EXERCISE - THE REAL ELXIR OF LIFE

Through my Newsletter HEALTH AWARENESS, and in my practice I have spoken at length about proper nutrition, healthy eating, staying away from synthetics and chemicals found in food, pharmaceuticals, and in our daily lives. But up to now I have not discussed the IMPORTANCE of EXERCISE on our daily lives and for our longevity. I truly apologize for overlooking this often discussed and more often, overlooked and yet, extremely important subject.

There is an old saying that says, “If you don’t use it, you’ll loose it!” This most important phrase applies to everything mechanical and physiologic in the universe. If you leave your car, your boat, an airplane, a lawn mower or any mechanical - physiologic object unused or unattended for almost any period of time, they will all begin to decline. Most importantly, this includes your body and your mind.  And yet, and in the face of much counsel (maybe too much), we still do not accomplish the most important and simple acts that will almost guarantee our well being and, guarantee a very long life.

EXCUSES, EXCUSES, EXCUSES

The two most stated reasons that people give for not exercising are, “it takes too much time” and “it is too much work”. In our society today, if it does not come easy we are simply not interested. This is the reason why we have “personal trainers”, “coaches” and gyms because many of us feel that we just cannot be bothered to exercise without someone continually whispering in our ear the “ada boy” and the “ada girl” we think is necessary to motivate ourselves and get the job done. Don’t take me wrong, if you can afford to employ a personal trainer, a coach or go to the gym, this is indeed a great way to take care of your body and your health. But, there are additional answers and solutions to taking control of this most import and urgent part of your well being.

A DIFFERENT ANSWER – A DIFERENT SOLUTION

We have all read and heard that “brisk walking for 30 minutes a day is good for you”. But, before you say to yourself, I’ve heard this before and tune out, read on…you won’t be sorry!  Over the years I have discovered a variation of “brisk walking” that truly answers the phrase “If you don’t use it, you’ll loose it!” It is fun it is incredibly effective. This walking exercise works on the two most import levels for your health: Your Physical Body and real Stress Reduction.  And both of these positive results are accomplished simultaneously. This is an exercise that is completely effective for all age groups and body sizes. Let me give you the details.

L-O-N-G STRIDES - HEEL AND TOE

The key here is the WAY you walk for 30 minutes. I want you to take L-O-N-G STRIDES and be sure that as you walk, you always WALK HEEL & TOE no mater what the level of the ground is.  That is, do NOT allow the ball of your foot to hit the ground first.  It is your HEEL that sharply hits the ground first. Taking a L-O-N-G Stride (longer than normal walking) will guarantee that your HEEL WILL HIT THE GROUND FIRST.  You use this same HEEL & TOE, L-O-N-G Stride if you are going up a hill or down a hill or, on level terrain. Just be sure you plant your heal firmly (no shuffle, no drag). Then roll from your heal to the ball of your foot and go into the next HEEL & TOE, L-O-N-G Stride. Easy and uncomplicated!

THE DIRECT BENEFITS OF HEEL & TOE, L-O-N-G STRIDE WALKING

What are we accomplishing here? By taking HEEL & TOE, L-O-N-G Strides, we are extending and moving the muscles, ligaments and joints. This will require a greater effort and hence, your breathing (respiration rate) will increase and begin to give your Cardio-vascular system a nice workout. You do not have to walk fast, you do not have to swing your arms or move them like some kind of Wild Wild West locomotive. Walk at a speed that suits you and your current physical condition. Do this simple HEEL & TOE, L-O-N-G Stride Walking for 30-minutes a day and you will, within one (1) week, notice a remarkable difference in your physical condition and just as importantly, a real reduction in your stress level.

Speaking of Stress Level reductions, it is well documented that exercise of any kind reduces stress levels. But, even more beneficial for real stress reduction is exercising in the outdoors. Exercise combined with an open fresh air environment has a direct and immediate effect on real stress reduction. Clearly, HEEL & TOE, L-O-N-G Stride Walking is one of the most beneficial and easy to perform exercises known / available for Stress Reduction.

And all of this is accomplished without any equipment and at no cost! With a simple pair of tennis shoes (or for that matter, any other shoes), you can do the 30-minute HEEL & TOE, L-O-N-G Stride Walking in your local neighborhood, in your local park, in the hills, while hiking, or for that matter, in any city in the world.

Speaking of the hills, with Woody (our Lab), my husband and I go into the steep hills of our neighborhood EVERYDAY after work. We do the HEEL & TOE, L-O-N-G Stride Walking up the steep hills and down the other side. This is what we call a “Cardio-vascular Push” because when we get to the top hill, we are indeed breathing heavily. And within 50 meters of walking on the down side of the hill (always HEEL & TOE, L-O-N-G Stride Walking), our breathing has returned to normal and ready for the next steep hill. Thirty minutes later when we return home, we feel great and very relaxed. Go alone, go with a friend, go with a family member, but DO make this Daily 30-minute HEEL & TOE, L-O-N-G Stride Walking your daily routine too. You will never feel better and your stress level will never be lower.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EXERCISE?

The benefits of regular exercise are so numerous, that it is nearly impossible to mention them all. The most important benefit is: Increased blood circulation, which means supplementing every organ and every cell of your body with more oxygen and more nutrients. Your heart is the first organ to benefit from more oxygen, as it will increase its muscle strength, pulse regularity, pumping action, regulate blood pressure, clean arteries, increase vein and capillaries tones, as well as clean up your blood faster.

Your lungs will get more oxygen, so you will have less shortness of breath, reduced asthma attacks, reduced Congestive Obstruction Pulmonary Disorders, and less chances to get emphysema.

Your liver and its “partner” the gallbladder, will have a better detoxification process, increase bile flow, less fatty liver deposits, less liver congestion, less gallstones and gallbladder sludge, which will improve constipation and skin issues.

Your stomach will be relaxed and able to process food better.

Your Skin will be smoother, you will have rosy cheeks, less acne, less eczema or psoriasis, less dryness, less itchy skin.

Your intestines will get “massaged” by the waking movements and by your breathing. You will have less constipation, less gas, less irritable bowel syndrome, less chances of colon polyps or cancers, and a flatter belly.

Your head will be clearer, less foggy, you will have a better span of concentration, to get ideas and inspirations, to focus and memorize at a better level.

Your eyes will have less risk of macular degeneration, cataract or vision disorders.

Your adrenals and thyroid glands which are responsible for our energy levels and metabolism will get more precious nutrients such as B vitamins and minerals, so you will have more energy.

Your hormones will be more balanced.

Your kidneys will eliminate better, which will reduce swelling and water retention.

Your legs will have less varicose veins, spider veins, less pain, less tingling, less pain and needles feelings, or swollen ankles.

Your joints will stay more lubricated and supple. They will improve your mobility as you keep exercising them.

Your muscles will get stronger, firmer, and toned, which is a key to stay active as you get older.

Your immune system will get stronger, so it reduces the chances for auto-immunes diseases and cancers.

Regular exercise is known to reduce pain, reduce depression, reduce the risks of Alzheimer’s disease, increase memory, but also help with Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. It was proven to relieve depression better than drugs, cut the risk of stomach ulcers by half, improve sleep quality and time, increase energy level, lose weight, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and increase longevity.

So, do you have any more reason to not exercise? I don’t think so…! Heel & Toe, L-0-N-G Stride Walking…its fun, easy and very a very effective exercise.

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FIRST ORGANICS WHOLE FOOD VITAMINS

It has been about a month now since we introduced what I consider to be one of the best and most complete ORGANIC WHOLE FOOD VITIAMINS available. And frankly, we cannot keep it on the shelf.

Our largest seller in the First Organics line is the Daily Multiple Organic Whole Food Vitamin. Each bottle is a 30 day supply of ORGANIC Multiple Vitamins and minerals that come ONLY from FOOD.  What this means to you is that unlike 99% of all vitamins on the market which are synthetic (chemical) and as such very hard for the body to assimilate, the First Organics Daily Multiple Vitamins come from ORGANIC FOOD and can be 100% assimilated by the body. The stated values of each vitamin are in fact assimilated by the body without waste (discharge) because your body recognizes the vitamins as FOOD and as such process all of the contents. Just take three gel caps per day. The health difference is truly amazing. We also carry the First Organics ORGANIC Vitamin C and E.

First Organics is available through our office by calling 831-642-0202 or you can order by emailing john@mbaynaturo.com.

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OUR NEXT SEMINARS:

All of our Health Education Seminars are held at the Energia Body Centre in the Del Monte Shopping Center (between Macy’s and Mervyn’s). There is a $10 Door Fee.

WEIGHT LOSS and WEIGHT MANAGEMENT.                                               Thursday, September 6, 2007.  7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

STRESS and FATIGUE.                                                                                   Thursday, October 4, 2007.  7:00 PM - 9:00 PM.

Please call 831-642-0202 to reserve your place. You may also reserve your place by sending an email to john@mbaynaturo.com.

The entire contents of HEALTH AWARENESS are based upon the opinions of Beatrice Levinson, Naturopath, unless otherwise indicated. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as an offering and sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Beatrice Levinson, Naturopath within the U.S. and Europe. Beatrice Levinson, Naturopath encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

©Copyright 2007 Beatrice F. Levinson, Naturopath. All Rights Reserved.  This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Beatrice Levinson is required.

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