Health, marriage and Summer Time (Not necessarily in that order).

When I was 19 and still struggling with what I was going to do with my life, I asked an elderly gentleman if he had any life advice for me.  He looked down while a small smile flickered across his face.  I waited for a moment, wondering if I needed to repeat the question (did I mention he was elderly?)  Suddenly he looked up with no trace of a smile.  “Son, there’s only 2 things you need to know, first, love your wife (I wasn’t married yet) with all your heart.  Second, always, ALWAYS look good in a swimsuit.”

I remember standing there as I watched the gentleman turn his attention to a young lady at the reception.  My first reaction was to look in a mirror and feel that perhaps the old man thought I would look bad in a swimsuit.  I looked over again at the elderly man and watched as he shuffled over to his wife and took her hand.  It was then that I realized that perhaps the man was not making a judgement of me and my looks, but perhaps he was making a statement about himself and his readiness (or lack thereof) for the upcoming summer months and his own donning of a swimsuit.  (I also thought about his wife and the obvious love that they had for each other, but that is for another blog.)

I began to imagine scenarios of what could have possibly happened recently to make this gentleman feel that those two things were the most important things to tell a young, impressionable man.  I imagined him outside in the sweltering heat, mentioning to his wife how nice it would be to go for a swim and her replying, yes, it would be nice.  Then cut scene to the gentleman looking in the mirror and realizing that swimsuit and current physique were not a good match.  Or perhaps he actually had gone swimming and one of his innocent grandchildren had said, “Grandpa, why do you have 2 tummies?” or “Mommy, grandpa forgot his top!” or “Nice John Stockton shorts, Gramps.”  Needless to say, this ‘advice’ has stuck with me through the years.  And now that the summer months are upon us, what are YOU doing to be ready?  For, according to a wise, old and by all accounts happy elderly man, all you need in life is two things, a happy marriage and looking good in a swimsuit.

Now, I may not be able to help much with the marriage part, there are a few tips I can give for looking good in a swimsuit.

1st, make sure it fits (most important).

2nd, cardio

3rd, more cardio

4th, SMILE, it covers up a host of flaws, trust me!

5th, get out and enjoy the sun!  You’re going to look great!

Top Ten Reasons Our World Is Destroying Our Health

Genes adapt in about 10,000 years.  These factors are less than 100 years old.  So, without further ado, let’s jump right in.

1.  Trans Fatty Acids.  If you don’t know about these, please, PLEASE read my article, Trans Fatty Acids, Butter and a girl named Marg(arine).  Trans Fatty Acids cannot be metabolized, and they alter receptor sensitivity (in other words, the function of receptors) for neurotransmitters and hormones.

2.  Unbalanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in our diets.  Omega-6 equals animal fats.  Omega-3 equals fish oils.  We, as a nation, are low on fish oils.  Too much omega-6  causes systemic inflammation, immuno-suppression, elevated cortisol levels (causing weight gain) and an increased sympathetic response.  Too little omega-3 reduces brain function, neuroplasticity and reduces the level of the neurotransmitters (and this is important!) dopamine and serotonin!  (Low levels of these neurotransmitters is what drives the anti-depressant medication market).

3. (This will be shorter..)  Refined sugars (see white sugar) increases insulin production and release (see diabetes), and ages all of our systems (including your skin).

4.  Plastics release a chemical (phthalates) which get into our water and food.  This acts as a hormone disruptor (mimics hormone estrogen) and carcinogen.

5.  Antibiotics, not only giving rise to SUPER BUGS but also causing increased incidence of allergies and autoimmune disorders.

6.  Insecticides, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, etc., these are neurological disruptors and carcinogens (cancer causing!).

7.  Aspartame & Glutamate (aka, MSG).  For you med-heads out there, these excite the N-methyl d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor.  In laymen terms, causes chronic pain and there have been links to it in degenerative brain diseases.

8.  Deficiencies of vitamins and minerals in good foods because of soil depletion and vitamin destruction from microwave ovens.

9.  Pollution: diesel, mercury, fluoride, lead, aluminum, cadmium, etc.  These are also wonderful neurolgical disruptors and carcinogens.

10.  Finally, last but not least, our sedentary lifestyle.  Primarily from television, secondary from computers and video games.  Remember, motion is life.  Just like when a joint stops moving, due to injury or other issues, it quickly degenerates.  The same can be said for our health.

In conclusion, there are numerous things that can cause our bodies problems, however, knowing what these things are is the first step in being able to overcome them and eliminate them from our lives.  Choose a healthy lifestyle, find a health partner who will help you and guide you, whether it is a dietitian, wellness coach or chiropractor and then see your life change.  Your health is in our hands.