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Monday, March 16, 2009
Is the Recession Hurting Your Health?
I talk to a lot of people who are really struggling with this economy and find their stress level at all-time highs. This has compelled me to go ahead and share my recent article about how to combat the negative health effects of stress. This week's blog post is a reprint of that article. I hope you find it informative and helpful. If anyone has any ideas or thoughts to contribute to this or any other health-related article, please let me know.
Article Reprint Follows:
The news tells us that the recession is deeper than initially thought. This certainly is not good news for many of us. Gas prices remain high, unemployment is high and good jobs are hard to find. These are typically the first things that come to mind when thinking about a recession and its impact.
But, there are other effects tied to economic downturns that we don’t often consider. How about your health? Is it suffering because of the economy?
Consider some of the main factors contributing to disease and illness. Stress and poor nutrition are among the leaders. Certainly, one’s stress level goes up when economic times are harder. Worries about bills, how to make the mortgage or rent payment, keeping enough gas in the car to get to work, if you have a job, are all stress points.
Stress causes depletion of essential vitamins and minerals faster than normal. The effects include worsening immune system function (this can be especially problematic for those with chronic illnesses such as HIV/Aids) and elevated blood pressure leading to a variety of potential health risks including, abnormal heart beat, heart attacks, hardening of the arteries and coronary heart disease.
Other problems aggravated or caused by stress are muscle pains, low fertility, erectile dysfunction, complications during pregnancy, stomach problems (ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, reflux, etc.), weight gain and increased menstrual pain. Stress even worsens acne, psoriasis and the symptoms related to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Stress leads to more out of pocket expenses for doctors, hospitals and prescriptions. Factor in potential lost wages and the stress factor easily becomes an out-of-control snowball further complicating our lives.
So, what is one to do to minimize or avoid this health “recession?” There are several very important components to overcoming stress.
Laugh. You’ve heard the saying that laughter is the best medicine. Laughter actually helps your body by reducing stress hormones, boosting the immune system, providing a cardio workout and increasing blood flow. As Mark Twain said, “He who laughs, lasts.”
Exercise. Numerous studies support the health benefits of regular exercise. Improved cardiopulmonary function, reduced blood pressure, muscle tension release and mental relaxation are all known benefits. An important fact to remember about exercising is to pace oneself. Often times, people start out too fast and quickly burn out. Start out simple and gradually add a little every two or three days. Let your body “build” up its tolerance for physical exertion and you will be amazed at how quickly you are able to progress.
Nutrition. The typical American diet, even many so-called “healthy” diets, lacks key vitamins and minerals that our bodies require for optimum health. There are many, low-cost nutritional supplements that will help fill this void. They come in various forms, flavors and formulas to provide what your body needs. Proper nutrition is easy and very inexpensive when compared to the costs of medical care to treat illnesses and diseases due to poor nutrition.
Hobbies. Take up a hobby if you don’t already have one. This occupies your mind with something fun and constructive and, as a result, actually helps your body function at a higher level.
Talk. Share your fears, concerns and passions with someone. The psychological and physical benefits will surprise many people. Just “getting it off of your chest” is very therapeutic and healthy. You will also likely find that you are not alone – many people share the same fears, concerns and passions and don’t even realize it.
Be Positive. I wish there was a one-paragraph miracle remedy for this but, it takes a conscience effort. Even bad times can ultimately produce positive experiences if we choose to look for them. Our tendencies are to look at the bad and accept it but we can choose to seek the good out of a bad situation and focus our attention in a healthier place.
This article may be reprinted in its entirety as long as the author resource information remains attached. © Copyright 2009 Baileys Health Store.
Article Reprint Follows:
The news tells us that the recession is deeper than initially thought. This certainly is not good news for many of us. Gas prices remain high, unemployment is high and good jobs are hard to find. These are typically the first things that come to mind when thinking about a recession and its impact.
But, there are other effects tied to economic downturns that we don’t often consider. How about your health? Is it suffering because of the economy?
Consider some of the main factors contributing to disease and illness. Stress and poor nutrition are among the leaders. Certainly, one’s stress level goes up when economic times are harder. Worries about bills, how to make the mortgage or rent payment, keeping enough gas in the car to get to work, if you have a job, are all stress points.
Stress causes depletion of essential vitamins and minerals faster than normal. The effects include worsening immune system function (this can be especially problematic for those with chronic illnesses such as HIV/Aids) and elevated blood pressure leading to a variety of potential health risks including, abnormal heart beat, heart attacks, hardening of the arteries and coronary heart disease.
Other problems aggravated or caused by stress are muscle pains, low fertility, erectile dysfunction, complications during pregnancy, stomach problems (ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, reflux, etc.), weight gain and increased menstrual pain. Stress even worsens acne, psoriasis and the symptoms related to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Stress leads to more out of pocket expenses for doctors, hospitals and prescriptions. Factor in potential lost wages and the stress factor easily becomes an out-of-control snowball further complicating our lives.
So, what is one to do to minimize or avoid this health “recession?” There are several very important components to overcoming stress.
Laugh. You’ve heard the saying that laughter is the best medicine. Laughter actually helps your body by reducing stress hormones, boosting the immune system, providing a cardio workout and increasing blood flow. As Mark Twain said, “He who laughs, lasts.”
Exercise. Numerous studies support the health benefits of regular exercise. Improved cardiopulmonary function, reduced blood pressure, muscle tension release and mental relaxation are all known benefits. An important fact to remember about exercising is to pace oneself. Often times, people start out too fast and quickly burn out. Start out simple and gradually add a little every two or three days. Let your body “build” up its tolerance for physical exertion and you will be amazed at how quickly you are able to progress.
Nutrition. The typical American diet, even many so-called “healthy” diets, lacks key vitamins and minerals that our bodies require for optimum health. There are many, low-cost nutritional supplements that will help fill this void. They come in various forms, flavors and formulas to provide what your body needs. Proper nutrition is easy and very inexpensive when compared to the costs of medical care to treat illnesses and diseases due to poor nutrition.
Hobbies. Take up a hobby if you don’t already have one. This occupies your mind with something fun and constructive and, as a result, actually helps your body function at a higher level.
Talk. Share your fears, concerns and passions with someone. The psychological and physical benefits will surprise many people. Just “getting it off of your chest” is very therapeutic and healthy. You will also likely find that you are not alone – many people share the same fears, concerns and passions and don’t even realize it.
Be Positive. I wish there was a one-paragraph miracle remedy for this but, it takes a conscience effort. Even bad times can ultimately produce positive experiences if we choose to look for them. Our tendencies are to look at the bad and accept it but we can choose to seek the good out of a bad situation and focus our attention in a healthier place.
This article may be reprinted in its entirety as long as the author resource information remains attached. © Copyright 2009 Baileys Health Store.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Recession Bringing Down Many in America
Sorry for the delay since my last post. I've been talking to a lot of folks who are really concerned about the economy. The latest news indicates that things in the country have been worse than previously thought.
With this in mind, I'm going off track just a little with this post. I want to encourage all of my readers - we will get through this just as we have gotten through all of the past economic downturns. If you track the economy throughout our history, you'll find it runs in cycles - this just happens to be an unfortunate down cycle. Don't get me wrong, I understand many people are hurting because of it and I do not want to be insensitive to that.
Hard times increase stress which, in turn, causes an increase in health problems. Did you know that stress and what we put into our bodies are two key factors in the quality of our health? Tendencies during difficult times are to cut in areas of nutrition. This, of course, leads to more doctor/hospital visits, more prescriptions (greater cost) and missed work (lower income).
There are things that we can all do to help each other as well as ourselves. First of all, try to stay optimistic. Things will get better again - hang in there. Secondly, anyone with a business should take a look at how to create a "mini" economic stimulus package. For example, I have just reduced the prices at my two on-line stores. Nutritional products are now 20% of regular retail prices at www.baileyshealthstore.com and all items in my on-line mall, www.baileysbounty.com are set just above wholesale costs.
I've made these reductions because I know many people are struggling and that not only makes it harder for them to get the things they need but it also reduces sales. Yes, I'll admit, this move is intended to benefit my customers and my stores. I am a business man after all but, I like to think I'm one with a heart.
My point of encouragement to all other business owners is to follow suit as much as possible. A little less profit may be within your tolerance and, if so, please consider helping to spark our own economic recovery.
This is a great time for us to pull together and do something positive. We don't have to sit around and wait for our government to make a difference. Millions of people making small contributions will have a profound, positive impact.
Until next post...may God bless you all.
With this in mind, I'm going off track just a little with this post. I want to encourage all of my readers - we will get through this just as we have gotten through all of the past economic downturns. If you track the economy throughout our history, you'll find it runs in cycles - this just happens to be an unfortunate down cycle. Don't get me wrong, I understand many people are hurting because of it and I do not want to be insensitive to that.
Hard times increase stress which, in turn, causes an increase in health problems. Did you know that stress and what we put into our bodies are two key factors in the quality of our health? Tendencies during difficult times are to cut in areas of nutrition. This, of course, leads to more doctor/hospital visits, more prescriptions (greater cost) and missed work (lower income).
There are things that we can all do to help each other as well as ourselves. First of all, try to stay optimistic. Things will get better again - hang in there. Secondly, anyone with a business should take a look at how to create a "mini" economic stimulus package. For example, I have just reduced the prices at my two on-line stores. Nutritional products are now 20% of regular retail prices at www.baileyshealthstore.com and all items in my on-line mall, www.baileysbounty.com are set just above wholesale costs.
I've made these reductions because I know many people are struggling and that not only makes it harder for them to get the things they need but it also reduces sales. Yes, I'll admit, this move is intended to benefit my customers and my stores. I am a business man after all but, I like to think I'm one with a heart.
My point of encouragement to all other business owners is to follow suit as much as possible. A little less profit may be within your tolerance and, if so, please consider helping to spark our own economic recovery.
This is a great time for us to pull together and do something positive. We don't have to sit around and wait for our government to make a difference. Millions of people making small contributions will have a profound, positive impact.
Until next post...may God bless you all.
Friday, February 20, 2009
More Chocolate More Health
Hello everyone. Hope you're all having a great day. I met a gentleman from the Gadsden, Alabama area that is a regular consumer of Xocai healthy chocolate products. He was sharing with me that he is a diabetic and, after using this product for awhile, his blood sugar dropped by two-thirds. Wow! That's awesome! OK, so he may not be doing gymnastics but, he said he feels better than ever. I had heard other stories similar to this via third-parties but this one I heard directly from the man. The more I see and hear, the more awed I am by the power of natural foods. More later.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Nutritional Benefits of Chocolate?
Clark here from Baileys Health Store. Here is today's nutritional post. Hope you enjoy.
This is actually the title of an article I recently published. Who doesn't like chocolate? I'm sure there are some but, everyone I know loves it. I'd eat it every day if it wasn't so bad for my health and teeth. Oh, wait, I do eat it everyday because I have found the greatest health food in the world!!
No exaggeration and I'm not kidding. Whoever thought eating candy could do this? Actually, it's not really a secret. The ancient Aztecs and Incans knew it. Somewhere along the way, man decided to make what God had already given us (cocoa from the cacao plant) "better" by adding fat and sugar to it. Turns out that the supposed betterment of the chocolate is exactly what made it useless for diabetics and people with weight concerns. The process most chocolate goes through kills all the healthy stuff and just leaves us with fat and sugar (mostly). Sure does help out the doctors and dentists. OK, I agree, it tastes good - I love a good Snickers bar just as much as anyone but, I've found I can enjoy that taste without giving up the healthy benefits.
Don't get me wrong - I'm not trying to say that eating any of the confectionery chocolate products will kill you (although, for some people this could be true). What I AM advocating is eating chocolate that improves your health and is even low-glycemic. Wow! Now, that's chocolate I could eat every day (and do).
Who do you know that eats standard store bought chocolate that can make any of the following claims?
This is actually the title of an article I recently published. Who doesn't like chocolate? I'm sure there are some but, everyone I know loves it. I'd eat it every day if it wasn't so bad for my health and teeth. Oh, wait, I do eat it everyday because I have found the greatest health food in the world!!
No exaggeration and I'm not kidding. Whoever thought eating candy could do this? Actually, it's not really a secret. The ancient Aztecs and Incans knew it. Somewhere along the way, man decided to make what God had already given us (cocoa from the cacao plant) "better" by adding fat and sugar to it. Turns out that the supposed betterment of the chocolate is exactly what made it useless for diabetics and people with weight concerns. The process most chocolate goes through kills all the healthy stuff and just leaves us with fat and sugar (mostly). Sure does help out the doctors and dentists. OK, I agree, it tastes good - I love a good Snickers bar just as much as anyone but, I've found I can enjoy that taste without giving up the healthy benefits.
Don't get me wrong - I'm not trying to say that eating any of the confectionery chocolate products will kill you (although, for some people this could be true). What I AM advocating is eating chocolate that improves your health and is even low-glycemic. Wow! Now, that's chocolate I could eat every day (and do).
Who do you know that eats standard store bought chocolate that can make any of the following claims?
- Arthritis pain relief. Two people in just my family can make this claim and I personally know for a fact that the only thing they did differently was started eating healthy chocolate.
- Lower blood sugar. Yep, that's right. It is possible to lower your blood sugar by eating healthy chocolate.
- Relief from Acid Reflux. This is my personal testimony. I was going through 1 - 2 pills per day PLUS eating about 1/2 roll of Rolaids every day until...you got it...I started eating this healthy chocolate. That is all I changed in my diet and I no longer suffer from Acid reflux.
- Lose weight. Know anyone who eats a candy bar a day and loses weight? Well, you would if they were eating healthy chocolate. How about one example - 73 pounds in 18 weeks!! (Not saying this will happen to everyone - just one man's testimony).
Oh, I could go on with other examples but you get the idea. Think this is baloney? Well, it's not. It's healthy chocolate. Read my article to learn more about why this happens. You can also visit Dr. Steve Warren's site to read more real testimonials and even more about the science.
I'll post more in the next day or two. Stay tuned. In the meantime, I'd love to hear from you if you have a chocolate story to tell or any other health related/nutritional/fitness item to share.
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