H1N1 Checklist

The flu season and most popular H1N1 flu virus is in full effect. We may even have been directly affected by it, or know someone who has. Prevention is still key and important for protecting ourselves and those around us. Here is a reminder on tips to keep from spreading the virus.

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available


• cough and sneeze in your arm, not your hand


• Keep common surfaces and items clean and disinfected


• Stay home if you are sick

H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms similar to those of the regular human seasonal flu. The symptoms include:

• Shortness of breathe


• Fever (body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)


• Extreme fatigue


• Lack of appetite


• Cough


• Muscle aches


• Severe headache and sore throat

Some people with H1N1 flu virus have also reported vomiting and diarrhea. If anyone is concerned about their health or well being should contact a health care practitioner to discuss their personal circumstances. The majority of cases to date have been mild. Keep vigilant when applying these tips, plus choosing to eat majority of foods in its natural state and not processed.

"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." - Jim Rohn

Metabolic Boosters

• Frequent Eating - eating 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day helps to increase your metabolism
• Muscle Boosting - resistance training helps shape your body with lean muscles, and continues to burn calories while at rest
• Aerobic Exercises - cardiovascular training for 30mins, 3x's a week
• Water - drink half your body weight in ounces (ie. weighing 160lbs would drink 80 ounces)
• Sleep - body needs 7-8hrs of sleep for optimal function
• Sauna - try to enjoy time in a sauna 2-3x's per week, 30mins is like running a 5 mile race
• Cleansing and Detoxification - assists the body to refresh and reset the organs and systems to function efficiently

"Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live"

What's Eating You?

This video is pretty enlightening, please take the time to look at it.

Shared courtesy from the beautiful Miss Alicia Keys "tweeting" to the masses with some important info about Americas food industry and farming. It's a real eye-opener, and may even lead you to consider thought about the foods you purchase.

http://tvshack.net/movies/Food__Inc___2008_/a:39249/


"In today's environment, hoarding knowledge ultimately erodes your power. If you know something very important, the way to get power is by actually sharing it." - Joseph Badaracco

Responsibility.
• noun (pl. responsibilities) 1 the state or fact of being responsible. 2 the opportunity or ability to act independently and take decisions without authorization. 3 a thing which one is required to do as part of a job, role, or legal obligation.

Respond.
• verb say or do something in reply or as a reaction.

Ability.
• noun (pl. abilities) 1 the power or capacity to do something. 2 skill or talent.

I've been thinking about this word lately, responsibility. This word holds meaning to many people. Some more profound than others. Above, I posted the meanings as per Oxford English Dictionary.

The verb respond, is connected to life and what happens. The saying, "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." I'll always remember. We have the will to respond to life in a positive manner that agrees with our belief system and can excel us. We can also choose to respond without conscious thought that may lead to a negative outcome. Then with the ability is our given talent we use to respond with.

The point I'm driving is to be conscious and thoughtful with your reaction to life's happenings. This is coming from a humble heart. I make mistakes, and learn to respond differently each time. I am truly thankful and encourage you to never cease on being responsible.

Be Blessed :)


"We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations." - Charles R. Swindoll

Amino Acids

Amino acids are known as the building blocks of protein. In fact, apart from water, amino acids are the most abundant substance in the body, 70% of skin, 80% of muscle, and an amazing 90% of blood. There are 22 amino acids, which 8 are considered "essential". Essential amino acids is what our body requires however cannot synthesize them.

Essential Amino Acids

Tryptophan.................Lysine

Methionine..................Phenylalanine

Threonine....................Valine

Leucine........................Isoleucine

Two other amino acids, Histidine and Arginine, are essential only for children and possibly seniors. The adult body is able to synthesize them.

Protein is an indispensable nutrient required daily in amounts by everyone. Proteins are required for the growth and development, maintenance and repair of the human body. It's the principal foundation for bone, muscle, blood, connective tissue, organs, skin, hair and teeth. Proteins are also essential for making hormones. The brain itself is composed of one-third protein, and a deficiency can manifest itself in psychological and emotional symptoms. Also, protein deficiency can lead to physical problems like, chronic fatigue, muscle weakness and frequent illness because of compromised immunity.

Benefits

• Repairs damaged cells



• primary source of energy



• controls processes related to metabolism



• stimulates the immune system



• regulates the pH levels



• includes significant antioxidant properties and activities



• guards against fatigue and depression

Sources

• Beans, lentils



• Shelled nuts and seeds



• Peanut, or nut butter



• Tofu



• Eggs



• Fish, shellfish, poultry, lean meat

• Isolate whey protein powder

Adult and teens should consume 2-3 servings of protein daily. Children, 1-2 servings. Our body cannot store protein as it does fats and carbohydrates, so a regualr daily intake is neccessary. Atheletes, pregnant or nursing women, and children all have greater protein needs than the average active adult.

"A man may esteem himself happy when that which is his food is also his medicine."
-Henry David Thoreau