EATING MINDFULLY

How many times have you heard the saying "Men Are From Mars and Women Are From Venus"? Translated this statement explores  how men and women differ in certain areas of life. One difference is how each react to stress. The major factor that accounts for the difference is hormones; cortisol, epinephrine and oxytocin being the main players. During stress these hormones raise the blood pressure, lower circulating blood sugar levels and lower the effectiveness of the immune system.Though both women and men have these hormones their body's responses are different.

According to an article in the Time Magazine stress is a catalyst for mindless eating and unfortunately in women, burning fewer calories. When stressed women tend to reach for high fat/high sugar/high caloric foods. Perhaps you've been there...eating out the 1/2 gallon container of ice cream or consuming the whole bag of family sized potato chips.  This can translate to an additional 11 extra pounds per year just due to stress.

Knowing what you are doing and why, along with the impact it has on your health is half your battle. To win you need to learn strategies to change those things which are not beneficial. One strategy is mindful eating. Mindful eating is more than just slowing down how fast you eat...it is learning to eat with intention.

Read more about mindful eating and the next time you bring that fork towards your mouth...ask yourself...am I hungry and why am I eating what I am eating. Please be sure to share some feedback on some changes you are making to mindfully eat...until next time...NAMASTE

Is what you are not doing killing you? – Rules of Engagement II

Is what you are not doing killing you? – Rules of Engagement II

Living in the Land of Too Much

As consumers of health care far too often we are mislead to believe that more is better. We live in the era of too much. Too much testing, too much medication, too much hospitalization, etc. All this leads a significant financial strain on the system. According to a 2012 article in the JAMA, too much resulted in $158 - $226 billion wasteful spending in 2011. 

 More and more, providers are recognizing the importance of having a system where less is done to patients and more done for them. The Right Care Alliance Network is such a group working towards achieving this goal. In October providers will launch what is known as the Right Care Action Week (October 18-24) where they will collective pledge to act so health care dysfunction is highlighted and they work to devise strategies to take corrective action to prevent it.  

However, the burden for change is not on providers alone. As consumers of health it is our job to take action as well. When a test is ordered question what information will be gained and how it will be used to improve your well being. When medications are prescribed, ask why and if there is any other actions that could be taken first, such as lifestyle change. When a procedure is suggested know what outcome to expect and if it will make a significant change in your quality of life.  

How to Stop the Overconsumption of Health Care will require teamwork between consumers of health and providers of care. Each has a significant part to play in order to bring about a shift in old behaviors.

Throw Back Those Sheets

You throw back those covers, jump out the bed and go about your day...never. If your upbringing was anything similar to mine...it was almost a cardinal sin to leave the bedroom in the morning without making the bed. Making the bed was a ritual that signified neatness and discipline in my home. Now finally I have a legitimate argument against making the bed when I first get out...DUST MITES...yes           ...dust mites.
Dust mites are microscopic relatives of the spider that thrive on flakes of dead skin. Along with the dead skin we shed daily, our mattress with its warm and moist environment is a playground for them. Now unfortunately, no matter how clean the home is, dust mites cannot be totally eradicated. We can however take steps to reduce their numbers.Leaving the bed unmade, at least to allow the dampness to dry out is a big one.
Other helpful strategies:

• Use a dehumidifier or air condition in bedroom..relative humidity below 50% is best
• Use mattress and pillow encasements 
• Use synthetic vs. feathered or wool covers
• Use hot water to wash sheets and blankets weekly, once a month place pillows and non-washable in freezer overnight
• If possible refrain from having wall to wall carpeting in the bedroom...if you do have carpeting always use a vacuum with HEPATITIS filter
• Use damp clothes when dustingn

You can also make a mite repellent spray using essential oils . The scent of eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, rosemary and lemongrass are offensive to them. Mix a few drops of oil I. A spray bottle with distilled water and spray your sheets and pillows. Always air dry after spraying. If you can allow the natural rays of the sun to shine in that is also helpful.