 First-Person Stories
March 29, 2009
I recently read this article about martial arts for seniors and loved the concept. It's called, "Cane-Fu" because the person who developed it teaches seniors to utilize canes to fight off attackers.
I trained in Taekwondo many years ago and personally experienced the benefits of studying martial arts. I would recommend it to anyone. There are many and varied styles to choose from. Some more physically aggressive than others. I always thought Tai Chi, with gentle, slow movements, was the most ideal for the seniors but I am probably underestimating their energy and power. Better be careful around seniors with canes. Don't tick them off or you may find a cane around your neck!
Read more about this wonderful trend.
March 22, 2009
It's essential for allergy, asthma, sinusitis sufferers to enhance immune function. The following tips have helped me, most notably, to fight off common colds that, in turn, help reduce allergy and sinusitis symptoms. So here are some excellent ways to boost your immune system:
- Fend off germs with broccoli: One cup delivers 206% of your daily RDA of vitamin C, which increases levels of interferon, the antibody that coats cell surfaces, preventing the entry of viruses.
- Sing a favorite song: It will raise levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA)--and antibody that provides one of your first lines of defense against invading viruses.
- Destroy viruses with these tasty favorites: Garlic and shitake mushrooms both contain polysaccarides, sterols, vitamins, minerals, amino acids proven to help the immune system stop viruses from multiplying.
- Ward off infections with a multivitamin: That one pill can reduce your risk of infections--including colds and the flu--by 76%, helping you avoid 17 sick days a year. Researchers aren't sure which nutrients get the credit, but taking just one good quality multi day, instead of dozens of pricey individual supplements, does the trick.
- Rest up: Your immune system function drop by an average of 60% after just three nights of poor sleep, so aim to get plenty of quality rest, about 8 hours each night.
Source: Woman's World Magazine
March 15, 2009
Hurray! I did it! My first very own video! This may sound silly but I created a video for this site and I am really proud of myself. You might be, also, if you knew how technologically challenged I am. I utilized this great site that allows you to create your own video with ease and minimal cost.
So, here it is! I know it's not Oscar worthy (not yet anyway and besides, it is my first) but I think it's pretty good, don't you?
March 08, 2009
Did you know that the kids who watch too much TV have the twice the risk of developing asthma? That's what the lastest finding is accorrding to British researchers. I am definitely sharing this news with my child even though we did cancel TV viewing altogether four years ago. I could point out that his asthma could have been much worse if we didn't stop! On a side note: parents of young kids, my experience tells me that canceling TV watching isn't that painful for the family. Kids get over it. Definitely more family time reading, talking, and playing games. Anyway, back to the article...click here to read more.
March 01, 2009
Why do I take vitamin C daily?
I realize there are some conflicting medical opinions about the benefits of vitamin C for different conditions. One of the recent articles I read stated that it wasn't really helpful in keeping colds and flu at bay. I am neither a medical doctor nor an expert on nutrition. However, as a sinusitis/nasal allergy sufferer of many years, I certainly believe, based on my knowledge and experience, that vitamin C has been essential to my body's healing process from these conditions. For one thing, I rarely had colds or flu since taking the C consistently (my family used to called me the "weakest link" because of my frequent episodes of flu and colds). And of course, that fact alone is a huge benefit in dealing with my existing allergy symptoms as well as preventing them.
So why is vitamin C important? As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C plays a crucial role repairing and regenerating tissues, protects cells from oxidative stress, and enhances immune function.
You can easily get vitamin C from the following food sources: oranges, pineapple, kiwi, broccoli, peppers, strawberries, among others. You can't really overdose on vitamin C because your body eliminates excess C through urination. For some people who take supplemental vitamin C, stomach irritation may occur due to excessive amount. In such cases, try taking them right after meals and/or use gentle and non-acidic brands like Ester C.
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