Monday, March 21, 2016

5 Benefits of Regular Exercise



Based on research from www.statisticbrain.com, Less than half of Americans exercise for 30 minutes, 3 times per week despite the benefits of regular exercise, but maybe they don’t really know all the benefits of regular exercise. So we put together list. Hopefully one of the of these benefits will give you the motivation you need to create this very beneficial habit!


Physical health and quality of life - Regular exercise helps reduce the risk of premature death from heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and colon and breast cancers. It increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or good cholesterol) while decreasing triglycerides. This keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaque in your arteries. Overall it increases resistance to various diseases by bolstering the immune system.

Psychological well-being - Regular exercise improves your mood and reduces the likelihood of depression and anxiety. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals (endorphins) that usually leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. You will not only feel better, but look better when you exercise regularly which, in turn, boosts confidence and self-esteem. You derive self-confidence both from looking great by being toned and fit, and from knowing that you put in the work and effort to get there.

Increased energy levels - Physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. It helps the cardiovascular system work more efficiently by circulating blood through your heart and blood vessels. When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you'll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.
Weight Management - Needless to say, you burn calories when you engage in physical activity. When you burn more calories than you take in, you lose weight. Even taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking during your lunch break, or just moving around more can help add to your exercise output.

Better sleep - Regular exercise helps you fall asleep faster and into a more deep sleep. Sleep is brought on by chemicals released in your body which are a by-product of your body burning sugar for fuel during the day. The more sugar you burn through exercise and physical activity, the more of these chemicals are released, thus helping you sleep better and deeper. Regular exercise also improves the transition between the cycles and phases of sleep and they become smoother and more regular. Ultimately, your productivity, mood and concentration are greatly enhanced when you are well-rested. 
Other Benefits of Regular Exercise
  • Helps maintain and increase muscle strength, improves balance, coordination, reaction time, and flexibility; can even improve mental concentration
  • Prevents muscle decay. Inactive people lose muscle fiber at a rate of 3% to 5% every decade after age 30 which amounts to a loss of 30% of muscle fiber by age 60
  • Reduces incidence of many illnesses
  • Likely to reduce the risk of colon cancer by as much as 50% and may considerably reduce the risk of breast cancer
  • Relieves symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and therefore reduces the need for medication
  • Helps control hypertension, high blood cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Reduces the risk of accidental injury and shortens the recovery period from accident and illness

If you are looking for a personal trainer in Florence, Kentucky, to help you get exercise into your routine, our ACE Certified Trainer, Sabra, can help you make sense of all of this and discuss your exercise options. Your first training session is free! Call 859-282-0022 to ask questions or schedule your personal training session.


Discussion: Do you exercise regularly or do you think you will start based on this information? Which of the benefits do you most value?

Disclaimer: These recommendations are dosages are based on the opinions of Victoria Smith, Practitioner. The following statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.


Friday, February 19, 2016

Avoid Colds and Flu

During the winter months, we experience a great amount of stress, and this can lead to colds and the flu.  In natural medicine, we think of colds and flu as the body's way of eliminating mucus that may be caused by viruses or bacteria that we were exposed to during a time that our immune system was susceptible.  It is no mystery why colds and flu abound around the holidays when lots of people get together, sharing germs, while partaking in eating foods that are not typical throughout the year.   Some of the things that lower the body's natural immunity include:

-excessive eating
-drinking alcohol
-eating junk food
-lacking rest
-overwork
-temperature changes
-conflict
-worry
-​changing of seasons

Viruses are responsible for 90% of colds and flu and prescription antibiotics do not kill viruses.  

Bacterial infections
 respond to prescription antibiotics, and your physician can take a throat swab or sputum culture to check.

To protect ourselves against seasonal illnesses, such as the flu, it is helpful to eat wholesome foods, boost your nutrient intake with vitamins and get enough rest.  

If cold or flu symptoms begin, be prepared and respond quickly. At first sign of symptoms, begin providing the body with additional nutrition needed to support immune function.  Taking some of each hourly can make a world of difference to speed recovery and minimize severity.

-Vitamin C complex

-Zinc
-Liver
-Chelate
-FermPlus Pro Probiotic
-Agarigus Superbiotic - an herbal blend of natural anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-biotics. 
-SH Zeolites

Soak in a hot bath, with 4 cups of Epsom Salts, to support the body’s magnesium needs and open the pores.  Prevent germs from spreading by covering your mouth with disposable tissue when coughing.  While sick, keep toothbrush soaking in hydrogen peroxide.  When well again, boil toothbrush to sanitize. 

Avoid crowds. Wash hands frequently, especially after using the restroom, coughing or touching face.

Eat light, soups, lean meats and vegetables, to alleviate the body’s job of digestion so it can direct energies towards healing.

Do not eat sugar, dairy or gluten while sick.  Each are mucus forming foods and sugar shuts down the immune system for a minimum of three hours after eating. No smoking or drinking alcohol during illness.

Dress warmly, even wearing scarf and hat indoors, to avoid body heat loss. The body uses energy to regulate body temperature, and during illness it is best to take some of this burden off of the body so that it may direct more energy to activate healing mechanisms. 

Use a vaporizer, to moisten the air that you breathe.  In the winter, with heaters, fires and furnaces, the air becomes dry and causes mucus to collect. 

Contact your physician, if symptoms are severe or persistent. 

​For more information call 859-282-0022.  


Disclaimer: These recommendations are dosages are based on the opinions of Victoria Smith, Practitioner. The following statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.