Electric ab stimulators were (and still are) used in medical rehab situations. They are designed to keep muscles from atrophying (wasting away) in situations where a limb must be immobilized. For example, if you broke your leg, doctor could place an electrode on muscle and use electricity to make it contract. This would provide a minimum level of stimulation, thus keeping muscle active.

As far as building muscle, such as ads on TV claim, this is not backed up by research. The level of electrical stimulation necessary to build up abdominal muscles to what you see on TV would be extremely high, and thus very painful.

Many companies that sell these belts also claim that belts help burn fat. In reality, small muscle contractions produced by these belts burn about as many calories as effort required to take belt out of box and put batteries in.

1. Sleep enough. The average American does not sleep anywhere near enough each night and does not sleep well enough. Lack of sleep slows down your metabolism and potentially increases severity of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.

2. To reduce risk of potentially disabilitating diseases such as arthritis, maintain a healthy weight. A good way to do this i s eat a lot of fiber and always fill 3/4 of your plate with grains, vegetables, legumes and fruit. The last quarter of your plate should be meat, chicken or fish. This will keep your fat intake down and nutrients high. Also, eat early in day. Do not make final meal of day largest. Your largest meal should be lunch. The final meal should consist of least food. And always drink plenty of water. Have a glass of water before you begin eating each meal. This will help your body digest food quicker and allow you to eat less.

3. Always use sunscreen on all parts of your body exposed to sun including your lips. Even in winter and on cloudy days, it is important. Damaging UV rays can cut straight through clouds and are amplified by snow in winter. Radiation can also damage blood vessels and even inhibit immune reactions in skin.

4. A recent study done at Harvard Nurses' School reported by Katie Hansen Bruno, "Women who are all-around health conscious-exercise, eat right, maintain a normal weight, drink occasionally, and don't smoke-reduce their chance of heart disease by an amazing 82 percent".