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?
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, March 23, 2009
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!
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!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
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/
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/
Saturday, March 14, 2009
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...
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...
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
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...
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...
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
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.
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.
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