A few weeks ago a 77-year old man I know ( it's a relative but I want to protect his friends' identities) had a reunion with 15 of his high school friends. While they had a great time he noticed over the week that he was the healthiest one of the bunch. While he maintained his normal weight everyone else was considerably overweight, had a ton of health problems and were all on a variety of medication.
He created his good health to diligent eating patterns, proper weight, an active lifestyle and close relationships with his family.
In a new book Prime-Time Health, Dr. William Sears has compiled 10 years of work and research offering advice on how to live a long and healthy life and it turns out he suggests this same route to health. He calls his plan LEAN -- Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude, Nutrition.
He encourages those in their 50s and older to begin investing in an IRAH - an Individual Retirement Account for Health. He suggests that we need to save our bodies, just like we save our money, to better enjoy our later years.
He points out that dangers of not investing in our health is that we will end up with the three Ds -- Disease, Disability and Doctors.
He points out that
*More than 50% of the adults in the U.S take prescription medications for chronic health problems
*3/4 of those 65 and older take medication for chronic illness
*25% over 65 take 5 or more medicines regularly.
His books lays out a detailed plan of what do to and how to do it in a manner that is very easy to adopt.
While many might consider being healthy in our later years an exception to the rule, it doesn't have to be that way. My relative has basically continued to the live the same life he did as a young adult (he did fine tune his eating habits over the years) and is enjoying an active and healthy life as an older adult.
Showing posts with label Outlook on Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Outlook on Life. Show all posts
Monday, March 29, 2010
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
I Just Knew My Good Attitude Would Pay Off
I have always seen the world through rose-colored glasses. In fact my teenage daughter often says I live in the land of rainbows and unicorns. But my outlook on life will keep me healthy.
According to a study reported in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, optimistic women (50 or older) are less likely to get heart disease and die of any cause in a given time period compared to women their age who are more pessimistic.
In an article on CNN Health, Dr. Hilary Tindle, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, points out that pessimism may be as bad as having high blood pressure.
In an 8-year study, women who wore rose-colored glasses had a 9% lower risk of developing heart disease and a 14% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to their most pessimistic counterparts. Any cause. Isn't that amazing?
According to a study reported in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, optimistic women (50 or older) are less likely to get heart disease and die of any cause in a given time period compared to women their age who are more pessimistic.
In an article on CNN Health, Dr. Hilary Tindle, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, points out that pessimism may be as bad as having high blood pressure.
In an 8-year study, women who wore rose-colored glasses had a 9% lower risk of developing heart disease and a 14% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to their most pessimistic counterparts. Any cause. Isn't that amazing?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Bad Times, Better Health
It makes sense if you think about it but it's not intuitive. When times are tough economically, people tend to take care better care of themselves.
In an article on CNN, it was reported that research conducted by Christopher J. Ruhm, an economist at the University of North Carolina, showed a one-percentage-point rise in the unemployment rate reduces the death rate by 0.5%
During a recession people who have bad health habits change. Smokers cut back and obese people head over over to the gym. And it's not necessarily the lack of money. Instead it's the availability of time. When someone is unemployed,or underemployed, they have time to go the gym. What's amazing to me is that people do in fact use this time to exercise.
And of course we know that exercise leads to weight loss.
Another cause of improved health is sleep. When you have time, most people sleep more. And studies have shown that getting more sleep improves your health.
The article points out that it's these unhealthy life choices -- smoking, inactivity and obesity that are the real root of our healthcare problems. My hometown doctor explained it best. "Those three things drive chronic conditions," says Cleveland Clinic CEO Dr. Delos Cosgrove, "and chronic conditions account for 75% of the cost of health care in the United States."
What I find so heartening about this news is that people do make the smarter lifestyle choices when they have the time to do it. So the big question is how can we spread the word that using our time more wisely does in fact make us healthier.
In an article on CNN, it was reported that research conducted by Christopher J. Ruhm, an economist at the University of North Carolina, showed a one-percentage-point rise in the unemployment rate reduces the death rate by 0.5%
During a recession people who have bad health habits change. Smokers cut back and obese people head over over to the gym. And it's not necessarily the lack of money. Instead it's the availability of time. When someone is unemployed,or underemployed, they have time to go the gym. What's amazing to me is that people do in fact use this time to exercise.
And of course we know that exercise leads to weight loss.
Another cause of improved health is sleep. When you have time, most people sleep more. And studies have shown that getting more sleep improves your health.
The article points out that it's these unhealthy life choices -- smoking, inactivity and obesity that are the real root of our healthcare problems. My hometown doctor explained it best. "Those three things drive chronic conditions," says Cleveland Clinic CEO Dr. Delos Cosgrove, "and chronic conditions account for 75% of the cost of health care in the United States."
What I find so heartening about this news is that people do make the smarter lifestyle choices when they have the time to do it. So the big question is how can we spread the word that using our time more wisely does in fact make us healthier.
Monday, August 24, 2009
A Happy Heart
If you are having an issue deciding if the glass is half-full or half-empty, your heart would like you to choose the optimistic view.
For women over 50 optimism will lessen their chances of heart disease. Those women who saw life as a happy adventure had a 9% lower risk of developing heart disease and a 14% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to their most pessimistic counterparts.
In an article on CNN Dr. Hilary Tindle, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, explains that pessimism may be as bad as having high blood pressure -- a well-known heart risk factor -- when it comes to cardiovascular health.
It's the reduced level of stress that gives optimists a health boost. When dealing with problems they "cope with the problem head-on, and mobilize support to solve issues, more so than pessimists," the article explains.
If you are having an issue deciding if the glass is half-full or half-empty, your heart would like you to choose the optimistic view.
For women over 50 optimism will lessen their chances of heart disease. Those women who saw life as a happy adventure had a 9% lower risk of developing heart disease and a 14% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to their most pessimistic counterparts.
In an article on CNN Dr. Hilary Tindle, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, explains that pessimism may be as bad as having high blood pressure -- a well-known heart risk factor -- when it comes to cardiovascular health.
It's the reduced level of stress that gives optimists a health boost. When dealing with problems they "cope with the problem head-on, and mobilize support to solve issues, more so than pessimists," the article explains.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Keys To Longevity
Walter Breuning, who is 112 and the oldest living person, has some great advice on how to live to a ripe old age.
1)Stay active in body and mind
2)Don't eat too much
3)Be good to people
That about says it all. Interestingly there are studies to back all of this up.
For activity in body - Men who were previously inactive but exercised between the ages of 50 and 60 were likely to live as long as those who exercised all their lives according to Swedish researchers from Uppsala University.
For activity in mind -- Recent studies highlight the importance of keeping your mind active through reading, learning and exploring in order to preserve brainpower.
Smaller caloric intake -- A study just out this month showed that monkeys who cut calories by almost a third slowed their aging and fended off death.
Acts of kindness -- A 2005 study from Hebrew University in Israel found a link between kindness and a gene that releases dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter in the brain.
Walter Breuning, who is 112 and the oldest living person, has some great advice on how to live to a ripe old age.
1)Stay active in body and mind
2)Don't eat too much
3)Be good to people
That about says it all. Interestingly there are studies to back all of this up.
For activity in body - Men who were previously inactive but exercised between the ages of 50 and 60 were likely to live as long as those who exercised all their lives according to Swedish researchers from Uppsala University.
For activity in mind -- Recent studies highlight the importance of keeping your mind active through reading, learning and exploring in order to preserve brainpower.
Smaller caloric intake -- A study just out this month showed that monkeys who cut calories by almost a third slowed their aging and fended off death.
Acts of kindness -- A 2005 study from Hebrew University in Israel found a link between kindness and a gene that releases dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter in the brain.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
A Healthy Friendship
After a good laugh or heartfelt talk with my friends, my health improves. In additional to a mental boost I get an energy boost as well. Just the other day I was down about the state of the economy and after 1 1/2 hours spent with my friend Donna, I was ready to take on the world again.
Friendship not only improves our lives but according to a 10-year Australian study, it might save our lives. As reported in a New York Times article, the study found that older people with a large circle of friends were 22% less likely to die during the study period than those with fewer friends.
Th article also includes information from Bella DePaulo, a visiting psychology professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, who says that in many studies friendship has an even greater effect on health than a spouse or family member.
After a good laugh or heartfelt talk with my friends, my health improves. In additional to a mental boost I get an energy boost as well. Just the other day I was down about the state of the economy and after 1 1/2 hours spent with my friend Donna, I was ready to take on the world again.
Friendship not only improves our lives but according to a 10-year Australian study, it might save our lives. As reported in a New York Times article, the study found that older people with a large circle of friends were 22% less likely to die during the study period than those with fewer friends.
Th article also includes information from Bella DePaulo, a visiting psychology professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, who says that in many studies friendship has an even greater effect on health than a spouse or family member.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Some Tips on Living Longer
My hometown paper, The Plain Dealer, recently wrote an article about some ways you can increase your years on earth. Here are some methods that can add 5 or more years
* Floss Your Teeth -- gives you 6.4 years according to Dr. Michael Roizen, Chief Wellness Officer (is that a great title or what?) at the Cleveland Clinic
* Cross-Country Ski or Run Long Distances -- for 5.7 years of more fun
* Have a Good Attitude About Aging -- amazing you can gain 7.5 years if you have a positive perception of aging. That's from a study done by Miami Univ. in Oxford, Ohio
* Be Spiritual -- Having faith adds 8 years.. but you have to attend some type of service regularly
* 4 Simple Habits-- With this four you can adding a whopping 14 years!
1) Don't Smoke
2) Limit alcohol
3) Exercise Daily
4) Eat 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables.
My hometown paper, The Plain Dealer, recently wrote an article about some ways you can increase your years on earth. Here are some methods that can add 5 or more years
* Floss Your Teeth -- gives you 6.4 years according to Dr. Michael Roizen, Chief Wellness Officer (is that a great title or what?) at the Cleveland Clinic
* Cross-Country Ski or Run Long Distances -- for 5.7 years of more fun
* Have a Good Attitude About Aging -- amazing you can gain 7.5 years if you have a positive perception of aging. That's from a study done by Miami Univ. in Oxford, Ohio
* Be Spiritual -- Having faith adds 8 years.. but you have to attend some type of service regularly
* 4 Simple Habits-- With this four you can adding a whopping 14 years!
1) Don't Smoke
2) Limit alcohol
3) Exercise Daily
4) Eat 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Does a Happy Marriage Lower Your Blood Pressure?
Yes, according to a new study done by Julianne Holt-Lunstad, an assistant psychology professor at Brigham Young University, as reported by MSNBC.
The study found volunteers who will willing to wear devices that recorded their blood pressure at random times over 24 hours. Married participants also filled out questionnaires about their marriage.
Yes, according to a new study done by Julianne Holt-Lunstad, an assistant psychology professor at Brigham Young University, as reported by MSNBC.
The study found volunteers who will willing to wear devices that recorded their blood pressure at random times over 24 hours. Married participants also filled out questionnaires about their marriage.
The findings were that the more marital satisfaction and adjustment spouses reported, the lower their average blood pressure was over the 24 hours and during the daytime.
An interesting note to this study is that if you are in a bad marriage the stress can be "worse that being single". Although that statement seems judgmental, it's not. Many studies have shown the married people are healthier than single. ( No one said anything about them being happier or not!)
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Don't Worry, Be Happy
It seems intuitive that worrying would cause health problems. Where does all of that nervous energy go? Well, straight to the heart according to a new study as reported on MSNBC.
Psychologist Biing-Jiun Shen, of the University of Southern California, used data from the Normative Aging Study and concluded that men who were chronic worriers were 30% to 40% more likely to have had a heart attack than their more easygoing counterparts.
Maybe these men need to learn the health benefits of meditation.
It seems intuitive that worrying would cause health problems. Where does all of that nervous energy go? Well, straight to the heart according to a new study as reported on MSNBC.
Psychologist Biing-Jiun Shen, of the University of Southern California, used data from the Normative Aging Study and concluded that men who were chronic worriers were 30% to 40% more likely to have had a heart attack than their more easygoing counterparts.
Maybe these men need to learn the health benefits of meditation.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Your Goal in 2008 -- Be Happy
Does it seem to you that the people you would identify as happy are not sick as often as others? Well there is a reason. A study led by Dr. Andrew Steptoe of University College London, found that people who reported upbeat moods had lower levels of cortisol — a “stress” hormone that, when chronically elevated, may contribute to high blood pressure, abdominal obesity and dampened immune function, among other problems.
An article on MSNBC reported that this study found that women who reported more positive emotions had lower blood levels of two proteins that indicate widespread inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is believed to contribute to a range of ills over time, including heart disease and cancer.
The study led Dr. to Steptoe to point out that we now have some evidence that happiness and other positive emotions are “associated with biological responses that are health-protective.”
Another big reason to be happy!
Does it seem to you that the people you would identify as happy are not sick as often as others? Well there is a reason. A study led by Dr. Andrew Steptoe of University College London, found that people who reported upbeat moods had lower levels of cortisol — a “stress” hormone that, when chronically elevated, may contribute to high blood pressure, abdominal obesity and dampened immune function, among other problems.
An article on MSNBC reported that this study found that women who reported more positive emotions had lower blood levels of two proteins that indicate widespread inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is believed to contribute to a range of ills over time, including heart disease and cancer.
The study led Dr. to Steptoe to point out that we now have some evidence that happiness and other positive emotions are “associated with biological responses that are health-protective.”
Another big reason to be happy!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
2008 Is The Year To Go Natural!
While that sounds a little racy, what I mean is that this the year that people will be looking at natural ways to improve their healthy and lifestyle.
All of us want to incorporate Mother Nature's healing ways into our lives but sometimes find it hard to organize it into a way that makes sense and is easy-to-use. What has worked for me over the past 15 years is what I call the Selko Method which is a 5 step approach:
1) Nutrition
2) Exercise
3) Stress Reduction
4) Home Remedies
5) Outlook on Life.
For ideas on how to incorporate these five steps into your daily life visit my plan.
I wish everyone a year filled with good health and joy!
Adrienne
While that sounds a little racy, what I mean is that this the year that people will be looking at natural ways to improve their healthy and lifestyle.
All of us want to incorporate Mother Nature's healing ways into our lives but sometimes find it hard to organize it into a way that makes sense and is easy-to-use. What has worked for me over the past 15 years is what I call the Selko Method which is a 5 step approach:
1) Nutrition
2) Exercise
3) Stress Reduction
4) Home Remedies
5) Outlook on Life.
For ideas on how to incorporate these five steps into your daily life visit my plan.
I wish everyone a year filled with good health and joy!
Adrienne
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
A Healthy Connection
I often read that having connections to other people makes us healthier. I've also read that having connection to things larger than our own personal lives creates happiness as well.
As tonight we begin a New Year in my faith, I realize that my connection to a group of people that expands the globe and my connection to both the past and future give me a sense of purpose, fulfillment and happiness.
Looking to the past, many people worked hard to afford me the freedoms that I enjoy today and it is my responsibility to do the same for future generations. My life does matter, as it is a link from one generation to the next.
Being part of a larger group brings a sense of fulfillment that I can contribute through my children to the well being of the group.
In my case it so happens this group is my religion, but I would guess many of us feel a connection with a larger group based on ideas, cultures or activities. And this connection brings us a sense of peace which is the ultimate form of health.
I often read that having connections to other people makes us healthier. I've also read that having connection to things larger than our own personal lives creates happiness as well.
As tonight we begin a New Year in my faith, I realize that my connection to a group of people that expands the globe and my connection to both the past and future give me a sense of purpose, fulfillment and happiness.
Looking to the past, many people worked hard to afford me the freedoms that I enjoy today and it is my responsibility to do the same for future generations. My life does matter, as it is a link from one generation to the next.
Being part of a larger group brings a sense of fulfillment that I can contribute through my children to the well being of the group.
In my case it so happens this group is my religion, but I would guess many of us feel a connection with a larger group based on ideas, cultures or activities. And this connection brings us a sense of peace which is the ultimate form of health.
Friday, September 07, 2007
How To Be Happy
As a perpetually happy person myself sometimes people ask me how I got this way. I find it hard to answer this since I think I was born this way and I really do look at life as a daily exciting adventure. The glass is always half full to me.
But yesterday I read a great article by Alan Cohen, author of The Dragon Doesn't Live Here Anymore in Balanced Living Magazine. He was looking at his friends and trying to decide what made them happy. Here are some of his observations:
For his friends who have been happily married for 35 years he said they "value joy more than resistance. They don't resist each other, their relationship, their children or their lives. They find ways daily to appreciate and celebrate their relationship."
Another friend allows himself to be exactly what he is and is passionate about what he chooses to do in life.
In a study of those who reached age 100, the key was that these people were all light-hearted. They didn't take life too seriously and flowed with the changes.
His advice:
Love it all. Drop resistance. Be true to yourself and your purpose. Lighten up. Say thank you to your loved ones.
As a perpetually happy person myself sometimes people ask me how I got this way. I find it hard to answer this since I think I was born this way and I really do look at life as a daily exciting adventure. The glass is always half full to me.
But yesterday I read a great article by Alan Cohen, author of The Dragon Doesn't Live Here Anymore in Balanced Living Magazine. He was looking at his friends and trying to decide what made them happy. Here are some of his observations:
For his friends who have been happily married for 35 years he said they "value joy more than resistance. They don't resist each other, their relationship, their children or their lives. They find ways daily to appreciate and celebrate their relationship."
Another friend allows himself to be exactly what he is and is passionate about what he chooses to do in life.
In a study of those who reached age 100, the key was that these people were all light-hearted. They didn't take life too seriously and flowed with the changes.
His advice:
Love it all. Drop resistance. Be true to yourself and your purpose. Lighten up. Say thank you to your loved ones.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
A Healthier Generation
It turns out that all of my talking and education has had an effect and I have lived to see it! Since he was 4 years old I have been treating my son with vitamins, herbs and home remedies. It fact, it was due to a bout with bronchitis when he was 4 that I begin looking into and adopting holistic methods for him and my family.
Now he's going off to college next week and as we were gathering his things together he said to me to make sure that he has all of his vitamins as he needs to take them to college! I had him repeat his request just to make sure I had heard it right.
As he's 18 and it's his choice now and not mine, I'm so glad that he sees that these methods work and he wants to continue with them. My hope is that he will pass this along to the family he has one day and each generation will benefit from natural health.
It turns out that all of my talking and education has had an effect and I have lived to see it! Since he was 4 years old I have been treating my son with vitamins, herbs and home remedies. It fact, it was due to a bout with bronchitis when he was 4 that I begin looking into and adopting holistic methods for him and my family.
Now he's going off to college next week and as we were gathering his things together he said to me to make sure that he has all of his vitamins as he needs to take them to college! I had him repeat his request just to make sure I had heard it right.
As he's 18 and it's his choice now and not mine, I'm so glad that he sees that these methods work and he wants to continue with them. My hope is that he will pass this along to the family he has one day and each generation will benefit from natural health.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
The Promise of Today
We are always looking toward tomorrow... what we will do, what we will build and who we will become. I came upon a quote yesterday from Eleanor Roosevelt " With the new day comes new strength and a new thoughts."
And it made me think. What if we approached each day as a new opportunity for us to achieve what we want, or least start towards that, on a daily basis. Why wait for tomorrow?
As I woke up today, I thought of all the possibilities and the things I could do today. What new piece of information would I acquire that would add meaning to my life? What would happen that might present a clue as to what I should be pursuing? What small contribution could I make that would make the world a little better?
Seen this way, I believe it gives us hope on a daily basis. Hope has proven to be a key factor in how happy and healthy we are. The same is true for a sense of purpose -- those that have it are healthier.
We are always looking toward tomorrow... what we will do, what we will build and who we will become. I came upon a quote yesterday from Eleanor Roosevelt " With the new day comes new strength and a new thoughts."
And it made me think. What if we approached each day as a new opportunity for us to achieve what we want, or least start towards that, on a daily basis. Why wait for tomorrow?
As I woke up today, I thought of all the possibilities and the things I could do today. What new piece of information would I acquire that would add meaning to my life? What would happen that might present a clue as to what I should be pursuing? What small contribution could I make that would make the world a little better?
Seen this way, I believe it gives us hope on a daily basis. Hope has proven to be a key factor in how happy and healthy we are. The same is true for a sense of purpose -- those that have it are healthier.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
A New Vitamin? Vitamin G?
It's not exactly a vitamin in the sense that we know and love vitamins, but researchers are calling it Vitamin G. What does G stand for? Green space and fresh air.
Professor Peter Groenewegen was at the University of St Andrews recently to showcase his pioneering research on the impact of green space, as reported by alternativemedicine.com
Groenewegen, of the Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, believes there is already enough evidence to "prescribe" spells in a natural environment as part of a rehabilitation program.
From the abstract, the researcher says --
Previous (experimental) research in environmental psychology has shown that a natural environment has a positive effect on well-being through restoration of stress and attentional fatigue. Descriptive epidemiological research has shown a positive relationship between the amount of green space in the living environment and physical and mental health and longevity.
So there you have it... get outside!!
It's not exactly a vitamin in the sense that we know and love vitamins, but researchers are calling it Vitamin G. What does G stand for? Green space and fresh air.
Professor Peter Groenewegen was at the University of St Andrews recently to showcase his pioneering research on the impact of green space, as reported by alternativemedicine.com
Groenewegen, of the Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, believes there is already enough evidence to "prescribe" spells in a natural environment as part of a rehabilitation program.
From the abstract, the researcher says --
Previous (experimental) research in environmental psychology has shown that a natural environment has a positive effect on well-being through restoration of stress and attentional fatigue. Descriptive epidemiological research has shown a positive relationship between the amount of green space in the living environment and physical and mental health and longevity.
So there you have it... get outside!!
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Kindness As A Heart Tonic
Yesterday I became a cliché. I was walking into the grocery story (health food store of course) and saw an elderly woman struggling as she was reaching into her shopping cart. I walked over and asked her if I could assist and pulled the bag out of the cart and offered to take it over to her car. She was very appreciative. What she said after thank you surprised me however. She said that she will in turn do something nice for someone else today.
Isn't that great? Are we evolving as a society? Are we really "paying it forward?"
And oddly, this one little act of kindness made me feel great. It's not why I did it, but it felt good to do something nice for someone whom I didn't know and will never see again. It warmed my heart and I am still able to feel the positive energy this morning.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
The Ultimate Secret Of Good Health
It's not simply a supplement, herb, vitamin or even a philosophy on life (although a positive attitude is associated with good health.) It's very simple and often ignored.
I'll illustrate with a story. A friend of mine asked me yesterday why she seemed to always get sick. I explained that her system was not operating at its optimal performance level and therefore was unable to resistance illnesses. How can she restore that she asked.
My answer was simple. If you eat right, exercise and lower your stress level your body will be able to resist illness. Food provides your body with the nutrients to function properly. Exercise keeps internal systems working in top shape and greatly reduces our stress.
A perfect example of this is my 74-year-old father. He never gets sick. He eats well, plays tennis every Sat -- I still can't beat him-- and he keeps his stress low by always being hopeful about everything. He doesn't think he is old, which really he isn't, and he just got a new client last week. He is a CPA and works part-time.
And it's really that simple, keep your body and mind in good shape and illness will pass you right by.
It's not simply a supplement, herb, vitamin or even a philosophy on life (although a positive attitude is associated with good health.) It's very simple and often ignored.
I'll illustrate with a story. A friend of mine asked me yesterday why she seemed to always get sick. I explained that her system was not operating at its optimal performance level and therefore was unable to resistance illnesses. How can she restore that she asked.
My answer was simple. If you eat right, exercise and lower your stress level your body will be able to resist illness. Food provides your body with the nutrients to function properly. Exercise keeps internal systems working in top shape and greatly reduces our stress.
A perfect example of this is my 74-year-old father. He never gets sick. He eats well, plays tennis every Sat -- I still can't beat him-- and he keeps his stress low by always being hopeful about everything. He doesn't think he is old, which really he isn't, and he just got a new client last week. He is a CPA and works part-time.
And it's really that simple, keep your body and mind in good shape and illness will pass you right by.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Does Online Praying Work For Illness?
Yes, according to a new study out of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The study, conducted by Dr. Bret Shaw and reported on CNN, said that breast cancer patients involved with online prayer could function better, had lower levels of negative emotions and found they could cope better with their illness.
What's so interesting about this is that we have heard for a number of years that prayer works for people trying to cope with illness and that even remote praying works -- meaning prayer circles who pray for people who aren't sitting next to them. Dr. Shaw decided to look into this, according to the article, because so he noticed many people were using online prayer support groups. Isn't that a great use for technology?
And how nice that people adapt to natural ways of dealing with illness whether or not the community in general has "endorsed" these types of activities. It gives me great hope that ordinary people are very open to new ideas and willing to try them.
Yes, according to a new study out of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The study, conducted by Dr. Bret Shaw and reported on CNN, said that breast cancer patients involved with online prayer could function better, had lower levels of negative emotions and found they could cope better with their illness.
What's so interesting about this is that we have heard for a number of years that prayer works for people trying to cope with illness and that even remote praying works -- meaning prayer circles who pray for people who aren't sitting next to them. Dr. Shaw decided to look into this, according to the article, because so he noticed many people were using online prayer support groups. Isn't that a great use for technology?
And how nice that people adapt to natural ways of dealing with illness whether or not the community in general has "endorsed" these types of activities. It gives me great hope that ordinary people are very open to new ideas and willing to try them.
Friday, December 22, 2006
The Greatest Gift
As this is the time of year that everyone thinks about gift-giving I wanted to share a gift that I received last night. My friend B and I have been friends since the day we used to share a lunch table in high school. We now live in the same neighborhood and our kids go to the same schools. We run into each other at the Rec center.
Last night we had a chance to talk between runs around the track. We reflected on the decisions we have made since we met and how we measure our lives... both at work and at home.
He had recently made some professional moves that brought him much success on all levels and told me that he absolutely knew the same things would happen to me. He encouraged me to pursue this path saying he knew in his heart it would bring me the joy it had him.
And before we left he grabbed my face in his hands, gave me a kiss on the cheek and told me what a wonderful person he though I was. I can still feel the love in his heart.
And that is the perfect gift you can ever give anyone, hope, encouragement and love.
As this is the time of year that everyone thinks about gift-giving I wanted to share a gift that I received last night. My friend B and I have been friends since the day we used to share a lunch table in high school. We now live in the same neighborhood and our kids go to the same schools. We run into each other at the Rec center.
Last night we had a chance to talk between runs around the track. We reflected on the decisions we have made since we met and how we measure our lives... both at work and at home.
He had recently made some professional moves that brought him much success on all levels and told me that he absolutely knew the same things would happen to me. He encouraged me to pursue this path saying he knew in his heart it would bring me the joy it had him.
And before we left he grabbed my face in his hands, gave me a kiss on the cheek and told me what a wonderful person he though I was. I can still feel the love in his heart.
And that is the perfect gift you can ever give anyone, hope, encouragement and love.
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