Sondra E. Z. Hines, AILT, is an adjunct professor of health & wellness and is certified to teach group fitness exercise and Zumba. Wednesday Wellness - Fitness News You Can Use is published weekly. Email: sondraezhines@yahoo.com.

A study published in the Journal of Health Affairs draws a disturbing conclusion. Some of the nation’s worst-ranked hospitals – many in the South -- are treating a high percentage of poor and elderly black patients, many of whom are likely to die of heart attacks and pneumonia. Under the new health care law, so-called bad hospitals are in danger of failing financially. “These hospitals are going to have a much harder time in the new funding environment," said Dr. Ashish Jha of the Harvard School of Public Health, who led the study. "I worry they're going to get worse over time and possibly even fail. I worry that we're going to see a bunch of that happening over the next three to five years." Read more:

I’ll Take a Side of McDonald’s TV with my Big Mac
Mickey D’s is using a creative strategy to connect with its strong customer base. The burger giant has rolled out McDonald’s Network, a digital network featuring original content targeted at dine-in customers. The programming is tailored to specific communities. Additionally, the McDonald’s Network will show entertainment snippets (albums, upcoming films, TV shows) and local news. And no surprise - the network will feature McDonald’s ads. The venture, (already tested in L.A., San Diego and Las Vegas), is expected to reach roughly 18 million people a month. “People today are using our restaurants differently than they have in the past," said Danya Proud, a spokeswoman for McDonald's USA. "They've become more of a destination. With McDonald's restaurants offering Wi-Fi, we've become more relevant and contemporary."

Healthy Tips On A Budget
McDonald’s, like other fast-food restaurants, frequently touts its $1 menus, especially in a down economy. Don’t be fooled; you can stay healthy on a budget without resorting to fast food. Here are three tips:
Buy fruits and vegetables in season – then prepare inexpensively at home
Leverage a gym discount -- encourage a friend or two to join with you.
Check retail clearance areas for exercise gear. (Last month I bought a pair of name-brand sneakers for $8. They were marked down, sent to a clearance area, then discounted an additional 50 percent)

In Case You Missed It …

• World Population Keeps Growing and Growing – The U.N. Population Fund reports that by the end of October 2011, 7 billion people will live on earth. By 2025, the population is expected to swell to 8 billion, and then to 10 billion by 2083.
• Scientists and American Cancer Society Differ On Health Screenings – A group of scientist, tapped to advise the government, says once every three years is sufficient for young and middle-aged women to be screened for cervical cancer. The group concluded that there is not enough data to recommend women include the HPV test, which screens for the virus that causes the disease. The American Cancer Society has differing views. Read more at CharlotteObserver.com.

Got news to share with Qcity readers? Email us at editor@qcitymetro.com.
Sign up for our weekly email newsletter below

Sign up for our Weekly Email Newsletter Email: For Email Marketing you can trust

Other Ways to Share Twitter Del.icio.us MySpace

Discussions and Submission Agreement