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Late Edition: Tune Up Your Blood Sugar
Never have I experienced the complications I endured putting this blog together. Sheeesh. Patience is a virute. On another note,
Welcome back. Welcome back. Welcome back.
Thanksgiving is such an eventful holiday.
It’s a time when people just indulge. Go all out on there favorite dessert platters and dishes. Man, I am so thankful for the Posey family opening their home and inviting me to experience a true Georgia Thanksgiving.
The food selection included a variety of my favorite choices and others I’ve never had before. For instance, the sweet taste of Miss Sybil’s White Chocolate Cream Cheese Sweet Potato Cake.
My, my, my that savory taste will never escape my memory. I digress and return to you for this last edition in November is Diabetes Month.
So, let’s go back and look under the hood of your million dollar vehicle, the body, to “Tune Up Your Blood Sugar.”
At the beginning of the month, we shared the 3 steps to preventing Type II Diabetes as:
- eating a healthy diet
- keeping weight in check
- being active
We then introduced in the following week a safe and effective product to not only control your blood sugar levels, also, help you to lose weight:
If you’re open to a solution for blood sugar management, GlucAffect really delivers.
Dan Vance, Kaysville, UT
EMAIL ME FOR MORE PRODUCT INFORMATION
Last, we defined, specifically, what the 3 steps of prevention broke down to:
- Choosing a diet rich in whole grains and healthy fats adds even more protection, limit red meat , and go for healthier protein sources instead, such as nuts, beans, poultry, and fish.
- To lose weight permanently, you must make a commitment to gradually adopt a healthier way of life.
- By exercising, it will take the blood sugar out of your blood to help you manage it.
I, don’t make any medical claims, treatments, or cures. However, what I do know is when you treat your body to an active lifestyle, keep your weight in check, supply your body with the greatest nutrition, your body is a miracle and can change for the better.
I hope those who come across this blog are inspired to leave a comment and voice their thoughts.
3 Steps on How to Prevent T-II Diabetes
Gazing upon a life full of health & fitness
At the start of this month, I published a blog discussing the reality on Diabetes and the prevalence of its rapid growth. Not to mention, the astronomical number of folks who don’t have a clue they’re living with it. Also, included in that piece, were preventable tips in taking a stand against acquiring type II Diabetes, most commonly known as “adult onset” diabetes.
Those 3 steps to preventing Type II Diabetes are:
- eating a healthy diet
- keeping weight in check
- being active
Now I personally think it’s relatively easy formula, but honestly speaking I’m an athlete. I’ve had almost 20 years of experience in eating a healthy diet, keeping my weight in check, and being active. However, the average individual hasn’t seen the inside of a gym.
Therefore, it would behoove me to think my suggestions are received enthusiatically. For those who don’t understand the make-up or dynamics of nutrition and exercise read blogs, like this one, as if they were studying Japanese. It’s a FOREIGN concept!
With that being said, the aformentioned tips will be constructed into questions for your benefit.
Q: What does it mean by “eating a healthy diet?”
Harvard School of Public Health says, “Choosing a diet rich in whole grains and healthy fats adds even more protection—skip the refined grains and sugary soda. Limiting red meat—steak, hamburger, pork chops, and the like—and avoiding processed meat—bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats—can also help lower diabetes risk. Go for healthier protein sources instead, such as nuts, beans, poultry, and fish.”
Q: How do I “keep my weight in check?”
“Weight Loss: Keeping the Weight Off“, a WebMD article encourages, “To lose weight permanently, you must make a commitment to gradually adopt a healthier way of life. Don’t fall back on those unhealthy eating habits you had before you lost weight. Controlling your weight is not an impossible task. Balancing what you eat with how much you exercise will help you maintain your new weight.” Continue Reading
Which brings me to my last question:
Q: Can you explain what is “being active?”
“Exercise is an important part of controlling diabetes,” says Larry Bergstrom, M.D., of Mayo Clinic. “Your skeletal muscle is an important area that uses blood sugar. So by using your muscles, it will take the blood sugar out of your blood to help you manage it.”
Bergstrom says that any sort of physical, regular aerobic exercise on a daily basis will help you — even just walking. “It’s easy to do,” he says. “And it’s something that can be done anywhere.”
Here is an EASY to follow basic beginning routine of exercises that everyone should do.
November is American Diabetes Month
Did You Know…
- Almost 26 million American children and adults have diabetes
- Each year, about 15,000 youth ages 20 and under are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the U.S.
- Diabetes kills nearly 300,000 people each year in the US, more than AIDS and breast cancer combined
- The death rate for diabetes is on the rise, while death rates for cancer and heart disease are declining
- Diabetes costs the American public more than $174 billion each year
Sadly, about 6 million Americans don’t know they have the disease.
Alarming problems behind the numbers
A Health News article stated, “Every 17 seconds, one American is diagnosed with diabetes, which is why it is important to raise awareness and put a stop to what amounts to a runaway train.”
But, what exactly is Diabetes?
At the Harvard Medical School, researchers say the prevalence of diabetes is at a rise – globally. Diabetes has now filtered and threatens to overwhelm health system in low AND middle-income countries.
“Cancer, diabetes, heart diseases are no longer the diseases of the wealthy. Today, they hamper the people and the economies of the poorest populations, even more than infectious diseases. This represents a public health emergency in slow motion.”
Important Notes:
Medical term, diabetes mellitus is classified on the basis of aetiology and clinical presentation of the disorder into four types:
■type 1 diabetes,
■type 2 diabetes,
■gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and
■other specific types.
As you take a closer look at diabetes, notice how Type 2 diabetes (formally known as adult-onset) creeps up on people. This particular type takes years to fully develop. It is caused when muscle and other cells stop responding to insulin’s open-up-for-glucose signal, displayed in the video. Without any resistance the body continues to make more insulin, trying to shove blood sugar into cells, which in turn exhausts the insulin-making cells and fail.
The good news Type 2 Diabetes Can Be Prevented by:
keeping weight in check
being active
eating a healthy diet
Following these precautionary steps can aid the population in preventing most cases of type 2 diabetes.
Could one person make a difference?
Could one person really make a difference?
In history, we have come to know many heros of the day who stood up for whatever cause they believed in. These special individuals fought through many battles of opposers who wanted the person and their cause to fail. And becaue of this opposition the average citizen can stamp their name in time forever to be known as a historical figure-head.
With five days left in October, I wanted to commemorate a pioneer organization whose efforts have raised, thus far, 1.9 billion dollars invested to research in finding a cure for breast cancer. Through their efforts, breast cancer survival rate after diagnosis in the first five-year window, increased from 74 percent to 98 percent.
Though I may not know who Susan G. Komen was personally, I do know in her courageous fight to overcome this disease, the world’s largest grassroots network in educating and fighting to save lives was birthed.
Most people have seen across the world the pink ribbons symbolizing Breast Cancer Awareness, and majority of others have participated in many of Susan G Komen for the Cure events. But, who’s behind this successful fundraising NPO, well, a compassionate and committed lady by the name of Nancy G. Brinker – Susan’s sister – who made a promise “that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever.”
Hard Facts:
- Ten million women around the world could die from breast cancer in the next 25 years.
- already claims twice as many lives as AIDS worldwide.
- at least seven million people die of canceer each year and close to 11 million new cases are diagnosed.
– more than AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined
So, with one of the toughest tasks at hand, I commend Nancy Brinker’s undaunting efforts to fulfill her dying sister’s dream to help the sick women in the hospital.
And, I’ll ask again, “Could one person make a difference?”
*Dedicated to My Titi (Aunt)/Godmother – Arlene Alicea. I love you with all my heart and I pray your strength and determination keeps this disease away*
To Best Fight Cancer – Exercise
Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself – Leo Tolstoy #change
With the constant arrival of quick weight loss diets and regimens, it’s evident that both Americans and our overseas brothers and sisters are searching for ways to lose a few pounds.
There’s an unknown and minutely discussed difference of weight loss vs. weight management. If you were to ask the general population, at first thought you would probably get answer considering weight loss and weight management are one in the same. Likewise, consensus would probably tell us that majority of population would consider aerobic exercise as the number one means to effectively lose weight. And I would agree that if you’re desiring a degree of weight “loss” than aerobic exercise gets the most drawings.
So then, the effect of developing lean (muscle) mass, to a novice exerciser, wouldn’t seem attractive. However, let it be known that though, muscle mass simply weighs more, gram for gram, than fat, an increase in lean mass is NOT counterproductive. When you increase muscle mass you decrease fat storage. That’s to mean if you jump on the scale during a time where you’re performing resistance exercise and don’t like the results on the scale don’t freak out you’re still doing well.
I figured this particular misconceived notion needed addressing, after a young lady approached my colleagues and I at the gym and was visibly disappointed after weighing herself. At times, as a whole, whether seasoned veterans or novice exerciser we need to step back and applaud the effort and work we put in to change ourselves.
Exercising presents so many great benefits. Resistance training has more to offer than just strength and size. Did you know that a number of physicians and researchers are now saying that “people who remain physically active as best they can during treatment are more likely to beat cancer.”
Would you think the importance of understanding the difference between weight loss for the sake of losing weight and the long-term benefits of an increased lean mass and reduced fat ratio is now validated?
Often, popular diets leave out the four important components that can lead to long-term success:
- Aerobic Exercise
- Resistance Training
- Nutrition
- Rest & Recovery
Follow this simple plan and you’ll open the door to improved – and sustainable – energy efficiency.
According to director of nutrition and physical activity of American Cancer Society, Collen Doyle, “Exercise is so important for cancer patients, but so many doctors and health professionals are concerned about safety issues — is it safe for people undergoing treatment to exercise?”
Answer: Yes, it is!
Benefits researchers have shown include treatment having a greater effective role when implementing exercise to their daily regimen.
Other exercise benefits for cancer patients and survivors include:
- reduced fatigue
- reduced loss of muscle ad bone mass
- improved quality of life
- Avoid HIGH doses of fructose and sugar
- Optimum level of Vitamin D
- Exercise
- Optimum level of animal-based omega-3 fat
- Eat according to what your body is designed to eat
- Reduce your stress level with engaging activities
- Implement MORE veggies
- Maintain YOUR ideal weight
- ZZzzz glorious ZZZzzz adequate sleep
- Limit your exposure to toxins
- Safe strategies using cellphones and other wireless technologies
- Avoid frying or charbroiling foods when possible
5 Steps to Better Women’s Health
In life, do you know what’s the one thing you can always bet on?
– Losing something
In your youth, you’re faced with an assortment of challenges, obstacles, or dilemmas; each one aiding in your growth as an adult. As time continued, you gained friends, knowledge, skills, wisdom, and memories. Additionally, with each passing year, you turn one year older. It’s said the older you are the wiser you become, you’re an expert in your career field, and your memories are limitless. But, you also lose things the older you get. Friendships, for whatever reasons are lost. Hair thins out and falls. Our ability to perform certain activities you truly enjoyed are a distant memory. Likewise, on the ocassion some of us lose our health – which can lead to losing your zeal for life.
Living is more than just existing. You and I have a purpose in life; however purposeful is up to you to discover.
Living a purpose driven life for me is:
Living life happily
Living life to the fullest
Living life healthy.
In one perspective, it’s a perfect marriage. On the other hand, if you lose your health, you’re bound to lose the other two.
What’s more important than your health?
Absolutely Nothing. Not your business, not your boss, not your children. When you lose your health EVERONE suffers.
Since we’re in the Pink Ribbon month, today’s piece will focus on 5 Steps to Better Women’s Health. 
Women are blessed angels here on earth. As ambassadors of multi-tasking, women tend to be left with a “to do” list that involves only herself while caring for everyone else. Though women are notorious multi-taskers who function best with a list in their hand, mama must take care of herself to be able to better care for others. And if mama’s happy, everyone’s happy! 🙂
With that being said, treat yourself to the gift of better health by following this simple five-step checklist.
One of every eight adult women will get breast cancer in her lifetime. Nutrition plays an important role in breast health.
Best ways to lower your risk of breast cancer include:
• staying physically active by getting regular exercise.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or find out the risks and benefits of HRT and if it is right for you.
• Limit the amount of alcohol that you drink.
Likewise, make sure you’re topping off your day with enough Vitamin D. In a Nurses’ Health Study, women who had higher blood levels of vitamin D had a 30 percent reduced breast cancer risk. Further studies suggest regular, moderate consumption of soy foods lowers the incidence of breast cancer. Target range is at least 11 grams of soy per day. Reliv’s Now and Classic includes 7 grams of soy protein, in addition to, optimal blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and herbs.
In an effort to enhance your immune system, antioxidants as in selenium and beta carotene promotes breast health, as well. So the combination of a well-rounded diet generous in fruits and vegetables and your daily Reliv shakes is a great start towards healthier breast.
Calcium and Vitamin D are needed for strong bones, but other nutrients can play an influential role also. Research show the isoflavones found in soy foods may prevent osteoporosis. In like manner, studies show the polyphenols in green tea help build bone strength. Reliv’s SoySentials, women’s health formula, presents these nutrients together in a synergistic combination for maximum benefits.
3. Lose Weight
Control your weight and exercise. Yet, in today’s fast paced society who has the time to calculate points, calories, carbs or grams? With Reliv’s Slimpicity Weight Loss System losing weight doesn’t have to be complicated. This delicious, meal-replacement shake rich in satisfying soy protein and Accelerator Capsules incorporates advanced ingredients to curb your appetite and boost your meta-bolism. Moreoever, this simple system includes a pedometer, exercise and food journal, meal plans and ongoing support to help you achieve your weight loss goal the safe and effective way.
4. Manage PMS and Menopausal Symptoms
What kind of women are you when “it’s that time of the month”? If your PMS sends you into an Incredible Hulk mode, bump up your vitamin B consumption, more so thiamin and riboflavin. Research suggests B vitamins can reduce PMS symptoms by 35 percent. Furthermore, diets rich in calcium and vitamin D can aid symptoms while lowering the risk of developing the dreaded PMS. So, work more soy, specifically isoflavones found in soy, reducing the consistency of bothersome hot flashes due to menopause. Reliv’s SoySentials contains a unique blend of soy protein (10 grams per serving), potent antioxidants, probiotics and herbs to ease the symptoms of PMS and menopause. Together, the balance ingredients work to promote bone health, support the immune system, and keep your body performing at its peak.
For those of you who experience the tired, run down feeling, incorporate some kind of exercise daily. Excercise actually boots energy levels to get more accomplished in your day. As you are aware, exercise also promotes weight loss and benefits yours bones, breast and heart. Did you know, maintaing an active lifestyle also helps reduce energy-sucking stress? To give you a bit of a kick in your day, add Reliv’s 24K, the 2011 winner of People’s Choice Award for Best Product of the Year. With its blend of resveratrol, B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids to break through brain fog, reduce stress and increase energy, this caffeine-free, sugar-free energy drink has 24 health-promoting ingredients giving you the ability to fly through your day to-do list with energy left over to enjoy your family and friends!
Click here to learn more about the Reliv Difference and why it sits at number 2 under “extreme” nutritional support for cancer patients and others, for many reasons by the AACI.
The statements and products shown on this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Those seeking treatment for a specific disease should consult a qualified Naturopathic physician prior to using alternative products, where possible.
The Soy Difference
5 Myths about Soy:
* All Soy Food is the same
* Soymilk doesn’t provide calcium
* Soy upsets your stomach
* Soy contains “Anti-Nutrients” that interfere with mineral absorption
* Unfermented Soy is Toxic
Soy Benefits:
As I commented earlier this week, via Twitter, soy protein is the only commonly consumed plant protein that is nutritionally complete. With soy’s unique blend containing all of the underlying amino acids in acceptable quantities to help meet the body’s requirement, the medical and nutrition arenas, including the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), admit soy protein to be as equal in quality to animal protein, minus high saturated fat.
More so, soymilk is an excellent option to dairy milk. When in comparing to cow’s milk, soymilk provides many of the same key nutrients, which includes calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
Why should you implement soy in your diet?
For starters, soymilk is very low in saturated fat and is cholesterol-free, thereby making soy a favorable choice for individuals with heart health concern. In a composite analysis, according to the World Health Orgainzation (WHO), of 38 clinical trials, subjects that consumed 47 grams of soy protein daily led to a 9% decline in total cholesterol and 13% decline in LDL (low-density lipoprotein), or bad protein (p. 7).
You see, soy has an abundance of isoflavones, phytoestrogen produced chiefly by plants of the legume family, especially soybeans, potentially useful in lowering cholesterol and in treating some cancers and menopausal symptoms. And for those who have a misunderstaning about soy, evidence suggests soy consumption is NOT associated with increased risk of breast cancer recurrence.
Soy is safe. Despite, the known allergens: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and wheat, soy is harmful to those who are allergic to it. However, this doesn’t indicate any danger for the general population. Furthermore, there’s not enough scientific evidence to suggest soy is more irritating to the stomach that any other foods. As always, those who have concerns should consult with their primary care physician before consumption. While we’re on the subject, improved research techniques show soy foods as a valid source of iron, contrary to prior research stating daily soy consumption to negatively impact mineral balance over a long period of time.
In closing, noted soy foods can play a beneficial role in your diet. Both fermented (miso, natto, tempeh) and unfermented (tofu, soymilk, edamame) deliver high-quality, easily digestible forms of protein.
Here’s to your health,
foodfrommyheart 
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