It’s been one of those weeks for me that, no matter how much is accomplished, always leaves you feeling two steps behind. I’ve been enjoying my internship, but with commuting, a full-time position and other obligations (or more like other things I’ve opted to do) I definitely don’t have as much time to exercise, blog, tweet and sleep as I previously did.

I know what you’re thinking: “Karla, quit your whining.” So that’s exactly what I’m going to do! In lieu of the longer discussions about a couple articles, I’m going to post links to several interesting health-related stories that have intrigued me in the past seven days.

• Feeling pained? Take a deep breath. New research says that slow, full breaths can reduce pain!

• Excessive antioxidant intake may actually hamper your body—making it harder for your muscles to work. More research is needed, but the scientists involved recommend sticking with naturally antioxidant-filled foods rather than antioxidant-supplemented products or antioxidant pills.

• Whole Foods is taking an unconventional way to promote healthier employees: offering higher percentage employee discounts to their workers who have body mass indexes within the healthy range, abstain from smoking and maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This commentary makes an interesting point though—wouldn’t it be important for those that are currently less healthy to have good access to Whole Foods nutritious offerings (like those above)?

• “I can’t die…it would be bad for my image.” Gotta love Jack LaLanne. If he can get out and exercise at age 95, nearly everyone can!

In other news, don’t forget to sign up to win the Progresso Prize Pack by Saturday. You have killer chances of winning and all it takes is one easy comment. While you’re checking out some of my previous posts, go ahead and “pop a comment” (as the terrific Two Fit Chicks say) on my Pump Recipe Showdown!

Water cooler conversation starter: A Chicago real estate company, Magellan Development Group, has a fascinating corporate wellness program. Employees set health goals and pick a fitness event to train for (participation has always been 100 percent!). They then prepare with a co-worker for accountability and team-building and eventually complete the event. Magellan gives employees goodies such as T-shirts, water bottles and coupons to keep them motivated throughout training and all participants who meet their goals receive bonuses.

Would a program such as this motivate you to be active? How could your workplace, school or family do something similar?