Andrea Wieland, PhD, MBA
Andrea Wieland, PhD, MBA, Founder of Healthiest Executive Awards Program
Like Dad; like Son. Like Mom, like Daughter
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25777147-23109,00.html
Your Health is Your Wealth: Protecting Your Most Important Asset
I hear complaints that healthy eating, buying fresh vegetables and fruit are just too expensive. The common reference to Whole Foods is Whole Paycheck. Yes, I agree. Many a times, I have walked out with a single paper bag (or my own cloth bag--afterall, we need to think about the environment too!) only half full of a few items that minimally cost $50. Goodness! I think I should at least have one of their chefs follow me home and prepare it for me with that kind of outlay of dough.
But the real costs and the hidden costs of poor health FAR OUTWEIGH the cost of cheap, crappy, processed, chemical-laden, non-food we are led to believe is food. If it's not grown in dirt or walks on dirt, or swims in the sea, lake or river, then it's probably not good for you. Moreover, if it's massively produced, then BEWARE. Pesticides, and other chemical additives to improve the taste, significantly decrease the nutritional value and quality of the food. Really, how can these be good for your health? Cheap now, pay later.
According to an article
LeanTimes
MarketWatch
By Thomas Kostigen
"A study of 10 industrialized countries from the beginning of the 20th Century through the mid-1990s found that better health increased the rate of economic growth by about 30%. This has to do with better dietary and health standards instilled on these populations,as well as better medical care.
Five years ago, a major international study concluded that ill health was contributing to the low level of economic growth in poor countries. The landmark report showed that investment in some basic health interventions would lead to substantial economic growth. Simply put, its conclusion was that a sick population is an expensive population."
Studies have also shown that taller, leaner men are more likely to be perceived as leaders AND they tend to get paid more (I know, completely annoying). Obese employees get paid less. Perception can turn into reality. So Streeeeeetchhhhh in Yoga to get Taller. And of that does not work, you can certainly control your portion sizes, exercise routines to be more fit and healthy! If you are perceived as more healthy, you'll get paid more!
Certainly, with rising health care costs, insurance companies paying less and less and you have to bug them more and more, to even get 1/3 of the bill covered, business, individuals and families can no longer afford to expect a doctor to fix them. The majority of health care problems (a whopping 73% according to some studies) are exacerbated by or caused by the BIG BAD FIVE BEHAVIORAL Problems (read these are under a person's control!):
1) lack of sleep
2) too much stress (or lack of ability to effectively manage one's stress)
3) poor nutrition
4) lack of exercise
5) substance abuse (tobacco, alcohol or recreational drugs
During difficult economic times your HEALTH is your WEALTH and Prevention is the KEY.
Visit: http://www.mygoth.com/Healthy-Goth-f26/Shape-Rich-t3724.html&mode=threaded&pid=67486 for the full article!
A recipe for keeping your health:
1) Take two doses of Yoga/week.Yoga for flexibility, mental and emotional relaxation (minimum of 1 x a week). 2-3 times a week is even better (I suggest a DVD--I like Patricia Walden, Baron Baptiste & Rodney Yee, OR joining a studio or attend a class at your health club). It's not that expensive and the benefits are extraordinary.
2) Add 2-4 servings of Cardio/week--a minimum of 20-45minutes/week 2-4 times/week (mix it up with cycling, running, elliptical, etc).Add some short and long intervals. Do NOT do the same thing every time you work out. Your body adapts, your susceptible to overuse injuries and you will not experience results over time.
3) Mix in as MANY fruits and vegetables as you can! Everyday. Organic is best.
4) Let your Body and Mind Rest for 20 minutes--a 20 min nap/day can do wonders--so can a few minutes of meditating (sitting quietly). Let your mind and emotions rest, for crying outloud. Being on overdrive all the time is not good for you.
5) Enjoy! Have FUN. This ride called life is supposed to be FUN. Rest your mind while you stay active and stop trying to prove something to anybody.
Call ICPH 303-756-ICPH (4274) if you are having trouble with any of these suggestions. A coach can really help you implement a program that works with you, your personality, your lifestyle and your goals.
You're just Too Busy Excuse is just an Excuse. If the busiest people in the world can do it, YOU CAN TOO.
Happy,Healthy, Wealthy Living to Everyone!
Dr. A's Video Discussion on Encouraging Active Children
http://www.sportzu.tv/video/andrea-wieland-encouraging-active-children
Meet Dolly & Seth!
Meet Dolly the Dolphin & Seth the Fish
Part of the Go Healthy Pals Team!
Did you know...
Results from the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), using measured heights and weights, indicate that an estimated 17 percent of children and adolescents ages 2-19 years are overweight.
- for children aged 2–5 years, prevalence increased from 5.0% to 12.4%;
- for those aged 6–11 years, prevalence increased from 6.5% to 17.0%;
- and for those aged 12–19 years, prevalence increased from 5.0% to 17.6%.
Resources of Facts: www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/childhood/index.htm
Approximately 80% of children who were overweight at aged 10–15 years were obese adults at age 25 years.
When a parent is obese, a child is 2-3 times more likely to be overweight or at risk for overweight than if the parent is not obese. AND A child is 3.5 times more likely to be in good to excellent health if the parent also has good to excellent health.
Resources of Facts: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/hs/pubs/CHS_Obesity2.pdf
We've got a problem Houston! And Dallas, New Orleans, Atlanta, Denver, LA, NY. All across this country, the childhood obesity epidemic that was not even a problem 20 years ago is a problem that is getting worse! I find it to be a form of abuse or neglect, quite frankly. At Disney, the new theme song is going to be "It's a FAT world after all...It's a FAT world after all. It's a FAT world after all. It's a FAT, FAT world.
And don't even talk to me about genetics. OK, OK, I know it's a factor, but truly, really, seriously...it's mostly an emotional and behavioral problem. Why such extremes, America? Why is a kid either on the couch or playing 2-3 sports or the same sport on 2-3 teams in the same season?
There is no need for extremes. Teaching children about balance and moderation are life skills. Playing too many sports in one season is so achievement oriented and pleasing. But, to whom? Parents? Coaches? Acceptance among peers regarding who has the busier schedule? Yes, parents and society, you too could consider how you are modeling "how busy you are" at work. These days, the only acceptable answer to "How are you?" seems to be "I've been so busy"..."Oh, things have just been crazy". Any other answer makes you out to be a schmuck taking up space and perfectly good oxygen.
And the couch thing? Mindless chip eating, 2-6 hours of mind-numbing boob tube per day? Terrible for the mind and the body. Hey, here's a novel idea...how about a walk? The dog(s) really want to go and could use it too! Cycling in the park, an exercise DVD, walking to the store? There are many good things to do without spending any money.
The childhood obesity problem is really not a difficult issues to solve--we have just gotten way away from common sense.
So, here are three tips Seth gave Dolly:
1) Instead of grabbing a bag of chips, grab the leash and take your dog (in Dolly's case, it is her pet Octopus--she only needs one leash) and take your pet out for a stroll for 20-30 minutes (45 minutes is even better!). If you are still hungry (not just bored!), then take a small bowl of chips and eat one chip at a time. Chew the WHOLE chip, and swallow before taking the next chip. Chips, fries and snack foods can turn off the mind and turn on the shovel. We shovel a handful in and before barely chewing and not even swallowing we're shoveling another large handful. Slow down and be mindful. You might as well enjoy it. A better choice than chips? An apple. Carrot sticks, celery with peanut butter.
2) When you are upset, write in your journal. Kids, parents, teachers, adults, friends, siblings, or coaches can say mean things. Most times, they know not what they say and are just unconsciously blurting out something, maybe even something that has been said to them. Write down your feelings and talk with a friend or find an understanding adult. Food is a source of sustenance for a healthy body and mind. It can also be fun and social, but don't use food as a way of making yourself feel better. It's better to understand your emotions and express them with a supportive friend then to take out your emotions on your body.
3) Before eating a meal or a snack, take a few deep breaths to slow down. We can be in such a rush to eat and get to the next thing there's no appreciation of the moment and the enjoyment of the food in which we are about to partake. Take a bite, chew it slowly, and notice it before taking a next bite.
The Characters of Go Healthy Pals: Dolly the Dolphin & Seth the Fish
Welcome