A report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found nonsmokers are more susceptible to heart damage from secondhand smoke than smokers because their bodies haven't built up defenses against the carcinogens found in smoke. It is estimated that 47,000 Americans die annually from heart disease caused by secondhand smoke.

Exercising outdoors in hot weather can lead to foot blisters. To prevent blisters, rub petroleum jelly on the bottom of your feet and between your toes before working out.

If left untreated, high blood pressure can double your risk of a heart attack and triple your risk of a stroke. Because the condition produces no symptoms, you should have your blood pressure checked at least every two years.

If you have a general question concerning proper nutrition, the Consumer Nutrition Hotline staffed by members of the American Dietetic Association's National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics can provide the answer. Call 1-800-366-1655.

Studies show children of active parents are more likely to exercise as adults than children with inactive parents.

Use caution when exercising outdoors in hot, humid weather, especially if you're taking over-the-counter drugs such as diet pills, decongestants, and pain relievers. These drugs can cause increased fluid loss, which can lead to dehydration.

If you eat a slice of raisin bread instead of a croissant, you save 94 calories and 10 gm. fat. If you drink an 8-oz. glass of skim milk instead of whole milk, you save 59 calories and 8 gm. fat.

Be wary of the "finger-stick" cholesterol tests commonly used in mass screenings (e.g., at shopping malls). They tend not to be very accurate. Tests using blood drawn from your arm are more accurate.

People who burn at least 1,000 calories a week through exercise cut their colon-cancer risk in half. That's equivalent to exercising at a moderate intensity four to five times per week.

Cigarette smoking appears to raise the pain threshold, making smokers less likely to feel early warning signs of heart disease.

This months' Fit Tips were provided by Global Health and Fitness(GHF).

Visit GHF http://www.global-fitness.com and you'll find easy to follow fitness recommendations, hundreds of exercise instructions and video demonstrations, customised programmes, healthy recipes and cooking/shopping strategies, health club/personal trainer directories, and much more!