Tuesday, March 24, 2015

ABC NEWS REPORTER DIES FROM A BRAIN ANEURYSM

On March 18, 2015, Lisa Colagrossi died from a brain aneurysm.  She was a well- known ABC news reporter in New York City.  Only 49 years old Lisa died while she was returning from covering a news story.   Why did this have to happen? What is a brain aneurysm?

Thursday, July 10, 2014

SHAKING YOURSELF FIT CAN BE DANGEROUS

By Gail Sas


Whole body vibration (WBV) exercise involves standing (or doing 

movements such as squats) on a vibrational platform. These 

machines have been promoted heavily at various fitness conventions 

that I have attended.


Friday, May 23, 2014

Understanding Target Heart Rate In Exercise

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Written by Gail Sas

Topics: Exercise

Our bodies have a mind of their own!  Our brains tend to like convenience and comfort.  However, if you are trying to make progress in your aerobic plan then understanding what the target heart rate really means and how do we know if we are in it would be important. If we continue to just stroll along and never move faster, change won’t happen.  While this can be challenging over the long term, working at a specific heart rate is necessary, especially as we age.

Hormone Replacement Therapies Vs. Synthetic Varieties

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Written by Gail Sas


Our endocrine system produces a variety of hormones.  All have their own purpose and function to perform.   Many interact with each other. The endocrine system is made up of glands that secrete these hormones.  These hormones function on body cells, tissues, organs or systems.  The pituitary, testes, ovaries, pancreas, thyroid and adrenal cortex make up the endocrine system.  More recently, science has also documented hormone secretion from ‘non-traditional’ sites such as the heart, kidney, liver and adipose tissue.  A person’s gender causes certain secretions to be more prevalent than the other.  For example, males produce high levels of testosterone whereas females have higher levels of estrogen and progesterone, and lower levels of testosterone compared to males.  However, when changes take place, such as under active thyroid or over active thyroid conditions and menopause, hormone problems begin. Hormones coordinate biochemical activity throughout the body.  They are chemical messengers that orchestrate metabolic processes by stimulating all types of cell changes. Hormones level decline with age, disease and trauma or surgeries such as hysterectomies.

Calcium Supplements And Myocardial Infarction

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Written by Gail Sas


Image Courtesy: Walter Groesel

Once again a report surfaced that put terror in many people’s thinking.  This time it is calcium supplementation.  A recent meta-analysis study suggests that calcium supplements can increase the risk for myocardial infarction.

Artifical Sweetners

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Written by Gail Sas

Image Courtesy: PunchingJudy

You’ve heard the words Splenda, Nutrasweet, Saccharin (which is Sweet ‘N Low) and Stevia among others.  Artificial sweeteners, also called sugar substitutes, offer the sweetness of sugar without the calories.  Artificial sweeteners are many times sweetener than sugar, so it takes a smaller amount to sweeten foods.  This is why foods made with artificial sweeteners may have fewer calories than those made with sugar.

Everything You Would Ever Want To Know About Sugar – Well Almost!

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Written by Gail Sas



Do you know that the consumption of sugar has increased by 20% since 1970? Some people are consuming a lot of it.  Soft drinks are the number one source of added sugar in the American diet.  And this doesn’t curb appetite.  The more sugar consumed the more the brain signals GIVE US MORE!!!!!

If you are just beginning to learn about the ingredients and nutritional facts on various packaged products, you might think you are sitting in the middle of a pile of white granulated stuff known as sugar!  Hopefully your eyes are still open!

Creatine and Strength Improvements

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Written by Gail Sas



A large body of work over several years has clearly shown that creatine supplementation enhances performance and strength gains.  All of which has proven that this is a safe and effective supplement to have in the athletes game plan.

Creatine monohydrate is a synthetic version of an amino acid found naturally in the body, primarily in skeletal muscle.  It is essential for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the fuse for motion involving muscle contraction.

So Which Weight Is Right For You?

Written by Gail Sas



It depends on your personal goals.  For example, a women looking for strength gains might be concerned primarily with the size of his/her muscles.  However, most people should use both the scale and the tape measure.

But try not to be a slave to either instrument.  Instead, weigh yourself just once or twice a month, and take your measurements at the same time.  Rather than always watching the numbers, pay more attention to the fit of your clothing.

Focusing on pounds or inches can be discouraging and very frustrating.  Individual bodies change in different ways.  That can depend on things like: genetics, the exercises you perform, age and other factors.

Instead of picking a particular weight or measurement for your goal, consider measuring your performance in other ways.  For example, focus on adding an extra ten minutes to every cardio session, or some extra weight to your strength training routine. As you accomplish these types of goals, you’ll just naturally end up with a leaner, stronger and healthier body – no matter how you choose to measure it!

Should I Lose Pounds or Inches?

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Written by Gail Sas




When you first start an exercise program, the scale may feel like your best friend.  Most people find their biggest successes in terms of pounds lost.  This happens during the first few weeks of any new exercise regimen.  However, body weight (the sum total of our body’s contents), can fluctuate based on numerous factors, such as water retention, hormones and even the actual weight of the food you ate at your last meal.  And watching those numbers on the scale move both up and down on a regular basis can often be discouraging.

Understanding Body Fat Analysis

UNDERSTANDING BODY FAT ANALYSIS
By Gail Sas


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There is growing evidence that clearly links body composition with health risks and development of certain diseases.  New research indicates that fat loss, not weight loss, can extend human longevity.

By measuring body composition rather then relying on the bathroom scale, a person’s health status can be more accurately assessed and the effects of both dietary and physical activity programs can be better adjusted!  The bathroom scale shows the sum total of our body’s contents (bones, organs, body fluids, skin, hair, muscles, etc.) even the weight of the food you ate at your last meal.  Not to mention our fluid retention!  

Permission Pudding

Graciously shared by my friend Ana at www.yogabodynutrition.com


Ingredients:

4-5 ripe persimmons

1 Tbsp. (or to taste) fresh lime or lemon juice

½ tsp. (or to taste) cinnamon

1-2 tsp. vanilla (vanilla powder is optional)

1 Tbsp. ground golden flax seed, but it just yields a slightly less thick consistency


Put it all into a Vita-Mix for the smoothest consistency.  A regular blender or food processor can work too.

Chill.  YUMMY.

Trampoline Workout

Jumping on a mini trampoline (also called rebounding) is a low-impact cardio workout that improves muscle tone and balance while torching 160 calories per 30 minutes of bouncing, fitness experts say.  

Basic Trampoline Bounce routines as follows:

1.       Stand on the mini trampoline with your feet about 6 inches apart.

2.       Bend your arms, keeping your elbows at your sides.

YOUNGER PEOPLE NOT EXEMPT FROM STROKE!

Concept of certain illnesses or disorders are often thought to be age related.  Not true!  Every age range can develop disorders of every kind!

Stroke is one of those disorders that are turning up in younger people more frequently. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of long-term disability.  This has become a lifestyle disease, even in younger individuals.  Like type 2 diabetes, years of poor diet, sedentary lifestyles debilitate the bodies ability to live healthy.  These damaging effects are amplified and have begun to start earlier in life.  Today’s youth were raised in an era of chemically fortified and sodium loaded processed and fast foods, and as a result they will face an even greater risk of chronic diseases as they age even more so than their parents are facing today.

HOME SHAPE UP PLANNING

Are you out there shoveling snow, dealing with ice and scraping off your car windows?  Are you in pain after that endurance effort?  Think strength training and a home exercise plan.  When that snow and cold is covering the earth are you thinking  how easy is having equipment at home?  Yes snuggling under the blankets seems comforting, but moving your body in an aerobic manner keeps you warmer longer.  Many products are available.  More on that in a minute!


Vitamin D Deficiency in Children

















Study after study indicates the very important role vitamin D provides in disease and health.  Vitamin D (which often develops insidiously in children) should be on every parent’s and pediatrician’s radar.  Many physicians agree.

Physicians from the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center state that vitamin D deficiency can be a problem year round, but because sun exposure is critical for vitamin D synthesis and production, the winter months further exacerbate what is a perennial problem.  

CHOCOLATE WITH BENEFITS



There is some very good news for those of us who love chocolate.  Plain and darker the better!  While it still contains sugar, the darkest chocolate has many benefits! The cacoa should be 80% or higher.

Chocolate is derived from the roasted cacao beans.  The hulled meat of the bean, or the “nib,” is ground into a liquefied form then usually sweetened and flavored. 

The beans come from the seed pods of an evergreen tree that originally grew in Central and South America. Now grown around the equator, cacao tree plantations can be found in the Caribbean, Africa, Southeast Asia and even in the South Pacific islands of Samoa, New Guinea and Hawaii.

Calcium Supplements And Myocardial Infarction

Image Courtesy: Walter Groesel

Once again a report surfaced that put terror in many people’s thinking.  This time it is calcium supplementation.  A recent meta-analysis study suggests that calcium supplements can increase the risk for myocardial infarction.
I have read three reviews evaluating the studies. One says that “vitamin D supplements at a dose of approximately 1000 IU’s  per day were associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease. The report also said that “there is no compelling evidence that the combination of calcium with vitamin D significantly increases the risk for cardiovascular events, and physicians may continue to recommend this therapy to postmenopausal women unless new research demonstrates an increased level of risk.”

How Important Is The Body Mass Index Evaluation?

Officially known as the Quetelet Index, the Body Mass Index is a widely used clinical assessment to determine the appropriateness of the person’s scale weight. However, this is another theory and just a guideline. Many factors contribute to the overall evaluation of whether a person is actually overweight or obese. Much of that has been written in other articles on this site.

The Truth About Eggs












Various claims say that most of the dietary cholesterol in Western communities comes from eggs. Mostly found in the yolk of the egg. However, a large study from Harvard in 1999 found no association between eggs and heart disease, except in people with diabetes. Studies since then have similarly vindicated eggs. The unsaturated fats and other nutrients, including B vitamins, in eggs may be beneficial to heart health.

Cytokines

What are cytokines?  Did you know you had them?  We all do!  They are important chemical messengers.  Known as proteins that are produced by white blood cells.  They perform serveral important functions.  Cytokines allow our bodies to maintain homeostasis.  Cytokines can cause the immune system to increase the production of T-cells (for a short time) to combat an infection.  This helps to bring the bacteria under control.

Blood testing is available and very valuable in diagnosing autoimmune disorders and underlying causes of chronic inflammatory diseases.

Menisci tears

In the very near future my husband will undergo outpatient surgery to repair a torn meniscus in the inside of his right knee.  This occured while he attempted to remove his very heavy brief case from the back of a rental car.  The large and poorly designed side doors were not meant to open fully in a parking space.  They open outward instead of sliding.  Fortunately, this surgery and recovery should be simple.

Menisci are pads of cartilage which act as cushions between the two bones (the femur and the tibia) that  help distribute body weight in the joint.  Without the meniscus present, the weight of the body would be unevenly applied to the bones in the leg. This uneven weight distribution would cause excessive forces in specific areas of bone leading to early arthritis of the knee joint.  Therefore, the function of the meniscus is critical to the health of a person's knee.

Barefoot running brings injuries

Born to run barefoot? Maybe.  Literally born to run barefoot from birth is the norm in some cultures.  The residents live this way easily.  From birth may be the clue.  Not partaking in marathon running routinely may also be part of the picture. However, adeptation isn't so easy in those who enjoy running for exercise. Many converts have become inspired by a book which widely sparked the barefoot running craze in the Western world.  The book focuses on an Indian tribe in Mexico whose members run long distances without pain in little more than sandles. I haven't read this book, so I'm not sure how often the Indian tribe is doing accomplishing long distance running effectively.

Do you have a Q-angle?

In medical terms this condition is called patellofemoral pain syndrome. A term that refers to patients with nonspecific anterior knee pain. This is the most common knee problem seen by specialists.

One important concept in patellofemoral joint function is the quadricepts angle (Q-angle). A higher Q-angle increases the lateral pull of the quadricepts femoris muscle on the patella and potentiates patellofemoral disorders. Specific measurements can be done by both specialists and physical therapists.

Green Coffee in a Pill???

A small study reported impressive weight losses in a group of 16 overweight patients.  These patients took a green coffee bean extract. The patients were eight men and eight women between the ages of 22 and 46.  Each received a dose of 1,050 mg. of green coffee bean extract for six weeks, then a lower dosage of 700 mg. for another six weeks and finally a placebo for six weeks.  Between each six-week phase there was a two-week "washout" period during which the paticipants took no supplements.  Results showed that they lost an average of 17.5 pounds in 22 weeks, reducing their overall body weight by 10.5 percent.  No side effects were reported.

Grazing might not lead to weight loss

A study published in the journal Cell Metabolism this past May, reported that researchers fed two sets of mice a high-fat diet, allowing one group to eat whenever they wanted - consuming roughly half their food during their waking hours in the evening, and the other half as "snacks" throughout the day, while the other group of mice were restricted to eight-hour eating periods each night, and 16-hour fasting periods through the day.  Two control groups ate a typical diet, comprised of only 13 percent calories from fat (as compared to 60 percent in the high-fat experimental groups.)

Drink to your health this year!

Ever have a great green veggie smoothie?  This drink is an energy booster, a health promoter and simply enjoyable!  Drink as many times a week as you can do it.  Once a day is recommended. Easy to blend in a blender. Take it on the go!  Fast food with the best benefits!  This is the best way to get many vegetables into our bodies!  You will need a blender that can mulsify food into a juice.  Many are on the market. I'll be adding others soon.  Here is the recipe:
Greens and Ginger
2 cups spinach
2 cups kale
2 celery stalks (quartered)
1/2 inch or teaspoon fresh ginger root
1 bunch of parsley
2 apples
Juice of one lime
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Combine all ingredients in an appropriate blender.  This makes approximately 3 - 4 serings. Drink up!!!  Enjoy! Let me know your results.

Digestive Health

We all get bloated and a little intestinal uncomfortable from time to time.  Approximately 70% of our body's immune system lives in our digestive tracts.  Maintaining balanced digestive health is essential for promoting optimal health.  No matter how well we eat, if our digestive system isn't breaking down and absorbing the nutrients in our food and eliminating the waste then our body can't get (or get rid of) what it needs to in order to keep us healthy.  Good bacteria (known as probiotics) and enzymes play a key role in proper absorption and elimination.  As well as healthy fiberous foods. Most quality health food stores with a supplement department can guide their customers in the best products available to help these key factors.

To My Readers

I haven't posted lately, however, I just want to inform you a newsletter will be coming shortly.  Keep watching!  Sign up with a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">real</span> email address and you can learn more!

I have just attended a three day business advancement course in Denver, CO.  This was tremendously helpful.  I have ideas for books and other avenues to help people in the fitness and health field.

If, by chance, you use kettle bells in your exercise training, or teach it, the organization I am associated with has certification programs.  Let me know if you are interested and I will put you in contact with the best CEO on the planet! You would have to attend the training in Denver, CO however.

Be well, Gail

Future books to be forthcoming

I've been away from writing on my site for quite some time.  I am delving deep in the years of research that I've collected.  Finally, I am starting a series of books referencing problems associated with hormonal disregulation.

The first book is a primer on the endocrine system.  This system encompasses a group of glands which function to regulate an produce hormonal responses.  Which in turn provide a balance for our bodies to process energy, nutritional absorption and many other functions.

There is way too much assumption that exists both in the fitness field and the medical community. I am hoping to sort out fact from fiction in all that I have experienced and seen in my clients.

While the first book is about the basics of the endocrine system, books to follow will be specifically about thyroid problems as well as adrenal glands.  Also encompassed in this series will be books on autoimmune disorders as well as others concepts.

This first book is almost finished and the others will take a bit more time. They will be available for purchase through my site and other sources.

If you have specific questions that perhaps you are struggling with please leave me a message.  Please only leave me real questions, no advertising and no other promotional site info.

I hope to hear your real questions.

Thanks.

Thyroid and Weight Gain

Thyroid and Weight Gain

Whatever causes changes to make thyroid run on low, consequences happen. The pathway to thyroid weight gain involves changes in brain chemistry (brain fog), carb cravings, weight gain, low energy, depressed mood among other symptoms.  Low thyroid hormone levels lead to altered serotonin and beta-endorphin.  GABA and other neurotransmitters that regulate appetite, energy and mood can also be affected.

Thyroid conditions affect other glands as well, especially adrenal glands.  Together these two glands support our energy production and weight control. Especially when levels are low.

More information forthcoming in my books.

Rebounding at my IDEAFIT convention

I was happy to come home and see all the comments regarding the article I wrote on rebounding exercise.  I just attended the IDEAFIT convention in Los Angeles, California.  What a fantastic educational experience.  Not only are there excellent classes to take (and I took many) but the trade show is outstanding also. I have been going for at least 8 years.

Trampoline dealers were there.  I saw at least three dealers.  All dealers have DVD available to bounce along while following a DVD routine.  Newer trampolines are available for stability and safety.  As well as providing a quality bounce.

Enjoy this activity.  It is the best for cellular health and health in general!  A great exercise routine.  Especially when you can't get out due to weather conditions or other reasons. You can get it done easily!

Check out IDEAFIT.com for more info on them.  Over 800 people attended this years convention from all over the world.  All levels of fitness professionals were there.  And the very basic beginners as well.  An excellent organization. Open to all.

If you join tell them you saw it here! Thanks, Gail

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

The Benefits in Rebounding


 

 

 

 

 

 

The Benefits in Rebounding

Written by Gail Sas

Image Courtesy: scherre

This unique exercise tool has been around for approximately 50 years.  Also known as the mini-trampoline, most people might think this should be a child’s activity.  It actually got its start in physical therapy practices.  This exercising tool has numerous health benefits.  Even more so than swimming.  While both are extremely low impact the mini-trampoline does wonders for our overall health!
Among the many benefits, cardiovascular ailments improve greatly by using the rebounding techniques.  For those who are recovering from a heart attack, the recommendation often is to exercise.  One must exercise to prevent heart problems as well as improving overall health issues or preventing them to begin with.  The patient should not engage in exercise until he or she discusses their limitations with their physician, including the desirability of special testing for the amount of stress they can tolerate during any exercise program.
On Albert E. Carter’s web site there are 30 specific benefits of performing rebounding aerobics on a regular basis.  One of the most interesting is that it tends to stop premature aging.  The effects of hardening of the arteries are reversed, prevented or diminished.  By conquering this ultimate pathology of the main degenerative disease you will keep our mind alert, skin smooth, skeleton flexibility, libido intact, kidneys functioning, blood circulating, liver detoxifying, enzyme systems alive, hold onto your memory, and avoid different symptoms of the aging process.  Rebounding aerobics will do it all for you.  It offers limberness, pliability, strength, and stretch, for all parts of the body.
One man in particular the President of Houck Industries, Inc. of Tulare, California had incorporated many rebounding units into his work place!  At first he bought a rebounding unit for himself.  After seeing the benefits that it had on his own body, he decided it was something his factory employees would enjoy.  He requested Al Carter (mentioned above) from The National Institute of Rebounding and Health to come and teach the employees about the new miracle tool.  Eventually Mr. Houck bought fifty two rebound units.  He encouraged all of his employees to use them.  All of the employees who used these units were less stressed, productivity on the job improved and the employees spirits were uplifted.  Blood pressure dropped and other health benefits were found to be achieved by all of those employees.
It is the gravitational load, otherwise known as the G-force, which strengthens the musculoskeletal systems. Rebounding protects the joints from the chronic fatigue and impact delivered by exercising on hard surfaces.  Rebounding helps managed body composition and improves muscle-to-fat ratio.  This wonderful exercising tool also aids in lymphatic circulation by stimulating the millions of one-way valves in the lymphatic system.  Cleansing the lymphatic system improves the immune system.  Rebounding increases capacity for respiration.  It also tends to reduce the height to which the arterial pressures rise during exertion.

Arthritis and Exercise













 Written by Gail Sas

It seems as though most of us will develop arthritis to some extent in our life time.  When we develop arthritis, we may think we can’t possibly begin an exercise program or continue the one we are doing. Even if arthritis has been part of our lives for years, exercise is critical.  Making the effort to participate in some form of exercise increases strength and flexibility, reduces joint pain and helps to combat fatigue.


Aging And Longevity












Written by Gail Sas

Image Courtesy: Michael Cohenal

How do we age?  Do we age according to how we have lived our lives throughout? Or is it a continuous pull on the gravitational force into the end of it? It doesn’t have to be so bad.  A lot of research is available to understand the processes and how we go through it. As well as improving upon it all. And yes, we have to work at a more conscientious awareness as we develop the process so it can be the best it can be!


Aging and Exercise




Written by Gail Sas
Image Courtesy: Faceless B
Many years ago researchers at Tufts University in Boston developed a theory that all “older” adults should become weightlifters.  Initially there was some skepticism in the medical community.  But the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine proved them wrong.
The study was conducted on 100 nursing home residents whose average age was 87.  One half of the residents participated in ordinary nursing home activities, while the other half worked out intensely with weights for 45 minutes – three times a week.  Those residents who participated in the intense training increased walking speed by 12 percent.  Four residents who had been using walkers before the study were able to switch to canes!


Aging Theories











Written by Gail Sas
Gerontology is the study of aging.  Fairly new to scientific studies.  Yet much is coming to everyone’s knowledge about how we go into this process.  There are many theories about aging.  One group theorizes that aging is a natural and programmed process within our physiological changes.  An accumulation of damage over time.  Another theory believes that aging is a result of a complex interaction of genetics, chemistry, physiology and behavior.