So by now you probably know I am not a big fan of going to doctors or taking medications…I AM a big fan of being proactive in maintaining good health/wellness. For me, the foods I consume and the exercises I do, are all part of a prescription for wellness. When I read that an apple a day can ward off Alzheimer’s, I make a point of trying to eat that apple. This morning I read they are also great for preventing colon cancer as the flavonoids they contain, help fight off pre-cancerous cells, keep them from dividing and even encouraging them to die off. I put apples on my list of foods that I can feel really good about eating. Most all fruits and veggies are on that list. Bananas are a great provider of potassium, which will not only keep muscle cramps under control, but will also help lower blood pressure. So will watermelon, prunes, mushrooms and and tomatoes. Lowering your blood pressure just a few points will help decrease your risk for a stroke so every point you can drop, really matters!
And if you are tired, or grumpy, or depressed, you may want to drink more water! A recent study shows that being just a little dehydrated can send your mood quickly spiraling downward. In fact, when water was withheld from a group of college students who were exercising, they reported not just more thirst, but more fatigue, anger, depression and confusion than the group of well hydrated exercisers. Recently, a client of mine, suffering from some of these very symptoms visited her cardiologist to rule out any heart conditions. Thankfully, all the cardiac tests came back negative and he told her she had a classic case of dehydration. Practically free, no calories, extremely available and thirst quenching to boot, still way too many people aren’t drinking enough of it. Go figure!
This being primarily a fitness blog, I would like to offer an exercise prescription for headache sufferers. Next time a headache sets in, try some relaxing yoga postures. A study published in Headache Journal revealed that after 3 months of adding yoga to their routine, sufferers reported a drop in stress, pain, and the need for medication. Just picking a few postures and adding in some efficient breathing can also reduce blood pressure. Visualize breathing in positive and healing energy, and on the exhale imagine ridding the body and mind of pain and stress.
Always remember that the opposite of illness is wellness. Keeping our bodies and minds in a state of wellness is the best prescription I can think of to keep ourselves from getting sick! It’s your body and your choice. I hope, today, you will lean even further into choosing wellness. Now go fill a jug with water and take it with you as you go about your day. Drink, refill, repeat. Incorporate more fruits and veggies in your day and don’t forget to just say “OM.”
See you tomorrow. Looks like another week without Biggest Loser 🙁
Remember I will not be at Tamarac Fitness Center this Saturday the 27th or Monday, March 1. This will NOT effect my SilverSneakers schedule or my client schedule.
I just went to a new doc this morning and after looking at my blood work she told me that I was nearly perfect (well, my blood anyway) and my risk for heart disease is very low. She had a lot of positive things to say to me and I left her office with a sense of well being even though we agreed that I will see a neurologist (just to err on the side of caution)
BTW – Apples are my fave fruit! Braeburn, Fuji and Gala are my top picks, and they’re really good with a wedge of Laughing Cow Light Swiss cheese – Yummy 🙂
Talk about favorite, healthy snacks…….mine is peanut butter on a sliced banana. Try to grill it on a little whole wheat toast……..yummy. That is the Elvis sandwich!!! The King knew how to eat healthy……..sometimes…..:)
Thanks for posting this article. I’m decidedly frustrated with struggling to search out pertinent and intelligent commentary on this issue. Everybody today goes to the very far extremes to either drive home their viewpoint that either: everyone else in the planet is wrong, or two that everyone but them does not really understand the situation. Many thanks for your concise, pertinent insight.
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Wow, I like your post !
I read a lot about this very topic, but this article’s quality is much, much better. How you do this? Do you write your blog yourself each day? I will be back for more.