What is Metabolic Syndrome? Insulin Resistance?

Metabolic Syndrome is a grouping of conditions that can wreak havoc on your health. It can raise your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Look for symptoms like these:

• An apple shaped body (belly fat)
• High blood pressure
• High levels of glucose (sugar) on your blood
• Low l levels of HDL (good cholesterol) in your blood
• Skin tags
• Darkening of skin around neck and elbows
• High blood triglycerides

1/3 of Americans have Metabolic Syndrome! Many have no idea they have it. Being overweight (especially in the belly area) is a huge cause of this syndrome. This obesity causes chemicals and hormones to affect your blood sugar so it responds poorly to insulin that your body makes when you eat sugars or carbs.

Women get this syndrome more often than men, and as we age, the risk gets even higher.

How to “fix” this and overcome Metabolic Syndrome? Lifestyle changes. Sorry. I know you have heard this before, but changing the way you eat and walking a bit more can do wonders for your body and mind. In addition, don’t drink a lot of alcohol or smoke. Get plenty of sleep, as well (7-9 hours a night).

Medicines can help get you in better condition to help you make life changes. Meds to lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and bad cholesterol are available.

All in all, though, proper eating and a bit of body movement will make huge differences in your life and extend your life. It’s tough because this syndrome can make losing weight a struggle, and yet you need to lose weight to get rid of Insulin Resistance. Catch 22!

This can be accomplished. I’m in the process of doing it, so I know of what I speak. 😉

Do it with me ~

Is Weight Watchers the Plan For You?

 This is a Weight Watchers-friendly salad. See it here: http://pinterest.com/pin/230176230928088557/

I am following the Weight Watchers Points Plus Program and love its versatility. A point is figured by the amount of calories, fat, protein, fiber, and carb in a food. There is an online Weight Watchers app for your smartphone that offers you a points calculator when you are on the go or in your own kitchen. Don’t have a smartphone? Weight Watchers also sells Points Calculators on their website. http://weightwatchers.com

The best news? Fruits and non-starchy vegetables are zero points! You’ll never have to be hungry on this plan.

I don’t go to meetings but am a member of Weight Watchers (WW) Online. I keep track of my foods and exercise on their site. They’ve got delicious recipes and informative message boards. You just weight yourself once a week on the same day and then record it online. Easy.

Here is a review of the Weight Watchers program from the WebMD website:  http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/weight-watchers-diet

You’ll have plenty of resources and support with this plan. I’m here to work it, too! Don’t forget that my new video log http://lossesaregood.com will be my official weight loss journey! Day 1 onward!  Please join me, and comment often!

 

Get Out of That Toxic Relationship!

 

Questions to ponder:

• Is the pain too great to stay the same?
• Do I constantly picture an alternate reality?
• Do I need a translator to be heard?
• Is it impossible to make boundaries?
• Am I the only one that is willing to meet in the middle?
• Is getting an apology (when it’s truly deserved) like pulling teeth?
• Does this relationship take more energy than it gives?
• Is blaming and complaining getting really old?
• Am I completely fatigued when I’m with the person and energetic when they’re gone?
• If it’s a romantic relationship, are the sparks dead, end of story?
• Do I smile when I want to yell and then yell at the wrong people?
• Is the only thing holding me back my fear of newness?
• Am I afraid of what people will think of me if this relationship fails?
• Does this person make me feel like I’m lost without them?
• Do I find myself missing the old me?
• And so on…

 

http://www.positivelypositive.com/2013/06/24/how-to-identify-and-release-toxic-relationships/

“Springing Forward” on the Clock . . . It Makes Us Sick

Heart attacks are 3.9 % more likely in the first week after we spring forward. Of course, the risk was even greater for people already taking heart medicines but still – this is a surprising fact.

A more recent study based on 21 years’ worth of accident data from the U.S. concluded that there’s “a significant increase” in fatal crashes on that first Monday (1999 edition of Sleep Medicine).

Workplace accidents are more common — and more severe — on the Monday after switching to daylight saving time, according to an analysis of mining injuries that used 23 years’ worth of data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

The disruption to normal sleep rhythms was blamed for an uptick in suicides among Australian men in the first weeks after daylight saving time begins. “Small changes in chronobiological rhythms are potentially destabilizing in vulnerable individuals.”

Should we stay on Daylight Savings Time? Why keep switching when there is no longer a need to do so?

 

 

 

(Not an original article by everydayclimb. Portions copied from http://www.sun-sentinel.com/la-heb-daylight-saving-time-health-dangers-20130311,0,5566049.story)

 

 

One Last Hurdle!

From late 2007, when my world changed 180 degrees, until a little under a year ago, I was like a hurdling meteor with an eye on a permanent place to land. However, instead of a hard-hitting, one-time crash, I’ve been flying through differing degrees of layers before making a comfortable orbit. It’s a much nicer way to find my new normal.

Feels like I’ve jammed about twenty years of living into the last five, and I’m exhausted. However, I’ve come away more “myself” than I’ve ever been before. There’s something to be said about being authentic; there’s less stress and more joy.

Through an extreme high and several extreme lows, I’ve come to a place of comfort. The only medicine I’m now on is a mild blood pressure med. No more antidepressants, mood stabilizers, cigarettes (gross!), alcohol (almost had a problem there), extreme shopping, or any other indulgence people try. I’m free from it all and proud of it.

I have one last hurdle, though. It’s the hardest addiction to break for me. I am unhealthily fat. I need to lose a significant amount of weight to feel good again. This is proving to give me the toughest battle. I’m surprised. I never had any weight issues until I had children, and then any weight-gains were minor. Not so now. It’s hard giving up this last and most adamant obsession.

I’m still very happy with what I’ve done with life so far. I’ve overcome some immense obstacles. So, I feel a bit spoiled in whining about this last one, but my head of steam is evaporating!

Joined Weight Watchers online. Weigh in each Sunday. Hoping for a last push of energy from this body and brain – to reach that goal of health. C’mon . . . cheer me on!

XO to all of you!

Stop Missing Out on This Fruit!

 

Pomegranates: Have you eyed these gorgeous fruits but either didn’t know “how” to eat them or thought it would be too difficult to extract the seeds? I’m here to tell you that you have no reason to put it off any longer. It’s pomegranate season, and the luscious seeds are popping with flavor!

Here’s how! Cut off the crown off of the pomegranate

 

 

 

 

 

and then score it with a knife and break it open

 

 

 

 

 

The the arils (seed casings) can be separated from the peel and internal white pulp membranes. Separating the red arils is easier in a bowl of water because the arils sink and the inedible pulp floats. Freezing the entire fruit also makes it easier to separate. Another very effective way of quickly harvesting the arils is to cut the pomegranate in half, score each half of the exterior rind four to six times, hold the pomegranate half over a bowl and smack the rind with a large spoon. The arils should eject from the pomegranate directly into the bowl, leaving only a dozen or more deeply embedded arils to remove.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pomegranate aril juice provides about 16% of an adult’s daily vitamin C requirement per 100 ml serving and is a good source of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), potassium and natural phenols, such as ellagitannins (tannins with free-radical scavenging properties) and flavonoids. Pomegranates are listed as high-fiber in some charts of nutritional value. That fiber, however, is entirely contained in the edible seeds, which also supply unsaturated oils. People who choose to discard the seeds forfeit nutritional benefits conveyed by the seed fiber, oils and micronutrients.

In preliminary laboratory research and clinical trials, juice of the pomegranate may be effective in reducing heart disease risk factors. Also, this fruit may inhibit viral infections and has antibacterial effects against dental plaque. And don’t forget its antioxidant claims.

The pomegranate is regarded as a symbol of fertility in China, so be careful!

 

 

Fat and Unhealthy, Wake up America

Why is everyone in America getting larger and larger? Junk food and lack of exercise. No it’s not genetic. That is a very rare occurrence.

I watched Forks over Knives last night (www.forksoverknives.com) and realized that I need to change – to help myself AND the environment.

Have you watched this film? It’s on Netflix (www.netflix.com). I’m sure you can rent it at a video store. Watch it, please.

I’m just sharing the goodness (watch it).

 

 

 

4 Houseplants That Clean the Air

This article is copied in its entirety.  By Dr. Maoshing Li, author.

That pretty plant perched atop your windowsill may be doing more than just decorating your home. While they brighten up your living space, potted plants can also combat indoor pollution and boost your creativity. Read on to discover which plants will improve both your home and your wellbeing!

 

To add some zing to your living room décor, consider hanging a potted plant instead of a Picasso! A two-year study conducted by NASA scientists and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) researched about a dozen plants for their added health benefits. The results demonstrated that certain leafy greens can absorb hazardous contaminants and produce clean air.

1. Cleanse with Chrysanthemums

Originally cultivated in China in fifteenth century BC, this plant boasts multiple medicinal and culinary uses. Its yellow and white flowers are enjoyed as a sweet drink in some parts of Asia, while the greens are boiled and served as a delicious meal in China. In addition to being a tasty treat, the NASA study found that chrysanthemums were effective at removing benzene from the air. Benzene is one of the most common odorless pollutants found in inks, paints, plastic, dyes, detergents, gasoline, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. The flowers last about six weeks and thrive in bright, indirect light.

2. Purify with Peace Lily

Native to tropical regions, this beautiful perennial plant contains large leaves that vacuum formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and other hard-to-pronounce pollutants. Peace-lilies thrive in low and bright light with a slightly moist soil. The next time you need an air freshener don’t reach for the chemical spray, breath in the bloom and serenity of a peace—lily!

3. Dispel Dryness with Bamboo Palm

Growing between 3 to 6 feet tall, the long, elegant leaves of this sturdy palm sweep away toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide, xylene, and chloroform. In addition to helping you breathe fresh air, it is an excellent spider mite repellant. During the cold winter months when air is very dry, the bamboo palm emits some much-needed moisture. It is best kept out of direct sunlight and feeds on all-purpose liquid fertilizer during the summer months.

4. Doze off with Gerbera Daisies

If getting a good night’s rest is not on your agenda this evening, you may want to add some gerbera daisies on your night stand. While most plants release oxygen during the day, their respiratory cycle decreases in the evening hours. However, gerbera daisies continue releasing oxygen all through the night to help you breath and sleep better. Gerbera daisies are especially helpful for those suffering from sleep apnea or breathing disorders. These daisies will have you dozing off in no time!

Bonus Tip: To help you calm the mind and ease insomnia consider trying the power of Chinese herbs.a specialized blend of herbs that helps soothe the emotions and pro Calm-fort is mote better sleep.

 

I hope that these beautiful plants will brighten your home and health all year long!

You can find more ways to sleep well and live a long life inSecrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100, which is now available on Kindle. You can also find tips for insomnia in The Natural Health Dictionary, a comprehensive guide that answers all your questions about natural remedies, healing herbs, healthy foods, vitamins, and supplements.

I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

—Dr. Mao

____________________________________________________

This blog is meant to educate, but it should not be used as a substitute for personal medical advice. The reader should consult his or her physician or clinician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field is ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.