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Showing posts with label Health Matters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health Matters. Show all posts
Tuesday, 12 August 2014
PHYSICAL FITNESS
This article about Physical fitness is aimed at improving your health and wellness.
Across the centuries, humans have been fascinated with athletics, and many have marveled at feats of the athlete. Who hasn’t at times been envious of what these people have done with their bodies? And yet what ever their natural abilities, most of these people achieved what they did through sheer hard work.
From merely looking at their facial expressions, one easily can form an incorrect expression of how much ( or little) joggers, cyclists, and runners are enjoying them selves. It may at times appear that the whole endeavor is a punishment. There are however many benefits of persisting with an exercise programme.
These will be discussed as you read on.
The benefits come from the determined application and discipline required to perform the exercise itself. There are certain rules to be adhered to. Regularity of exercise is essential. There must be a goal and some times even a prize. We need to cast off activities and distractions that keep us from growing in grace and prioritize our goals if we are going to finish strong.
Some one ounce asked an award-winning, long distance runner if the runner thought this person could become a great runner, as well.”Sure,” the athlete replied, “all you need to do is run15milees a day for six days a week and then, on the seventh, run 25.Do that for a year, and you will have a good chance of making it.”
“Action is a law of our being. Every organ of the body has its appointed work, upon the performance of which its development and strength depend. The normal action of all organs gives strength and vigour, while the tendency of disuse is toward decay and death.”_Ellen G. White, The ministry of healing, pp.237,238.
Science has shown us, over and over, that almost every aspect of our physical being is benefited by exercise. Sure we are not all called to sprint four-minute miles. But in almost all cases, we can do enough exercise in order to benefit greatly, not just physically but mentally and spiritually as well.
How we feel physically will impact how we feel mentally and that will impact how we feel spiritually as well.
Benefits of Physical ExercisesBefore starting an exercise programme, however, we need to be sure that our health will permit regular exercise. If there are many pre-existing health conditions or disabilities, it is wise to be guided by a physician as to the appropriate intensity of exercise to be undertaken.
Three points need to be kept in mind with any exercise programme:
Frequency, intensity and duration.
1. Frequency. Currently , recommendations for optimal health and fitness suggest that we should exercise at least six times a week.
2. Intensity. The appropriate intensity of exercise will vary depending upon your age and medical conditions. Over time, if you are consistent, you will be able to exercise harder and harder. It’s good to get your heart beating faster and work up a sweat. You have to pace your self. What works for one person may not work for another.
3. Duration. It is estimated that 45-90 minutes of exercise per day is great. it would be beneficial if exercise were at least done for 30minutes,six days per week. The exercise time may be divided into portions.For example, 10 minutes each morning,midday,and evening.It should be arranged to suit your programme.
Walking is an excellent and sustainable form of exercise.
There are many benefits of exercise.
a. Regular exercise helps to control weight
b. It is beneficial in helping to reduce high blood pressure and an important adjunct to any medical therapy for high blood pressure (under medical supervision and guidance).
c. When exercises are regularly performed, there is a decreased incidence of Type 2 diabetes.
d. Additional benefits to heart health include the fact that regular exercise improves the protective, health high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL).
e. Regular exercise gives one an improved feeling of well being. This occurs partly through chemicals called endorphins, which the body produces during exercise.
f. Exercise has been associated with delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, and it generally improves mental performance
g. People who exercise regularly have less depression.
h. Exercise plays a role in the prevention of breast and colon cancer. The benefits are many and varied.
Though most of us are busy, we are commanded to care of our selves and exercise is one important way we can do it. What a bout you? How much time do you spend exercising? What excuses do you use to get out of doing it?
Labels:
Health Matters,
Physical fitness
THE WATER OF LIFE
THE WATER OF LIFE
Water?
Yes, we are truly aquatic beings, in the sense that our bodies are made up of about 60 percent water. Our brains believe it or not, are about 85 percent water. Even our hard bones are about 10 to 15 percent water
Full of wonder and mystery, water is foundational to all physical life. Without it, we could not exist. As you read on we will take a look at both the spiritual and physical aspect of this truly essential liquid.
As creatures, we need water in order to survive. In fact, every body cell, tissue, and organ needs water to function.
i. Water helps to regulate body temperature, transports nutrients and oxygen to cells
ii. Water removes waste, prevents constipation, moistens tissues, cushions joints, and keeps blood flowing throughout the body.
We need to drink more water than our body demands. Many liquids, such as water, milk, and fruit and vegetable juices, contribute to hydration; however, alcohol and caffeinated beverages may paradoxically increase fluid loss, which may be harmful.
Pure water is superior to many other drinks.
Start your day with one or two glasses of water and continue drinking water between meals to make sure you are well hydrated.
Water has other healthful functions; as well .Hand washing may reduce transmission of many infectious agents from person to person. A large number of infectious diseases would be eliminated by hand washing especially before eating.
Daily bathing removes accumulated dirt, which can lead to disease as well.
Water can give us energy and power, especially when we are doing strenuous work. In contrast inadequate water intake may result in dehydration, which leads to fatigue and exhaustion much more quickly than if we were drinking enough water.
Also insufficient water can impair our vital functions. Though compensatory mechanism may come into play, a chronic water deficiency will lead to ill health.
An historic experiment conducted by Dr. Pitts at Harvard University had athlete—walking on a tread mill at three and half miles per hour in a hot environment—consume as much water as they lost in their sweat. At the end of the experiment, the athletes felt as if they could continue walking—seven hours later!—G.C.Pitts, R.E. Johnson,F.C.Conzolazio,22work in the heat as Affected by intake of water, salt and Glucose,” American Journal of physiology 142:253,1994.
The same athlete deprived of water during the experiment on another day ,reached the point of exhaustion with in three and a half hour.
It is possible that adequate fluid intake may limit some symptoms such as headaches, thus decreasing the need for headache medicine, which can cause bad side effects, especially if used often.
Never the less, it is possible to drink too much water, resulting in water intoxication. The appropriate amount of water intake depends on multiple factors, such as temperature, body size, and kidney function, but it should be sufficient to result in pale or clear urine in normal circumstances. In most cases people should make an effort to drink a minimum of six to eight (at least 250 ml per glass) glasses of water per day, more when doing strenuous work in hot environment.
Make a conscious choice to keep track of how much water you are drinking, and if you’re not getting enough, what’s holding you back from doing something so simple and yet that holds so many benefit for you?
It is essential that water used both internally and externally be clean. Many people have difficulty in accessing pure, clean water. water taken from contaminated source requires either chemical treatment or boiling to make it safe for consumption and domestic use.
Water?
Yes, we are truly aquatic beings, in the sense that our bodies are made up of about 60 percent water. Our brains believe it or not, are about 85 percent water. Even our hard bones are about 10 to 15 percent water
Full of wonder and mystery, water is foundational to all physical life. Without it, we could not exist. As you read on we will take a look at both the spiritual and physical aspect of this truly essential liquid.
As creatures, we need water in order to survive. In fact, every body cell, tissue, and organ needs water to function.
i. Water helps to regulate body temperature, transports nutrients and oxygen to cells
ii. Water removes waste, prevents constipation, moistens tissues, cushions joints, and keeps blood flowing throughout the body.
We need to drink more water than our body demands. Many liquids, such as water, milk, and fruit and vegetable juices, contribute to hydration; however, alcohol and caffeinated beverages may paradoxically increase fluid loss, which may be harmful.
Pure water is superior to many other drinks.
Start your day with one or two glasses of water and continue drinking water between meals to make sure you are well hydrated.
Water has other healthful functions; as well .Hand washing may reduce transmission of many infectious agents from person to person. A large number of infectious diseases would be eliminated by hand washing especially before eating.
Daily bathing removes accumulated dirt, which can lead to disease as well.
Water can give us energy and power, especially when we are doing strenuous work. In contrast inadequate water intake may result in dehydration, which leads to fatigue and exhaustion much more quickly than if we were drinking enough water.
Also insufficient water can impair our vital functions. Though compensatory mechanism may come into play, a chronic water deficiency will lead to ill health.
An historic experiment conducted by Dr. Pitts at Harvard University had athlete—walking on a tread mill at three and half miles per hour in a hot environment—consume as much water as they lost in their sweat. At the end of the experiment, the athletes felt as if they could continue walking—seven hours later!—G.C.Pitts, R.E. Johnson,F.C.Conzolazio,22work in the heat as Affected by intake of water, salt and Glucose,” American Journal of physiology 142:253,1994.
The same athlete deprived of water during the experiment on another day ,reached the point of exhaustion with in three and a half hour.
It is possible that adequate fluid intake may limit some symptoms such as headaches, thus decreasing the need for headache medicine, which can cause bad side effects, especially if used often.
Never the less, it is possible to drink too much water, resulting in water intoxication. The appropriate amount of water intake depends on multiple factors, such as temperature, body size, and kidney function, but it should be sufficient to result in pale or clear urine in normal circumstances. In most cases people should make an effort to drink a minimum of six to eight (at least 250 ml per glass) glasses of water per day, more when doing strenuous work in hot environment.
Make a conscious choice to keep track of how much water you are drinking, and if you’re not getting enough, what’s holding you back from doing something so simple and yet that holds so many benefit for you?
It is essential that water used both internally and externally be clean. Many people have difficulty in accessing pure, clean water. water taken from contaminated source requires either chemical treatment or boiling to make it safe for consumption and domestic use.
Labels:
Health Matters,
The water of life
How you can protect your self from Fear and anxiety
Anxiety, and Emotions
As humans, we are the most rational of all the world’s created beings. Marvellous as they are, frogs, dogs, cats and donkeys don’t have our capacity to reason. Yet, even with all our powers of logic and rationality, we’re also emotional beings. One could argue, justifiably, that emotions rule our lives to much greater extent than reason does or ever could.
So often , instead of being in control of our emotions, they control us, even to the point of pushing us into radically wrong choices that cause us even more grief and sorrow .Fortunately, that that doesn’t always need to be the case.
Emotions are vital part of human personality. They can be powerful motivators, both for good and evil. And depending on the emotions they can make us happy, sad, fearful, or joyous.
Positive emotions can bring feelings of satisfaction and well being; negative ones tend to cause anguish and pain.
Though the first ones can promote mental health, a prolonged exposure to negative emotions may bring a bout behavioral and relational problem. Thus emotions can play a vital part in our overall well-being.
It’s crucial, that we learn more about our emotions and how they impact our lives.
Negative Emotions.
In midst of turmoil, people end up much physical and emotional pain on one another. The consequences of these behaviors can impact even the future generation.
When have you experienced hatred, sadness, fear, rage, or jealousy? How did you deal with them? What do you wish you had done differently?
Scientists have observed that Negative emotional states, such as hatred, worry, fear, rage, and jealousy, produce immediate physiological responses: a pounding heart, tense muscle, dryness of the mouth, cold sweat, “butterflies” in the stomach, and other physical manifestations.
Long time exposure to these symptoms has been associated with cardiac and digestive complications.
In contrast, positive emotions such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, are associated with a sense of well being, a positive out look, and an optimal relation ship with others.
In positive psychology a newly developed branch of psychology, they have observed evidence that harbouring certain negative emotions will adversely affect health and longevity; in contrast, the promotion of positive out look can promote health and longevity. In other wards, the more positive your outlook and emotions, the better overall health you can enjoy. and emotions
How has been you own experience with how your emotional state impacts your actions?
Why is it wise not to make important decisions amid a flurry of emotions, be they positive or negative?
Anxiety
Anxiety, or fear about what may happen, is one of the most dangerous emotions for mental and physical health.
A medieval legend tells of a traveller who one night met fear and plague on their way to London, where they expected to kill 10,000 people. The traveller asked Plague if he would do all the killing.”Oh no” Plague answered. “I shall kill only a few hundreds .My friend Fear will kill the rest.
Fear and anxiety are very common. They also are frequent destructive and painful.
Developmental psychologists have confirmed that infants from early life face definite fears, mostly of going hungry and sharp noises. Growing children and adolescents go through a variety of fears, as well: fear animals, of darkness, of being alone, fear of school-related situations, separation from parents, fear of not growing up, or of being rejected by pears. Adults also are subject to common apprehensions associated with their particular life circumstances: fear of not being a suitable life pattern, of not finding the right job, of terrorist attacks, of contracting a chronic or fatal disease, of being assaulted, of dying, etc.
Common anxiety symptoms include; apprehension,worry,insomnia,jitters,tension,headaches,fatigue,dizziness,palpitations,breathlessness,sweating,difficulty in concentrating, and hyper vigilance. Anxiety may also come with panic attacks.
Principles of how you can protect your self from Fear and anxiety
1. Keep things in perspective.
A hectic schedule may make us loose sight of the truly important things. Daily routine may destruct us from what we believe to be fundamental.
2. Become inspired by simple things from nature.
Sparrows and Lilies are among the most common things in nature. Jesus choose them as a contrast to the immense complexity of human beings .It is obvious that sparrows do not worry about tomorrow and that Lilies do not toil to obtain the latest fashion; yet, they are well taken care of “ will he not much more cloth you?”(matt6:25-33)
3. Worry is useless and pointless.
Examining problems in order to find possible solutions may be productive but worrying for the sake of worrying not only does nothing to solve the issue but magnifies the negative side of things.
4. Straighten your priorities.
Some times we may be caught up in the whirl of materialism or other things that can distract them from what really matters in life.
Winston Churchill said “ I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened”__http://www.saidwhat.co.uk/quotes/political/ Winston_ Churchill.
5. Take one day at a time.
One of the keys for living one day at a time is contentment, an effective ant- node for worry. Contentment is not an inheritable attitude but acquired characteristics.
In this day and age, in which we face so many problems, there is a need to develop a sense of contentment for what we presently have and not to worry about what might come tomorrow.
The following shows the various things that make up an average persons anxiety. Anxious individuals focus on:
1. Fifty percent of events that will never happen.
2. Twenty-five percent of occurrences of the past that can not be changed.
3. Ten percent about unconfirmed criticism by others.
4. Ten percent about health (much of it apprehensive)
5. Five percent about real problems that will bee faced.
As humans, we are the most rational of all the world’s created beings. Marvellous as they are, frogs, dogs, cats and donkeys don’t have our capacity to reason. Yet, even with all our powers of logic and rationality, we’re also emotional beings. One could argue, justifiably, that emotions rule our lives to much greater extent than reason does or ever could.
So often , instead of being in control of our emotions, they control us, even to the point of pushing us into radically wrong choices that cause us even more grief and sorrow .Fortunately, that that doesn’t always need to be the case.
Emotions are vital part of human personality. They can be powerful motivators, both for good and evil. And depending on the emotions they can make us happy, sad, fearful, or joyous.
Positive emotions can bring feelings of satisfaction and well being; negative ones tend to cause anguish and pain.
Though the first ones can promote mental health, a prolonged exposure to negative emotions may bring a bout behavioral and relational problem. Thus emotions can play a vital part in our overall well-being.
It’s crucial, that we learn more about our emotions and how they impact our lives.
Negative Emotions.
In midst of turmoil, people end up much physical and emotional pain on one another. The consequences of these behaviors can impact even the future generation.
When have you experienced hatred, sadness, fear, rage, or jealousy? How did you deal with them? What do you wish you had done differently?
Scientists have observed that Negative emotional states, such as hatred, worry, fear, rage, and jealousy, produce immediate physiological responses: a pounding heart, tense muscle, dryness of the mouth, cold sweat, “butterflies” in the stomach, and other physical manifestations.
Long time exposure to these symptoms has been associated with cardiac and digestive complications.
In contrast, positive emotions such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, are associated with a sense of well being, a positive out look, and an optimal relation ship with others.
In positive psychology a newly developed branch of psychology, they have observed evidence that harbouring certain negative emotions will adversely affect health and longevity; in contrast, the promotion of positive out look can promote health and longevity. In other wards, the more positive your outlook and emotions, the better overall health you can enjoy. and emotions
How has been you own experience with how your emotional state impacts your actions?
Why is it wise not to make important decisions amid a flurry of emotions, be they positive or negative?
Anxiety
Anxiety, or fear about what may happen, is one of the most dangerous emotions for mental and physical health.
A medieval legend tells of a traveller who one night met fear and plague on their way to London, where they expected to kill 10,000 people. The traveller asked Plague if he would do all the killing.”Oh no” Plague answered. “I shall kill only a few hundreds .My friend Fear will kill the rest.
Fear and anxiety are very common. They also are frequent destructive and painful.
Developmental psychologists have confirmed that infants from early life face definite fears, mostly of going hungry and sharp noises. Growing children and adolescents go through a variety of fears, as well: fear animals, of darkness, of being alone, fear of school-related situations, separation from parents, fear of not growing up, or of being rejected by pears. Adults also are subject to common apprehensions associated with their particular life circumstances: fear of not being a suitable life pattern, of not finding the right job, of terrorist attacks, of contracting a chronic or fatal disease, of being assaulted, of dying, etc.
Common anxiety symptoms include; apprehension,worry,insomnia,jitters,tension,headaches,fatigue,dizziness,palpitations,breathlessness,sweating,difficulty in concentrating, and hyper vigilance. Anxiety may also come with panic attacks.
Principles of how you can protect your self from Fear and anxiety
1. Keep things in perspective.
A hectic schedule may make us loose sight of the truly important things. Daily routine may destruct us from what we believe to be fundamental.
2. Become inspired by simple things from nature.
Sparrows and Lilies are among the most common things in nature. Jesus choose them as a contrast to the immense complexity of human beings .It is obvious that sparrows do not worry about tomorrow and that Lilies do not toil to obtain the latest fashion; yet, they are well taken care of “ will he not much more cloth you?”(matt6:25-33)
3. Worry is useless and pointless.
Examining problems in order to find possible solutions may be productive but worrying for the sake of worrying not only does nothing to solve the issue but magnifies the negative side of things.
4. Straighten your priorities.
Some times we may be caught up in the whirl of materialism or other things that can distract them from what really matters in life.
Winston Churchill said “ I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened”__http://www.saidwhat.co.uk/quotes/political/ Winston_ Churchill.
5. Take one day at a time.
One of the keys for living one day at a time is contentment, an effective ant- node for worry. Contentment is not an inheritable attitude but acquired characteristics.
In this day and age, in which we face so many problems, there is a need to develop a sense of contentment for what we presently have and not to worry about what might come tomorrow.
The following shows the various things that make up an average persons anxiety. Anxious individuals focus on:
1. Fifty percent of events that will never happen.
2. Twenty-five percent of occurrences of the past that can not be changed.
3. Ten percent about unconfirmed criticism by others.
4. Ten percent about health (much of it apprehensive)
5. Five percent about real problems that will bee faced.
Labels:
Anxiety and Emotions,
Health Matters
How to manage stress
Stress touches everyone.
Demands at work, family crises, guilt, and uncertainty about the future, dissatisfaction with the past-these all are hard enough.
Optimism and hope often are crowded out of our lives by our busy schedules. We can become so focussed on things and work , even good and necessary activities and we loose out on how we can grow up in all aspects of our lives.
Researchers; Thomas H. Holmes and Richard H.Rahe developed the social readjustment rating scale, which lists life events with corresponding stress values for each: the death of spouse --- 100, personal injury or illness--- 53,change in residence-- ;etc.
A person accumulating 200 or more points at any given time runs 50 percent chance of becoming ill, some one accruing 300 or more will reach a point of crisis.
Moderate amount of stress are necessary to increase performance, but beyond a point, stress becomes a health hazard.
How to manage stress
1. Bringing relief to others.
Fundamentally being selfless. In majority of cases, the pressure brought about by work, relationships , money, etc., is self centered. Focusing on others (rather than on oneself ) is a good way to remove personal pressure.
People who engage in voluntary work, community projects, etc. report greater feelings of well being and satisfaction than people who do not.
John D. Rockefeller (1839--- 1937) provided an example of how to survive stress by moving focus from oneself to others. By 1879 his company, Standard Oil, handled about 90 percent of the refining in the United States. By the age of 50, he was the richest man alive. But in 1891, he had a nervous breakdown and was near death. However he recovered from his illness in just a few months.
How?
Apart from a simple diet, rest, and exercise, he decided to give a way his fortune and spent the remaining 40 years of his life as a philanthropist. Early in the twentieth century, his personal fortune peaked at nearly $900 million. At the time of his death, his estate was valued at $26 million. His donation did a lot of good in the world. And as for himself, he extended his life by nearly another fifty years, living in contentment to the age of 97.
2. Sleep. Eat. Sleep again. Eat again.
And engage in intense physical exercise. How interesting that that proper sleep, exercise and a healthy deity often are prescribed to control psychological stress.
A common treatment for mood disorders is called activity scheduling. It consists of developing a rigid time table that contains pleasant and purpose full activities that will force a depressed person to organise, anticipate, and carry out events, such a regimen helps the person to fill time positively and avoid self pity. Physical exercise is often included in the activities, because it helps to produce endorphins, morphine-like natural chemicals that enhance mood and temporarily relieve depression.
3. Laughter and Healing
Norman Cousins, the author of a book called Anatomy of an illness, was the editor of a popular magazine in the United States for about thirty years. In 1964 he was struck down by a disease that affected his collagen, the body’s connective tissue. He suffered great pain. He had a hard time moving his figures, his limbs, even his jaw. He found it hard to turn over in bed. Meanwhile, lumps started forming all over his body, as well. Ounce the diagnosis was made the doctors prescribed all sorts of pain killers and sedatives, things like aspirin and codeine, and other drugs, including many sleeping pills.
At one point his body started to have a reaction to the drugs, and he broke out in hives that were even more pain full than the disease itself. Things were looking bad for Norman, especially because only one in about five hundred patients ever recovers from this disease.
Finally fed up with all these medications and their bad side effects, he started to watch a popular TV show called Candid Camera. In bed he would Lough and Lough at the antics. Almost immediately he noticed a change. The more he laughed the better he felt. The nurse would sometimes read him humorous stories that would make him howl and glee. Over time, the tests showed that he was getting better. Before long, the lumps on his body began to shrink, and he returned to his job. Soon after the man who had found it hard to turn over in bed was playing tennis, playing golf, riding horse and playing the piano.
Though no one is saying that laughter is the solution to all our medical problems, there is no question that a good attitude can have a positive impact on our health.
Yes there are physical benefits to laughter and joyful thinking. Laughter exercises the lungs and stimulates the circulatory system. As a result, increased oxygen enters the blood.
Laughter acts as a relaxant, and in the long term it can be associated with mild decreases in blood pressure.
Laughter increases the production of the chemical endorphins that sooth and relax the mind, relieve pain, elevate the mood, and increase immune cell activity. This optimism and merry heart will be entirely appropriate, because they are founded on the knowledge that God is in control.
We know that it is not possible or feasible to be happy and laugh continuously. we can ,however, seek to have a positive attitude.
Take a good look at your own health habits.
What are you eating and drinking? What kind of exercise program me are you on? how much leisure time do you have? What changes can you make that could help you feel better emotionally, as well as physically? Though in some cases people have very serious psychological needs that must be professionally be addressed, many times a change in life style habits can make a big difference in how we feel.
“Satan has taken advantage of the weakness of humanity. And he will still work in the same way. Whenever one is encompassed with clouds, perplexed by circumstances, or afflicted by poverty or distress, Satan is at hand to tempt and annoy. He attacks our weak point of character. He seeks to shake our confidence in God, who suffers such a condition of things to exist.” Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 120
For a few seasons, TV watchers were subjected to a show called Fear Factor, in which contestants would be placed in various fearful situations: from sitting in a pit filed with scorpions or rats to walking through a building that was on fire— all in order to see how well they would deal with fear.
Of course, one doesn’t need to manufacture fear.Life itself,in this world, is full of things that cause us to be afraid.A seventeenth century British political philosopher, Thomas Hobbes, wrote that fear was the prime and motivating factor in all human life and that humans created governments for the main porpose of protecting us against those who would do us harm.No matter who we are, where we live,how good and safe we might feel, we all face things that cause us to fear
Fear,though, in and of itself , isn’t always bad.
Fear is natural and necessary emotion that helps humans cope with danger and helps them survive.This emotion and instinct is necessary in a world subject to accidents , crime, disease , terrorism, and war.
Sure there are many things that to make us afraid of this world.So often we, though we find , we find ourselves fearing things that never come to pass.Fear is a very stressful emotion,one that can take a powerful toll on our bodies.
In other wards fear is not merely limited to what it does to our mind; it can have a very deleterious effect on our physical health,as well.No matter who we are,where we live or what challenges we face, fear is an ever present part of our lives.
He question for us, then should be, How are we to deal with it?
1. The power of faith
A young child lay dying in a hospital bed when his teacher visted him and gave him some school work to do.”Here, Micheal,” he said , “are the lessons on verb s and adverbs.Do the best you can,”The teacher though,though could not help but sense the futility of it all because the child seamed so lethargic, so empty,so resigned to death.Yet ,right after that, the child had a remarkable turnround.Before the progonosis was not good,and he now seemed well on his way to recovery, when asked about what happened,about why the school work seemed to have changed him so much,he replied, “They wouldn’t give a dying boy work on adverbs and verbs, would they?
No question, the link between our mind,our attitude,and our bodies is very powerful.Though science cannot fully explain how that link works, it recognizes that the link is there, and this can make a world of difference in our overall health.
Studies around the world have shown that religious faith brings with it clear health benefits, that those who believe in God tend to live longer, to suffer less depression, and to deal better emotionally with traumatic events.
And while we certainly can not rule out the supernatural and miraculous power of God to bring healing in our lives,that is not necessarily what is only involved here.Instead the peace, the assurance, the hope that faith gives believers no doubt can bring mental attitude that will impact our overall health.
A merry heart can, indeed, be like medicine--- even better,because so often medicine can come with deleterious side effects.
How power full influence our mind has on our bodies.
Convinced that he was a victim of an evil spell, a patient came to a physician with symptoms unrelated to any known disease or syndrome.The doctor then placed two glass tubes,one filled with hydrogen peroxide , the other filled with plain water, though both looked identical .He then drew blood from the patient and mixed it with hydrogen peroxide.The mixture immediately started to burble and fizz, which the patient believed was the work of the evil spell.
The doctor then gave thee patient a simple saline injection telling him that this would break the spell. After a while, he then drew blood from the patient and mixed it with plain water in the other glass.There was no bubbling or fizzing, proof that the spell was broken.The patient left feeling cured,so much so that he brought all his friends to the doctor to be cured as well.
This story shows how powerful an influence our mind has on our bodies.
Demands at work, family crises, guilt, and uncertainty about the future, dissatisfaction with the past-these all are hard enough.
Optimism and hope often are crowded out of our lives by our busy schedules. We can become so focussed on things and work , even good and necessary activities and we loose out on how we can grow up in all aspects of our lives.
Researchers; Thomas H. Holmes and Richard H.Rahe developed the social readjustment rating scale, which lists life events with corresponding stress values for each: the death of spouse --- 100, personal injury or illness--- 53,change in residence-- ;etc.
A person accumulating 200 or more points at any given time runs 50 percent chance of becoming ill, some one accruing 300 or more will reach a point of crisis.
Moderate amount of stress are necessary to increase performance, but beyond a point, stress becomes a health hazard.
How to manage stress
1. Bringing relief to others.
Fundamentally being selfless. In majority of cases, the pressure brought about by work, relationships , money, etc., is self centered. Focusing on others (rather than on oneself ) is a good way to remove personal pressure.
People who engage in voluntary work, community projects, etc. report greater feelings of well being and satisfaction than people who do not.
John D. Rockefeller (1839--- 1937) provided an example of how to survive stress by moving focus from oneself to others. By 1879 his company, Standard Oil, handled about 90 percent of the refining in the United States. By the age of 50, he was the richest man alive. But in 1891, he had a nervous breakdown and was near death. However he recovered from his illness in just a few months.
How?
Apart from a simple diet, rest, and exercise, he decided to give a way his fortune and spent the remaining 40 years of his life as a philanthropist. Early in the twentieth century, his personal fortune peaked at nearly $900 million. At the time of his death, his estate was valued at $26 million. His donation did a lot of good in the world. And as for himself, he extended his life by nearly another fifty years, living in contentment to the age of 97.
2. Sleep. Eat. Sleep again. Eat again.
And engage in intense physical exercise. How interesting that that proper sleep, exercise and a healthy deity often are prescribed to control psychological stress.
A common treatment for mood disorders is called activity scheduling. It consists of developing a rigid time table that contains pleasant and purpose full activities that will force a depressed person to organise, anticipate, and carry out events, such a regimen helps the person to fill time positively and avoid self pity. Physical exercise is often included in the activities, because it helps to produce endorphins, morphine-like natural chemicals that enhance mood and temporarily relieve depression.
3. Laughter and Healing
Norman Cousins, the author of a book called Anatomy of an illness, was the editor of a popular magazine in the United States for about thirty years. In 1964 he was struck down by a disease that affected his collagen, the body’s connective tissue. He suffered great pain. He had a hard time moving his figures, his limbs, even his jaw. He found it hard to turn over in bed. Meanwhile, lumps started forming all over his body, as well. Ounce the diagnosis was made the doctors prescribed all sorts of pain killers and sedatives, things like aspirin and codeine, and other drugs, including many sleeping pills.
At one point his body started to have a reaction to the drugs, and he broke out in hives that were even more pain full than the disease itself. Things were looking bad for Norman, especially because only one in about five hundred patients ever recovers from this disease.
Finally fed up with all these medications and their bad side effects, he started to watch a popular TV show called Candid Camera. In bed he would Lough and Lough at the antics. Almost immediately he noticed a change. The more he laughed the better he felt. The nurse would sometimes read him humorous stories that would make him howl and glee. Over time, the tests showed that he was getting better. Before long, the lumps on his body began to shrink, and he returned to his job. Soon after the man who had found it hard to turn over in bed was playing tennis, playing golf, riding horse and playing the piano.
Though no one is saying that laughter is the solution to all our medical problems, there is no question that a good attitude can have a positive impact on our health.
Yes there are physical benefits to laughter and joyful thinking. Laughter exercises the lungs and stimulates the circulatory system. As a result, increased oxygen enters the blood.
Laughter acts as a relaxant, and in the long term it can be associated with mild decreases in blood pressure.
Laughter increases the production of the chemical endorphins that sooth and relax the mind, relieve pain, elevate the mood, and increase immune cell activity. This optimism and merry heart will be entirely appropriate, because they are founded on the knowledge that God is in control.
We know that it is not possible or feasible to be happy and laugh continuously. we can ,however, seek to have a positive attitude.
Take a good look at your own health habits.
What are you eating and drinking? What kind of exercise program me are you on? how much leisure time do you have? What changes can you make that could help you feel better emotionally, as well as physically? Though in some cases people have very serious psychological needs that must be professionally be addressed, many times a change in life style habits can make a big difference in how we feel.
“Satan has taken advantage of the weakness of humanity. And he will still work in the same way. Whenever one is encompassed with clouds, perplexed by circumstances, or afflicted by poverty or distress, Satan is at hand to tempt and annoy. He attacks our weak point of character. He seeks to shake our confidence in God, who suffers such a condition of things to exist.” Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 120
For a few seasons, TV watchers were subjected to a show called Fear Factor, in which contestants would be placed in various fearful situations: from sitting in a pit filed with scorpions or rats to walking through a building that was on fire— all in order to see how well they would deal with fear.
Of course, one doesn’t need to manufacture fear.Life itself,in this world, is full of things that cause us to be afraid.A seventeenth century British political philosopher, Thomas Hobbes, wrote that fear was the prime and motivating factor in all human life and that humans created governments for the main porpose of protecting us against those who would do us harm.No matter who we are, where we live,how good and safe we might feel, we all face things that cause us to fear
Fear,though, in and of itself , isn’t always bad.
Fear is natural and necessary emotion that helps humans cope with danger and helps them survive.This emotion and instinct is necessary in a world subject to accidents , crime, disease , terrorism, and war.
Sure there are many things that to make us afraid of this world.So often we, though we find , we find ourselves fearing things that never come to pass.Fear is a very stressful emotion,one that can take a powerful toll on our bodies.
In other wards fear is not merely limited to what it does to our mind; it can have a very deleterious effect on our physical health,as well.No matter who we are,where we live or what challenges we face, fear is an ever present part of our lives.
He question for us, then should be, How are we to deal with it?
1. The power of faith
A young child lay dying in a hospital bed when his teacher visted him and gave him some school work to do.”Here, Micheal,” he said , “are the lessons on verb s and adverbs.Do the best you can,”The teacher though,though could not help but sense the futility of it all because the child seamed so lethargic, so empty,so resigned to death.Yet ,right after that, the child had a remarkable turnround.Before the progonosis was not good,and he now seemed well on his way to recovery, when asked about what happened,about why the school work seemed to have changed him so much,he replied, “They wouldn’t give a dying boy work on adverbs and verbs, would they?
No question, the link between our mind,our attitude,and our bodies is very powerful.Though science cannot fully explain how that link works, it recognizes that the link is there, and this can make a world of difference in our overall health.
Studies around the world have shown that religious faith brings with it clear health benefits, that those who believe in God tend to live longer, to suffer less depression, and to deal better emotionally with traumatic events.
And while we certainly can not rule out the supernatural and miraculous power of God to bring healing in our lives,that is not necessarily what is only involved here.Instead the peace, the assurance, the hope that faith gives believers no doubt can bring mental attitude that will impact our overall health.
A merry heart can, indeed, be like medicine--- even better,because so often medicine can come with deleterious side effects.
How power full influence our mind has on our bodies.
Convinced that he was a victim of an evil spell, a patient came to a physician with symptoms unrelated to any known disease or syndrome.The doctor then placed two glass tubes,one filled with hydrogen peroxide , the other filled with plain water, though both looked identical .He then drew blood from the patient and mixed it with hydrogen peroxide.The mixture immediately started to burble and fizz, which the patient believed was the work of the evil spell.
The doctor then gave thee patient a simple saline injection telling him that this would break the spell. After a while, he then drew blood from the patient and mixed it with plain water in the other glass.There was no bubbling or fizzing, proof that the spell was broken.The patient left feeling cured,so much so that he brought all his friends to the doctor to be cured as well.
This story shows how powerful an influence our mind has on our bodies.
Labels:
Health Matters,
How to manage stress
Depression and Stress
One of the greatest challenges we all face has to do with stress; it does not have to be with major traumas’ in life but with life in general, with the daily pressure that we so often face.
Doctors report that up to 90 percent of patients they see come with stress-related complaints. Science has shown that when we are stressed, we release certain hormones that can affect various organs in our bodies.
Over long periods of time, the organs can be weakened by these hormones, making them more susceptible to disease.
Stress for instance, can release adrenaline, which causes the heart to beat faster and more powerfully, leading to palpitations. some stress hormones cause the blood vessel to constrict, causing hyper tension. Stress can induce shallow and rapid breathing, even hyper ventilation. stress can result in diversion of blood from the stomach, causing digestive problems.(who has not felt what fear ,anxiety and worry can do to the stomach?)
Stress can cause an increase In blood glucose, which in some people can lead to diabetes. Stress is also known to have a negative impact on our sleep, which in turn can have a negative effect on our overall health. Stress has been shown ,too, to effect negatively our immune system, our body’s front line against disease.
The list can go on and on. And so the point should be clear. We need to learn to handle stress.
Hope against Depression
Depression, or extreme discouragement to the point of becoming disabled, has been experienced by many people. Hopelessness is a symptom of depression. All people at times ,face moments of extreme discouragement for any variety of reasons.
Of course when depression is severe, it’s important to get professional help, when possible. No wonder , then the word of God is filled with promises that can give all of us, no matter our situation, the reason to hope for abetter future, if not in this world, then certainly in the next. After all, regardless of your relation ship with God, were you physically ill you would seek help of a doctor or health professional. Its the same with those who are suffering from sever clinical depression, which often is caused by a genetic predisposition and chemical imbalance in the brain. Thus, even Christians, at times, might need the help of professionals.
Catastrophic thinking
When one sees oneself negatively (“ I am dumb”), looks at the world pessimistically (“life is always unfair”), and contemplates the future hopelessly (“ it will never improve”) chances of depression become high. This kind of thinking is called “Catastrophic thinking”
There are cultural differences in manifesting emotional distress. People in certain context suffer in silence, avoiding any obvious or visible complaint. Others use moaning and wailing when going through sorrow. There are also personal differences; some people are able to approach death with more tranquility than others can.
Depressive symptoms commonly are found in individuals with prolonged or terminal disease.
Depressive symptoms are so pain full that many will attempt suicide to end this horrible experience. Infarct more than 10 percent of clinically depressed patients kill them selves. Clearly , clinical depression is a serious matter and must be treated that way.
Depression causes a variety of painful manifestations;
(a) a deep sense of a sadness (sorrow),a lack of motivation to do any thing, even enjoyable activities, a change in appetite and either weight loss or gain, sleep disturbances, sleeping either not enough or too much, feeling of low self –esteem, poor reasoning and memory and thought of death and suicide.
Some people experience one or two symptoms, while others manifest several and suffer for moths until the episode ends. In any case, the burden of depression is enormous and must be relieved by medical and spiritual intervention.
Relief from Depression.
Like most emotional disorders, depression necessitates that the sufferer speak about his or her struggles. This act alone can begin to initiate healing. Approaching the Lord in fervent and sincere prayer is a safe way to release tension and psychological pain. Often more is needed, but it can be a good start.
A basic coping strategy for depression consists of talking to a friend ( or a therapist) who knows how to listen and, even better, who knows to help access more intensive resources, if needed.
There is a healing effect in verbalizing thoughts and feelings .It is important for any one going through hard times and who feels discouraged or even depressed to have some one they trust talk to. Sometimes merely talking to someone can go along way in helping a person feel better.
The counselor's appointment, if possible at all, may not be available until next week. But we can turn to the Lord any time, any hour of the day or a day of the week.
Even secular psychologists are recommending that clients who believe in prayer pray. All of us, even when not suffering with something such as clinical depression, can experience the impact of how praying to the Lord does help to make us feel better. No matter who we are or how deep our discouragement, having a relation ship with God can go a long way in bringing us hope and discouragement and healing.
When we meet sufferers of depression, we must be extremely careful not to blame them, nor should we simply conclude that they are wicked people, and that’s why they are in distress. It is unfortunate that many people seem to be able to offer concern and understanding to those suffering from an organic malady, true clinical depression, but tend to be quite judgmental in dealing with mental or emotional turmoil brought about by their own actions.
Edgar Allen Poe in his “Tell-Tale Heart” refers to the story of a man who committed murder and hid the victims body under the flood boards of the room in which the murder had been committed. He hoped to leave his guilty hidden with the body, but a strong sense of remorse grew within him. One day he heard the victims’ heartbeat; and the beat grew louder and louder .Later it became clear that the pounding was coming not from the grave below but rather, from his own heart.
At the same time, too ,there are people who, fill greatly distressed from a sense of guilt. They often feel unworthy of forgiveness and lament the horrible suffering that their actions have brought this can be a source of great distress. In such cases, its important to learn from our past mistakes and, to whatever degree possible, make restitution for whatever wrong we have done
Hope against distress
Hope is essential to live our lives with a reasonable amount of mental health. Hope must be alive even for unbelievers---youth in search for employment must hope they will find a job , a lost traveler must hope he will find his way, and investors who have lost their money must believe that their will be better times. living with zero hope leads to meaninglessness and death
When Italian philosopher and poet Dante Alighieri (A.D. 1265-1321) attempted to describe hell in his Divine Comedy , he envisioned a big sign at the entrance saying: “ Abandon all hope, ye who enter here!”
The worst possible punishment is deprive someone of hope.
We all suffer sadness and discouragement in one form or another at one time or another.
Think a bout this; what things bring you down and why? How can you help those who are suffering depression , discouragement ,guilt ,sorrow or emotional distress for any reason not to give up their faith but cling on hope
Doctors report that up to 90 percent of patients they see come with stress-related complaints. Science has shown that when we are stressed, we release certain hormones that can affect various organs in our bodies.
Over long periods of time, the organs can be weakened by these hormones, making them more susceptible to disease.
Stress for instance, can release adrenaline, which causes the heart to beat faster and more powerfully, leading to palpitations. some stress hormones cause the blood vessel to constrict, causing hyper tension. Stress can induce shallow and rapid breathing, even hyper ventilation. stress can result in diversion of blood from the stomach, causing digestive problems.(who has not felt what fear ,anxiety and worry can do to the stomach?)
Stress can cause an increase In blood glucose, which in some people can lead to diabetes. Stress is also known to have a negative impact on our sleep, which in turn can have a negative effect on our overall health. Stress has been shown ,too, to effect negatively our immune system, our body’s front line against disease.
The list can go on and on. And so the point should be clear. We need to learn to handle stress.
Hope against Depression
Depression, or extreme discouragement to the point of becoming disabled, has been experienced by many people. Hopelessness is a symptom of depression. All people at times ,face moments of extreme discouragement for any variety of reasons.
Of course when depression is severe, it’s important to get professional help, when possible. No wonder , then the word of God is filled with promises that can give all of us, no matter our situation, the reason to hope for abetter future, if not in this world, then certainly in the next. After all, regardless of your relation ship with God, were you physically ill you would seek help of a doctor or health professional. Its the same with those who are suffering from sever clinical depression, which often is caused by a genetic predisposition and chemical imbalance in the brain. Thus, even Christians, at times, might need the help of professionals.
Catastrophic thinking
When one sees oneself negatively (“ I am dumb”), looks at the world pessimistically (“life is always unfair”), and contemplates the future hopelessly (“ it will never improve”) chances of depression become high. This kind of thinking is called “Catastrophic thinking”
There are cultural differences in manifesting emotional distress. People in certain context suffer in silence, avoiding any obvious or visible complaint. Others use moaning and wailing when going through sorrow. There are also personal differences; some people are able to approach death with more tranquility than others can.
Depressive symptoms commonly are found in individuals with prolonged or terminal disease.
Depressive symptoms are so pain full that many will attempt suicide to end this horrible experience. Infarct more than 10 percent of clinically depressed patients kill them selves. Clearly , clinical depression is a serious matter and must be treated that way.
Depression causes a variety of painful manifestations;
(a) a deep sense of a sadness (sorrow),a lack of motivation to do any thing, even enjoyable activities, a change in appetite and either weight loss or gain, sleep disturbances, sleeping either not enough or too much, feeling of low self –esteem, poor reasoning and memory and thought of death and suicide.
Some people experience one or two symptoms, while others manifest several and suffer for moths until the episode ends. In any case, the burden of depression is enormous and must be relieved by medical and spiritual intervention.
Relief from Depression.
Like most emotional disorders, depression necessitates that the sufferer speak about his or her struggles. This act alone can begin to initiate healing. Approaching the Lord in fervent and sincere prayer is a safe way to release tension and psychological pain. Often more is needed, but it can be a good start.
A basic coping strategy for depression consists of talking to a friend ( or a therapist) who knows how to listen and, even better, who knows to help access more intensive resources, if needed.
There is a healing effect in verbalizing thoughts and feelings .It is important for any one going through hard times and who feels discouraged or even depressed to have some one they trust talk to. Sometimes merely talking to someone can go along way in helping a person feel better.
The counselor's appointment, if possible at all, may not be available until next week. But we can turn to the Lord any time, any hour of the day or a day of the week.
Even secular psychologists are recommending that clients who believe in prayer pray. All of us, even when not suffering with something such as clinical depression, can experience the impact of how praying to the Lord does help to make us feel better. No matter who we are or how deep our discouragement, having a relation ship with God can go a long way in bringing us hope and discouragement and healing.
When we meet sufferers of depression, we must be extremely careful not to blame them, nor should we simply conclude that they are wicked people, and that’s why they are in distress. It is unfortunate that many people seem to be able to offer concern and understanding to those suffering from an organic malady, true clinical depression, but tend to be quite judgmental in dealing with mental or emotional turmoil brought about by their own actions.
Edgar Allen Poe in his “Tell-Tale Heart” refers to the story of a man who committed murder and hid the victims body under the flood boards of the room in which the murder had been committed. He hoped to leave his guilty hidden with the body, but a strong sense of remorse grew within him. One day he heard the victims’ heartbeat; and the beat grew louder and louder .Later it became clear that the pounding was coming not from the grave below but rather, from his own heart.
At the same time, too ,there are people who, fill greatly distressed from a sense of guilt. They often feel unworthy of forgiveness and lament the horrible suffering that their actions have brought this can be a source of great distress. In such cases, its important to learn from our past mistakes and, to whatever degree possible, make restitution for whatever wrong we have done
Hope against distress
Hope is essential to live our lives with a reasonable amount of mental health. Hope must be alive even for unbelievers---youth in search for employment must hope they will find a job , a lost traveler must hope he will find his way, and investors who have lost their money must believe that their will be better times. living with zero hope leads to meaninglessness and death
When Italian philosopher and poet Dante Alighieri (A.D. 1265-1321) attempted to describe hell in his Divine Comedy , he envisioned a big sign at the entrance saying: “ Abandon all hope, ye who enter here!”
The worst possible punishment is deprive someone of hope.
We all suffer sadness and discouragement in one form or another at one time or another.
Think a bout this; what things bring you down and why? How can you help those who are suffering depression , discouragement ,guilt ,sorrow or emotional distress for any reason not to give up their faith but cling on hope
Labels:
Depression and Stress,
Health Matters
Family instabilities
It is every one’s desire to make a stable and peaceful family. In fact when things have fallen apart elsewhere, our utmost desire would be getting rest at home.
In our dreams we imagine an ideal home, where all issues are handled amicably; when mum and dad are at peace, and in agreement in matters at home. In the same way, when such peace is present at home, the children find joy to stay.
Unfortunately, this kind of environment is no more in most of our homes. Different circumstances have brought disorganization and disharmony in our homes.
This time the environment got sour because of a pregnancy that one of the most loved children begot. It is said that in this home, there was a lot of love between the parents themselves and their children too. One of the girls was much more loved by her father and on several occasion he even moved with her.
This girl attended school and her performance was always pleasing to the parents. She was in her vacation after finishing high school and waiting to join university. In this vacation is when she got the pregnancy.
On realizing her condition, the father became very bitter about it. He punished the girl bitterly to tell who was responsible for her pregnancy but she refused to reveal the person. The mother also added but still the girl kept silent. The father changed his behavior toward everyone at home. He chose to send the girl away from home and threw her properties out of the house. The mother however, called her back home.
When she did that, the father turned to her also saying that it seems the mother had connived with her daughter to hide the truth from him. He tells them daily to live and go away. He is very moody and tough to everyone. He is rough to all the others; there is not any love at home.
The pregnant girl now does not talk to anybody at home. She only moves out to wash her clothes, go for a bath or visit the toilet. She eats food when you provide and when you don’t she will not tell you anything.
I learnt of this scenario when some of the children in this home wrote a letter to a radio station, requesting the listeners to help give advice about the worsening home environment.
In my observation, I have seen girls getting pregnancies because of stubbornness and misbehavior's. However, in other instances some of the pregnancies are not intended. They may be a result of forced sex from friends, parents, uncles, relatives or rape. For this one’s case none of us knows, because she is still silent.
The other point I want to raise goes to children. As children, we need to understand that we desperately injure our parents when we do not fulfill their expectations. All their efforts are geared toward our well being. We thus need to be careful not to hurt them like she did. Let us do our honest part at home as children.
The listeners in response all requested the father to forgive his daughter and to work hard to rebuild the broken pieces of house into a whole one as it was before.
Food for thought:
weshould all know it that it is those who we love most that are likely to hurt us most. We need to reserve room for disappointing situations so that we don’t get utterly defeated.
Stephen Covey, in the book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, wrote that we have response ability; we can choose our response toward any situations. We can’t blame anyone for our responses. So think before you act!!
Labels:
Family instabilities,
Health Matters
Relationships
Relationships are never easy, but being an entrepreneur presents a unique set of challenges when it comes to balancing the demands of work and with the needs of a romantic partner. After entrepreneurial drive nearly broke up their seven year marriage, Brad Feld and Amy Bachelor overcame the challenges and wrote a book about their experience. Start up life: surviving and thriving in a relationship with an entrepreneur (Wiley, 2013) explores the difficulties entrepreneurs and their spouses face when balancing the demands of work and romance.
“The passion, excitement, and commitment that the entrepreneur has to work are the same qualities that will bring to the relation, which seems like an advantage; but enthusiasm unbounded leads to exhaustion in both work and relationship context,” says Feld. Take these steps to improve both your business and relationship success.
Schedule together time:
Feld says setting priorities and making schedule changes to accommodate the needs of your relationship can help strengthen your bond. Feld, a managing director at Foundry Group never schedules high priority activities or deadlines on a Friday, as doing so is likely to create a scenario where work drifts into Friday night and even the weekend. Feld and Batchelor are also strong proponents of family “life dinners” where they go out of the house to talk about the past month while setting goals for the next month. “Having a scheduled time together on the calendar can give you both something to look forward to,” says Feld.
Stop reactive behavior:
Relationships expert Debra Macleod (www.marriagesos.com) trains executives how to manage the demands of work without losing their relationship and says in order for a partnership to be successful, entrepreneurs need to avoid reacting to every emergency. “There’s a huge mental shift that needs to happen so that we learn the difference between responding to demand for our time and reacting,” says Macleod.
The next time you receive an “emergency” email during family time, ask how your reaction will impact your relation. “Many of us assume that the relationship is constant, that it isn’t going anywhere, but that’s not true,” she says.
Make romance a business decision: “Productive workers have lower stress levels,” says Macleod. Think of romance just as important to managing stress as your exercise routine or diet. “Romance is good for business because you’re happy, you’re dear headed and you have that kind of balance that makes you more productive,” says Macleod.
Keep business out of your bedroom:
Transform your bedroom into a sensual escape. “Make it a place where you can go and have a retreat, and a technology-free zone,” Macleod says. Put overhead lights on a dimming switch, add soft linens and extra throw pillows for increased comfort and keep the space clear of work papers and technology.
Taking a half an hour before bedtime to talk, without the laptop or a blackberry, is a great way to ensure you stay connected to your partner after a busy day. Be careful of your conversation topics, though. Feld and Batchelor warn that the bedroom is not the place to bring charged topics. “Your bedroom should be sanctuary and a safe haven from the demands of the world,” they say.
Labels:
Health Matters,
Relationships
Protein
How much protein is enough for you? All over the world in the evenings of work days and weekends, in homes, streets, bars, hotels, beaches and other places, people spend some money on protein rich foods.
Am sure you have seen this happening; a man orders for a kilogram of pork, another orders for a full plate of chicken, another eats a roll of five fried eggs. Woe! At the beach and in restaurants, a lady asks for a full Tilapia and eats it alone!
The fact is we have the money, and the foods are indeed delicious. The chef does a good job in preparing the food that it becomes irresistible to forego, but do you know the danger?
Science teaches that the proteins, when digested by enzymes are turned into the final products called amino acids. The amino acids are carried to the liver first by the hepatic portal vein for regulation. Some of the amino acids are used to form new cells for body building, some form new enzymes to do a diverse range of body activities, amino acids also are used to replace damaged tissues and a given amount of them is kept by
the liver.The excess of the amino acids have to be removed. They become toxic to the body. The liver cells deaminate them to form ammonia which later is converted into urea that we pass out in Urine.
The liver is thus put to serious task to remove all the excess which you have deliberately consumed. This heavy duty to which you have put your liver, with time makes it inefficient even to perform the other functions putting your life at great risk.
Proteins are there in beans, cowpeas, groundnuts: these also must be eaten in regulated quantities; No less no more.
Why buy disease at the dining tables!! No wonder, many health problems are prevalent today as a result of diet. Appetite can be a serious driving force, yes, but man can control his/her bodily desires if he/she chooses to live on correct life principles.
At a certain wedding, I saw a lady who served at the high table, after the eating of the bride and groom, carrying a full plate of meat. She concentrated and smashed it all.
So ladies and gentlemen who go to enjoy your selves on those delicacies, my only concern is your health. Please be temperate enough and take that which is good enough. It is the only way you will live happily. If you listen to my humble call, you will be safe but if you do not, simply wait for the results.
Labels:
Health Matters,
protein
Fruits
Scientifically, a fruit is a mature fertilized ovary. Fruits are formed after the fertilization of ovules. The ovules develop into seeds and the ovary into a fruit. The food we obtain from fruits is manufactured by photosynthesis in the leaves of a plant. Fruits are therefore storage organs of food.
Fruits are an important component of a healthy human diet. They naturally contain low calories, fat, sodium, and cholesterol. They keep the body healthy and have many benefits including the following:
Lowering the Risk of Illness and Disease: The many vitamins and nutrients in them reduce risk for many illnesses such as: Stroke, heart disease and other heart-related illnesses; type 2 diabetes; certain cancers, such as mouth, stomach, and colon-rectum cancer; kidney stones and Bone loss.
It is important to eat a variety of fruits, because different fruits contain different vitamins. Mangoes, papayas (pawpaw), melons and citrus fruits, like oranges and grapefruit, have high vitamin C concentration. Cantaloupe, apricots, peaches, and nectarines are sources of vitamin A.
Hydration the Body:Fruits contain a lot of water (90-95 %). Fruits can quench thirst. Water is an important nutrient. The body uses this water to transport nutrients around the body, regulating body temperature, keep the joints moist, and removing waste material from the body.
Provision of fiber:Fruits are rich in fiber, which is important for the smooth movement of food through the digestive system. The fiber is a remedy to constipation. Whole fruits like apples and grapes contain more fiber than fruit juices and sauces, like applesauce and grape juice. Dried fruits like figs, prunes and raisins are good sources of fiber, too.
Provision of Energy:All fruits contain sugars (carbohydrates), which are the body’s main source of energy. The sugar in fruits is easily digested and quickly provides energy to the body. In addition to the carbohydrates in fruits for providing essential energy for metabolism, processing nutrients, and staying active, there is also some protein in fruit! Dietitians say that there’s not as much protein in fruits as in meats, but they do have protein.
Provision of Antioxidants: Fruits are loaded with essential antioxidants like; Vitamins A, C, E and Lycopene that cannot be produced by the body. Antioxidant nutrients help to prevent disease, fight illness, and waive off signs of aging.
Provision of Mineral salts: Fruits are a top source of mineral salts essential for the normal body functions. For example, Calcium is used for the strengthening of human teeth and bones.
With the ongoing population increase and urbanization, the scarcity of fruits is also escalating. Both parents and children are failing to get a fruit at least once a week. I believe because of this many diseases are coming up as a result of this malnutrition. Let’s fight hard to plant fruit trees if we can, to save our lives from the danger of diseases.
Summary: Fruit nutrition is a great way to strengthen your immune system, fighting disease, and boosting the overall body health. Take a fruit a day, to save you the hospital bills.
Labels:
Fruits,
Health Matters