Archive for the ‘Health’ Category

If you are wanting to protect yourself against a possible bout with the flu, the Dallas County Health & Human Services site provides a listing of locations offering immunization.

For a number of years I have chosen to fast on occasion. It might be for a day but usually it’s 3-5 days. In October 2006, I managed to fast for 30 days which was an amazing experience. Some people find it insane to willingly go without food, but I fast because I truly like the way it makes me feel physically with higher and more consistent energy levels, easily go to sleep at night, have a restful slumber and giving my body a chance to detox.

A number of people think I am nuts and it drives them batty when I attend lunch meetings and only sip water while they are having something battered, deep fried and covered in cream gravy. I don’t do a water fast but I do fast with fresh vegetable and fruit juices coupled with water and green tea.

I’ve done a great deal of reading on the benefits of fasting and for me, I love it!

So, imagine my delight in reading that the Dallas-based American Heart Association released details about the benefits of fasting! Based upon research from a study at the University of Utah, fasting for as little as one day a month seems to give people healthier heart arteries.

As explained by study author, Dr. Benjamin Horne, removing food for a 24-hour period allows the heart’s arteries to rest and to reset by having the exposure to glucose removed. This in turns allows the arteries to become more sensitive to insulin when it is re-introduced to the system and it can better assimilate it.

*DISCLAIMER*
Please consult your doctor before fasting, eating healthy, partaking in homeopathy remedies, exercising, etc. Remember, the world of pharmaceuticals is big business and it’s important to keep the populace overweight and medically induced while increasing the drug companies profit margins!

A big “HOORAY!” to Parkland Hospital for taking their kitchen’s organic.

Effective next week and in an effort to address the health and well being of staff, patients and visitors, Parkland will be providing organic meals prepared with produce from local suppliers which helps our local farmers and economy.

Parkland is the first hospital in North Texas to make this change and we hope that others will soon follow suit!

I was having a discussion the other day with an acquaintance and I was asked, “What do you think is the greatest waste of time?” I replied people that watch the “daily average” of television or gamers are the most tragic examples of time wasters.

So began an enthusiastic debate — one side saying they don’t watch “that” much TV and then proceeded to list a dozen shows they watched. And then you have me who’s of the mindset of, OK, so you are essentially saying that TV junkies and gamers should revel in the fact that their epitaph can be something along the lines of “Mastered the art of sitting on their a$$ and jacking with a joystick?”

Now keep in mind, I actively work to practice non-judgment — it’s a daily challenge. But I just honestly cannot understand why so many people wish to live vicariously through people on a screen. And for what it’s worth to the other side, there is much in my lifestyle that would shock and awe and be deemed dangerous and reckless.

According to Nielsen research, “…the total average time a household watched television during the 2005-2006 television year was 8 hours and 14 minutes per day, a 3-minute increase from the 2004-2005 season and a record high. The average amount of television watched by an individual viewer increased 3 minutes per day to 4 hours and 35 minutes, also a record….”

Why, in God’s name, would anyone want to squander almost THIRTY-ONE HOURS a WEEK watching TV?! And that’s not even including the time wasted on the computer.

And people are surprised that America is becoming fat and lethargic and diseased? With such a sedentary lifestyle, how can a person NOT be?

I find it so mind numbing that here we are living in one of the most wonderful countries in the world and people are just throwing their lives away by being slaves to content on a monitor.

Yesterday, I visited an acquaintance I know from the Corvette club. She’s 63 and proceeded to spend almost 5 minutes listing off everything that was wrong with her physically. On my ride home, I was thinking of Jagger and the boys. (in case you didn’t know, I adore the Rolling Stones).

What a beautiful, wonderful example they are. In their mid-60’s, selling out arenas all over the world and kudos to Sir Mick for dancing for 2 hours every concert at the age of 64. Limber, athletic, and he’s handling almost all major business issues having to do with the band.

When I’m that age, I sincerely pray that I am that well!

So what is it that determines the route one takes as they age?

Personally, I believe in the strength in being pro-active by continually seeking out what is good and right for your life and staying active. I believe in the importance in keeping one’s body and mind well nourished which means only good material goes in. And I believe in balance. I’m not religious but I am very spiritual. I ride motorcycles and drive sports cars but have a natural aversion to any sensible family sedan-like car. I hate to sweat but I do pilates daily. I like good wines but avoid soft drinks. I take absolutely no prescription medications but swear by anti-bacterial’s and homeopathy remedies.

In my career, I work on 3 TV shows in production and have 2 in pre-production….yet I don’t have a TV or computer at my home. (Strange but true, a lot of people in media production don’t watch much, if any, TV). I can easily work 10-14 hour days and the time flies by. When it’s time for home, I commute 6 blocks and live in a loft on a busy street in Deep Ellum. My loft is my refuge from the world so the times that I am there, it’s relaxing and I’m able to recharge. My entertainment at home (aside from the boyfriend) are my books…I am passionate about books. In my free time, I prefer the films that are at the Magnolia or Angelica, I love events of all types, and social networking opportunities. I love variety and involvement with life….and I just can’t find that by sitting in front of a TV with a bag of chips.

A great quote that’s used often in the biking world is:

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely, in a pretty and well preserved body….but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up…totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, WOW…What a Ride!”

So if you are ready to get in gear, here are some resources for expanding your horizons: