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Monday, September 5, 2011
Monday, November 10, 2008
212° Accountability
You know, one of the really nice things about our world is that it’s full of people who have all kinds of good intentions – including the desire to consistently do what’s right, fair, and just. But, intending or wanting to do something and actually doing it aren’t the same. The difference is action. And the thing that helps ensure action happens is accountability.
Remember when you were in your early teens? We do. We could hardly wait to become adults because we thought it would mean we could do whatever we wanted. Well, we became adults (at least age wise) and we found it meant something much different: Now WE were responsible for ourselves – WE were accountable for our actions. We still are…and always will be.
Certainly, each of us has to answer to the external authorities in our lives like the government, our workplace leaders, and the “higher authority” that exists for many of us. But equally (if not more) important, we need to answer to ourselves. In the real world, others can mandate that we follow rules and laws, but they can’t force us to be people of good character…individuals who remain true to our beliefs and values. Ultimately, it’s up to each of us to choose how we will live our lives, hold ourselves to high standards, and continually evaluate what’s inside the image we see in the mirror.
Remember when you were in your early teens? We do. We could hardly wait to become adults because we thought it would mean we could do whatever we wanted. Well, we became adults (at least age wise) and we found it meant something much different: Now WE were responsible for ourselves – WE were accountable for our actions. We still are…and always will be.
Certainly, each of us has to answer to the external authorities in our lives like the government, our workplace leaders, and the “higher authority” that exists for many of us. But equally (if not more) important, we need to answer to ourselves. In the real world, others can mandate that we follow rules and laws, but they can’t force us to be people of good character…individuals who remain true to our beliefs and values. Ultimately, it’s up to each of us to choose how we will live our lives, hold ourselves to high standards, and continually evaluate what’s inside the image we see in the mirror.
Obesity, Lack Of Fitness And Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The Better Life Experts | November 10, 2008
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is considered an inflammatory disorder caused by repetitive stress, physical injury, or various medical conditions including hypothyroidism, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and pregnancy.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, being overweight consistently turns up as a risk factor for CTS and may play a direct causal role for CTS. Greater body mass appears to reduce nerve flow speed into the hand. Obesity is also related to poor physical fitness, which may also increase risk. A 2005 analysis indicated that weight is strongly linked to the onset of CTS in patients under the age of 63 years.
CTS is also a common feature of diabetic neuropathy, one of the major complications of diabetes. Neuropathy is decreased or distorted nerve function; it particularly affects sensation. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, weakness, and burning sensations, usually starting in the fingers and toes and moving up to the arms and legs. About 6% of patients with CTS have diabetes.
Since both obesity and Type II diabetes are linked, there may be a causal link between these medical conditions and CTS. These findings make it all the more important to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise every day and avoid being overweight.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is considered an inflammatory disorder caused by repetitive stress, physical injury, or various medical conditions including hypothyroidism, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and pregnancy.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, being overweight consistently turns up as a risk factor for CTS and may play a direct causal role for CTS. Greater body mass appears to reduce nerve flow speed into the hand. Obesity is also related to poor physical fitness, which may also increase risk. A 2005 analysis indicated that weight is strongly linked to the onset of CTS in patients under the age of 63 years.
CTS is also a common feature of diabetic neuropathy, one of the major complications of diabetes. Neuropathy is decreased or distorted nerve function; it particularly affects sensation. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, weakness, and burning sensations, usually starting in the fingers and toes and moving up to the arms and legs. About 6% of patients with CTS have diabetes.
Since both obesity and Type II diabetes are linked, there may be a causal link between these medical conditions and CTS. These findings make it all the more important to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise every day and avoid being overweight.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Gas- todays health update :)
The Better Life Experts | November 6, 2008
Okay, you’re eating more fruits and vegetables in order to live a healthier life. You’ve even added some soy products to the mix and now you’re paying the price (in gas).
What causes gas? Generally, gas comes from two sources: Swallowed air and the normal breakdown of certain undigested foods by harmless bacteria naturally present in the intestines and colon.
Small amounts of air swallowing occur while eating and drinking. However, rapid eating or drinking, chewing gum, smoking or loose dental work can cause some people to take in more air than usual.
Foods that produce gas in one person may not cause gas in another. The balance of bacteria may explain why some people are “gassier” than others.
Most foods that contain carbohydrates can cause gas. Sugars such as raffinose, lactose, fructose and sorbitol are the major culprits. Raffinose is found in beans, cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli, asparagus and other vegetables as well as whole grains. Lactose is found in milk and milk products such as cheese, ice cream, processed foods, breads, cereals and dressings. Fructose is naturally present in onions, pears, artichokes and wheat. It is also used as a sweetener in some soft drinks and fruit drinks. Sorbitol is found naturally in apples, pears, peaches and prunes. It is also used as an artificial sweetener in dietetic foods and sugar-free candies and gum. Starches such as potatoes, corn and pasta produce gas as they break down in the large intestines; rice does not produce gas. Fiber in oat bran, beans, peas and many fruits is also broken down in the large intestines. Insoluble fiber passes essentially unchanged through the intestines and produces little gas.
What is a body to do? Health professionals warn against cutting out foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains and skim milk products that produce gas – these are healthy products that should be consumed daily. It is also likely that many of the high fat foods we consume contribute greatly to intestinal bloating and discomfort and can be reduced or eliminated from our diets.
We suggest introducing digestive enzymes (available over the counter) to help digest carbohydrates into your diet. Taking digestive enzymes may allow people to eat foods that normally cause gas. Prescription medications for people who have been diagnosed with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) help to reduce symptoms. Finally, if you suffer from chronic burping, try to avoid chewing gum and hard candies. Eat at a slower pace and get a dental check-up.
Don’t give up on healthy food choices. The benefit derived from eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day far outweighs the side effect of added gas.
Okay, you’re eating more fruits and vegetables in order to live a healthier life. You’ve even added some soy products to the mix and now you’re paying the price (in gas).
What causes gas? Generally, gas comes from two sources: Swallowed air and the normal breakdown of certain undigested foods by harmless bacteria naturally present in the intestines and colon.
Small amounts of air swallowing occur while eating and drinking. However, rapid eating or drinking, chewing gum, smoking or loose dental work can cause some people to take in more air than usual.
Foods that produce gas in one person may not cause gas in another. The balance of bacteria may explain why some people are “gassier” than others.
Most foods that contain carbohydrates can cause gas. Sugars such as raffinose, lactose, fructose and sorbitol are the major culprits. Raffinose is found in beans, cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli, asparagus and other vegetables as well as whole grains. Lactose is found in milk and milk products such as cheese, ice cream, processed foods, breads, cereals and dressings. Fructose is naturally present in onions, pears, artichokes and wheat. It is also used as a sweetener in some soft drinks and fruit drinks. Sorbitol is found naturally in apples, pears, peaches and prunes. It is also used as an artificial sweetener in dietetic foods and sugar-free candies and gum. Starches such as potatoes, corn and pasta produce gas as they break down in the large intestines; rice does not produce gas. Fiber in oat bran, beans, peas and many fruits is also broken down in the large intestines. Insoluble fiber passes essentially unchanged through the intestines and produces little gas.
What is a body to do? Health professionals warn against cutting out foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains and skim milk products that produce gas – these are healthy products that should be consumed daily. It is also likely that many of the high fat foods we consume contribute greatly to intestinal bloating and discomfort and can be reduced or eliminated from our diets.
We suggest introducing digestive enzymes (available over the counter) to help digest carbohydrates into your diet. Taking digestive enzymes may allow people to eat foods that normally cause gas. Prescription medications for people who have been diagnosed with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) help to reduce symptoms. Finally, if you suffer from chronic burping, try to avoid chewing gum and hard candies. Eat at a slower pace and get a dental check-up.
Don’t give up on healthy food choices. The benefit derived from eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day far outweighs the side effect of added gas.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Apple Season-
The Better Life Experts | October 30, 2008
It is fall in the great state of Michigan and that means APPLE SEASON. Apples are a versatile and wonderful low-calorie food, have no fat, cholesterol or sodium, and contain small amounts of potassium, which may promote heart health, help maintain healthy blood pressure and a healthy weight. We came across this recipe at our local farm stand in Ada and want to share it with you. We made a few changes to the recipe so that it fits into a healthy weight loss/management program. Give it a try and tell us what you think…
Serves 6 as a side dish or main dish w/ other vegetable
Ingredients
6 oz. linguine, cooked and cooled
6 oz. grilled chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 Michigan Apple, peeled, cored and coarsely chopped
½ cup dried cherries
½ cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon fresh tarragon, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped walnuts or almonds
½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Dressing
½ cup bottled Balsamic Vinaigrette
¼ cup light mayonnaise
Freshly ground pepper
Nutritional Facts
Calories 340
Fat cal 160
Total fat 18g
Saturated fat 2.0
Cholesterol 40 mg
Sodium 640 mg
Carbohydrate 33 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugars 10 g
Protein 15.0 g
Combine dressing ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use.
In large bowl, combine linguine, chicken, apple, dried cherries, celery, tarragon and salt. Stir in dressing, mixing to combine. Season with pepper. Refrigerate 2-3 hours to combine flavors. To serve, top with chopped walnuts and cheddar cheese.
It is fall in the great state of Michigan and that means APPLE SEASON. Apples are a versatile and wonderful low-calorie food, have no fat, cholesterol or sodium, and contain small amounts of potassium, which may promote heart health, help maintain healthy blood pressure and a healthy weight. We came across this recipe at our local farm stand in Ada and want to share it with you. We made a few changes to the recipe so that it fits into a healthy weight loss/management program. Give it a try and tell us what you think…
Serves 6 as a side dish or main dish w/ other vegetable
Ingredients
6 oz. linguine, cooked and cooled
6 oz. grilled chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 Michigan Apple, peeled, cored and coarsely chopped
½ cup dried cherries
½ cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon fresh tarragon, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped walnuts or almonds
½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Dressing
½ cup bottled Balsamic Vinaigrette
¼ cup light mayonnaise
Freshly ground pepper
Nutritional Facts
Calories 340
Fat cal 160
Total fat 18g
Saturated fat 2.0
Cholesterol 40 mg
Sodium 640 mg
Carbohydrate 33 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugars 10 g
Protein 15.0 g
Combine dressing ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use.
In large bowl, combine linguine, chicken, apple, dried cherries, celery, tarragon and salt. Stir in dressing, mixing to combine. Season with pepper. Refrigerate 2-3 hours to combine flavors. To serve, top with chopped walnuts and cheddar cheese.
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