You Can't Afford to Get Sick!

It is written in the book, “Discovery Wellness” that Dr. David Himmelstein, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School said, “We’re all one serious illness away from bankruptcy.”

I can tell you this statement is very true. I have seen this happen to many of my patient’s. Life is going along just fine and one day you are given a diagnosis like hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol or diabetes.

Once you are diagnosed with these type of conditions life can become more of a challenge and affect your family and work life. It also might affect your ability to earn and/or create more money.

I am going to make a request of my readers to spend the next week to learn how diabetes can alter your life.

Then take what you learn and apply it to your life. Create a healthy nutrition lifestyle for you and your family. You can never start too early.

In today’s economic climate you really can’t afford to get sick and lose time from work or have your health insurance compromised.

If you have any questions on how to start just e-mail me at Michael@frompaintopersonalgain.com

Consequences

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines consequences as “something produced by a cause or necessarily following from a set of conditions”.

There are always consequences to pay for your actions. Often there are greater consequences by not taking action.

For example, if you do not monitor your intake of sugar and simple carbohydrates the consequence is the possibility of diabetes. The consequences of diabetes are multiple.

If you do not monitor your spending habits the consequence is debt.

The inability of not being happy with oneself could create a consequence of depending on someone else for your happiness.

You can produce a great life by getting off your rear-end and taking action and responsibility for yourself.

In the words of Winston Churchill, “I never worry about action, but only about inaction”.

Eat a Bagel, Look Like a Bagel

Well, this is very simple and straightforward. You heard of the old adage, “you are what you eat”.

Today I would like to briefly talk about bagels.

I love bagels. I could probably eat a bagel and cream cheese everyday for breakfast. I could eat it for lunch and snack. I think I have had every type of bagel out there.

Let me preface that last statement by , “every bagel out there before age 30.

Then something funny happened along my way of bageldom after 30. I began to look like a bagel. Nice and round in the waist. I swear my wife was shrinking my pants. Today she still denies it.

Do I still enjoy a good bagel? You betcha. When was the last time I had a bagel? It is probably over two months ago. I decided that it was more important to eat foods lower on the glycemic index (foods that have immediate effect on your blood sugar). I also use a lot less cream cheese.

Take a look at your food consumption for two weeks in a row. Research glycemic index on the Internet and for the next two weeks eliminate only ONE high glycemic food product.

Good luck!

Stretch to Avoid Injury

I hope everyone is well.

I just want to take a few moments and talk about the importance of stretching and warming up.

Today I had a patient who reported with severe neck stiffness. This guy couldn’t turn his head in any direction let alone try to put his chin to his chest.

The problem happened when he didn’t properly warm up with light cardio activity and stretching.

I recommend 15-minute cardio/light aerobic activity. After cardio you should stretch for 10 minutes emphasizing the body parts you are going to exercise.

If you experience pain during an exercise program, STOP. Don’t push it. You will most likely become injured and worse yet lose exercise time.

Remember listen to your body. Don’t ignore pain as pain is a warning signal to stop and re-evaluate what you are doing

Valentine's Day

Everyday is a gift.

I wish everybody a Happy Valentine’s Day.

This is a day celebrated with buying flowers, chocolates, teddy bears, and roses.

And some men will be getting down on their knees and asking their loved one to marry.

Marriage is a HUGE step and to tell you the truth it’s not for everyone. And that’s okay.

I am often asked are there any words of wisdom I would like to bestow on a new couple as the new couple often are told things like, “once you are married, life in the bedroom is over”, “you’ll hate his guts in 5 years”, wait 3-5 years before you get pregnant, etc.

Well, you won’t here that negativity from me.

Here are my words to those who just asked their loved one for marriage, to those celebrating Valentine’s Day and to all.

Everyday is truly a gift.

End each night with, “I love you” (and mean it) for you never know what tomorrow brings. Leave notes to each other proclaiming your love in the car visor, in a book or even a message on a cell phone.

And the best gift you can give each other is to discuss and plan your future together.

I wish you all the best.

Einstein's the Man

Many times I will quote Einstein in my blog or in my articles.

To say the man was brilliant does not fully describe his great intelligence or pay him his full tribute.

Here is one of my favorite quotes from Albert Einstein:
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."

You have to agree with him. The universe is infinite and human stupidity is and always will be present.

I would like to briefly talk about the human stupidity factor.

These are the folks who will stand in the way of your dreams, goals and desires.
And unfortunately, often these are our friends and family members.

Do you have a current dream, goal or desire? If you do, do NOT share it with the people who are negative because you will have a negative outcome.

Surround yourself with people who will support you and your dreams.

Right now you should sit down and write just ONE dream or goal. Figure out how to accomplish the goal in small, attainable steps.

If you need help just e-mail me and let me know.

Change is Good

Change is a funny thing.

Most people want to change but they do not take any steps to make the changes.

You can wish upon a star, make daily affirmations and even rub a genie lamp or a rabbit‘s foot but change can only come about with action.

Change means to become or make different.

Most people abhor change but change is a way of life. Change is easier to accept than deny. Once you accept change and allow yourself to change you will see life in a different perspective.

The easiest way to make changes in life whether we are talking about money, health or happiness is to change a little at a time.

Making small changes a little at a time will yield greater changes in the long run.

We all must learn how to recognize, assess and modify when life throws us a curve ball.