experts recommend swimming as a good low impact exercise, but many find it difficult because of the pectoral and bicep strain. Fitness expert Sara McLarty recommends doing plank push ups to strengthen that area of your body and thus making swimming more enjoyable and getting the real benefit of the solid aerobic workout that it is. Plank push ups are push ups that emphasize keeping the back and legs straight as you push up.

There's a new way to do yoga! Indo Yoga Board takes a plank roughly the size of a small surfboard and places rockers underneath. Undertake your normal poses standing on the board with the added difficulty of keeping your balance and using more muscle, more concentration to do so.

Enhance your normal Yoga with some cross-training. Before class starts 'sit' against the wall at the same height as if you were sitting in a chair. Keep the strain for a count of 30 before breaking and doing again for another two reps. Next, lie face down on your mat and lift first your legs off the floor, followed by your outstretched arms with all the strain taken by your stomach muscles. Hold for 30, release and repeat.

If your family is battling illness that may need intervention, then consider a Mediband to alert others. It will enable medical professionals to establish the necessary treatment protocols in the event of a medical emergency.