Mirror Athlete Enterprises Articles

August 25, 2008

How to Deal With Depression

Filed under: Depression, Exercise, Men's Health, Mental Health, Natural Chemicals, Women's Health, how to, manage depression, resolution, stress — Tags: — Marc Woodard @ 09:36
 Q. I deal with depression on a daily basis and I’m not sure why I feel so negative.  I just don’t feel like doing anything and nothing really interests me anymore.  Do you have any recommendations on how I can be more positive about life and get out of this funk?
 
 A. Depression is a very tough mental health condition to control and manage on a daily basis, but for the majority that has mild (severe depression – seek professional help) forms of depression can be managed by incorporating some life style change habits.  There are many life factors that can depress 1 of 3 elements that make up a person (body, mind and soul).  I can say with conviction if you can work to improve one of the 3 elements that make up your total being, you can improve your depressed state.  By managing depression your demeanor will become more positive, your body more healthy!  Listed below are some activity  recommendations that “can and will” provide happiness and wellbeing while thwarting depression.  You’ll note in the recommendations I don’t list TV, or movie activities as a positive life habit.  This is because if you simply watch something as opposed to putting yourself into the actual activity (exercise, travel, etc.), or virtual mental role (a good book, or game that provides a working positive mental experience) it is very tough to beat depression otherwise.  I think good books can be a very positive experience.  What’s the difference between a book and a movie?  Movies require no imagination.  On the other hand books stimulate the imagination [works the brain], by gaining information, makes you think, which also stimulate knowledge seeking from other sources.  Initially, books are an individual healthy mental activity that can/do lead to human exchange, mental stimulation and/or spiritual growth  brain function.  Communication with others has a very positive effect on those that suffer mild forms of depression. 

Remember, positive stimulus of the mind where it is exercised through two-way communication (input/output) plays a combatant role against depression healing the mind & body [body and mind are connected].  I believe certain game stations (computerized virtual activities) can provide a positive mental and physical benefit [as a good book].  However, I think games are better exercised with others… Like cards, game boards, etc.  Select one, or two ideals listed below and work towards accomplishing a project, goal, objective, etc.  If you make anyone of these activities a continuous life habit, I can guarantee your depression and anxiety levels will decrease or disappear. 

 

 

1.  Find an activity that you enjoy.  For example, walking, nutritious cooking, reading, draw, paint, home improvement, gardening, interior design, gym membership, aerobics class, cycling class, travel abroad, fishing, hiking, camping, etc.  Each one of these types of activities provides an interactive personal experience to further know oneself and find other experiences outside of your comfort zone.

2.  Incorporate a healthy diet into your lifestyle.  For example, ensure you get plenty of fresh fish, meat, poultry, vegetables, fruits and fiber.  Supplement your diet with a good daily supplement if your schedule simply will not allow you to consume 3 to 4 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.  Also if your over 45 years of age, or older, you should seriously consider supplementing your diet with other nutrients that we no longer receive from our foods, due to poor crop rotation farming practices, pesticides, herbicides and steroids now found in our foods [organic farms produce live stock and all other natural foods without these poor farming practises].

3.  See your primary physician.  Ask for a referral to speak with a mental health consultant. This does not mean you are crazy!   Pychologists and psychiatrists simply have much more information and tools to offer.  Although I promote natural foods & supplements to deal with depression, I also realize there are other “short term” benefits that can be derived through use of pharmaceuticals.  I believe the goal should be to find a “natural long term” solution(s) to deal with depression as opposed to long term pharmaceutical use.

4. Stay in touch with family and close friends.  The worst thing you could possibly do is to isolate yourself.  I understand you may feel like you don’t have a friend in the world.  This simply is not true!  Don’t try to deal with depression on your own.  Find someone you can talk to.  Family and friends are your best source of support.  If you can not find this support in your own family, or close circle of friends, call a depression hot line, seek other public health, or mental health service centers and churches in your area, see your physician.  You simply must discuss your depression issues with someone if you can not help yourself.  To go it alone is very difficult and needs not to be this way.

5.  Find the meaning of life.  This is very perplexing, personal and is as old as time itself.  I believe the meaning of life is a personal experience for each individual and where each one of us is scripted to fulfill a role in this life time and beyond.  To not understand your souls spirituality is to not understand your purpose in life and passage to the next (soul is the third component that makes up human).  To not understand your purpose in this life and afterlife can be a very depressing proposition.  I highly recommend you go on a spiritual journey to understand your purpose here in this life.  Choose book topics to expand your souls spirituality by reading biblical studies and prophecy, historical philosophers, current spiritual scholars, authors, ministers, etc., study scripture, afterlife experiences, personal conversations with God, the after world and so forth.  Please don’t limit yourself to any one religion as God is universal.  With a little effort, you will quickly define your purpose here on this planet which will provide a positive mental health experience for you.  Also visit our site Wellness Company page.  We offer excellent “NATURAL” products scientifically formulated to remove chemical toxin allergies from your home.

Author: Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET. 2008 Copyright. All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Publishing, www.mirrorathlete.com   Sign up for your Free Monthly Health eNewsletter.
 

Restaurant Foods Healthy?

Filed under: Diabetes, Diet, Nutrition, Product Toxins, Weight Management, addiction, disease, fast food, holiday, obesity, secrets, tips — Marc Woodard @ 07:17

When is the last time you went to your favorite restaurant and ordered what seemed to be a plethora of great food and wondered what impact you had on your bodies health?  I do know when your young with fast metabolisms the effects of toxic food properties don’t have a lasting, immediate, or initial impact as when you age and your metabolism begins to slow down.  Studies regarding “food preservatives” point toward ill-health effects after many years of food chemical consumption before you actually become sick!  High food chemical consumption also correlates with our youth demographics and reveals an increase of obesity and other health  issues related to processed, or “fast foods!”

There are health signs provided that let you know food rejection within the body is occurring before the body becomes toxic.  Food rejection is typically a feeling of bloat, flatulence, nausea, overly full, diarrhea, constipation, headache, sluggishness, sleepiness,dehydration, irritability, depression, skin rash and the list goes on.  It is my personal experience that qualifies me to tell you that “many” restaurants are feeding you garbage.  Think about it, as inflationary costs impact “all” businesses and industries; man is very innovative and uses creative ways to cut cost and quality of food ingredients.  Many restaurants are greatly dependant on processed package & canned foods to keep their business profitable.   Prepackaged foods require less prep time, reduced food and labor costs and greater profits to the establishment. 

“When almost all organic foods came from farms, we where a far more healthy society.  Now, factory-made foods have made chemical additives a significant part of our diet. Most people may not be able to pronounce the names of many of these chemicals, but they still want to know what the chemicals do and which ones are safe and which are poorly tested or possibly dangerous.  A simple general rule about additives is to avoid sodium nitrite, saccharin, caffeine, olestra, acesulfame K, and artificial coloring. Not only are they among the most questionable additives, but they are used primarily in foods of low nutritional value.  Also, don’t forget the two most familiar additives: sugar and salt. They may pose the greatest risk because we consume so much of them. Fortunately, most additives are safe and some even increase the nutritional value of the food.”
(http://www.cspinet.org/reports/chemcuisine.htm).

Most restaurant foods taste great or their not in business for very long.  Be sure to inquire if the food is fresh, or processed.

Remember, processed foods have been preserved with man-made chemicals for long shelf life.  There are now literally thousands of preservatives, food substitutes and imitation ingredients and other additives that have replaced organic foods.  Don’t you find it interesting that when you go into a grocery store, it is required by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) that food ingredient labels require nutritional information be disclosed to the public. But when you go to a restaurant there is no requirement to disclose what ingredients, or what processed-organic foods make up the meal you order.

I believe the reason for “non-disclosure of restaurant food ingredients” has a lot to do with food industry(s) profits.  If you educate the public too much, they’ll find healthier eating consumption alternatives.  If this behavioral change came to pass in a big way, an organic-farm restaurant chain industrial revolution would ensue ["I believe we are now in the infant stage of such an organic-farm restaurant industry"].  If this industry evolves in a big way, it could drive many current restaurant chains and/or food manufacturers out of business!  “Remember, for industry and share holders “It’s all about the money!”  For our families, it should be about our health!

Be smart about your health and start asking questions about the foods you consume whether in a fine dinning, or fast food establishment.

Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET.  2008 Copyright.  All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Publishing, www.mirrorathlete.com,  Sign up for your Free eNewsletter.

August 15, 2008

Cookware Toxic Hazards

Filed under: Cancer, Nutrition, Prevention, Product Toxins, disease, well-being — Marc Woodard @ 16:52

There are many consumer health questions regarding the use of home and restaurant cookware.   Should you be concerned for your family’s health?  I believe there are legitimate concerns out there.  Within our Jan 08 health blog issue, “Alzheimer’s Disease and Aluminum, A Major Contributor” [see MAE Health Repository].  I wrote, “There is much research suggesting when you get into varying chemical sealant composites to bind-bond-seal the aluminum or copper cookware as “THE” protective “HEAT” barrier, this may present other known & unknown health risks.”  This could be a serious issue and deserves full disclosure to all individuals if such a toxic health hazard is possible to you or your family!  You should not only be concerned with leaching aluminum, but the protective chemical coated sealants (tephlon and other chemical component sealants, etc.) released during heating, and absorbed in foods consumed!  Healthy cookware recommendation link listed below.  Reduce toxic exposure health risks with quality cookware. 

Healthy Cookware Recommendations,
 “Stainless Steel Cookware Combines Different Metals – In fact, stainless steel is really a mixture of several different metals, including nickel, chromium and molybdenum, all of which can trickle into foods. However, unless your stainless steel cookware is dinged and pitted, the amount of metals likely to get into your food is negligible.” “Anodized Aluminum Cookware May Be a Safer Alternative – These days, many health conscious cooks are turning to anodized aluminum cookware as a safer alternative. The electro-chemical anodizing process locks in the cookware’s base metal, aluminum, so that it can’t get into food, and makes for what many cooks consider an ideal non-stick and scratch-resistant cooking surface. Calphalon is the leading manufacturer of anodized aluminum cookware, but newer offerings from All Clad (endorsed by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse) and others are coming on strong.”

“Cast Iron Cookware May Actually Improve Health – Another good choice is that old standby, cast iron, which is known for its durability and even heat distribution. Cast iron cookware can also help ensure that eaters in your house get enough iron—which the body needs to produce red blood cells—as it seeps off the cookware into food in small amounts.  Unlike the metals that can come off of some other types of pots and pans, iron is considered a healthy food additive by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Consumers should beware, most cast iron cookware needs to be seasoned after each use and as such is not as worry-free as other alternatives. Lodge Manufacturing is the leading American producer of cast iron cookware.”

“Ceramic Cookware Provides Some Benefits of Cast Iron Without the Bother – For those who like the feel and heat distribution properties of cast iron but dread the seasoning process, ceramic enameled cookware from Le Creuset, World Cuisine and others is a good choice. The smooth and colorful enamel is dishwasher-friendly and somewhat non-stick, and covers the entire surface of such cookware to minimize clean-up headaches.”

“Copper Cookware is Excellent for Certain Uses – Another surface favored by chefs for sauces and sautés is copper, which excels at quick warm-ups and even heat distribution. Since copper can leak into food in large amounts when heated, the cooking surfaces are usually lined with tin or stainless steel.” 

Healthy Cookware Recommendation Resource,
(http://environment.about.com/od/healthenvironment/a/safecookware.htm).
Throw out badly scratched Tephlon pots & pans – Aluminum is a known health risk!
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Issue:  “Diabetes a Serious Disease?”  Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET.  2008 Copyright.  All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Publishing @: www.mirrorathlete.com, Sign up for FREE Monthly eNewsletter.

August 12, 2008

Why Prostate Health Is Important for Men

Filed under: Cancer, Diet, Exercise, Men's Health, Product Toxins, Prostate Cancer, Surgery, Wellness, disease, how to, infection, mortality, tips — Marc Woodard @ 18:20

Although most men don’t understand the overall role, function or importance of prostate health, men over 40 should make every attempt to take care of the prostate gland.  The prostate to a man should be what breast health is to a woman.  Both examinations check for abnormalities within the soft gland tissue.  During a rectal prostate exam the physician is feeling for a hard or lumpy tissue signature that may require further examination.  The prostate gland has two main functions (also known as an exocrine gland that secretes fluids).  These fluids are important in the production of the male reproductive semen.  The prostate gland is also responsible for controlling the flow of urine.  The prostate is slightly larger than a walnut and surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder and can be felt during a rectal exam.  The urethra like the prostate also has two main functions: To carry urine from the bladder and carry semen. 

The prostate continues to grow during most of a man’s life.  This growth does not usually affect prostate health until later in life.  Three common prostate medical diagnosis:  1) Prostatitis – Inflammation of the prostate gland.  Where acute and chronic prostate enlargement conditions are due to bacterial infections and treated with antibiotics.  Possible causes of Prostatitis:  Bacteria & yeast driven infection, virus, food allergy BPH, Auto-immune response, possible rare tumor, physical injury.  2) Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) occurs in older men.  After the age of 50, half of all men have enlarging prostates and by the time they are 80, 80% of these men will have significantly enlarged prostates.  The prostate enlarges to a point where urination is extremely difficult and painful.  BPH can be treated with medication and in extreme cases surgery is required to remove the prostate. 3) Prostate Cancer – One of the most common cancers affecting older men in developed countries and a significant cause of death.  The lethality of prostate cancer stems from the fact, “as an endocrine gland the potential to spread cancer is great (cancerous tumors develop by growth and division “metastasis”) and remission becomes less favorable without prompt treatment.”  The prostate also produces a protein called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA).  The PSA protein produced in the prostate, also found in the semen can be traced in the blood stream.  An elevated PSA blood test is typical when testing to determine if one has prostate cancer but does not necessarily mean you have cancer.  Prostatitis can also elevate PSA levels in the blood.  Regular rectal exams are recommended for older men to detect prostate cancer early. 

If you experience any of the following symptoms seek medical advisement:  Trouble sleeping at night, frequent visits to the bathroom, erectile problems, blood in the urine, poor flow of urine, difficulty in starting the stream.

RECOMMENDATIONS
1)   Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol.  Give up smoking.  Drink plenty of water.
2)   Diet turns out to be of primary importance.  Also high fiber intake is very important.
3)   Start a regular regiment of mild daily exercise.
4)   Get an annual PSA and prostate exam especially after the age of 50.
5)   Visit our wellness company at the home site.  Inquire about our prostate health supplements.
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 Issue:  “Cook Ware Toxic Hazards”  Author:  Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Officer, CPT, RET.  2008 Copyright.  All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Publishing, www.mirrorathlete.com, Sign up for FREE Monthly eNewsletter.       

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

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