6 Reasons We Get Sick by Jane

Meet Guest Blogger, Jane Barlow Christensen. Jane owns a medicinal herbal company that sells mainly to doctors. "My products and education information gives people the knowledge and tools to become their own health care physician.  It gives them the confidence to take care of every day human health issues."

6 Reasons We Get Sick

What causes some people to get sick every single year while others stay healthy and well?

Some people suffer through the entire year with a low grade cough, sinus problems and an overall feeling of tiredness and lack of energy. If this sounds like you, then read on for some simple tricks to make this stop happening.

Here are a six reasons that we get sick in the first place.

1) Vitamin D deficiency.

It is estimated that 50% of adults are Vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is not a regular Vitamin, it's actually a steroid hormone that you are supposed to acquire through regular exposure to the sun - not through your diet.

If you are over 50, have darker skin, are obese, have achy bones, feel depressed or have gut trouble...then these are signs that you could be Vitamin D deficient.

The best way to know if you are deficient in Vitamin D and how much you need, is to have a doctor test your levels.

2) Proper hydration.

As a society we are chronically dehydrated. We are drinking way too many things that are not just plain water. Soda, fruit juice, milk, almond milk, coconut milk, sports drinks etc...and the list goes on. Just because we're drinking all these different liquids doesn't mean we're getting the right type of hydration.

We know that we are made up of two-thirds water but did you know that in the terms of the number of molecules, your body actually consists of over 99% water molecules?

How is every system in your body expected to function properly without proper hydration?

YOU NEED WATER. NOT Juice. Not flavored water. Not soda. Not sports drinks.

How can you expect your body to fight off a cold, the flu or any other microbe that comes at you if aren't taking this one simple step?

Unless you live in a third world country where access to clean water is an issue, then this is something you can start making a serious effort on today. Right now.

3) If your diet consists of too much processed sugar, refined foods, junk foods, fast food, fried foods and white carbohydrates...then you are probably someone who gets sick on a fairly regular basis.

Bottom line - if you are eating lots of sugar and processed foods you are not fueling your body for wellness. You are giving it everything it needs to live in a state of imbalance. You probably have low energy, dull skin, puffy eyes, chronic digestive issues, extra body fat and just an overall sense of fatigue and lethargy.

Time to figure out what's holding you back and make some better food choices so that your body gets the nutrition it needs to stay well.

4) Proper sleep.

If you're going to do the sleep thing right...your room needs to be cool (about 65 degrees), dark (even the light from your alarm clock gives off too much light for your body to produce the sleep hormone, Melatonin) and quiet (if you're falling asleep with the TV on...stop it!).

Your body repairs at night, when it's cool, dark and quiet and you owe it to yourself to get a good night’s sleep.

5) Exercise. Movement.

There's no way around it. You’ve got to do it. No excuses if you want to be and stay healthy.

6) And finally...stress.

Let’s be honest, this is a true killer in your health and longevity goals.   I know people who have terrible lifestyle habits, but they know how to manage their stress and are pretty healthy.

Stress is incredibly damaging to your health and can cause all kinds of disease.

So start making some small, healthy changes today. Right now! You get to decide what your life looks like.

In conclusion, here are a couple of my favorite natural remedies and herbs that can help you stay healthy while you are working on the lifestyle factors.

1) High dose Vitamin C every single day. A high dose for an adult is about 5000 mg. Try to find a brand with Rosehips, a great source of Vitamin C.

2) Try a natural anti-microbial like Oil of Oregano, Tea tree oil, Olive leaf extract and Lomatium root. An anti-microbial is something that goes after virus, fungus, yeast and bad bacteria.

3) Start drinking lots of herbal tea. Every day. Especially during cold and flu season. One of my favorites is Peppermint tea. And make sure it's organic. That's super important.

I hope you've got some of this list already dialed in. If not, and you feel overwhelmed, then remember this -

Every single small thing you do adds up to big huge things over time. Just start small. Small things compound.

You can catch up with Jane here ...

YouTube channel - Jane Barlow Christensen and get all of my healthy tips. I post a new video about once a week.
Facebook – Jane Barlow Christensen and Jane Health

Website – www.barlowherbal.com

Instagram - @barlowherbal

Visit my Guest Blogger page to get to know all my blogging friends.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

3 Blogs for Runners by Runners

Since I began running in 2007, I have gained an enormous network of friends and supporters. Runners have proven to be my best cheerleaders. I think we (runners) like to encourage one another because we all know how hard it can be to keep moving forward and because we also know how difficult it is to explain our habit to non-runners. I would like to share with you three blogs I enjoy that are written for runners by runners. I asked each of them to tell me their #1 reason to run. Their reasons are not very different than my own!

The Runner Dad, Matt, has some great advice on becoming a Morning Runner, as well as interviews with top athletes you are sure to recognize whether or not you are a runner.

Matt explains, “My #1 reason for running is for my 2 boys. I want to be a shining example to them, showing them how important it is to stay fit and work towards achieving goals and dreams.”

@Marathoner , Mark, began running in 2006. Enjoy his variety of “top 10 posts” as he celebrates ten years of running. Read about his 10 Favorite Running Shoes. His story is inspiring. He made a life change and hasn’t looked back!

Mark said, “I run because I am obsessed with finish lines and each one I cross teaches me how to achieve goals, no matter what obstacles, in all areas of life. I started running to quit smoking in 2006 and I run to stay healthy and live long for my family.”

Coach Debbie Runs offers tips on running and blogging. Her recent post, Running Against Time: 6 Ways to Hold Off the Inevitable, explains why our times slow after a few years and how to slow down the decline.

Debbie’s short answer to why she runs is, “The reason from my head is that it keeps me healthy, lean(ish), and strong. My heart, though, says I just run because it makes me feel good. It makes me happy.” You can find her longer, more detailed explanation in Why I Run.

As for me? My number one reason is also difficult to pin point. I suppose it depends on the day. I run to relieve stress. I run to ward off genetic health risks. I run to ski. Mostly, I run because it is the exercise program I have found that works for me. I have few excuses not to run, and so I run.

Stop by these three blogs written by runners for runners, The Runner Dad, @Marathoner, and Coach Debbie Runs, and give them some love! They are sure to encourage you on your path to better health!

Do you have a favorite running blogger? Please share their blog link in the comments below.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Running for Immediate Stress Relief

Running, or exercise, can improve the mental and emotional health of the runner. She may simply feel a sense of accomplishment or she may be happy because her clothing fits better, but studies show that enough strenuous exercise can lessen the symptoms and effects of stress, anxiety and depression. Let me show you how running is an immediate stress reliever for me.

I can’t say that I often crave a run. I crave cookies and chocolate. The anticipation of a run is often the hardest part, so no, I don’t really crave running. I do, however, crave the way I feel after a run – and by “feel” I don’t mean the physical exhaustion immediately post-run. I am referring to the emotional calm and mental clarity that begins to show forth during the run and continues for a time afterwards. The physical comfort and calm does not come until I have cooled down, stretched, hydrated, and showered!

How stress is immediately reduced:

Shift in activity and focus. When current mental demands such as work responsibilities, bill paying, or even housework pile up and a feeling of rising panic looms, a short run can shift your focus from those things that are causing anxiety to a physical challenge. It is difficult to focus on emotional worries when your legs are aching and lungs are burning. Your attention is aimed at the immediate physical task and those other worries are put aside, at least for a time. This shift also tends to clear the cobwebs and eliminate unproductive thoughts that may be looping through your mind – unless those unproductive thoughts are about how badly your legs are hurting! We will address those issues in Mental Tricks for Beginning Runners on my Tips for Beginning Runners page.

Affirmation of your abilities. Doing something difficult increases confidence in your ability to conquer other difficult tasks. Going for a run is hard. Cleaning the bathroom? That’s not nearly so difficult! Even mowing the lawn becomes almost relaxing compared to a long run.

Physical fatigue allows the mind to focus on what is next. When I have completed a run and cooled down, it is much easier to sort through my pile of tasks and prioritize them. Rather than feeling as if everything needs to be done immediately, which is impossible, my mind and body work together to recognize what is most important. Perhaps it is the feeling of exhaustion confirming that there is limited time and energy that allows me to clearly place in order my responsibilities. There is a peace of mind that accompanies doing things in wisdom and order.

Try this:

The next time you are feeling anxious about things on your To Do List or out of your control, go for a short run or even a brisk walk. Ten to 20 minutes should do the trick. Stay with it long enough to shift your focus. Move until those anxious thoughts settle down and you can think more clearly about what is most important. Then return to your list of things to do and take control!

Do you have a motivational tip for runners? I would love to hear about it! Post it in the comments below.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Recover by Stretching After a Run

As a beginning runner it is important to recover by stretching after a run. One reason I run is that I am impatient. Running is the quickest way I can think of to get in a good workout. I have learned, however, that if I want to keep running, today and for years to come, I have to settle down and take time to stretch. When I neglect to incorporate stretching into my running and recovery I risk injury and an injury is sure to slow me down!

Among the benefits of stretching are:

•Injury prevention

•Relaxation

•Increased flexibility and balance

•Loosens tight muscles

•Time to reflect

Try some of these stretches and yoga poses from Runners World after your next walk or run or run/walk.

The latest research suggests that stretching should be done AFTER a workout when the muscles are warmed up. So avoid the temptation to flop in a chair immediately after your run. Take some time to cool down and stretch.  You will be less likely to sustain running injuries and your muscles will thank you.
Do you have a recovery tip that helps keep you healthy and on the move? Please share it in the comments below.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

10 Running Quotes to Inspire Your Life

And for anyone else who needs a little encouragement!

I run because running teaches me about life. I write about running to teach others about running and about life! These ten running quotes can inspire your life. See how they apply to things not running related.

·         "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." - John Bingham

Beginning is often the hardest, most daunting part of any undertaking. Have the courage to move forward.

·         "I had as many doubts as anyone else. Standing on the starting line, we're all cowards." - Alberto Salazar

It’s called “courage” when we do it in spite of our doubts. Stop stalling and start doing. I bake cookies as a stall tactic. What do you do?

·        “When I first started running, I was so embarrassed I'd walk when cars passed me. I'd pretend I was looking at the flowers.” - Joan Benoit Samuelson

I’ve been there, but I got over it and you should, too. Don’t be afraid to let others know what you are striving for. They may prove to be your biggest support. Conquer Obstacles to Self-improvement

·        "I often hear someone say I'm not a real runner. We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner." - Bart Yasso

Stop comparing yourself to others. It’s not about them, it’s about you! Your progress is what matters whether on the run, in relationships, or any aspect of your life. It’s your path, not someone else’s.

  

·       "The difference between a jogger and a runner is an entry blank." - George Sheehan

So enter the race already! Sign up and show up for life. Launch your blog. Publish your book. Sell those fabulous paintings that you keep hidden in a closet. Run a relay!

·        "Methinks that the moment my legs began to move, my thoughts began to flow." - Henry David Thoreau

Whether you are a writer like Thoreau, or someone who just needs to sort her thoughts, running will help you gain clarity. It has a way of cleaning out the cobwebs.

·       "Anybody can be a runner. We were meant to move. We were meant to run. It's the easiest sport." - Bill Rodgers

It isn’t easy because it’s easy, it is easy because there are few excuses. We don’t need a lot of equipment or even a gymnasium. The weather doesn’t have to be a factor, nor does daylight. When we get rid of the excuses, we can just run. Getting rid of the excuses in other parts of your life allows you to just live your life and move forward with worthy goals.

·       "Believe that you can run farther or faster. Believe that you're young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don't let worn-out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself." - John Bingham

Believe that you are smart enough to go back to college. Believe that you are old enough to be successful or young enough to begin a new career. Believe that your story should be told and you are smart enough to write it. Believe.

·       "It's important to know that at the end of the day it's not the medals you remember. What you remember is the process -- what you learn about yourself by challenging yourself, the experiences you share with other people, the honesty the training demands -- those are things nobody can take away from you whether you finish twelfth or you're an Olympic Champion." - Silken Laumann

Remember that life is about the journey. It is the relationships that are formed and the experiences along the way that are important. Don’t ignore those things while in pursuit of your goals. You will learn most from the path, not the finish.

·       "Many people shy away from hills. They make it easy on themselves, but that limits their improvement. The more you repeat something, the stronger you get." - Joe Catalano

Or, as Ralph Waldo Emerson put it, “That which we persist in doing becomes easier to do, not that the nature of the thing has changed but that our power to do has increased.”

Running isn’t really about running. It’s about living – living happier, living healthier, living smarter, and living longer! Go live!

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grandparenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

July Giveaway - Feeling Patriotic!

This country girl is feeling patriotic, so I’m combining country and patriotism for my July Giveaway! One lucky recipient will receive a copy of my second book about life in the country, Milk Cans and Quilt Blocks, and a patriotic red, white, and blue beaded bracelet handmade by me!

How to enter:

1 – Visit this blog post. (You’ve already done that!)

2 – Follow me on Twitter @CarolMGreen1 or Facebook (You may have already done that!)

3 – Share this post on Twitter,  Facebook, and/or Instagram (runninggrannygreen) and comment with a line from your favorite patriotic song. Be sure to tag me so I know you entered!

4- One entry per social media site.

Easy!

The giveaway will run from July 1 thru July 31. The winner will be announced Monday, July 31 at noon MDT.  Must be 18 years old to enter. Only ships to mainland United States.

Good Luck and God Bless America!

Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.