4Front Strengthens Platform with Acquisitions in Massachusetts and Arizona

The acquisitions of Healthy Pharms and Greens Goddess increase 4Front’s national footprint and position it well in the Massachusetts and Arizona markets

PHOENIX – Feb. 26, 2019 – 4Front Holdings, LLC (“4Front”), a leading retail and brand development company in the U.S. cannabis sector, has closed two recent acquisitions that expand its national reach and position it well in Massachusetts’ nascent adult-use market and in Arizona, where voters have a good chance of legalizing cannabis for adult use by ballot initiative in 2020.

Highlights:

·         Acquired Massachusetts vertical license holder Healthy Pharms, owner of two dispensaries in Georgetown and Harvard Square, with plans to convert to adult use shortly and re-launch under 4Front’s Mission retail brand 

·         Healthy Pharms owns a production facility in Georgetown that, following an expansion, will serve as 4Front’s primary cultivation and processing hub in Massachusetts

·         In conjunction with the planned merger of 4Front and Cannex Capital Holdings, Inc. (“Cannex”), the first of Cannex’s brands is set to hit the Massachusetts market by mid-2019

·         Entered the Arizona market by acquiring the manager of the vertical license holder, Greens Goddess, which currently owns a Phoenix dispensary

·         The Arizona license comes with the ability to operate a production facility and 4Front plans to build out that capacity to participate in what is anticipated to be a robust cannabis market, with a similar plan to introduce Cannex’s brands in Arizona

MASSACHUSETTS

In Massachusetts, 4Front has acquired Healthy Pharms, Inc. (“Healthy Pharms”), a vertically integrated cannabis company that operates dispensaries in Georgetown and Cambridge’s Harvard Square. The Georgetown property is also home to a cultivation and processing facility that has the space for significant expansion.

“This acquisition provides 4Front with an immediate platform to more aggressively participate in the early growth of the Massachusetts recreational market, providing significantly greater production capacity,” said Josh Rosen, 4Front’s CEO. “This opportunity is made all the more exciting because of 4Front's planned merger with Cannex, whose team has developed deep expertise in scaled cannabis production and distribution in the competitive Washington adult-use market.”

The Georgetown dispensary, which is roughly 3,000 sq. ft., is currently medical only, but is anticipated to expand to include adult-use later this year. It has a prime retail location for adult-use, being adjacent to I-95, close to the New Hampshire border, with significant parking. Plans are already under way for a construction project that will expand the retail sales floor and add more point-of-sale systems.

The Cambridge store is the sole dispensary in Harvard Square with a premium central location. The dispensary currently serves the medical market and also is navigating the required processes to expand to serve adult-use guests.

Healthy Pharms’ cultivation and processing facility is co-located with its Georgetown dispensary in a 65,000-square-foot building. Healthy Pharms is currently operating with approximately 8,000 sq. ft. of flowering canopy, which could be quickly expanded to more than 10,000 sq. ft., but the broader expansion potential is significant and provides a blank slate for the Cannex team once 4Front’s expected merger with Cannex closes.

The current plan is to build out the facility to comfortably accommodate a flowering canopy of approximately 35,000 sq. ft. Once that buildout is complete, it should serve as 4Front’s production and cultivation hub for Massachusetts. 4Front has plans to quickly bring the established brands of Cannex, which currently represents 7 of the top 10 selling infused-product brands in Washington state, to the Massachusetts market.

“The Georgetown cultivation facility has so much potential to match in capacity and yield what the Cannex facility in Elma, Wash., has been able to do,” according to Leo Gontmahker, COO of Cannex. “I’m excited to design and build that space with the objective of capturing significant market share in the Massachusetts adult-use market. Expect to see some of Cannex’s most successful brands in the Massachusetts market by the second quarter of 2019.”

Healthy Pharms was originally a client of 4Front’s consulting business, 4Front Advisors, which had been hired to help secure its operating license, which it did in January 2014 during the initial medical cannabis licensing process in Massachusetts.

“I’ve known Kris Krane and 4Front since early 2013, while they diligently supported our efforts to start up,” noted Healthy Pharms’ co-founder Nat Averill. “When we needed help to fund the expansion of our successful launch in Massachusetts, we looked for partners with a similar philosophy. We are excited to expand our capacity and products, provide greater opportunity for the great team we put together, and to be building all this with the folks from 4Front.”

ARIZONA

In Arizona, 4Front has acquired PHX Interactive, LLC, which manages vertically integrated license holder Greens Goddess Products, Inc. (“Greens Goddess”). Greens Goddess currently owns the Herb’N dispensary in northern Phoenix. Along with the existing dispensary, the license allows for the operation of a cultivation and processing facility, but Greens Goddess has not developed that capacity yet. 

4Front believes there's a high probability that Arizona voters will legalize cannabis for adult use by a ballot initiative in 2020, an effort which just narrowly missed in 2016.

“Given the expected regulatory expansion, we are excited to enter the Arizona market at an opportune time. It should allow us to capitalize on Cannex’s capabilities in Arizona, with an ability to build cultivation and processing space to spec,” said Rosen. “We view this market as likely having ample supply to support a meaningful manufacturing and distribution business.”

Greens Goddess President and CEO Nick Couturier added: “We’re thrilled to partner with 4Front and look forward to expanding operations in Arizona and becoming one of the top brands in the state.”

The Healthy Pharms and Herb’N dispensaries continue to operate under their existing brand names, with plans to eventually re-brand as Mission, which is 4Front’s in-house brand of cannabis retail stores.

About 4Front

4Front Holdings, LLC ("4Front"), is a leading retail and brand development company in the U.S. cannabis sector. It has developed a national platform that consists of a multi-state footprint, including its Mission-branded retail operations, and a far-reaching network of partnership relationships. Led by a group of professionals with experience in finance, real estate, manufacturing, and multi-location retail and hospitality operations, 4Front has invested heavily in assembling a team with the management skills and hands-on operating expertise that can support the rapid operational growth opportunity being afforded by the increased legalization of cannabis across the United States, as well as internationally. For more information, visit the website.

Struggling with Stubborn Belly Fat? How to Finish What the Gym Can’t

Fat on your belly that won’t go away no matter what you do can make you feel like you’re about to go insane. Thankfully, you don’t have to tolerate belly fat that’s persistent for too long. There are various strategies out there that can help you banish unsightly tummy fat for good.

Adjust Your Diet

If your workout sessions aren’t helping you get rid of belly fat, then it may be time to consult a nutritionist. A nutritionist can give you suggestions regarding foods that can help with belly fat. Some examples of foods that are part of this category are berries, bananas, avocados, and chickpeas. Don’t only concentrate on foods that can banish tummy fat. Concentrate also on foods that promote it. Refrain from consuming many sugary treats.

Look into Liposuction

There are cosmetic procedures that can be beneficial to individuals who have belly fat that lingers. If you’re interested in attaining a tummy that’s wonderfully flat and devoid of flab, then you might consider speaking with a cosmetic surgeon about the possibility of getting liposuction. A doctor can help you determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for liposuction.

Relax Any Time You Can

Anxiety can make people a lot more susceptible to the development of fat on their bellies. If you want to keep unattractive belly fat at bay, then you should make a point to minimize your anxiety levels. Try to relax any time the chance comes up. Treat yourself to visits to wellness spas. Read books that make you feel good. Talk to friends who make you laugh. Watch movies and television programs that make you feel like anything is possible. Relaxation and a flat stomach work as a wonderful team.

Tweak Your Lifestyle

A lifestyle that revolves around wellness can also be great for people who want to eliminate fat on their bellies. If your stomach fat won’t budge, then you should tweak your lifestyle in a handful of ways. Say goodbye to your smoking habit. Aim to get sufficient rest on a nightly basis. You should strive for a minimum of eight hours.

It can be annoying to realize that your exercise routine isn’t helping you reduce belly fat. It’s not in any way the end of the world, though. There are many things that can help you say ciao to belly fat. You should concentrate on everything from your lifestyle to your daily dietary choices.

VALENS SIGNS MULTI-YEAR CANNABIS AND HEMP EXTRACTION

AGREEMENT WITH TILRAY

Kelowna, B.C., February 26, 2019 – Valens GroWorks Corp. (CSE: VGW, OTC: VGWCF) (the “Company” or “Valens”), a multi-licensed, vertically integrated provider of cannabis products and services focused on various proprietary extraction methodologies, distillation, cannabinoid isolation and purification, as well as associated quality testing is pleased to announce that it has entered into a multi-year extraction services agreement (the "Agreement"), renewable annually after the initial two year term, to provide cannabis and hemp extraction services to Tilray Canada Ltd. (“Tilray”) (NASDAQ : TLRY), a global leader in cannabis research, cultivation, production and distribution.

Under the terms of the Agreement, Valens will extract a minimum annual quantity of 15,000kg of dried cannabis and hemp. The Company will receive and process the cannabis and hemp on a fee for service basis into crude, distillate or other cannabis oil derivatives as required by Tilray before bulk shipping the desired product back to Tilray for final processing and sale.

"Partnering with Tilray to support their existing and emergent product offerings marks another milestone for Valens,” says Tyler Robson, CEO of Valens GroWorks Corp. "We take pride in our proprietary extraction processes and are honoured our best in class extraction capabilities have been recognized by Tilray, a pioneer in the global cannabis market, which we believe is a testament to the quality and reliability of our services."

About Valens GroWorks

Valens GroWorks Corp. is a research-driven, vertically integrated Canadian cannabis company focused on downstream secondary extraction methodology, distillation and cannabinoid isolation and purification, as well as associated quality testing with three wholly-owned subsidiaries located in and around Kelowna, BC. Subsidiary Valens Agritech (“VAL”) holds a license to cultivate cannabis and produce cannabis oil under the Cannabis Act, as well as a license to conduct analytical testing for the cannabis industry.  VAL currently has extraction processing and supply agreements with various leading producers across Canada. Subsidiary Valens Labs is a Health Canada licensed ISO 17025 accredited cannabis testing lab providing sector-leading analytical services and has partnered with Thermo Fisher Scientific to develop a Centre of Excellence in Plant Based Science. Subsidiary Valens Farms is in the process of becoming a purpose-built facility in compliance with European Union (EU) Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, ensuring the product from this facility can be exported anywhere in the world where Cannabis is nationally legal for medical or adult usage purposes. For more information, please visit http://valensgroworks.com. The Company’s investor deck can be found specifically at http://valensgroworks.com/investors/

RCSI research suggests that anti-rejection medications for multiple kidney transplants increase the risk of skin cancer

DUBLIN, Feb. 27, 2019 -- A study led by researchers at RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) has analysed the pattern of skin cancer rates in kidney transplant patients, which suggests the increased risk is related to the anti-rejection medications.

The research is published in JAMA Dermatology and was a collaboration between the National Cancer Registry Ireland and the National Kidney Transplant Service in Beaumont Hospital.

Patients who receive a kidney transplant are at increased risk of cancer, in particular skin cancer. The study found that this skin cancer risk falls when the transplant fails and the patients return to dialysis but rises again when they receive another transplant. However, the rate of skin cancer is still higher in patients with failed transplants than pre-transplant patients on dialysis.

Due to this pattern of skin cancer rates, the data suggests that the cancer risk is related to the stopping and starting of anti-rejection medications. 

“In recipients of multiple kidney transplants, the incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer fell during periods defined by transplant failure, but there was still an elevated risk. The incidence of cancer overall highlights the need for continued cancer surveillance during graft failure,” said the study’s lead author Dr Donal Sexton, Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, Beaumont Hospital, RCSI.

The study analysed the rates of cancer in 3,821 individual deceased and living kidney transplant recipients. Of the patients analysed, 3,215 recipients had one transplant, 522 recipients a second; and 84 recipients had three kidney transplants.

During the patient’s first kidney transplant, the rate of skin cancer rose 15 times higher than before the procedure. That skin cancer rate fell by half when the transplant failed and the patient returned to dialysis; however, the rate was still seven times higher than the pre-transplant patient’s rate. When they received a second transplant, the rate of skin cancer rose again to 12.8 times more than pre-transplant rate.

“Our study has provided a comprehensive analysis of cancer risk over multiple kidney transplants in the same individuals. However, the retrospective nature of the analysis makes it difficult to capture the effect of the lag between exposure, cancer development, presentation, and diagnosis, and which may vary by treatment period,“ said Professor Peter Conlon, Associate Professor of Medicine at RCSI.

RCSI is ranked among the top 250 (top 2%) of universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2019) and its research is ranked first in Ireland for citations. It is an international not-for-profit health sciences institution, with its headquarters in Dublin, focused on education and research to drive improvements in human health worldwide. RCSI has been awarded Athena Swan Bronze accreditation for positive gender practice in higher education.

HowUdish Teams Up with Professional Athletes to Inspire Users to Eat like a Champion

Brooklyn, NY (February 27, 2019) - HowUdish, the mobile app that connects users to delicious meals at restaurants based on their nutritional lifestyle, today announced it is partnering with professional athletes in wrestling, basketball, football, MMA and track & field to change the way their users think about food. Through the app, users can subscribe to their favorite athletes to learn what meals they eat when dining out to stay in shape.

Professional athletes partnering with HowUdish include football player Brandon Marshall, wrestler Jordan Burroughs, MMA fighter Cat Zingano, basketball player Bobby Portis, Crossfit star and fitness influencer Dani Speegle, and track and field’s Queen Harrison.

“We are thrilled and fortunate to be working with these athletes,” said Michael Gayed, HowUdish founder. “They all follow very different nutritional meal plans, so whether you’re avoiding red meat or carbs, we’re confident that users will find our athletes have a meal plan that inspires and works for them.”

“For example, individuals who avoid gluten, soy, refined sugars, grains, dairy and other inflammatory foods, may want to subscribe to Cat Zingano,” continued Gayed. “Those who want to avoid fried foods, desserts and focus on foods high in carbs/protein and low in fat, are likely to follow Bobby Portis. “This is something that has never been done before, so we are excited to offer our users a feature that is extremely unique.” 

The HowUdish app is free to download and use. However, for a small monthly fee users will now be able to follow the HowUdish professional athlete partners, giving them the ability to see and imitate the meals the athletes would choose at some of their favorite restaurants.

“These athletes have an impressive following on social media, so with this partnership we hope to reach and inspire a lot of people by showing that eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring, and it certainly doesn’t need to be a challenge when eating out,” said Gayed.  

Since its official launch in late 2017, HowUdish has continued to help users find dishes suited to their tastes and nutritional lifestyles. Following a recent update to the platform, users can now use the app to network with like-minded individuals who share the same interests in health, food, and nutrition. The app’s new “Dish Together” feature even makes it possible for users to find connections based on a shared affinity for eating healthy.

The app is available for download on the Apple App Store. To learn more about the social networking app for food lovers and health enthusiasts, visit the HowUdish website—and find the dish that's fit for you! 

About Felix Culpa Publishing, LLC: Based in Brooklyn, New York, the makers of HowUdish strive to create innovative products that help people lead healthier lives. HowUdish recommends restaurant dishes most likely to fit within his or her diet based on the user’s location. Whether they’re following a low cal, low carb, high protein, low fat, balanced, high fiber, vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free food regimen, the company’s vision is to help people live healthier lives by closing the information gap between what they should be eating at restaurants, and what they are actually eating.

We get it. People who work out alone sometimes just run out of ideas for exercises. They start getting bored of their workout routine, and then – you guess it - they stop getting fit altogether.

That’s why Studio SWEAT onDemand is the perfect exercise companion. You can stream it anywhere, using any device: the Studio SWEAT onDemand app, your internet browser, Roku—you name it. And every single class is filmed in a live environment with real people, real world-class trainers, basically, the recipe for real results.

With hundreds of classes and new releases all the time, you can jump into your favorite exercises and the hottest workouts like Spin®, TRX, Yoga, HIIT and more.

They also have free classes on YouTube, like a 20-Minute Spin® Workout for Beginners and Experienced Riders or a 28-Minute Calorie Crusher with Cat Kom. And, you can actually select to see only those for free here.

If you want access to hundreds more classes, you can always sign up for their Free 7-Day Trial or sign up for an All Access Pass (AAP) to get unlimited access to an impressive 850+ classes!

4 Ways To Find Support During The Lonely Battle With Infertility 

 Infertility can be a lonely and challenging journey. Women struggling to get pregnant may consider numerous options while experiencing a wide range of emotions in the process. About 10 percent (6.1 million) of women in the United States between the ages of 15 and 44 have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant, and the psychological toll can be great. Undergoing different types of infertility treatment, studies show, can exacerbate the emotional pain and anxiety as women wait for good news. Those who try a natural fertility approach may initially feel lonely or detached from mainstream doctors because it’s considered a non-traditional path to pregnancy, says Hethir Rodriguez, founder and president of Natural Fertility Info.com(www.natural-fertility-info.com), a website that features natural fertility-focused expert advice and support.  “Most doctors tend to recommend medical interventions such as in vitro fertilization,” says Rodriguez, also a certified herbalist specializing in women’s health. “Many women will start researching different options online and trying to make a decision, but it can be confusing and overwhelming, and many couples can’t afford the medical interventions. “Regardless of which route they choose, high levels of stress kick in, which makes it’s very difficult to conceive. Sadness, despair and loneliness are often part of the journey, and women struggling with infertility need support and sound direction on different levels.” Rodriguez says there are four ways for women to find relief from the stress and sadness of infertility, and to maintain their hope of getting pregnant: 

• Talk to someone you trust. “It really helps if you connect with someone who understands what you’re going through – a loved one, therapist, or another woman who has gone through what you’re experiencing,” Rodriguez says.
• Find inspiration. “This is a great way to keep hope alive,” Rodriguez says. “Many women eventually become pregnant after months or years of trying to conceive naturally. The key is to keep trying and never lose hope. There is always a path to motherhood for every woman out there – natural conception, medical interventions, sperm or egg donor, or adoption.”
• Manage your stress. “Stress only exacerbates infertility and could potentially make it worse if your body is constantly in the sympathetic nervous system response of fight or flight,” Rodriguez says. “Do things to take your mind off it: start yoga, get involved with a spiritual group or your community, spend time volunteering, and practice gratitude for what you have.”
• Stay connected. “This process may take some time, so it’s important to stay motivated and connected with whoever you’re working with, in whichever fertility path you choose,” Rodriguez says.”You need a support structure. Don’t go it alone.”

 “When infertility becomes an issue, many women can feel like they have no one to talk to,” Rodriguez says. “But as they decide on a path to take, they will find they can build a support team, along with a bank of knowledge, that can keep them strong and help them realize their dream.”About Hethir Rodriguez Hethir Rodriguez is the founder and president of Natural Fertility Info.com(www.natural-fertility-info.com), a website focusing on many aspects of natural fertility, infertility, and reproductive health. She has been a certified herbalist for nearly 20 years, specializing in women’s health and natural fertility. Rodriguez holds a bachelor’s degree in nutrition sciences and is also a certified birth doula. Since founding Natural Fertility Info.com in 2007, Rodriguez has written and co-authored over 1200 articles on fertility. Her research, articles and guides have been read by over 40 million people.

10 Beauty Product Marketing Claims Deconstructed

Denver plastic surgeon opens up about some inaccurate beauty claims marketers use to entice consumers. 

www.drmanishshah.com

We are all subject to marketing and advertising on a daily basis. Nowadays it seems like even thinking about skin care will get you bombarded with countless ads and sponsored post on social media. But how trustworthy are some of the marketing buzzwords used to describe the effects of skincare merchandise? We reached out to an anti-aging expert and board-certified Denver Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Manish Shah. Shah advocates helping consumers understand what this frequently used language means. Dr. Shah is also an ethical patient safety advocate. 

“There are many ways marketers attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of the consumer with empty phrases and jargon,” comments Dr. Shah. “A phrase such as ‘clinically tested’ and ‘doctor recommended’ is used to mislead consumers into thinking a certain product has more credibility than it actually does.” However, Dr. Shah explains, when these phrases are used it says nothing for the results of the clinical tests or what the products were tested for. In terms of products being “Doctor recommended,” Shah warns that “consumers don’t know what doctor recommended the product in most cases and if those doctors are getting some sort of incentive for endorsement.” 

Dr. Shah shares common marketing jargon phrases used to mislead consumers. 

1. A Product that claims “Patented Technology” 

“Patents are not necessarily a foolproof sign that something is groundbreaking or effective,” explains Dr. Shah. “Marketers use this language to convey innovation and superiority that their product might not necessarily have over its competitors,” he says. Patents are sometimes authorized through technicality instead of breakthrough meaning any new combination of ingredients, methods or production process can be patented as long as it is new.

1. “Maximum strength” 

This is a term used often by skin cleansers and moisturizers. “It’s a relative term and the consumer doesn’t really know what it is relevant to. It’s language that entices the shopper to make the purchase without really telling them how it accomplishes ‘maximum strength’ results,” says the Denver Plastic Surgeon.  

1. “Clinical strength” 

From painkillers to hydrating serums, companies love to bill their products as having “clinical strength.” Dr. Shah says consumers should practice healthy skepticism with such claims. “A product that claims it has clinical strength, in many cases, could have been tested by the doctors developing it. If you think about it you can’t really pinpoint what that phrase means because it is relative and we have no context as to what the company considers clinical strength,” says Shah. The perception, explains Dr. Shah, is that the product is better because the world clinical makes it sound more credible. 

1. “For All Skin Types” 

“This is a difficult promise to deliver on,” says Shah who has practiced his specialty for 14 years. “Not all skin is the same. If someone has an allergy to an ingredient or some form of dermatitis they really should speak to their doctor about what products are best to include in their regiment instead of blindly trusting a label,” he says. 

1. “FDA Approved”  

The FDA has different protocols for skincare products that make cosmetic claims as opposed to those that make more medical claims such as promising to increase production of collagen in the skin. Since that is a body function the FDA treats those differently than normal skincare products. However the FDA just stipulates that the product being sold is safe to use in the manner in which it is directed to be used “FDA approval is not credential that shows the superiority of results,” says Dr. Shah. The plastic surgeon recommends that you not be sold on the sole factor of an FDA approval. 

1. “Anti-Aging, Revitalizing, or Age Defying”

We’ve all seen these on the labels of some cream or serum or advertised in a commercial where beautiful models and actresses are displayed in all of their airbrushed and well-lit perfection. “These terms are somewhat misleading in that they give the perception of an unrealistic turning back of the clock,” says Dr. Shah. To many consumers viewing an advertisement, it might seem like buy and using that product will help them look like an ageless actress and that is not accurate.” Aging gracefully and maintaining a more youthful look has a lot to do with nutrition, exercise, genes, consistent skin care, stress levels, and cosmetic procedures when necessary. But according to Shah, people cannot cling onto just one aspect in order to look their best and no one product will reverse the clock. 

1. Medical-Looking Packaging

Be wary of bottles that look like test tubes, labels or packages that include a medical or first aid cross, or feature type that looks like Rx suggesting that it’s a prescription-strength formula even though it’s sold over the counter.

1. Botanical 

Dr. Shah explains that “An actual botanic is technically an ingredient that is derived from a plant. But, again, “botanical” may be used in advertising to refer to something that is synthetic but acts similar to a plant-based ingredient.”

1. Instant Results 

Keep in mind that “instant results” aren’t the same as “long-term results.” Meaning, you may use a product that gives you instant moisture or has a quick-acting firming effect, but those results may fade after a few hours and require reapplication. Dr. Shah’s final advice: “Check a product to make sure it specifies whether its “instant” effects are long lasting or short term.”  

1.  Firming

What you think it means: Proven to make skin look tauter.

What it really means: Essentially nothing. “There is no objective way to measure firming,” says Dr. Shah “When a brand says their product has been shown to firm your skin, that claim can only be based on very subjective consumer perception.” 

About the Expert: 

www.drmanishshah.com

Dr. Manish Shah M.D., F.A.C.S. is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Dr. Shah’s specialties include revision facial aesthetic surgery, rhinoplasty (“nose reshaping”), and aesthetic surgery of the breast (breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction). He is, however, well-trained in all areas of aesthetic surgery. Dr. Shah’s aim is to obtain a natural appearing transformation that complements the real you.

Reaching Your Fitness Goals: 5 Tips for Healthy Weight Loss 

If you are like most people, you want to shed extra pounds and have a fitter body. However, it is important to remember that losing weight and physical fitness are not necessarily the same thing. When trying to lose weight, you should always be striving to improve your fitness and overall health as well. These tips will help you reach your fitness goals, achieve healthy weight loss and live a much healthier lifestyle overall. 

Strive For Balance

As most every diet and fitness expert will tell you, the key to a truly healthy lifestyle is in balance. There is no real easy way to do it. You simply have to eat balanced meals consisting of different food groups, eat less overall and exercise more. 

Use Technology

Technological innovations offer some excellent tools for improving health. Smartphone apps in particular make it much easier to track your exercise and eating habits. They can track step counts, distance traveled and calories consumed. You can use a group of apps together to get the different tools you need to reach your goals, though many apps offer all-in-one features. 

Enlist An Exercise Buddy

Getting a friend or family member to exercise with you is a great way to keep you motivated and on track. It will be much harder to skip a workout session if you have someone else you'd be letting down. This makes it easier for you to reach your fitness goals and provides a nice social outlet. If you have a dog or want to get one, the need to walk him or her can be a great motivator as well. 

Don't Cut Out All The Bad Stuff

It is actually counterproductive to cut out all "bad" foods from your diet, such as junk foods. You will likely feel as though you are depriving yourself. This makes you much more likely to put any lost weight back on once you go off the diet. It's okay to eat these foods, just do so less and in smaller portion sizes. 

Consider Surgery

If you are overweight and unhealthy and struggling to improve your health and appearance, surgery might be the right answer. There are a number of surgical weight loss procedures that are safe, such as gastric bypass and gastric banding. Non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as face and neck tighteningare another option to improve your appearance, especially of excess skin post-weight loss. 

Losing weight and improving your health can be a challenge, but it is not insurmountable. Consider your options and make some serious lifestyle improvements. You will start noticing positive changes soon enough.