It seems as though the media (along with other entities) is trying to soften or 'pretty up' the concept of regular exercise by calling it 'physical activity' (which it is, obviously). So call it whatever you choose---to make it sound appealing---then just DO IT! Below is some serious ammunition (health reasons) to spur you on:
Exercise helps prevent obesity, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, hormone imbalances, depression and some forms of cancer.(This is actually a US law: 103-417!)
The CDC reports that 70% of Americans are not active enough to benefit their health. Not a surprise to the majority of us---A definite 'wake-up call' though!
Medical studies have shown that 90 minutes of exercise a week controlled depression better than tri-cyclic antidepressant drugs. The benefits took 8 weeks to reach this level. WOW!
By combining exercise with nutritional supplementation you get exponential benefits to the immune function:
*Humans that took nutritional supplements increased NK cells 18% for 6 hours. (Natural Killer cells--they're good guys! They destroy fatal viruses, cancers, and bacteria)
*Humans that exercised increased NK cells 13% for 6 hours.
*Humans that did both increased NK cells 255% for 20 hours!!
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise. Take out your calendar and schedule it in your day. What a great investment to make in your health...and...yup...it's FREE as well! (Unless you need a new pair of walking shoes---or opt for a pair of weighted fitness shoes like I wear each morning!).
The benefits are TOO GREAT to ignore. Start your regular exercise plan TODAY--don't wait for a new month, a new season, a new walking outfit---just DO IT!
Blessings of health to you--
Sana
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Preventive Maintenance---For YOU!
Ask anyone who recently purchased a new car if they plan on getting the oil changed regularly--and following the preventive maintenance plan found in the Owner's Manual. The typical answer is, "of course!" When asked why, their answer would be something on the order of, "to make it last longer and work more efficiently." It's not a hard concept for the vast majority of car owners to grasp---that's why we see the 'Grease Monkeys' and 'Oil Can Harry's' around---to make it convenient for necessary vehicle maintenance.
The car analogy is not new...it's just a great way to 'wrap your mind' around the idea of 'Personal Preventive Maintenance.' We realize the benefits of regular oil changes, fluid checks, tire rotations, filter changes, etc for our vehicles---so we make sure it gets done. And no, insurance doesn't pay for it! We know we'll end up paying much more in the long run, though, if we forego the preventive maintenance.
If we're making sure this happens for our vehicles, why on earth are so many people not doing the same for their bodies?? At least we can get a new vehicle if the current one breaks down completely. We can't get a new body! And if we wait until our bodies break down, we know that it will cost more and take longer to get 'back to normal'---and sometimes normal is not even an option.
What does Personal Preventive Maintenance look like? Biggies on the list include:
*Getting good quality sleep in adequate amounts nightly
*Drinking 1/2 our body weight in ounces each day--good quality drinking water
*Using an air filtration system in our home (that doesn't produce ozone)
*Eating a balanced diet with an emphasis on veggies and fruit (minimimizing processed foods)
*Taking basic whole food supplements to make sure our bodies are getting the nutrition they need
*Getting regular exercise (walking 30 minutes a day)
*Regular health screenings, depending on age (mammogram, colonoscopy, BP checks...)
As you can see, none of it is rocket science. If you're serious about 'getting healthy' and taking Ownership of your Health' choose one of the above and make it a priority---'build' it into your daily routine.
I have ideas and recommendations to help make this process easier as well. My family and I have been enjoying the benefits of 'personal preventive maintenance' for years.
Time to go get my oil changed on my vehicle (thank goodness there are no muffler bearings to grease!) :o)
Be Well...
Sana
The car analogy is not new...it's just a great way to 'wrap your mind' around the idea of 'Personal Preventive Maintenance.' We realize the benefits of regular oil changes, fluid checks, tire rotations, filter changes, etc for our vehicles---so we make sure it gets done. And no, insurance doesn't pay for it! We know we'll end up paying much more in the long run, though, if we forego the preventive maintenance.
If we're making sure this happens for our vehicles, why on earth are so many people not doing the same for their bodies?? At least we can get a new vehicle if the current one breaks down completely. We can't get a new body! And if we wait until our bodies break down, we know that it will cost more and take longer to get 'back to normal'---and sometimes normal is not even an option.
What does Personal Preventive Maintenance look like? Biggies on the list include:
*Getting good quality sleep in adequate amounts nightly
*Drinking 1/2 our body weight in ounces each day--good quality drinking water
*Using an air filtration system in our home (that doesn't produce ozone)
*Eating a balanced diet with an emphasis on veggies and fruit (minimimizing processed foods)
*Taking basic whole food supplements to make sure our bodies are getting the nutrition they need
*Getting regular exercise (walking 30 minutes a day)
*Regular health screenings, depending on age (mammogram, colonoscopy, BP checks...)
As you can see, none of it is rocket science. If you're serious about 'getting healthy' and taking Ownership of your Health' choose one of the above and make it a priority---'build' it into your daily routine.
I have ideas and recommendations to help make this process easier as well. My family and I have been enjoying the benefits of 'personal preventive maintenance' for years.
Time to go get my oil changed on my vehicle (thank goodness there are no muffler bearings to grease!) :o)
Be Well...
Sana
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Smoke Detectors & Sickness Detectors
You know the feeling...after a busy day...looking forward to falling into bed for a great night's sleep...the end to a great day, right?
Now imagine a most annoying sound...the chirping/beeping noise of a smoke detector in need of a new battery! The chirp/beep noise broke the quietness of the evening around 10:15PM---just as I was getting ready for bed. My husband was out of town last night (how does that work?), so I figured out which smoke alarm it was (not hard--just follow the annoying chirp/beep to where it is the loudest) & hauled the ladder in from the garage (10 foot ceilings--step stools don't work!). I even had extra 9 volt batteries (from the last time this happened in the middle of the night), so I put one in my pocket & climbed up. OK, now...let's balance on the ladder...try to unscrew the smoke detector unit from the ceiling overhead & pull the battery out...all while balancing...Hmmm. Easier said than done! I finally wiggled the battery out & finally wiggled the new one into place & climbed down the ladder---only to hear the annoying chirp---AGAIN!
Long story short---after about 10 more trips up & down the ladder, reinserting the battery a few times, putting yet another battery in, waiting to see if the chirping stopped---Mission Accomplished--around 11PM! The chirping was intermittent--- everything seemed fine after inserting the battery, so I would climb down the ladder, wait a few minutes, only to hear it chirp/beep again! I admit I resorted to Googling in my frustration...using the key words of 'smoke detector chirping'---only to find that millions of others had dealt with similar challenges---all seeming to take place during the night! One gal had posted a question on one of the websites, wondering why 'they' couldn't make the alarms (chirp/beep noise) go off during the day instead of night-time. That would be convenient, wouldn't it? (I'm thinking she was blonde--but then so am I!) :o)
All I really wanted to do was drop into bed (my wonderful sleep system) & go to sleep, but the chirp/beep was something not to be ignored---and no, the chirping/beeping doesn't stop just by taking the battery out---the problem has to be taken care of!
Now imagine once more...an annoying chirp/beep noise that went off whenever our bodies started developing a sickness or disease...with the annoying noise continuing until we corrected the problem. A 'Sickness Detector' of sorts...what a concept!
Most diseases take several years to show up with symptoms--and then it's often a huge challenge to get back to total health. A person doesn't just 'catch' heart disease one day...or high blood pressure...or diabetes...or cancer, to name a few of the 'biggies' out there. An alarm that wouldn't stop until we addressed the problem by making simple lifestyle changes---things would look a bit different around here, I would say---we'd be looking at a lot more healthier people!
That's what building prevention into our lives is all about---except for the annoying chirping/beeping part! We've learned that good health doesn't just happen. And being proactive can make a huge difference in keeping those alarms from sounding. It's called Taking Ownership of our Health, instead of waiting for 'something bad' to happen...or letting your health care practitioner 'call the shots.'
I know I can avoid the annoying late night/middle of the night chirping/beeping of the smoke detectors with preventive maintenance of changing the batteries regularly---which we're going to start doing!
Isn't it time for each of us to make sure our 'Preventive Maintenance Plan' is in place for ourselves and our families? Watch for upcoming blogs on this---and email or post your questions!
Sleep Well with no chirp/beeps, knowing you're on the track to Total Wellness....
Sana
Now imagine a most annoying sound...the chirping/beeping noise of a smoke detector in need of a new battery! The chirp/beep noise broke the quietness of the evening around 10:15PM---just as I was getting ready for bed. My husband was out of town last night (how does that work?), so I figured out which smoke alarm it was (not hard--just follow the annoying chirp/beep to where it is the loudest) & hauled the ladder in from the garage (10 foot ceilings--step stools don't work!). I even had extra 9 volt batteries (from the last time this happened in the middle of the night), so I put one in my pocket & climbed up. OK, now...let's balance on the ladder...try to unscrew the smoke detector unit from the ceiling overhead & pull the battery out...all while balancing...Hmmm. Easier said than done! I finally wiggled the battery out & finally wiggled the new one into place & climbed down the ladder---only to hear the annoying chirp---AGAIN!
Long story short---after about 10 more trips up & down the ladder, reinserting the battery a few times, putting yet another battery in, waiting to see if the chirping stopped---Mission Accomplished--around 11PM! The chirping was intermittent--- everything seemed fine after inserting the battery, so I would climb down the ladder, wait a few minutes, only to hear it chirp/beep again! I admit I resorted to Googling in my frustration...using the key words of 'smoke detector chirping'---only to find that millions of others had dealt with similar challenges---all seeming to take place during the night! One gal had posted a question on one of the websites, wondering why 'they' couldn't make the alarms (chirp/beep noise) go off during the day instead of night-time. That would be convenient, wouldn't it? (I'm thinking she was blonde--but then so am I!) :o)
All I really wanted to do was drop into bed (my wonderful sleep system) & go to sleep, but the chirp/beep was something not to be ignored---and no, the chirping/beeping doesn't stop just by taking the battery out---the problem has to be taken care of!
Now imagine once more...an annoying chirp/beep noise that went off whenever our bodies started developing a sickness or disease...with the annoying noise continuing until we corrected the problem. A 'Sickness Detector' of sorts...what a concept!
Most diseases take several years to show up with symptoms--and then it's often a huge challenge to get back to total health. A person doesn't just 'catch' heart disease one day...or high blood pressure...or diabetes...or cancer, to name a few of the 'biggies' out there. An alarm that wouldn't stop until we addressed the problem by making simple lifestyle changes---things would look a bit different around here, I would say---we'd be looking at a lot more healthier people!
That's what building prevention into our lives is all about---except for the annoying chirping/beeping part! We've learned that good health doesn't just happen. And being proactive can make a huge difference in keeping those alarms from sounding. It's called Taking Ownership of our Health, instead of waiting for 'something bad' to happen...or letting your health care practitioner 'call the shots.'
I know I can avoid the annoying late night/middle of the night chirping/beeping of the smoke detectors with preventive maintenance of changing the batteries regularly---which we're going to start doing!
Isn't it time for each of us to make sure our 'Preventive Maintenance Plan' is in place for ourselves and our families? Watch for upcoming blogs on this---and email or post your questions!
Sleep Well with no chirp/beeps, knowing you're on the track to Total Wellness....
Sana
Monday, July 6, 2009
Showering Basics: No Chlorine!
If you were worried about a boring blog outlining the basics on how to take a shower---No Worries! Let's just assume that we all have that 'basic' down. :o)
What you may not realize is that drinking water (tap water) is not the only way to absorb toxic substances including chlorine. Chlorination of municipal water systems produces by-products which can cause serious health concerns. These byproducts have been associated with a variety of serious health challenges, like cancer, birth defects, kidney & liver damage, immune system suppression and neurologic problems.
These chlorine byproducts can be absorbed through our skin when bathing and showering. Certain byproducts, like trihalomethanes, enter our lungs when we inhale the steamy air during bathing. The amount of byproducts absorbed through our skin and lungs during bathing may be even greater in amount than one would ingest in a normal day of drinking tap water.
We realize that water disinfection with chlorine-type products decreases the level of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and cysts in the water. Chlorine is a reasonably inexpensive disinfectant, not too difficult to use and serves a variety of other purposes, including controlling color and odor. It does a pretty good job at cleaning up our water sources.
Just remember---our bodies were not designed to absorb chlorine (or any chlorine derivative)! An easy solution our family uses is a simple showerhead designed to filter out chlorine. It's great taking a shower without smelling the chlorine, having it dry out our skin and potentially causing significant health challenges.
Some of you may be wondering about swimming in a chlorinated pool...a way to minimize absorbing chlorine is to take a shower before jumping in. This decreases the amount of chlorine absorbed.
Be Well---and Be Thankful for Good Health!
Sana
What you may not realize is that drinking water (tap water) is not the only way to absorb toxic substances including chlorine. Chlorination of municipal water systems produces by-products which can cause serious health concerns. These byproducts have been associated with a variety of serious health challenges, like cancer, birth defects, kidney & liver damage, immune system suppression and neurologic problems.
These chlorine byproducts can be absorbed through our skin when bathing and showering. Certain byproducts, like trihalomethanes, enter our lungs when we inhale the steamy air during bathing. The amount of byproducts absorbed through our skin and lungs during bathing may be even greater in amount than one would ingest in a normal day of drinking tap water.
We realize that water disinfection with chlorine-type products decreases the level of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and cysts in the water. Chlorine is a reasonably inexpensive disinfectant, not too difficult to use and serves a variety of other purposes, including controlling color and odor. It does a pretty good job at cleaning up our water sources.
Just remember---our bodies were not designed to absorb chlorine (or any chlorine derivative)! An easy solution our family uses is a simple showerhead designed to filter out chlorine. It's great taking a shower without smelling the chlorine, having it dry out our skin and potentially causing significant health challenges.
Some of you may be wondering about swimming in a chlorinated pool...a way to minimize absorbing chlorine is to take a shower before jumping in. This decreases the amount of chlorine absorbed.
Be Well---and Be Thankful for Good Health!
Sana
Saturday, July 4, 2009
The Freedom To Take Ownership Of Your Health
We are very blessed as a nation to live in a country with such ready access to healthcare. We know that most people in the world don't have this luxury. But...would you agree that good access to healthcare DOES NOT ALWAYS EQUAL good health to those it serves?
American medicine sometimes causes more harm than good. The number of people having adverse drug reactions to prescribed medications while hospitalized is 2.2 million. The CDC reported the number of unnecessary antibiotics prescribed annually for viral infections in 1995 was 20 million. That number has now grown into the tens of millions of unnecessary antibiotics. (I'll explain in an upcoming blog about what frequent/unnecessary antibiotics can do to our 'gut' or GI tract).
The number of unnecessary medical and surgical procedures performed annually is 7.5 million. The number of people exposed to unnecessary hospitalization annually is 8.9 million.
As you read about these huge numbers, it may appear that the American medical system is the leading cause of death and injury in the United States! This may be a surprise to some---appalling to others---and extremely obvious to yet others.
I'm not saying that healthcare in the US is all bad...there's just great room for improvement. The first step is the decision to take OWNERSHIP of our health, not leaving our health up to chance...or in the hands of others (even healthcare providers). Don't get me wrong---I'm a healthcare provider...a Registered Nurse. My point is that it is that each of is is responsible for working with trusted healthcare providers, taking the time to learn about various options that are available, and then making the best decision based on solid information.
This is a totally different scenario from showing up for a medical appointment, telling where it hurts, being handed a few prescriptions & driving on the the pharmacy to get them filled---without first learning what is causing the health challenge or symptoms, discussing various options for treatment (including potential side effects), and focusing on simple lifestyle changes that will have longlasting effects.
We have the FREEDOM to take ownership of our health. We often don't realize what a gift our health is until it is threatened or gone.
Enjoy your many freedoms this 4th of July holiday---including your freedom to take back ownership of your health!
In Health...
Sana
American medicine sometimes causes more harm than good. The number of people having adverse drug reactions to prescribed medications while hospitalized is 2.2 million. The CDC reported the number of unnecessary antibiotics prescribed annually for viral infections in 1995 was 20 million. That number has now grown into the tens of millions of unnecessary antibiotics. (I'll explain in an upcoming blog about what frequent/unnecessary antibiotics can do to our 'gut' or GI tract).
The number of unnecessary medical and surgical procedures performed annually is 7.5 million. The number of people exposed to unnecessary hospitalization annually is 8.9 million.
As you read about these huge numbers, it may appear that the American medical system is the leading cause of death and injury in the United States! This may be a surprise to some---appalling to others---and extremely obvious to yet others.
I'm not saying that healthcare in the US is all bad...there's just great room for improvement. The first step is the decision to take OWNERSHIP of our health, not leaving our health up to chance...or in the hands of others (even healthcare providers). Don't get me wrong---I'm a healthcare provider...a Registered Nurse. My point is that it is that each of is is responsible for working with trusted healthcare providers, taking the time to learn about various options that are available, and then making the best decision based on solid information.
This is a totally different scenario from showing up for a medical appointment, telling where it hurts, being handed a few prescriptions & driving on the the pharmacy to get them filled---without first learning what is causing the health challenge or symptoms, discussing various options for treatment (including potential side effects), and focusing on simple lifestyle changes that will have longlasting effects.
We have the FREEDOM to take ownership of our health. We often don't realize what a gift our health is until it is threatened or gone.
Enjoy your many freedoms this 4th of July holiday---including your freedom to take back ownership of your health!
In Health...
Sana
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Choose Joy!
A little different topic, I realize---but just you wait!
A new friend of mine--a most amazing woman--included a 'tip' in her recent blog about pain being inevitable...misery being optional...and how we can all choose joy.
There's actually research about this...and...joy is FREE! It requires no prescription! It won't interfere with anything else in your life (oh, except maybe misery). And...there are no side effects (oh, except for being infectious around others...but that's a good thing...just more joy!)
A researcher from Pittsburgh Cancer Institute found the level of joy to be the second best predictor of survival time among patients with recurring breast cancer. How powerful is that??
Researchers have also found a high correlation between a person's level of assertiveness and fighting spirit (Game On!) and their immune levels. (The greater the fighting spirit and assertiveness, the higher functioning of the immune system--this is good!)
A researcher from Harvard conducted a 10-year study of 1,300 men that considered themselves optimists. They were found to have only half the incidence of heart disease compared to non-optimists (that would be the pessimists, right?) :o)
So...especially as we head into a wonderful holiday weekend where we celebrate our independence in the great USA, choose joy. Even when we may not be at a point where there is much joy in the current situation, we still have the choice to choose what we focus on and think about. Choose joy---Every time!
May you be blessed with great joy...and great health!
Sana
A new friend of mine--a most amazing woman--included a 'tip' in her recent blog about pain being inevitable...misery being optional...and how we can all choose joy.
There's actually research about this...and...joy is FREE! It requires no prescription! It won't interfere with anything else in your life (oh, except maybe misery). And...there are no side effects (oh, except for being infectious around others...but that's a good thing...just more joy!)
A researcher from Pittsburgh Cancer Institute found the level of joy to be the second best predictor of survival time among patients with recurring breast cancer. How powerful is that??
Researchers have also found a high correlation between a person's level of assertiveness and fighting spirit (Game On!) and their immune levels. (The greater the fighting spirit and assertiveness, the higher functioning of the immune system--this is good!)
A researcher from Harvard conducted a 10-year study of 1,300 men that considered themselves optimists. They were found to have only half the incidence of heart disease compared to non-optimists (that would be the pessimists, right?) :o)
So...especially as we head into a wonderful holiday weekend where we celebrate our independence in the great USA, choose joy. Even when we may not be at a point where there is much joy in the current situation, we still have the choice to choose what we focus on and think about. Choose joy---Every time!
May you be blessed with great joy...and great health!
Sana
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
No More Percocet & Vicodin...How About Some Safe Options?
The news headlines this morning probably took a few people by surprise..."Ban Percocet and Vicodin"...two of the most commonly prescribed pain relievers.
High doses of acetaminophen (main ingredient in pain relievers like Tylenol and Excedrin) are a leading cause of liver damage. Acetaminophen overdose is the leading cause of liver failure in the US, sending over 56,000 people to the Emergency Department. About 200 people die yearly as a result.
A committee of experts assembled by the FDA voted recommended that the FDA eliminate prescription drugs Vicodin and Percocet and reduce the highest allowed dose of acetaminophen in over-the-counter pills like Tylenol to 325 milligrams (from 500 mg). Members also voted to reduce the maximum daily dosage of acetaminophen to less than 4,000 milligrams.
Acetaminophen is combined with different narcotics in at least seven other prescription drugs, like Vicodin and Percocet. All of these combination pills will be banned if the Food and Drug Administration heeds the advice of its experts. Vicodin and its generic equivalents alone are prescribed more than 100 million times a year in the United States.
Dr. Lewis S. Nelson, a toxicologist from the New York University School of Medicine who served as the panel’s acting chairman, said experts had been warning of the dangers of combination painkillers like Percocet and Vicodin for years.
This recommendation is likely to come as a shock to many patients, who may be unaware of the dangers of high doses of acetaminophen — even if they know the drugs contain the ingredient.
This action has the potential of leaving many chronic pain sufferers with yet another challenge: finding a new way to reduce or eliminate their pain.
SAFE options would be a great starting point, don't you think? Maybe it's time to 'think outside the box'...the 'box' that most of us have grown up with: Pain? Take a pain pill. It that doesn't work take more pain pills or a combination of them.
How about this: Pain? Let's figure out the cause of the pain & address that. In the meantime, how about using totally safe and clinically researched technologies like far-infrared and magnetics for relief? I realize it may sound unusual---different---unlikely---that's because most of us have been brought up in the Western Medicine philosophy of treating symptoms, where pharmaceutical companies are earning billions of dollars, often at our individual great expense.
Safe, effective options---definitely worth checking out!
I look forward to your feedback....Let me know if there is a particular topic you would like addressed.
Be Well...
Sana
High doses of acetaminophen (main ingredient in pain relievers like Tylenol and Excedrin) are a leading cause of liver damage. Acetaminophen overdose is the leading cause of liver failure in the US, sending over 56,000 people to the Emergency Department. About 200 people die yearly as a result.
A committee of experts assembled by the FDA voted recommended that the FDA eliminate prescription drugs Vicodin and Percocet and reduce the highest allowed dose of acetaminophen in over-the-counter pills like Tylenol to 325 milligrams (from 500 mg). Members also voted to reduce the maximum daily dosage of acetaminophen to less than 4,000 milligrams.
Acetaminophen is combined with different narcotics in at least seven other prescription drugs, like Vicodin and Percocet. All of these combination pills will be banned if the Food and Drug Administration heeds the advice of its experts. Vicodin and its generic equivalents alone are prescribed more than 100 million times a year in the United States.
Dr. Lewis S. Nelson, a toxicologist from the New York University School of Medicine who served as the panel’s acting chairman, said experts had been warning of the dangers of combination painkillers like Percocet and Vicodin for years.
This recommendation is likely to come as a shock to many patients, who may be unaware of the dangers of high doses of acetaminophen — even if they know the drugs contain the ingredient.
This action has the potential of leaving many chronic pain sufferers with yet another challenge: finding a new way to reduce or eliminate their pain.
SAFE options would be a great starting point, don't you think? Maybe it's time to 'think outside the box'...the 'box' that most of us have grown up with: Pain? Take a pain pill. It that doesn't work take more pain pills or a combination of them.
How about this: Pain? Let's figure out the cause of the pain & address that. In the meantime, how about using totally safe and clinically researched technologies like far-infrared and magnetics for relief? I realize it may sound unusual---different---unlikely---that's because most of us have been brought up in the Western Medicine philosophy of treating symptoms, where pharmaceutical companies are earning billions of dollars, often at our individual great expense.
Safe, effective options---definitely worth checking out!
I look forward to your feedback....Let me know if there is a particular topic you would like addressed.
Be Well...
Sana
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
