Fitness PR Division

Hsien-Hsien Lei has her BA from Stanford University in Human Biology and her PhD. From Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health in Epidemiology. She’s been involved in the scientific community since high school and her area of expertise is in the genetic epidemiology of cardiovascular disease, including diabetes and kidney disease. She is also a Blogger for b5media writing GeneticsAndHealth.com and AHeartyLife.com, as well as being the Channel Editor for all of b5’s Science and Health and Family and Relationships blogs.

Hsien-Hsien Lei’s two blogs have been mentioned quite a bit lately in the press. Just this week alone The LA Times featured her blog AHeartyLife.com, GeneticsAndHealth.com was mentioned at the California Healthcare Foundation's iHealthBeat, and the Detroit Free Press and Duke GenomeLIFE magazine spoke about her work as a science and health blogger. Forbes has Genetics and Health listed as “Best of the Web” and FOX News touts her among the top ten best health blogs.

One would think all of the above would not only tell you that when Ms. Lei talks about science and health, she certainly has the educational background and validation from various publications to flaunt that she knows what she is talking about. So when she recently applied to EurekAlert, an online, global news service operated by AAAS, the science society, she was dumbfounded that her application was denied. Their website states that, “Qualified reporters and freelancers can access embargoed and breaking news, peer-reviewed journals, experts and other valuable resources through EurekAlert.” After being denied, Ms. Lei emailed asking them to reconsider and was told that EurekAlert did not recognize Bloggers as legitimate journalists and that their decision would remain. As I mentioned in a previous post, it is unfortunate when an online media service discriminates against Blogging, especially when the Blogger is a well-respected medical professional. I decided to take this as an opportunity to interview Ms. Lei and get to know more about her.

Why did you want to join EurekAlert and what did you feel the value would be?
I actually did it as sort of a lark. I was on their site and thought it was really informational and useful. As part of my everyday science and health blogging, I read a tremendous amount of poorly written press releases and it usually takes me a good deal of research to flesh them out. I thought if I could gain access to the registered user section, I could get embargoed press releases early and prepare my posts for publication on my blogs, GeneticsAndHealth.com and AHeartyLife.com, ASAP. Also, their registration form states that there's other information available to registered reporters and editors and I thought that might be useful for me to accomplish my goal of effective science communication.

What does the content of your blogs focus on? Is it from your own research, press releases, medical publications or a combination?
My blog is about the impact genetics, genes, and DNA has on our everyday lives. I am convinced (barring World War III) that the genome revolution is the biggest influence we will experience in the 21st century and I'm working to educate people on how to take advantage of it for improving their health and lifestyle. And, of course, DNA is just plain fascinating and I hope to share my enthusiasm for science and genetics. We could never have too many scientists!

Do you feel that the medical field itself sees value in Blogging?
Many doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals blog and it has been a tremendous resource for sharing information and opinion. (See Detroit Free Press article for more.) Of course, Blogging is still not at the point where the majority of people actively participate, but my guess is that most read one or more blogs on a regular basis. Blogs are wonderful because they humanize science and health.

Amy Stephens, MS, RD, CDE has been working as a Clinical Diabetes Nutritionist for nine years specializing in diabetes & weight management. She's primarily worked as an Outpatient Diabetes Nutritionist for Dr. Andrew Drexler at NYU, as well as maintain her own private practice. She is a certified Diabetes educator, has also lectured to doctors and patients on nutrition with Diabetes and maintains a blog "Nutrition in the City."

Shannon: When did your interest in diet and nutrition begin?
Amy Stephens: I have been interested in nutrition since college. I had many gastrointestinal issues that were corrected with adequate nutrition.

Shannon: Why did you choose to become a Nutritionist?
Amy Stephens: I decided to study nutrition when I learned more about the field as a career rather than a hobbie from my sister's friend at Syracuse University. I was so excited to learn that I could make a career from a hobbie that I loved. The opportunites with a nutrition degree are endless - chef, clinical nutritionist in a hospital or private practice setting, and so on.

Shannon: Do you feel there are any misconceptions or misunderstandings about what a Nutritionist does?
Amy Stephens: Absolutely. Most patients think they see a Nutritionist "to be put on a diet." Patients don't realize our eating habits are much more complex. I like to think of myself as an educator and coach to help patients overcome obstacles, food misperceptions and misperceptions from food advertising. Most patients misunderstand the food-diet-health-weight loss relationship; our food choices are 80% psychological and 20% knowledge. Patients know what to eat, they just don't know how to incorporate it into their lifestyles permanently.

Shannon: What do you enjoy most about being a Nutritionist?
Amy Stephens: I like helping people achieve their nutrition goals. I feel more like a coach and enjoy it when patients do well.

Shannon: Do you find that as society has become more health consciencious, that there is an increase in demand for Nutritionists and a growth in your industry overall?
Amy Stephens: I think it's trendy to eat organic, but I don't think people understand the health benefits. It's more important to achieve a healthy weight and exercise than it is to have organic strawberries. Also, food marketing is geared at making the consumer believe if it's organic, you can eat as much as you want.

Shannon: What are your thoughts on the recent trends in the food industry changing the way they market to children to tackle childhood obesity?
Amy Stephens: The food industry is focused on making money, not making us healthy. We'll be healthier if we eat less, not more foods/portions.

A Master Class in PR Partnerships at 24 Hour Fitness 

California based chain, 24 Hour Fitness, has choosen celebrity endorsed centers as part of their Fitness Public Relations strategy to combat forecasted consumer frugality. Celebrity endorsements might not be a new form of PR, but the cross-promotional tactic has been enjoying frequent use across many industries recently. High-profile personalities have been linking themselves with clothing collections, perfumes, restaurants, television shows, record labels--it seems no single product/service/idea cannot avoid being branded with a well-known person including fitness centers.

Jeter24 is the latest of 24 Hour Fitness owned gyms to open that feature a superstar affiliation. Derek Jeter was chosen to not only be the ambassador of the New York City centers, but also to be closely involed with the design of the gym. Jeter joins the ranks of Andre Agassi, Lance Armstong, Jackie Chan, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, and Shaquille O' Neil as "24" owners. The chain chose these athletes in accordance with their shared attitude towards physical activity.

24 Hour Fitness has attributed much of their success to endorsement. Their first major one was with the United States Olympic team. The success of this conventional partnership was expected, but left 24 Hour Fitness wondering what other organizations and personalities they could link up with to further elevate their image.

They worked with NBC to launch the reality show, "The Biggest Loser." In exchange for designing the gym that would center the weight loss activities of contestants on the show, 24 Hour Fitness reaped the brand identity benefits of a partnership made in heaven. The fitness chain discovered an edge that would eventually propel them past their competitors (they are now the largest gym in the world in terms of membership).

Judging by 24 Hour Fitness' success, celebrity endorsement is a solid PR strategy. The first Jeter24 location in New York City had 700 members before it even opened it's doors. What is it about an athlete designing a center that makes it more superior than the plethora of choices a Manhattanite has on their side? Do we think we will achieve the determination of Armstrong or the physical perfection of Jeter by working out in their respective centers?

If we see that a luxury fitness center chain is responsible for designing a gym that television contestants use, do we feel we will share their results if we attend that same gym chain?

Whatever the attraction is, 24 Hour Fitness can be an example of successful PR partnerships.

A Master Class in PR Partnerships at 24 Hour Fitness 

California based chain, 24 Hour Fitness, has choosen celebrity endorsed centers as part of their Fitness Public Relations strategy to combat forecasted consumer frugality. Celebrity endorsements might not be a new form of PR, but the cross-promotional tactic has been enjoying frequent use across many industries recently. High-profile personalities have been linking themselves with clothing collections, perfumes, restaurants, television shows, record labels--it seems no single product/service/idea cannot avoid being branded with a well-known person including fitness centers.

Jeter24 is the latest of 24 Hour Fitness owned gyms to open that feature a superstar affiliation. Derek Jeter was chosen to not only be the ambassador of the New York City centers, but also to be closely involed with the design of the gym. Jeter joins the ranks of Andre Agassi, Lance Armstong, Jackie Chan, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, and Shaquille O' Neil as "24" owners. The chain chose these athletes in accordance with their shared attitude towards physical activity.

24 Hour Fitness has attributed much of their success to endorsement. Their first major one was with the United States Olympic team. The success of this conventional partnership was expected, but left 24 Hour Fitness wondering what other organizations and personalities they could link up with to further elevate their image.

They worked with NBC to launch the reality show, "The Biggest Loser." In exchange for designing the gym that would center the weight loss activities of contestants on the show, 24 Hour Fitness reaped the brand identity benefits of a partnership made in heaven. The fitness chain discovered an edge that would eventually propel them past their competitors (they are now the largest gym in the world in terms of membership).

Judging by 24 Hour Fitness' success, celebrity endorsement is a solid PR strategy. The first Jeter24 location in New York City had 700 members before it even opened it's doors. What is it about an athlete designing a center that makes it more superior than the plethora of choices a Manhattanite has on their side? Do we think we will achieve the determination of Armstrong or the physical perfection of Jeter by working out in their respective centers?

If we see that a luxury fitness center chain is responsible for designing a gym that television contestants use, do we feel we will share their results if we attend that same gym chain?

Whatever the attraction is, 24 Hour Fitness can be an example of successful PR partnerships.

Numbered are the weekends of barbeques and pool parties with summer quickly coming to an end. Even though hot dogs and hamburgers will be put to bed until next summer, partying certainly doesn’t end with the warm weather. It’s called football season—and people gather to watch the games on their HD Plasmas nearly every weekend. Our football favorites have been hard at work on the off-season to make sure you get your Direct TV NFL Ticket’s worth.

I had the opportunity to sit down with James Ihedigbo, safety of the New York Jets, to talk about just what kind of work he's been doing to get ready for this season and what we as non-athletes can take from his regiment to be more physically fit. Obviously none of us are aspiring to have biceps the size of Ihedigo, but we can learn a thing or two from someone whose job it is to exercise and play a sport demanding the greatest in agility and strength. And if you are after the physique of an NFL player, good luck. His mammoth muscles are from some extremely hard work.

The super talented football player comes out of UMass and is in his second year playing in the NFL. James lives by the motto, "To whom much is given, much is expected.” He has never let natural talent stop him from working as hard as humanly possible. He was injured in training camp last summer and was out the remainder of the season so this year is big. That's where the hard work comes into play. Check out James in action in a typical off-season work out:

Now, I'm sure you won't be running to the nearest open field with a 75lb medicine ball and hoisting it over your head, backwards I might add, as James so effortlessly displayed above. So here are some tips from pro-athlete to Joe and Jane Average:

Numbered are the weekends of barbeques and pool parties with summer quickly coming to an end. Even though hot dogs and hamburgers will be put to bed until next summer, partying certainly doesn’t end with the warm weather. It’s called football season—and people gather to watch the games on their HD Plasmas nearly every weekend. Our football favorites have been hard at work on the off-season to make sure you get your Direct TV NFL Ticket’s worth.

I had the opportunity to sit down with James Ihedigbo, safety of the New York Jets, to talk about just what kind of work he's been doing to get ready for this season and what we as non-athletes can take from his regiment to be more physically fit. Obviously none of us are aspiring to have biceps the size of Ihedigo, but we can learn a thing or two from someone whose job it is to exercise and play a sport demanding the greatest in agility and strength. And if you are after the physique of an NFL player, good luck. His mammoth muscles are from some extremely hard work.

The super talented football player comes out of UMass and is in his second year playing in the NFL. James lives by the motto, "To whom much is given, much is expected.” He has never let natural talent stop him from working as hard as humanly possible. He was injured in training camp last summer and was out the remainder of the season so this year is big. That's where the hard work comes into play. Check out James in action in a typical off-season work out:

Now, I'm sure you won't be running to the nearest open field with a 75lb medicine ball and hoisting it over your head, backwards I might add, as James so effortlessly displayed above. So here are some tips from pro-athlete to Joe and Jane Average:

Interactive lifestyle network and retail destination HSN is cooking up a special treat for viewers during their upcoming HSN Cooks! 24-Hour Holiday Celebration on November 6. The multichannel retailer will welcome culinary luminaries Padma Lakshmi, Ingrid Hoffmann and Duff Goldman to HSN's kitchen as they launch an exciting array of products on HSN and www.hsn.com.

Padma Lakshmi, Emmy nominated host of Bravo's Top Chef, internationally recognized actress, model and cookbook author will introduce Easy Exotic by Padma Lakshmi. Through the Easy Exotic collection, Padma will share her South Indian heritage and appreciation for old-world flavors and fresh botanicals with her new collection of cutlery, tea pots, spices, rubs and two of her cookbooks: Tangy Tart Hot and Sweet: A World of Recipes for Every Day and Easy Exotic. "I've always believed in the beauty of cooking with friends and family at home. I'm excited to debut the Easy Exotic brand on HSN and infusing a bit of spice into the lives of their customers," says Lakshmi.

Renowned restaurateur, cookbook author and host of the Food Network's Simply Delicioso and Galavision/Univision's Delicioso, celebrity cook Ingrid Hoffmann is passionate about cooking and it shows in her new Latin American-inspired cookware and cutlery collection for HSN - Simply Delicioso by Ingrid Hoffmann. This versatile line of kitchen products, including cookware by T-Fal, will be brought to life through savory twists on traditional Latin and American recipes also found in her cookbook Simply Delicioso. "My Latin heritage is important to me and my cooking and I can't wait to introduce my cookware, designed with the expertise of T-Fal to a vast new audience of 'foodies' at HSN," says Hoffmann.

iVillage today announced the launch of its new Health site (www.ivillage.com/Health), the first women's destination on the Web that combines medical expertise and original health content with community conversations and interactive tools, to help women manage their health needs online. The launch is the fourth in a series of successful debuts, including iVillage's new Entertainment, Food and Astrology sites, and is part of the site-wide redesign, which kicked off in September. The announcement was made by Jodi Kahn, Executive Vice President, iVillage.

"Women make 75% of healthcare decisions, and the majority of those women are consulting the Internet for health information," said Kahn. "As the only online health site designed specifically for women, iVillage Health caters to the chief healthcare decision maker in every household. It's a unique destination that brings women together – where they can share experiences with others just like them, and access tools and expert advice to manage their health needs in one convenient place."

Throughout October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, experts from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and its clinical care partner, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, are offering a series of weekly research-based tip sheets regarding a variety of topics related to breast cancer, including breast cancer prevention, screening and early detection, treatment, and survivorship.

The series launches today with "10 Tips for Breast Cancer Prevention" provided by Anne McTiernan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Hutchinson Center's Prevention Center, a member of the Center's Public Health Sciences Division, and author of "Breast Fitness" (St. Martin's Press).

Other upcoming tip sheets will include:

• Oct. 8 - "10 Tips for Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection" by Constance Lehman, M.D., Ph.D., director of Breast Imaging and medical director of Radiology at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
• Oct. 15 - "10 Tips for Breast Cancer Patients During Treatment" by Julie Gralow, M.D., director of Breast Medical Oncology at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and co-author of "Breast Fitness" (St. Martin's Press).
• Oct. 22 - "10 Tips for Breast Cancer Survivors" by Karen Syrjala, Ph.D., director of Biobehavioral Sciences and co-director of the Survivorship Program at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

The first of four tip sheets in the series follows:

10 TIPS FOR BREAST CANCER PREVENTION

1. Avoid becoming overweight. Obesity raises the risk of breast cancer after menopause, the time of life when breast cancer most often occurs. Avoid gaining weight over time, and try to maintain a body-mass index under 25 (calculators can be found online).
2. Eat healthy to avoid tipping the scale. Embrace a diet high in vegetables and fruit and low in sugared drinks, refined carbohydrates and fatty foods. Eat lean protein such as fish or chicken breast and eat red meat in moderation, if at all. Eat whole grains. Choose vegetable oils over animal fats.
3. Keep physically active. Research suggests that increased physical activity, even when begun later in life, reduces overall breast-cancer risk by about 10 percent to 30 percent. All it takes is moderate exercise like a 30-minute walk five days a week to get this protective effect.
4. Drink little or no alcohol. Alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Women should limit intake to no more than one drink per day, regardless of the type of alcohol.
5. Avoid hormone replacement therapy. Menopausal hormone therapy increases risk for breast cancer. If you must take hormones to manage menopausal symptoms, avoid those that contain progesterone and limit their use to less than three years. "Bioidentical hormones" and hormonal creams and gels are no safer than prescription hormones and should also be avoided.
6. Consider taking an estrogen-blocking drug. Women with a family history of breast cancer or who are over age 60 should talk to their doctor about the pros and cons of estrogen-blocking drugs such as tamoxifen and raloxifene.
7. Don't smoke. Research suggests that long-term smoking is associated with increased risk of breast cancer in some women. Need help quitting? Consider participating in WebQuit, the Hutchinson Center's online smoking-cessation study. www.webquit.com
8. Breast-feed your babies for as long as possible. Women who breast-feed their babies for at least a year in total have a reduced risk of developing breast cancer later.
9. Participate in a research study. The Hutchinson Center is home to several studies that are looking at ways to reduce the risk for breast cancer. Check our website periodically for studies that might be appropriate for you. Just go to www.fhcrc.org and click on "How You Can Help."
10. Get fit and support breast cancer research at the same time. Regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Ascend some of the world's most breathtaking peaks while raising vital funds for and awareness of breast cancer research by participating in the Hutchinson Center's annual Climb to Fight Breast Cancer. For more information, visit www.fhcrc.org/climb/.

Throughout October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, experts from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and its clinical care partner, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, are offering a series of weekly research-based tip sheets regarding a variety of topics related to breast cancer, including breast cancer prevention, screening and early detection, treatment, and survivorship.

The series launches today with "10 Tips for Breast Cancer Prevention" provided by Anne McTiernan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Hutchinson Center's Prevention Center, a member of the Center's Public Health Sciences Division, and author of "Breast Fitness" (St. Martin's Press).

Other upcoming tip sheets will include:

• Oct. 8 - "10 Tips for Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection" by Constance Lehman, M.D., Ph.D., director of Breast Imaging and medical director of Radiology at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
• Oct. 15 - "10 Tips for Breast Cancer Patients During Treatment" by Julie Gralow, M.D., director of Breast Medical Oncology at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and co-author of "Breast Fitness" (St. Martin's Press).
• Oct. 22 - "10 Tips for Breast Cancer Survivors" by Karen Syrjala, Ph.D., director of Biobehavioral Sciences and co-director of the Survivorship Program at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

The first of four tip sheets in the series follows:

10 TIPS FOR BREAST CANCER PREVENTION

1. Avoid becoming overweight. Obesity raises the risk of breast cancer after menopause, the time of life when breast cancer most often occurs. Avoid gaining weight over time, and try to maintain a body-mass index under 25 (calculators can be found online).
2. Eat healthy to avoid tipping the scale. Embrace a diet high in vegetables and fruit and low in sugared drinks, refined carbohydrates and fatty foods. Eat lean protein such as fish or chicken breast and eat red meat in moderation, if at all. Eat whole grains. Choose vegetable oils over animal fats.
3. Keep physically active. Research suggests that increased physical activity, even when begun later in life, reduces overall breast-cancer risk by about 10 percent to 30 percent. All it takes is moderate exercise like a 30-minute walk five days a week to get this protective effect.
4. Drink little or no alcohol. Alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Women should limit intake to no more than one drink per day, regardless of the type of alcohol.
5. Avoid hormone replacement therapy. Menopausal hormone therapy increases risk for breast cancer. If you must take hormones to manage menopausal symptoms, avoid those that contain progesterone and limit their use to less than three years. "Bioidentical hormones" and hormonal creams and gels are no safer than prescription hormones and should also be avoided.
6. Consider taking an estrogen-blocking drug. Women with a family history of breast cancer or who are over age 60 should talk to their doctor about the pros and cons of estrogen-blocking drugs such as tamoxifen and raloxifene.
7. Don't smoke. Research suggests that long-term smoking is associated with increased risk of breast cancer in some women. Need help quitting? Consider participating in WebQuit, the Hutchinson Center's online smoking-cessation study. www.webquit.com
8. Breast-feed your babies for as long as possible. Women who breast-feed their babies for at least a year in total have a reduced risk of developing breast cancer later.
9. Participate in a research study. The Hutchinson Center is home to several studies that are looking at ways to reduce the risk for breast cancer. Check our website periodically for studies that might be appropriate for you. Just go to www.fhcrc.org and click on "How You Can Help."
10. Get fit and support breast cancer research at the same time. Regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Ascend some of the world's most breathtaking peaks while raising vital funds for and awareness of breast cancer research by participating in the Hutchinson Center's annual Climb to Fight Breast Cancer. For more information, visit www.fhcrc.org/climb/.

If you’ve ever watched popular cardio tapes The Firm or Power Fit, you’ve seen Stephanie Huckabee. The hard-bodied, hardworking mother has a passion for health that’s evident in both her work and lifestyle choices.

Stephanie’s resume is impressive. She’s worked as a video lead in well over twenty fitness tapes and has received multiple personal training certificates. Not only is the workout maven an incredible fitness inspiration, she’s a fabulous role model. On her website, she writes that her goal is to help women see that they are called to be examples of fitness – not for themselves, but for their families. In an age when obesity is on the rise and families are spending significantly small amounts of time together, Stephanie is making an attempt to bring together two causes in an enlightened fashion.

- How to Woo a Woman? Compliment her Lips, But if She's American, Praise her Clothes

- Study Reveals Which Pick-up Lines Actually Work: Surprise Winner is: "You Have Beautiful Lips"

- "We've Found the Holy Grail of Flirting," Says badoo.com

A man trying to woo a woman will stand the best chance of success if he compliments her for having "beautiful lips", according to a new global study of pick-up lines used by men for online flirting.

Such is the advice if the man does not know the woman's nationality. If, however, the woman is American, he will have most success by telling her, "You dress beautifully".

So finds a study conducted by Badoo.com, the world's largest "social dating" network, with 87 million registered users worldwide. Badoo analysed the response rates to the opening lines used in nearly 200,000 online flirtations in 10 languages over one month.

The most commonly USED line was "You have beautiful eyes", but the line that got the best response worldwide was "You have beautiful lips".

However, other lines worked best in particular countries.

So, if a woman is American, Italian or French, a man should tell her, "You dress beautifully". If she's Canadian or German, he should praise her skin.

If she's British, a man should praise her legs. If she's Spanish or South American, her hair; if Dutch or Portuguese, her ears!

"This is a scientific study of which pick-up lines actually work", says Lloyd Price, Badoo's Director of Marketing. "We've found the Holy Grail of flirting."

So, why do women respond best to men praising their lips?

First, because it's bold, not cautious, says Jo Hemmings, a psychologist and dating coach. Second, because it's unusual and so seems more personal.

Long Island born Forbes Riley has had a taste of it all. She is an award-winning TV host, actress, author, motivational speaker, life coach and above all, an entrepreneur, but her passion is health and fitness. Recently inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame, Forbes Riley’s mission is to help people make a lifestyle change, rather than just following fad diets that never work. Forbes magazine has even labeled her as a “megabrand CEO” for her SpinGym fitness system.

The fitness innovator has helped millions take action in their lives to make a positive change. She believes that being fit stems beyond just your physical appearance and can have a strong impact on your internal environment and mood as well.

Lucille Roberts, a visionary fitness icon and pioneer of women's health clubs with nearly 50 company-owned clubs in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, announced today it has signed an agreement with franchise industry veterans Jerry Cohn and David Tannen to develop 50 plus health club franchises throughout Florida and Georgia.

Boca Raton, FL-based Cohn and Tannen, who have a 35-year successful track record in franchise development with Century 21 Real Estate and more than 250 Pak Mail locations in the southeast, are poised to rapidly expand the Lucille Roberts footprint in the region. They are currently seeking entrepreneurs to invest in or own new Lucille Roberts franchised locations in a fitness industry that generates more than $20 billion in revenue a year and has produced a 231 percent increase in memberships over the last decade.

"Florida and Georgia are priority growth markets for Lucille Roberts, and we're excited to expand the brand's footprint beyond the northeast for the first time in the company's more than 40 year history," said Kevin Roberts, president of Lucille Roberts Health Clubs Franchising, Inc. "Backed by our experienced franchising experts and one-of-a-kind approach to women's fitness, Lucille Roberts is uniquely positioned to capitalize on a growing demand currently not being met in these markets."

Health, job stability and housing costs are significant causes of stress for residents of the New York metropolitan area, and stress in New York is still higher than considered healthy, according to a survey released today by the American Psychological Association (APA) and conducted online by Harris Interactive among 243 New York residents and 1,226 U.S. adults in August and September.

Although reported stress levels have dipped in New York since last year, New York residents still experience high stress levels, reporting an average stress level of 5.3 on a 10-point scale. This stress level is higher than what they considered healthy (3.7 on a 10-point scale). Even with lower reported stress levels, almost one third (32 percent) of New Yorkers report that their stress has increased since 2010.  Six in 10 New York residents say that job stability is a source of stress, well above the national average of 49 percent.  Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) say that personal health concerns cause them stress and the high cost of living in New York has an impact too – a full two-thirds of New Yorkers (66 percent) cite housing costs as a significant stressor.