The Role Model In You – Donna Spangler, Hollywood Beauty, Fitness And Lifestyle Expert, Author

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Len Saunders

The Role Model In You
Today’s Guest – Donna Spangler

1. Your name, title, and age? What do you do (or did you do) for a living?

Donna Spangler, Hollywood beauty, fitness and lifestyle expert & author.

2. Who was the person that inspired you as a child to eat healthy and stay fit? What was their relationship to you?

I lived with my grandmother and she always cooked for me and taught me to eat healthy. She had an organic vegetable garden, an avocado
tree and an apple tree. My parents were out of shape and I realized that I wanted to be in better shape and so I followed my grandmother’s guidance on eating
healthy.

3. What did they do to inspire you?

I guess you could say that my grandmother inspired me to eat healthy and she encouraged me to keep fit and in shape. My parents taught
me that I did not want to follow in their footsteps.

4. How did their lesson change your life?

My grandmother lived to be 97 years old which is a really long time especially for her era when people did not live as long. My father smoked
and drank and eats a lot of fatty foods and my mother always over ate and did not exercise. Today, they both have a lot of health issues. Looking at my parents
and grandmother, they all taught me that I wanted to take care of myself and live a healthy lifestyle.

5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?

I always try to encourage my nieces to exercise and eat healthy. I think they look at me as a role model. I am glad that I can give them positive
advice.

6. What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?

I would tell them to not eat sugar and fatty foods. I would tell them to stay away from cigarettes, drugs and alcohol. I would also tell them to
always be positive and to be kind to others in life.

7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote….web address only?

www.DonnaSpangler.com

Healthy Tip # 206

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Len Saunders

Another healthy tip courtesy of Tamara Duker Freuman

Resolve to get more “culture” this year. Cultured foods rich in beneficial, probiotic bacteria, that is! Cultured dairy products – like yogurt and kefir (drinkable yogurt) – contain la variety of live and active bacterial strains that can survive the journey into our digestive tract, where they take up residence and fortify the ranks of health-promoting, protective allies. Lactose intolerance is no longer an excuse for foregoing your daily dose of cultured dairy, either, as there are more low-lactose and 100% lactose free options available than ever. Goat’s milk yogurt and kefir (I like Redwood Hill Farm brand) are a great option with about 25 percent less lactose than cow’s milk yogurt. For lactose free products, a brand called Green Valley Organics yogurt, kefir and sour creams are available nationally. Unlike resolutions to lose weight and exercise more, eating a daily dose of probiotic-rich, cultured dairy is a healthy commitment that most people will probably actually enjoy taking on! As a bonus, if you’ve resolved to shed some pounds this year, that low fat, plain kefir you keep in the fridge can do double-duty as a reduced-calorie, lower fat and lower cholesterol substitute for heavy cream, buttermilk and condensed milk in your favorite recipes for soups, pancakes and baked goods.

- Tamara Duker Freuman, MS, RD, CDN, Registered Dietitian And Food Blogger In NYC

Losing Weight And Keeping It Off

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Len Saunders

Q & A With Dr. Michael Wald

If you answer yes to the following question you may need an individualized weight loss approach

1. Have you attempted more than two weight loss programs with no significant long-term results?

ANSWER: if you answered YES, you may have undiscovered hormonal issues, toxicity problems and/or a sluggish metabolism not revealed by standard blood tests.

2. True or False: Metabolic rate is the only influence on weight loss?

ANSWER: False: Nutritional deficiencies, mal-absorption and the RIGHT exercise plan are all potentially important.

3. What do the popular weight loss programs all have in common?

ANSWER: They are not based on your metabolic rate, medications you might be taking that affect weight loss and metabolism, your particular dietary and nutritional needs and/or other health problems.

4. Which of the following are not considered meaningful exercise efforts for weight loss in the long-terms?

a. “running around” doing errands all day

b. Consistent stationary bike and/or treadmill for 45 minutes three days per week

c. Weight training three or four days per week

d. All of the following may be inadequate

ANSWER: D. If you currently are not satisfied with your weight, and you are “running around”, biking or doing the treadmill for 45 minutes, 3 days per week and weight training 3-4 days, then ALL ARE INADEQUATE weight loss efforts! Proper exercise MUST ACTUALLY WORK, not just seem like it is appropriate. If you are exercising and not getting the results you want, individualization and “changing things up” is needed. READ ON…

5. Which of the following are true regarding PERMANENT WEIGHT LOSS?

a. Finding out your metabolic rate and increasing it (however necessary)

b. Determining your nutritional imbalances through blood and/or urine or other evaluations?

c. Considering other health issues that you might have or genetic issues not fully appreciated in other weight loss programs

ANSWER: All of the above are true.

- Dr. Michael Wald, Brain-Energy Blast

For more information about this or other topics please go to: www.intmedny.com

Healthy Tip # 204

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Len Saunders

Another healthy tip courtesy of Jessica Drummond

My best health tip is to take a look at your calendar and see what you can let go of doing. In my practice, I see a lot of burned out women. While I believe that being generous is one of the best things that you can do for your health (and for the health of your community), it’s essential do be strategically generous in order to preserve your own well of giving strength. For example, instead of constantly picking up the pieces of volunteer or work projects when things fall apart, take a look at your calendar for the year ahead, think about the ways that you most enjoy giving, and plan those in advance. If you enjoy cooking, volunteer for the committee that brings food to the next event or to bring meals to seniors in your community. If you hate to cook, but love to be a fly on the wall with your kids and their friends, volunteer to chaperone the field trip or drive the carpool to the out of state soccer games. When women give from a place of ease and strength their well of giving is that much deeper and more flowing. And, don’t forget that we all have different strengths and like to do different things, so one project that might feel like a complete burden to you will gladly be picked up by someone else if we are all working together from a place of strength.

- Jessica Drummond, MPT, CCN, CHC, licensed physical therapist, certified clinical nutritionist, and certified health coach.

Reducing Childhood Obesity By 20%

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Len Saunders

From Your Health Journal…..”I read an interesting article I wanted to promote written by Carol Mulligan of Sudbury Star entitled Reducing Childhood Obesity By 20%. In a Canadian suburb called Sudbury – politicians, groups, and individuals are being asked to work together to reduce childhood obesity by 20% in the next five years. Looking at the feedback from the article already, not much sympathy as one individual did not want to see limited tax money being used on this, while another said simply allow your kids to go outside to play more! But, it is not always that simple. Childhood obesity is on the rise all over the world as well as illness associated it such as cancer, heart disease, asthma, weak joints, and type 2 diabetes. Change is needed, as well as education of both parent and child. Please visit the Sudbury Star web site (link provided below) to read the complete article.”

From the article…..

The Sudbury and District Health Unit has given itself a B on a report card rating its performance in three key areas to reduce the number of overweight and obese children.

The health unit’s medical officer of health, Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, was a member of the Healthy Kids Panel, which released a report in March called “No Time to Wait,” with 23 recommendations to tackle childhood obesity.

The unit gave itself an A for creating healthy communities, a B for offering programs and services to start children on the path to health and a C+ when it comes to changing the food environment.

While the report was commissioned by government, the panel doesn’t intend to wait for the province to act to address childhood obesity.

The health unit presented its report card Thursday to the Sudbury and District Board of Health, and sought its support to get working on the challenge.

The board passed a motion asking for the SDHU to be named one of 10 pilot communities in which a program will be tested to reduce childhood obesity.

Sudbury has higher than average rates of childhood obesity, with about 29% of children aged 12-17 overweight or obese versus the provincial 21%.

Obesity rates are higher among boys than girls, and among aboriginal children.

The health unit will aim to reverse the trajectory of obesity rates steadily increasing over 30 years. That could be because we are eating calories equivalent to an extra meal a day, registered dietitian Leslie Andrade told the board.

Obesity affects children’s mental, physical and emotional health, said Andrade, and requires urgent and immediate reaction.

The Healthy Kids Panel identified a three-pronged approach and it was those measures against which the SDHU measured itself.

The SDHU has adopted a balanced approach philosophy it aims to integrate into its healthy weights, healthy eating and active living programs.

That philosophy acknowledges the importance of eating well, being active and having positive self-esteem, said Andrade.

“If someone has a low self-esteem, the evidence does show they’re more likely to be dissatisfied with their bodies and more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviours that can lead to overweight and obesity,” said Andrade.

To read the complete article…..Click here

Healthy Tip # 203

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Len Saunders

Another healthy tip courtesy of Tamara Cameron

The easiest way to increase nutrition, and thereby health, is to eat a salad every day. Brightly colored vegetables, especially leafy greens, contain the vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that our bodies need to stay healthy. Eight to ten 1/2 cup servings of vegetables each day is not too many. Ideally, 40 to 50 percent of those servings are raw. Committing to eat one salad each day will give your body at least three or four servings of immune boosting, energy enhancing raw nutrition. Be sure to add a tablespoon of your favorite vinaigrette, a few chopped nuts or a tablespoon of seeds to ensure maximum vitamin absorption. Mix it up! Create different combinations of veggies that you love. A salad a day helps with weight control, stabilizes blood sugar and enhances the immune system. Easy and delicious!

- Tamara Cameron, Health & Nutrition Coach

Sharon Pelham – If I Knew Then What I Know Now

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Len Saunders

Life Lessons From Adults To Children
Today’s Guest – Sharon Pelham

I wish I knew that I am fine just the way that I am and that what I think of myself is far more important than what anyone else thinks. I have large, almond-shaped eyes, and I didn’t start to dislike them until I was in high school when a boy that I had a crush on called me “fish eyes” in front of others.

I remember being stunned and hurt that someone would say something like that, especially about a physical attribute that I couldn’t change. I just stood there before saying something like, ‘I do not!’ while his friends laughed.

It was in that moment that I gave another person the power to influence how I felt about myself. And that is a dangerous thing to do. Every attribute that others admired in me melted away in light of one person’s cruel remark said to get a laugh and boost his ego. I don’t even remember his name, but I won’t forget how those words made me feel and how I began to look at myself differently as a result of them being spoken.

From then on I wanted to, but couldn’t, make my eyes smaller; however, I could look away when someone was speaking directly to me. Why? Because in my mind if the person focused on my eyes, they would see how big they are and how much I looked like a fish, all because someone told me they did. I didn’t have enough self-confidence or self-esteem to know that my eyes were and are just fine the way they are.

It didn’t matter what my parents or friends said, I let what he said mean more than what I thought. Even worse, I internalized it. Some years after the high school incident, during an exam for my first pair of glasses, the simple words of my optometrist made me realize that I should be grateful for my large, almond-shaped eyes. You have wonderful eyes for glasses he said. I mumbled something about them being so large and he said, very quietly, “Do you know what some people would give to be able to have your eyes, to be able to see? “ In that moment, I realized that I was blessed to have my sight and that I should be thankful for it. And I stopped being defensive about the size of my eyes.

I’d held on to what someone else thought about one of my physical attributes for far too long. What a relief it was to take that power away from someone who had no right to it in the first place. During the years and romantic relationships that followed, I‘ve received compliments on my eyes. I appreciate them, but I don’t take them to heart.

My eyes are beautiful because I believe they are and that is what matters and I tell the children and young adults in my life that all the time. One last thought: Knowing what I do now, if I had an opportunity to go back to that day in high school my response to my ‘crush’ would have gone something like this: Really? Is that lame, stupid remark the best you can do? I then would have rolled my ‘big eyes’ and walked away.

- Sharon Pelham, Founder, Executive Consultant, Smith Carey Communications

Fatigue – The Many Misconceptions

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Len Saunders

Q & A With Dr. Michael Wald and Dr. Nilay Shah

Test your knowledge regarding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

1. True or False: A depressed immune system is the primary cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

ANSWER: False – A depressed immune system is not the only cause of CFS; and may not be affected at all. Factors such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, heavy metal toxicity, food allergies, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, blood sugar problems, cancer, various anemia’s, under-nutrition and/or mal-absorption syndromes are just some of the possible causes and/or contributors of CFS.

2. Which of the following is the most likely cause of chronic fatigue syndrome?

a. Stress
b. Poor nutrition
c. Food and environmental toxins
d. Viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites
e. All of the above

ANSWER: D: However, all of the above can cause and or worsen CFS. There is no exact test that can diagnose CFS, a combination of tests thatnexpand over several medical and nutritional specialties is often required. If a holistic, well-rounded approach is not used the underlying, often hidden, cause(s) of CFS are undiscovered and thus improperly treated.

3. Which of the following are symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?

a. Lack of energy, malaise
b. Joint pain, muscle soreness, tender points (with or without fibromyalgia)
c. Irritable bowel syndrome
d. Autoimmune reactions (allergies, rashes, etc)
e. All of the above

ANSWER: All of the above

4. True or False: Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome should consist of acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil) and/or aspirin to relieve physical symptoms associated with CFS.

ANSWER: False, if you want to treat the underlying cause of the CFS. A person suffering from CFS does not have a “deficiency of aspirin” for example. Remember, CFS is merely a “label”, a diagnostic term, and nothing more. Natural therapies focused on the underlying cause’s offers the potential for healing and not merely covering up symptoms. Often, medications for CFS often fail by nature of their non-specificity and have inherent risks; and should be considered last and not fi rst resorts, for managing CFS.

5. True or False: Coconut oil may be one of the best solutions to chronic fatigue syndrome.

ANSWER: True – The fatty acids in coconut oil, lauric, capric and caprylic acid all have antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties that can be used as a natural treatment to CFS.

- Dr. Michael Wald, Brain-Energy Blast

Emily Westerfield – If I Knew Then What I Know Now

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Len Saunders

Life Lessons From Adults To Children
Today’s Guest – Mike Domitrz

1. Your message to kids today that you wish you knew back then what you currently know now. Be specific.

As a professional speaker, Author, owner, and educator of the Date Safe Project. I want to send messages to parents and kids on the importance of safe and healthy dating, making the right choices in relationships, covering topics such as sexual assault, intimacy, and making the right choices. I wish that kids knew how to feel comfortable enough with themselves to stand up and speak out on what they want.

2. How did you learn your lesson or what was your lesson? Did you get hurt, did you upset someone, did you get scared?

My lesson learned was an unfortunate one, and one that i’ll never forget. The life changing event not only happened to my sister, but to our entire family. My sister was raped. I have since then dedicated my life and time to devote my knowledge to teens and parents educating them on how to handle situations like these and hopefully prevent these situations from happening in the future with the right education. I was indeed hurt, upset, scared, and a million other emotions including anger. The most prominent emotion was action. I wanted to take action and help others from going through the same feelings myself and my family had.

3. What you would have done differently back then if you could turn back time.

I don’t know if there is anything I could have done differently regarding this incident. As unfortunate as it is, it’s become my journey and passion to help educate others on this life lesson and learn from the past.

4. Do you convey this message to children in your life today?

I convey this message to each and every child or parent I can.

5. Anything else you`d like to add?

I would like to add that this experience has given me the right perspective to be able to speak knowledgeably about these topics. I think it’s great that more men speak out on these topics. Helping people is my passion, and i’m so lucky I can do this everyday.

- Mike Domitrz, Founder of The Date Safe Project

Childhood Obesity Hits Home

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Len Saunders

From Your Health Journal…..”I wanted to promote an excellent article I found from the LA Times written by Mary McNamara, who does such a great job with this article – - I had to share it. As you know, childhood obesity is on the rise, as 1 in 3 children are now considered overweight in the United States. Along with this, obesity related diseases are also on the rise, which include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, weak joints, cancer, and asthma. Change is needed, and educating families on healthy lifestyle is important. The author of this article (who states she was overweight as a child) states a deluge of cheap junk food, the ubiquity of high fructose corn syrup and other sugars, the absence of physical education in schools, outrageous marketing aimed at children, cost-cutting in school cafeterias — all make it far too easy for children to eat themselves sick. Well said. PLEASE visit the LA Times web site (link provided below) to read the FULL article. Ms. McNamara does such an excellent job educating her readers on this obesity epidemic facing our youth. Support her work!”

From the article…..

Take it from someone who knows: The struggle with childhood obesity, illustrated vividly on television, is a battle of both the mind and the mouth for an overweight kid.

I was a pioneer of childhood obesity.

By the time I was a junior in high school, I weighed more than 200 pounds. I was a fat kid before being a fat kid made you the topic of a national conversation and the first lady’s pet project, back when Gatorade still tasted gross and no one knew how many calories there were in anything.

For most of my childhood, I was the only fat girl in my class — I can still name the other two fat girls in my grade. Now, fat kids fill the playground and the high school bleachers, including a whole new breed of fat girl who wears skin tight jeans and mid-riffs and dares anyone to say anything. Seeing them, I must admit I am torn between despair and envy.

I never expected to see my childhood reflected on television — overweight young characters are still rare even post-”Hairspray” — but there they are, my modern equivalents, on “Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution,” “Too Fat for 15 and Fighting Back” and, most recently, HBO’s multi-pronged documentary “The Weight of the Nation,” all part of a collective attempt to address America’s childhood obesity epidemic.

According to these shows, and many reports in other media, the root system of this crisis is insidious and widespread. A deluge of cheap junk food, the ubiquity of high fructose corn syrup and other sugars, the absence of physical education in schools, outrageous marketing aimed at children, cost-cutting in school cafeterias — all make it far too easy for children to eat themselves sick.

As a former obese child who fights all these forces to remain a normal-sized adult, I applaud every show, every article, every effort. But here is what I know about being a fat kid: It is at least as much about your head as it is about what you put in your mouth. Yes indeed, bad foods are cheaper and more seductive than healthful foods, and we need to call a cease-fire on the endless barrage of junk kids face. But it is also true that fat kids eat differently than non-fat kids, something that is rarely discussed.