How to Have a Healthy Holiday? - Part IV.

Healthy Holidays

Look Younger and Stay Healthy; Exercise




It is a few days after Thanksgiving, and thankfully here in Michigan the weather was mild. The weather was great for jogging, shopping, walking, raking leaves, or putting up outdoor holiday decorations. However, the forecast is calling for lower temperatures and seasonal weather.

How do you stay in shape during the holidays, and the winter months? If you do not belong to a health club, or if jogging in extreme temperatures does not appeal to you, stay indoors and work out.

Did you know that just 30 minutes of daily exercise six days a week could stave of the extra pounds, and keep you healthy during the holidays? Moreover, exercise can boost the immune system, therefore cutting down on colds and viruses.

If you have a treadmill, exercise bike, elliptic cycle etc. start now. Exercise 30 minutes each day, and increase the time to 60 minutes as your stamina increases. In addition, use weights to build strong bones and muscles.

If you do not have exercise equipment in your home, I recommend the following exercise videos:

· First, I suggest “Yoga Stretches” By Priscilla Patrick. I have worked out with Priscilla Patrick for years. Priscilla can also be seen on Public TV early mornings. For more information visit http://www.yogaone.com/. Note: Stretching before any exercise is suggested; Stretching in the mornings gives energy and prepares the body for the day.

· Second, if you really need to burn calories, build stamina, or get rid of the stress of the day try: Billy Blanks "Ultimate Boot Camp" Series. The series is a powerful and fast way to tone up and lose weight. Note: Take your time with the kicks and punching. You will be able to keep up the second, or third time working out with the videos.

· Third, Winsor Pilates by Mari Winsor is a favorite. You can slim down, and shape the body. After one work out you can feel, and see a difference. A bonus is, that with Pilates you work the core muscles of your stomach for all of the moves. Thus a flat stomach.

· Fourth, Slim and Thin walking tapes by, Leslie Sansone, with the walk blaster allows you to slim and shape your body, while you walk two miles indoors.

· Finally, another powerful and immediate result video is "Core Secrets" with Gunnar Peterson. As always the bottom-line is the top line. Gunnar designed a work out that utilizes weights, and an exercise ball. This video workout is excellent for shaping, building muscle, and burning calories. Gunnar states this phrase after each exercise, which is a great motivational phrase “I’m Moving on.”

Health and Anger

Keep Good Health by Avoiding "Intense Anger."

"Intense Anger Associated with Potentially Fatal Arrhythmias"

The American Heart Association researchers reported from the "Scientific Sessions 2006", that episodes of anger may cause fatal heart rhythm disturbances.

The researchers' conclusions were based upon the electrocardio graphic data referred to as electrograms from implantable cardiovertors defibrillators, ICDs. The ICDs monitored and recorded the electrical activity of a patients heart and delivered a shock to correct certain life threatening activities. To find out more, go to http://www.americanheartassociation.org/.

It is imperative to monitor stress levels, and utilize strategies to reduce stress.

Here are a few good strategies: take deep breathes, count to ten before the reacting, meditate , and do yoga exercises (or any exercise). Moreover, Dr. Deepak Chopra wrote that when making any decision in life, if you physically feel discomfort, then do not act upon the decision.

Finally, the bottom line, which should be the top line is to"Seek Peace at All Times."

The Secret to a Healthy Holiday - Part III.

Healthy Holidays and Oolong Tea

Did you know that Oolong tea can promote good health and reduce the aging process? Moreover, by drinking just two cups of Oolong tea a day can reduce fat, and fight obesity. Oolong tea originates in Fujian Province, China.

According to the web site www.oolongtea.org/e, Oolong tea contains the substance polyphenol. The effects of polyphenol identified as "tannin" fights the free radicals in the body, and controls obesity. The research cites controlled experiments with humans and rats. The conclusions showed a definite weight loss. Oolong tea can be purchased at most Chinese stores, and restaurants.

This secret is an Eureka for our Healthy Holidays.


P.s. Search for your BMI now. Drink the tea, and then check your BMI in 6 weeks.

The Right to Vote & Democracy

Quotes On Democracy

The Ballot is stronger than the bullet.

Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865)

The highest measure of democracy is neither

the 'extent of freedom' nor the 'extent

of equality, but rather the highest measure of

participation.

A d. Benoist

The most common way people give up their

power is by thinking they don't have any.

Alice Walker

It is the mark of an educated mind to be

able to entertain a thought without

accepting it.

Aristotle

Until lions have their historians, tales of

the hunt always glorify the hunter.

African Proverb

If there is no struggle, then there is no progress.

Frederick Douglass

How to Have a Healthy Holiday? - Part II.

Healthy Holidays Objective: To keep off the extra pounds, and / or maintain weight.

Article Disclaimer:

• Please Check with your Doctor before beginning any program.
• I am not endorsing the products for monetary fees.

My Health Status:

I am in good health, and within my weight range. My BMI is 23; My Blood Pressure is normal; My cholesterol is Normal. However, there are times that my weight creeps up to an overage of 5 -7 pounds without daily exercise.

I know what you must be thinking? I hear it all the time when I turn down extra goodies. "You don't have to worry about your weight." Yes, I do. Moreover, it is about maintaining a healthy heart as well. Nonetheless, If you are overweight, why not start now to slim down. You may want to detox your body first. Lime TV hosted an excellent show on how to detox naturally for two days. You may be able to check their listing, or search the web for Lime TV.

I have studied and used the following healthy life style programs that have worked for me.

1) From Prevention Magazine "Fight Fat After 40!"( July 2000) I used this program after trying all the fad diets. Basically the program entails: Eating fish three times a week. Get at least 25 to 35 grams of fiber (1/2 Cup of Fiber One Cereal ), and drink at least one smoothie protein drink a day. Do not forget the fruit and vegetables, and 6-8 glasses of water daily. Finally exercise 4 days a week cardio / weights, and 2 days 45 min of walking, jogging etc.

2) Bob Greene's Book "Get with the Program" Discusses why people over eat, and gets the reader to examine their emotions. Then Bob Greene delves into his program of 2-4-7. Eat 2 servings of fresh fruits. Eat 4 servings of vegetables. Eat no more than 7 servings from the whole grain group of foods. Drink 6-8 glasses of water. In addition, Greene designed an exercise program with weights 4 days a week, and 60 to 75 min. Of aerobic, walking, or jogging, once a week.

3) Dr. Ian Smith, M.D. - "The Fat Smash Diet" I was fascinated by Dr.Smith on the "Celebrity Fit Club." The Celebrities had 30 - 150 lbs to lose. Dr. Ian Smith's diet consist of eating 5 mini meals a day. You can search the web for his menus or check Amazon Books. Dr. Smith also incorporates exercise into his program. This program would only work form me during holidays, and my summers off as a teacher.

For more information on these programs, or check your BMI, please search the web, and / or check out the books. Please comment on how you are doing, or email me. My next article will inform you of my exercise videos that I use during the winter months, and the health benefits from oolong tea.

How to Have a Healthy Holiday? - Part I

Healthy Holidays

As I approach the holiday season this year, the main question
that I am asking myself is: How can I maintain my weight, and
keep a Healthy Heart?

The answer is: exercise and eat in moderate
proportions. Most of us knew the answer, and some
of us practice a healthy lifestyle daily. However, during
the holidays we are enticed by the warm aromas of
allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon that is infused into
sweet pies, cakes, and cookies.

We anticipate the turkey, ham, or lamb dinner that is

garnished with sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes,

green beans, greens, salads, and my

favorite eggnog (low fat).

We celebrate the holidays at work by attending

holiday parties at our favorite restaurants, and select from

a menu that offers steak, chicken, fish, and fine wines;

We travel to our family and friend's homes near and far; We

sit and watch the children open their gifts; We sit and

watch the football games; We sit in front of a fireplace that is

burning, and listen to wonderful holiday music.

Surffice it to say, it is easy to gain what the statistics state

are 10 - 15 lbs. during the holiday season. I for one have a plan.

I am going to conduct an experiment, and I ask you to join me.

Research states that exercising a minimum of 30 minutes six

days a week can stave off the unwanted pounds.

This article will be my motivation. I will, beginning 11/4/06,

exercise at least 30 minutes each day no matter what.

Actually, I will exercise one hour per day.

Please read my next article "Healthy Holidays Part II."

I will inform you of, which health programs have worked

the best, and the type of excerise that I enjoy.