Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Thursday, July 28, 2016

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
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

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Friday, March 25, 2016

Tips to stay healthy on vacation this summer


Summer is fast approaching and you know what that means. More traveling. Family reunions, summer camps, business seminars and family vacations will take many of us from the comfort and familiarity of our own homes to some fun, but foreign, places. While travel can be fun, it’s a change and change can be stressful. Stress can lower your immune system and offer cold and flu bugs the opportunity for growth. Have you ever been sick on vacation? It isn’t fun.

What can you do to prevent illness from ruining your trip?


1.       Plan ahead. Try to keep your mealtimes and menu as regular as possible. This is easier if you are driving because you can take your food with you. Plan for healthy snacks such as dried fruits and nuts rather than giant bags of chips and prepackaged cookies. If you are flying, take small snacks in your carryon. Pack something with protein and a little friendly fiber to keep you full until you can find an affordable healthy meal.

2.       Hydrate. It can be tempting to avoid rest stops and public restrooms by cutting back on your fluids, but the tradeoffs can lead to fatigue, headaches and sluggishness. Obtain a water bottle that is easy to find and carry. One that attaches to your bag or belt is recommended. If you are traveling by air, take an empty water bottle through security and fill it in a drinking fountain before boarding your plane.

3.       Exercise. That’s right. You are on vacation – not dead. Take an opportunity to explore the beach or mountain trails on foot. Rent a bike and cruise along the local green belt. Go for a swim and work out the kinks you earned in that cramped airplane seat. Visit the workout room in your hotel. Everybody is on vacation – chances are you will have the treadmills and rowing machines all to yourself!

4.       Sleep. Attempt to keep regular sleeping patterns. This can be challenging if you change time zones. While it’s tempting to spend late nights catching up with cousins at the family reunion, too many late nights can lead to fatigue, cause stress and set you up as a target for cold and flu bugs. Have fun but be wise and don’t let too much fun derail your wellness plans.

5.       Maintain hygiene. Yes, it’s elementary, but it’s true. Washing your hands is one of the best ways to avoid illness. Can’t wash? Hand sanitizer is the next best thing and the bottles are small enough to pass airport security. Make it a habit of washing at every opportunity just to be safe.

What if you are injured or become ill while away from home?

1.       Plan ahead. Know what health care options are available in the area you are planning to visit. If you are traveling out of the country, check with your insurance carrier before you go. You’ll want to know how it covers and how to get reimbursed. Take along a personal first aid kit so you have the essentials. It should include hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, bandages, a small ice pack if available, ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen, allergy and cold medicines, as well as any other personal prescriptions. Make certain you have enough prescription meds to last your entire trip.

2.       Hydrate and rest. The same practices that can help you avoid illness will help you feel better once you become ill.

3.       Maintain hygiene. Once you have become infected you will want to do your best to avoid sharing your illness with others. Remember, the same practices that help you avoid illness will help you avoid sharing it. Wash your hands, use tissue rather than handkerchiefs, and even wear a surgical mask if necessary.

4.       Find a physician. If you are staying with family, chances are they will have a family doctor that will be happy to see you. What if you don’t know anyone in the area? How will you find a health care provider with which you can be comfortable? Fortunately, the internet continues to make the world smaller. This new Find a Doctor service by Amino, Inc. will help. You can locate a general practitioner before you go or find a physician quickly once you become ill. It’s fast and easy to use, quickly sorting physicians by experience with your criteria. Give it a try so you will be familiar with it when the need arises.

Don’t let illness steal your summer fun. Be prepared for wellness by taking care of yourself before you travel, preparing to stay healthy along the way, and knowing how to cope with discomforts if and when they arise. If you need help, seek a health care provider so you can be get back to enjoying your travels.
Have a happy vacation, stay healthy, and as always ...

Happy Running!
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Monday, March 21, 2016

4 Reasons to Choose Running


After a busy weekend I ventured out for a Monday morning run.  I was reminded, once again that too many treats and not enough fluids is a bad idea. The first mile was – hard! After some self-chastising I settled in and reflected. The truth is – the first mile is always hard. Every mile is hard.

One might ask, “If running is so hard, why do you do it?”

There isn’t one answer, nor are the answers the same for every runner.  Some benefits are immediate while others take months to manifest themselves. Here are a few of the reasons I run.

Flexibility – I’m not talking about physical flexibility, rather the ability to run whenever and wherever the opportunity arises. I don’t need a gym. I only need my shoes.

Cognition – My brain seems to work better after a run. Worldly worries appear less formidable. Perhaps this is because I feel strong after a run.

Accomplishment – Visualizing a course can be intimidating, but reviewing a course after pounding out a few miles creates a sense of triumph! “Hey! Look what I did!”

Community – Runners, like writers, are supportive of other runners. A runner never sees another runner and thinks, “That old girl is slow.” A runner sees another runner and thinks, “I wish I was running right now. Look at that runner! I’m so proud of her. I wonder if that runner needs a running partner. Wow, he’s fast!” And so on …

Have you thought about running, but need a little motivation to begin? Are you a fellow runner with reasons of your own to share? Sound off in the comments below. I’m curious. Tell me why you run or why you want to run. You can even tell me why you are anxious about beginning running! Let’s talk about it!

Happy Running!
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Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Tuesday’s Training Tip: Cut 100 Calories



Last Tuesday we talked about making small changes that add up. Today’s training tip is the flip side of that.  Let’s look at ways to cut 100 calories. If you really want to make that extra burn count, pair it with some wise food choices.

The obvious choices.

Give up those little extras that really add up. Swap out creamy ranch dressing for balsamic vinaigrette.  You’ll save about 70 calories for 2 tablespoons.  It’s tangy so you are likely to use less.

Switch to Fat Free milk.  Ounce for ounce you’ll get more protein and save about 30 calories per cup.  Haven’t made the switch? You can step it down to 1% if you don’t want to dive right in!

Mayo vs. salad dressing. Or should I say, Mayo Lovers vs. Salad Dressing Lovers? Is it worth an extra 50 calories per tablespoon to have your mayo? If you can’t make the switch, just forego the goo and use mustard. It packs a whopping ZERO calories!

Some creative ideas.

Whole wheat spaghetti will save about 55 calories per serving over traditional spaghetti noodles. Be sure to cook it long enough and don’t attempt to hide the whole wheat with extra sauce!

Plain yogurt is a better option than sour cream as a garnish – if you must garnish! You’ll save 35 calories on a 2 oz. serving and gain much needed live cultures for digestive health.

Lettuce wraps!  Wrap everything from taco fixings and egg roll stuffs to grilled hamburger patties and other sandwich items.

It’s not as difficult as it sounds to cut a few calories. Not sure if your food choice is wise?  Use a calorie counter like this one until you become more familiar with the good, the bad, and the oh-so-naughty things you eat.

Are you a visual learner?  This article gives you a picture of What 200 Calories Worth Of Different Foods Looks Like. You might be amazed at the different portion sizes!

What calorie cutting tips will you use in 2016?

Tune in every Tuesday for more training tips and visit my Training Tips page to find all the tips you may have missed.

Question: Do you have a training tip you would like to share? Post it in the comments below.
Happy Running!
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Thursday, July 30, 2015

Guest Blogger: Carol writes about Exertion Asthma

Meet Carol Green Kjar. (We call her "The Other Carol Green") She writes: "I have a long-time husband and an empty nest. I worked as a natural resources technical writer/editor for a government agency while my already retired husband traveled the U.S. without me. I got tired of that pretty quick so I took early retirement and joined him. We travel a lot so he can go bicycling and hiking.  I like to stay in camp to read, write, and cook. When I'm home, I love to sew and quilt."
Carol blogs as C.S. Kjar and writes clean fiction.  Find her book, The Treasure of Adonis, HERE.


 
 

Exertion Asthma
I admire people who can run and feel the air rush by their faces as they move along so smoothly and fast.  I admire people who are in great shape and can do anything they want.  I envy them all.  Why?  Because I can’t.
I have a condition called exertion asthma.  It’s a lot like chronic asthma except it only comes on during physical exertion or strenuous activities.  The airways in the lungs narrow from inflammation and don’t hold as much air as exercise demands.  Breathing is wheezy and hard, the chest is tight which prevents breathing deeply, and fatigue comes fast because the muscles aren’t getting the oxygen they need.  I’ve learned to live with my exertion asthma and life is good.
 
As I got older, more symptoms set in.  Along with tightness in my chest, my arms feel funny, tingly, or numb.  I got scared it was my heart so I insisted my doctor order a stress test for me.  My test lasted for about 5 minutes because by then I could hardly breathe at all.  The doctor pulled me off the treadmill and said my heart was fine.  It was my lungs that were bad.  I was so relieved that my heart was good that I didn’t care about the asthma.
 
For me, the asthma symptoms start a few minutes after strenuous effort.   Even fast walking can trigger it.  When I stop, my breathing returns to normal in a few minutes so the symptoms disappear quickly.  I had an inhaler for a while and it helped a little, but not enough to keep using it.  I decided the warnings about the side effects outweighed the benefits of using it so I stopped.
 
When I do something strenuous like going up stairs, up a hill, or walking at a fast pace, I have to stop to catch my breath fairly often.  I don’t mind it.  I have time to enjoy the scenery which is really what I’m outside to see.  If I go too fast for too long, I suck air like a jet engine.   I’ve sucked in my share of bugs.  They’re nasty tasting without being dipped in chocolate.  I’ve choked on them quite often so it’s a good idea to take water along.
 
My asthma was a handicap only once that I remember.  I was doing field work with the Forest Service and we were two ridges away from our truck when a thunderstorm blew in.  We got a radio call that there was a tornado warning and to get out there as fast as we could.  Everyone set off for the truck at a fast jog.  We went down one ridge up another, down and up again.  I was lagging behind, but could hardly breathe by the time I got to the truck.  Everyone kept asking me if I was okay.  No, I wasn’t, but I wasn’t going to be left behind to be struck by lightning or swept up in a tornado.
 
So someday, if you go running past a heavy breathing walker, please don’t laugh.  Don’t taunt.  Don’t pity.  It may be the best he or she can do.  Be thankful for your good lungs and take care of them so you have a life of easy breathing.
 
Get to know Carol Kjar better by visiting her blog or pick up a copy of The Treasure of Adonis on Amazon and Kindle.
 
 
Visit my Guest Blogger page to get to know all my blogging friends.
 
 
 
Happy Running!

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Thursday, March 26, 2015

Guest Blogger: Jennifer shares some thoughts on happiness

My first Guest Blogger, Jennifer is back today with a few thoughts about happiness! Jennifer hails from Utah, but began her journey in Parma, Idaho.  Thank you, Jennifer, for contributing this week!


Well, hello again Friends!
When Carol asked me to guest post again I honestly had the hardest time coming up with a topic.  I like to think I’m pretty clever, but when you’re preparing a post for another person’s blog there seems to be a little bit of pressure that comes with it.  So I decided to treat it like I would if someone asked me to speak in church and told me I was free to choose my topic.  My guidelines for that situation is that it must be:

1-      Something I truly believe in.

2-      Something relevant to my life.

3-      Something that is appropriate and not TOO embarrassing.

------------------------------------------------------

I was standing in line at Target on Saturday and was casually listening to the conversation that the cashier and a shopper were having.  They were talking about life and getting super personal about marriage.  I’m not sure how it came up; maybe they knew each other. I just pretended to be really interested in the jerky and candy assortment in the checkout area so they didn’t get creeped out by my intense listening.  The conversation got really juicy when the cashier asked the shopper how many times she’d been married.  Long story short, I found out that they were both currently married to their second husband.  The cashier then said, “Yeah, they say the second marriage is the best and happiest marriage.”  The shopper agreed but then they went on to talk about how both of them were beaten in their first marriages and they now disagree and fight a lot in their second marriage. But boy, are they happier!
I didn’t even know what to say to the cashier when it was my turn to purchase my items because I was so sad for her.

I know it’s not my place to judge.  I know that my life isn’t better than theirs and that I’m not perfect.  I don’t know their lives, the situations that they really are in and the choices they have made to get them there. I do know, however, that life is short and we deserve to be happy and to be treated with respect.  There is nothing I hate more than settling.  OK, I also hate whales, “50 Shades of Grey,” drive-thru windows, and the stalky white part of romaine lettuce.  We’ll save that for another day.

I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been judged for being “too picky” just because I’m single or people have given me sad puppy eyes because they think I’m some lonely old cat lady without a husband or kids.  Newsflash! I don’t have cats either.  I have a roommate I barely talk too and a picture of a bunny wearing a crown on the wallpaper of my phone because I can’t even commit to a pet right now.  That’s apartment life for you.  Oh, and did I mention that I don’t date? I don’t do anything to try to date but you get what I’m saying. I’m not picky, nor would I ever settle, and I would never wish someone to be in a relationship just for the sake of being in one.  I see this a lot and it makes me sad and a little angry.
No matter what faith you belong to, I hope you believe that there is something bigger than you out in the universe, that you are here for a reason, and that you are unique and special.  For me, I believe that God put us on this Earth and He wants us to be happy, to be kind to others, and to be kind to ourselves.  This can be hard.  People do rotten things sometimes. We get bugged by the way we look, we get down on the way our life is going because we think we are meant to do so much more or because we are comparing our successes to someone else’s.  And, “Why can’t we find our (immortal) Augustus Waters for crying out loud?!”  The truth is that life isn’t a feel-good movie.  Life isn’t perfect, but we can make choices that will help us have a happier life.

If someone in your life is making you feel like you aren’t a special creation of worth who is loved by God and others, then I believe you should seriously reevaluate that relationship.  I’m talking friendly or romantic here, people.  I think the best thing I’ve learned in my life is that if you truly love someone then you should be able to be open and honest with them about anything.  If someone you love is treating you like garbage or is making you feel sad then you need to talk about it!  Don’t tip-toe around it and hold your feelings in and only confide in the cashier at Target or other irrelevant people.  Be an adult and go to the source to solve the issue.  You can do it in a loving way without blaming.  Simply state what you’re having a hard time with.  Someone who truly loves you will work on it and try to do better.

When all is said and you’ve given 100% and if they still aren’t willing to meet you there ... then you do what you’ve got to do. (#BYEFELICIA). Please don’t just settle with unhappy friendships, relationships or situations just because you’re worried about what people will think or because you’re afraid of it getting worse. The world is filled with so many people and we aren’t meant to be besties with every one of them.  We are, however, meant to have a happy life filled with wonderful people we love and who love us back.
If you aren’t willing to have the conversation then you should really evaluate the relationship.  Do you really love them?  Do you respect and love yourself? Please find someone to talk to about this if the answer to these questions are no and you still can’t walk away.  I most likely don’t know you but I really believe that you are worth something.  Picture what advice you would give your best friend if they were in your same situation. You would probably tell them how they are worth way more and that they deserve better and to be happy. I bet you would.  Try to take that advice!  You should treat yourself like your best friend—a concept I’m still working to achieve.

{Now, I don’t want to downplay abuse at all.  If you’re scared and can’t find a way out then please seek professional help or go to another loved one who will help you get out of the situation safely. Abuse is disgusting and should never be tolerated.}
Resentment is gross and takes too much time.  Cut it out.  Find your worth and believe in it.  Try to be kind even when it hurts.  Respect others and expect that same respect back.

You, my dear, deserve to be happy :)
Jennifer Hansen :)

You can read more and follow Jennifer's own blog at Anything But Ordinary ! Find her first guest post HERE.
Stop by each Thursday to see what the rest of my Guest Bloggers have to say.
Happy Running!

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Guest Blogger: Curtis Q.Purrhead III writes about self-care

Meet Curtis Q. Purrheadd III.  He is a cat with a few things to say about taking care of ourselves.
 
 
A Cat Explains Good Self-Care to Humans
By Curtis Q. Purrhead III

      I laugh when people say they hate cats (and then I usually rub through their legs or otherwise subtly ignore them). If these folks (and others) would stop and think about it, their feline foes have many lessons to share about good self-care. I am a classic example of good self-care so let me begin with my story.

      My name is Curtis Q. Purrhead III and I am 15 years old which is pretty impressive for a cat but even more impressive for one who has the Feline AIDS Virus. I demonstrated good self-care from the moment I met my human (Jane Freund) 13 years ago. I wanted food and shelter on a permanent basis, which she had, so I sat on the ledge outside her kitchen window and meowed until she let me inside. She did so and my basic need was met which is a measurement of good self-care.

      But my good self-care did not end there but rather only just began. Let me make my case with another classic saying about cats: "Dogs have owners and cats have staff" is spoken to say that cats have expectations that others will help them out. Well DUH, of course we do! Self-care isn't limited to doing things for ourselves. For example, I can't operate a can opener to get food so I have to rely on somebody who can (such as a human with opposable thumbs).

      Another example of cats as self-care experts is that we sleep so much. That's because we have lowered expectations which is also important in good self-care. The people I've seen who lack good self-care often have to-do lists that are longer than their arms. Some folks should be called human "doings" instead of human "beings'. We felines don't have that problem as we choose relaxation over trying to finish terminal to-do lists. They don't call them "cat-naps" for nothing!

      Also, cats keep self-care pretty simple such as demonstrated by how we play. Have you ever noticed that cats can turn just about anything into something to play with? We make toys out of string, balls of paper, rubber bands and the list goes on. Even dogs can practice good self-care and entertain themselves for hours by chasing their tails. Play and thus good self-care comes easier when a game can be made out of most anything.

      Finally, we cats practice good self-care by showing our feelings. When we are threatened, we hiss, arch our backs and sometimes even growl. When we want to be petted or picked up, purring and circling through a human's legs often gets the job done. Yes, we may seem to demonstrate our feelings by looking at a human like s/he is dumb. But if a human values a cat's opinion to determine self-worth then s/he should spend more time looking within himself or herself and less time staring at a cat. Perhaps when I'm not practicing good self-care, I'll blog about that topic.
 

Since Curtis Q Purrhead III was busy practicing good self-care, he had his human (Jane Freund) type up this blog post for him. So here's her story: Jane Freund is an author, speaker and book coach based in Boise, Idaho. She has written or co-written 16 print, audio and electronic books including "Best Friend Worst Enemy – Overcoming Self-Sabotage in YOUR Life" and "Wily Riley the Coyote Conqueror". Previously, Jane taught Communication for ten years at Boise State University. Her books can be found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/JaneFreundship and on Amazon. You can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/janefreundauthorspeakerandbookcoach. Also, you can find Curtis Q Purrhead III on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/curtisqpurrheadIII (and his page has more likes than Jane's does).

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

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Guest Blogger: Randall writes about depression and hope

Meet Randall, a husband, father of five, and successful battler of mental illness.  Randall tells how he found hope and wellness through alternative treatment.  He loves running and is an outdoor enthusiast, but his favorite role is that of husband and father. Thank you, Randall for sharing this important and sensitive story.  You can visit Randall's website and Facebook page, Mental Health and Well Being for Families, to learn more.

 
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."  Robert Frost.    That quote from the legendary poet sums up my battle with depression.   Eighteen years ago I received a life sentence of bipolarity and severe anxiety.  I don’t fault the psychiatrist for my instant feeling of hopelessness, when he very frankly told me that I would need to be on medication the rest of my life, but his truth hurt badly. My wife was shocked. I was desperate.
And then Gina and I became travelers on an incredible journey from illness to health, from hopelessness to hopeful, then to healing; and finally to helping others.      

I won’t describe in any detail what I had experienced in my life up to that day when I sought medical help.  Suffice it to say, I experienced the dark abyss of suicidal thoughts, deep depression, and an anxiety that would move in, gripping my whole body and leaving me bedridden for days.  

Everyone told me medication was the answer.  I hoped it would make everything better, and that I would be restored to health and happiness.  But, no, medication would not prove to be the answer for me.  Over a period of 4 years I went on and off 15 different medications.  Some were sedating.  Others made things worse, much worse.  If the medications helped at all, the side effects were unbearable.  I was not living.  I was just existing.  
Then, in 1998 I received a package in the mail, that would change the course of my life, and I would come to experience full and complete happiness again.  Autumn Stringam, my sister-in-law in Canada, was battling bipolar depression.  She was at the point where her family could no longer take care of her, and she was about to be institutionalized.  What happened to save her, some say was an answer to prayers, a change in the stars, or a brilliant discovery – it was a powerful combination of natural supplements that would come to be known as EMPowerplus Q96.  The combination of potent micronutrients healed her, allowing her to live well and without medication and hospitalizations, and  I saw the same results. 

Gina and I are on a quest to help save individuals, marriages, families, careers, from the debilitating effects of depression and other illnesses that affect brain function. We share our stories with others and by so doing, share hope! After 18 years of research and private access to support from Canada, EMPowerplus Q96 is now available from an American company called Q Sciences! Miracles are happening for families all across this country. It is such a great thing see my personal miracle playing out in other lives over and over again!

Along the path I have learned many lessons, but these three are the most relevant today:

1.  The most travelled path may not be the one for you!

Anyone who has struggled with mental health issues knows that there is no one size fits all remedy. What might be good enough for my neighbor could be harmful or futile for me. I am grateful to have found a huge part of my answer in micronutrition and other answers in being aware of things that trigger depression or anxiety in me. The calm and increased coping ability that has come to me through EMPowerplus Q96 has changed everything about the way I see myself and the people around me. I am living deliberately and healing in a conscious way.

 2. No one is ever truly hopeless or beyond help.

I remember what it felt like to believe that things could never get better. Over the years, I have seen incredible changes come over people who have been 'written off' by the conventional medicine as "severely mentally ill," or even "borderline personality." There are many names for people who can't be helped with medications. I know that feeding the brain makes a difference in the way a person feels and behaves when they are feeling and behaving badly because of a micronutrient deficiency. Somehow, this miracle has become common sense to me, and not really a miracle at all.

3. The happiest messages beg to be shared.

Like religion, art, or charity, this discovery and the joy that it has brought to my whole family has made me a 'missionary' of sorts. When something is this good and this hopeful, every person of conscience cannot help but want to share it! it may not be the answer for every person who suffers, but I believe it must be ruled in or ruled out before a person can truly say they have done all that can be done concerning mental health. Autumn Stringam wrote a memoir called "A Promise of Hope" telling her family story about the brilliant discovery of EMPowerplus Q96. If you would like a copy of her book or a sample of EMPowerplus Q96, please contact me.

Randall Spencer
(208) 859-9501
 
You can follow Randall on Facebook or visit his website at randallspencer.com.
("A Promise of Hope - The Astonishing Story of a Woman Afflicted with Bipolar Disorder and the Miraculous Treatment That Cured Her" is written by Autumn Stringam, published by HarperCollins 2007 and available anywhere books are sold.) 
Happy Running!
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Tuesday's Training Tip: Time to Trot!


 
Oh, it’s Thanksgiving week!  Can you almost smell it?  Turkey and stuffing roasting in the oven, pumpkin pies cooling on the counter, and cranberries, rolls, and …

You can find all kinds of tips on how to survive the holidays and stay on your diet, such as, use a smaller plate, eat a snack before you go to the social event, wire your jaws shut, etc.  Let’s be honest.  Do you really want to diet during the holidays?  If you can do that, you are awesome!  The rest of us just need to do the best we can to maintain and not gain.

Thanksgiving Day is filled with opportunities to intake calories and we all know it’s going to be a challenge, but there is something you can do that will offset some of that caloric intake. Forgo the Thanksgiving Day Parade and go for a little trot while the bird is roasting.  If you‘ve seen one Thanksgiving Day Parade, you’ve seen them all. Consider the benefits of this trade.

1.       You will be moving and burning calories instead of lounging and conserving calories.

2.       While you are trotting (or strolling) you will not be snacking.

3.       The fresh air may ward off a holiday cold or flu.

4.       You will assuage some of the guilt associated with Thanksgiving dinner.

5.       If you invite friends to join you, they will also enjoy the benefits of a trot.

6.       It’s fun!

 
If you need a little motivation to commit, do as I did and create a Facebook event.  Your friends will be counting on you!

Visit this page every Tuesday for more training tips! I would love to hear from you. Comment below or message me on Facebook.

Happy Thanksgiving and …

Happy Running!