August: An Ounce of Prevention

August is known for back to school and

back to work. This month, we'd like to talk about

taking back your health using preventative measures.

-Lona

An ounce of prevention

is worth a pound of cure.

A little precaution before a crisis occurs is preferable to a lot of fixing up afterward. Here's the secret. A few substances are essential to life and living: Water, Amino acids, Fatty acids, Vitamins, Minerals, and Phytochemicals.

Water

Do you really need 8 glasses a day? Let thirst guide you and do more than you think you need. Click here for more information. Lona recommends 1/2 of your body's weight in ounces of water a day. Start the day with 8 ounces on an empty stomach and you're on your way to hydration.

Amino acids

The highest sources of amino acids include watercress and spirulina, pumpkin, leafy greens, hemp seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and sunflower butter, almonds, avocados, figs, raisins, quinoa, and Evliva (organic food supplement you can purchase at Texas Biological Medicine).

Fatty acids

Omega-3s may help lower your risk of heart disease. These healthy fats are being added to everything from eggs to peanut butter. You can also get them naturally in fish, including salmon and tuna. It's important to balance Omega 3's, 6's, and 9's. Evening Primrose Oil and Flaxseed Oil are easy ways to add balanced omega's to your diet.

Vitamins

Vitamins are essential because acting in concert, they perform hundreds of roles in the body. They help shore up bones, heal wounds, and bolster your immune system. They also convert food into energy, and repair cellular damage. One Comprehensive B Complex Vitamin can perform over 1500 actions in your body.

Minerals

Minerals in our diet are essential for a variety of bodily functions. They build strong bones and teeth, blood, skin, hair, nerve function, and muscle. They also turn the food we eat into energy. Most people are mineral deficient. It's as easy as adding a few drops of minerals to water every time you drink. (See July's newsletter on suggested minerals.)

Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are biologically active compounds found in plants. They are commonly found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and grains. Plant-based food is the best way to get valuable phytochemicals into your body and, in fact, plants are the only natural source of phytochemicals. Some nutritional supplements contain phytochemicals that have been extracted from plants. Beets are our favorite combination of vitamins, minerals, antioxidents and phytochemicals.

There is no magical health elixir. But eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, combined with regular exercise, can contribute greatly to your overall health. It can even reduce the risk of many serious health conditions.

As the healthcare system become more fragile, individuals become more aware that their beliefs and actions regarding their health and well-being are important.

Mainstream medicine has acknowledged that behavior is the biggest determinant of health. A focus on diet, lifestyle, and behavior change can be considered preventative medicine.

When Deepak Chopra, M.D. came out with his first book, Quantum Healing: Exploring the Frontiers of Mind/Body Medicine, published in 1989, the medical community tried to oust him. Now science has caught up with medicine. His latest book, The Healing Self, goes a step further. He believes the mind body connection needs an adjustment so that we can heal.

So here are a few bits of wisdom…

“Favor fresh, real food. You can be assured that you are offering your body anti-inflammatory nutrition.” Deepak Chopra

Instead of dieting, eat green and become lean.
Green leafy vegetables, nuts, fatty fish and fruits reduce inflammation.
Let go of the anti-inflammatory thoughts by placing them on a cloud and blowing the cloud away.

“One of the unique things about the human brain is that it can do only what it thinks it can do. The minute you say ‘my memory isn’t what it used to be’ or “I can’t remember a thing today.’ You are actually training your brain to live up to your diminished expectations.” Deepak Chopra

Breathe. Count to six on the in breath, hold for the count of six, and release the breath while you count to six. You will be in the moment and your body physically cannot be anxious when you breathe correctly.
Mindful Awareness. Each time you think a negative thought, you might choose to take a moment to stop, label the thought as unhelpful and release the negativity.
Positive Affirmations. Affirmations are positive statements that can help you to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts. When you repeat them often, and believe in them, you can start to make positive changes.

“Gratitude is a divine attitude in the wisdom traditions. It takes you out from the ego self and takes you into the higher self. That higher state of consciousness initiates self-repair, self-regulation and healing.” Deepak Chopra

Mirror work. Every time you pass the mirror look at yourself and thank your body. Say "I love you" or "I like you." When you love your body as you currently are, dramatic things begin to happen.
Gratitude Journal. Write three things you are grateful for on a daily basis. No repeats of what you have already written. You begin to attract more of what you notice in a positive, up-lifting way.
Acts of Kindness. Science shows that we feel better when we do random acts of kindness for others. Instead of focusing internally, look for opportunities to be kind to those around you and that includes you.

“Any cell, tissue, or organ is capable of crying for attention, and when you give it some, the healing process begins.” Deepak Chopra

Muscle Test. If you don’t know how, learn. If you still don’t feel comfortable with muscle testing, see someone who can muscle test for you. Lona does this in her office each time you visit and she will gladly teach you.
Body Work / Massage. Find someone who will tailor your sessions to what your body needs. Each session with Tricia Wade in the office is custom tailored for your individual body needs.
Listen. That headache is telling you something. Many people wait to try to figure out what is wrong. Be proactive. Mental, emotional, and physical conditions create discomfort in our bodies. Ask is this mental? emotional? or physical. Seek the right type of help that your body needs.

“No matter how much it gets abused, your body can restore balance.” Deepak Chopra

What preventative measures are you planning to take to create an optimal life?

Call our office at 972-233-8339 to schedule your body balancing session with Tricia or Lona today!

This Office Reads. Everyone reads more than one book but here are the August recommendations.

Lona recommends:

Foods To Fight Cancer Richard Beliveau. Richard targets prevention with nutrition. This book is a scientific education on the structures of different foods and food groups and their role in cancer prevention.

Tricia recommends:

Dressed to Kill―Second Edition: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras by Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer. Breast cysts and cancer are epidemic at this time in history. The healthcare industry says that the cause of 70 percent of all breast cancer is unknown. Dressed to Kill helps solve this mystery, explaining how one of the greatest threats to breast health is something that women do to themselves every day. If you want to prevent breast cysts and cancer, this is the book you need to read.

Ramona recommends:

Between the Lines: God Is Writing Your Story by Ryan Leak. Jesus is writing a story with your life. When the journey grows long, we can be tempted to lose heart. This book will strengthen you to stay in the story and help us become the people we've always wanted to be.

Wounds heal better if they are covered.

This is an example of gauze and effect.

Texas's famously warm climate means plenty of fruits and vegetables are in-season most of the time. A walk though any farmers market can get you moving and you will find the interesting things to eat that are local and seasonal.

Zucchini is a Texas staple in July and August. It has the unique ability to change it's taste when mixed with other ingredients. You can toss it in muffin mix, spaghetti sauce, and egg dishes. Here are 35 Different Ways To Use Zucchini.

If you have a great recipe, please share with the office as Tricia is growing zucchini's by the bushel.

What Are Zoodles?

Zucchini noodles. You can use them in all sorts of recipes. The site we linked to has a great Zoodles and Pesto recipe that is nutritious and healthy.

Strawberry Almond Butter Smoothie