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5 Golden Rules to Winter Health

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As winter moves to spring we frequently see dramatic shifts in temperature and wind, and we haven’t been sick yet .. we begin to think we beat the odds of getting the flu. Stay healthy by following these 5 golden rules.

My research finds 4 things the doctors do to stay well during the winter season…. and 1 activity a 1st grade teacher has done to keep her kids healthy. I believe that if it is good for the doctors, teachers and 1st grade students it would seem rational that it would be good for us.

 

 

Get out more

What! I thought if I hibernated all winter I would avoid catching all of those bad bugs from all of those sick people. It seems as though a lot of people slack on outdoor exercise when the temperature drops. Healthy doctors make appropriate modifications to their routine; they don’t get up so early that they are cutting into sleep, which is totally counterproductive. Sleep is important to the immune system. So mark down appropriate outdoor exercise and fresh air as a must activity. The best example I can think of is take your dog for a walk then you and your buddy will be healthier and happy.

Don’t skimp on sleep

Sleep deprivation can significantly weaken immune system function, and that can make you more susceptible to infections. Going to bed at a reasonable hour ensures that you’ll go through cold and flu season with your immune system in top form. And if your dog likes to snuggle like mine, they will be very happy as well.

Clean up your act

Wash your hands; wash your hands, wash your hands … need to know anything else….! There is more, disinfect all work areas regularly and while there is controversy… doctors say get your flu shot.

Keep your hands to yourself

This is a tough one for those of us who are avid networkers … but it must be said … during cold & flu season try to shake as few hands as possible… what to do  … my grandchildren have taught me the fist bump … it works just as good, leaving everyone feeling just a bit healthier …

Use natural products

A 1st grade teacher cleaned, disinfected and deodorized her classroom with natural products. When her kids came in from their outside activities they washed their hands with a natural soap, one that cleans & moisturizes their hands. Most importantly she has now done this at 3 different schools over a 3 year period.  Natural based products, when integrated into our daily routines can improve your health.

Articles specific to these activities are http://www.lifespurebalance.com/1st-grade-classroom-goes-green/ and  http://www.lifespurebalance.com/1st-graders-healthier-by-using-natural-cleaning-products/.

Take action now and call Gene to talk about how  you can make your tomorrow healthier

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Diabetes Dogs & Health

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A few weeks ago Paco, CBO of Life’s Pure Balance, was diagnosed with diabetes. He had been sick for nearly 2 weeks, drinking volumes of water, not eating and not moving around like he would normally do. I speculated what was wrong, talked to friends, held him a lot and worried. After all he is my child (and boss) now that my kids are out on their own.

Finally, I gave in and took him to the vet. I do what most people do about their own health … avoid going to the Dr. because of the cost!

He underwent a broad screening of blood and urine tests designed to highlight what might be wrong. The good news … his health issue was clear  .. his blood sucrose level was at 746 when it should be around 100 to 200 … not good at all!

This is what we now know … diabetes strikes 1 in 500 dogs. (similiar to people?) The condition is treatable, and need not shorten the animal’s life span or interfere with quality of life. If left untreated, the condition can lead to cataracts, increasing weakness in the legs (neuropathy), malnutrition, dehydration, and death. Diabetes mainly affects middle-aged and older dogs, but there are also juvenile cases. The typical canine diabetes patient is middle-aged, female, and overweight at diagnosis.

The number of dogs diagnosed with diabetes has increased three-fold in thirty years. Looking back on survival rates from almost the same time period, only 50% survived the first 60 days after diagnosis and went on to be successfully treated at home. Currently, diabetic dogs receiving treatment have the same expected lifespan as non-diabetic dogs of the same age and gender.

For Paco this most likely started when he was injured in a “close call” car accident. After the accident he spent a year under the care of an animal chiropractor who helped to correct his injuries. In the process he gained weight. Sound familiar ?

I often talk about our “human” bodies being a finely tuned machine and that our pets are guardians of our health. The point being our health is dictated by the little things that we so often ignore … in Paco’s case it caught up with him. Now he is taking insulin, he has lost weight and is capable of being more active. He is back on the road to good health … and the best part of this all … his smile has returned.

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Washing your fruits & veggies, WHY & HOW!

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Toxic chemicals are on your Produce!

Thanks to improvements in farming, shipping and distribution, shoppers today enjoy a wider selection of fresh produce than ever before. However, pesticide residue on some fruits and vegetables can be a cause for concern. In fact, fruits and vegetables on the ‘highest levels’ list contain 47 to 67 pesticides per serving.

 Most countries monitor residual levels of pesticides in produce, and establish legal limits for the safety of consumers. In some cases, however, these residual levels may be toxic for children, pregnant women and even pets. The US FDA maintains that consuming pesticides in low amounts is harmless, but some studies show an association between pesticides and health problems such as cancer, attention-deficit (hyperactivity) disorder and nervous system disorders and say exposure could weaken immune systems.

 A study by Consumers Union, the publishers of Consumer Reports magazine, examines and rates the residual levels of pesticides on many common fruits and vegetables. A report by the Environmental Working Group, using data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has found that much of the health risks associated with pesticides are concentrated in a relatively small number of fruits and vegetables.

The good news … Wash all of your fruits and vegetables … !!! When asked, most consumers tell me I wash with water.  That isn’t good enough! The simple answer is you must use a detergent based cleaner to cut the chemicals, effectively removing them from the surface of your food. While there are many products on the market I advocate using a natural based dish washing solution. The difference will astound you. Complex issues, simple solutions!

To see how a professional cook and shopper washes her produce watch this short video by Stacy Klone of Kitchen Werks. Good advice from a proven source!

p.s. If you get frustrated reading labels or don’t know where to find high quality, low cost natural based cleaning products, call Gene @ 651.261.0251 to talk about what Paco uses and approves.

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