Take Advantage of Your Brain's Best Times

Want to maximize your brain's rhythms? Pay attention to these following times for certain tasks:

• 7 to 9 AM: Best for Passion
• 9 to 11 AM: Best for Creativity
• 11 AM to 2 PM: Best for Tough Tasks
• 2 to 3 PM: Best for a Break
• 3 to 6 PM: Best for Collaboration
• 6 to 8 PM: Best for Personal Tasks
• 8 to 10 PM: Best for Relaxing
• 10 PM onward: Best for Snoozing

For more on each: http://online.prevention.com/brain-naturally-smart/index.shtml

7 Thoughts That Are Bad For You

The 7 most detrimental thoughts to health are:
1. Cynicism: increases the likelihood for developing heart disease
2. Lack of meaning: decreased life span for test subjects
3. Fretting: fretters in a study were more likely to smoke and thus died sooner on average
4. Lack of Self Control: shorter life span as compared to their study counterparts
5. Anxiety: increases likelihood for developing dementia
6. Gloom & Doom: increases arterial plaque formation
7. Stress: increases metabolic syndromes, heart disease, blood pressure....

For more info: www.livescience.com/health/090911-7-bad-thoughts.html

Calorie Restriction & the Immune System

Our immune system ages as we do. Caloric restriction(1/3 fewer calories) has a huge impact on immune system of monkeys. To see a short video from Live Science go to: http://www.livescience.com/common/media/video/player.php?videoRef=pur1330_caloriesandimmpod_sc

Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Website

Another great link to bookmark: www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ Skin Deep is a safety guide to cosmetics and personal care products brought to you by researchers at the Environmental Working Group. Enter the names of all your hair, face, body products (as well as baby products) and immediately you will get a rating from 0 (low hazard) to 10 (high hazard) and an ingredient listing. You can also enter your e-mail address for free newsletters.

Quickies

According to the American Heart Association after quitting smoking one can experience these benefits in just one to nine months: shortness of breath decreases, cilia in lungs regrow, circulation improves, energy levels increase, and infection decreases.

The smallest bones in the body are in the ear.

Middle ear infections should decrease as a child ages because the eustachian tube changes from a horizontal to a slanting position; thus, fluid cannot pool and become infectious as easily.

Ligaments attach bone to bone and tendons attach bone to muscle.

Hand washing is considered the single most important method of infection prevention.

Foods that are labeled "organically grown" might still have pesticides if they cross a state border or country border due to agriculture laws. Foods that are from other countries are nutritionally deplete-buy local within 100 miles of where you live.

"Life is defined by movement and death-and the lack thereof" (unknown)

(sources: Outline Review for the Medical Assistant-2nd edition and Macrotherapy Nutrition notes)

Top Foodie Picks For Movie Night At Home

These 2 documentaries are on my 'must watch' list and should be on yours if you are concerned about the food you and your family eats.
Here is a synopsis: "In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that's been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government's regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. We have bigger-breasted chickens, the perfect pork chop, insecticide-resistant soybean seeds, even tomatoes that won't go bad, but we also have new strains of e coli--the harmful bacteria that causes illness for an estimated 73,000 Americans annually." (www.foodincmovie.com/about-the-film.php)
The second one is King Corn (www.pbs.org/independentlens/kingcorn/film.html)
“For the first time in American history, our generation was at risk of having a shorter lifespan than our parents. And it was because of what we ate.”
—Curt Ellis, KING CORN filmmaker

6 Surprising Exercise Facts

From cardio and cravings to weight training and energy drinks. For the full article click here: www.mainstreet.com/article/family/family-health/6-surprising-exercise-facts

Genes and Breast Cancer

Experts say that women in Western countries can reduce their breast cancer risk by up to one third by changing their diet and physical activity. Some experts believe 90 percent of cases are preventable.
If you have a family history of breast cancer your risk rises significantly. However, according to research only 20-30 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer are actually genetically predisposed to it.
(According to Dr. Mercola): "And the truth is, you are NOT a captive to your genes. The KEY to remember here is that it is NOT your genes that dictate your health but rather the expression of your genes. You have the ability to easily turn genes on and off with your lifestyle and emotional state." To read on: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/04/13/at-least-onethird-of-breast-cancer-cases-are-avoidable.aspx

Lack of Border Inspection of U.S. Food Supply

It is estimated that about 0.6 percent of our food supply entering the U.S.A is inspected by the FDA. This poses serious health risks especially when the food is contaminated with toxins, banned chemicals, carcinogens, and high levels of antibiotics. According to Economy in Crisis 80% of the fish sold in America is from third world countries not known for their food safety standards.
For the full article go to: www.economyincrisis.org/content/toxic-fish-expose-greater-concern-imported-foods-us

Yes, fat is good for you!

Here is another handy list of the best types of fat that should be in your diet:

1. Organic, free-range animal meats and fats such as lard, tallow etc. (high heat cooking)
2. Fish or high quality fish-oil supplements. (should come from wild fish that have been filtered for heavy metal toxicity and other metal toxicity.)
3. Organic, free-range eggs –the yolk should be kept intact during cooking to prevent oxidizing the cholesterol in the yolk. (boiling or low-temperature poaching and frying)
4. Raw nuts, soaked before eating to break down the phyto-nutrients and makes all the nutrients more bio-available.
5. Avocados – a good source of monounsaturated oleic acid.
6. Cold-pressed, unfiltered organic olive oil –(moderate temperature cooking)
7. Butter, raw if possible – Butter has many benefits including fat-soluble vitamins, short and medium chain fatty acids-from pasture-fed cows only – this has strong anti-cancer properties
8. Ghee (clarified butter)
9. Coconut oil or butter – high in medium-chain FA(high heat cooking)
10. Pumpkin seed oil
11. Flax seed oil – Always keep refrigerated and never heat.
12. Castor oil
13. Cod liver oil
14. Palm oil – (high heat cooking)
Go to one of the best websites to learn more: https://www.chekconnect.com

Top Offenders

Many of us cannot afford to buy all of our fruits and vegetables in the organic section. Although, organic is the best route if you want to reduce your consumption of pesticides,if you can't or if it's not available experts say to at least focus on the foods you eat most of the time. Copy this list of top pesticide offenders and stick it on your refrigerator as a reminder: apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, strawberries,peaches,pears,lettuce, spinach, and potatoes.

Soy And Corn Tied To Bee Colony Collapse

Here is a very interesting article on the declining bee colony issue. Pesticides, genetically modified crops, corn pollen, and cell phone towers have all been named as possible causes. Some beekeepers feed their bees a mixture of sugar and soy protein to stimulate breeding and production which contributes to immune system depression. Go to www.westonaprice.org and scroll to Soy Alert on the sidebar for the full article.

Gorgeous Weather for a Hike

The weather here in Phoenix, Arizona is, as you know, gorgeous this time of year. My friend and I and our dogs hiked the Ringtail Trail and the Sunset Trail making a big loop of about 5 miles. This trail is east of Scottsdale off of Shea and 124th St. There are restrooms at the trail head as well as biodegradable dog poop bags. You will also find a huge trail map and info. Happy trails!

Perils of plastics?

Perils of plastics? Survey of risks to human health and the environment
"Today, plastics accumulate in garbage dumps and landfills and are sullying the world's oceans in ever-greater quantity. And plastics and their additives aren't just around us, they are inside virtually every one of us -- present in our blood and urine in measureable amounts, ingested with the food we eat, the water we drink and from other sources.
What are the overall effects of the plastics we unwittingly ingest? The literature Halden surveyed is ambiguous on this point, despite more than half a century of study. Part of the difficulty lies in the absence of good controls for studying health outcomes, as plastic exposure is a global phenomenon, and finding unexposed subjects for comparison is nearly impossible. It is known however that health effects vary depending on who is exposed -- and when. Infants and pregnant or nursing mothers are at heightened risk for toxic exposure or passage of BPA and additives like DEHP.
This January, the FDA announced an important reversal of its 2008 claims regarding the safety of bisphenol-A, expressing new concern about "potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children," and pledging to collaborate with other federal health agencies to reevaluate the chemical's safety." From www.Sciencedaily.com

What's Your Excuse Now?

Can't seem to fit in exercise into your day or week? Bored with your current routine? Add in some interval training and your body will become more efficient in a shorter period of time while burning more calories! Read more: www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35581793/ns/health-fitness/ns/health-fitness/

Did You Say An Hour?

To maintain healthy weight older women should exercise an hour a day...use this link to read more on this 13 year study. (Add in a few of the above interval training sessions) www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36006035/ns/health-fitness/

Prescribing Music for the Heart

Click the link to see a short video from WebMD:
Prescribing Music for the Heart

BMI Calculator

To find out your BMI (Body Mass Index) go to www.webmd.com enter your height, weight, age, etc. and click on 'calculate'. This tool will also calculate your RMR (resting metabolic rate), target heart rate zones, and suggested caloric intake specific to your fitness goals.

America's Most Obese Metropolitan Areas

WebMD Health News
By Bill Hendrick/Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

March 3, 2010 -- A ranking of No. 1 -- or being in the Top 10 -- isn't always something to crow about.

The latest Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index lists the 10 most obese metropolitan areas in the U.S. and finds that adult obesity rates in each are significantly greater than the national average of 26.5%.

Here's a list of the 10 most obese metro areas, with those ranking highest having the greatest obesity rates.

1. (tie) Montgomery, Ala., and Stockton, Calif.: 34.6%
2. Visalia/Porterville, Calif.: 34.1%
3. York/Hanover, Pa.: 34%
4. Flint, Mich.: 33.9%
5. McAllen/Edinburg/Mission, Texas: 33.7%
6. Bakersfield, Calif.: 33.6%
7. (tie) Lynchburg, Va., and Huntington/Ashland, West Va., Ky., Ohio: 33%
8. Kingsport/Bristol, Tenn., Va.: 32.9%

Eating Less And Running More = Hibernation?

Eating less and running more and more doesn't work. (Who knew?)

"The more you exercise and the less you eat, the more likely your body is to hibernate. That is, you'll conserve calories and thwart your efforts to lose fat. The better bet is to exercise reasonably and to increase your food intake early in the day to fuel your training. Eat breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. Then eat lightly for dinner and afterward." -- "The Runner's World Complete Book of Running, edited by Amby Burfoot.

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Vitamin D

A friend forwarded this e-mail to me from Physician Skin Solutions at Arrowhead in Arizona:

Vitamin D is naturally produced in human skin when exposed to sun light. The active form of vitamin D in the body plays an important role in the maintenance of many organ systems. One of the primary things we associate this vitamin with is the mineralization of bones and keeping bones healthy. Vitamin D has other roles in human health, including modulation of neuromuscular and immune function and reduction of inflammation.
Insufficient Vitamin D is linked to virtually all age related disorders, including cancers, heart disease, vascular disease, and inflammatory conditions. There is a direct correlation with increased age and decreased serum levels of vitamin D. If you intend to live an active lifestyle and wish to join the fight in warding off disease then vitamin D should be a part of your arsenal.

Overall Benefits
High levels of Vitamin D report fewer viral infections (such as colds and flu viruses)
Children also demonstrate this resistance to such winter infections, when their serum vitamin D levels are high in comparison to those with low levels.
Scientists believe reduced vitamin D levels in the winter months are a major contributing factor in the increased infectious disease cases during this time. Study after study seems to support that as serum levels of Vitamin D increased the incidence of upper respiratory infections drastically decreased, in both children and adults. Vitamin D down-regulates the production of inflammatory agents in the body that lead to serious complications with flu viruses and aging joints, arteries, and nerves.


Other Natural sources:
Fish liver oils, such as cod liver oil, 1 Tsp (15 ml) provides 1360 IU
Herring, 85 g (3 oz) provides 1383 IU
Catfish, 85 g (3 oz) provides 425 IU
Salmon, cooked, 100 g (3.5 oz]) provides 360 IU
Mackerel, cooked, 100 g (3.5 oz]), 345 IU
Sardines, canned in oil, drained, 50 g (1.75 oz), 250 IU
Tuna, canned in oil, 85 g (3 oz), 200 IU
Eel, cooked, 100 g (3.5 oz), 200 IU
Whole egg provides 20 IU

Testing
A blood test is available through PSS to assess your current levels of the metabolically active form of vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D.

For more information go to: www.physicianskinarrowhead.com

Eat Well Guide :: Local, Sustainable, Organic Food

This is a great site that I am following on Twitter. You can enter your zip code to find local restaurants, farmers markets, and Co-ops.
Eat Well Guide :: Local, Sustainable, Organic Food

Do it FOR THE HEALTH OF IT!

Boost Your Immune System With These 8

If you want to help support a healthy immune system, be sure your diet includes plenty of natural vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant plays a central role in the repair and regeneration of tissues, and helps protect cells throughout the body. Good food sources of vitamin C that are abundant and can be enjoyed all year long include:

1. Broccoli
2. Cantaloupe
3. Kiwi
4. Oranges
5. Peppers
6. Pineapple
7. Pink grapefruit
8. Strawberries

Although supplemental vitamin C is available in many forms, [Dr.Weil] suggests using a simple vitamin C supplement derived from d-glucose, taken with a meal to prevent stomach upset.

Visit: www.drweilblog.com for more great info.

Myth About Women

Also from Live Science: A myth about women:

Myth: Women and men need equal sleep.

Tossing and turning not only causes women more psychological distress, it also raises their insulin and inflammation levels -- risk factors for compromised health, found a 2008 study of 210 people led by Edward Suarez at Duke University.

A study of more than 6,000 participants, led by researchers at the University of Warwick in 2007, found that women who slept five or less hours a night were twice as likely to suffer from hypertension than women who slept for seven or more hours. Among men, there was no such relationship. Sleeping Beauty may be better off waking up on her own watch.

Exercise and Aging Video

View this video about a study done on exercise and aging: http://www.livescience.com/common/media/video/player.php?videoRef=whyweage

Here is one about a high fat diet and exercise: http://www.livescience.com/common/media/video/player.php?videoRef=whyweage

FIRST POST!

Yep, this is it! My first post on my new blogsite. This is what my left brain is up to. To view what my right brain is up to (and most of the time simultaneously) visit my other blog at www.blumensnapdragon.blogspot.com
I created this blog because I wanted more than what my website could provide. I want to interact with the community, share ideas, post current events and information relating to exercise and health (and sometimes some bizarre and unrelated tidbits) and empower people to live their optimal life with abundant health and vitality! Sound like a tall order? I hope so..I am up to the challenge. If there is anything you would like to see included on this site I welcome your suggestions.
One of my mantras: FOR THE HEALTH OF IT!
...now for something totally unrelated: "...does a parasite wear heels?" (from "The Perez Family")