This year, before you even begin to think about starting a new diet or joining a health club let me suggest three simple ideas that will last all year.
- Commit yourself to the true definition of "diet." The word "diet" is Greek and literally means "manner of living." This refers to your overall eating patterns, not what you do for a day, a few weeks, or a couple of months. It does not include restricted calories, it does not exclude nature's food, and it does not include sipping meal replacement concoctions through a straw! Eat, eat well, and no more short term diet traps!
- Move your body every day. This does not mean work out every day. In fact, if you are not a regular exerciser right now, you will not become one January 1. The very first step to becoming more active and burning calories is just to move your body more throughout the day.
For example, walk to your mailbox instead of pulling up to it in the car. Stand and walk around while you talk on the telephone instead of sitting. Don't wait for the closest parking space at the grocery store, park a little farther and take a walk. These are simple ideas and they will make a difference. The more you move, the more calories you expend. Once you begin to feel the benefits of moving your body, increase your activity and slowly progress to a more formal exercise program.
- Throw out your scale! This is a big one, I know. What does a scale really tell us? The answer is nothing. Weight can (and will) fluctuate from morning to night, before and after a meal or a workout, day to day, and throughout the month (especially in women). The scale tells us nothing of any importance! If you're overweight you know it. The scale doesn't have to confirm what you already know.
A better alternative to the scale is to keep a pair of pants that fits you right now and try them on each month. Notice I said, "month," not day, not week. If they start feeling loose around the waist, hips or thighs, you're losing weight.
The most important piece of advice: take it one small step at a time. Unfortunately, people have a tendency to change too much too soon, only to burn out. A lifetime of habits cannot be changed all at once. Be patient, be realistic and be happy. If at any time you feel deprived, burned out or frustrated, acknowledge it is an indicator that you are attempting too much at once.
This year, instead of resolutions, start your New Year by making simple changes in your habits relating to food and movement. This will do more for your long term goals than any "miracle diet" or "revolutionary exercise program" that is geared toward short term compliance. If you would like help getting started, please call us at the Omni. We're here to make 2008 the start to the rest of your life!
Bad breath can be very offensive to those around us. It can make a difference to whether a person succeeds or fails in their job especially when they have to have close contact with others such as people in sales. They may be losing sales and never know the reason.
Many people who feel they have an occasional problem will start to chew gum, take "breath-freshening mints," or use mouth rinse that promises fresh breath. These products only serve to mask the problem and it will not go away without treatment.
Bacterial plaque is the causative factor in mouth odor, gingival bleeding, gingivitis and periodontal disease. Plaque is a sticky biofilm that must be removed mechanically. It will not rinse off even with a pressure water irrigator such as the HydroFloss or WaterPik. It is necessary to see a hygienist or dentist who will use dental instruments that get between the teeth and under the gum tissue to remove bacterial plaque.
You might think of bacterial plaque as the "seed in the soil" that causes the "crop." When it is removed daily, wellness can be maintained. Dental floss is one of the best ways to get between the tooth and the gum and around the tooth. Thus, the phrase "only floss the teeth you want to keep" was coined.
By the time a person has noticeable bad breath, it may be an indicator that the person has periodontal (gum and bone) disease. When the bacterial plaque is not completely removed on a regular basis, the bacteria will form groups on the teeth and under the gum line and you will notice that your gums have become red and puffy. If left untreated, infection will set in that can and will spread throughout your body.
Today many links have been established between periodontal disease and stroke, heart attacks, low birth weight babies and even cancer. Since periodontal disease is painless, most people are not aware that they have a problem. In fact, over 75% of adults in North America have this problem. The following list gives warning signs that indicate that you may be at risk.
- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
- Gum tissue that is red, swollen or tender to the touch
- Gums pull away from your teeth
- Pus found between your teeth when you put pressure on the gum tissue
- Loose permanent teeth
- Bad breath
When Dr. Donley sees a patient for a "new patient" exam, he will perform an enzyme test that will check for the bad bacteria that cause gum and bone disease. Treatment will be based on the findings of this test along with other tests, measurements, etc. that are done at this exam. His hygienist also performs this test on a regular basis with patients returning for their regular preventive care appointment.
Periodontal disease does not discriminate when and where to strike or the age of the person. It can be found in young children as well as adults. Just because you do not have it at one visit, does not mean that you will never have it. Thus regular visits are extremely important in maintaining health.
If you would like to contact Dr. Donley for a periodontal evaluation, please call the office at (231) 744-6661 to make an appointment.
Get started in these three dimensions.
The Physical Dimension - Human beings literally experience their lives through their nervous systems. That is why Chiropractic Care is foundational to physical wellness. Your Chiropractor adjusts the blockages in the flow of the nervous system and unlocks the body's natural healing potential.
Exercise is also part of the physical dimension. Movement of any kind provides great benefits to your body. Just 30 minutes a day of physical exercise (the best exercise is whatever you will do!) will add up to four years to your life expectancy!
The Psychological Dimension - The holidays can be a tough time of year for many. It is extremely important that we monitor our mental health as well as our physical health. It's easy to see how we're doing physically, but we often forget to check in with ourselves mentally. We're so busy checking lists, meeting friends and family and planning meals, parties, etc. that we often overlook doing something for ourselves.
This is an important time of year to remind yourself to relax, and participate in the activities that bring the most joy to you.
The Bio-Chemical Dimension - During the time of holiday parties, potlucks and festive lunches with friends and family, it's easy to "treat" ourselves one too many times! While treats are OK in moderation, maintaining a healthy, well balanced diet is key.
Our office is committed to the practice of wellness; we believe proper supplements are the way to a healthy, well-balanced life. That's why we offer the top nutritional supplement in America today: Juice Plus+. Where else can you get the nutrition from 17 fruits, vegetables and grains in a convenient and inexpensive capsule? Juice Plus+ bridges the nutritional gap between the fruits and vegetables you are eating, and what your body needs.
Another important component of the Bio-Chemical Dimension is water. Water intake can increase your metabolism and actually reduce hunger pains. A good rule of thumb is to drink the equivalent of at least half your body weight in ounces of water daily.
Give yourself the "Gift of Health" this year by following the recommended steps in the three dimensions. Even incorporating one item at a time will bring you a better quality of life, more enjoyable holidays and overall a sense of well-being.