Defensive Planning For Asset Protection...An Empowering Move

Use the right tools. Asset protection is part art and part science. Certain methods will work. Certain tools are appropriate, while others do not make sense. It is important to have a shrewd professional skilled in asset protection to structure your protection.

If you are located outside of Nevada, be aware of Nevada corporations...they are being viewed more and more as a fraudulent tool, due to abuse and tax fraud. However, if you live primarily in Nevada, and/or do business primarily in Nevada, the Nevada limited liability company or LLC is a great tool for asset protection.

Maintain a legal and legitimate purpose for all asset protection tools, so you can take advantage of the full protection the law affords.

You cannot hide behind assets being transferred to a spouse or children, especially if this transfer happens after liability exposure has occurred.

Just creating a corporation or LLC is not enough. You must carry on your affairs in a legal and non-harmful way, otherwise the "corporate veil can be pierced" by the court rather easily.

Legal tools used rarely afford tax protection. In most cases, the tools used for asset protection are tax neutral...do not try to combine them. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is...

Protect you income streams. Many wealthy individuals have fixed income streams they rely on for their livelihood and overhead. If these were eliminated, they would be faced with difficult choices. It is important to protect these streams...educate yourself on options to securitize these forms of income.

Finally...do not attract liability. Keep a low profile. I always say..."live low and laugh all the way to the bank"...this is truly Empowering!

Asset Protection...We All Need It...

Some frustrating and scary facts...

1.] 70,000 lawsuits are filed each day.
2.] The average medical malpractice award is $3.9 million.
3.] The average legal costs of settling a frivolous lawsuit is $91,000.
4.] The average sexual harassment award against small businesses is $530,000.

No wonder attorneys do not want the laws changed to control frivolous lawsuits...they are getting rich!

Insurance is good, but it is impossible to be insured against every possible contingency. There will always be many exposures for which no insurance exists or which are not adequately covered by which one's coverage or what one can afford. You must realize that "umbrella" policies are not the holy grail of protection that most people believe them to be. We often think that "umbrella" means everything, while insurance companies refer to specific occurrences with specific limits...and being "right" is not always "right". Your insurance company may spend more than your umbrella policy limit, defending you on a claim. Even if you win, you still are liable for defense costs. To make matters worse, if they are defending you, and incur a large defense bill...and you lose, resulting in an award being given to the plaintiff without having enough coverage in your policy...you are liable for the balance.

People with these common factors are at risk:

1.] High net worth and or high liability.
2.] High exposure and visibility.
3.] Assets that are difficult to replace if lost.
4.] Have employees.
5.] Own their own business.
6.] Have professional liability.
7.] Own liability-generating assets such as rental property.
8.] Have children.

These types of individuals need to take proactive steps to protect themselves. No effective legal and estate protection can be started after a lawsuit has been filed. So, realize your value as a target and do something now! Be realistic about the possibility of exposure and the effect a six-seven figure judgment could have upon your future financial plan. Be prepared and be Empowered!

Benefits Of Asset Protection...There Are Many

There are numerous ways to protect your assets. Some may be appropriate for all to use in everyday life, while others may be more appropriate for those with substantial assets that require more sophistication (albeit higher costs) to accomplish the necessary protection. Asset protective measures are also unique to the location and types of assets that need protecting.

Almost all types of asset protection have some sort of common thread that connects them together. This common thread makes it more difficult for a creditor or anyone to locate or attempt to seize them. By utilizing a properly implemented asset protection plan, an individual can legitimately put a rather significant portion of assets out of reach of creditors as well as judgment creditors. The object is accomplish this while retaining a semblance of control over these assets. If the plan is structured properly, the end result would be the destruction of any type of monetary incentive to litigate on the part of a plaintiff.

Asset Protection Trusts are often utilized to insulate assets from such an attack. This is established in an offshore jurisdiction that will control the assets held in the U.S. to be protected under indirect control of the person (settlor) establishing the trust. The object of these trusts is to create an entity that is irrevocable for a set term of years and the settlor is not the current beneficiary. This type of trust makes it very difficult for creditors of the settlor to attach the assets of the trust. The trust is structured so that the assets of the trust are eventually returned to the settlor to regain control with regards to distribution.

This type of trust not only discourages creditors from pursuing litigation against you, but it becomes difficult for anyone to assess ownership and responsibility. This type of protection is very strong...Very Empowering...

Asset Protection...Empowering Advice

It is not necessary to have an army of attorneys to protect what you have diligently worked for in life. You may not be in a position to afford this level of sophistication, but there are proactive steps you can take to improve the protection of your assets.

Seek good advice! Even though you may not be in a position to retain the services of an attorney for all of your planning, it is very prudent to spend a little to get some general advice when you are planning your financial moves. A qualified asset protection attorney or, at a minimum, a qualified financial planner can give you a footprint to start you off in the right direction.

Avoid general partnerships! These are best to avoid because any general partner is capable of committing the partnership to any number of legal contracts. As a general partner, you along with each of the other partners are jointly and severally liable for any actions the partnership takes.

Separate, separate, separate! I cannot stress the importance of using separate entities for each liability generating asset or business. You should never mix liability generating assets. If you do this, you are just asking for trouble as you are making your potential liabilities exponential in nature.

Beware of "experts"! there are many types of predators in our world. This is evident in the asset protection industry as well. Suddenly everyone is an expert. Always seek a recommendation from those you trust. Avoid "free" offers...there is nothing free. Check out with the proper licensing authorities, the credentials of experts you are considering consulting and retaining.

Lay low! Flashy lifestyles bring about attention...usually the negative type. Conspicuous consumption is asking for trouble. If the public suspects you have a lot of "meat" on the bone, you very well could become a target of frivolous lawsuits. If living a lifestyle that is high flying is important to you, make sure a good portion of your assets should be titled in another name.

Know your jurisdiction and keep it offshore! If you are a target of frivolous lawsuits, state law will dictate what creditors can attach. So, know your laws and how you are protected...This Is Empowering! No country in the world automatically recognizes judgments based in the US, so offshore entities offer significant protection. In fact, many countries think our position on lawsuits is nonsensical.

Insurance is always the best insurance! An asset protection plan might also be a good idea to consider. For a few dollars expended, insurance offers an excellent way to hedge some of your risk.

This advice is not to be confused with legal advice, but rather to remind you to review your protection and to consult the services of a qualified asset protection expert...It Is Empowering!

Empower Your Assets...Your Interest In Real Property

Imagine a creditor attempting to find out how much disposable money you have access to. Other assets such as copies of deeds, along with financial evidence such as taxes on real property paid are public records that anyone can look up at the county courthouse. Sometimes even appraisers keep records that include the layout of your house, as well as the value of certain aspects of your home. Many of these records are available on the internet. There are a number of ways to keep this information out of the public eye.

Land Trusts are devices that allow you to put your property in the name of another person, company, or bank, keeping your name out of the public records. No one looking at the records will know who actually owns the property, let alone how much it sold for or how often it was sold. In essence it shields your identity, and once the trust is closed the trustee has no duty to keep the records, so there may be no way to find the owner.

Living Trusts are another alternative, especially in states where Land Trusts may be difficult to utilize. Someone other than your self should be the trustee...to keep your name out of it, but understand that sometimes Living Trusts are recorded which makes them less private.

Corporations are entities wherein there is no personal ownership. Assets that have been moved into the corporation are protected by the corporate shield provided that the rules that pertain to corporations provided by the respective state, are followed appropriately. Typically, there are corporate officers and shares are sold in an offering. If you are purchasing real estate, you arrange for the seller to convey the property to the corporation, and then transfer the stock to you.

Limited Liability Companies(LLC) and Limited Partnerships(LP) are two of the best ways to hold real property because they have strong asset protection benefits. As the owner of an LLC, you are not liable for the debts of the business or the acts of employees. If you personally do something wrong, your LLC cannot be taken away from you as long as it is set up correctly.

If you own your property as a Limited Partnership, your property will be protected from the claims against one partner if the claim is unrelated to business. The underlying reason is that it would be unfair to the other partners to have the partnership dissolved or property seized for acts over which they had not control. When it is used for asset protection purposes, an LP is usually called a Family Limited Partnership (FLP). This type of partnership is an agreement between two or more persons in which at least one of them (the limited partner) has no right to control the business and no liability for the debts of the partnership. The general partner controls the business and is liable for all the debt. A creditor's only recourse is to put a lien against any profit distribution after getting a "charging order".

Foreign Trusts (Offshore Trusts) are entities set up outside the US and create excellent asset protection, due to the fact that when you have an Offshore Trust, the creditor who is attempting to collect on your assets must go to the country where the trust is located and pursue the case in that jurisdiction. It cannot be pursued from the US.

Regardless how you set up and protect your assets, it is very important that you retain the services of a qualified attorney who specializes in asset protection. If you have not set up the protection correctly, creditors can pierce corporate veils and attach your assets. Retaining the services of an qualified asset protection attorney is Empowering.

Elizabeth Zagajeski, attorney-at-law, a principal in the Law Offices of Gary Fales & Assoc., is an expert in all forms of asset protection. Feel free to contact me for a private and discreet introduction. Empower Your Assets!

The above information is not to be taken as legal advice. Rather it is meant as a tool to stimulate your thought processes and awareness within the realm of asset protection.

Asset Protection...Protecting Your Wages

All states have exemptions for certain types of income that creditors cannot garnish, even if they have a judgment against you. These types of income and assets may include wages, salary, social security, welfare, or unemployment compensation. While some only apply to the "head of the household", others apply to everyone. In some states, earnings of independent contractors or sole members of corporations may not be exempt.

Under federal law, the following types of exempt income may not be forced to pay back a debt:

A.] Public Assistance
B.] Supplemental Social Security
C.] Social Security
D.] Social Security Disability
E.] Veterans Benefits
F.] Child Support
G.] Spousal Support
H.] Spousal Maintenance
I.] Workers Compensation
J.] Unemployment Insurance
K.] Railroad Retirement Benefits
L.] Black Lung Benefits

Under federal law, the Consumer Credit Prot4ecltion Act protects employees by limiting the amount of earnings that may be garnished in one week or pay period.

A way to help protect your income from creditors is to place the funds into a separate bank account, called a wage account. The purpose of the wage account is to segregate protected wages and not commingle it in accounts with money from other sources. Another way is to set up a holding company with a sole proprietor as the manager. In this scenario, your name and social security number are no where on the account.

Laws vary from state to state with regard to wage garnishment. It is important to understand your rights under the law respective to the state you reside. Retaining the services of a qualified asset protection attorney will go a long way toward ensuring that you have protected yourself in the best way possible...an Empowering Concept!

Asset Protection...Important Considerations for Owners of Real Estate

Here is a true but unnerving factoid...it is estimated that between 50,000 to 60,000 lawsuits are filed each day in the United States! Not only is this a staggering amount, but it is sobering...An even sadder fact is that a majority of these lawsuits are frivolous and have no merit...just people attempting a "money grab".

The U.S. is one of the few countries where lawyers are allowed to take cases on a contingency fee. This style lends toward predatory litigation...something that should concern each individual, no matter what their level of success.

Successful people worry about protecting their personal and/or business assets from future potential creditors. There are various strategies to keep your property safe from accident victims, tax collectors, health-care providers, credit card issuers, business creditors, and creditors of others.

To insulate your assets, you need to evaluate all your strategies to make sure that you are adequately protected.

We work all our entire lives to accumulate some personal assets that will allow us to enjoy ourselves as we get older. The threat of a lawsuit, even one without merit is frustrating and of a concern as one lawsuit could easily wipe out all the assets that you have accumulated.

There are simple steps that one can take to protect their assets from illegitimate creditor claims. You can begin by reviewing and increasing your personal liability coverages on your home and vehicles. An "Umbrella Policy" is a highly advisable tool to give you a higher level of asset protection.

The first rule in asset protection is to take proactive steps to prevent the creditor from knocking on your door. You need to have a well-defined plan of action in place prior to a claim getting filed against you. Once the claim is filed, it is difficult to protect your "unprotected assets" without causing more harm than good.

The more you have to protect, the more complex your strategy will become. If you fall into this category, it is highly advisable that you should hire a competent attorney and a professional financial adviser to guide you in the most proactive way.

You do have some protection of your assets under the law. Your wages may be garnished only to pay child support, back taxes and defaulted student loans. Asset accounts such as retirement plans, profit-sharing plans and pensions can't be seized by creditors. Creditors are also not allowed to touch the cash value of a life insurance policy or to attach the death benefits from the policy.

We will further discuss various strategies in upcoming posts...strategies that are "Empowering".

Nutrazon...Empowering Your Health...

From the first shot of Nutrazon juice, you will experience the goodness and raw power nature provides to us in this proprietary blend of extracts from the Rain Forest of South America.

The tremendous benefits of Nutrazon come from a blend of powerful botanical extracts including Lipidium Meyedii (commonly known as Maca), Unicaria Tomentosa (commonly know as Cat's Claw), Croton Palanstigma (commonly know as Dragon's Blood), and Morinda Citrifolia (commonly know as Noni).

These four extracts, when blended together with other naturally occurring ingredients, possess a powerful source of nutrients and catalytics for the human body. The results are measurable and palpable. There are many other great supplemental beverages on the market, but none of these are measurable. Native populations discovered the curative and protective power of these natural plants centuries ago. Over the last 20 years, scientists have spent countless hours studying, validating, and publishing their findings on the changes these extracts can have on the human body right down to the cellular level.

Nutrazon has exhibited many benefits to many people such as:

1.] Be more relaxed
2.] Have increased endurance
3.] Enjoy an increase in libido and sexual function
4.] A more focused, mental clarity and enhanced memory
5.] More balanced blood sugar levels
6.] Better success rate with weight loss

Some of the longer term effects that have been noted are:

1.] Anti-aging
2.] Protection from diabetes
3.] Reduced effects of metabolic diseases
4.] Healthier functioning heart and cardiovascular system
5.] Increased energy, resistance to fatigue, stress, & tension
6.] Overall contribution to a longer, healthier life

To meet the most stringent criteria, Nutrazon has enlisted the approval of a number of trade organizations as well as certifications:

1.] National Institute of Food Tech (IFT)
2,] American Herbal products Assoc
3.] American Nutraceutical Assoc
4.] Organic Trade Assoc
5.] Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
6.] Kosher
7.] Certified Organic Manufacturer (CCOF)
8.] Quality Assurance International (QAI)
9.] FDA Registered

As with any functional beverage, Nutrazon is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. However supplementing your health with this type of nutritional beverage can bring about immediate and long term benefits...this beverage...Nutrazon is Empowering!

Nutrazon...A Health Solution For The Ages

Nutrazon, a dietary supplement formulated deep withing the forests of the Amazon and from the far reaches of the volcanic areas of Hawaii, where healing botanicals have been used by native people for centuries. These healing botanicals have now been brought out and combined into a product so unique and unlike any other. After 10 years of research, development and beta testing, the concept of prevention has turned into a reality. Nutrazon has created a category of a unique blend of proprietary extracts from the Amazon Rain Forest, South America, and Hawaii. Nutrazon addresses many of the common health concerns we all are faced with in life including stress, physical and mental exhaustion from pushing ourselves too much, lack of energy, waning libido and problems associated within the broad category of aging.

The ingredients in Nutrazon have been scientifically shown to help your body "adapt" to an ever-changing lifestyle as well as an ever-changing world. Nutrazon, a leader in the field of double-adaptation technology, is the only product available today with all five of the key ingredients that have been verified to significantly heal the human body using "Double-Adaptation" science.

Adaptogens have the ability to enter a cell and essentially take over a function which is lacking or in someway abnormal. Once committed to a cell type, the adaptogen will evolve its properties to mimic that cell and it will then take on the job of repair within damaged areas. Results are consistent with an increase resistance to physical or biological stressors. Double adaptogens have been clinically proven to possess a normalizing influence on the body without disturbing normal body functions. The results of this science are not only proven by scientific research, but also verified with consumer feedback.

Nutrazon is an amazing product, but must not be confused with something from the "medical" world. It is not a drug. In my next post, I will discuss the benefits of consistently taking Nutrazon, as well as what these unique extracts are that make up Nutrazon...as well as different approvals and certifications from trade organizations...an Empowering Solution for todays world...Empowering Your Health...

Protect Your Wealth...Empower Yourself...

Effective estate planning is essential for everyone, regardless of age or circumstances, and should also form part of your financial planning process. Estate planning covers arrangements for your finances,in the untimely event of your death.

Effective estate planning should include:

A.] A valid, witnessed, up-to-date will...
B.] An appropriate power of attorney...
C.] Instructions to your executor about important financial and personal matters...

Estate planning allows you to leave detailed instructions on how you wish to deal with your finances, such as who will receive what, the way they will receive it, and when you wish them top receive it.

If you marry, it is important to update your will, as your existing will is null and void. It is highly advisable to set-up a trust as part of your estate planning to avoid estate taxes. If no estate plan is in place, a significant amount of your estate will be needlessly lost to taxes, fees, administrative costs, and probate. This is where it is important to retain the services of a qualified asset protection attorney to ensure that you have structured your estate appropriately. This is Empowering.

Being prepared for the unexpected is important. Sometimes in life circumstances determine that we are unable to work for a prolonged period, be it through sickness or accident. Being off work for a prolonged period of time can in itself be devastating and stressful, but there are ways that through forward thinking, you can plan and prepare to ensure that you, your family or your partner can manage in the event of loss of income.

Do we need income protection? Yes! Income protection pays the equivalent of your regular income should you be off work because of sickness or an accident. It is ideal if you:

A.] Have dependents and need to ensure that they can still pay the bills in the event that you cannot work.
B.] Own a business and rely on your income to service loan repayments.
C.] Own your own business where income protection can be regarded as a cost of doing business.

Some few benefits of income protections include:

A.] An income protection plan that allows you to receive up to 75% of your regular earned income if you are unable to work because of sickness or injury.
B.] Income protection can be simple and inexpensive.
C.] Premiums may be tax deductible, depending on your individual circumstances.
D.] If you are self-employed, you can take out an additional type of income protection also known as business expense insurance, which provides coverage for the operating expenses of your business whilst you are unable to work as a result of sickness or accident.

Whether you are part of a couple, a family with dependents or single, Life Cover and Total Permanent Disability insurance should form a part of any financial plan.

Life Cover offers a lump sum payment on the death of the insured, providing financial security for your partner or family, allowing them to meet their financial obligations.

Total and Permanent Disability Insurance typically acts as an addition to Life Cover. Should you become totally and permanently disabled, your insurer would provide you a lump sum payment, to help cover your financial commitments and any necessary nursing care.

Both life and disability cover are simple and inexpensive precautions that should be an integral part of everyone's financial plan. When you incorporate these principles into your financial structure, you give yourself a measure of stability and protection to hedge against those unforeseen and unpredictable emergencies. These proactive measures "Empower Your Wealth".

If you have not appropriately set-up you financial or estate plan....make a goal to do so ASAP. If you do not know of an excellent attorney, or have questioned some advice you have received, contact me directly. Elizabeth Zagajeski, attorney-at-law, a principal in the Law Offices of Gary Fales & Assoc, is an expert in estate and asset protection planning. I can make a confidential and private introduction for you, enabling you to discreetly discuss your unique situation...thus "Empowering Your Wealth".

Protect Your Wealth...Empower Yourself

If you want to be "Financially Empowered", it is important to ensure that your investments are structured according to your long term goals, because this directly affects your legal liabilities and accounting arrangements. Each individual's investment requirements are unique and it is important to get it right from the start.

Investment structuring can influence:

A.] Your tax liabilities as well as your deductions.
B.] How well your assets are protected from lawsuits.
C.] Your ability to procure financing when needed.
D.] Estate planning.
E.] Levels of autonomy and control that you may want over your investments.
F.] Levels of control others have over your investments.

Types of structures:

A.] Individual
B.] Partnership
C.] Limited Partnership
D.] Limited Liability Company
E.] Trusts both Domestic and Offshore
F.] Corporations

Each type of structure has its advantages and disadvantages. Depending on your situation, you may want to set up a combination of these, as there may be tax advantages to doing that. It is very important to develop an ongoing relationship with a reputable accounting firm, as well as an attorney who specializes in asset protection, to give you the proper advice. Laws are constantly changing. They will keep you appraised of changes you should make in your structure to maximize your profit and income, while giving you the best protection.

Remember that you are not locked into structuring your business in a certain direction. You must always keep an open mind, periodically review your structure, and make positive changes as it is warranted.

Along with this, when considering your personal or business finances, effective tax planning is essential and can have significant implications for both business owners and investors. Why is tax planning important?

A.] It can help avoid tax pitfalls and assist you in paying the minimum tax requirement within government regulations.
B.] It can provide expert assistance in dealing with complex and constantly changing legislation.
C.] It can ensure that you avoid penalties for failing to pay the correct amount of tax.
D.] It will help you manage risk and maximize cost savings.
E.] It can assist with long-term wealth building and retention.

I recommend starting with an excellent asset protection attorney. They are experts in structuring your assets, wealth, and different companies. The structure they set-up will make it easy for your respective accounting firm to finalize and complete the necessary structuring to ensure that you are protected from a tax liability as well as a legal liability standpoint.

If you need an excellent asset protection attorney, I recommend Elizabeth Zagajeski in the Law Offices of Gary Fales & Assoc. Elizabeth is an expert in all phases of asset protection and structuring, from LLC's to trusts both domestic and offshore, as well as limited partnerships and corporate structuring. Their office can handle all phases of estate planning and family finance protection. If you would like a private and discrete introduction, do not hesitate to email me directly with your contact information. With my next post, I will discuss estate planning and income protection. When you protect your business as well as your personal assets, you have "Empowered Your Wealth".

Fueling Your Muscles...How And When To Eat...

Just as important as what you eat is "when you eat" and "how much you eat". In my last post, I discussed different types of foods that fuel and Empower your training.

We must understand that it is important to understand that eating at certain times of the day, as well as how much you eat is vitally important...first of all to your overall health, but to maximize your training results. This is Empowering!

You want bigger, stronger, leaner muscles. The key ingredient for this is protein. The body breaks protein down to amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscle repair and growth. What should your eating habits be in order to maximize muscle growth? They should be frequent and small...ideally eating 6-7 per day, comprising of moderate amounts of complex carbohydrates, high level proteins, and minimal amounts of fat, during your waking hours. Essentially that breaks down to eating approximately every 3 hours. Eating smaller, more frequent meals keeps your energy level at a consistently higher level. This also enables your body to burn fat calories...thus building lean muscle mass. When you eat too much at one time, the body has to go into overdrive...glucose levels spike, higher levels of insulin are secreted...and more fat is stored.

An important concept to understand is that if an essential amino acid is missing when it is needed, the body must break down its own tissues to obtain it. In order to prevent this breakdown of much needed muscle cells, it is necessary to eat a diet rich in amino acids. If the diet is lacking in any essential amino acids, the synthesis of protein will be inhibited, and you may be unable to achieve the fitness results you seek.

It is important to understand the differences between protein and carbohydrates in the body. Carbohydrates can be stored in the body as glycogen. This glycogen is stored in the liver and in the muscles. These stored supplies can be drawn on whenever energy is required.

Proteins cannot be stored in the body. There is only a small, temporary pool of amino acids present in the bloodstream at any one time. In order to maintain the best muscle growth, it is necessary to provide the body with a diet rich in foods that will build muscle. Eating muscle building foods means eating complete proteins with every meal. Eating these muscle building foods with every meal will help ensure that all needed amino acids are available whenever you make demands on your body during a workout.

It is important to remember that muscle building foods such as meats, eggs, and milk are not the only sources of protein, as non-animal derived foods can also be rich sources of protein. However, protein derived from plant sources is considered poorer quality than animal-derived proteins. This is largely due in part to the fact that plant-derived proteins do not typically contain all the essential amino acids. If you are a vegan, consider getting a high quality protein powder that fits your dietary qualifications to supplement your diet. Empower Yourself!

When you decide to add a protein supplement to your diet make sure the 9 essential amino acids are included and preferable the 11 non-essential ones as well.

The 9 essential amino acids are:

A.] Histidine
B.] Isoleucine
C.] Leucine
D.] Valine
E.] Lysine
F.] Methionine
G.] Phenylalanine
H.] Threonine
I.] Tryptophan

The 11 non-essential amino acids are

A.] Alanine
B.] Arginine
C.] Asparagine
D.] Aspartic Acid
E.] Cysteine
F.] Glutamic Acid
G.] Glutamine
H.] Glycine
I.] Proline
J.] Serine
K.] Tyrosine

Remember one thing...as important as supplements are, they should not replace foods. The backbone of your diet should be a selection of the best muscle building foods. The human digestive system was designed to process foods, not supplements.

Maintaining high quality foods, eating frequent smaller meals comprising of complex carbohydrates and balanced proteins 6-7 times per day will give your muscles the fuel it needs to repair and grow. It will also support your overall health...it will Empower your training...

Muscle Building Foods...Fuel Your Empowerment And Your Body

Years ago I trained with competitive body builders. There was a standard "Company Line"...it went like this..."Train like a pencil-neck...look like a pencil-neck"..."Eat like a pencil-neck...look like a pencil-neck". There is a lot of truth to this. If you train hard...I mean really maximize each set to muscle exhaustion, no matter what training style or techniques you use, you will see positive results. Some training programs are better than others, but in all scenarios, you will affect positive change. The same goes for eating and your diet. Your diet is every bit as important as your training schedule.

Here are seven foods that you should build your diet around for maximum muscle growth:

1.] Red meat and poultry - lean meat is a great source of protein and vitamins that are essential for muscle growth...(be cautious if you have elevated lipids)
2.] Eggs - another excellent source of natural protein (if you have elevated lipids stick to egg whites)
3.] Fish - (a favorite of mine...great source of omega 3's as well)
4.] Nuts - will provide you with the unsaturated fats your body needs (be cautious if you experience any type of Herpes outbreaks...i.e. cold sores, etc...L-Arginine promotes Herpes outbreaks and nuts are high in them)
5.] Oatmeal - a complex carbohydrate that will fuel your body with energy to stimulate muscle growth (great source of fiber)
6.] Milk - a great source of calcium and other minerals. (a great alternative, especially for vegans is soymilk...and isoflavenoids are excellent for cardiovascular health)

It goes without saying that you should take in plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables as part of your balanced diet. A great option it to "juice" each day. Those live enzymes from drinking raw juice help rejuvenate and promote muscle recovery as well as blast your cells with nutrition you can never get from vitamins.

In my next post, we will discuss an eating plan that will Empower your training. It is important to understand that you must not only know what to eat, but how to eat and when to eat...this is Empowering!

Empowered Cross Training For Health

Cross training in various applications will create "neuromuscular efficiency". This is far superior to being satisfied with strict muscle building. As a practicing martial artist and fitness lover, I have seen the full spectrum from weight training, to aerobic only training, to anaerobic training only...over the years. I have seen and heard most of it. I have also cross-trained in most of it as well. i guess you could say that I have "been there, done that , and got the tee shirt".

I have become a big believer in the "muscle confusion principle" which ties in with the "neuromuscular efficiency principle". Do you know where real punching power is generated and released? It is in the final inch or two of motion. Legendary martial artist Bruce Lee, was known for demonstrating this fact with his famous "one inch punch". Lee would position his fist just one inch in front of the abdomen of a subject and without moving his hand backward whatsoever...would unleash a punch that would life the subject off his feet and launch him in to a waiting chair several feet behind him.

Many boxing and martial arts techniques involve intercepting or redirecting an opponent's punch or kick before it reaches full extension. These techniques are only possible because of the reduced energy contained in a punch or kick before full extension.

Any serious boxer or martial artist will throw thousands of punches over his or her training career. A pro will throw millions. These repetitions build efficiency into the neuromuscular pathways between the brain and muscles. It's these many repetitions that make throwing a fast, accurate, and effective punch second nature. However, all those repetitions do virtually nothing to develop strength in the muscles.

If you want big power...you are going to have to pump some iron. Heavy iron. Think of that "one inch punch" It is not merely hand speed or delivery technique that launches the opponent into the air. It is muscle power anchored on the ground by leg muscles and transmitted through the muscles of the shoulder and arms.

The combination of weight training and aerobic training done in a confusing state never allows the muscle to "get comfortable" Muscles develop that "muscle memory" which can over time, cause that "plateau" that we have all experienced.

Whether you train in martial arts, are a weight lifter, fitness trainer, or where ever your passion for training takes you...confusing the muscles and developing that neuromuscular efficiency will take your training, lean muscle mass, and overall strength to new heights. It will most assuredly "Empower You".

Empower Your Workouts...Muscle Confusion

One of the most basic, and most important of the training principles, is the muscle confusion principle. This principle is all about ensuring you have a variety in your workouts. This will be a variety of sets, reps, exercises, rest periods, etc...

It is also important to train the muscle from the most efficient position, in which it has the greatest mechanical advantage/stress. It remains critically important to supplement those exercises with others utilizing various angles for certain exercises. Muscles should never be allowed to accommodate to an exercise to the point where the exercise is ineffective and doesn't result in hypertrophy or the goal you were looking to achieve. This variety will improve your motivation , keep you mentally fresh, and keep you muscles growing. Muscles become accustomed to a training program very quickly. We need to develop different exercises and perform a variety of sets and repetitions. The best way is to "cycle" your training program, typically in four week cycles.

By cycling or changing your training program every four weeks, your muscles cannot become used to the exercises. This forces your muscles to grow quicker than with any other training method. That is why muscle confusion is such an exciting and Empowering training principle.

One way to use muscle confusion is to vary the exercises. For example, if you were doing dumbbell flat chest press, you could use hammer strength flat machine one week and then the following week you could do barbell flat chest press. While you are still working the middle chest muscles, you are hitting them from a different angle of attack. This will stimulate new muscle growth.

By using the muscle confusion principle you are guaranteeing yourself consistent results in your fitness and resistance training workout.

I have included three tips to help you in using the muscle confusion principle:

1.] Change your exercises every four weeks.
2.] Use free weights, cables, or resistance bands in your workout.
3.] Vary the repetitions and the number of sets you use.

By following these three tips you will get the maximum results from you strength training workouts. Use the muscle confusion principle in your training program...it is Empowering.

Remember the three most important components of gaining muscle size are: proper rest, proper nutrition, and hard training...every set to exhaustion...this is Empowering!

Heart Disease...Things Women Should Be Aware Of...

Many women are scared about getting breast cancer, often unaware of a much larger threat to their health; heart disease. It is the number one killer of American women, while breast cancer is number six according to the CDC. On average, one woman dies every 90 seconds from heart disease. This in of itself is a startling statistic...

The condition affects women differently than men, as women may have different risk factors and symptoms. You can protect yourself from this killer, but you first need to understand these surprising facts about women and heart disease. Although the most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain, it's not always severe and often gets mistaken for heart burn or acid indigestion.

The National Women's Health Information Center lists these other unexpected syptoms
to watch out for:

1.] Shortness of breathe.
2.] Nausea or vomiting.
3.] Pain in the back, neck or jaw.
4.] Heartburn or indigestion.
5.] Unusual fatigue.

While high blood pressure has long been documented as a risk factor of heart disease, are you aware that taking the birth control pill may elevate your blood pressure on a continuum? This is specifically true if you are obese, were hypertensive during pregnancy, or have a positive family history of high blood pressure (hypertension). Monitoring your blood pressure prior to starting on birth control pills as well as periodically during your drug regimen is very important. The cardiovascular risks for women of being on the pill tend to rise after age 35.

Depression has been associated with early signs of heart disease. It can worsen your chances of survival once you have heart disease. One reason may be that it's harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle when you are down, although it is also possible that depression may cause physiological changes such as heart rhythm problems that are bad for the heart.

Unfortunately, women are 2-3 times more likely than men to suffer from depression. according to the National Women's Health Resource Center. If you notice signs of depression, such as a loss of interest in your daily activities, feeling hopeless, or unexplained changes in weight or appetite, then seek out treatment.

Smoking is always a major cause of heart disease for both men and women. However, women who smoke have a greater risk for stroke or heart attack. On top of this, women who are taking birth control pills have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke than nonsmokers on the pill.

Once you reach menopause, your risk of heart disease increases because your levels of the estrogen hormone drop. When I was working as a nurse in cardiac surgery recovery and then as a cardiac perfusionist, I saw this numerous times. Outside of smokers, women had a significantly less incidence of coronary artery disease than men until they went through menopause. At that point, the ratios evened out rather quickly. Before menopause, estrogen protects women from heart disease. But do not think that taking supplemental estrogen is the answer once you are postmenopausal. Research actually shows that certain forms of hormone replacement therapy slightly increase a postmenopausal woman's risk of heart attack and stroke. Though you may take hormone therapy postmenopausal to control those uncomfortable symptoms, such as hot flashes, so do not think this therapy is protecting you from heart disease.

Another interesting statistic is that heart disease does not hit all women equally. African-American women and Hispanic women tend to have more risk factors for heart disease than white women, such as obesity, lack of physical activity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. So women in these ethnic origins should be more sensitive to these risk factors and doe their best to avoid them as much as possible.

Heart disease is a significant problem for women of various ethnic backgrounds as well as women who are postmenopausal. Women should begin at an early age to develop health eating habits, as well as a daily exercise regimen. Be cognizant or food preparation with respect to sodium intake, as well as foods that are heavily laced with refined carbohydrates and animal fats. Talk to your doctor. Talk to your spouse or domestic partner. Talk to your family and friends. Educate yourself. This communication is "Empowering". We should be way past the days of embarrassing feelings and lack of communication. We should "Empower Ourselves" through healthy dialogue and education. Together we can decrease the incidence of heart disease and strokes...the silent killers...

Simple Methods To Lower Your Blood Pressure

To have good health is "Empowering"...to say the least. We all are concerned about our blood pressure, as it is such a dynamic part of our health and lifestyle. Here are some key points to maintaining proper blood pressure and health.

1.] Maintain Proper Weight

Obesity is one of the more central problems of health in our society today. It is directly related to so many disease processes. It is a major factor in our self-esteem and psychological well-being. It is directly related to blood pressure, as obese individuals have an increased incidence of hypertension. A simple plan of action for maintaining healthy weight is a combination of exercise, keeping caloric intake to a minimum, as well as exercising 3-5 times per week for a minimum of 30-60" per day. One major factor in weight control is to minimize your refined carbohydrate intake, especially that of "High Fructose Corn Syrup" (HFCS). That alone is one of the scourges of our modern day diet, as it really wrecks havoc with our metabolism. If you can avoid foods with "HFCS" at all costs, do it...learn to avoid foods completely with this chemical added. It is far worse for you than white sugar.

2.] Cut Down on Salt and Sugar

When it comes down to controlling your blood pressure, reducing salt intake is a "no-brainer". Much of our salt intake is voluntary. Americans eat a lot of table salt and processed foods (even those we consider healthy) which typically contain high amounts of sodium. You should only be consuming 2300 mg of sodium per day.
Ways to limit salt and sodium intake...

A.] Purchase fresh, plain, frozen, or canned vegetables that say "no added salt".
B.] Use fresh meat and fish.
C.] Use herbs, spices, and salt-free seasoning blends.
D.] Add little or no salt when cooking.
E.] Cut back on instant rice, pasta, or cereals which tend to have added salt.
F.] Rinse canned foods, such as tuna, to remove some sodium.
G.] Look for low, reduced, or no added alt foods.
H.] Be sparing with the salt shaker.
I.] Remember that kosher salt and sea salt are just salt.

3.] Stress Less

The "Fight or Flight" instinct protects us from danger, but too much stress can cause high blood pressure, an irregular heart beat, and weaken your immune system. We are stress junkies. When you are excited and there are lots of things going on...whether it's good or bad, your blood pressure is elevated and damages your arteries.

Manage your stress by slowing down...don't jam up your schedule. Get enough sleep. Exercise and take time to relax. A simple relaxation technique that you can do anywhere is to breathe in slowly and very deeply, then let it out with a sigh and let your shoulders relax. Do this ten times a day. Each time you do this, your blood pressure decreases.

4.] Get More Exercise.

Physical activity can help you lower your blood pressure, your cholesterol, and it can help you sleep better. A good exercise regime consists of at least 30-6o" of exercise at least 3-5 times per week. There is an old saying in exercise circles...3 times a week for "Fitness", 5 times a week for "Fatness". When you start to take control of your life, your health, your stress...you "Empower Yourself".

5.] Limit Alcohol Intake.

Though alcohol can actually lower your blood pressure at the time you are drinking, when it wears off it makes your blood pressure rise. The body tends to over-compensate on the reversal. If you are a heavy drinker, and that's how you deal with stress, it's not a good idea as far as blood pressure and weight are concerned. You do not have to cut out alcohol altogether, but women should limit their intake to 1 drink per day while men should limit their intake to 2 drinks per day.

While these concepts will not prevent all cases of hypertension, they can make a significant difference in your blood pressure and overall health. When you make proactive changes such as these, you "Empower Yourself".

Empower Yourself...By Lowering Your Blood Pressure

Blood pressure measure the force of blood against your artery walls. When it is consistently high, it can weaken your blood vessels and significantly increase your risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney failure, to name just a few...

High blood pressure...also know as the "Silent Killer", even though you don't feel it...the tiny arteries that feed your tissue close off, first by the thousands and then by the millions, so all parts of your body are losing blood supply.

How can you take control? How can you "Empower Yourself?"

The consequences of high blood pressure can be deadly. The primary area affected is the kidneys. Over time the kidneys may shrink, ultimately leading to kidney failure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure also can lead to dementia. Most people equate dementia with Alzheimer's but that is only one cause. High blood pressure can affect the arteries in your brain, causing them to shut down. Uncontrolled high blood pressure also can lead to cardiac hypertrophy, congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, liver congestion, peripheral and central edema, as well as headaches...to name just a few...

Here are a few lifestyle changes that can lower blood pressure...

1.] Maintain a healthy weight
2.] Cut down on salt
3.] Stress less
4.] Exercise
5.] Limit alcohol

These are just a few simple things that can dramatically alter your blood pressure and ultimate your health as well as your lifestyle. Each individual has to gauge how to go about changing old habits and "Empowering Yourself." With my next post, I will give some creative but simple suggestions as to how to effect these changes. As with anything, change comes with determination and focus. When you enact these proactive measures...you "Empower Yourself."

Empower Yourself By Guarding Your Wealth

Choosing the right type of investment doesn't have to be difficult or confusing. If you are like some people, you may find the world of investing complex and hard to understand. You know you want to invest your money but you don't feel you have the knowledge to choose the right kind of investment. All of this can lead to you being stuck with an investment you didn't really want or that doesn't perform the way you expected.

All investments have risk and that there are many various types of risk. It is advisable to decide prior to investing, what level of risk you are comfortable entertaining. Then decide on investments that will keep you away from these types of risks. Some think that a CD invested at a bank is guaranteed by the government. It is free from the bank defaulting, however it is not free of interest rate risk or the risk of rising prices. You may need to keep your money stable so that it can provide you the income you need to live. However, prices for medications, food, and fuel continue to rise so you might need some way to protect the purchasing power of your income from inflationary issues.

It very important to diversify your investments. You have heard the saying..."Don't keep your eggs all in one basket". That is so true. Take for instance the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scam. I heard Donald Trump being interviewed the day after the news broke. He was telling the reporter how he had been hosting a party in Palm Beach the night the news came down about the Ponzi scam. He personally knew of individuals who attended that party that, not only had invested all of their money in the scam, but had leveraged their homes as well. Instantly, they were broke. Now these are extreme issues, but each day there area many people who invest their hard-earned money in similar ways.

Diversifying your investments will hedge against this type of investing. Most of the time, you will avoid catachlysmic shifts in the economy, but there are no guarantees. It is good to have a portion of your portfolio invested in real estate, some in stocks, some in bonds, and some in moeny market funds. Again, the percentages of such depends on your risk tolerances along with what your short term and long term goals include.

In simple terms, there are two types of investments...one where you loan money to someone and the type where you own something. Loan investments are designed to provide a stable source of income but don't protect you from rising prices. Owned investments, such as mutual funds that invest in stocks, are designed to protect you from rising prices but have a return that fluctuates.

For money you plan to use in the next 1-3 years or for that portion that you must have to provide income, it is better to rent your money...to use a type of loan investment. Make sure that you understand that not all investments are created equal. There are many choices and some are better than others. It is advisable to diversify further within a given category. When you invest prudently, you Empower Yourself.

Be aware of investments that attemp to meet all of you needs in one product. Remember..if it sounds too good to be true...it probably is! Look for the best investement based on your risk parameters. This will give you better control and flexiblity...Empower Yourself!

Tips To Live A Healthier & Happier Life

Living a happier and healthier lifestyle does not have to be buried in a gym routine of 2 hours a day...

Everything needs to be in balance. For some of us, that 2 hour a day gym routine is a lifestyle, but for others...this may not be the case. It is important to realize that you must establish what goals you have for your own health.The following tips give you a good platform to base your lifestyle...make proactive changes and improve your health.

1. Activity should be a daily occurrence. Walk, run or jump for a minimum total of 20-30 minutes a day.

2. Protect your skin. Sun block should be applied on face, neck, arms and hands even in the dead of winter. It protects against climatic toxins too. Make sure it covers UVA & UVB rays. Moisturize your skin daily.

3. Eat fruits, vegetables, grains, low-fat dairy products and small amounts of protein. Avoid sweets and other processed foods. Read your labels and stay away from "high fructose corn syrup". If possible, purchase a juice machine and drink raw vegetable juice at least once a day. Adjunct your diet with a high quality vitamin mineral complex.

4. Meditate or spend a minimum of five minutes daily in quiet time reflecting how much you have to be thankful for.

5. Find your spiritual self. Discover what inspires you, raises your level of consciousness, motivates you, and satisfies your soul. Involve yourself in some type of charity.

6. Exercise your brain. Read, study, solve problems, and learn new skills. As does the body, the brain atrophies with lack of use. This also helps to keep you emotionally in balance.

7. Hug somebody. The power of the human touch and affection has long been proven to release endorphins as well as serotonin, which improves your emotional well-being.

These tips, though simple and easy to perform, are often left forgotten in our busy lifestyles. If they are heeded, you will live a happier, healthier, and more productive lifestyle with less illness, as well as less stress. A simple way to Empower Yourself Daily...

Empower Yourself by Spiritual Improvement

Relationships can measure spiritual health. We have relationships with all types of individuals for various reasons. Those reasons are less important than what relationships tell us about ourselves and our spiritual health. The degree of peace we experience in our relationships is a key measurement of spiritual health. We desire peace but we do not always practice peacefulness. The gap between desire and practice is where most of us fall short. We fail because we allow our ego to take control of our responses. The ego fiercely protects it's illusions, so it argues, pouts, controls, and does things that intentionally hurt others, but underneath the dastardly deeds of the ego is the spirit's and the mind's desire for peace...the desire to be healed. There are a number of things that you can do in your relationships to improve your spiritual health.

1.] Stop demanding perfection and control. Perfection is elusive, subjective, and unhealthy to expect from yourself and others. Seeking perfection creates extreme levels of stress, agitation, and anxiety. Underneath our desire for perfection is the need for control. We cannot control others, nor should we try. We should be evaluating our own personality critically, with non-attachment thereby denying the shallow side of our personality. If we don't the denial pattern will eventually corner us into isolation and loneliness.

2.] Perceive every experience as an expression of love or a request for healing and help. Each moment in time brings the opportunity to choose a different perspective. We have the choice to choose happiness and peace among the chaos of horrific circumstances. When we look beyond the pain , frustration, and confusion of the physical realm, and seek peace instead of answers, we find a refreshingly simple perspective. If you learn to change your mind about what you perceive and seek, you will change what you get.

3.] Let go of the payoff from pain. We tend to cling to pain because we get some kind of payoff or satisfaction from it. Realize that your pain brings you some kind of value, or you won't hang on to it for so long. Taking responsibility for every aspect of your life and stop believing that you are being the victim. This is an important step forward toward healing and peace.

4.] Embrace the teachers in life. Each person and experience teaches us something. These lessons can be painful and difficult. Embracing the teachers of life means that we can learn to focus on what our experiences can teach us, rather than focusing on what we didn't get or how we are "injured". More often than not, we get what we "need", not necessarily what we "want". Accept this and acknowledge those with gratitude, peace, and love...those in your life who have gathered to help and teach you.

5.] Recognize that when we give to others we give to ourselves. When you give love to others, you give love to yourself. When you give anger or hate to others, you give it to yourself as well. It is impossible to separate what we give and what we receive. Learn to give more freely. Do not wait for someone else to encourage you to give. Yo do not have to give money...it can be your time. When you give of yourself...the real winner is you...you are Empowered! Step out...be strong...be proactive! A few years ago, I was one of the types who liked to talk about helping others...but never did. One day I woke up and told myself that it was time to stop talking...time to "walk the walk". I joined a charity that was feeding homeless children. The first day I passed out food to those children...I returned home a forever changed man...it was the most humbling, but yet Empowering experience I have ever felt. I realized as I looked into the faces of these young children...yes... I said "children" ages 6-13, that no matter what challenges I face in life...they are minute compared to what these children were facing on a daily basis...just wanting love, food, warmth, a bath, proper clothing...basic necessities of life...things we take for granted...

6.] Forgive others! Forgiveness brings relief. Hanging on to old painful grudges creates deep currents of stress in our mind, body, and emotions. When we learn to forgive, we experience a tremendous release of pressure. Relationships of all types will feel more loving, happy, and satisfied when we operate in a state of gratitude and forgiveness.

When we apply these simple principles of spirituality and love, our lives will open up to a whole new world of happiness, health, and wealth. When you practice this...you will truly become Empowered...

Ways To Empower Your Life Spiritually

What is the definition of spiritual health? A whole and healthy spirit means different things to different individuals. I believe it is a sense of "wholeness", a sense of "knowing", and a sense of something far greater and more wonderful than "what I see in front of me". When we get sick, we have two paths we can take...we can shrivel up and die or we can open ourselves up to a new journey.

Our spirit is our essence...it tends to be the one thing we neglect the most. We have to make time everyday to feed our spirit. When we take care of our spirit, we find the path to our authentic self and ultimately to living the life we were intended to live.

Most people are unaware of the importance of spiritual health...caught up in the whirlwind of life, mindlessly and without question living an illusion, and suddenly...illness shatters this illusion. We are forever changed by the experience of illness and we learn things we would have never learned otherwise. We can take these spiritual lessons and the knowledge we acquire...share it with those around us to try and make the world a better place, so that hopefully it won't come to the point where all those that come after us will endure the same suffering that we have endured.

There are many different spiritual paths and no one can tell another, which is the right one to choose. Each of us must follow the yearnings of our own soul or true self. Understand that we are not talking about religion here. Some people may find spiritual fulfillment in religion, but it is only one of many ways. Spiritual connection is about finding meaning and purpose in your life, discovering who you truly are and connecting with the sources that provide you inner strength, comfort, hope and inner peace.

Tune in to your inner voice and identify what it is that makes you feel whole and connected to the universe. When do you feel most fulfilled and complete? What gives you inner peace, comfort, strength and harmony?

It may be religion or reading the bible. For some, it might be a yoga class or meditation. For others it might be working in the garden, watching a beautiful sunset, participating in your favorite charity, or performing a dance. The sources are many...the important factor is that you identify what works for you...develop it...harmonize with it...let it "Empower" you. A lot of individuals believe that the search for the spiritual is a big mystery or mandates attendance at retreats or meetings...thus they never find "their spiritual hideway". They go on through the path of life not realizing inner peace and their true potential...

Spirituality is an integral part of everyone and can be found in all aspects of your life. You need to only become aware. When this happens...you are "Empowered".

Empowering Your Life Spiritually

Spiritual health is an important component of an individuals well being and an integral aspect of the holistic health philosophy.

Physical, mental, and spiritual health are deeply intertwined and have a profound effect on one another. For example, this is clearly exhibited when someone who is sad on the emotional level experiences fatigue, a loss of energy and/or decrease appetite on the physical level. On the spiritual level they feel out of touch with their true self and disconnected from the universe. When we feel lost and unbalanced, this may cause us to be moody and discontent with life. Perhaps we grow emotionally distant from our loved ones and on the physical level we may experience stress or fatigue.

On the other hand, when we feel connected and balanced spiritually, we feel better physically and emotionally. Everything in our life including physical and emotional pains are easier to deal with...we feel lighter and happier. Nourishing the soul is as important as food, water, and exercise.

Some people claim to have been healed spiritually. While this may seem a little more unusual, it does happen on occasion whether you believe it or not. I am speaking from first hand experience. My mother had a brain tumor over 10 years ago. The neurosurgeon was unable to remove all the tumor due to the fact that it was wrapped around a very important cerebral artery. Through our christian family, thousands of people from around the world were praying for her. She had a follow-up MRI one year later. The neurosurgeon just shook his head. He had no explanation, as he reviewed the films with my mom. He told her that there was no tumor present...period...nothing. These things do happen...miracles if you will. Even if you do not experience compete healing from whatever problem you are experiencing, spirituality can be used to help you feel better, cope with pain, symptoms, limits, and daily challenges so that you can continue to find meaning and purpose in your life...live life more fully...Empower Yourself...

Stay tuned for ways to improve you spiritual health...ways to live a happier, healthier life...ways to become more Empowered.

"Juicing"...Empowers Your Life...Your Health

What is an "Enzyme"? Why is "juicing" from raw fruits and vegetables so important?

According to the American Pocket Medical Dictionary, (nineteenth edition), an "Enzyme" is defined as an organic compound, frequently a protein, which is able to accelerate or to produce by catalytic action some change in a substrate for which it is often specific. Enzymes "Empower" us.

Humans, animals, and plants are composed of cells with different activities, both inside and outside the cell membrane. All these activities need the presence of enzymes in order to function. Without enzymes, there will be no cellular activities. A cell without cellular activity is considered dead.

Enzymes, like vitamins and essential minerals, are vital to all living things. We have different enzymes in different systems. Those that are concerned with digestion are known as digestive enzymes which are secreted by special glands or mucosal cells along the digestive pathway. Their chief function is to metabaolize the ingested food so that its components can be absorbed and utilized by our body. This whole process of digestion, absorption, and utilization is know as "assimilation".

Food enzymes are digestive enzymes present in food or food supplements. Their sources can be animal or vegetable in origin. In medical terms, digestive enzymes secreted by our digestive system inside our body are "endogenous". Those taken as food or food supplements (food enzymes) are "exogenous". These "exogenous" enzymes:

1.] Function best at certain pH and temperature.
2.] Are easily destroyed by high temperature due to cooking or food processors.
3.] Once destroyed, they must be replaced.

Digestive enzymes are categorized into four main groups. In layman's terms, these are comprised of

*Carbohydrase Enzymes which digest carbohydrates.

*Proteus Enzymes that digest proteins.

*Lipase Enzymes digest fats.

*Cellulase Enzymes digest cellulose which is a complex carbohydrate forming the framework of plant structures.

When we are born, each of us is given a limted supply of digestive enzymes. This supply needs to last throughout our lifetime. The more rapidly you use up your enzyme supply, the shorter your life will be. "Juicing" with raw fruits and vegetables replenishes many of these necessary enzymes. "Juicing" Empowers our minds, our bodies, our lives...

Essential Habits For Good Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. That being said, proactive changes you can make to help prevent it, such as quitting smoking, eating a low-cholesterol diet, and exercising can lessen the chance of developing heart disease.

It is possible that you have developed some of these habits without realizing it. Walking for a minimum of 30 minutes a day is a proven step to decreasing your incidence of heart disease. It is a fact that people who start exercising regularly after a heart attack have higher survival rates long term. Walking with a friend, walking your dog...these are ways that you can improve the condition of your heart, lose weight, and be doing something more enjoyable without feeling like you are on an exercise "program".

Eating whole grain foods, especially bread, is one of the latest buzz words in "diet" circles. Whole grain foods, such as bread, rice, & pasta are full of fiber, making you feel much more full after you eat them. Compared to bread, rice, & pasta made with white flour, the glycemic index of whole grain foods is much lower, providing more stable glucose levels that the body can use more efficiently. This more stable glycemic index also yields lower Triglyceride levels and less fat accumulation.

Getting enough sleep. The National Sleep Foundation states that a lack of sleep is linked to heart disease and stroke. Less than seven hours of sleep per night on a consistent basis may boost blood pressure. Getting less than 5 hours of sleep per night is associated with an increased incidence of heart disease.

Brushing your teeth...something as simple as looking after your teeth and gums may help keep heart disease away. It is not clear where the link lies, but researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease. If you have a heart condition already, gum disease can make it worse.

Feeling good about your self at least once per day...yes we have heard that laughter is the best medicine, however doing something for at least 15 minutes a day that you thoroughly enjoy will naturally decrease your stress and put you in a better frame of mind. Being happy can lower blood pressure. Happy people have more energy and a stronger desire to exercise. We do not know if stress has a direct link to heart disease or not, but we do know there is a strong indirect link between stress and heart disease.

Simple concepts such as the ones we have discussed can effect a positive change in our lives, thus Empowering each of us. Do you want to live a happier, healthier life? Do you want to become Empowered?

Change Your Money Habits...Empower Yourself

What does it mean to shake our money free...to unleash the power of money? It is Empowering. It feels like dancing through life with your money and having the power to create the life and health of the wealth you dream of and desire. Think of it as a currency version of "Dancing With The Stars". I do not know about you, but I feel this is a very important part of the health of my whole being. It is Empowering. I am confident that it will help me personally and professionally to be more in control of my money through increasing my awareness and ownership.

Here is a "To Do" list that will change the way you handle money:

1.] Pay yourself first by signing up for an automatic savings plan.

2.] Get a will and a trust.

3.] Adopt the 48 hr rule; Before you make a purchase of anything over $100.00 wait 48 hrs!

4.] Find your credit score and protect it.

5.] Use a debit card instead of a credit card.

6.] Pay off high interest rate credit cards with money from your savings account.

7.] Sign up for a 401k plan at work.

8.] Review; home, auto, health, and life insurance policies. Are you eligible for lower premiums?

Here are some other good tips for improving your money & wealth management skills...

Be brutally honest with yourself. Tell the truth about your relationship with money. This means that you must be willing to admit you are in debt and know how much you owe, and how much you spend.

Define who your financial "Prince Charming" is; The one in your life you look to as the one who will always rescue you from personally taking responsibility for money.

Be willing to be uncomfortable. Realize that success lies on the other side of your comfort zone, as you keep focused on your profit motive.

Stop being vague with money. Notice the details. Keep a journal of all transactions, how much you spent and why.

The book "Make Money Not Excuses" by Jean Chatzky is an excellent reference. Get it...read it...absorb it. Dig down to your roots to see your "Money Blue".

Make a specific and conscious effort to add one new money habit each month. If you feel so inclined...make more than one new habit.

Empowering yourself by incorporating these simple but effective principals of good money management will improve yourself. It will drive discipline. It will force you to be responsible for yourself. It will make it possible to achieve your financial goals in life. It will Empower you!

Essentail Elements Of Empowerment

I recently talked about how Empowerment is the process of enhancing the ability of an individual or a group to make choices, as well as how it transforms these choices into positive actions and outcomes. Actions, which build individual and collective assets as well as improving efficiency and fairness, are central to this process.

Essential to Empowering an individual comprises a number of elements. A big part of this is "Access to Information". Information is power...it Empowers an individual. Let's use government for example. Two-way information flows from government to citizens and from citizens to government...a critical factor for responsible citizenship and responsible governing. Informed citizens are better enabled to take advantage of opportunities, access services, exercise their rights, negotiate effectively, and hold state and non-state actors accountable. Without effective, timely, relevant information, it is impossible for the common people to be heard and proactive. Information does not stop with documents in print such as blogs, but it expands to include debate, group discourse, self-help groups, culturally effective types of communication such as the media, internet, as well as local news delivered in the language most understood by local individuals. Timeless access to information at the local level is key to Empowering individuals, allowing them to realize that they matter...they are important...they are Empowered...

"Inclusion and Participation" is an Empowering approach that views individuals as co-producers in the decision making process, giving them autonomy and control over decisions and resources. At the local level, especially in environments where individuals may likely have lower self-esteem due to cultural barriers, especially in uneducated and impoverished areas, including these individuals in the priority and decision making process not only Empowers them, but helps insure that local resources are amassed to assist as needed. A sustained effort to proactively include these individuals on a more permanent basis usually demands that rules and regulations, evolves in an appropriate fashion for the culture and local train of thought. This does not mean that we must lower our standards, but rather use the
3-E's... "Examine,Educate, and Empower". Priority decision making is not always harmonious and priorities may be contested, so conflict resolution mechanisms need to come into play to manage disagreements.

Sustaining these types of evolving changes whereby lower chaste individuals become involved on a more permanent basis where there have long been a sense of exclusion or conflict, is a complex process that requires resources, facilitation, and the willingness to change. The tendency is to revert back to a more centralized control, rather than having confidence in local people to be proactive and Empowered.

Accountability, always a cornerstone of Empowerment, refers to the calling of individuals in charge to be held to a certain standard, and that they be answerable for their policies and actions. A range of options exist to ensure greater accounting to individuals for actions and outcomes. Access to information Empowers individuals to hold "those in power" to being accountable for their actions. Accountability relates directly to responsible control, being fiscally conservative, insuring that goals are attainable, and that actions are delegated appropriately so that attention is paid to all details. When these all come into play, not only are each individual(s), but also the groups are Empowered.

Since the beginning of time, individuals, groups, and communities have organized to take care of themselves. Local organizational capacity refers to the ability of people to work together, organize themselves, and mobilize resources to solve problems of common interest. As individuals organize into groups and communities, they become Empowered and confident. Organized communities are more often likely to have their voices heard and their demands met than communities with little organization. People of lower economic status maybe effective in survival needs, but more often than not they will be constrained by limited resources and technical knowledge. When groups cross cultural barriers and network together, they truly benefit each other and become more Empowered. Knowledge is expanded, needs are better met, self-esteem improves, and individuals as well as groups realize that collectively, they are stronger, better educated, have an improved economic status. They are truly Empowered!

Empowerment, Heros, And One "Empowered Man"

Yesterday I talked about Empowerment and how it is the process of enhancing the capacity of individuals or groups to make choices and to transform those choices into desired actions and outcomes.

Today, I am gong to share with you a real life example of a truly "Empowered" individual...a man, loving father, devoted husband, devout christian, a friend of mine, a friend to many, an example for us all...real Empowerment! Sgt. Henry Prendes was a detective in the Las Vegas Metro Police Department, until a little over three years ago when he made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty...doing what he did best..."helping others".

I had the privilege of meeting Henry about 5 years ago through a mutual business associate. I was immediately impressed by the passion he displayed for helping others. As I got to know him on a more personal basis, his true Empowerment became very apparent. Each time that I would go out to visit him and his wife Dawn, I would step into their home and would notice that they had contemporary christian music playing on the sound system. As we would talk about different things, our conversation would frequently get around to a topic that we were both passionate about...helping others...especially under-privileged kids. At that time, I was in charge of "Kids Ministry" at a local church, so we often threw ideas back and forth. Henry had a dream... to purchase property in a country setting and build a christian camp for kids to attend with no barriers. Meaning that if a child wanted to attend who could not afford the cost, a way would be provided for the child to attend at no cost for them. Henry was already a very "Empowered" individual. He never went anywhere without his Bible. He would frequently be seen having Bible studies with his fellow police officers.

Tragically, a little over 3 years ago, his life was taken from him. Henry "Empowered" so many people around him throughout his life. His influence and dynamic personality were, and are to this day an inspiration to so many people. It is quite possible that his life and spirit have "Empowered" more people in Las Vegas than anyone individual. His dream lives on. His wife, Dawn, vowed to fulfill what he started. Each year she puts on the Henry Prendes Annual Golf Charity Tournament. (Henry was an avid golfer) Proceeds go toward Henry's Place, a charitable foundation committed to fulfilling Henry's dream...to help change lives of young people...to "Empower" them. This will be the third annual event, March 27th of this year, in Las Vegas.

Dawn recently purchased about 15 acres of land in the Cedar City, Utah area with plans to move forward on construction very soon. Strategic partnerships with local businesses have been arranged and forward thinking individuals are becoming more involved and "Empowered".

Civitan International, an organization long known for sponsoring and assisting physically challenged individuals, as well as being involved in brain and spinal research...has become involved, at the local level in Las Vegas..."Civitan On The Greens" in Las Vegas has become a strong supporter and strategic partner with the Henry Prendes Charitiable Golf Tournament.
Mark Eisinger, the chapter president of "Civitan On The Greens" as well as the President Elect of Civitan International, has become an "Empowered" strategic partner with Dawn Prendes, to help see Henry's Dream and "Henry's Place" become a reality.

We as humans, no matter whether we are christian or not, have the ability to become "Empowered". We can help others. We can inspire others. We can make a difference. You can make a difference today. Even something as simple as a smile and a warm greeting can Empower someone...as the Nike logo states..."Just Do It"!

For more information on Henry's dream click on the link http://www.henrysplace.org/
for more information on Civitan International, click on the link http://www.civitan.com/

What Is Empowerment?

Empowerment is the process of enhancing the ability of an individual or a group to make choices. Furthermore, it transforms these choices into positive actions and outcomes. Actions, which build individual and collective assets as well as improving efficiency and fairness, are central to this process.

Empowered people have freedom of choice and action. This enables them to better influence the course of their lives and each decision that will affect them. Perceptions of Empowerment vary across time, culture, and domains of an individual's life. For example; in Brazil, both men and women feel Empowered if they are able to engage in decisions on budget allocations. In the US, teenagers who come from lower income areas, feel Empowered when they realize that they can make positive decisions regarding their future without being berated by their peers. In India, a "low caste" woman feels Empowered when she gets a fair hearing in a public meeting consisting of men and women from different social-economic groups.

Empowerment speaks to self determined change. It brings together the supply and demand side of the developmental equation that changes the environment inside where less fortunate people live, helping them to build and capitalize on their own attributes. Empowerment is a cross-cutting issue. It encompasses; education, health care, government, economic policy, and any activities which seek to Empower less fortunate individuals. These activities are expected to increase development opportunities, enhance development outcomes, and improve their quality of life.

As we further discuss Empowerment, we will look at four areas of practice, as well as how Empowerment can be applied to different areas of practice. Until then...

How Diet And Exercise Plays Into Health...

Quite possibly Diet and Exercise hold two of the most critical elements that directly affect all aspects of our health...for todays discussion I will focus on issues that concern diet.

It has been said that "you are a product of what you eat". That is so true. Our fast-paced lifestyle comprised of racing to and from meetings, kids (if you have them), multi-tasking, IPHONES, text messaging, "Tweeting" on Twitter, blogging, etc..., etc... and the list goes on! Proper diet becomes part of the "ambient noise" in the background...a critical no-no!

We are seeing a constant rise in childhood obesity, diabetes, elevated cholesterol...yes these are all being frequently seen in teenagers, not just middle age baby boomers! Our health, due to poor diet, is truly a product of our lifestyle. Trans Fats, High Fructose Corn Syrup, & Refined Sugars, added to a heavy meat diet are pushing our health limits to critical mass! Cancer is on the rise. We are in meltdown mode. Medical costs continue to increase. More and more people are having to choose between eating correctly and paying bills...you know the answer there.

It has been well-documented how consumption of refined sugars have contributed to tooth decay, obesity, diabetes, elevated lipid levels that over time contribute significantly to cardiovascular disease, among other health problems. We have heard so many "buzz words" about Trans Fats and how harmful they can be to our bodies.

I would like to focus on another aspect that relates directly to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes...it is High Fructose Corn Syrup. According to Gabe Mirkin, M.D., "there are documented studies that fructose is processed differently in the body than sugar. Glucose causes the Pancreas to release Insulin which drives sugar from the bloodstream into the cells. Glucose causes fat cells to release Leptin that makes you feel full so you eat less. Glucose also prevents the stomach from releasing Ghrelin that makes you hungry. On the other hand, fructose does not cause fat cells to release Leptin and does not suppress Ghrelin. This means that fructose increases hunger to make you eat more. Furthermore, the liver converts fructose far more readily to a body fat called Triglyceride, than it does with glucose. High Tryglyceride levels raise blood levels of the bad LDL Cholesterol and lower blood levels of the good HDL Cholesterol which increase the chance for developing cardiovascular disease." Not only do we feel like eating more, but more fat cells are stored, so we are hit with a two-pronged attack. The lobbyists in the corn industry do not want you to know how bad this is. They proclaim that this type of sweetener is "natural". What difference does that make when the product not only interferes with the hormonal balance related to control of our intake, but also causes the liver to store more fat cells.

It is important to become a "label reader" when at the grocery store. Take for example many processed cereals...they will show lower amounts of sugar, but High Fructose Corn Syrup is added as an adjunct to the sweetening process. Most people will not pay much attention to this element as it seems rather innocuous in nature....buyer beware.

We are living longer. At the same time we are exhibiting more serious, preventable diseases. The process to change ones diet can be challenging. It requires self-discipline and motivation.
However when an individual chooses to change their lifestyle, significant improvements will be noticed in a short period of time. It may be weight loss, better sleep patterns, increased energy, better immunity among others...but you will see a positive change.

A study, released by Johns Hopkins University, discussing alternative forms of cancer treatment brought to light some serious issues. "We all have cancer cells in our bodies. These cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell their cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after undergoing treatment...it just means the tests are not able to detect the cells because of their size."

Cancer cells feed on refined sugars. Don't get this confused with the sugar that occurs in fruits and other natural sources, such as honey and molasses. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat based diet is acidic. It is best to eat fish and moderate amounts of chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful.

A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruit will help put the body in an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food, including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed for building healthy cells and reach down to cell levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells.
Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the the intestines putrefies which leads to more toxic buildup.

Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By reducing or eliminating the consumption of meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of these cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy them. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the patient be a survivor...emotional health...a positive spirit...so important!

My next post will tie it all together, as we discuss how exercise positively impacts our health from all aspects...Stay tuned...

Spiritual Well Being...Does It Even Matter?

Spiritual Well Being...Does It Even Matter?...For some, this is a loaded question. For others, it is "cut and dried". Your spiritual well being has a distinct capacity for having an influence over your health as it can have a direct effect on your self-esteem, as well as your body chemistry. That being said, I am not here to get into any type of theological discussion. I believe this concept applies to all humanity...no matter whether you are a Christian, Jewish, Muslim. Hindu, Buddhist, Agnostic, or Atheistic. If we all look inside ourselves deep enough, we would all probably agree that there is some higher power out there...so we have a spiritual element, no matter what our belief system evolves around.

Spirituality consists of the values by which you interpret your world view, organize your day to day living, and assess your way of life. Spirituality is the way that you find meaning, hope, comfort, and inner peace in your life.

After 9-11, thousands of individuals found themselves in churches. They were there for various reasons, but some common denominators stood out...fear, stress, and uncertainty...concerns about safety...love for your fellow man...the desire for that basic human element of the need for safety...feelings of community bond, feelings of hopelessness and anger. If we look back, probably most of us had one or more of these feelings. We found comfort in each other, in each others' "Spirituality". We found that "Bonding" decreased our stress levels and we could see clearer. So how does that tie in with spiritual well being having an effect on our health?

If you will recall, in one of my previous posts, we discussed how elevated stress levels, especially on a continuum, release toxins into our system that begin the inflammation of tissues. It has been widely documented that "tissue inflammation" is the fundamental basis for many diseases such as cancer, diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, auto-immune type diseases...the list goes on and on. Spirituality has positive affects on our health. There have been several studies showing how spirituality improves health and healing. It promotes positive thinking, positive ideals, positive habits, positive attitudes, and positive efforts.

According to the book "To Your Health", "Spirituality and the cultivation of spiritual health can have an influence on physical, mental, and emotional health sometimes in very dramatic ways. Spirituality buffers stress, making us better able to resist and fight disease. A deep sense of spirituality causes a physical relaxation that reduces blood pressure and slows the heart rate. People heal more quickly and completely. One of the reasons spirituality impacts physical health is that people with a deep sense of spirituality stop focusing on themselves and start focusing on others, an attitude that promotes health in general." Even if you do not consider yourself to be "Spiritual", think of the principals of Yoga...relaxation, deep breathing, clearing your mind of unnecessary things, practicing meditation which is known to slow the heart rate and breathing.

These important factors play a big role in our mental and emotional health as well as our physical well being. Our last piece of this puzzle will address how diet and exercise play a pivotal role in health.