U.S. troops march in Moscow

U.S. troops marched through Red Square for the first time in a Victory Day parade on Sunday as Russia celebrated the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II.

It was a scene cut from Russia's Cold War nightmares: 71 Americans in dark blue dress uniforms carried the U.S. flag over the cobblestones, past the mausoleum of Vladimir Lenin and the towers of the Kremlin wall to salute Russian leaders.

French, British and Polish soldiers also took part in the parade in a tribute to the role the Allies played in what Russia called the Great Patriotic War. Under clear skies, the reviewing stands were packed with Russian officials, foreign dignitaries and hundreds of aging war veterans.

"In 1945, not only a military but also a great moral victory was achieved, a common victory," Medvedev told the crowd. Soldiers of various countries marching Sunday in a single formation "is evidence of our common readiness to defend peace, not to allow the revision of the outcomes of war and new tragedies."

But in the weeks leading up to the parade, the inclusion of foreign soldiers sparked controversy in some corners of Russian politics.

Author Alexander Prokhanov, editor in chief of the nationalist Zavtra daily, called the appearance of U.S. servicemen in Red Square a national humiliation.

"The fact that American troops are trampling underfoot the cobblestones of Red Square is a huge shame and humiliation for Russia," Prokhanov said. "Thus they are celebrating their final victory not in World War II but in the Cold War."

Many Russians have long resented what they see as the West's tendency to minimize Russia's role in the allied victory over Nazi Germany. By most counts, more than 20-million Russian soldiers and civilians were killed during the conflict, the greatest toll suffered by any single nation.

Despite the mutterings, the visiting U.S. soldiers were feted by the government. Last week, they were presented with medals during a ceremony at the Military University of the Russian Defense Ministry.

"It is a great honor for me to take part in the parade and represent America," said Pfc. Michael Hagen, 20, from Atlanta, whose grandfather fought in the Pacific with the U.S. Navy.

"He would have been very, very proud of me," Hagen said. "Taking part in this parade symbolizes a lot for me as it is a show of great respect for my grandfather and other veterans."

Relations between Russia and the United States have been steadily warming after reaching a low under the Bush administration. The two countries have toned down criticism of one another and have been working together to cut their respective nuclear stockpiles.

In his speech Sunday, Medvedev strove to create an atmosphere of cooperation.

"Only together can we counteract modern threats," he said. "Only based on the principles of good-neighborliness can we resolve issues of global security so that ideals of justice and of the good can triumph in the whole world."

Thousands of ordinary Russians jammed the streets around Red Square to catch a glimpse of the passing troops as they marched toward the Kremlin.

"Americans in Red Square is so cool," said Anna Gurevich, 22, a Moscow student. "It's just too bad they didn't come here to see the people [on the street]. It would be great to see them and not just on television."

Staying in shape and being healthy

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once in a while by eating pizza or doughnuts but don’t over due it and make it an eating habit. Mix up your foods and remember to keep the variety going. Have fun with what you eat just remember stay away from sugary drinks and foods and to stay away from fried foods too.

Tip How To Stay In Shape #2: Join a gym and start an exercise program. If you want to stay in shape then work out at least 3-4 times a week. This will keep your muscles toned and the body fat low. Don’t forget if you exercise consistently and eat correctly your body’s immune system will strengthen along with your muscles and bones.

Tip How To Stay In Shape #3: Start doing some aerobic activities such as swimming, running, playing basketball, playing soccer, or playing tennis. This will help your circulatory system greatly and strengthen your heart. Also you will keep your muscles toned and your body fat at a low level.

Tip How To Stay In Shape #4:

Don’t forget to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night. This will give your body a chance to repair itself and get stronger. Sleep is crucial in staying in shape so don’t neglect it.

How to lose wight

Your weight is a balancing act, and calories are part of that equation. Fad diets may promise you that counting carbs or eating a mountain of grapefruit will make the pounds drop off. But when it comes to weight loss, it's calories that count. Weight loss comes down to burning more calories that you take in. You can do that by reducing extra calories from food and beverages and increasing calories burned through physical activity.

Once you understand that equation, you're ready to set your weight-loss goals and make a plan for reaching them. Remember, you don't have to do it alone. Talk to your doctor, family and friends for support. Also, plan smart: Anticipate how you'll handle situations that challenge your resolve and the inevitable minor setbacks.

f you have serious health problems because of your weight, your doctor may suggest weight-loss surgery or medications for you. In this case, you and your doctor will need to thoroughly discuss the potential benefits and the possible risks.

But don't forget the bottom line: The key to successful weight loss is a commitment to making permanent changes in your diet and exercise habits.