Productivity as most people would define it is being efficient in producing work or results. It's about getting the most and doing the most with the available time and resources made available to you. Being productive means much more than that, actually. It's also about having the right mindset, intentions, and drive. The burning questions in our minds then becomes how can we make our daily life more productive? Does it simply mean being able to do more or having more results? Well, yes and no. Yes in the sense that the actual outcome would mean really being able to do more and have more done. No in the sense that it is also a question of optimal time management. Time, you see, is not really on our side. That is a fact. Each second of every minute of every hour of every day of our lives will never be returned to us. We simply age even as you read this. That is a natural law and there simply is no way getting around it.
Being more productive begins with establishing new habits and eradicating old ones. The following should be a daily inclusion in your TO DO list;
1. Be more observant of what you do on a daily basis and the length of time by which you do them.
2. Be less idle. Learn to do things in between things.
3. Start your day early and note which part of the day you are most productive and when is your down-time.
4. Stay Healthy.
5. Be more compliant and less fixated on other people's "How-to's" in life.
6. Always have a backup plan handy and always see things through YOURSELF.
7.It's always about ATTITUDE.
Being more productive is also about the way you interact with the people you encounter on a daily basis. What I mean by this is its also about relationships.
How you react and interact ultimately has resounding effects on your level of productivity. So breed a healthy environment not just in the workplace but at home as well. Stress, depression, and tension have the most negative effects on your outlook and the way you perform. Also, learn to be dynamic. "Flow like water", as they say. Never commit yourself to totality but rather commit yourself in being at your best even at the worst of times. Until our next post, folks. You guys take care.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Art of Not Worrying
Most of us worry too much. That's true because we want to have within our grasp a certain level of control on all aspects of our lives. Being in control means being secure, or at least we would like to believe. Control, however, is often debilitating in that it closes our minds to other possibilities. We function within a certain set of parameters and we are afraid of going beyond that. The truth is we worry needlessly over many things, most of which are BEYOND our control.
The secret to a worry-free life is two things actually; acceptance and learning to let go. We simply have to accept things as they are and let go of our insecurities, doubts, fears, and apprehensions. As human beings, we grow and evolve over time. We learn, apply, and incorporate what we experience during our own life time. As individuals, however, we constantly seek self worth, self improvement, and anything actually to punctuate who we are and what we are.
Here are some helpful hints to lessen your tendency to worry, or as in the case for most of us, over-worry:
1. Divert your thoughts and attention elsewhere. Train yourself to mentally override anxiety by diverting your thoughts to other less strenuous matters.
2. Laughter makes you forget. Have someone tell you a joke or think of a really hilarious moment with the kids, your spouse, or your best friend. Laughing releases endorphins in our bodies which relieves stress.
3. Exercise. Exercising relieves stress and a light walk around the block often really helps.
4. Learn to eat foods that held fight stress. Foods rich with anti-oxidant properties help relieve stress. Also, foods which lower hyperacidity help avoid ulcers from forming.
5. Plan ahead and contingency plans would help. However, don't overdo it and leave yourself a little room for adventure. Sometimes, venturing to places and things unknown let's us know that we are still vibrant with life.
So there you have it. Don't worry of things that have no positive effects on your life. Stay away from negativity and culture only positive attitude and thoughts. Learn to accept that there are only so much you can do and have the power to control and, ultimately, change. That which you can you can certainly enrich to the fullest. Take care folks, and God Bless.
The secret to a worry-free life is two things actually; acceptance and learning to let go. We simply have to accept things as they are and let go of our insecurities, doubts, fears, and apprehensions. As human beings, we grow and evolve over time. We learn, apply, and incorporate what we experience during our own life time. As individuals, however, we constantly seek self worth, self improvement, and anything actually to punctuate who we are and what we are.
Here are some helpful hints to lessen your tendency to worry, or as in the case for most of us, over-worry:
1. Divert your thoughts and attention elsewhere. Train yourself to mentally override anxiety by diverting your thoughts to other less strenuous matters.
2. Laughter makes you forget. Have someone tell you a joke or think of a really hilarious moment with the kids, your spouse, or your best friend. Laughing releases endorphins in our bodies which relieves stress.
3. Exercise. Exercising relieves stress and a light walk around the block often really helps.
4. Learn to eat foods that held fight stress. Foods rich with anti-oxidant properties help relieve stress. Also, foods which lower hyperacidity help avoid ulcers from forming.
5. Plan ahead and contingency plans would help. However, don't overdo it and leave yourself a little room for adventure. Sometimes, venturing to places and things unknown let's us know that we are still vibrant with life.
So there you have it. Don't worry of things that have no positive effects on your life. Stay away from negativity and culture only positive attitude and thoughts. Learn to accept that there are only so much you can do and have the power to control and, ultimately, change. That which you can you can certainly enrich to the fullest. Take care folks, and God Bless.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
How to ask the right questions
All of the answers we seek in our daily lives depend, ultimately, on the questions we posed. Whether or not the answers we get register as being satisfactory is really a matter of whether they answer our questions or not. You have to understand that being "results" oriented is the objective of this post and the results we often get in life aren't really what we expect or want altogether. Whether we realize it or not, most of what we do in a day to day basis is a journey towards an answer, a solution to a problem or question. This daily "quest" of ours drives us to continually redefine ourselves, to continually strive towards a balance of "why we do what we do" and "if what we do is right for us".
It really boils down to CONTROL. We want to have a comfortable grasp over all aspects of our lives so that we an exert a certain level of control. We equate control with security and therein lies the flaw. We often seek answers which we feel will give us total control of our lives, not leaving anything to chance. We seek security in the way we exert control or the strength of our control. If we feel unhinged or maybe even unsure of how certain areas in our lives play out, it is because we lose that sense of security we feel when we are on top of things.
Our insecurity or fear of not being able to man our own oars leads to issues on how we interpret and function in the world we live in. We fear the unknown because we have no control of any outcome. But let's just stop for a minute and try to think about these 3 points I would like to share with you;
1. Ask simple questions, get direct, simple answers.
2. It's better to ask 5 simple questions and get 5 direct, simple, and true answers than asking a long complex question whose answer is complex and full of "uncertain" meaning.
3. Ask often. Think of your questions as your life's "maps".
The first point teaches us SIMPLICITY. Breaking it down to it's finer points allows us to uncover details we , on occasion, miss. Don't complicate your already complicated life. Bask in certainty by asking simple questions. Direct and simple answers are about as real as you get. The second point teaches us PATIENCE. Sometimes we want to know too much too soon to get our tensions and apprehensions out of the way,but I always say "There is a time for everything, and everything has it's own time". Learn to master this art;patience. The third point teaches us DIRECTION. By having direction we have FOCUS and focus is what fine tunes our efforts.
Perspective and Priorities also play a role on how we ask our life questions. The three points I mentioned above will make you more "tuned" to your priorities, regardless of their level of importance. Once again, until our next post. Take care of yourselves, guys. Make the world a better place by starting with yourselves. Thanks again for your time..JowelMD signing off
It really boils down to CONTROL. We want to have a comfortable grasp over all aspects of our lives so that we an exert a certain level of control. We equate control with security and therein lies the flaw. We often seek answers which we feel will give us total control of our lives, not leaving anything to chance. We seek security in the way we exert control or the strength of our control. If we feel unhinged or maybe even unsure of how certain areas in our lives play out, it is because we lose that sense of security we feel when we are on top of things.
Our insecurity or fear of not being able to man our own oars leads to issues on how we interpret and function in the world we live in. We fear the unknown because we have no control of any outcome. But let's just stop for a minute and try to think about these 3 points I would like to share with you;
1. Ask simple questions, get direct, simple answers.
2. It's better to ask 5 simple questions and get 5 direct, simple, and true answers than asking a long complex question whose answer is complex and full of "uncertain" meaning.
3. Ask often. Think of your questions as your life's "maps".
The first point teaches us SIMPLICITY. Breaking it down to it's finer points allows us to uncover details we , on occasion, miss. Don't complicate your already complicated life. Bask in certainty by asking simple questions. Direct and simple answers are about as real as you get. The second point teaches us PATIENCE. Sometimes we want to know too much too soon to get our tensions and apprehensions out of the way,but I always say "There is a time for everything, and everything has it's own time". Learn to master this art;patience. The third point teaches us DIRECTION. By having direction we have FOCUS and focus is what fine tunes our efforts.
Perspective and Priorities also play a role on how we ask our life questions. The three points I mentioned above will make you more "tuned" to your priorities, regardless of their level of importance. Once again, until our next post. Take care of yourselves, guys. Make the world a better place by starting with yourselves. Thanks again for your time..JowelMD signing off
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
When Your Kids Lie
There is no greater pain and frustration for any parent than when they see their kids start to LIE. Evey parent knows this. When your kids lie you begin to ask yourself where you've gone wrong or that what it is about you that makes your child rather not say the truth and, instead,lie. There are many factors involved and the usual reason is the child wanted to escape scolding, a bit of tongue lashing, perhaps, or even punishment. I don't know about you but my view in the matter is parent's should not punish their children. A healthy relationship between parent and child is based on trust. Trust is only gained when they communicate openly and honestly.
I remember as a child I lied to my parents on several occasion to avoid being grounded or punished. It is only now do I realize, now that I too am a parent, that even parents aren't perfect. We want so much to do what's best for our children that we unknowingly overdo it at times. We have to give our children some room to breathe and grow, to be able to make their own decision, and see for themselves what life is really like out there. When we talk to our children they become more comfortable in disclosing sensitive issues which they would rather hide than talk about. Some pointers to keep in mind are:
1. Encourage your children but LET THEM decide.
2. Give them some room for personal growth. Let them mingle with their peers.
3. When you say something say it like you MEAN IT and when you say you are going to do something, DO IT. Don't make excuses because that's the first step in creating a distance between you and your child.
4. Learn to TRUST your child. Let him or her feel that you too are thriving on this bond.
5. Interfere only when you have to. Let them come to you if they seek advice or help but reassure them that you are there for them.
6. Find things that you enjoy together and make it a point to do them regardless of your schedule or commitments.
7. Remember that your child is your legacy and he or she will carry on to their children what you have taught.
Parenting is a learn-as-you-go experience. No matter what advice is bestowed on you if you are a new parent you know that nothing really compares to being one day in and day out. Good parenting is also about learning. As a parent we need to be flexible and open-minded. It really hurts when your kids start to lie and the only way to break the habit is to explain to them at the level they can understand that you were hurt. Try to undermine the reason why they needed to lie and address this. Never leave this out in the open because lying can become habitual. Let them know and feel that you are there for them and no matter how they do wrong you will always love them. I always say being a parent is an adventure. The sleepless nights having to change diapers or warm milk bottles gave way to screaming, running little preschoolers and having to look for almost anything from the tv remote to your shoes. It is fun and everyday something new always comes up. So you parents out there, cherish every moment because your kids will only be young once. Next thing you know you are paying for college tuition and dealing with boyfriends or girlfriends . Ahh, parenting indeed.
I remember as a child I lied to my parents on several occasion to avoid being grounded or punished. It is only now do I realize, now that I too am a parent, that even parents aren't perfect. We want so much to do what's best for our children that we unknowingly overdo it at times. We have to give our children some room to breathe and grow, to be able to make their own decision, and see for themselves what life is really like out there. When we talk to our children they become more comfortable in disclosing sensitive issues which they would rather hide than talk about. Some pointers to keep in mind are:
1. Encourage your children but LET THEM decide.
2. Give them some room for personal growth. Let them mingle with their peers.
3. When you say something say it like you MEAN IT and when you say you are going to do something, DO IT. Don't make excuses because that's the first step in creating a distance between you and your child.
4. Learn to TRUST your child. Let him or her feel that you too are thriving on this bond.
5. Interfere only when you have to. Let them come to you if they seek advice or help but reassure them that you are there for them.
6. Find things that you enjoy together and make it a point to do them regardless of your schedule or commitments.
7. Remember that your child is your legacy and he or she will carry on to their children what you have taught.
Parenting is a learn-as-you-go experience. No matter what advice is bestowed on you if you are a new parent you know that nothing really compares to being one day in and day out. Good parenting is also about learning. As a parent we need to be flexible and open-minded. It really hurts when your kids start to lie and the only way to break the habit is to explain to them at the level they can understand that you were hurt. Try to undermine the reason why they needed to lie and address this. Never leave this out in the open because lying can become habitual. Let them know and feel that you are there for them and no matter how they do wrong you will always love them. I always say being a parent is an adventure. The sleepless nights having to change diapers or warm milk bottles gave way to screaming, running little preschoolers and having to look for almost anything from the tv remote to your shoes. It is fun and everyday something new always comes up. So you parents out there, cherish every moment because your kids will only be young once. Next thing you know you are paying for college tuition and dealing with boyfriends or girlfriends . Ahh, parenting indeed.
How to (not) lose 10 pounds in 10 days.
Losing weight is never easy. If you go to the internet and try to look for weight loss programs or diets you will be astounded by how much material is actually out there. I guess you'd have to ask yourself if it really works and those testimonials can come in handy. Well, the whole objective of losing weight, at least for most people, is to lose as much as possible in as little time as possible. The whole notion of an exercise program is simply to adjust the body's ability to take up food and burn it for energy. Our Metabolic Rate is entirely dependent on how much ( or how little ) activity we do. Exercising enables us to burn our body's fuel reserves because it allows our body to metabolize these fuels faster. As we exercise our body uses up these metabolic fuels and gives off heat. We perspire in order to help our body cool down from heat produced by metabolism.
How much fat can we actually burn? Well, our body has its own preference on which fuel to utilize first. Carbohydrates get used up first but so does protein when carbohydrates start to dwindle. Our body will use protein over fat because our metabolic pathways are not always 2 way streets. By that I mean we can't always convert a fuel source to another without having to convert it to something else first. We do burn the fat, mind you, but not in the way we thought we are going to burn it.
You also have to remember that we are made of 70% water. If we were going to lose 10 pounds in 10 days, it is very possible but at the cost of depriving ourselves of adequate hydration (water). It's not only unsafe but can be life-threatening as well. Dehydration can kill,folks. Remember that we can survive a month without food but we can't survive a week without water. So can we lose 10 pounds in 10 days? No, not safely. The best way to lose weight as I have alluded to in one of my previous posts is to slowly train our minds in registering stimuli from our favorite foods. We need to be more conscious of What we eat as well as HOW MUCH we eat. We also need to be aware of how our body adjusts to the type of exercises we do as well as their intensity. Remember that there is no specific exercise program for anyone. Your instructor may tailor a program for you in terms of what your goals are but the truth is there is no better teacher than your own body. Take things in moderation. Don't starve yourself just because you felt guilty. The hunger pang will be so much more that you'd end up eating more and more.
Here's a tip for you; before you try to lose weight cleanse your body first. Water cleansing is effective but can only clean you so far. Cleansing tea is also an alternative, if you can stand the taste. The purpose of cleansing is to prime our bodies to the changes in our eating habits that we will be implementing. Removal of wastes and toxins can also improve our absorption of nutrients. Here's another tip; fiber adds bulk and, therefore, satiety. It also helps in "sponging up" some of the fats in our diets before they get absorbed. So use more of fiber and be intimate with your favorite chair once again.
Consult your physician before attempting to undergo any exercise program. Learn the nutritional value of the foods you eat. Learn to eat to sustain your body of what it needs. Natural foods are best. Until our next post,folks. Do take care and thank you for your time.
How much fat can we actually burn? Well, our body has its own preference on which fuel to utilize first. Carbohydrates get used up first but so does protein when carbohydrates start to dwindle. Our body will use protein over fat because our metabolic pathways are not always 2 way streets. By that I mean we can't always convert a fuel source to another without having to convert it to something else first. We do burn the fat, mind you, but not in the way we thought we are going to burn it.
You also have to remember that we are made of 70% water. If we were going to lose 10 pounds in 10 days, it is very possible but at the cost of depriving ourselves of adequate hydration (water). It's not only unsafe but can be life-threatening as well. Dehydration can kill,folks. Remember that we can survive a month without food but we can't survive a week without water. So can we lose 10 pounds in 10 days? No, not safely. The best way to lose weight as I have alluded to in one of my previous posts is to slowly train our minds in registering stimuli from our favorite foods. We need to be more conscious of What we eat as well as HOW MUCH we eat. We also need to be aware of how our body adjusts to the type of exercises we do as well as their intensity. Remember that there is no specific exercise program for anyone. Your instructor may tailor a program for you in terms of what your goals are but the truth is there is no better teacher than your own body. Take things in moderation. Don't starve yourself just because you felt guilty. The hunger pang will be so much more that you'd end up eating more and more.
Here's a tip for you; before you try to lose weight cleanse your body first. Water cleansing is effective but can only clean you so far. Cleansing tea is also an alternative, if you can stand the taste. The purpose of cleansing is to prime our bodies to the changes in our eating habits that we will be implementing. Removal of wastes and toxins can also improve our absorption of nutrients. Here's another tip; fiber adds bulk and, therefore, satiety. It also helps in "sponging up" some of the fats in our diets before they get absorbed. So use more of fiber and be intimate with your favorite chair once again.
Consult your physician before attempting to undergo any exercise program. Learn the nutritional value of the foods you eat. Learn to eat to sustain your body of what it needs. Natural foods are best. Until our next post,folks. Do take care and thank you for your time.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Warm, Positive Flows
If you ask almost just about anyone what they really want out of life they can tell you many versions of actually just one goal; security. They wanted security the most because to them this is much more tangible and more real than pursuing other ideals. Of course when we hear of security there again is that word we subconsciously affix called "financial". In other words, to make the longest story short it's all about acquisition of money. The funny thing about money is it too has its own cycle. It seems like there isn't really enough money and there's no such thing as too much money. The truth about money is the more you hold on to it, the more it escapes your grasp. Let me repeat that: The more you hold on to money, the more you will be in need of it because the less you have of it. I know this is hard to believe but if you aren't selfish with money, the more of it will be yours.
If you were given a choice between happiness and money which will you choose? No, money CANNOT buy you happiness, at least not the type of happiness we speak of here. When we speak of happiness we mean contentment beyond any reasonable doubt. It means arriving at a state of inner harmony and you KNOW you connect with all aspects which comprise your life and everything just makes sense to you. It's that inner smile to weather away any storm. The happiness brought about by materialism (money) is fleeting. True happiness is deeper. When you work towards achieving it you will FEEL and KNOW that you are in familiar ground. You are bathing in warm, positive flows.
I guess the question really is how does one arrive at this ideal. How do we work towards true happiness in life? When do we really feel complete or contented? Working towards warmer, positive flows of energy in your life involves a revamp of your outlook. It involves having to give up a lot of things and it involves some changes( which may or may not be drastic). An open mind is always the best way to start. Options and choices won't be too one-sided in this case and you will have a wider, broader perspective.
The next ideal to attain is Love. When I say love I mean being able to love more and under this notion lives sharing, kindness, and understanding. When we have no reservations of any kind in loving it becomes easy, free of tensions and conditions. In loving we learn that we are not that different from one another. In loving we remove boundaries which hamper our personal growth.
Lastly, it is important to have the right mindset. Our previous posts regarding personal change alludes to this concept. Know what matters the most and hold on to these. Don't let yourself be lost in a materialistic world full of hollow feelings. Stay real and be real. Until our next post...take care of yourselves and each other. Thank you for your time.
If you were given a choice between happiness and money which will you choose? No, money CANNOT buy you happiness, at least not the type of happiness we speak of here. When we speak of happiness we mean contentment beyond any reasonable doubt. It means arriving at a state of inner harmony and you KNOW you connect with all aspects which comprise your life and everything just makes sense to you. It's that inner smile to weather away any storm. The happiness brought about by materialism (money) is fleeting. True happiness is deeper. When you work towards achieving it you will FEEL and KNOW that you are in familiar ground. You are bathing in warm, positive flows.
I guess the question really is how does one arrive at this ideal. How do we work towards true happiness in life? When do we really feel complete or contented? Working towards warmer, positive flows of energy in your life involves a revamp of your outlook. It involves having to give up a lot of things and it involves some changes( which may or may not be drastic). An open mind is always the best way to start. Options and choices won't be too one-sided in this case and you will have a wider, broader perspective.
The next ideal to attain is Love. When I say love I mean being able to love more and under this notion lives sharing, kindness, and understanding. When we have no reservations of any kind in loving it becomes easy, free of tensions and conditions. In loving we learn that we are not that different from one another. In loving we remove boundaries which hamper our personal growth.
Lastly, it is important to have the right mindset. Our previous posts regarding personal change alludes to this concept. Know what matters the most and hold on to these. Don't let yourself be lost in a materialistic world full of hollow feelings. Stay real and be real. Until our next post...take care of yourselves and each other. Thank you for your time.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Heal Yourself
To heal means to return to normal. If our body is suffering from a certain kind of disease, healing would mean returning it to homeostasis, which essentially means optimal physiologic functioning. However, there are many types of healing. It's important to know that Health doesn't just pertain to our physical state. Our state of health is divided into four factors, actually; physical health, emotional health, spiritual health, and mental health. So you see when we speak of a healthy subject or individual we need to address the 4 areas which constitute what Healthy really means.
Healing is actually accomplished if all four areas discussed above are addressed. We simply can't say that, for instance, we have recovered from a diabetic foot amputation when, true our body may have recovered and adapted to wearing a prosthetic, but the mental, emotional, as well as the social connotations associated with being handicapped has a big impact on how we will live our lives from that moment on. Healing oneself involves a totalitarian, a holistic approach, and certain issues must be resolved.
But Let's take this idea of Healing on a more direct, and applicable, approach. Before we do that, some basics. Our body is governed by millions of cellular processes, which themselves are also governed by hormonal, nervous, or enzymatic processes. Simply put, our body, when it is taken out of it's normal physiologic state, mounts a recovery plan to facilitate and essentially speed up the healing process. If we were talking of an infection in this case our immune system would mount a response by upregulating or fine-tuning cells which are responsible for dealing with the said infection.
So without going too deep into medical lingo, what does this really mean to you? You need to have a conceptual overview on how your body heals. In other words, you need to listen to your body more often. If instructed by your primary physician to have complete bed rest or to take it easy, that isn't just for you but also to give your body time to recover back to normalcy where your cells are replenished or rejuvinated. You need to learn how to nourish your body back to health. Eat foods which are known "immune boosters" or "immune energizers" in order to help your body speed up recovery. Foods like apples, celery, yogurt, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and lean meat are recommended as they help you build up protein and replenish lost minerals and co-factors for your enzymes. The other food types I have already listed in detail in my previous posts.
Avoid stress. In the recovering patient or individual stress can take on a broad meaning but the "stressors" I think that are most important are lack of sleep, poor nutrition, over-exertion, fatigue, and depression. You may be surprised to know that patients who are depressed recover slower. What's more, depression facilitates the increase of free radical production in our body, greatly shortening cell life, and contributes to a lower life expectancy for us as well. That's why I always say, "Make your patients laugh. Tell a funny joke or talk of something that will make them smile and forget their present state, ever for just a short while." Laughter is still the best medicine because it has been shown to increase production of our "feel-good hormones" or endorphins, which play an active role on healing.
So when you get sick or had just been discharged from the hospital, or know of someone who is and that is, remember the following;
1. Eat right. Eat to build up what you lost.
2. sleep and rest often. Sleeping gives your body the much needed time to recuperate in terms of cells and organ function.
3. Avoid stressors.
4. Cheer up!!!
Healing takes time. Healing requires a deeper understanding of the process itself. I have always made it known to my colleagues, " Don't just treat the DISEASE, treat the PERSON, as a whole.". So understand as well what other people need. Sometimes a good moral support is all they were actually waiting for; somebody to tell them it's ok.
Until out next post. Do take care of yourselves and each other. Heal one another and in the end, if the cycle doesn't break, we can heal this world as well. Thank you for your time. JowelMD signing off..
Healing is actually accomplished if all four areas discussed above are addressed. We simply can't say that, for instance, we have recovered from a diabetic foot amputation when, true our body may have recovered and adapted to wearing a prosthetic, but the mental, emotional, as well as the social connotations associated with being handicapped has a big impact on how we will live our lives from that moment on. Healing oneself involves a totalitarian, a holistic approach, and certain issues must be resolved.
But Let's take this idea of Healing on a more direct, and applicable, approach. Before we do that, some basics. Our body is governed by millions of cellular processes, which themselves are also governed by hormonal, nervous, or enzymatic processes. Simply put, our body, when it is taken out of it's normal physiologic state, mounts a recovery plan to facilitate and essentially speed up the healing process. If we were talking of an infection in this case our immune system would mount a response by upregulating or fine-tuning cells which are responsible for dealing with the said infection.
So without going too deep into medical lingo, what does this really mean to you? You need to have a conceptual overview on how your body heals. In other words, you need to listen to your body more often. If instructed by your primary physician to have complete bed rest or to take it easy, that isn't just for you but also to give your body time to recover back to normalcy where your cells are replenished or rejuvinated. You need to learn how to nourish your body back to health. Eat foods which are known "immune boosters" or "immune energizers" in order to help your body speed up recovery. Foods like apples, celery, yogurt, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and lean meat are recommended as they help you build up protein and replenish lost minerals and co-factors for your enzymes. The other food types I have already listed in detail in my previous posts.
Avoid stress. In the recovering patient or individual stress can take on a broad meaning but the "stressors" I think that are most important are lack of sleep, poor nutrition, over-exertion, fatigue, and depression. You may be surprised to know that patients who are depressed recover slower. What's more, depression facilitates the increase of free radical production in our body, greatly shortening cell life, and contributes to a lower life expectancy for us as well. That's why I always say, "Make your patients laugh. Tell a funny joke or talk of something that will make them smile and forget their present state, ever for just a short while." Laughter is still the best medicine because it has been shown to increase production of our "feel-good hormones" or endorphins, which play an active role on healing.
So when you get sick or had just been discharged from the hospital, or know of someone who is and that is, remember the following;
1. Eat right. Eat to build up what you lost.
2. sleep and rest often. Sleeping gives your body the much needed time to recuperate in terms of cells and organ function.
3. Avoid stressors.
4. Cheer up!!!
Healing takes time. Healing requires a deeper understanding of the process itself. I have always made it known to my colleagues, " Don't just treat the DISEASE, treat the PERSON, as a whole.". So understand as well what other people need. Sometimes a good moral support is all they were actually waiting for; somebody to tell them it's ok.
Until out next post. Do take care of yourselves and each other. Heal one another and in the end, if the cycle doesn't break, we can heal this world as well. Thank you for your time. JowelMD signing off..
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Christmas Gift Ideas You Ought to Know
With Christmas around the corner I know you are probably up to your neck with your THINGS TO DO list, along with your WHO TO SEND XMAS CARDS TO list, and your little WISH LIST buried down there somewhere. I tell you, Christmas is the time of year we get so excited about but can't wait to get over with. I mean look at all the things that needed doing still. The long hours at the mall and the longer hours still if you had to return something back for an exchange or a refund. And if your folks are coming over then you also have to plan for Christmas dinner, as well as their accommodations for the few days they are visiting.
With all the things you need to do, do you think you'll have time to reflect on what all this is about? Besides what you need to be wrapping up for the tree do you know of any more gift ideas that will make this season worth remembering for years to come? There are many people you can make a list for but let's focus on your spouse for this post. A lot of people think of one thing and one thing only when they hear the word CHRISTMAS. There is a strong association with gift giving with an afternote of, "It's better to give than to receive".
How about this for a change. Instead of giving a gift, a material object, try to give more of yourself, your time, your services. I know it's hard to even spare an hour or two especially with the Holidays around the corner but don't you see the significance of it all? When you give you show them that you care but if you give more of what I mentioned above, you let them FEEL that you care. Ok, let's switch that around. What if you found yourself waking up say Christmas morning and you saw that old heap of a car of yours earning a spot in eternity in your garage suddenly buffed and shined to life and ready to go compliments of the kids, or your wife cooking you that Christmas Dinner full of your favorite recipes you haven't tasted since who knows how long? Wouldn't that be more memorable to you than say the pair of boxer shorts YOU KNOW you wouldn't be wearing anyway? You get the picture. Now do that for someone you love and really care about.
I believe that Christmas, more than anything, is a time to REFLECT. To remember how BLESSED we really are. Who cares if it's been a terrible year. What matters is you are still HERE and with the people you love, ready to try again next year. Share your blessings because someone may just share theirs with you. Until our next post, folks...avoid the Holiday rush and don't wait for that last minute trip to the mall. Instead think what you can do now for that special person and try to see what they really need the most. You'll find that 99% of the time all they really need is YOU. Love one another and be kind always. Take care and thanks for your time.
With all the things you need to do, do you think you'll have time to reflect on what all this is about? Besides what you need to be wrapping up for the tree do you know of any more gift ideas that will make this season worth remembering for years to come? There are many people you can make a list for but let's focus on your spouse for this post. A lot of people think of one thing and one thing only when they hear the word CHRISTMAS. There is a strong association with gift giving with an afternote of, "It's better to give than to receive".
How about this for a change. Instead of giving a gift, a material object, try to give more of yourself, your time, your services. I know it's hard to even spare an hour or two especially with the Holidays around the corner but don't you see the significance of it all? When you give you show them that you care but if you give more of what I mentioned above, you let them FEEL that you care. Ok, let's switch that around. What if you found yourself waking up say Christmas morning and you saw that old heap of a car of yours earning a spot in eternity in your garage suddenly buffed and shined to life and ready to go compliments of the kids, or your wife cooking you that Christmas Dinner full of your favorite recipes you haven't tasted since who knows how long? Wouldn't that be more memorable to you than say the pair of boxer shorts YOU KNOW you wouldn't be wearing anyway? You get the picture. Now do that for someone you love and really care about.
I believe that Christmas, more than anything, is a time to REFLECT. To remember how BLESSED we really are. Who cares if it's been a terrible year. What matters is you are still HERE and with the people you love, ready to try again next year. Share your blessings because someone may just share theirs with you. Until our next post, folks...avoid the Holiday rush and don't wait for that last minute trip to the mall. Instead think what you can do now for that special person and try to see what they really need the most. You'll find that 99% of the time all they really need is YOU. Love one another and be kind always. Take care and thanks for your time.
Overcoming Fear
What is the one thing that prevents you from living the life you always wanted, the one single factor which prevents you from exploiting all of your choices in life, from recognizing and appreciating opportunities as they present themselves to you, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, freezes you into non-action? you guessed it. Fear. Fear, you see is a defensive mechanism. When we are afraid of something we tend to stay away from it and avoid it altogether. This is a survival tactic in nature and it keeps preys down the food chain alive, as they flee from their would-be predators. For us, however, fear isn't just something we feel when we are afraid. It is also what we feel when we are in doubt and when we are unsure. Apprehension is also fear.
How then can we cope or deal with this limiting factor in our lives? Fear doesn't have to limit you. I know when we are in our comfort zones we are afraid to try something new because it's different from the normalcy we have grown accustomed to. Even if it would mean would mean a drastic improvement in the quality of our lives. How else do you think overweight individuals keep losing their battles against being overweight? The situation is that it would be easier for them to grab that piece of pie than spend the next two hours trying to burn it off. Again the notion of instant gratification prevails. Breaking way from this norm isn't easy but you have to learn how. HERE IS HOW: LEARN TO USE FEAR TO YOUR ADVANTAGE. Notice I didn't say ignore your fears.
Use your fears to make you more attentive, to make you more aware of the situation. Learn to gauge the gravity of it as it presents to you and isolate contributing and non-contributing elements. Contributing elements are the cause and effect types, in other words they are what you get when you ask yourself, "why am I afraid of this?" Non-contributing elements have no relation to the present situation at hand but serve to distract you from honing in towards a solution or an option. They are the "what ifs", the doubts you experience, the background noise.
Learn to weigh your options and always take the path of least resistance. Don't make it harder on yourself by complicating matters. Keep your options open and leave room for last minute changes should the need arise. Be CONFIDENT that you CAN overcome and you WILL. Overcoming your fears take a lot of inner strength and the following pillars should provide the foundation you will need:
1. Be confident of your capabilities.
2. Trust in what you know and what you are familiar with. Don't stray towards uncertainty on a gamble.
3. Don't lose sight of your goal. Know what you are fighting for.
4. Will yourself to succeed.
5. Think of a white room with a small hole in the wall. You are sitting in the middle on a white chair. You get up towards that small hole and throw the following items into that hole; Worry, Apprehension, Doubt, and Negativity.
Overcoming your fears is never easy but it can be done. It takes time, the right mindset, and conditioning in your part to DEAL WITH YOUR FEARS and not RUN AWAY from them. Let me ask you this;
" How far could you have gone if you weren't afraid?"
Until our next post,folks. Stay tuned. Bigger and better things to come to make you FEEL BETTER TODAY and FEEL GOOD about yourself. Do take care of yourselves, and learn to love more as well as being kinder to the people around you. Surround yourself with positive energy and you will emit positive thoughts and do only positive actions. Again, thank you for your time. JowelMD signing off...
How then can we cope or deal with this limiting factor in our lives? Fear doesn't have to limit you. I know when we are in our comfort zones we are afraid to try something new because it's different from the normalcy we have grown accustomed to. Even if it would mean would mean a drastic improvement in the quality of our lives. How else do you think overweight individuals keep losing their battles against being overweight? The situation is that it would be easier for them to grab that piece of pie than spend the next two hours trying to burn it off. Again the notion of instant gratification prevails. Breaking way from this norm isn't easy but you have to learn how. HERE IS HOW: LEARN TO USE FEAR TO YOUR ADVANTAGE. Notice I didn't say ignore your fears.
Use your fears to make you more attentive, to make you more aware of the situation. Learn to gauge the gravity of it as it presents to you and isolate contributing and non-contributing elements. Contributing elements are the cause and effect types, in other words they are what you get when you ask yourself, "why am I afraid of this?" Non-contributing elements have no relation to the present situation at hand but serve to distract you from honing in towards a solution or an option. They are the "what ifs", the doubts you experience, the background noise.
Learn to weigh your options and always take the path of least resistance. Don't make it harder on yourself by complicating matters. Keep your options open and leave room for last minute changes should the need arise. Be CONFIDENT that you CAN overcome and you WILL. Overcoming your fears take a lot of inner strength and the following pillars should provide the foundation you will need:
1. Be confident of your capabilities.
2. Trust in what you know and what you are familiar with. Don't stray towards uncertainty on a gamble.
3. Don't lose sight of your goal. Know what you are fighting for.
4. Will yourself to succeed.
5. Think of a white room with a small hole in the wall. You are sitting in the middle on a white chair. You get up towards that small hole and throw the following items into that hole; Worry, Apprehension, Doubt, and Negativity.
Overcoming your fears is never easy but it can be done. It takes time, the right mindset, and conditioning in your part to DEAL WITH YOUR FEARS and not RUN AWAY from them. Let me ask you this;
" How far could you have gone if you weren't afraid?"
Until our next post,folks. Stay tuned. Bigger and better things to come to make you FEEL BETTER TODAY and FEEL GOOD about yourself. Do take care of yourselves, and learn to love more as well as being kinder to the people around you. Surround yourself with positive energy and you will emit positive thoughts and do only positive actions. Again, thank you for your time. JowelMD signing off...
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Dealing with Failure
We all fail. That's a fact of life. Even in the face of our best laid plans, the notion that there is still a possibility that things will go wrong looms over us. Life may still want to throw us a curve ball on some idle Tuesday and we are left groping for answers. Answers and options. You ever wonder what the most successful individuals have in common in their respective fields of discipline? They have failed more times than they care to remember. Do you find it hard to believe that failing is sometimes a necessary learning curve in order to succeed? It's true. Some of life's lessons we can only learn if and when we fall. They wouldn't have as much value or impact to you if they weren't presented this way. The question then isn't so much about our failures but how we take those failures and apply what we have learned in order to succeed.
If there is one thing we have to remember it is this; we will always experience one failure or another in our lives. We aren't made to be perfect and that statement in and of itself basically means we are flawed. But I want you to see the word failure in a different light. I don't want you to adhere to the negativity associated with it. Rather, try to remember that it simply is the way of life; we fail, we get up, we dust ourselves off, then we take that first step and go on, ahead always ahead. I know this sounds like an overwhelming crusade towards positivity but the truth is successful individuals don't stay down for very long. They don't even think about how and why they failed. Practice has instilled upon them almost a second nature desire to just get up, try something new, and keep going. As I have said before, attitude, it's all attitude.
But let's take real world applications here. Let's talk of a scenario whereby, for instance, you failed miserably in something and it is this ONE THING that will really make it or break it for you. How would you deal with it? Do you:
1. Hide from the world in general, feeling remorseful and shameful?
2. Harbor feelings of regret and blame other people for their lack of support or inattentiveness to your cause?
3. Feel depressed?
4. Fell anger, frustration, and be closed minded?
Let's face it, folks. We all felt like that. I fact we probably felt like ALL of that. Notice that the list above all harbor negativity and doesn't really do much to our outlook. I need you to focus on this next statement; SEE FAILURE AS A WINDOW TOWARDS NEW CHOICES, NEW DECISIONS. Gauge the effort needed to make that one final step in order to succeed. LEARN from your experience and APPLY what you have learned. That is being productive AND effective. Remember that no one will do it for you, you must do it alone and there is no sweeter victory. Let me repeat that; There is no sweeter victory. Overcoming your weaknesses and changing your weaknesses to strengths is what winning is about in life. If and when you fail, deal with it and leave it behind you. Focus your energies on what needs to be done still or if a different approach is necessary then by all means take it. Don't let the pain of failure consume you. You are better than that so there really is nothing much to prove. Just forge ahead and do what you do best.
Dealing with failure is never easy. When we commit ourselves, our resources, our time, and our energies to a cause for a long time, it WILL HURT when things go wrong. Learn to pick up the pieces and move on. Give yourself time to heal and find areas of positive diversion. Gather your marbles and plan again. Recovery takes 2 phases; First is Realization and Acceptance, Second is Consolidation and Convergence. Dissect where you had gone wrong and accept. Gather or consolidate your resources and formulate your new strategy and converge on it, use every arsenal at your disposal. Remember to focus and not to lose determination. I know we all know what the 3 D's are when we strive towards a goal ( my junior high softball coach in PE back in the day used to yell "3D,3D,3D!!", in our ears till we got sick of Desire, Determination, and Discipline, but hey, it worked!).
Lastly, don't be afraid. You are never alone. A lot of people out there had it worse than you and they are still up and about trying to make it work, striving still to succeed. So my question to you now is,"why can't you?". Until our next post...do take care and keep on striving. No effort goes unwasted, only results, and even then we can still learn. Think positive, be positive, and do positive. Thanks again for your time.
If there is one thing we have to remember it is this; we will always experience one failure or another in our lives. We aren't made to be perfect and that statement in and of itself basically means we are flawed. But I want you to see the word failure in a different light. I don't want you to adhere to the negativity associated with it. Rather, try to remember that it simply is the way of life; we fail, we get up, we dust ourselves off, then we take that first step and go on, ahead always ahead. I know this sounds like an overwhelming crusade towards positivity but the truth is successful individuals don't stay down for very long. They don't even think about how and why they failed. Practice has instilled upon them almost a second nature desire to just get up, try something new, and keep going. As I have said before, attitude, it's all attitude.
But let's take real world applications here. Let's talk of a scenario whereby, for instance, you failed miserably in something and it is this ONE THING that will really make it or break it for you. How would you deal with it? Do you:
1. Hide from the world in general, feeling remorseful and shameful?
2. Harbor feelings of regret and blame other people for their lack of support or inattentiveness to your cause?
3. Feel depressed?
4. Fell anger, frustration, and be closed minded?
Let's face it, folks. We all felt like that. I fact we probably felt like ALL of that. Notice that the list above all harbor negativity and doesn't really do much to our outlook. I need you to focus on this next statement; SEE FAILURE AS A WINDOW TOWARDS NEW CHOICES, NEW DECISIONS. Gauge the effort needed to make that one final step in order to succeed. LEARN from your experience and APPLY what you have learned. That is being productive AND effective. Remember that no one will do it for you, you must do it alone and there is no sweeter victory. Let me repeat that; There is no sweeter victory. Overcoming your weaknesses and changing your weaknesses to strengths is what winning is about in life. If and when you fail, deal with it and leave it behind you. Focus your energies on what needs to be done still or if a different approach is necessary then by all means take it. Don't let the pain of failure consume you. You are better than that so there really is nothing much to prove. Just forge ahead and do what you do best.
Dealing with failure is never easy. When we commit ourselves, our resources, our time, and our energies to a cause for a long time, it WILL HURT when things go wrong. Learn to pick up the pieces and move on. Give yourself time to heal and find areas of positive diversion. Gather your marbles and plan again. Recovery takes 2 phases; First is Realization and Acceptance, Second is Consolidation and Convergence. Dissect where you had gone wrong and accept. Gather or consolidate your resources and formulate your new strategy and converge on it, use every arsenal at your disposal. Remember to focus and not to lose determination. I know we all know what the 3 D's are when we strive towards a goal ( my junior high softball coach in PE back in the day used to yell "3D,3D,3D!!", in our ears till we got sick of Desire, Determination, and Discipline, but hey, it worked!).
Lastly, don't be afraid. You are never alone. A lot of people out there had it worse than you and they are still up and about trying to make it work, striving still to succeed. So my question to you now is,"why can't you?". Until our next post...do take care and keep on striving. No effort goes unwasted, only results, and even then we can still learn. Think positive, be positive, and do positive. Thanks again for your time.
The Top 10 Herbals You Can't Do Without
There are a handful of herbs you can buy commercially out there which are what I call "essential herbs". These little organic wonders are worth their weight in gold in terms of their medicinal as well as therapeutic values. Medicine has advanced to the point that key enzymes as well as other key proteins from these herbs has been isolated and verified for their healing attributes on certain diseases and conditions. No longer do we have to take the words of "herbalogists" as I'd like to call them, when we can prove the merit of these herbs in a scientific manner. So, here they are:
1. Garlic. garlic is one of those herbs that should be the first in line when we talk of PREVENTION. Many cultures around the world have made it the staple herb for cure and preventive purposes. It contains a compound called ALLICIN which, it turns out, has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Garlic is good for your heart, boosts your immune system, helps cleanse your liver, and has anti-inflammatory as well as anti-cancer properties too.
2. Aloe Vera. This plant has become a staple in households all over America and with good reason for doing so. Aloe vera soothes sunburnt skin as well as sores. It contains an anti-itch compound called MAGNESIUM LACTATE making it extremely useful for itches, rashes, insect bites, and other skin conditions. It has been shown to be a potent cellular regenerator if eaten. So, your common household aloe vera plant isn't just for moisturizing your skin anymore.
3. Basil. Basil is another herb whose medicinal and therapeutic value far outweighs its culinary charm. Basil essential oil is used in aromatherapy to help relieve stress. Its other uses, however, are the following; used in cough, colds, and asthma to provide relief. Used to treat skin problems like acne and helps moisturize skin and hair. The oil has anti-oxidant properties which can help delay aging and is beneficial in preventing diseases like cancer. The oil is also strongly anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory as well.
4. Lemon. And you thought all that zest was only for taste. Lemon juice when mixed with water, as in lemonade, isn't just a summer refreshment anymore. Who would have thought that during the time you were selling lemonade down the street for a quarter a glass when you were a kid you were actually helping some old folk with his or her rheumatism. Well, rheumatism isn't the only condition lemon is good for, mind you. It's also good for it's blood purifying properties; it can cure heartburn; it has anti-aging properties when applied to the skin; it helps cure respiratory conditions such as asthma, it can help control high blood pressure; and it can help you lose weight too. Lemon also helps in cleansing the liver as well as flushing the body of wastes and unwanted toxins.
5. Coffee. Surprised? When I was still in college I used to drink gallons of coffee before my exam to help me stay alert at least long enough to finish a chapter of anything, let alone try to memorize the thing. Mom used to always tell me that I drink too much coffee and I'd end up a nervous wreck and so anxiety-ridden. Well, as it turns out, folks, coffee is indeed good for you. I mean it's the only herb you can drink and not even see it as one. It prevents Strokes, Diabetes, Arrhythmias, Asthma, Liver Cirrhosis, Dementia, and Parkinson's disease. Need we list more? So, pour me another cup will you...
6. Oregano. Oregano is one of those herbs I have a warm spot for in my heart. Not only is it a delight to use around my kitchen when I cook, but it's minty smell is refreshing. A member of the mint family, its medicinal uses comes from the oil extract made from this herb. It is strongly anti-bacterial; has been shown to aid in the recovery from respiratory ailments; has anti-oxidant properties; aids in digestion; is anti-spasmodic; and can help clear out blocked sinuses.
7. Camomile. This herb comes in two flavors, as an oil and as tea. The herb is an effective anti-bacterial; it helps children fall asleep; it is perfect ( in tea form) for ulcers induced by stress and anxiety; an effective natural relaxing herb without side effects; it's helpful in stomach aches, cramps, and diarrhea; is also anti-inflammatory.
8. Ginger. This Herb is my next favorite second only to garlic. Zingiber oficionale, as ginger is scientifically called has been used for centuries as an herb to aid digestion. Ginger root is boiled and drank for these ailments. It's use, however, far surpasses that. It has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes as well as helps in maintaining a stable lipid profile by controlling the amount of absorbed cholesterol.Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and so is helpful for patients suffering from arthritic pain. Ginger also promotes better circulation in our bodies. It has been shown to be effective for nausea and vomiting and other related symptoms experienced by post-operative patients. It also helps alleviate abdominal pain and menstrual abdominal cramps. Ginger is also effective as a decongestant because it relaxes the muscles around blood vessels hence is very effective for flu-like symptoms and colds.
9. Ginseng. Ginseng is probably the most famous herb today, due to it's historical track record and its properties. The herb has been used in many places of the world for centuries because of it's healing properties and immune boosting effects. It is rich in the mineral Zinc, which is needed by thymic hormones for proper functioning of the immune system. It has also been shown to increase stamina, improve memory, aids the body in coping with stress, and is also a diet supplement for its appetite curbing effects.
10. Ginkgo Biloba. Often called the "wonder herb" or "power herb" for its many, and I mean MANY, uses. From the Ginkgo tree, this herb is a potent circulation enhancer making its effectiveness in disease where poor circulation is an issue evident. Patients suffering from stroke, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy in diabetics, and even diseases where cerebral insufficiency is a problem. It has been shown to prevent depression, asthma, vertigo, allergy, dementia, headaches, and helps relieve stress, anxiety, and tension. It's most famous use, however, is in college students who take them while studying for exams. The increased cerebral circulation aids in retention.
So there is our list of the Top 10 Herbs we couldn't do without. even if you don't have all that in your household try to keep at least a few. The power of these herbs in helping prevent diseases, extending your life, and improving the quality of life shouldn't be neglected. Once again, until our next post. Be good to yourselves...and to one another. And be good to your herbs too...oh man, I think it's time for that 3rd cup of coffee..Thanks for your time.
1. Garlic. garlic is one of those herbs that should be the first in line when we talk of PREVENTION. Many cultures around the world have made it the staple herb for cure and preventive purposes. It contains a compound called ALLICIN which, it turns out, has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Garlic is good for your heart, boosts your immune system, helps cleanse your liver, and has anti-inflammatory as well as anti-cancer properties too.
2. Aloe Vera. This plant has become a staple in households all over America and with good reason for doing so. Aloe vera soothes sunburnt skin as well as sores. It contains an anti-itch compound called MAGNESIUM LACTATE making it extremely useful for itches, rashes, insect bites, and other skin conditions. It has been shown to be a potent cellular regenerator if eaten. So, your common household aloe vera plant isn't just for moisturizing your skin anymore.
3. Basil. Basil is another herb whose medicinal and therapeutic value far outweighs its culinary charm. Basil essential oil is used in aromatherapy to help relieve stress. Its other uses, however, are the following; used in cough, colds, and asthma to provide relief. Used to treat skin problems like acne and helps moisturize skin and hair. The oil has anti-oxidant properties which can help delay aging and is beneficial in preventing diseases like cancer. The oil is also strongly anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory as well.
4. Lemon. And you thought all that zest was only for taste. Lemon juice when mixed with water, as in lemonade, isn't just a summer refreshment anymore. Who would have thought that during the time you were selling lemonade down the street for a quarter a glass when you were a kid you were actually helping some old folk with his or her rheumatism. Well, rheumatism isn't the only condition lemon is good for, mind you. It's also good for it's blood purifying properties; it can cure heartburn; it has anti-aging properties when applied to the skin; it helps cure respiratory conditions such as asthma, it can help control high blood pressure; and it can help you lose weight too. Lemon also helps in cleansing the liver as well as flushing the body of wastes and unwanted toxins.
5. Coffee. Surprised? When I was still in college I used to drink gallons of coffee before my exam to help me stay alert at least long enough to finish a chapter of anything, let alone try to memorize the thing. Mom used to always tell me that I drink too much coffee and I'd end up a nervous wreck and so anxiety-ridden. Well, as it turns out, folks, coffee is indeed good for you. I mean it's the only herb you can drink and not even see it as one. It prevents Strokes, Diabetes, Arrhythmias, Asthma, Liver Cirrhosis, Dementia, and Parkinson's disease. Need we list more? So, pour me another cup will you...
6. Oregano. Oregano is one of those herbs I have a warm spot for in my heart. Not only is it a delight to use around my kitchen when I cook, but it's minty smell is refreshing. A member of the mint family, its medicinal uses comes from the oil extract made from this herb. It is strongly anti-bacterial; has been shown to aid in the recovery from respiratory ailments; has anti-oxidant properties; aids in digestion; is anti-spasmodic; and can help clear out blocked sinuses.
7. Camomile. This herb comes in two flavors, as an oil and as tea. The herb is an effective anti-bacterial; it helps children fall asleep; it is perfect ( in tea form) for ulcers induced by stress and anxiety; an effective natural relaxing herb without side effects; it's helpful in stomach aches, cramps, and diarrhea; is also anti-inflammatory.
8. Ginger. This Herb is my next favorite second only to garlic. Zingiber oficionale, as ginger is scientifically called has been used for centuries as an herb to aid digestion. Ginger root is boiled and drank for these ailments. It's use, however, far surpasses that. It has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes as well as helps in maintaining a stable lipid profile by controlling the amount of absorbed cholesterol.Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and so is helpful for patients suffering from arthritic pain. Ginger also promotes better circulation in our bodies. It has been shown to be effective for nausea and vomiting and other related symptoms experienced by post-operative patients. It also helps alleviate abdominal pain and menstrual abdominal cramps. Ginger is also effective as a decongestant because it relaxes the muscles around blood vessels hence is very effective for flu-like symptoms and colds.
9. Ginseng. Ginseng is probably the most famous herb today, due to it's historical track record and its properties. The herb has been used in many places of the world for centuries because of it's healing properties and immune boosting effects. It is rich in the mineral Zinc, which is needed by thymic hormones for proper functioning of the immune system. It has also been shown to increase stamina, improve memory, aids the body in coping with stress, and is also a diet supplement for its appetite curbing effects.
10. Ginkgo Biloba. Often called the "wonder herb" or "power herb" for its many, and I mean MANY, uses. From the Ginkgo tree, this herb is a potent circulation enhancer making its effectiveness in disease where poor circulation is an issue evident. Patients suffering from stroke, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy in diabetics, and even diseases where cerebral insufficiency is a problem. It has been shown to prevent depression, asthma, vertigo, allergy, dementia, headaches, and helps relieve stress, anxiety, and tension. It's most famous use, however, is in college students who take them while studying for exams. The increased cerebral circulation aids in retention.
So there is our list of the Top 10 Herbs we couldn't do without. even if you don't have all that in your household try to keep at least a few. The power of these herbs in helping prevent diseases, extending your life, and improving the quality of life shouldn't be neglected. Once again, until our next post. Be good to yourselves...and to one another. And be good to your herbs too...oh man, I think it's time for that 3rd cup of coffee..Thanks for your time.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
How to Feel Better Now
Often times we find ourselves in a rut, when things aren't going as we hoped for or even planned for. We get depressed and resign ourselves to this state of helplessness. I can sit here and type away and ask you to do this and do that, consider this or that, but ultimately it really depends on you. One thing I can tell you though is that perspective and outlook goes a long way and depending on how you see and interpret events or situations in your life so will your plans of action and results change.
Feeling good about yourself requires a level of commitment on your part. I say this because there are certain aspects in your life that deserves your attention RIGHT NOW. They can be either your relationship with your spouse, your tendency to procrastinate, your need to lose more weight, it doesn't really matter. You will never feel content and complete unless you have arrived at a level where all areas in your life sync together or are in harmony.
Sometimes the question, rather than being the usual "where to begin?" or "when to begin?", becomes the sedentary and inconclusive "HOW to begin?" Really, how do we go about slowly changing key areas in our lives? Once we identify where we are lacking and finally coming around to figure out how we go about in changing these, the question then becomes HOW do we sustain these changes?
Take a moment to listen what your life is telling you. Where do you feel a need to connect? Where do you sense a feeling of urgency, a need to do something? You have to learn to listen to your inner instincts when even reason starts to not make sense to you anymore. Make small changes everyday and what better place to start than with you? Don't get bogged down by your frustrations on the things you aspire to have, or the goals you toil day in and day out for. Realize what's in front of you NOW and know that what you have now is as good as it gets. If you aim to make it better then do so, but KNOW that it is there. Let me give you an example. Sometimes we take the people we love for granted because we know no matter what happens they will always be there. Can you say the same for them? Do they feel the same? Learn to appreciate people for your connection with people in general defines who you are. Let me ask you this, which legacy would you prefer to leave behind: A wealthy man with very few friends or a self made man who didn't really have very much but is loved by so many people and is well thought of. The answer should be clear right. Or is it?
Prioritize what's important to you in life. Here are a few pointers you can do RIGHT NOW, RIGHT THIS MINUTE, to make you FEEL BETTER:
1. Call, text, or say to the one you love, " I love you honey. I know I don't say it often but know that I do, with all my heart."
2. If you did someone wrong go to him or her and say that you are sorry. Right now.
3. Go through the many stuff you left lying around in the garage for years and call the local Salvation Army and give it away. Just think a little boy somewhere would be so happy to get that dusty action figure you thought was worth some money as a collectible back in the day.
4. Do volunteer work once in a while.
5. Lose 1 pound this week if you are overweight. No one knows your body like you do and only you can set your limitations. Notice I didn't say try, I said lose the pound. It's time to stop trying and start doing. Meanwhile, go through your old clothes and look for your favorite pair of jeans, you know, the ones that USED TO fit. It won't be long before you'll wear them out-again.
6. Choose what you eat. Remember that you aren't getting any younger and those brisk walks that leave you gasping for breath or that stabbing pain you feel in your chest should tell you something. It should tell you that it's time you do something about your health.
7. Exercise when you can. Eat less when you can't exercise.
8. Practice Kindness.
9. Be humble at ALL TIMES.
10. Share your blessings, your time, and your ideals with people who needed a boost in life. Remember that not too long ago you were in that same spot too.
11. Pray. Understand and be at Peace.
Remember that it's also about attitude. If you fall don't stay down too long. Get up, dust yourself off and forge ahead, always ahead. Never quit on yourself. Never quit on the people who depend on you either. Until our next post..you guys take care of yourselves, hear? Thanks again for your time.
Feeling good about yourself requires a level of commitment on your part. I say this because there are certain aspects in your life that deserves your attention RIGHT NOW. They can be either your relationship with your spouse, your tendency to procrastinate, your need to lose more weight, it doesn't really matter. You will never feel content and complete unless you have arrived at a level where all areas in your life sync together or are in harmony.
Sometimes the question, rather than being the usual "where to begin?" or "when to begin?", becomes the sedentary and inconclusive "HOW to begin?" Really, how do we go about slowly changing key areas in our lives? Once we identify where we are lacking and finally coming around to figure out how we go about in changing these, the question then becomes HOW do we sustain these changes?
Take a moment to listen what your life is telling you. Where do you feel a need to connect? Where do you sense a feeling of urgency, a need to do something? You have to learn to listen to your inner instincts when even reason starts to not make sense to you anymore. Make small changes everyday and what better place to start than with you? Don't get bogged down by your frustrations on the things you aspire to have, or the goals you toil day in and day out for. Realize what's in front of you NOW and know that what you have now is as good as it gets. If you aim to make it better then do so, but KNOW that it is there. Let me give you an example. Sometimes we take the people we love for granted because we know no matter what happens they will always be there. Can you say the same for them? Do they feel the same? Learn to appreciate people for your connection with people in general defines who you are. Let me ask you this, which legacy would you prefer to leave behind: A wealthy man with very few friends or a self made man who didn't really have very much but is loved by so many people and is well thought of. The answer should be clear right. Or is it?
Prioritize what's important to you in life. Here are a few pointers you can do RIGHT NOW, RIGHT THIS MINUTE, to make you FEEL BETTER:
1. Call, text, or say to the one you love, " I love you honey. I know I don't say it often but know that I do, with all my heart."
2. If you did someone wrong go to him or her and say that you are sorry. Right now.
3. Go through the many stuff you left lying around in the garage for years and call the local Salvation Army and give it away. Just think a little boy somewhere would be so happy to get that dusty action figure you thought was worth some money as a collectible back in the day.
4. Do volunteer work once in a while.
5. Lose 1 pound this week if you are overweight. No one knows your body like you do and only you can set your limitations. Notice I didn't say try, I said lose the pound. It's time to stop trying and start doing. Meanwhile, go through your old clothes and look for your favorite pair of jeans, you know, the ones that USED TO fit. It won't be long before you'll wear them out-again.
6. Choose what you eat. Remember that you aren't getting any younger and those brisk walks that leave you gasping for breath or that stabbing pain you feel in your chest should tell you something. It should tell you that it's time you do something about your health.
7. Exercise when you can. Eat less when you can't exercise.
8. Practice Kindness.
9. Be humble at ALL TIMES.
10. Share your blessings, your time, and your ideals with people who needed a boost in life. Remember that not too long ago you were in that same spot too.
11. Pray. Understand and be at Peace.
Remember that it's also about attitude. If you fall don't stay down too long. Get up, dust yourself off and forge ahead, always ahead. Never quit on yourself. Never quit on the people who depend on you either. Until our next post..you guys take care of yourselves, hear? Thanks again for your time.
The Magic Uses of Coconut Oil
If I can have one oil to keep and ONLY one oil it would be coconut oil. It's THE oil of wonder oils. From the "tree of life", coconut oil or as it is commercially prepared, virgin coconut oil, has many health benefits way beyond its nutritional value. Its universal use even earned it the moniker the "universal healer" being able to heal and /or alleviate symptoms of many diseases and conditions. Coconut oil , as it turns out, is the highest containing Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) in any plant product. MCT's are unlike long chain triglycerides in that they are easily digested, absorbed, and easily metabolized for our body's needs.Long chain triglycerides involve more work and energy just to digest them and whatever our body doesn't use gets to be stored as FAT. Virgin coconut oil offers the following magical uses, allowing you to feel better today, tomorrow, and everyday with continual use:
1.Promote normal platelet function. Platelets aggregate or gather around new thrombi being formed and it is this thrombus formation that is solely responsible for arterial occlusion and plaque formation. It is this narrowing of our blood vessels which produce signs and symptoms of heart disease. Although the rate and amount of thrombus formation is also a function of the ratio of polyunsaturated and saturated fats we consume in our diets, it is the inherent role of the platelets which still govern.
2.Heart disease. Virgin coconut oil, being a Medium Chain Fatty Acid ( sometimes also called Medium Chain Triglyceride) is readily metabolized and absorbed in our body. Almost all is utilized as energy and unlike Long Chain Fatty Acids, whose excess are stored in our fat cells (adipose cells), Fatty Acids from virgin coconut oil are least likely to occlude our blood vessels, leading to heart disease. Other important roles afforded by this magic oil is it's anti-oxidant properties as well as it's role in maintaining normal platelet function.
3.Pregnant mothers. Pregnant mothers can avail of all the benefits given by virgin coconut oil in this long list as well as being an effective remedy for "morning sickness" all pregnant mothers experience during their first trimester of pregnancy.
4.Elderly. This oil should always be kept in the homes of our elderly. It offers so much health and therapeutic benefits that most people wonder how did they ever get by without it. As far as its benefits on digestion, on the immune system, and as an effective measure for the prevention of diseases such as heart disease and others are concerned, they can be found in this long list. The one benefit which I think is most useful for our elderly population is that virgin coconut oil can alleviate pain from arthritis. When heated and massaged over joints and limbs it provides an anti-inflammatory role against these diseases of the elderly.
5.Renal stones. Virgin coconut oil and coconut milk are effective deterrents against renal stones especially in individuals who are loosely labeled "stone-formers". A decreased incidence of Urinary Tract Infections also comes with this benefit.
6.Acne. Coconut milk when applied to the face helps clear acne as well as blackheads.
7.Tuberculosis. Virgin coconut oil is helpful for tuberculosis patients because it allows optimal absorption of the multivitamins co-prescribed with their TB drugs.
8.Typhoid. Typhoid as well as malaria have vomiting as an associated symptom with these diseases. Virgin coconut oil can alleviate vomiting in these diseases.
9.Ulcers. Virgin coconut oils are effective anti-emetics. They prevent vomiting associated with some diseases such as malaria and typhoid, as well as nauseated states. An added benefit to this is the less chance for the stomach to empty its contents and a lesser likelihood of ulcer formation.
10.Skin Moisturizer. If you read the labels found at the back of your favorite skin care products you'll find that most of them use virgin coconut oil as one of their major base oils. My preference and advise is to use the real thing instead, because there is rarely or ever a better substitute for coconut oil as a natural moisturizer for your skin. After taking a shower, apply it to your skin and you'll see that it's absorbed quite rapidly as you step out of your hot shower. Don't apply it to dry skin though unless you're into that greasy oily look.
11.Rashes and other skin conditions. Coconut oil is effective for Pregnant as well as nursing mothers who get eczema. Heat up a tablespoonful of coconut oil and apply over skin. This oil is also helpful in treating diaper rash on babies.
12.Immune Booster. Virgin coconut oil contains Lauric Acid which has been shown to give our immune system a much needed boost especially during times when it is suppressed or depressed. Our body's ability to mount an immune response can decrease significantly during some diseases as well as when taking medications. Again 3-4 tablespoonfuls daily is the ideal dosing of virgin coconut oil.
13.Detoxifier. It has been know for quite some time that virgin coconut oil is an effective laxative. Go beyond the recommended 3-4 tablespoons daily and you have the most natural detoxifying agent, cleansing out your digestive system for better absorption of food nutrients.
14.Dietary supplement. Virgin coconut oil has permissive effects in the absorption of multivitamins, especially B-complex vitamins and the fat soluble vitamins D, A, E, and K. In a sense, it enhances the absorption of these vitamins. Tuberculosis patients, patients suffering from anemia, children with Rickets and any disease which causes vitamin deficient states can greatly benefit from this oil.
15.Malnutrition. Virgin coconut oil is easily absorbed and utilized for energy. It's an effective first line health supplement for malnourished individuals.
16. Thyroid. The Medium chain triglycerides found in virgin coconut oil enhance thyroid function. Thyroid hormones have many roles in our body and some of their most relevant roles are having to do with our metabolism, our immune system, and growth.
17.Diabetes. virgin coconut oil balances our serum glucose levels and has is especially effective with pregnant mothers suffering with gestational diabetes. It also improves insulin secretion from the pancreas.
18.Alzheimer's Disease. Our neural tissues are made of complex fats some of which are prone to oxidation. It is this oxidation of these lipids which is the most common early cause of this disease. Virgin coconut oil is not easily oxidized because it's highly saturated. Reports have been conducted in the medical community where drastic improvements were observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease taking virgin coconut oil as supplement to their diet.
19.Colon Cancer. Virgin coconut oil by way of it's anti-oxidant properties is an effective prevention of Cancer.
20.Memory enhancer. Our brain has a preference for Medium Chain Fatty Acids such as those found in virgin coconut oil hence this oil helps alleviate memory loss.
21.Fertility. Coconut milk or even virgin coconut oil is a rich source of magnesium, potassium, and other "alkalizing" minerals. Alkalizing the body is conducive for conception.
22.Rheumatism. Virgin coconut oil has very good anti-inflammatory properties. Heat a tablespoonful over a candle and wait for it to cool only for a bit. Apply and massage deeply over joints. heating the oil allows for faster absorption.
So, that's our Top 22 magical uses of this oil from the Tree of Life. Everyday, as households all over America are discovering, new uses, both medicinally and therapeutically, arise. Until our next post...take care of yourselves and one another. Thanks again for your time.
1.Promote normal platelet function. Platelets aggregate or gather around new thrombi being formed and it is this thrombus formation that is solely responsible for arterial occlusion and plaque formation. It is this narrowing of our blood vessels which produce signs and symptoms of heart disease. Although the rate and amount of thrombus formation is also a function of the ratio of polyunsaturated and saturated fats we consume in our diets, it is the inherent role of the platelets which still govern.
2.Heart disease. Virgin coconut oil, being a Medium Chain Fatty Acid ( sometimes also called Medium Chain Triglyceride) is readily metabolized and absorbed in our body. Almost all is utilized as energy and unlike Long Chain Fatty Acids, whose excess are stored in our fat cells (adipose cells), Fatty Acids from virgin coconut oil are least likely to occlude our blood vessels, leading to heart disease. Other important roles afforded by this magic oil is it's anti-oxidant properties as well as it's role in maintaining normal platelet function.
3.Pregnant mothers. Pregnant mothers can avail of all the benefits given by virgin coconut oil in this long list as well as being an effective remedy for "morning sickness" all pregnant mothers experience during their first trimester of pregnancy.
4.Elderly. This oil should always be kept in the homes of our elderly. It offers so much health and therapeutic benefits that most people wonder how did they ever get by without it. As far as its benefits on digestion, on the immune system, and as an effective measure for the prevention of diseases such as heart disease and others are concerned, they can be found in this long list. The one benefit which I think is most useful for our elderly population is that virgin coconut oil can alleviate pain from arthritis. When heated and massaged over joints and limbs it provides an anti-inflammatory role against these diseases of the elderly.
5.Renal stones. Virgin coconut oil and coconut milk are effective deterrents against renal stones especially in individuals who are loosely labeled "stone-formers". A decreased incidence of Urinary Tract Infections also comes with this benefit.
6.Acne. Coconut milk when applied to the face helps clear acne as well as blackheads.
7.Tuberculosis. Virgin coconut oil is helpful for tuberculosis patients because it allows optimal absorption of the multivitamins co-prescribed with their TB drugs.
8.Typhoid. Typhoid as well as malaria have vomiting as an associated symptom with these diseases. Virgin coconut oil can alleviate vomiting in these diseases.
9.Ulcers. Virgin coconut oils are effective anti-emetics. They prevent vomiting associated with some diseases such as malaria and typhoid, as well as nauseated states. An added benefit to this is the less chance for the stomach to empty its contents and a lesser likelihood of ulcer formation.
10.Skin Moisturizer. If you read the labels found at the back of your favorite skin care products you'll find that most of them use virgin coconut oil as one of their major base oils. My preference and advise is to use the real thing instead, because there is rarely or ever a better substitute for coconut oil as a natural moisturizer for your skin. After taking a shower, apply it to your skin and you'll see that it's absorbed quite rapidly as you step out of your hot shower. Don't apply it to dry skin though unless you're into that greasy oily look.
11.Rashes and other skin conditions. Coconut oil is effective for Pregnant as well as nursing mothers who get eczema. Heat up a tablespoonful of coconut oil and apply over skin. This oil is also helpful in treating diaper rash on babies.
12.Immune Booster. Virgin coconut oil contains Lauric Acid which has been shown to give our immune system a much needed boost especially during times when it is suppressed or depressed. Our body's ability to mount an immune response can decrease significantly during some diseases as well as when taking medications. Again 3-4 tablespoonfuls daily is the ideal dosing of virgin coconut oil.
13.Detoxifier. It has been know for quite some time that virgin coconut oil is an effective laxative. Go beyond the recommended 3-4 tablespoons daily and you have the most natural detoxifying agent, cleansing out your digestive system for better absorption of food nutrients.
14.Dietary supplement. Virgin coconut oil has permissive effects in the absorption of multivitamins, especially B-complex vitamins and the fat soluble vitamins D, A, E, and K. In a sense, it enhances the absorption of these vitamins. Tuberculosis patients, patients suffering from anemia, children with Rickets and any disease which causes vitamin deficient states can greatly benefit from this oil.
15.Malnutrition. Virgin coconut oil is easily absorbed and utilized for energy. It's an effective first line health supplement for malnourished individuals.
16. Thyroid. The Medium chain triglycerides found in virgin coconut oil enhance thyroid function. Thyroid hormones have many roles in our body and some of their most relevant roles are having to do with our metabolism, our immune system, and growth.
17.Diabetes. virgin coconut oil balances our serum glucose levels and has is especially effective with pregnant mothers suffering with gestational diabetes. It also improves insulin secretion from the pancreas.
18.Alzheimer's Disease. Our neural tissues are made of complex fats some of which are prone to oxidation. It is this oxidation of these lipids which is the most common early cause of this disease. Virgin coconut oil is not easily oxidized because it's highly saturated. Reports have been conducted in the medical community where drastic improvements were observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease taking virgin coconut oil as supplement to their diet.
19.Colon Cancer. Virgin coconut oil by way of it's anti-oxidant properties is an effective prevention of Cancer.
20.Memory enhancer. Our brain has a preference for Medium Chain Fatty Acids such as those found in virgin coconut oil hence this oil helps alleviate memory loss.
21.Fertility. Coconut milk or even virgin coconut oil is a rich source of magnesium, potassium, and other "alkalizing" minerals. Alkalizing the body is conducive for conception.
22.Rheumatism. Virgin coconut oil has very good anti-inflammatory properties. Heat a tablespoonful over a candle and wait for it to cool only for a bit. Apply and massage deeply over joints. heating the oil allows for faster absorption.
So, that's our Top 22 magical uses of this oil from the Tree of Life. Everyday, as households all over America are discovering, new uses, both medicinally and therapeutically, arise. Until our next post...take care of yourselves and one another. Thanks again for your time.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Top 10 Fruits for Better SKin
Our skin is the largest organ in our body and believe it or not, it's our first barrier of defense as well as our means of touching and feeling the world we live in. Now who wouldn't want better skin right? Imagine a healthy skin devoid of any blemishes and is supple, soft, and wrinkle free. Ahh, the dream of every dermatologist indeed. In this post we will talk of FRUITS, yes fruits, which can have drastic effects on how your skin looks and how you feel. You'll Feel Better knowing you are beautifying your skin the most NATURAL way, without any side effects, or unwanted complications. When I say natural I also mean nutrition-wise and that means we will be eating our fruit, not blending it to a paste and apply it all over ourselves.
Firstly let's talk about what to avoid and what to do more of before we even consider the fruits we would love to buy every time we go to the supermarket for that "I look and feel young" skin. Here are the things to avoid:
1. Too much sunlight. UV rays damage our skin by producing toxic free radicals which must be repaired by our cells. I always advise patients and people in general that if you were to expose yourself to the sun excessively you should eat foods that have high anti-oxidant value, as well as supplement with vitamins which help repair cells from free radical damage (Vitamins E, C, and A). Also, remember that as a natural defense mechanism for our skin against harmful sun-rays it produces more of the pigment melanin. That explains why we get darker the longer we stay out in the sun.
2. Stress. Stress can have profound effects on our skin. It decreases our immune systems ability to counter infection. It also contributes to free radical production which is a big factor in that it speeds up aging ( and wrinkling of our skin). What's more is that stress affects the digestion of our food, hence limiting the amount of much needed nutrients to our skin.
3. Not enough sleep. Sleep is the way by which our bodies rest. It's also the avenue by which our body regenerates its reserves to rebuild or repair our cells and tissues. One such repair is eradication of free radicals. Deprivation or lack of sleep not only affects our mental and physiologic functions but also is a major cause of auto accidents year in and year out.
4. Bad Hygienic practices. This is obvious folks. Good hygienic practices promotes better health and better skin.
5. Exposure to caustic substances and /or chemicals. Read the labels of every chemical you come in contact with and I mean EVERY chemical. Look for the WARNING sign and read it. If in doubt, wear gloves. You'll be glad you did. It's common sense.
So, we have talked about what to avoid altogether and now let's consider what to do more of for that healthy skin:
1. Water. Let me let you in on a little secret. WATER IS THE SECRET TO ALL LIFE. Imagine where we would be without water. Water is the most natural purifier for your skin. Adequate hydration removes unwanted toxins from our body for that healthy, glowing, and radiant skin. Also, what's important to remember is that we ourselves, our bodies, is over 70% water. That is why prolonged dehydration can have deadly effects in our body. Here's another TIP on water you may already know: When you wash your face wash first with warm water, soap and work the lather around in circles to promote circulation in your skin. Also keep your hands warm by immersing them in lukewarm water often. This will help open your pores. Rinse with lukewarm water again then with cold water to close your pores. Pat with towel to dry.
2. Exercise. Exercise does wonders for your skin!! Let me repeat that. Exercise does wonders for your skin. During exercise, the increase in circulation also increases the rate by which we remove unwanted wastes and toxins from our bodies as well as speeding up cell rejuvination and renewal. Remember that as we sweat we also sweat off some of these toxins. Exercise is also a means to fight stress and we already talked about what stress can do to your radiant skin.
3. Massage. Massage like exercise improves circulation and muscle tone. By massaging our skin we help circulation flow optimally. Massaging also relieves stress.
So we have talked about what to avoid and what to do more of and we have talked about a handful, actually. Whew! Hey, helpful knowledge isn't helpful if it's not shared and put to good use right? The FRUITS for better skin are the following;
1. Papaya. Like I said in one of my previous posts, this is an amazing fruit. Do you know why all the hype about papaya being an effective skin whitener? Well, its because it contains a digestive enzyme called PAPAIN which clears damage caused by free radicals. The fruit itself is also rich in beta-carotene which is a good anti-oxidant against free radical damage. Papaya can keep you always looking young. A magical fruit indeed.
2. Pumpkin. Has anti-aging properties when applied on the skin. Also has anti-aging properties when eaten due to its rich content of Beta-carotene.
3. Grapefruit( Pink). This fruit as well as other citrus fruits high in Vit. C (Ascorbic Acid) is an excellent exfoliant when applied directly to the skin. When eaten it has anti-oxidant properties, helping delay aging.
4. Berries. Rich in anti-oxidants. Delay aging process.
5. Pineapple. A terrific skin softener when applied over rough spots. Also a major source of Vit. C when eaten. Vit. C helps fight off free radical damage and also helps delay the aging process.
6. Watermelon. This fruit is the richest source of Lycopene in any fruit or vegetable ( surprise!) and it has been shown to prevent UV damage by as much as 40%. Lycopene is an anti-oxidant that scavenges free radical and prevents them from damaging cells. You can look younger with daily servings of this fruit. A healthy summer fruit indeed, just in time for it's protective properties too.
7. Pomegranate. Shows promise as the next anti-aging wonder. This fruit contains an enzyme which prevents sub-structural breakdown of our skin. Also, the oil extract from its seeds has been shown to have rejuvinating properties when applied to your skin.
8. Avocado. This fruit is rich in fiber, minerals, and the "good" fats. It's also a good source of the anti-oxidant vitamin, Vit. E. When applied as a mask it helps remove skin impurities.
9. Apples. This fruit is another overlooked wonder. It helps tone, rejuvinates, and aids in healing our skin. Also, apples contain a substance called PECTIN which has been shown to be effective against acne.
10. Grapes. Rich in anti-oxidants which help delay the aging process.Also improves metabolism. Resveratrol, found on the skin of grapes have anti-cancer properties.
So there are our TOP 10 Fruits for Better Skin. Try them and see how they can make you Feel Better Today. Looking young and radiant is worth going through this list and expanding your own is it not? Until our next post. Do take care, always.
Firstly let's talk about what to avoid and what to do more of before we even consider the fruits we would love to buy every time we go to the supermarket for that "I look and feel young" skin. Here are the things to avoid:
1. Too much sunlight. UV rays damage our skin by producing toxic free radicals which must be repaired by our cells. I always advise patients and people in general that if you were to expose yourself to the sun excessively you should eat foods that have high anti-oxidant value, as well as supplement with vitamins which help repair cells from free radical damage (Vitamins E, C, and A). Also, remember that as a natural defense mechanism for our skin against harmful sun-rays it produces more of the pigment melanin. That explains why we get darker the longer we stay out in the sun.
2. Stress. Stress can have profound effects on our skin. It decreases our immune systems ability to counter infection. It also contributes to free radical production which is a big factor in that it speeds up aging ( and wrinkling of our skin). What's more is that stress affects the digestion of our food, hence limiting the amount of much needed nutrients to our skin.
3. Not enough sleep. Sleep is the way by which our bodies rest. It's also the avenue by which our body regenerates its reserves to rebuild or repair our cells and tissues. One such repair is eradication of free radicals. Deprivation or lack of sleep not only affects our mental and physiologic functions but also is a major cause of auto accidents year in and year out.
4. Bad Hygienic practices. This is obvious folks. Good hygienic practices promotes better health and better skin.
5. Exposure to caustic substances and /or chemicals. Read the labels of every chemical you come in contact with and I mean EVERY chemical. Look for the WARNING sign and read it. If in doubt, wear gloves. You'll be glad you did. It's common sense.
So, we have talked about what to avoid altogether and now let's consider what to do more of for that healthy skin:
1. Water. Let me let you in on a little secret. WATER IS THE SECRET TO ALL LIFE. Imagine where we would be without water. Water is the most natural purifier for your skin. Adequate hydration removes unwanted toxins from our body for that healthy, glowing, and radiant skin. Also, what's important to remember is that we ourselves, our bodies, is over 70% water. That is why prolonged dehydration can have deadly effects in our body. Here's another TIP on water you may already know: When you wash your face wash first with warm water, soap and work the lather around in circles to promote circulation in your skin. Also keep your hands warm by immersing them in lukewarm water often. This will help open your pores. Rinse with lukewarm water again then with cold water to close your pores. Pat with towel to dry.
2. Exercise. Exercise does wonders for your skin!! Let me repeat that. Exercise does wonders for your skin. During exercise, the increase in circulation also increases the rate by which we remove unwanted wastes and toxins from our bodies as well as speeding up cell rejuvination and renewal. Remember that as we sweat we also sweat off some of these toxins. Exercise is also a means to fight stress and we already talked about what stress can do to your radiant skin.
3. Massage. Massage like exercise improves circulation and muscle tone. By massaging our skin we help circulation flow optimally. Massaging also relieves stress.
So we have talked about what to avoid and what to do more of and we have talked about a handful, actually. Whew! Hey, helpful knowledge isn't helpful if it's not shared and put to good use right? The FRUITS for better skin are the following;
1. Papaya. Like I said in one of my previous posts, this is an amazing fruit. Do you know why all the hype about papaya being an effective skin whitener? Well, its because it contains a digestive enzyme called PAPAIN which clears damage caused by free radicals. The fruit itself is also rich in beta-carotene which is a good anti-oxidant against free radical damage. Papaya can keep you always looking young. A magical fruit indeed.
2. Pumpkin. Has anti-aging properties when applied on the skin. Also has anti-aging properties when eaten due to its rich content of Beta-carotene.
3. Grapefruit( Pink). This fruit as well as other citrus fruits high in Vit. C (Ascorbic Acid) is an excellent exfoliant when applied directly to the skin. When eaten it has anti-oxidant properties, helping delay aging.
4. Berries. Rich in anti-oxidants. Delay aging process.
5. Pineapple. A terrific skin softener when applied over rough spots. Also a major source of Vit. C when eaten. Vit. C helps fight off free radical damage and also helps delay the aging process.
6. Watermelon. This fruit is the richest source of Lycopene in any fruit or vegetable ( surprise!) and it has been shown to prevent UV damage by as much as 40%. Lycopene is an anti-oxidant that scavenges free radical and prevents them from damaging cells. You can look younger with daily servings of this fruit. A healthy summer fruit indeed, just in time for it's protective properties too.
7. Pomegranate. Shows promise as the next anti-aging wonder. This fruit contains an enzyme which prevents sub-structural breakdown of our skin. Also, the oil extract from its seeds has been shown to have rejuvinating properties when applied to your skin.
8. Avocado. This fruit is rich in fiber, minerals, and the "good" fats. It's also a good source of the anti-oxidant vitamin, Vit. E. When applied as a mask it helps remove skin impurities.
9. Apples. This fruit is another overlooked wonder. It helps tone, rejuvinates, and aids in healing our skin. Also, apples contain a substance called PECTIN which has been shown to be effective against acne.
10. Grapes. Rich in anti-oxidants which help delay the aging process.Also improves metabolism. Resveratrol, found on the skin of grapes have anti-cancer properties.
So there are our TOP 10 Fruits for Better Skin. Try them and see how they can make you Feel Better Today. Looking young and radiant is worth going through this list and expanding your own is it not? Until our next post. Do take care, always.
How to Fine Tune your Focus
An old motorcycle racer once described to me what he called the fifth harmonic. I, of course, listened patiently eager to know what this fifth harmonic really is or if it's even real at all. He told me the first harmonic is the motorcycle itself, the second, the rider, the third the road, the fourth is a balance of the three. Well, I didn't know if this was a zen-to-anything so I asked him if the fourth was really the most important one since it pretty much sums up the three elements of you, your ride, and the road. So he says to me the fifth harmonic is your sense of focus, your intuition, your ability to read ahead and make changes accordingly BEFORE anything bad happens. It is this realm of finer tuning which some people call "maintaining the edge". As I was sitting there listening passively to this old timer reflecting back on days of yore it suddenly dawned on me that all his concepts of harmonics this and harmonics that is really LIFE in general.
So is achieving a deeper sense of focus the secret to harmonizing all aspects of your life? in a sense, yes. Absolutely. By honing your awareness you also hone your perception and in the process you can see the "bigger picture" and not just the big one. The question then becomes how do we focus more in our daily living? To say it plainly, how do we train ourselves to develop a keener sense of awareness? We ought to observe more and we ought to listen more, and I hate to say this, but we also have to train our memory. As we age so does our neurons and we can improve our memory by doing memory exercises. Crossword puzzles, sudoku,chess, and other memory enhancing games can greatly improve your memory.
Improving your focus in life, however, is more than just merely heightening your sense of awareness, your adeptness to listening, and even improving your memory. You need healthy relationships, a positive outlook, and an open mind. Peg the following in your mind:
"I am working to focus more to achieve stability and balance in my life."
Being able to focus and see what areas in your life is more deserving of your attention allows you to recognize ALL your options or choices in plain sight and enables you to see and gauge the situation more clearly and, therefore, act more appropriately. You'll develop a presence of mind that is indeed security. Your confidence level will go up and so will your self-esteem. You'll feel better about yourself because you are working towards harmonizing all aspects of your life. Your goals will be clearer and nearer. Your planning will take on a whole new level of precision and you will be more productive all in all.
All this is possible from being able to focus a little more and be observant. If I only knew and paid more attention then what that old geek with his trusty dusty motorcycle was really telling me I would have seen and appreciated the many choices and options I hadn't even noticed before in my life. Remember to start small. Work on one area at a time and, even at that, in increments. Drastic changes are hard to assimilate and harder to adapt to.
So until our next post. Focus more. Not just on your needs mind you, but also in the needs of others. Take care of yourselves...and one another. JowelMD signing off..
So is achieving a deeper sense of focus the secret to harmonizing all aspects of your life? in a sense, yes. Absolutely. By honing your awareness you also hone your perception and in the process you can see the "bigger picture" and not just the big one. The question then becomes how do we focus more in our daily living? To say it plainly, how do we train ourselves to develop a keener sense of awareness? We ought to observe more and we ought to listen more, and I hate to say this, but we also have to train our memory. As we age so does our neurons and we can improve our memory by doing memory exercises. Crossword puzzles, sudoku,chess, and other memory enhancing games can greatly improve your memory.
Improving your focus in life, however, is more than just merely heightening your sense of awareness, your adeptness to listening, and even improving your memory. You need healthy relationships, a positive outlook, and an open mind. Peg the following in your mind:
"I am working to focus more to achieve stability and balance in my life."
Being able to focus and see what areas in your life is more deserving of your attention allows you to recognize ALL your options or choices in plain sight and enables you to see and gauge the situation more clearly and, therefore, act more appropriately. You'll develop a presence of mind that is indeed security. Your confidence level will go up and so will your self-esteem. You'll feel better about yourself because you are working towards harmonizing all aspects of your life. Your goals will be clearer and nearer. Your planning will take on a whole new level of precision and you will be more productive all in all.
All this is possible from being able to focus a little more and be observant. If I only knew and paid more attention then what that old geek with his trusty dusty motorcycle was really telling me I would have seen and appreciated the many choices and options I hadn't even noticed before in my life. Remember to start small. Work on one area at a time and, even at that, in increments. Drastic changes are hard to assimilate and harder to adapt to.
So until our next post. Focus more. Not just on your needs mind you, but also in the needs of others. Take care of yourselves...and one another. JowelMD signing off..
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Find your Own Voice
Ever wonder what dives us in life? We search for that one thing that can and will define who we really are. It can be that perfect relationship, that promotion we have been waiting for for years, or simply that one little piece of heaven we can call our happiness. The fact is it is this dire need to fulfill which keeps us going, searching, yearning. What do you think? Do you think your present state of affairs, profession, or what you just happen to be doing is your true calling in life? What if you were to contemplate for a minute that it isn't? What then?
Finding your own voice means being able to express the person that you are and appreciating yourself for it. Most of us go through life with a somewhat preconceived notion that we exist for a purpose. The truth is we go through this life being good at many things, hence we have many calling. We may do one thing well, but we may be entirely committed or passionate about another. One thing most of us don't do anymore is LISTEN to what OUR LIFE is telling us. Amidst the hubbub of everyday life we have become like automated machines, working to see a day through and not worrying about the next or the last. We have become drawn in to this rhythm that a break from it makes us anxious, and even stressed out.
Let's take for example billboards you often pass by on the freeway or ad campaigns you see on the side or even at the back of the bus. What do you think they have in common? They are asking you to try SOMETHING NEW; they are asking you to BREAK AWAY from YOUR norm; they are asking you to add some SPICE or EXCITEMENT back in your life; they are offering you a SOLUTION to a problem of yours. Get the picture? In essence they are flashing a wake up call in front of you, to remind you that you are still alive and that excitement can still be had for whatever the price they are offering. Do you really need that?
Take the time to think things through. Reassess your priorities and set realistic goals for yourself. Try to be good at what you do or may be doing now. If you end up doing something else altogether different tomorrow, well try to be good at that too. Never see people halfway, never see things halfway, never start anything only to give up halfway through, and never short change yourself. A positive outlook in life and things goes a long way. Try to see the best in any situation and in anyone. Negativity only breeds negativity. Remember that hard work develops character and a good work ethic is a life-long tool. Believe in yourself more often because some people you may not be aware of do. Practice Humility because that will take you farther in life than simply broadcasting your qualities or talents.
So, as you sit in your garden of life, find a moment to give yourself that much needed peace. Find your Own Voice and say to the world, "Here I am!". Be kind to yourself and others. Kindness is Love. Respect other people's individuality as you would want them to respect yours. Respect other peoples space and privacy too. Don't intrude unless asked to enter. It's never too late to "fine tune" your "tools" in life. Remember that.
Until our next post. Take care of yourselves and one another..thank you for your time.
Finding your own voice means being able to express the person that you are and appreciating yourself for it. Most of us go through life with a somewhat preconceived notion that we exist for a purpose. The truth is we go through this life being good at many things, hence we have many calling. We may do one thing well, but we may be entirely committed or passionate about another. One thing most of us don't do anymore is LISTEN to what OUR LIFE is telling us. Amidst the hubbub of everyday life we have become like automated machines, working to see a day through and not worrying about the next or the last. We have become drawn in to this rhythm that a break from it makes us anxious, and even stressed out.
Let's take for example billboards you often pass by on the freeway or ad campaigns you see on the side or even at the back of the bus. What do you think they have in common? They are asking you to try SOMETHING NEW; they are asking you to BREAK AWAY from YOUR norm; they are asking you to add some SPICE or EXCITEMENT back in your life; they are offering you a SOLUTION to a problem of yours. Get the picture? In essence they are flashing a wake up call in front of you, to remind you that you are still alive and that excitement can still be had for whatever the price they are offering. Do you really need that?
Take the time to think things through. Reassess your priorities and set realistic goals for yourself. Try to be good at what you do or may be doing now. If you end up doing something else altogether different tomorrow, well try to be good at that too. Never see people halfway, never see things halfway, never start anything only to give up halfway through, and never short change yourself. A positive outlook in life and things goes a long way. Try to see the best in any situation and in anyone. Negativity only breeds negativity. Remember that hard work develops character and a good work ethic is a life-long tool. Believe in yourself more often because some people you may not be aware of do. Practice Humility because that will take you farther in life than simply broadcasting your qualities or talents.
So, as you sit in your garden of life, find a moment to give yourself that much needed peace. Find your Own Voice and say to the world, "Here I am!". Be kind to yourself and others. Kindness is Love. Respect other people's individuality as you would want them to respect yours. Respect other peoples space and privacy too. Don't intrude unless asked to enter. It's never too late to "fine tune" your "tools" in life. Remember that.
Until our next post. Take care of yourselves and one another..thank you for your time.
Foods your Heart will Love
Your Heart deserves a healthy serving of foods that will not only help prevent heart disease but also ensure optimal performance. Try to imagine the heart as a pump which pumps out 5 to 6 liters of blood continually all over our body every minute of every day for the rest of our lives, bathing our tissues and organs in life nourishing nutrients. Since Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, it's important on your part to have an idea of the food types which have beneficial effects on our hearts. The way to go about maintaining a balanced and healthy diet is to not stick with just a particular food group. Make it a habit of incorporating fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts in your daily meals, as well as cheeses and yogurt. Remember that ALL FOOD have nutritional value, some having more than others.
Nutrition has developed into a science so these days it's more than just our preference of taste. Now you must understand that Heart Disease is a rather broad term and there are many forms of heart diseases. These food types affect the heart and consequently decrease the risk for heart Disease by mechanisms included under each food type. The following have been shown to decrease the risk for Heart Disease as well help our Heart to perform optimally:
1. Apples. Why are they good for my heart?
The old saying,"An apple a day keeps the doctor away.", still holds true to this day and age. Apples are rather versatile fruits in that you can carry them around in your pocket and even slice them up and add them to your favorite salad. Besides being a good source for fiber it contains QUERCETIN, a phytochemical which has anti-inflammatory properties as well as help prevent development of blood clots.
2. Oatmeal. Why is it good for my heart?
Oatmeal and foods rich in fibers such as wheat bread help our digestion in that they constitute for bulk. They also absorb some of our bad cholesterol ( LDL Cholesterol) in transit helping to lower our total body cholesterol. Oatmeals are jam-packed with omega 3 fatty acids, folic acid, magnesium, niacin, calcium, and potassium as well.
3. Almonds. Why are they good for my heart?
Almonds are rich in fiber and omega 3 fatty acids which helps prevent inflammation and reduces the risk for plaque formation in our blood vessels. They also contain anti-oxidizing supplements like Vit. E, phytosterols, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
4. Red Wine. Why is it good for my heart?
Red wine is a staple in the diets of some cultures and for good reason. It not only primes our taste buds making our meals all the more enjoyable but also contains an anti-oxidant called RESVERATROL which has been shown to be good for our heart.
5. Tomatoes and tomato sauce. Why are they good for my heart?
Tomatoes contain a natural substance called LYCOPENE. It's also good for the heart. What's worth noting is that the canned tomatoes or your favorite brand of tomato sauce actually contains more lycopene than raw tomatoes. Lycopene decreases the incidence of stroke, heart disease, and the ageing of our vessels.Lycopene can also be found in watermelons, grapefruit (pink), papaya, apricots, and guava (surprise!).
6. Salmons, Sardine, Herring, and Tuna. Why are they good for my heart?
These "oilY" fishes contain a fish oil called omega 3 fatty acid which reduces the risk for clot formation in the blood vessels as well as being a potent anti-inflammatory agent. What's more, salmon contains a potent anti-oxidizing carotenoid called ASTAXANTHIN.
7. Tofu and Soy Milk. Why are they good for my heart?
Tofu reduces the risk for heart disease because it can be used as a protein substitute.Soy contains compounds called Isoflavones which has been shown to reduce total cholesterol levels by 10%.
8. Olive Oil. Why is it good for my heart?
Olive oil has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol thereby lowering total body cholesterol and risk for heart disease.
9. Green Leafy Vegetables. Why are they good for my heart?
Besides being packed with nutrients and trace elements like iron, green leafy vegetables are also jam-packed with folic acid. Folate or folic acid lowers homocysteine levels in our body. They are also excellent sources of LUTEIN, POTASSIUM, not to mention being fiber rich as well.
10.Garlic and Onions. Why are they good for my heart?
Sulfur compounds in garlic lower our bad cholesterol (LDL) and helps lower blood pressure as well. Onions contain the natural plant anti-oxidant QUERCETIN, which has a protective role in heart disease and cancer.
11.Avocado. Why is it good for my heart?
Avocadoes are the go to guys when you want fast transit of beta-carotene rich foods as well as lycopene rich ones. How do they do that? They aid faster absorption of these carotenoid containing foods.They also lower LDL cholesterol and helping raise the level of HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol) Via the unsaturated fat OLEIC ACID, of which they have in abundance..
12.Blueberries. Why are they good for my heart?
Blueberries and berries in general are good cardiovascular foods in that they are packed with anti-inflammatory substances which helps reduce the risk for heart disease. Rich in Vit. C, Potassium, Magnesium, Lutein(a carotenoid), and Beta-carotene. NOTE: Raspberries contain ELLAGIC ACID which has been shown to stall the growth of some cancers.
13.Black beans and Kidney beans. Why are they good for my heart?
Fiber rich (soluble type) and contains omega 3 fatty acids and trace elements like calcium.
14.Flaxseed. Why is it good for my heart?
Contain omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, phytoestrogens, and fiber. Best served ground and mixed in with other foods.
15.Brown Rice. Why is it good for my heart?
Rich in niacin, B-vitamins,and magnesium. Excellent source of fiber too.
16.Carrots. Why are they good for my heart?
Beta-carotene, the antioxidant found in orange colored vegetables and some green leafy ones held lower heart disease because of it's anti-oxidant properties. Beta-carotene's true forte, however, is it's anti-cancer role.
17.Broccoli. Why is it good for my heart?
Broccoli is rich in Vit. C, Vit. E, Calcium, Folic acid, Potassium, Beta-carotene, not to mention fiber-rich as well.
18.Asparagus. Why is it good for my heart?
Besides an excellent source of fiber, asparagus is rich in B-vitamins, folic acid, and beta-carotene.
19.Red bell peppers. Why are they good for my heart?
Contains beta-carotene, B-vitamins, Folic acid, Lutein, and Potassium.
20.Oranges. Why are they good for my heart?
Besides the usual Vit. C, oranges have a multitude of other "good stuff" which are all good for your heart. These include Beta-carotene, Potassium, Folic acid, and if you're going to eat the fruit or drink the pulp filled juice, an excellent source of fiber too.
21.Tea. Why is it good for my heart?
Contains Flavonoids and Catechins which are anti-oxidants that help lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol (LDL), as well as their protective role on blood vessels.
22.Dark Chocolate. Why is it good for my heart?
Contains Reservatrol and Flavonoids which are also anti-oxidants with similar roles as those found in tea.
23.Papaya. Why is it good for my heart?
Papayas are amazing fruits. In the tropics they are eaten up in any which way or form in terms of preparation and recipes. Nevertheless, they are jam packed with Beta-carotene, Calcium, Vit. C, Folic acid, Vit. E, Potassium, and Magnesium.
24.Cantaloupe. Why is it good for my heart?
One of my favorite fruits, especially when served cold. Also rich n Beta and alpha carotene, B-vitamins, and Vit. C.
25.Acorn squash. Why is it good for my heart?
Rich in B-vitamins, Vit. C, Folic acid, Potassium, Magnesium,, Calcium.
26.Peanuts. Why are they good for my heart?
Full of unsaturated or "good" fat and studies show it can lower the risk for heart disease by as mush as 20%.
27.Sweet potato. Why is it good for my heart?
Rich in Vitamins C, E, A. Also, like broccoli, it's rich in Beta-carotene.
28.Wheatgerm. Why is it good for my heart?
Rich in magnesium, an important co-factor for our body's enzymes as well as Vit. E, an important anti-oxidant.
30.Bananas. Why are they good for my heart?
Bananas are packed with Potassium which helps lower blood pressure.
In truth, keeping your heart healthy involves not just picking the right foods. Among the many that should be on top of your list is LIFESTYLE CHANGES.By that I mean eradicating risk factors for heart disease such as smoking, alcohol, diets rich in high fat foods, a sedentary lifestyle, and stress. Also, it's important to understand that other concomitant diseases can have profound effects or even lead to heart disease ( diabetes, for example).Here are more pointers that's sure to help:
1. PREPARATION. Often times, food preparation is just as important as food selection. Don't overcook your food. With vegetables, practice steaming them until half-cooked instead of boiling.
2. Know your FATS. Avoid saturated or "heavy" fats as well as meals high in fats.
3. Be a Smart Shopper. A little shopping sense goes a long way. Always buy fresh and consume perishables before they go bad.
4. Make a habit to read your labels. Two boxes you should look out for are the RDA's and Ingredients boxes.
5. Practice good substitution. Know your "good" foods and food groups so substituting won't have to be at the expense of taste. For example, you can substitute tofu for meat on some dishes and you won't even know it's there.
Lastly, Don't forget to exercise when you can, eat less when you can't. It's just as important to keep your heart fit, not just well-fed. Well, until our next post. Take care of yourselves and each other, and do take good care of your heart. be seeing you guys...
Nutrition has developed into a science so these days it's more than just our preference of taste. Now you must understand that Heart Disease is a rather broad term and there are many forms of heart diseases. These food types affect the heart and consequently decrease the risk for heart Disease by mechanisms included under each food type. The following have been shown to decrease the risk for Heart Disease as well help our Heart to perform optimally:
1. Apples. Why are they good for my heart?
The old saying,"An apple a day keeps the doctor away.", still holds true to this day and age. Apples are rather versatile fruits in that you can carry them around in your pocket and even slice them up and add them to your favorite salad. Besides being a good source for fiber it contains QUERCETIN, a phytochemical which has anti-inflammatory properties as well as help prevent development of blood clots.
2. Oatmeal. Why is it good for my heart?
Oatmeal and foods rich in fibers such as wheat bread help our digestion in that they constitute for bulk. They also absorb some of our bad cholesterol ( LDL Cholesterol) in transit helping to lower our total body cholesterol. Oatmeals are jam-packed with omega 3 fatty acids, folic acid, magnesium, niacin, calcium, and potassium as well.
3. Almonds. Why are they good for my heart?
Almonds are rich in fiber and omega 3 fatty acids which helps prevent inflammation and reduces the risk for plaque formation in our blood vessels. They also contain anti-oxidizing supplements like Vit. E, phytosterols, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
4. Red Wine. Why is it good for my heart?
Red wine is a staple in the diets of some cultures and for good reason. It not only primes our taste buds making our meals all the more enjoyable but also contains an anti-oxidant called RESVERATROL which has been shown to be good for our heart.
5. Tomatoes and tomato sauce. Why are they good for my heart?
Tomatoes contain a natural substance called LYCOPENE. It's also good for the heart. What's worth noting is that the canned tomatoes or your favorite brand of tomato sauce actually contains more lycopene than raw tomatoes. Lycopene decreases the incidence of stroke, heart disease, and the ageing of our vessels.Lycopene can also be found in watermelons, grapefruit (pink), papaya, apricots, and guava (surprise!).
6. Salmons, Sardine, Herring, and Tuna. Why are they good for my heart?
These "oilY" fishes contain a fish oil called omega 3 fatty acid which reduces the risk for clot formation in the blood vessels as well as being a potent anti-inflammatory agent. What's more, salmon contains a potent anti-oxidizing carotenoid called ASTAXANTHIN.
7. Tofu and Soy Milk. Why are they good for my heart?
Tofu reduces the risk for heart disease because it can be used as a protein substitute.Soy contains compounds called Isoflavones which has been shown to reduce total cholesterol levels by 10%.
8. Olive Oil. Why is it good for my heart?
Olive oil has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol thereby lowering total body cholesterol and risk for heart disease.
9. Green Leafy Vegetables. Why are they good for my heart?
Besides being packed with nutrients and trace elements like iron, green leafy vegetables are also jam-packed with folic acid. Folate or folic acid lowers homocysteine levels in our body. They are also excellent sources of LUTEIN, POTASSIUM, not to mention being fiber rich as well.
10.Garlic and Onions. Why are they good for my heart?
Sulfur compounds in garlic lower our bad cholesterol (LDL) and helps lower blood pressure as well. Onions contain the natural plant anti-oxidant QUERCETIN, which has a protective role in heart disease and cancer.
11.Avocado. Why is it good for my heart?
Avocadoes are the go to guys when you want fast transit of beta-carotene rich foods as well as lycopene rich ones. How do they do that? They aid faster absorption of these carotenoid containing foods.They also lower LDL cholesterol and helping raise the level of HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol) Via the unsaturated fat OLEIC ACID, of which they have in abundance..
12.Blueberries. Why are they good for my heart?
Blueberries and berries in general are good cardiovascular foods in that they are packed with anti-inflammatory substances which helps reduce the risk for heart disease. Rich in Vit. C, Potassium, Magnesium, Lutein(a carotenoid), and Beta-carotene. NOTE: Raspberries contain ELLAGIC ACID which has been shown to stall the growth of some cancers.
13.Black beans and Kidney beans. Why are they good for my heart?
Fiber rich (soluble type) and contains omega 3 fatty acids and trace elements like calcium.
14.Flaxseed. Why is it good for my heart?
Contain omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, phytoestrogens, and fiber. Best served ground and mixed in with other foods.
15.Brown Rice. Why is it good for my heart?
Rich in niacin, B-vitamins,and magnesium. Excellent source of fiber too.
16.Carrots. Why are they good for my heart?
Beta-carotene, the antioxidant found in orange colored vegetables and some green leafy ones held lower heart disease because of it's anti-oxidant properties. Beta-carotene's true forte, however, is it's anti-cancer role.
17.Broccoli. Why is it good for my heart?
Broccoli is rich in Vit. C, Vit. E, Calcium, Folic acid, Potassium, Beta-carotene, not to mention fiber-rich as well.
18.Asparagus. Why is it good for my heart?
Besides an excellent source of fiber, asparagus is rich in B-vitamins, folic acid, and beta-carotene.
19.Red bell peppers. Why are they good for my heart?
Contains beta-carotene, B-vitamins, Folic acid, Lutein, and Potassium.
20.Oranges. Why are they good for my heart?
Besides the usual Vit. C, oranges have a multitude of other "good stuff" which are all good for your heart. These include Beta-carotene, Potassium, Folic acid, and if you're going to eat the fruit or drink the pulp filled juice, an excellent source of fiber too.
21.Tea. Why is it good for my heart?
Contains Flavonoids and Catechins which are anti-oxidants that help lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol (LDL), as well as their protective role on blood vessels.
22.Dark Chocolate. Why is it good for my heart?
Contains Reservatrol and Flavonoids which are also anti-oxidants with similar roles as those found in tea.
23.Papaya. Why is it good for my heart?
Papayas are amazing fruits. In the tropics they are eaten up in any which way or form in terms of preparation and recipes. Nevertheless, they are jam packed with Beta-carotene, Calcium, Vit. C, Folic acid, Vit. E, Potassium, and Magnesium.
24.Cantaloupe. Why is it good for my heart?
One of my favorite fruits, especially when served cold. Also rich n Beta and alpha carotene, B-vitamins, and Vit. C.
25.Acorn squash. Why is it good for my heart?
Rich in B-vitamins, Vit. C, Folic acid, Potassium, Magnesium,, Calcium.
26.Peanuts. Why are they good for my heart?
Full of unsaturated or "good" fat and studies show it can lower the risk for heart disease by as mush as 20%.
27.Sweet potato. Why is it good for my heart?
Rich in Vitamins C, E, A. Also, like broccoli, it's rich in Beta-carotene.
28.Wheatgerm. Why is it good for my heart?
Rich in magnesium, an important co-factor for our body's enzymes as well as Vit. E, an important anti-oxidant.
30.Bananas. Why are they good for my heart?
Bananas are packed with Potassium which helps lower blood pressure.
In truth, keeping your heart healthy involves not just picking the right foods. Among the many that should be on top of your list is LIFESTYLE CHANGES.By that I mean eradicating risk factors for heart disease such as smoking, alcohol, diets rich in high fat foods, a sedentary lifestyle, and stress. Also, it's important to understand that other concomitant diseases can have profound effects or even lead to heart disease ( diabetes, for example).Here are more pointers that's sure to help:
1. PREPARATION. Often times, food preparation is just as important as food selection. Don't overcook your food. With vegetables, practice steaming them until half-cooked instead of boiling.
2. Know your FATS. Avoid saturated or "heavy" fats as well as meals high in fats.
3. Be a Smart Shopper. A little shopping sense goes a long way. Always buy fresh and consume perishables before they go bad.
4. Make a habit to read your labels. Two boxes you should look out for are the RDA's and Ingredients boxes.
5. Practice good substitution. Know your "good" foods and food groups so substituting won't have to be at the expense of taste. For example, you can substitute tofu for meat on some dishes and you won't even know it's there.
Lastly, Don't forget to exercise when you can, eat less when you can't. It's just as important to keep your heart fit, not just well-fed. Well, until our next post. Take care of yourselves and each other, and do take good care of your heart. be seeing you guys...
Friday, October 1, 2010
The 4 Step Weight Loss No Dieting plan
Why do most of us have a hard time losing weight and when we do lose weight, keeping those unwanted pounds off? We lose a pound or two then gain double or triple that amount. A lot of dieters aren't successful with their weight loss program because they fail to address two very important principle towards dieting; they don't understand their body's needs and coping mechanisms, and they don't understand the psychology involved in weight loss programs. First let's talk of these basic principles and from these we can explain further how to lose weight in 4 steps without adhering to a strict and often bland and unappetizing diet.
Our bodies must eat. No going around over that one. We must eat to survive. How we eat, however, plays a big part on why most of us are overweight and at risk for other health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer to name a few. The food that we eat is burned in our bodies as calories. Each morsel of food is broken down into its most basic structure as it is digested. These building blocks are what replenishes our cells, gives our systems energy to function and be maintained properly. The way by which we burn and use the calories that comes with our favorite foods is called metabolism. The principle is really very simple. If you eat more, then you need to burn more. Otherwise those extra calories will be deposited as FAT and you'll have to watch those love handles grow. How then do we increase our body's metabolism? We increase our metabolism or metabolic rate by doing work. In this case, its called exercise. When people think of exercise they immediately associate it with numerous laps around the track, several hours in the gym, or even in aerobics. While that may be true remember that exercise is a form of work your body does to increase its metabolic rate and consequently increasing calorie burning.
I want you to see exercise in a whole different platform. When you do work around the house do a little more at a time, call that exercise, and consider your morning routine done. When you walk to your favorite convenient store 2 blocks down instead of hopping in the SUV, call that exercise, and consider your 15 minute daily cardio workout done. Do you see what I am getting at? It's all about perspective. Whenever you do physical work and break a sweat, feel your pulse. If it's considerably or even just slightly faster than if you were just standing still then your heart is pumping faster and your metabolic demand is up. When you do exercise per se or even chores around the house or in the yard, do so in moderation. When you feel more comfortable and as your body has adjusted to the metabolic demand then increase the rate and intensity of your exercise but only do so increments at a time. Most people burn themselves out exercising because they want to do too much in as little time as possible. This is not how your body works, folks. Pace yourself and hydrate yourselves (drink fluids) frequently as you exercise. See exercising in a different light. think of it as not just something you need to do to lose all those unwanted pounds. Think of it as something you must do to improve upon the quality of your life. Any physical work can be called exercise. Any brisk physical work such as the walking to the convenient store i mentioned above can be called a form of cardiovascular exercise. Remember that your heart is in fact a muscle too, and like all our muscles, it needs a workout every now and then. Also, consider that 3 to 5 mild exercise routines is often more beneficial than 1 intense one. You need to understand that quality over quantity and vice versa must be addressed since intense bursts work toward muscle mass and sustained routines work towards cardiovascular and fat burning purposes. So...
Step 1: See exercising in a different light.
Do you know why diets don't work either. Think about it. You are depriving yourself with essential building blocks and you load your body with fibers which is good mind you when you want to clean out your system and prevent colon cancer, but no so good when you are going through a weight loss exercise regiment. What I am trying to allude to is that PROPER FOOD SELECTION is key in any weight loss program. Talk to your dietician or nutritionist about what your daily intake should be and from what food groups should you focus on or avoid altogether. Remember that as you exercise your body's demand for replenishment increases as well. Talk to your primary physician abut what exercise programs should you consider if you have diabetes or heart disease. My belief in this is some movement is better than no movement.
It won't help you either if after a 2 mile jog you venture on to your favorite burger joint for a double cheeseburger with a side order of fries, and a milkshake even. You see my point? People reward themselves and the first thing they think of when they reward themselves especially after a grueling work out is you guessed it-FOOD! So...
Step 2: Eat what you want, when you want, BUT IN MODERATION.
This is important. You avoid splurging yourself and what's the first thing you do when you cheat on your diet- YOU FEEL GUILTY. Eating in small frequent amounts eliminates the guilt associated with diets.So take a bite or two of that slice of chocolate cake but don't eat the whole slice.
A weight loss program isn't just a new diet being implemented in your life. It's not just about rediscovering your love for tofu or bean sprouts (who loves those?) either. It takes careful planning, setting realistic goals, and constant support from your loved ones or friends. Don't set a goal as lofty as losing 25 pounds in a months time. I don't think nobody is capable of that or want to do that even if they could. Set realistic goals. For example, this week you will cut back on your favorite soft drink and walk more often. Remember that your ultimate goal is long term changes. Changes that will be permanent. So..
Step 3: Plan your weight loss program accordingly. Be realistic.
Lastly, the most important factor is about attitude. It's all about attitude, folks. A good positive attitude will prepare you for the right mindset. Here's a simple boost;think of associations. When you think of that chocolate cake on the table I know it's rich, moist, and so uhhmmm uhhmm good. But think about this for a minute. Which do you think is better, you having eaten that piece of cake or you finally fitting in your favorite blouse again in 2 weeks just in time for your high school reunion? Train your mind to focus and be aware of your actions as well as the consequences. Divert your thoughts elsewhere should you be tempted and if all else fails splurge on a low calorie type food. Remember, just because you fail on occasion doesn't mean you are hopeless. It takes time. It's ok to give in to temptation once in a while, just be prepared to work doubly hard for it. So...
Step 4: Have the right mindset.
Don't punish yourself. Don't push yourself beyond what you are capable of. It's better to save some of that energy and strength so you can exercise again tomorrow instead of having to miss it because you were oh so tired and you ached all over. Losing weight is not easy. It never was. With temptations abound and the dedication needed to maintain a weight loss program, most people often give up after a few weeks, waiting for the next better fad diet to come along. I don't have to tell you the frustration, stress, and depression associated with being obese, not to mention having a low self esteem. But all that can change. You'd have to want it because no one will do it for you. Pat yourself in the back for small progresses. You can't do it overnight. Don't ever sell yourself short and never stop believing. Someday even you will be surprised of yourself and you'll say, "Hey, I did it. I really made it after all."
So until our next post. Love one another and never give up on your dreams. Believe and Achieve. Take care guys....
Our bodies must eat. No going around over that one. We must eat to survive. How we eat, however, plays a big part on why most of us are overweight and at risk for other health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer to name a few. The food that we eat is burned in our bodies as calories. Each morsel of food is broken down into its most basic structure as it is digested. These building blocks are what replenishes our cells, gives our systems energy to function and be maintained properly. The way by which we burn and use the calories that comes with our favorite foods is called metabolism. The principle is really very simple. If you eat more, then you need to burn more. Otherwise those extra calories will be deposited as FAT and you'll have to watch those love handles grow. How then do we increase our body's metabolism? We increase our metabolism or metabolic rate by doing work. In this case, its called exercise. When people think of exercise they immediately associate it with numerous laps around the track, several hours in the gym, or even in aerobics. While that may be true remember that exercise is a form of work your body does to increase its metabolic rate and consequently increasing calorie burning.
I want you to see exercise in a whole different platform. When you do work around the house do a little more at a time, call that exercise, and consider your morning routine done. When you walk to your favorite convenient store 2 blocks down instead of hopping in the SUV, call that exercise, and consider your 15 minute daily cardio workout done. Do you see what I am getting at? It's all about perspective. Whenever you do physical work and break a sweat, feel your pulse. If it's considerably or even just slightly faster than if you were just standing still then your heart is pumping faster and your metabolic demand is up. When you do exercise per se or even chores around the house or in the yard, do so in moderation. When you feel more comfortable and as your body has adjusted to the metabolic demand then increase the rate and intensity of your exercise but only do so increments at a time. Most people burn themselves out exercising because they want to do too much in as little time as possible. This is not how your body works, folks. Pace yourself and hydrate yourselves (drink fluids) frequently as you exercise. See exercising in a different light. think of it as not just something you need to do to lose all those unwanted pounds. Think of it as something you must do to improve upon the quality of your life. Any physical work can be called exercise. Any brisk physical work such as the walking to the convenient store i mentioned above can be called a form of cardiovascular exercise. Remember that your heart is in fact a muscle too, and like all our muscles, it needs a workout every now and then. Also, consider that 3 to 5 mild exercise routines is often more beneficial than 1 intense one. You need to understand that quality over quantity and vice versa must be addressed since intense bursts work toward muscle mass and sustained routines work towards cardiovascular and fat burning purposes. So...
Step 1: See exercising in a different light.
Do you know why diets don't work either. Think about it. You are depriving yourself with essential building blocks and you load your body with fibers which is good mind you when you want to clean out your system and prevent colon cancer, but no so good when you are going through a weight loss exercise regiment. What I am trying to allude to is that PROPER FOOD SELECTION is key in any weight loss program. Talk to your dietician or nutritionist about what your daily intake should be and from what food groups should you focus on or avoid altogether. Remember that as you exercise your body's demand for replenishment increases as well. Talk to your primary physician abut what exercise programs should you consider if you have diabetes or heart disease. My belief in this is some movement is better than no movement.
It won't help you either if after a 2 mile jog you venture on to your favorite burger joint for a double cheeseburger with a side order of fries, and a milkshake even. You see my point? People reward themselves and the first thing they think of when they reward themselves especially after a grueling work out is you guessed it-FOOD! So...
Step 2: Eat what you want, when you want, BUT IN MODERATION.
This is important. You avoid splurging yourself and what's the first thing you do when you cheat on your diet- YOU FEEL GUILTY. Eating in small frequent amounts eliminates the guilt associated with diets.So take a bite or two of that slice of chocolate cake but don't eat the whole slice.
A weight loss program isn't just a new diet being implemented in your life. It's not just about rediscovering your love for tofu or bean sprouts (who loves those?) either. It takes careful planning, setting realistic goals, and constant support from your loved ones or friends. Don't set a goal as lofty as losing 25 pounds in a months time. I don't think nobody is capable of that or want to do that even if they could. Set realistic goals. For example, this week you will cut back on your favorite soft drink and walk more often. Remember that your ultimate goal is long term changes. Changes that will be permanent. So..
Step 3: Plan your weight loss program accordingly. Be realistic.
Lastly, the most important factor is about attitude. It's all about attitude, folks. A good positive attitude will prepare you for the right mindset. Here's a simple boost;think of associations. When you think of that chocolate cake on the table I know it's rich, moist, and so uhhmmm uhhmm good. But think about this for a minute. Which do you think is better, you having eaten that piece of cake or you finally fitting in your favorite blouse again in 2 weeks just in time for your high school reunion? Train your mind to focus and be aware of your actions as well as the consequences. Divert your thoughts elsewhere should you be tempted and if all else fails splurge on a low calorie type food. Remember, just because you fail on occasion doesn't mean you are hopeless. It takes time. It's ok to give in to temptation once in a while, just be prepared to work doubly hard for it. So...
Step 4: Have the right mindset.
Don't punish yourself. Don't push yourself beyond what you are capable of. It's better to save some of that energy and strength so you can exercise again tomorrow instead of having to miss it because you were oh so tired and you ached all over. Losing weight is not easy. It never was. With temptations abound and the dedication needed to maintain a weight loss program, most people often give up after a few weeks, waiting for the next better fad diet to come along. I don't have to tell you the frustration, stress, and depression associated with being obese, not to mention having a low self esteem. But all that can change. You'd have to want it because no one will do it for you. Pat yourself in the back for small progresses. You can't do it overnight. Don't ever sell yourself short and never stop believing. Someday even you will be surprised of yourself and you'll say, "Hey, I did it. I really made it after all."
So until our next post. Love one another and never give up on your dreams. Believe and Achieve. Take care guys....
How to make your Relationships Last
Ever wonder why a lot of relationships have sad endings? It's because most relationships are defined by what each person needs and it is this need or the drive to maintain this need is the reason why relationships fail. A key element in any relationship that most people miss is that a relationship between two people must be seen on terms of not only from the perspective of each but also realizing the fact that the relationship itself must be maintained and sustained in order to make it lasting. Let me explain that in simpler terms in the form of an exercise. Say you have issues which needs to be resolved between you and your spouse, mate, girlfriend or boyfriend. On a piece of paper make three columns and the title for each column is Myself, Our Relationship, and my spouse, mate, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc. Now make 5 rows and on each row will be a key question pertaining to a key issues which needed undermining with respect to you, your partner, and the relationship you both share. Now, before we talk about what these questions or issues are, lets lay down some foundations first.
When we talk about a relationship or any relationship for that matter, the first word that comes to our minds is TRUST. In trusting we commit ourselves. If two people no longer trust each other then tensions arise. From tension develops distancing from one another and in that invisible field erected between two people another need is sought after and that need is SPACE. What most people do not realize is besides trust, RESPECT must also be highly thought of in a relationship. When I say respect it's not just to the person in question, mind you, but also that of self-respect. Remember that a relationship doesn't just involve two people. You need to factor in the circle of influences which have profound effects on both
people.There are actually many but your upbringing, culture, family, friends, and ideals constitute the main ones. Imagine yourself sitting by the beach one day,on your lunch break. You aren't hungry because you and your spouse had a big fight that morning and all that you could think of is who is at fault and where you had gone wrong IF it was indeed your fault. Hey, it could happen to you. It happens to the best of us. Then you see an elderly couple walk by holding hands with that inner sparkle still glimmering in their eyes as they look at each other and smile. Now wouldn't you be envious? I would. I certainly would. Then you ask yourself what their secret may be.
Let me let you in on a little secret-THERE IS NO SECRET.A healthy relationship must be nurtured and sustained, folks. It isn't because we get older by the day into our graying years that we forget why we chose a life-long partner in the first place. It's because your spouse or life-long mate COMPLETES YOU. Let me say that again- your partner in life COMPLETES YOU. You were never actually alone. You were made to be with someone in this world. You can call it anything you want; soul-mate, life-mate, whatever, but the fact is somewhere out there your partner is also searching, yearning to be complete as well. Some people go through relationships like they go through their wardrobes. There is always something lacking which they seek in a person, and until they find it they will keep searching. Ask them what that is and most of the time they don't know. Find someone special and STAY with that person.We can't all be choosers and aim for the homecoming queen. There is no such thing as a perfect relationship but you can love each other perfectly. Respect each others strengths and weaknesses. Complement one another and balance everything. Give each other some time to grow into your relationship as well as
grow individually. You will find that as the years come to pass,your level of sharing becomes all the more exciting and deeper. Find time to rekindle your moments with each other. Amidst your work, the kids, your mortgage, find a little time to revisit your old dating places. It's ok to be sentimental. We all are.
Yet as relationships go, there will be days when you find yourself questioning more than you do reminiscing and it's ok. What's important is you work at your issues TOGETHER with OPENNESS, RESPECT, and CARING. Sometimes in our frustrations and anger we hurt our loved ones, even if we do so unintentionally. My suggestion to you is during times of quarrels and heated disputes, walk away. Just walk away, regain your composure, then come back when the both of you can talk more calmly and with reason. While you are away think of these 5 questions. They are the 5 questions I mentioned in passing above. They are:
1. Where did WE go wrong? Notice that its a "WE" ad not an "I" or a "HE/SHE"
2. Why can't I change for her/him?
3. How can I regain his/her trust and respect again?
4. What are our options up to this point? How can we resolve this?
5. Is our relationship worth saving? Do we deserve each other?
Making relationships last takes a level of commitment most people are unprepared for. Try to see things not only from your perspective but also that from your partners' as well. Remember, we can never really prepare for any relationship, we simply have to accept each other for who we are, love one another for who and what we are, and make the best of every situation. It isn't easy and it takes time to fit into it and make it work. Remember, that when you hurt, so does your partner. Never see things from a selfish perspective. Like I said earlier, it takes two people to make love and relationships work.So, until our next post. Do love one another and take care of yourselves, you hear.
When we talk about a relationship or any relationship for that matter, the first word that comes to our minds is TRUST. In trusting we commit ourselves. If two people no longer trust each other then tensions arise. From tension develops distancing from one another and in that invisible field erected between two people another need is sought after and that need is SPACE. What most people do not realize is besides trust, RESPECT must also be highly thought of in a relationship. When I say respect it's not just to the person in question, mind you, but also that of self-respect. Remember that a relationship doesn't just involve two people. You need to factor in the circle of influences which have profound effects on both
people.There are actually many but your upbringing, culture, family, friends, and ideals constitute the main ones. Imagine yourself sitting by the beach one day,on your lunch break. You aren't hungry because you and your spouse had a big fight that morning and all that you could think of is who is at fault and where you had gone wrong IF it was indeed your fault. Hey, it could happen to you. It happens to the best of us. Then you see an elderly couple walk by holding hands with that inner sparkle still glimmering in their eyes as they look at each other and smile. Now wouldn't you be envious? I would. I certainly would. Then you ask yourself what their secret may be.
Let me let you in on a little secret-THERE IS NO SECRET.A healthy relationship must be nurtured and sustained, folks. It isn't because we get older by the day into our graying years that we forget why we chose a life-long partner in the first place. It's because your spouse or life-long mate COMPLETES YOU. Let me say that again- your partner in life COMPLETES YOU. You were never actually alone. You were made to be with someone in this world. You can call it anything you want; soul-mate, life-mate, whatever, but the fact is somewhere out there your partner is also searching, yearning to be complete as well. Some people go through relationships like they go through their wardrobes. There is always something lacking which they seek in a person, and until they find it they will keep searching. Ask them what that is and most of the time they don't know. Find someone special and STAY with that person.We can't all be choosers and aim for the homecoming queen. There is no such thing as a perfect relationship but you can love each other perfectly. Respect each others strengths and weaknesses. Complement one another and balance everything. Give each other some time to grow into your relationship as well as
grow individually. You will find that as the years come to pass,your level of sharing becomes all the more exciting and deeper. Find time to rekindle your moments with each other. Amidst your work, the kids, your mortgage, find a little time to revisit your old dating places. It's ok to be sentimental. We all are.
Yet as relationships go, there will be days when you find yourself questioning more than you do reminiscing and it's ok. What's important is you work at your issues TOGETHER with OPENNESS, RESPECT, and CARING. Sometimes in our frustrations and anger we hurt our loved ones, even if we do so unintentionally. My suggestion to you is during times of quarrels and heated disputes, walk away. Just walk away, regain your composure, then come back when the both of you can talk more calmly and with reason. While you are away think of these 5 questions. They are the 5 questions I mentioned in passing above. They are:
1. Where did WE go wrong? Notice that its a "WE" ad not an "I" or a "HE/SHE"
2. Why can't I change for her/him?
3. How can I regain his/her trust and respect again?
4. What are our options up to this point? How can we resolve this?
5. Is our relationship worth saving? Do we deserve each other?
Making relationships last takes a level of commitment most people are unprepared for. Try to see things not only from your perspective but also that from your partners' as well. Remember, we can never really prepare for any relationship, we simply have to accept each other for who we are, love one another for who and what we are, and make the best of every situation. It isn't easy and it takes time to fit into it and make it work. Remember, that when you hurt, so does your partner. Never see things from a selfish perspective. Like I said earlier, it takes two people to make love and relationships work.So, until our next post. Do love one another and take care of yourselves, you hear.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The 5 Steps of Forgiving
Why is it so hard for most of us to forgive? Maybe I should ask why is it so hard for us to ask for forgiveness? I mean let's face it folks, none of us want to admit we are wrong but we always make it a point to point out the wrongs of others. The fact is it takes A LOT to say you are sorry but it takes A WHOLE LOT MORE to forgive someone for it. You ever wonder why? Is it just human nature, you think?
The truth is no one really wants to admit they are wrong, even to themselves. They will put the blame on somebody else's fault but not theirs. Let me ask you this, which do you think is harder for you; saying that you are sorry or granting someone pardon for their mistakes, i.e. accepting their apology?
Forgiving or forgiveness in general says a lot of a person's character, really. Remember this; when you forgive, you, in return, are also forgiven. Now what does this mean to you, in particular, you may ask? We all make mistakes. Admitting our mistakes is the first step. This it turns out is perhaps the hardest of the 5 steps because it would take some humility on your part and a degree of willingness to change. It's always difficult to admit that you are wrong but you will be appreciated more when you do. When you say you are sorry give a reason why, don't just say, " I'm sorry", and leave it at that. Let's take, for example, a scenario where you have hurt your best friend. This is the ideal way to say that you are sorry.." I am sorry I hurt you. It wasn't my intention to do so. I was selfish (maybe you were), and I should have known better. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.". When you are honest and sincere enough, they will feel your apology.
The second step is working towards a feasible solution. You may not always like what that solution maybe even if it's for the "common good". This step will test your ability to compromise; to give and take. It takes some communicating on your part as well as in the part of the other person involved. Don't dig up old pains. Leave them behind. Remember you are working for a better jumpstart in your relationship. Talk about what you both can do to make your relationship work. No it isn't just patch up and make up. Lay your cards on the table and talk about your issues. Tell the other person how you really feel and listen to how they feel as well. Don't take any issue for granted or even as a silly one. It may feel silly to you but if it hurts them then it must have some importance to them.
The third and perhaps the most important step is closure. When you forgive someone its completely, not halfway through. What I mean by that is learn how to forget. Yes, forget. It is easier to forgive than forget sometimes but if you really meant to forgive then this is a non-issue. The reason why it's hard for us to forget is that we associate pain to that experience and whenever it's remembered, so is the pain. This takes time, of course. It's true when they say time takes away all things, even memory.
The fourth step is application. What have you learned from such an experience? Certainly, you may have discovered that we, as people in general, are really vulnerable to emotional insult. What's more we tend to avoid circumstances which may be a prelude to yet another repeat performance of having to say that you are sorry or having to accept someone else's apology, especially if the same issues are involved. Remember though that every experience in life, whether its pleasurable or painful, is a learning curve. I don't want you to think that you are weak when you say you are sorry whenever you commit a mistake. On the contrary, it in fact is a sign of strength in character and sound principles.
The fifth step is the more committed step because it involves change. You obviously had to change something to set things right and you obviously must maintain this change to keep things right. Once you have admitted your mistakes, resolved your issues, and worked towards a solution, the last thing to do is change towards maintaining what you have worked so hard together to achieve.
So, the 5 steps of Forgiving are;
1. Admit that you are wrong
2. Work your Issues out. Talk about feasible solutions
3. Closure
4. Apply what you have learned
5. Commitment to change.
So there you have it folks. Do take care and love one another. Until our next post...
The truth is no one really wants to admit they are wrong, even to themselves. They will put the blame on somebody else's fault but not theirs. Let me ask you this, which do you think is harder for you; saying that you are sorry or granting someone pardon for their mistakes, i.e. accepting their apology?
Forgiving or forgiveness in general says a lot of a person's character, really. Remember this; when you forgive, you, in return, are also forgiven. Now what does this mean to you, in particular, you may ask? We all make mistakes. Admitting our mistakes is the first step. This it turns out is perhaps the hardest of the 5 steps because it would take some humility on your part and a degree of willingness to change. It's always difficult to admit that you are wrong but you will be appreciated more when you do. When you say you are sorry give a reason why, don't just say, " I'm sorry", and leave it at that. Let's take, for example, a scenario where you have hurt your best friend. This is the ideal way to say that you are sorry.." I am sorry I hurt you. It wasn't my intention to do so. I was selfish (maybe you were), and I should have known better. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.". When you are honest and sincere enough, they will feel your apology.
The second step is working towards a feasible solution. You may not always like what that solution maybe even if it's for the "common good". This step will test your ability to compromise; to give and take. It takes some communicating on your part as well as in the part of the other person involved. Don't dig up old pains. Leave them behind. Remember you are working for a better jumpstart in your relationship. Talk about what you both can do to make your relationship work. No it isn't just patch up and make up. Lay your cards on the table and talk about your issues. Tell the other person how you really feel and listen to how they feel as well. Don't take any issue for granted or even as a silly one. It may feel silly to you but if it hurts them then it must have some importance to them.
The third and perhaps the most important step is closure. When you forgive someone its completely, not halfway through. What I mean by that is learn how to forget. Yes, forget. It is easier to forgive than forget sometimes but if you really meant to forgive then this is a non-issue. The reason why it's hard for us to forget is that we associate pain to that experience and whenever it's remembered, so is the pain. This takes time, of course. It's true when they say time takes away all things, even memory.
The fourth step is application. What have you learned from such an experience? Certainly, you may have discovered that we, as people in general, are really vulnerable to emotional insult. What's more we tend to avoid circumstances which may be a prelude to yet another repeat performance of having to say that you are sorry or having to accept someone else's apology, especially if the same issues are involved. Remember though that every experience in life, whether its pleasurable or painful, is a learning curve. I don't want you to think that you are weak when you say you are sorry whenever you commit a mistake. On the contrary, it in fact is a sign of strength in character and sound principles.
The fifth step is the more committed step because it involves change. You obviously had to change something to set things right and you obviously must maintain this change to keep things right. Once you have admitted your mistakes, resolved your issues, and worked towards a solution, the last thing to do is change towards maintaining what you have worked so hard together to achieve.
So, the 5 steps of Forgiving are;
1. Admit that you are wrong
2. Work your Issues out. Talk about feasible solutions
3. Closure
4. Apply what you have learned
5. Commitment to change.
So there you have it folks. Do take care and love one another. Until our next post...
Sunday, September 26, 2010
When Words Fail
How do you describe happiness If you feel better today can that elated feeling carry you through tomorrow,the next day and the next? How does one describe contentment when rare are the occasions when it is actually felt and appreciated.I guess what I am trying to ask you is are you happy? Be honest. Making do is not the same as being happy, it never was and it never will. To some people happiness is an ideal that must be pursued, a state of being that essentially completes them. Well, yes and no. Happiness is a feeling. It's a gauge which tells you you are essentially in the right path, that you are in good hands, and that you are loved. How does one arrive at being happy then? Do we simply decide one Tuesday morning after an awful Monday that we are simply going to be happy the rest of the week? If it were that simple, pharmaceutical companies making anti-depressants would be out of business in no time at all. All wars would end and the world would be a peaceful and happy place to live in. If it were only true.
The reason why most, if not all, of us are never contented is because we are hardly ever satisfied with what we have. The yearning to be more, to have more, and to do more drives us in a restless state of apprehension. We just want more of our desires be fulfilled and we want it now and fast. Now therein lies the ordeal of human nature as we spiral down this path.If you have a family remember the day your first child was born? Words fail you do they not? That indescribable feeling just takes over you and there are no words, no words at all, to describe how you've felt that day. Do you remember? Of course you do. THAT is happiness. Why would it not be worth it then to want to feel like that everyday, to feel blessed beyond your dreams, to feel complete? It's worth it and it's worth all of it.
Here are some Golden Rules on being happy:
Identify what your needs and desires are and draw the line between the two. Know what your basic fundamental needs are and what you deem to be commodities.
Don't make a habit of keeping your expectations too high. Aim high but be realistic with your expected results. If you keep them lofty most of the time you'd have to plan ahead in case of disappointments.
Learn how to accept and make do with what you have. What's in front of you is more real and tangible than what you can ever expect to have.
Practice patience. Know that being patient will yield more results than fumbling blindly into things.
Be humble at all times. Let people discover what you are about instead of broadcasting to the world and fail to deliver.
Stay away from negative people because negative people don't live very long.
Develop an open mind.
Never lash out in anger.
Nurture your relationships with other people and do play your part. Never promise what you can't deliver because losing someone's trust creates tension and basically says you are insensitive to other people's needs as well.
Be kind always.
Don't be afraid to say that you are sorry when you slight someone. Admitting your mistakes says a ton about your character. Remember that pride can only take you so far.
Be positive at all times.
Love more.
If you think about what you lack in your life and what you have try to assess what each means to you. What's more real? Work with what you have, That way you will develop a deeper appreciation of the many things that comprise your life. Be happy because you are blessed more than you know. Be happy because you are loved. Be happy because you love. If you keep this in mind you'll feel better today and everyday. Until our next post then...do take care and be kind to one another. Thank you for your time.
The reason why most, if not all, of us are never contented is because we are hardly ever satisfied with what we have. The yearning to be more, to have more, and to do more drives us in a restless state of apprehension. We just want more of our desires be fulfilled and we want it now and fast. Now therein lies the ordeal of human nature as we spiral down this path.If you have a family remember the day your first child was born? Words fail you do they not? That indescribable feeling just takes over you and there are no words, no words at all, to describe how you've felt that day. Do you remember? Of course you do. THAT is happiness. Why would it not be worth it then to want to feel like that everyday, to feel blessed beyond your dreams, to feel complete? It's worth it and it's worth all of it.
Here are some Golden Rules on being happy:
Identify what your needs and desires are and draw the line between the two. Know what your basic fundamental needs are and what you deem to be commodities.
Don't make a habit of keeping your expectations too high. Aim high but be realistic with your expected results. If you keep them lofty most of the time you'd have to plan ahead in case of disappointments.
Learn how to accept and make do with what you have. What's in front of you is more real and tangible than what you can ever expect to have.
Practice patience. Know that being patient will yield more results than fumbling blindly into things.
Be humble at all times. Let people discover what you are about instead of broadcasting to the world and fail to deliver.
Stay away from negative people because negative people don't live very long.
Develop an open mind.
Never lash out in anger.
Nurture your relationships with other people and do play your part. Never promise what you can't deliver because losing someone's trust creates tension and basically says you are insensitive to other people's needs as well.
Be kind always.
Don't be afraid to say that you are sorry when you slight someone. Admitting your mistakes says a ton about your character. Remember that pride can only take you so far.
Be positive at all times.
Love more.
If you think about what you lack in your life and what you have try to assess what each means to you. What's more real? Work with what you have, That way you will develop a deeper appreciation of the many things that comprise your life. Be happy because you are blessed more than you know. Be happy because you are loved. Be happy because you love. If you keep this in mind you'll feel better today and everyday. Until our next post then...do take care and be kind to one another. Thank you for your time.
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