I didn't know that this health search engine existed until I opened my email from Media Post.

Meredith Gets Well with Healia, Latest Digital Asset

by Tameka Kee, Tuesday, Jun 19, 2007 6:00 AM ET

MEREDITH CORP.'S NEWEST FORAY INTO the digital space comes with the acquisition of Healia, a consumer health search engine. Although the financial details of the deal were undisclosed, analysts said the company stands to gain significantly from the contextual targeting and marketing opportunities that come with owning a health care search portal. Healia's value in the space is that its proprietary technology allows users to create a highly relevant set of results by personalizing their health search based on factors such as gender, age, and ethnic group, as well as by focusing on categories such as prevention or drug side effects. As with Microsoft's acquisition of search software developer Medstory in February, the move was seen as a way to capitalize on the reported 8 million Americans who search online for health info daily. While Healia will continue to exist as a stand-alone Web site, look for Meredith to incorporate elements of the search technology onto the health sections of existing sites like BetterHomesandGardens.com. In addition, Healia will roll out features like the ability for customers to search PubMed--a government database of abstracts published from medical journals dating back to the 1950s. "We're looking at how to expand the notion of search for health info, and building the tools that allow people to find health info in a new way," said Dr. Tom Eng, CEO and founder, Healia. "Working with Meredith's scale, consumer reach and marketing expertise gives us a straight shot to the kind of growth we need to achieve our goals." This is Meredith's fourth acquisition in the last year, following its purchase of online marketing firms O'Grady Meyers, Genex and New Media Strategies. Tameka Kee can be reached at tameka@mediapost.com I found this article last week and thought it would be useful for those wanting a health specific search engine.They have the option to place it on your website so I think I am going to put it on my main site and my message board.

Java at the Gym?

If you think having a cup of coffee will help you get through your workout, think again! In fact, a recent study found that drinking the equivalent of two cups of coffee before exercise actually hindered blood flow to the heart during a workout! Less blood flow means less oxygen-rich blood fueling your energy fire. The researchers who conducted the study say that while caffeine does have the ability to make you feel more alert mentally, it won't increase your athletic performance.

So what's the right way to jumpstart your workout? The researchers suggest skipping that cup of joe and opting for water instead. Eating well throughout the day and getting enough sleep at night will help too, they say. This study confirms what I've said many times before: Don't look to an outside solution — like caffeine — for a boost. If you want more energy, give your body the nutrition, rest, and movement it needs!

Find the Perfect Gym!

Joining a health club is a great way to jumpstart your fitness. But how do you choose the right one? The experts at the American Council on Exercise (ACE) advise customers to consider these factors:

• Location: Choose a location that's close to either your home or work, along your regular beaten path. If it's not conveniently located, it's too easy to skip!
• Class schedules: If you want to join group classes, make sure the club has a variety of them scheduled at times that work for you.
• Staff: Personal trainers and group class leaders should be certified through a recognized certification organization such as ACE.
• Hours: Make sure the club is open at times you'll want to use it. Visit to see how crowded the classes are and how long the lines for exercise machines are during those times.
• A test drive: Try the club out before you commit to an extended club membership. Ask for a free trial!
• Payments: Get all the details about club fees. Is there a membership fee in addition to monthly fees? Are some services extra — for example, towels and child care? Are there any specials?
• Reputation: Ask around to find out how others feel about the club. Check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure there aren't any complaints on file.
• Little details: As you tour the club, take note of how clean it is, how loud the music is, and whether the machines are maintained. Is the atmosphere a good fit for you?

Choosing the right gym is key to sticking with your fitness program. Believe it or not, your health club can be somewhere you like to be! Find one that suits your style and personality, and you'll be on track for a fitter, healthier you!

Dig In! (Denise Austin)

Want an excuse to play in the dirt? Here's one — gardening is good for you! It's true! Raking leaves, digging holes, mowing the lawn, and pushing wheelbarrows can burn tons of calories while keeping your heart, lungs, and circulatory systems in top shape! All that lifting and tugging will also lead to stronger muscles and bones!

Just look at the calories you can burn by exercising that green thumb:

Activity (30 minutes)	Calories burned
Turning compost	250
Mowing lawn	200
Planting trees	182
Pruning shrubs	182
Digging	173
Raking	162
Pulling weeds	145
Bagging leaves	144