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Prevent Swine Flu – Good Advice October 21, 2009

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Exercise , comments closed

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it’s almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.
        
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, can be practiced:
        
 1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
        
 2. “Hands-off-the-face” approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
        
 3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don’t trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don’t underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
        
4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.        

5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C. If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
                 
6. Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

Excerpt information from Dr. Vinay Goyal, MBBS,DRM,DNB

News I Just Had To Share! September 15, 2009

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Exercise , comments closed

Recently, I began a new exercise regimen.  I am no different than the average active American — always looking for an exercise routine that will be effective, mildly intense and of short duration.

I enjoy exercise – almost any kind – but since I am an athlete wanna-be (my term for someone who loves sports but does not have natural ability), I find myself constantly looking for a way to stay healthy through exercise.  I have not been blessed with rapid speed, quick response nor excellent balance.  And, I can be clumsy at times.

Then, in one easy read, I found the answer to my lifelong pursuit of wellness through exercise in “PACE: Rediscover Your Native Fitness” by Dr. Al Sears.  Dr. Sears addresses both a rational and effective way to exercise that keeps me interested, is quick, and has been highly effective and personally motivating. 

After only three weeks, I am excited to say I am walking, running, biking and hiking.  Each activity is punctuated by short bursts of speed and intensity.  Since I am fortunate to have access to a treadmill, a stationary bike as well as a Metro Park, I spend some time each day exercising according to the recommendations in Dr. Sears publication.

I believe the right diet and the right type of physical activity are equally important.  If you would like to find out what motivates you to take better care of your body, my suggestion is to google Dr. Sears at www.AlSearsMD.com.

You will enjoy the results and the value of exercise.

NOTE:  DME believes before beginning any diet or exercise regimen, visit your doctor first for a complete physical exam.

SUMMER HAS ARRIVED IN THE MITT June 28, 2009

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Exercise , comments closed

Michiganders wait with bated breath for our summer to arrive.  The warm, beautiful weather lasts for such a short time here in Michigan, every citizen should long to hit the streets, parks, playgrounds and swimming holes as soon as the temperature reaches 70 degrees (which we MI’ers know means it’s balmy outside).

How are you spending your sunshiny days and warm evenings?  Have you taken your bike out of storage yet or tried out the new walking path at one of the local parks?

NOW is the time to get your body busy doing something your body AND your mind enjoys. 

When is the last time you played golf?  Badminton?  Tennis?  Flash Light Tag?  Horse Shoes?  Frisbee? 

How long has it been since you went swimming?  Water skiing?  Played baseball?  Volleyball?  Or walked your best buddy, your dog? 

Each of us has only been given just so many summers to enjoy.  How you spend this summer is up to you but our suggestion is not to waste it.  Not one precious Michigan moment. 

Why?  Because we all know what will happen in approximately five short months.  We Michiganders will be dusting off the snow blower, buying ice melt and putting away the porch glider until next year.

DME’s philosophy is that we only get one chance to enjoy Summer 2009.  This is it.

TIPS FOR A HEALTHY 2009 January 11, 2009

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Exercise , comments closed

TIPS for better health while worrying about the current US Economy and the future…

Practice Relaxation

Care For Your Body

While it’s good to stay informed, a steady diet of bad economic news will only make you feel worse.  Take frequent breaks from the news, especially before bedtime.

 DME subscribes to Dr. Andrew Weil’s Self Healing newsletter and thought the above excerpts from his January, 2009 publication would be of interest to you.

EXERCISE FOR A HEALTHY HEART August 22, 2008

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Exercise , comments closed

Take regular exercise, enough to raise your heartbeat for at least 20-30 minutes three or four times a week.

This is usually known as aerobic exercise.  Remember, fitness cannot be stored.  It has to be worked at constantly.  Also, aerobic exercise is an excellent way to unwind emotionally and mentally as well as physically.

Good ways to exercise for a healthy heart are walking, cycling, swimming and jogging.  Or join a regular exercise class at your local fitness center or gym.

CAUTION:

Sudden strenous exercise by very obese people or people over 50 who have done no exercise for many years is dangerous and can lead to a heart attack.  Work into it gradually – and get a proper medical checkup before beginning.

PREVENTING HEART DISEASE – FEEDING THE HEART August 22, 2008

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Exercise, Nutrition , comments closed

A long-term preventive measure against heart disease – and stroke and high blood pressure – is to review your eating and drinking habits and compile a healthy eating program that includes enjoyable food and moderate alcohol if you like it.

Try to establish a routine of eating for a healthy heart so that you automatically choose the healthier option.  If you do this slowly and gradually, eventually your body will no longer crave salt, sugar, and fats. 

Try the diet advocated below:

Exerpt from Alternative Medicine, pg 171

READY OR NOT, FALL WILL BE HERE SOON August 9, 2008

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Exercise, Nutrition , comments closed

Invariably, with a change in seasons and new weather patterns, colds and influenza (or flu) can hit each of us and lay us low. 

Prepare your body for the seasonal changes by remembering to always eat healthy.

The Complete Guide to Alternative Medicine has the following to say about “Common Viral Infections”.

Over 200 viruses have been identified as being responsible for the many varieties of cold and influenza that are now widespread throughout the world.  The most common, accounting for about a third of all infections, is the rhinovirus.  Conventional medicine has no cure.

The main aim of most natural therapies is to speed up the process or alleviate the symptoms and, in the longer term, to help boost the immune system to fight off infection.

Cold symptoms may include a runny or blocked nose, sore throat, headache, watery eyes, and a cough.  Influenza sufferers may also run a fever and have general aches and pains in muscles and joints.

Should you become ill…

SELF-HELP

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and natural fruit juice, to replace fluid loss, and eat extra citrus fruit for vitamin C, or take a vitamin C and zinc suplement.  Hot honey and lemon or cider vinegar drinks are also excellent.

Keep your space clean and dry.  Do not share toothbrushes, facecloths, or towels.  Avoid nuts and chocolates, and eat plenty of wholegrains, vegetables, fruit, lean meat and fish. 

Caution:  See your physician if the symptoms of your cold/flu last longer than ten days.

Seven Myth Busters On Exercise and Healthy Eating June 24, 2008

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Exercise, Uncategorized , comments closed

1.  Working out on an empty stomach

If you hear a rumbling noise in your stomach, the rumbling is trying to tell you something.  Without listening to them you are forcing your body to run without any fuel.  Before you exercise or do any physical activity, eat a light snack such as a apple.

2.  Relying on energy bar and drinks

They don’t deliver the antioxidants you need to prevent disease.  Fruits and vegetables are best as they are loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber.

3.  Skipping breakfast

Breakfast starts the day.  Your body needs fuel as soon as possible and without it you’ll be hungry and perhaps sluggish throughout the day.

4.  Low carb diets

Your body needs carbohydrates for your muscles and the storing of energy.

5.  Eating what you want

Exercising doesn’t give you an all-access-pass to eat anthing you want.  Healthy eating consists of a balanced diet – the right proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

6.  Not enough calories

Although losing weight involves calories, losing it too quickly is never safe.  Aim for 1 – 2 pounds per week.  Make sure that you are getting enough calories to keep your body operating smoothly.

7.  Skip soda and alcohol

Water is the best drink for active people.  Generally the rule of thumb is eight – eight ounce glasses of water per day but you need to decide how much is good for your body.

SMALL CHANGES CAN PREVENT A STROKE! March 6, 2008

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Exercise , comments closed

I will be flying to Florida soon to visit my 83 year old mother-in-law who recently suffered a stroke.  Luckily the portion of her brain that was affected by the stroke altered her balance and motor skills and not her ability to communicate.  Each day has brought progress as her occupational and physical rehabilitation therapy continues.

As the family focuses on her immediate and future care, I am challenged to learn lessons from this unfortunate turn of events.  From a holistic health point of view, did lifestyle and diet have anthing to do with the onset of the illness?  As a health practitioner, what good could come out of this situation?

 The “Everyday Health Stroke Center” website has some good answers to my questions.

The following is their advice:

Many strokes can be prevented.  If you’ve had a stroke, you can cut your odds of having another one with medical treatment as well as changes in your diet and other health habits.  If you’ve never had a stroke, you can reduce your risk of ever having one.

Preventing stroke is largely a matter of healthy living and having regular checkups to detect conditions that can lead to stroke, such as hypertension, heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes.  All adults age 20 and older should have their blood pressure checked every two years if it is normal and at least yearly if it is higher.  They should have their cholesterol checked every five years using a fasting lipid profile, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.  The American Diabetes Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health recommend diabetes testing for all healthy Americans 45 and older.  People under 45 who are overweight and have one or more other risk factors for diabetes, such as  a family history of the disease, should talk to their doctors about having their blood glucose levels tested.  Here are some of the things you can do to lower your risk of stroke:

DME – Your link between nutrition and wellness January 27, 2008

Posted by Mary Ellen Iafrate in : Exercise , comments closed

From feeling sluggish to battling disease, DME Health Connection shows how you can help your body help you feel better.

What is Nutrition?

Nutrition is providing your body with the right foods.

What is Wellness?

Wellness is feeling mentally and physically healthy.

What is the DME Health Connection?

Mental and physical health is acquired and sustained in two ways – exercise and nutrition.  When you eat the right foods (nutrition), you empower your body to resist disease and allow it to make you feel good (wellness).

DME Health Connection provides nutrition counseling and emotional support to individuals who are interested in blending nutrition and wellness into their lifestyles.  DME Health Connection walks each client through the steps needed to make the transition easily.

With a DME Health Connection counselor’s guidance, clients are educated on the right food to eat and where to shop for it.  During the program, the client receives the depth and type of support needed in order to connect all three aspects – the right food to eat, where and how to buy it, and how to incorporate it into daily life.  Once the connection is made, the client understands how to obtain, sustain and maintain pysical and emotional wellness.

Your link to nutrition and wellness start with a FREE HEALTH HISTORY!

To contact DME Health Connection and learn more is as easy as clicking on the “About Us” tab at the top of this page.