My Daily Wellness Tip

Have You Ever Felt Rushed at Your Medical Doctor’s Appointment?

 

I know that I have in the past, and often times, as a result, we leave the doctor’s office without all the answers we were seeking, or with a drug that we are not sure that we even want to take.

Here is what I would recommend: first, the next time you have a doctor’s appointment, make sure that you write down all the questions that you have for him or her.  That way, when your appointment is coming to an end, you can review your notes and make sure that he or she covered all of your concerns/questions. 

Second, one of the questions that should be on your list is: “Is this the only option for treatment?” or “Is there an alternative?”  This is very important because often times, when we are prescribed a drug/medication, there are more conservative approaches that can be taken first.  In my experience, most medical doctors will be open to this, if we just ask.  That’s why writing this question down is so important because in the rush, we often forget to ask because we are caught in the moment. 

The goal with your visit should be to take a conservative approach first, which greatly limits the possibility of side effects (i.e. allowing the body to heal itself with a natural immune response, chiropractic, massage therapy, etc.), take a drug/medication as a 2^nd best option due to the possible side effects of that particular medication, and surgery last, because it is almost always irreversible.

 

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Slimming & Reshaping Gel-Cream

You know summer is just around the corner when companies launch their products by adding a twist of slimming or toning or shaping to it. Last week we saw the running shoes that "make you fit" now  yesterday I receive news from Ashley of the commercial for slimming and reshaping cream. The magical ingredients you ask? White tea and anise extract.

Studies that show transdermal white tea as an effective method to burn fat? None

Studies that show transdermal anise extract as an effective method to burn fat? None

But why create a cream that has absolutely no effect? My thoughts are that some people may confuse research with a very similar looking plant called the liquorice plant. The liquorice plant has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as an adaptogen for a long time. Liquorice root cream can alter your endocrine system and has been shown to have different effect on your cortisol and testosterone levels which could in some people help lower body fat.

So what do I have to say about Nivea's My Silhouette, re-shaping gel?

Scam!

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The True Hockey Fan

I admire the hard core hockey fan. Hard core hockey fans are consistent. They watch the entire season finding out who's being traded and who's signing where. They consistently root for their favorite team through the ups and downs and will never miss a game. They love the game. They are true fans.

Then there's the people that only watch the playoffs and would drop their home team in a second. They're fake. They remind me of the people that decide to get in shape on the first of January when the buzz about fitness is high and within a few weeks (when times get tough) they quit. 

When it comes to your health - Don't be a fake, be a true fan!

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Business Owners, Executives and Professionals

In the world of business we think strategy before tactics. It’s safe to say that by simply using a tactic (like placing a random ad in a random newspaper) without a strategy won’t be nearly as effective as if it was backed by a good strategy. Your business strategy is usually first broken down in its simplest form like this for example; 1. Acquisition 2. Retention/delivery 3. Referral/buzz. You can then breakdown each one of those categories into other separate strategies and finally tactics.

Well, have you ever considered a strategy for your health? The P90X, the diet book, the treadmill, the gym membership, these are all tactics. I’ve seen many people in my career get in shape but I’ve also seen many people gain all their weight back or lose all their hard earned muscle because they didn’t have a strategy in place. They thought about tactics first. Here are the 3 most basic health and fitness components that will make sure you reach your goal and maintain a healthy and vibrant life.

1.    Nutrition
2.    Exercise
3.    Accountability

Nutrition without exercise will make you lose muscle mass, bone mass and you will eventually plateau on your weight loss. Nutrition without accountability may be easy at first but when times get busy diet seems to take the back seat. This is where accountability is most important.

Exercise without proper nutrition will not ensure a healthy body, maybe you will look in shape for the first while but there are so many nutrients your body needs when you exercise. You need to back it up with good nutrition. If you’re the type of person that doesn’t quite “Love” to work out and has not grown up doing this consistently then accountability for exercise will be very important too.  Just take a look at the January rush and the February fall of fitness memberships.

When I say accountability I mean something or someone that will help keep you going and will motivate you to make it a habit of life. This can be a friend, a partner, writing your own blog, a coach. The top athletes in the world all have coaches not only for their knowledge but because they are held accountable to putting in the work needed to get to their goal.

Time to think strategy!

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Setting a Healthy Example for Our Kids

I was reading recently the Winter 2010 issue of “Toonies for Tummies”, and I came across an article where they quoted Dr. Janet Grabowski, a Winnipeg pediatrician.  I totally agree with what she is saying about setting a healthy example.

This is what she said: “The children won’t pay attention when you break away from your favorite reality TV show to shout, “Enough of the video games – get outside and play!”  Kids really see what the adults do.  That includes copying your propensity to binge on junk food or let your bike gather dust in the garage.  And your message about drinking, smoking, and drugs will fall on deaf ears if they catch you being a hypocrite.  But if you do spend time on your health, both physical and mental, you’ll be a better parent for it, and your kids will be more likely to learn how to take care of themselves.”  

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Can These Shoes Make You Fit?

When I first saw this commercial I laughed. I thought there was no way anyone would actually believe that the shape of that shoe will make you lose weight and build your butt and legs. I mean wearing high heals would probably be more effective.

But then I thought a little harder and remembered that when it comes to fitness gimmicks some people will buy just about anything. Even the shake weight is getting great sales.

The marketing behind this is hilarious; they have 2 ridiculous hypothesis on the website that they call “clinical studies”. They even managed to get Joe Montana to endorse them.

One Twitter search later for the keyword Sketchers Shapeups and Reebok Easytone and I realized that the buzz has already started. People are buying them.

Why buy normal shoes when you can by shoes that COULD make you lose weight?

Do they work? – Absolutely not

Will they make a difference in your weight loss? – Of course not.

But then again; if they encourage you to walk around, go for it.
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