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I thought the way she thinks was cleaver, especially when you think of staying healthy with the word SNOWBOARD.

It’s Winter – Time to think about that SNOWBOARD!

By Dr. Margaret Lewin – Medical Director, Cinergy Health (www.cinergyhealth.com)

              With all the inconveniences of winter (driving and walking on rain and ice-slicked roads, dressing in clumsy layers so you’re not too cold outside and not too warm inside, feeling weighed down by the gray skies) , your thoughts just might be going farther north – where the cold and the snow can be enjoyed on the slopes!  The following are a few tips for enjoying some healthy time on that S.N.O.W.B.O.A.R.D.!

Stay away from sick people – at least 3 to 6 feet, when possible.  If the passenger next to you on the plane is coughing and sneezing, and you can’t change seats, offer him a packet of tissues and turn the air vent toward him.

Never go outside without wearing a good sunscreen.  The combination of high altitude and reflected light from the snow expose you to significant damaging UVA and UVB rays.  Not only is sun exposure a risk for skin cancers, but it’s also a major cause of pre-mature wrinkling.  (Just look at the skin of the year-long ‘ski bums’ around you – they’re probably at least 10 years younger than you’d predict by looking at the lines and crevices on their faces!)

Obtain your flu shot(s) at least two weeks before your travel, so you have time to rev up your immune system for your trip.

Wash your hands scrupulously before touching your face or eating.  There are only two ways to catch a cold or the flu: by getting the virus from an ill person’s sneezing or coughing directly at you, or by his coughing into his hand and then touching a doorknob or banister which you yourself touch – picking up the virus.  Once you touch your face or food with that contaminated hand, you’re well on your way to spending part of your well-deserved vacation huddled under the covers alone except for some aspirin and a cup of lukewarm chicken soup… looking wistfully out the window at the happy, healthy skiers.

Be sure to get enough sleep and fluids.  Winter vacations can be physically exhausting, and your system needs enough rest for you to enjoy the next day’s activities.  You also need plenty of fluids to compensate for the dry, cold air outside and the warm dry air in front of the fireplace.

Over-the-counter vitamin D (at least 800IU daily) is thought to offer some protection against colds and the flu.  (You also need vitamin D for good bone health, and it may even offer some protection against the eventual development of heart disease and dementia.)

Allow plenty of time to get in shape before your trip, concentrating on exercises which protect your knees, hips and balance.

Remember to check your health insurance when you schedule your vacation.  Make sure that you’re generously covered for medical evacuation… just in case.  If your policy isn’t adequate, take a look at such internet sites as http://www.insuremytrip.com/ to find inexpensive travel health and accident coverage.

Don’t forget to eat healthily just because you’re on vacation.  You will have burned up about 400 calories every hour you’ve skied, giving you the chance to sneak in some extra calories during the day.  Aim for light, healthy snacks (such as fruit or trail mix) – remembering that you don’t ski your best on a very full stomach.  You really can eat your evening meal healthily without feeling deprived by following a few simple rules.

·        Eat slowly – it takes at least 20 minutes to ‘feel full’, so you’ll eat less and enjoy it more if you just slow down.

·        Skip the bread (or share a piece)

·        Order a great salad as an appetizer – dressing on the side

·        Choose any fabulous main course (as long as it’s not fried) – sauce on the side

·        Share your dessert

·        Order wine by the glass so you and your companion won’t feel compelled to finish the bottle.

So enjoy the sun, enjoy the slopes, enjoy the food, and have a wonderful, healthy time on that S.N.O.W.B.O.A.R.D.!

Post from: Blisstree

Staying Healthy: Think Snowboard

This thought makes perfect sense to me. There has been a movement, ever since The Secret came out, that says if you think only positive thoughts and focus on your goal, you will attract positive things to you. This is great advice, but not always realistic. For example, sometimes life is unpredictable and even the most wonderful, blessed, positive people get slammed with something devastating. During those times, it is extremely helpful to let out your anger. Acknowledge it.

Typically, our friends and family will tell us to “cheer up” or “think positively” when something bad has happened. While I understand this (and have certainly done it myself), I also think that it’s healthier to go with the anger when we feel like and to act a little grumpy. It goes against human nature to be happy all the time. (After all, we’re not robots.)

The BBC News says that “grumpy people boast better decision making skills, exhibit more conscientious, careful thinking and make for better communicators.” In other words, being grumpy means we are “more real” than those who are constantly bubbly.

Being a little grumpy also lets other people know you are human. You may be treated a little bit better because others know you aren’t going to smile and say, “It’s okay” when someone uses or takes advantage of you. If you allow your grumpy mood to come through, it can also open up a dialog with someone like your friend or your spouse. You know what it’s like to just ignore something that bothers you, right? If you never talk to the person, or bring it up, it actually can make you angrier. Stuffing emotions is never a good thing, and that’s what’s good about being grumpy.

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Being Grumpy Is a Good Thing!

Studies have shown that support in general greatly helps with things like weight loss and managing diabetes. I know there are several professional people who could be wellness coaches, but with the economy what it is right now, would most of us be able to afford it? But what if you had a knowledgeable partner in your life to be your guide? Just having to “report” to someone can often make us think twice about choices.

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Do You Need a Wellness Coach?

Employees are reminded to wash their hands often, stay home if they feel they have the flu, and seek medical attention immediately if their symptoms worsen.

They also encouraged employers to allow telecommuting, as it might help with the spread of the flu. So if you’ve been looking for an opportunity to talk to your boss about working from home, now might be the perfect time to do it.

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Post from: Blisstree

3 Flu Shots and Telecommuting

Have you heard the thought that aspirin, specifically anti-inflammatory aspirin, is helpful in preventing diabetes?

Well researchers took this same concept and applied it to low-dose aspirin. The result? That low-dose aspirin, while having many other healthful benefits, does not help prevent Type 2 diabetes.

David S. H. Bell, MD, an Endocrine Today Editorial Board member, said:

“This finding is not surprising since low dose aspirin was utilized. High dose aspirin or other salicylates, which are truly anti-inflammatory, have been shown to decrease insulin resistance and perhaps improve beta cell function. Clinical trials to evaluate the effects of high dose salicylates are being performed in patients with type 2 diabetes and the results of these trials will be more meaningful.”

If you have any questions about whether YOU should be taking aspirin to help prevent diabetes, consult your doctor. Never assume that this will work based on a study or two. Do the research and always discuss it with your doctor before changing your health care routine.

Post from: Blisstree

Low-Dose Aspirin Not Effective in Diabetes Treatment

This is news NO diabetic likes to hear. Larry Miller, who owns the pro basketball team the Utah Jazz, has “had both of his legs amputated 6 inches below the knee.”

Mr. Miller has Type 2 diabetes and has been using a wheelchair even before the surgery. We wish Mr. Miller a speedy recovery. Our thoughts go out to you!

Post from: Blisstree

Utah Jazz Owner and Diabetic Suffers Double Amputation

One of the most frustrating things about diabetes is that you often get other ailments along with it. As soon as you get diagnosed with diabetes, you are automatically at risk for other diseases such as heart disease or stroke.

It’s one reason diabetes is such a difficult disease to deal with. Emotionally and physically, it takes a toll.

That’s why I like to here news like this. Researchers at Sanford have received “an American Diabetes Association Career Development Award to help understand why people who have diabetes often die from heart disease or stroke.”

The grant is in excess of $870,000 and will be paid out over five years. They will study both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics.

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Stanford Researchers Receive Grant from ADA

Here’s a scary thought: With all the lay offs happening these days workers are finding it increasingly difficult to keep their health insurance. That’s ESPECIALLY frightening for diabetics.

A survey over at CNN says that in 2007, “researchers found that two-thirds of workers, if they were laid off, would be eligible for COBRA. Data from 2006 data suggest that only 9 percent would opt into the program.”

Since costs are higher now, that problem is probably even more prevalent.

It’s difficult. I know one of my fears has always been that I wouldn’t have health insurance. I’ve stayed at jobs I hated because of that, and when offered COBRA I did spend the money for it even though money was tight.

Diabetics need insurance. The costs are outrageous and without it they could forgo treatment or testing – which would only make them sicker.

Post from: Blisstree

Lay Offs Mean No Health Insurance

Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler has been vocal about getting diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last year, and he’s helping to bring awareness to the cause. He’s teamed up with Eli Lilly & Co. and their “Inspired by Diabetes” campaign to help send Type 1 diabetic children to summer camps.

“Inspired by Diabetes” is a campaign to help bring families together to help raise awareness to the “global burden” of the disease.

Cutler has said, “Diabetes is the toughest opponent I’ve ever faced, but I wasn’t going to let it slow down my career. And kids don’t have to let it stop them from reaching for the dreams.”

Cutler (whose team is not in the Superbowl this year) will instead spend that week visiting “All Children’s Hospital to meet with families of children with type-1 diabetes.” The children are encouraged to “share their stories through art, essays, poems or photography.”

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Jay Cutler Helps in the Inspired by Diabetes Campaign

Remember Brenda Novak? She’s the writer who has managed to raise over a half million dollars for diabetes research in just a couple of years.

She’s also having a giveaway to win a tote with signed copies of her books, among other treats! Enter to win and if you do, by all means come back here and tell us!

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Enter to Win Brenda Novak’s Books