June is Men’s Health Month

“Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life. ”

Hosted by Men’s Health Network since 1992, the month of June is dedicated to enriching men’s health and wellness through a broad spectrum of national screening and educational campaigns.

Men’s Health Week is celebrated during the week leading up to and including Father’s Day and serves as a time to raise awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men. The week also includes Wear Blue Friday on June 14th. You can show your support and encourage your colleagues to wear something blue to show concern for the health and well-being of men. From the current research I have been doing in this area, we need it!

We instinctively assume that males and females each constitute half of any given population, but the reality is that the ratio of the sexes varies by age throughout the life course. In most societies, more boys are born than girls, females live longer than males, and the ratio of men to women declines with increasing age.

According to Dr. David Gremillion of the Men’s Health Network, “There is a silent health crisis in America, it’s that fact that, on average, American men live sicker and die younger than American women.”

Men die at higher rates than women from 9 of the top 10 causes of death and are the victims of over 92% of workplace deaths. In 1920, women lived, on average, one year longer than men. Currently, men are dying an average of 5 years younger than women and lead in nine out of 10 of the top causes of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Men are at greater risk for death in every age group. More males than females are born (105 vs 100), but by age 35, women outnumber men.

Men’s Health Is A Family Issue

To quote Congressman Bill Richardson, “Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue. Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men’s health is truly a family issue.” Of the 9 million+ older persons living alone, 80% are women. More than 1/2 the widows living in poverty were not poor before the death of their husbands.

One of the problems is that men are less likely to invest time, energy and money into prevention and self care, than are women. Women are 100% more likely to visit the doctor for annual examinations and preventive services than men according to the CDC enabling them to address issues at early stages and adopt self care and health services to improve them. Depression in men is largely undiagnosed contributing to the fact that men are four times as likely to commit suicide. More than half of premature deaths among men are preventable. But you can’t prevent a problem if you don’t know it exists.   

The first step is becoming aware of the problem and taking steps for a healthier life., which is our definition for the Self Care Awakening. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “What price can you put on your health?

For the next few weeks we will concern ourselves with simple self care actions that we all can do to be Healthy by Choice.

Healthy Bedtime Routine

“Sleep is a non-negotiable biological necessity.”

— Matthew Walker, PhD

You’re Making Me Sleepy

As we wrap up “better sleep month” we hope we have impressed upon you the importance of a healthy night’s sleep. We also hope we have provided for you some natural ways to improve your sleep. The director of the Center for Human Sleep Science, Matthew Walker, PhD has two main tips for improving sleep, the first is regularity and the second is to keep it cool.  We highly recommend you watch/listen to Matt Walker’s TED talk “Sleep is your superpower.” Scheduling your sleep and maintaining that schedule even on the weekends may be the number one key to getting a good night’s sleep but how do you tell your body it is now time to shut the brain off and go to sleep? For this, you really need a healthy bedtime routine.

Author of the “The Power Source,” Lauren Roxburgh states that “ Finding ways to unwind, become present, and transition from the yang (doing) of the day to the yin (being) part of our day is important for getting a full night of sleep to truly feel healthy and happy.”

A good way to start your routine is to schedule a time when you turn off the electronic devices. It is now common knowledge that blue light inhibits your body’s production of melatonin, the hormone in your body that plays a role in sleep.  Schedule a time at least an hour before your scheduled bedtime to turn off all of your device or put them on sleep mode. I also recommend ending your workday by scheduling the next day or making tomorrow’s to-do list. This helps to declutter the mind and give it a cue that you are done for the day.

Find ways to clear your mind and release tension, especially, before you try to sleep. I like to take a nice warm shower/bath then lay on the bed, cooling off and running a “systems check.” I check in with my body starting at my toes and work my way up to my mind. If there is any tension in any area, I take a moment to concentrate on releasing that tension. I am cooling down because not only do you need to drop your room temperature to a cool temp (68 degrees F works for me) Matthew Walker also advises that our body temp needs to cool a couple degrees for optimal sleep.

Some other ways that you can begin to transition into sleep mode is to not drink stimulants late in the day, avoid a late heavy dinner and try not to eat after 7:30 pm. I like to unwind with a chamomile or lavender tea while listening to an audiobook. Aromatherapy: also helps to signal the brain that it is time chill.

Your bedroom can play a very significant role in healthy sleep. Make sure your bedroom is decluttered and a place of sanctuary in your house. Your bedding should also cocoon you in natural fibers that help to release heat and maintain a comfortable temperature. A pillow and pillowcase that incorporates ceramic reflective technology to help keep your head a couple of degrees cooler than the rest of your body is essential for a good night’s sleep. Our favorite mattress topper is the Kenko Naturest Mattress Topper. The Naturest combines advanced scientific technology and natural materials, in a design that does the work for you in promoting healthy and refreshing sleep. Naturest features advanced sleep innovations — including a radical new design in magnetic technology and traditional materials that are not only environmentally responsible but help you sleep soundly and wake feeling relaxed and energized.

So, what if it is bedtime and you are not even close to sleepy? Don’t try to force yourself to sleep. As Dr. Walker says, “you don’t sit at the dinner table until you are hungry.” Instead try winding down again or a slow quiet walk in the cool air. Write down what may be keeping your mind from shutting down or read a book. Don’t force yourself to sleep. Reminds me of bedtime when I was 5, that was the worst… but I did sleep. Schedule yourself a bedtime and schedule downtime before your bedtime. Pleasant dreams and be Healthy by Choice.



Better Sleep Month

I don’t understand what people mean by ‘I have to get ready for bed.’ I am always ready for bed.

Sleep Matters

Getting a good night's sleep is very important and increasingly difficult to accomplish in today's distraction-laden world. Sleep deprivation has become so prevalent that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls it a public health epidemic.

Part of the problem with sleep is that for decades we have considered sleep an unproductive part of our day, when from a physiological standpoint it is the most important part of our day. As self care advocates let’s change the paradigm of people bragging about how little they sleep to boasting about getting a full 8 hours a night of quality sleep. We know that getting 8 hours of sleep each night has a long list of benefits, including helping you maintain a healthy weight, feel energized, concentrate more easily and protect your long-term health. Insufficient sleep, on the contrary, has devastating consequences. It causes a host of illnesses, compromises health and safety, productivity and quality of life.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the first thing people should do to improve sleep is stick to a regular schedule. "Being consistent reinforces your body's sleep-wake cycle and helps promote better sleep at night”. For more information and tips to a better night’s sleep, see Sweet Dream Are Made Of…

I recently became aware of an excellent book, “Why We Sleep”, by Dr. Matthew Walker professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California, Berkley. Dr.Walker has made it abundantly clear that sleep is one of the most important but least understood aspects of our life. Until very recently, science had no answer to the question of why we sleep, or what good it served, or why we suffer such devastating health consequences when it is absent. As he points out, lack of sleep will prevent your brain from making new memories. It will also lead to a build of a toxic protein in the brain, beta-amyloid which has been associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. The lack of sleep effects the body in many ways. The link between poor or inadequate sleep and cancer is so strong that recently the World Health Organization classifies any night-time shift work as a possible carcinogen. One poor night’s sleep can reduce your body’s immune function as much as 60 to 70%. We also know that lack of sleep effects our cardiovascular system. It is during deep sleep that our heart rates and blood pressure go down and as Dr. Walker explains, provides a natural blood pressure medication that reboots our cardiovascular system. If you are getting six hours of sleep or less, you have 200 times increase in having a fatal heart attack or stoke during your lifetime. 

One illuminating concept that Dr. Walker talks about is: What is the recycle rate of a human being? In other words, how long can we last without sleep before we start to see declines in brain function or impairments within our bodies? It seems to be about 16 hours. Once we get past 16 hours, research shows that’s when we see mental and physiological deterioration in the body. Take look at Dr. Walker’s informative five minute video, “Why We Sleep”.

As Nikken consultants and part of our International Wellness Community we can be of service to the millions and millions of people that struggle with sleep deficiency. We can educate on the importance of sleep and share solutions we have in our Nikken Kenko Sleep System and Kenko Sleep Products.  As a go-to sleep resource, we want to help everyone get a quality night’s sleep and Be Healthy by Choice.

Silent Disease

“A Healthy Outside Starts form the Inside.”

The Skeletal System

One aspect of health that is often misunderstood or ignored is bone health. The skeletal system is the body’s second largest organ consisting of 206 bones in adults and provides several physical and physiological functions. Many people perceive our bones as a static, rigid structure when the exact opposite is true. Our bones are a dynamic organ that is a state of constant renewal and rebuilding. This is called bone remodeling and through this process we replace our entire skeletal structure every 10 years, or about seven times in our lifetime.

Through the process of bone remodeling minerals are released from old bone by specialized cells called osteoclasts and new bone is replaced by bone builder cells, osteoblasts. Good bone health is a balance of this resorption of older bone and formation of new bone for stable and strong bones. Healthy bones are vital to our joints and our whole body.

Regardless of age, we all need to keep our bones healthy. Children continue to build bone mass as they grow.  Bone mineral density peaks between the ages of 20 and 30. Up to the age of 30, the body makes new bone faster than it breaks down old bone, so bone mass increases. After that, the pace of healthy bone formation slows down so that more bone is lost than formed. This decrease in bone density results in weaker bones that are more susceptible to fracture. Maintaining bone health becomes more challenging and more critical as we grow older for a variety of reasons.

The main issue in this decrease in bone density is directly correlated with calcium and the body’s ability to absorb and utilize dietary calcium which diminishes with age.

Osteoporosis is a global disease. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture. In fact, a bone will break every 3 seconds because of this disease. This has an enormous human and socio-economic impact. Many people don’t know they have osteoporosis until their first fracture, which is why it’s called the ‘silent disease’. Osteoporosis is estimated to affect 200 million people globally, with 55% of people over 50 currently at increased risk of fracture due to low bone mass.

Natural ways to help your bones and joints:

• Exercise, particularly anything that uses your body's weight to move, can help build strong bones. I suggest walking, jogging or dancing.

• Get some sunshine, at least 20 minutes a day for Vitamin D

• Eat the right foods. Green leafy vegetables are calcium rich and alkalizing. Greens give you calcium but are also good sources of vitamin k, potassium, and other minerals and nutrients needed for healthy bones.

• Avoid sodas and carbonated beverages. Limit caffeinated beverages and alcohol.

• Drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. Bones are 25% water. Being hydrated is one of the best things you can do for joint health.

• Supplementation

Kenzen Bone Health Pack

We need to supplement our bodies with minerals, we do not make them. However, no matter how much calcium we consume from calcium rich foods such as yogurt, milk and green leafy vegetables, or by nutritional supplements, such as Nikken’s excellent Kenzen® Calcium Complex, the most important aspects are absorption and utilization. If the body doesn’t absorb calcium, the bones cannot utilize it and be fortified. The launch of Kenzen BDZ™ is a giant step in rectifying this dilemma. Kenzen BDZ™ provides a unique and scientifically validated formula for calcium and other nutrients that are required for maintaining healthy bone structure, bone density and calcium absorption, by combining three patented blends of nutrients.

1. Aquamin® is derived from marine algae found in the pristine waters of Iceland. The minerals that make up Aquamin® provide a combination of benefits, not just for bones, but research shows that it helps support the health of our digestive system as well. This is important once again because absorption is key.

•       Marine derived multi-mineral complex with 72 trace minerals.

•       Rich source of minerals essential to life and critical biochemical pathways.

•       Research shows benefits: helps preserve bone structure and strength, helps prevent loss of bone mineral density, helps the mineralization and maturation of bone cells, helps reduce stiffness in those suffering from osteoarthritis.*

To date, they are over 32 peer reviewed publications for joint and bone health for Aquamin®.

2. ParActin® is the result of 20 arduous years of research and development with more than 20 studies, including in vitro, animal models, and clinical studies in humans.

ParActin® is an innovation of world-renowned field researcher and scientific investigator Dr. Juan Hancke. His recently published study on 103 subjects with osteoarthritis showed reduction in discomfort, stiffness and fatigue while helping to improve physical function and Quality of Life scores with consistent intake of patented ParActin. *

ParActin® increases osteoblast and has a mineralizing effect on the bones with the increase of calcium deposits. Therefore, it could be beneficial in osteoporosis.*

3. Vitamin K2 as MK7 from MenaQ7®:  For decades calcium has been the most obvious choice of dietary supplement for improving bone health. However, several studies show that supplementing with calcium exclusively is not enough.  Our bodies need to optimize the use of calcium because excess calcium will accumulate in the blood vessel walls, making them stiff and less elastic. MenaQ7® is the optimal solution to utilize calcium in the body by binding calcium to the bones. A new 3-year study with MenaQ7® and 244 healthy women demonstrated for the first time clinically statistically significant protection of the vertebrae and the hip (femoral neck) from bone loss.

This action supports healthy bone metabolism:

            • Helps regulate calcium levels in bones and arteries.

            • Vitamin K2 as MK-7 has the highest bioavailability and bioactivity of all Vitamin K vitamins.

            • Helps support the maintenance of healthy bones and cardiovascular health.

            • Helps maintain bone mineral density within normal ranges.

Kenzen BDZ™ is the partner product to Kenzen® Calcium Complex. Formulated specifically to help the body absorb and utilize calcium for healthier bones and joints. This combination of products helps support the body's ability to preserve bone density and assists in the preservation of joints and cartilage. 

---

Benefits of KENZEN® Bone Health Pack (Kenzen BDZ™ and Kenzen® Calcium Complex)

•       Helps stimulate bone growth.*

•       Helps increase bone mass and strength.*

•       Helps increase bone mineral density.*

•       Helps reduce risk of osteoporosis.*

•       Supports increase in flexibility and mobility.*

•       Supports healthy cartilage function.*

•       Supports healthy skeletal muscle strength.*

Make healthy bones part of your self care routine and Be Healthy by Choice.

---

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Wellness Home on the Go.

“The greatest gift you can can give your family and the world is a healthy you. ”

Hodophiles and the Wellness Home

“Every Home a Wellness Home” is our vision and one of the coolest things about the Wellness Home is that it can travel with you. Heather and I love to travel, we are true hodophiles. Our trips usually include work and vacation time which is a great aspect of being self-employed and having a business that can be done just about anywhere.

Heather and I are embarking on a weeklong trip to Southern California and whenever we travel, we like to take our Nikken Active Wellness products with us. It is reassuring that we will get a good night’s sleep, healthy water for hydration, nutritional support and enjoy the day to day products that we depend on for recovery and relaxation.

Included in our travel Wellness Home products are the PiMag sports bottle for healthy hydrating water.

For a good night’s rest, we rely on the Nikken Cocoon, our Kenko Naturest® Custom Pillows,  Pillowcases and our Kenko PowerSleep Masks.

Recently we have included our KenkoGround earthing mats to our traveling Wellness Home.  I experience a better night sleep while using it with my Nikken sleep products and it has been wonderful for helping Heather release tension. Here is a link to  short video about the KenkoGround.

The Nikken KenkoGround serves as an indoor and portable way to reconnect with Mother Nature. Simply plug it into a grounded outlet and use it under your feet while working, on your mattress while you sleep or even draped around your shoulders. Direct contact with the skin is best. This can be a great product to take with you on the go, especially if you are traveling to areas where weather may prohibit grounding or to big metropolitan areas where grounding can be problematic.

Our Kenzen Vital Balance, Jade Greenzymes and Super Ciaga are vital for our daily nutritional needs and supply our daily requirements for protein, veggies and fruits. This is very important when traveling and dining out more than usual. 

We also include many other Nikken products that we rely on and use daily. The Kenko MagDuo®, Kenko PowerBands®, Kenko jewelry,  Kenko mStrides® insoles and of course our Kenko MagFlex®. We also include a tube of our wonderful CM Complex Cream.

This may sound like a lot of stuff to travel with, but Heather is a master at packing the suitcase.  We travel in style and assured that our Wellness Home on the go supports us to Be Healthy by Choice anywhere we travel.

Healthy Society

“Health is a human right; everyone should have the information and services they need to take care of their own health and the health of their families.”

— World Health Organization

This Sunday, April 7th is World Health Day. This day marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization (WHO) which was founded on this date in 1948.

World Health Day is a chance to celebrate health and remind world leaders that everyone should be able to access the health care they need, when and where they need it. Advocacy events will be held around the world to fuel the momentum of the #HealthForAll movement and to highlight the goal of achieving a fairer, healthier world – in which no one is left behind. The tagline for World Health Day 2019 is: Health for all – everyone, everywhere.

World Health Day’s message for 2019 is simple: giving people access to healthcare without the prospect of financial hardship. This is regardless of where they’re from; they could be in Africa, Asia, South America, Australia, Europe or North America. What matters to the World Health Organization is that there’s “Health for All”.

As WHO explains, “Universal health coverage means that all people have access to the quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. We believe this is possible and it starts with strong primary health care. Primary health care is a whole-of-society approach to health and wellbeing centered on the needs and preferences of individuals, families and communities. To make health for all a reality, governments need to invest in quality, accessible primary health care. Health workers need to care and advocate for patients and educate them on how to get and stay healthy. Individuals and communities need to be empowered to take care of their own health. Health is a human right. Together, we can make health for all a reality.”

Primary care is defined as healthcare at a basic rather than specialized level for people making an initial approach to a doctor or nurse for treatment.  Primary care can not only help an individual after being diagnosed with a disease or disorder, but actively prevent such issues by understanding the individual as a whole. The focus of health care must be on prevention since the greatest strides can be made there.

Empowering individuals to take greater ownership of their health has never been more important. The rising cost of healthcare, the unprecedented increase in chronic disease, and the cost of treating and managing preventable conditions has launched an Awakening to raise Self Care as an essential component of health care. The Self Care Awakening series was designed to help anyone become aware of and make choices for a healthier life.

We think being healthy is difficult when it's pretty simple if we make the right choices. Our health, good or bad, is about our personal choices.  Knowing this I think it’s safe to say that we would all prefer to be healthy. Our tag line Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance is a simple but very empowering statement. One thing we can all do for World Health Day, is talk to someone about the Self Care Revolution.  One easy way to do this is by sharing the Self Care Awakening Magazine. Offer the gift of health that the Nikken Wellness Home provides. Empower them and their families to Be Healthy by Choice and support World Health Day in the goal of “Health for All”. At the same time, we are supporting the Nikken philosophy of a life in balance through the Five Pillars of Health: Healthy Body, Mind, Family, Society and Finances. Together, we can make health for all a reality.

Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance

and share those choices with others.

Nutrition Matters

“Every time you eat it is an opportunity to nourish yourself.”

National Nutrition Month

Spring has Sprung, at least here in Northern California, mid 70’s all week. Blossoms in bloom and pretty much the time for spring cleaning, fresh air and of course the annual yard and garage clean up. Thank goodness for the longer days, we might even get some golf in.

The first day of spring in North America is March 20th. Spring is the time of the year for renewal.

March is also National Nutrition Month. This is an annual nutrition education and information campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign, celebrated each year during the month of March, focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

One of the main principles and advantages of a Nikken Wellness Home is that it makes healthy choices easy on a day to day basis, so we can all Be Healthy by Choice.

Making healthy food choices is a challenge for many of us. Think about it, one of the most important decisions we make every day is what we eat and drink. It is everyone’s Choice to eat Healthy or not. We have previously discussed the importance of limiting sugar consumption and the Wellness Home products that help us accomplish that goal. Heather and I try to include as much whole foods, while eliminating processed foods in our Wellness Home. Most of our fresh fruits and veggies come from our local farmers market and we do enjoy our home-grown tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, green beans and indoor herb garden.

Whole food nutrition is the basis of our Nikken Active Wellness product line and much of our nutritional support in our Wellness Home is provided by Nikken.  Nikken Wellness Organic-Based Nutrition is designed to bring the daily diet closer to nature. Each ingredient is carefully selected and where possible the organic content is maximized. One way that we help ourselves and our family to make healthier food choices is by incorporating the Nikken Active Wellness nutritional products into our everyday lives. Heather is very creative and has been using many of our Nikken nutritional products in recipes for healthier choices.

Essential nutrients are compounds that the body can’t make or can’t make in enough quantity. According to the World Health Organization, these nutrients must come from food, and they’re vital for disease prevention, growth, and good health. We have all been taught that we all need daily servings of protein, vegetables and fruits to supply the vital nutritional components.

The three staple nutritional products that we rely on daily to accomplish this is what we call our Core Nutritional Pack.  These three products ensure that we are getting the three essential components of healthy nutrition.

Kenzen Vital Balance® (our protein)

Kenzen Vital Balance

We all start our day with this organic and delicious protein shake. It really starts the day off right, with energy and alertness. Many people have substituted KVB for coffee in the morning to get going with a healthier choice.

 Kenzen Vital Balance® contains organic moringa and naturally sweet monk fruit in addition to organic pea protein and organic vegetables. It is designed to help burn fat and boost metabolism as well as promote healthy brain function and the elimination of toxins in the body. With pre- and probiotics to assist in digestive and immune system activity, the Kenzen Vital Balance formula is food for action and food for thought and is suitable for people of all ages.

Jade GreenZymes® (our veggies)

Kenzen Jade Greenzymes

Called "nature's perfect food," barley grass is said to have more nutrition than an equal serving of any other vegetable. The barley grass in organic Jade GreenZymes® is beneficial in helping balance pH, supporting a strong immune system, and assisting in maintaining blood glucose levels that are already in the normal range.

Made with organic barley grass and our Proprietary Blend of organic acacia and organic pearl barley seed extract powder. It is Kosher and vegan certified, USDA Organic, certified by QAI and Gluten-free.

We have two servings of Jade Greenzymes daily. This product also comes in a capsule form, but I personally love the fresh green taste in a glass of Nikken PiMag Water.

Kenzen Super Ciaga® (our fruits)

Kenzen Super Ciaga

Super Ciaga is an organic mixed superfruit juice concentrate made exclusively with organic fruit content. This advanced formula is made with a select group of superfruits chosen for their nutrient and antioxidant characteristics. Highly concentrated, it has an exceptional ORAC value. Certified-organic, Super Ciaga supports individuals who want to feel more energized as well as those who need assistance with poor eating habits. A great replacement for sodas, simply mix an ounce of Super Ciaga to a glass of PiMag® water or seltzer for a naturally sweet and healthy beverage! One of our favorite beverages.

Healthy Water

We would add to the list drinking plenty of water, dehydration is a major problem and a focal point of Self Care. Water is not just a beverage choice, it is our most essential nutrient. Drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily, get your protein, vegetable and fruit servings in a convenient, effective and cost-efficient way with the Wellness Home Nutrition Pack and Be Healthy by Choice.

*Note Special offer on Chocolate Kenzen Vital Balance®

From now through March 31,2019, take advantage of our special on chocolate Kenzen Vital Balance® at 33% discount—Get 3 containers for the price of 2! Chocolate KVB is formulated and manufactured in the USA.

Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance

Environment Matters

“An unhealthy mind even in a healthy body will ultimately destroy health.” ”

— Manly P. Hall

Genetic or Environmental?

Just this last week, I did a video call with an individual that claimed that most of her health issues were a consequence of her genetic makeup. She cited several times that she had conditions that were common in her family, and her poor health was a result of bad genes. While this may be true in some cases and diseases, this is not the common situation. As I asked questions and we talked, most of her chronic conditions appeared (at least to me) to be lifestyle and environmental causes and not so much genetic in etiology.

Later that evening, my brother texted me about a movie he was watching and recommended I look at it. I followed his advice and spent an interesting 2 hours watching Heal. Released in 2017, director Kelly Noonan Gores’ documentary explores scientific and spiritual modalities pointing out that our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions have a huge impact on our health and ability to heal.

As I watched, what I found most fascinating was reviewing the segments by the contributing scientists in the film. It prompted me to review a book in my library, The Biology of Belief. I recall when first reading it, how interesting the concepts put forth and how powerful epigenetics can be for our bodies and our health. To paraphrase the message from the book’s author, Dr. Bruce Lipton, it is the environment of the cell that determines its fate, not the genetics of the cell. Dr. Lipton, a stem cell researcher, observed that genetically identical cells when placed in culture grew into different cell types depending on their type of culture media. In other words, their genetic expression to become a certain type of cell was dictated by their environment. This has had a profound impact on how we look at disease and chronic conditions, while highlighting the fact that we need to provide a proper environment for healing and health to persist.

The implications of this research radically changed our understanding of life, showing that genes and DNA do not control our biology; instead, DNA is controlled by signals from outside the cell, it’s environment, not only physical, but including energetic messages emanating from our positive and negative thoughts. This synthesis of the latest and best research in cell biology and quantum physics has been hailed as a breakthrough, showing that our bodies can be changed as we retrain our thinking.

A good example of this in addition to the personal stories of healing covered in the film, is the observation of organic chemist, Dr. David R. Hamilton. While working in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Hamilton was fascinated with observations that in drugs studies, very often 30 to 70% of test subjects receiving a placebo drug improved. As he states in the movie, sometimes at an effectiveness equal to those receiving the test drug. His conclusion was that their thoughts were acting on a cellular level to produce the results.

The placebo effect is a substantial argument that belief can alter biology.

The placebo effect is a substantial argument that belief can alter biology.

Our bodies are amazing and we have discussed this in previous blogs. There are over 10 trillion cells in the human body, and we need to replace six billion a day to stay healthy. The body is constantly replacing old cells with new ones at the rate of millions per second. By the time you read this sentence, 50 million cells will have been replaced by others. Even as a physiologist, I find this incredible and astounding, while also reassuring that if we give our body the right tools it can heal and protect itself.

It is becoming apparent that not only is good health a result of a healthy environment physically but also emotionally and spiritually.

A Nikken Wellness Home is designed to address many health and lifestyle concerns, including environmental toxins, contagions, dehydration, poor sleep quality, weight matters, nutrition and can address financially concerns. In a practical sense, the Wellness Home creates an environment that enables us to make healthier choices every day. The awesome thing about a Wellness Home is that any home can be a Wellness Home, by utilizing Nikken products and technologies to make your home the healthiest environment possible for you and your family. Our motto is: “Every home a Wellness Home”.

Nikken’s philosophy of living a balanced life through the Five Pillars of Health is one way to access the emotional and peace of mind that can help us all be Healthy by Choice. A Healthy Mind requires the other four pillars of health. Healthy Finances, Healthy Body, Healthy Family and Healthy Society.

The five pillars of health are the foundational pillars of a Nikken Wellness Home.

I suggest watching the documentary “Heal,” it is now available on Netflix and YouTube.

Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance

Have You Had Your Plastics Today?

“Over time a single plastic bottle can break up into over 10,000 pieces of microplastic.”

Plastic and Our Environment

A few weeks ago, Heather and I were visiting Long Beach and strolling down the beach after a storm. Every few 100 yards were piles of debris that had washed ashore. As we approached these piles, we were appalled at the amount of plastic that had been scooped into piles with the other debris that had washed up. Plastic water bottles, bottle caps, straws, cups, and plastic bags everywhere! It is one thing to read about this and another to experience it with your own eyes.

The Nikken Sport Bottle is 100% biodegradable

The effect of plastic on our environment has been documented and although we have an awareness of the problem it is getting worse not better. Plastic trash is littering the land and fouling rivers and oceans. But what we can see is only a small fraction of what's out there. Since modern plastic was first mass-produced, 9 billion tons have been manufactured. And when it's thrown away, it doesn't just disappear. Much of it crumbles into small pieces. Scientists call these tiny pieces microplastics which measure under 0.2 inches (5 millimeters) in length, about the size of a sesame seed or smaller.

Plastic is the most common form of rubbish found in the world's oceans, and microplastics are so small that they can evade methods for collecting or filtering plastic trash; studies have shown that microplastics are present in nearly every environment on Earth and can be found in many types of sea birds and marine life, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 

Even more concerning, microplastics are in drinking water, both bottled water and tap water.

Microplastic particles in bottled and tap water

Sherri Mason, a professor of chemistry at the State University of New York in Fredonia, conducted analysis of bottled waters from 19 locations in nine countries on five continents. As told to BBC News: "We found [plastic] in bottle after bottle and brand after brand." It's not about pointing fingers at particular brands; it's really showing that this is everywhere, that plastic has become such a pervasive material in our society, and it’s pervading water - all of these products that we consume at a very basic level."

A few Facts about Single use Plastics

1.      Single-use-plastics frequently do not make it to a landfill or are recycled. A full 32% of the 78 million tons of plastic packaging produced annually is left to flow into our oceans; the equivalent of pouring one garbage truck of plastic into the ocean every minute. This is expected to increase to two per minute by 2030 and four per minute by 2050. By 2050, this could mean there will be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans. Choosing to buy products with less packaging or no packaging altogether makes a big difference.

2.     Even when single-use plastics are sent to landfills (there are 3,091 active landfills in the U.S. alone), they aren’t harmless. Landfill liners can leak harmful pollutants into the watershed and plastics on the tops of landfills can be carried away by the wind. The best way to curb single-use plastic pollution is to reduce your personal plastic consumption!

3.     Americans purchase about 50 billion water bottles per year, averaging about 13 bottles per month for every person in the U.S.! That means by using a reusable water bottle, you could save an average of 156 plastic bottles annually. You can find more facts by clicking here.

Currently, 75% of us drink bottled water and over 1500 plastic bottles are in our landfills or oceans every second. We all want the healthiest water possible, then why would we package it in a potentially harmful substance that not only leaches chemicals but also minute particles of plastics into our bodies and our Environment.

"We found [plastic] in bottle after bottle and brand after brand."

Despite numerous reports that bottled water is challenging from both an economic and environmental standpoint, its popularity hasn't diminished. If you're a diehard water-drinker, and we all should be, investing in a quality filtration system and reusable bottle can cut down on how much you're spending, improve the quality of water that you are drinking, and you'll be helping Mother Earth in the process.

As self care advocates and Nikken representatives we recommend the Nikken Waterfall for home use and the Nikken Sports bottle for on the go. Drink half your body weight in ounces per day of healthy water and Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance not only for yourself and family but for our planet too.

The Self Care Revolution

If there was ever a time for a Self Care Awakening it is NOW.

Our nation faces a health crisis due to the increasing burden of chronic disease. Currently, 7 of the 10 leading causes of death are chronic diseases, and almost 50% of us live with at least one chronic illness. People who suffer from chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and arthritis experience limitations in function, health, activity, and work, affecting the quality of their lives as well as the lives of their families.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), treating people with chronic diseases accounts form 86% of our health care costs. Nearly 70% of our population are on some type of prescription medication, with an average of nearly 15 per person. Many chronic and degenerative conditions are becoming epidemic.

From reading the preceding paragraph you might surmise that I am talking about the United States, but these same figures (or very close) apply globally.

 Global Health Crisis.

Although the United States currently leads the world in almost every disease and chronic condition.  This is not just a problem here in the U.S., it is global. One-third of adults worldwide suffer from multiple chronic conditions. Disease rates from these conditions are accelerating globally and advancing across every region and pervading all socioeconomic classes. Chronic disease is responsible for 70% of deaths globally and pharmaceutical consumption continues to increase globally driven by a growing demand for drugs to treat chronic diseases, according to the World Health Organization.

 In a recent presentation for the United Kingdom, I summarized the epidemic of chronic disease that Britons are experiencing. In the UK, a 47 percent increase in prescription drugs dispensed over the last decade as reported by the National Health Service. Currently, one billion prescriptions are written every year, with medication reaching a shocking level of 15 prescriptions per individual and 50% of Britons taking prescription medication.

Part of the problem for this dramatic and epidemic rise is due to poor choices. Nearly 90% of Britons are chronically dehydrated.  Sleep deficiency is on the rise across UK, two-thirds have sleep problems and this is called a public health epidemic. The average sleep per night per individual in the UK is less than seven hours.

According to a recent official Health Survey for England 2017, the UK has a weight problem. Nearly two thirds of adults are either overweight or obese, with one third of these obese. The number of people with diabetes in the UK has more than doubled in the last twenty years, Diabetes UK. 2018. Once again, excessive sugar consumption is fueling this problem, with the average Brit consuming nearly 100 grams of sugar daily. Well above the daily recommended consumption.

The four main principles of the Self Care Awakening are not a panacea for all chronic conditions. There are many other factors involved depending on the disease being examined. However, these principles are vital to the health of us all irrespective of our current status of health.

All can benefit from reducing our body burden of toxic chemicals, being hydrated, well rested and reducing our daily sugar consumption and maintaining a healthy weight.

 Chronic disease is not a normal part of life. Up to 80% of chronic conditions can be prevented. My hopes are that this information and corresponding Self Care presentations have enlightened and empowered anyone to employ and share our battle cry for the Self Care Awakening,

 We invite you to look at our most recent video, Self Care Awakening, UK Edition.

Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance.

Bone Remodeling

One aspect of health that is often misunderstood or ignored is bone health. The skeletal system is the body’s second largest organ consisting of 206 bones in adults. Many people perceive our bones as a static, rigid structure when the exact opposite is true. Our bones are a dynamic organ that is a state of constant renewal and rebuilding. This is called bone remodeling.

The skeleton serves many physical and physiological functions. It provides structural support, movement and a protective armor for our vital organs. The bones are the site for production of red blood cells to deliver oxygen to our cells and produces white blood cells for a healthy immune system.  Recent advances point to the skeleton as an endocrine organ that modulates glucose tolerance and testosterone production by secretion of a bone-specific protein, osteocalcin.

Our bones are the mineral bank for our entire body. All vital organs and tissues require minerals to be released from the bones daily. Our body’s organs receive calcium from the bones.  For example, the heart needs 100 mg of bone calcium a day for steady beats. The brain needs 150 mg of bone calcium to keep sharp and our intestines require 600 to 900 mg of bone calcium daily.

Through the process of bone remodeling minerals are released from old bone by specialized cells called osteoclasts and new bone is replaced by bone builder cells, osteoblasts. Good bone health is a balance of this resorption of older bone and formation of new bone for stable and strong bones. Healthy bones are vital to our joints and our whole body.

Bone and joint health is a major problem in our society. The Surgeon General of the United States reported that astounding numbers of Americans have bone and joint issues. Twelve million have osteoporosis with 40 million having low bone mass (osteopenia) and 66 million with joint problems such as arthritis, cartilage loss and calcium deposits. That represents nearly 1/3rd of the population. The cost to U.S. society in 2004 was $840 billion dollars (JAMA, 2009).

The National Osteoporosis Foundation states that 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass. Studies suggest that one in two women and one in four men age 50 or older will break a bone due to osteoporosis.

In December 2012, a study on the Global Burden of Disease and the worldwide impact of all diseases and risk factors found musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis and back pain affect more than 1.7 billion people worldwide, are the second greatest cause of disability, and have the 4th greatest impact on the overall health of the world population when considering both death and disability. Bone and joint disorders account for more than one-half of all chronic conditions in people older than 50 years of age in developed countries, and are the most common cause of severe, long-term pain and disability.

You will not fall and break your bone

You will break your bone ...and fall

Osteoporosis is a silent disease because we don’t perceive our bones weakening. Breaking a bone is often the first sign of loss of bone density or osteoporosis.  Osteoporotic bone breaks are most likely to occur in the hip, spine or wrist, but other bones can break too. Twenty percent of seniors who break a hip die within one year from complications related to the broken bone or the surgery to repair it. Many require long-term nursing home care.

Half of all Americans over the age of 50 are expected to have osteoporosis by 2020, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. While our bones naturally age as we do, there are things you can do to prevent osteoporosis and joint problems regardless of age.
 

Natural ways to help your bones and joints:

• Exercise, particularly anything that uses your body's weight to move, can help build strong bones. I suggest walking, jogging or dancing.

• Get some sunshine, at least 20 minutes a day for Vitamin D

• Eat the right foods. Green leafy vegetables are calcium rich and alkalizing. Greens give you calcium but are also good sources of vitamin k, potassium, and other minerals and nutrients needed for healthy bones.

• Avoid sodas and carbonated beverages. Limit caffeinated beverages and alcohol.

• Drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. Bones are 25% water. Being hydrated is one of the best things you can do for joint health.

• Supplements can help.

Our Favorites!

Dr. Gary & Mr. Bones

Promote strong, healthy bones and enjoy natural probiotic benefits with the Nikken Bone Health Pack. For lifelong bone maintenance. This combination of products help support the body's ability to preserve bone density and assists in the preservation of joints and cartilage. 
OsteoDenx is designed to promote both aspects of bone health— the release and absorption of mineral compounds, and the formation of new bone tissue. It can work to complement the body’s natural tissue growth. Kenzen Calcium Complex, an optimized blend of calcium and magnesium, and a source of vitamin D, vitamin K and folate, can help provide the materials needed for this bone regeneration. As bone health depends on the absorption of ingested minerals, Lactoferrin 2.0 serves as a digestion potentiator (a gastroferrin), and is lactose-free.

Kenzen® Joint

The High Potency CM Complex in Kenzen Joint is an advanced formulation that nutritionally supports collagen, bone and connective tissue repair. This formula has a high concentration of cetyl myristoleate and combines this with glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane and compounds from the boswellia plant, which has long been used in Ayurvedic and other complementary practice. Cetyl myristoleate possesses natural surfactant and lubricant properties, in support of smooth joint movement.

CM Complex Cream

Relief from surface soreness is essential for good health as well as comfort. It allows for greater mobility and can help improve quality of life at any age. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just a weekend warrior, Nikken CM Complex Cream can help soothe the discomfort that comes from living an active life. CM Complex is endorsed by the estate of Dr. H. W. Diehl, the National Institutes of Health researcher who discovered cetyl myristoleate.

Author: Gary Lindner, PhD

What is Magnetized Water?

Water is essential for life and we have blogged extensively on its importance. It is the primary solvent and conveyance element in our bodies. Nutrients are carried into our cells on water. All waste is carried out on water. Our blood flows because of water; our nerves transport electric charges via water. Proper hydration is essential to a healthy life. Water comprises over two-thirds of our body weight and is one of the most essential elements to maintaining well-being. If you consider our composition in terms of molecules, we’re practically all water, nearly 99 percent! 

Water is important in every physiological process. Water helps your body with circulation, assimilation, digestion, elimination and temperature control. But not all water is created equal.

What is magnetized water and why would this be important.

I get this question frequently as all our Nikken water products utilize magnetic energy to enhance the water that we consume and bathe in.

We really can’t magnetize water. What we are really doing is exposing water to a magnetic field. Therefore, we are in essence treating water with a magnetic field and some interesting results ensue.

“Drink half your body weight in ounces every day of healthy bioavailable water.

”

— Gary Lindner, PhD

Bioavailability

Although all water consists of the same basic H₂0 molecules, water varies as to how these molecules bond together to form "water molecule groups". Simply stated, it is the size of these molecular groupings that change when exposed to a magnetic field. Water is a very polar molecule consisting of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, hence H₂0 forms very large groupings. The larger the groupings the more inefficient water is at being absorbed.

The smaller the groupings, the more bioavailable the water is and the more easily it can pass through cell membranes to transport nutrients and remove waste.

Exposing water to a magnetic field results in a smaller molecular structure. Magnets can activate water molecules to change their structure to a hexagonal configuration making the water more bioavailable and easily absorbed into our cells. In addition, there's a strong secondary benefit. Applying a magnetic field to water can not only make it more bioavailable, but it can also raise its pH (up to a full point, depending on the water), resulting in a more alkaline water.

As stated by Gina Bria, Cultural Anthropologist, “Dehydration is the mother of all epidemics and it is the first step we need to take in addressing chronic disease.”

I concur and add, drink half your body weight in ounces every day of healthy bioavailable water.

Be Heathy by Choice, not by Chance.

Bottled Water vs Tap Water: Blind Taste Test Edition

“Water is the driving force of all nature. ”

— Leonardo da Vinci

Water Choices

One of the most important aspects of the Wellness Home is to provide ourselves and our families with clean, healthy water.

Water is not just a beverage choice, it is an essential nutrient. We have been saying this for years and the reason why is we tend to choose just about everything else to drink other than water. That is the main reason why over 75% of us walk around dehydrated every day. In a recent article in the Epoch Times, Gina Bria states, “Dehydration is the mother of all epidemics and is the first step we need to take in addressing chronic disease.”

“Dehydration is the mother of all epidemics and is the first step we need to take in addressing chronic disease.”

We have choices for different types of drinking water: tap water, filtered water and bottled water.

Many people, nearly 75% of us drink bottled water. Over 25% drink only bottled water. It has puzzled me for years why people would pay more than 2000 times the cost of bottled water than tap water.  Consider that 4,787 bottled waters could be filled with tap water for $2.10 and every time you buy a bottle of water for $1, you are paying 2,279 times what you would if you filled that same bottle with tap water. Spending $1 on a bottle of water every now and then isn’t that big a deal, but when you make a regular habit of it, it really adds up. If you buy just one $1 bottle of water each day, your annual spending on bottled water comes to $365. Getting the same amount of water from your tap would cost you less than $0.10.

When I ask someone the question, why do you drink bottled water?  The three common responses are:

1.     Bottled water is healthier than tap water.

2.     Bottled water is convenient.

3.     Bottled water tastes better than tap water, (the most common).

For today’s The Impetus let’s examine if bottled water really tastes better than tap water. Given that this is an individual choice or preference, let’s look at blind taste tests that have been conducted by many organizations and in many different geographical locations.  

Bottle Water Versus Tap Water Taste

In a blind water taste test by Good Morning America, New York City tap water came out the clear favorite among testers:

New York City Tap: received 45% of the vote

Poland Spring: received 24% of the vote

O-2, Oxygenated Water: received 19% of the vote

Evian: received 12% of the vote

And this test was no fluke. Time after time, tap water is rated as good or better tasting than bottled water blind taste tests. You can see similar results in numerous cities, both in the U.S. and abroad:

In 2011, Boston University conducted a blind taste test to compare tap water with Vermont Pure bottled water, the brand used in the student lounge’s water cooler. Dozens of students sampled both waters and were asked to determine which was which. Of the 67 testers, only one-third of the respondents correctly identified the tap water sample. Another one-third thought it was the bottled water, and the rest said they couldn’t tell the difference.

Washington, D.C. The Center for Nutrition, Diet and Health at the University of the District of Columbia conducted a blind taste test with 218 participants, most of whom said they preferred to drink bottled water at home. Testers tried samples of four waters – tap water, spring water, distilled water, and mineral water – and ranked them in order of preference. Tap water wasn’t the top pick, but it came in a close second, with 30% of the vote.

Cleveland. ABC’s NewsChannel5 Cleveland invited residents to try samples of three waters: Sam’s Choice Purified bottled water from Walmart, Aquafina bottled water, and Cleveland tap water. Once again, tap water wasn’t the favorite, but it came in a close second to Aquafina. Both samples were preferred by more than two to one over the Sam’s Choice water – which most people guessed was tap water.

San Francisco. In 2009, testers at Mother Jones magazine compared samples of their local San Francisco tap water – both filtered and unfiltered – with samples of eight different bottled waters. The unfiltered tap water came in third, beating out expensive brands such as Voss, Evian, and Fiji Water.

Belfast, Ireland. In a BBC News story, pedestrians sampled three different waters. The first, “harvested from icebergs in the Canadian Arctic,” sells for more than 26 pounds, about $40 per bottle; the second, made from the sap of maple trees, costs the equivalent of $24; and the third came from the tap. Most tasters couldn’t correctly identify the expensive waters from tap water, and one described the $40 sample as “horrible.”

Let’s face it, many people prefer bottled water as a result of excellent marketing by bottled water companies. This was hilariously exemplified a few years ago by popular magicians, Penn and Teller. This YouTube clip shows an elaborate con in a “very trendy Southern California restaurant,” where they created a phony “water list” of six different imported bottled waters selling for as much as $7 per bottle. All six bottles, from “Mount Fuji” to “L’eau Du Robinet,” which is French for “tap water” were filled with a garden hose on the patio. Restaurant patrons claimed to be able to taste distinct differences among the various brands, and consistently agreed that they were much better than tap water, which is exactly what they all were. Consumers think it tastes great as long as it’s served in a fancy bottle and with a fancy price.

Bottled Water Vs. Tap Water Conclusion

Tap water tastes as good, it’s as pure, it’s better for the environment, and costs under 1/2,000th as much. In my opinion, it’s justifiably nuts to pay for and drink bottled water, unless you have no other choice.

The solution to our global water issues and the plastic pollution of our planet is very complex and people often wonder what they can do as individuals to make a positive impact. One thing we all can do is to not to contribute to landfills by filtering tap water rather than purchasing bottled water. In recent blogs we have talked about the pollution problem with bottled water and about how to choose a water filtration system.

Filtering our tap water is convenient, cost effective and the best way to provide ourselves and our families with healthy water. Our personal choice for water filtration is the Nikken Waterfall. Imagine if we could create fresh spring water in our own home or office? This is the strategy behind the Nikken Waterfall. 

Water Matters and is a vital component of every Wellness Home.

Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance.

Autumn Skincare Survival Guide

“I’m a better person when I am moisturized. ”

Have you noticed your skin misbehaves when the seasons change? This is normal. Your skin is a protective barrier and a product of your environment so when the temperature and humidity dip it is time to mix up your skin care routine to combat changing conditions. Speaking from experience, don’t change everything all at once. I use a product line that only requires simple adjustments like the True Elements Marine Organic Skincare line. The True Elements skincare line boasts a French pedigree. It’s marine organic ingredients and formulation have earned the line the coveted Ecocert organic certification.

Moisture, darlings

The first thing most people notice is that their skin dries out and this is due mostly to the lack of humidity. The solution, MOISTURE, darlings. You need to replenish your skin’s moisture barrier and work on your moisture reserve. Hyaluronic acid is basically a magnet for moisture. It can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in moisture and it pulls moisture from the environment. Dermatologist also recommend a cream that is rich in plant butters and oils that act as natural emollients with soften and soothe the skin. Shea butter calms down redness and increases collagen production which makes it a good place to start.

True Elements® Nourishing Face Cream incorporates nourishing shea butter, marine minerals and trace elements to help restore the barrier function of the skin and supply moisture to the upper layers of the epidermis. Hyaluronic acid helps create a strong moisture reserve which helps to combat the lack of humidity.

During the summer, I use the cream only before bedtime, but the cream is light enough to wear during the day. When the season changes, I actually wear the cream over a layer of my favorite product the True Elements® Youth Activ Serum. Both products work in tandem to protect my skin from the changing climate and to replenish my skin’s moisture reserve. This regimen, for me, actually keeps my skin from breaking out in problem areas and over drying in others.

True Elements® Youth Activ Serum was actually introduced to me by Dr. Gary. I was nervous about the product because my skin is typically oily, and the serum looks like a bottle of oil. However, I had been reading that serums are now the go-to beauty product, so, I gave it a go. Overnight the look and feel of my skin improved. The look of breakouts actually diminished, and I did not have any new breakouts. The serum also dramatically reduced the redness in my skin, I suffer from rosacea.

The serum concentrates several active ingredients to reinforce the skin. Ulva algae stimulate the cellular metabolism and synthesis of elastin fibers. The hyaluronic acid stimulates collagen synthesis for a firmer and smoother looking skin. It is perfect for all skin types.

A Respectful Cleanser, darlings

While a drop in the humidity is a skin drying factor your cleanser may also be a culprit. Your skin is on a pH scale. When that scale is balanced your skin thrives and glows. Off balance and your skin lets you know with excessive dryness, redness, tightness and a scratchy feeling. Harsh cleansers actually work to upset the Ph balance in your skin. Choose a gentle cleanser that respects the pH balance of your skin like the True Elements® Velvet Cleansing Milk.

True Elements® Velvet Cleansing Milk gently removes impurities and makeup while maintaining the moisture content of your skin. Seaweed extracts laminaria, chondrus and ulva provide trace elements and minerals that boost the radiance of your skin.

Your skin fights to protect from environmental toxins 24-7. Give it a hand by incorporating a “double cleanse” into your skincare routine. Follow up the True Elements® Velvet Cleansing Milk with the True Elements® Refreshing Tonic Lotion.

Alcohol-free, this tonic lotion incorporates laminaria extract together with sodium-light, spray-dried seawater, activate cellular exchanges and microcirculation. Aloe vera, chondrus, and ulva soothe and moisturize the upper layers of the epidermis. The skin recovers tonicity, comfort and brightness.

Well at least Exfoliation is out, right?

Sorry but wrong, darlings. Your skin still renews itself at a rapid rate and all of that dead, dry skin building up on your face can not only make you look dull, it can also contribute to clogged pores and blemishes. This is true, especially if your skin is very dry. So, give it a little extra love and a helping hand with a gentle exfoliator like True Elements Radiance Scrub.

This scrub is gentle enough for all skin types and works to buff your skin, leaving a smooth and refined feeling. It removes dead skin cells and impurities while it oxygenates skin cells to help improve luminosity. I use this twice weekly.

At least I can skip the Sunscreen

Sorry but sunscreen is still very important to your skin. Some of the products in the True Elements line have an amazing anti-oxidant, Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) which is wonderful for renewing your skin but can make you even more susceptible to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Even if you don’t use this skincare line sunscreen is still vital to protect your skin. I use a mineral sunscreen that also doubles as a moisturizer.

I have also added a hydrating mist to my regimen that incorporates a rose oil. I am currently experimenting with “I woke up like this” hydra balancing rose mist from a Korean skincare line. I will have to let you know how that goes. Nikken PiWater undergoes a de-clustering process that breaks down the water molecule and makes it more absorbable, so I may blow the dust off the junior chem set and work on creating my own facial mist.

Closing Thoughts

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, darlings, and in this case, I am not talking about a skin cream I mean continue to drink plenty of water. This is a personal battle for me in particular. When the temp drops, I naturally gravitate towards a warm, seasonal, beverage. Don’t forget to drink healthy Nikken PiWater water, every day, at least half your body weight in ounces.

Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance  

Sources:

 Autumn Skincare Tips, Nikken October 4, 2017

 It’s fall – but does your skin know that?, Rose Inc. November 13, 2018

 How to Really Look After Your Skin This Season, Alison Ives (Girlboss) November 9, 2018

Grounded a Self Care Solution

We are very fortunate this week to have a very special guest blogger for The Impetus. Here is a simple and informative explanation of Grounding also called Earthing, written by Dr. Jesse Allen, chiropractor and Independent Nikken Consultant from Fremont, California.

                                                             What is Earthing?

Clint Ober (co-author of the popular book Earthing, the most important health discovery ever?) came from a background in the cable industry.  He understood that all electrical and cable systems had to be “grounded” or connected to the earth’s surface to stop interference from outside electromagnetic fields.  He observed that most people wear some type of rubber or plastic-soled shoes.  He wondered if this could have an adverse effect on our health.  As a child growing up on a farm, he noticed that animals that were allowed to run free were much healthier than animal kept indoors in a cage.

He began experimenting with the use of a simple voltmeter to measure the effects of exposure from household appliances and wiring in the walls of his home.  He then took measurements while “grounded to a grounding rod.  Ultimately, he found that when he was grounded, he slept better and had less discomfort.

In another early experiment with Dr. Maurice Ghaly, a retired anesthesiologist, cortisol levels were measured before and after grounding.  (Elevated cortisol indicates chronic stress which can lead to chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, stroke and depressed immune system function).  It was found that earthing could “resynchronize” cortisol secretion to a more normal natural rhythm.  People slept better and reported less discomfort.

In 2001, Mr. Ober began working with Dr. Stephen Sinatra, an integrative cardiologist who had identified inflammation as the cause of arterial and cardiovascular disease.  With the help of biophysicist James Oschman, Ph.D. they were able to determine that the earth was an effective anti-inflammatory aid.

The electric energy on the surface of the earth takes the form of a limitless supply of negatively charged particles called electrons.  When you make contact with the earth, while barefooted or with a grounding/earthing device, the electrons are absorbed into the body where they attach to positively charged free radicals that cause chronic inflammation.  The key here is the effect of chronic inflammation.  When you experience an injury or illness there is a normal level of inflammation that is part of the healing process.  However, if you have chronic inflammation,   tissue can be damaged leading to illness or disease.

Due to our technological world where cell phones, tablets, laptops and wi fi connected devices surround us 24/7; we are constantly being bombarded with EMF, electromagnetic frequencies.  This exposure has been linked to inflammatory reactions, cancer, sleep disruption and immune system dysfunction. 

If you can regularly walk bare foot on grass, dirt or on the beach you can ground yourself naturally.  However, most of us live in urban settings that limit our access to direct contact with the earth.  Grounding devices/earthing devices are the best alternative to neutralize the effect of electromagnetic fields and free radicals.

Thank you, Dr. Allen, for this enlightening explanation as to the health benefits and need for us all to be grounded. This is a concept that I have been aware of since the publishing of Earthing in 2010. I believe we all can appreciate the benefits of walking barefoot on the beach or strolling barefoot in a grassy park. We experience a feeling of relaxation and ease, less stress and a greater sense of well-being.

KenkoGround

As part of the Nikken Wellness Home, we are pleased to announce a new Active Wellness product, the KenkoGround. The KenkoGround is designed to help us connect to the Earth as a natural energy source. Direct contact with the ground (soil, grass, sand, ocean floor) gives our bodies natural energy to help restore our own healthful nature.

The contemporary lifestyle often causes fatigue, sleeplessness, and a general feeling of being out of balance. Unlike our ancestors who were directly connected to the ground by their bare feet, we separate ourselves from nature by using and wearing non-conductive materials, e.g. rubber, plastic, artificial flooring surfaces, etc. In other words, our feet rarely connect with the earth beneath us.

The KenkoGround serves as an indoor and portable way to reconnect with Mother Nature. Simply plug it into a grounded outlet and use it under your feet while working, on your mattress while you sleep or even draped around your shoulders. Direct contact with the skin is recommended for best results.

As a physiologist I appreciate the research that has been done in this field within the last decade. A simple google search on earthing grounding, can lead anyone who has an interest to be more informed. A 2015 study from the Journal of Inflammation Research entitled, “The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases” is a good place to start.

The authors concluded, “Accumulating experiences and research on earthing, or grounding, point to the emergence of a simple, natural, and accessible health strategy against chronic inflammation, warranting the serious attention of clinicians and researchers. The living matrix (or ground regulation or tissue tensegrity-matrix system), the very fabric of the body, appears to serve as one of our primary antioxidant defense systems. As this report explains, it is a system requiring occasional recharging by conductive contact with the Earth’s surface – the “battery” for all planetary life – to be optimally effective.”

Heather and I are very excited about the new KenkoGround and can’t wait to integrate it into our Wellness Home as part of our Active Wellness program.

Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance

Humans Being More, Toronto

The Venue

Humans Being More?

This week’s “The Impetus” is a little different but at the core of what we do. We just got back from the Humans Being More Summit in Toronto and we want to share some highlights and a new product Nikken debuted at this event. Please note this blog includes short video clips so please turn your speakers and sound up.

Who are we?

We are a group of compassionate volunteers/entrepreneurs that are attracted to the idea of raising our own physical, financial and emotional reality by sharing with the world the physical environmental advantages of a wellness home and/or the life balancing advantages of a home based career.

Nikken studies the healthy people and replicates what they do anticipating what the consumer will want from their healthcare in the future. Indeed, we feel the new health care is “self care” the act of making everyday healthy choices for a balanced life.

The view from our room.

For over two and a half years our motto has been Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance. More than a motto, it has been become a battle cry for many of us.

The truth is that if we leave our health to chance, chances are not very good that we are going to be healthy.  At the Humans Being More Summit in Toronto, Canada self care advocates from all over the world convened to help spread this message of taking control of your health, life and finances.

Our Battle Cry

Packed House!

It is for the Children

Dr. Melanie Caldwell introduced Nikken products and a self care lifestyle to her patients 17 years ago with excellent results. (make sure your sound is up)

Virtual walkthrough of the products tables and Nikken’s new, cost efficient, healthy choices packs. Click right to advance the pictures.

Introducing…

We have written about the pollution in people, Our Body Burden. But we also should be aware of electromagnetic pollution. “Earthing” or “grounding” is a popular topic with health-conscious people. Popularized by book “Earthing”, which outlines a cornucopia of health benefits including reduced inflammation, less fatigue, quicker healing, reduced jet lag and better sleep. The thought is that when we are connected to the Earth, we soak up its energy.

The KenkoGround will be available in November.

We are in the business of doing business

“People that say money isn’t important will lie about other things too.”

— Zig Zigler

Nikken’s philosophy is based on what we call the Five Pillars of Health; healthy mind, body, family, society and finances. A “Self Care” lifestyle is balanced in all five pillars. Too often, if our finances pillar is strong the other pillars are weak. Nikken offers you an opportunity to live in a wellness home and grow a healthy mind, body, family and yes, finances by owning your own Nikken wellness consultant business. When you live and share the Nikken lifestyle and help others to live in a wellness home we establish a healthy society. Every home a Wellness Home.

See you on the red carpet, next year.

The ABC’s of Self Care Y

“I think of self care like the airplane mask warning. When emergencies happen and the mask drops from the ceiling you are supposed to help yourself first. Then proceed to help others to put on their masks.”

The ABC’s of Self Care Y

Our series the ABC’s of Self Care is winding down. This week our series on the ABC’s of Self Care continues with Y.  

For Y, let’s talk about WHY or more specifically, Why Self Care? It just so happens this is the theme for an upcoming presentation that I will be giving in Toronto in a little over a week. This will be an incredible event with many talented speakers from all over the world. The event will kick off with the theme, Be Healthy by Choice. I must say that I am very honored and humbled to be the first speaker and set the tone for the rest of that day’s presentations.

You can find more information about this event at http://torontosummit.net/. Tickets are still available, and I invite you to join us for two days of great life changing information.

To answer the question, Why Self Care? All we need to do is look at the status on health care. We have blogged on this before in Health Care Crisis: Part. 1 and Part 2.

The incidence of chronic disease as our biggest killer and health problem is not segregated to the U.S., it is a global problem. Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Disease rates from these conditions are accelerating globally and advancing across every region and pervading all socioeconomic classes according to the World Health Organization. Currently, one in three adults worldwide suffer from two or more chronic conditions.

The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that as high as 80% of our world’s biggest killers can be prevented. I concur and am of the belief that just a few simple self care principles can lead to a vibrant heathy life.

Most people have become ambivalent towards chronic disease, thinking that they are just a normal part of aging. We are under a constant bombardment of advertising telling us so and that we shouldn’t worry because whatever disease they are talking about can be treated and managed. Here is a paraphrase of a recent advertisement from what use to be our corner drug store and is now called your local wellness center. The advertisement says, “there are 26 million Americans with diabetes, and 74 million are at risk, don’t worry, we can treat and manage your diabetes, so you can lead a normal productive life”. I almost fell out of my chair when I first heard this commercial. Then I got angry. It is a brainwashing, inferring that chronic disease is a normal part of life. It is not. 

Most chronic diseases can be prevented, however, most are treated and managed with pharmaceutical intervention. The U.S. fills 4.3 billion prescriptions annually and treating chronic conditions account for 86% of our nation’s health care dollar. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) states, “pharmaceutical consumption continues to increase globally driven by a growing demand for drugs to treat aging-related and chronic diseases.”

As many of you know, Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance is the battle cry for the Self Care Awakening and is the core of the content and information here on the Self Care Hub.  Our health is our own responsibility and the choices we make every day can improve or impede our health. It is our goal to inform, inspire and empower anyone to be healthy. This is Heather and my WHY, it is our purpose and our passion for all to BE HEALTHY BY CHOICE.

We have a solution for the health crisis, health care needs to become Self Care. It all starts with our own individual plan for a healthy life. The Nikken Wellness Home and Active Wellness Products provides simple, easy and affordable choices to accomplish this goal. Our and fellow self care advocates mission is Every Home a Wellness Home.

If this resounds with you to be part of a dedicated passionate team in a worthwhile cause to help yourself and others, please contact the person that shared this article with you so everyone can Be Healthy by Choice. It may also become your Why?

Next installment will be the letter Z, time for some zzzz’s, then I’ll start to ponder what to write about. Sleep Matters.

The ABC’s of Self Care X

Solve for X

A Nikken Wellness Home is designed to address many health concerns, including environmental toxins, contagions, dehydration, poor sleep quality, weight matters and nutrition. In a practical sense, the Wellness Home creates an environment that enables us to make healthier choices every day.

This week our series on the ABC’s of Self Care continues with X. For the life of me, I couldn’t come up with a subject for X, so let’s let X represent the missing factor in your self care program.

Using the four main principles of self care ask yourself:

Am I consciously taking steps to reduce my body burden of toxic chemicals?

Am I drinking half my body weight in ounces of healthy water every day to stay well hydrated?

Is my sleep sufficient or am I trading my health at the expense of fewer hours of sleep or poor-quality-sleep

Do I monitor how much excess sugar I am consuming every day and is it within a healthy guideline?

Each of these X’s in combination and or by themselves can be a causative factor in chronic disease.

Heather and I have created a weekly journal for monitoring our self care procedures. We often ask new people or subscribers to the Selfcarehub.com to pay attention to a few details in their self care pursuits to be Heathy by Choice. You can download a free, printable copy of the Self Care Journal here or under our “freebies” tab on the hub.

For example, on the Checklist there are questions to solve for the X, such as how much water you are drinking daily. Does X equal half your body weight in ounces of healthy water?

X can also represent what you are doing to reduce your body burden of toxic chemicals, how much and the quality of sleep you’re getting or how much excess sugar are you consuming daily.

Our experience has been that when anyone first accepts and implements the principles of the Self Care Awakening it is beneficial to journal your activities until they have become every day activities and habits.

Here is a short description from my good friend, Royal Diamond Dave Johnson on how his day incorporates Nikken Active Wellness products for self care and Being Healthy by Choice.

“A NIKKEN Day!

NIKKEN dramatically changes some of the most common things we all do every day.

I love getting an exquisitely good nights rest on my Naturerestmattress pad and amazing Kenkothermcomforter. Great sleep makes all the difference.

I get up and pour a glass of the most delicious and healthiest water in the whole world, spoon in some Jade GreenZymesmaking every cell in my body healthy and happy.

I go for a walk or some kind of workout with my beautiful wife, and then feed my body and mind with the concentrated natural goodness of Kenzen Vital Balance. Wow I love that stuff!

And then I take a shower and now I've become a teenager again - I can't get out - the microbubble shower feels just too good! Can you remember the old dial soap commercial? To paraphrase them: Aren't you glad you use NIKKEN? Don't you wish everyone did? I know that if everyone used the NIKKEN products, there wouldn't be any health crises!”

Dave has been an advocate for self care and the Nikken Wellness Home for over 25 years. You can read between the lines how easy and simple his self care choices are for him. You can also hear his passion for sharing these products and concepts to others so they too can be Healthy by Choice.

I agree with Dave that we have a solution for the health crisis, health care needs to become self care. It all starts with our own individual plan for a healthy life. The Nikken Wellness Home and Active Wellness Products provides simple, easy and affordable choices to accomplish this goal.

As I have many times said, it is not just one thing that makes us sick, it stands to reason that not just one thing can make us healthy. Self Care and Nikken ActiveWellness Home products provide an integrated approach to BEING HEALTHY BY CHOICE.

The ABC’s of Self Care W

“Dehydration is the mother of all epidemics and it is the first step we need to take in addressing chronic disease.”

— Gina Bria, Cultural Anthropologist

A Nikken Wellness Home is designed to address many health concerns, including environmental toxins, contagions, dehydration, poor sleep quality, weight matters and nutrition. In a practical sense, the Wellness Home creates an environment that enables us to make healthier choices every day.

This week our series on the ABC’s of Self Care continues with W. We could blog about the Wellness Home, Weight Matters, being Wealthy by Choice or Water Matters. A recent article in the Epoch Times has prompted this week’s Impetus. The article entitled Dying of Thirst outlines the many reasons that we should stay hydrated. One quote from the article, sums it up, “Dehydration is the mother of all epidemics and it’s the first step we need to take in addressing chronic disease”, so says Gina Bria, cultural anthropologist.

Water Matters

Proper hydration is essential to a healthy life. Water comprises over two-thirds of our body weight and is one of the most essential elements to maintaining well-being. If you consider our composition in terms of molecules, we’re practically all water, nearly 99 percent. 

Water is important in every physiological process. Water helps your body with circulation, assimilation, digestion, elimination and temperature control.

Researchers estimate that about 75% of people in the US have a mild chronic dehydration. This can lead to many health issues such as fatigue, joint pain, weight gain, headaches, ulcers and high blood pressure. Chronic dehydration may affect your organs and lead to kidney stones, cholesterol problems, constipation, and liver and muscle damage.

Water is not just a beverage choice

Water is not just a beverage choice, it is our most essential nutrient. When we think of water in this way it becomes apparent that we must drink enough each day.  We can live for 3 weeks without food, but only 3 days without water!

How Much Water Should We Drink?

There is no perfect answer to this question as it depends on your age, health status, level of physical activity, body type and ambient surroundings.

Everyone has heard drink eight 8oz glasses of water a day. This is insufficient in my opinion for proper hydration for most us. A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces per day of water. So, if you weigh 160 pounds, 10 glasses or 80 ounces per day is a good rule to follow. 

When we hydrate, we are often doing it with compromised water. It’s either full of other chemicals, or, if it’s filtered, it has a loss of minerals which drives the energy inside the water. The body needs to work harder with this water to absorb and utilize it.

Hydration is not just about the quantity of liquid you consume, but about the quality of water and how well your tissues absorb it.

An effective way of providing yourself and your family with healthy water is filtration of tap water. There are many types of systems to accomplish this. Common methods of filtering can remove the chemicals, but it also removes important minerals our bodies need. Guidelines I suggest looking for when comparing systems are advanced filtration that is corroborated and meet or exceed ANSI/NSF standards of 42 and 53.  Look for a system that adds minerals back to the water and creates a slightly alkaline water. I am also a proponent of micro-clustered water that helps with absorption and I suggest getting a system that is easy to use and maintain and cost effective.

What if we could create fresh spring water in our own home or office? The Nikken Waterfall converts tap water into fresh spring-like water. Using a multi-stage process which filters, alkalizes, mineralizes, ionizes, energizes and oxygenates the water, the Waterfall provides great tasting water which is easy to use, affordable and a healthy water choice. Water the way nature intended it.

Last month, Nikken announced the concept of vital Wellness Home Packs to enable anyone to make simple, affordable choices to create a Wellness Home. The Packs address all the areas of self care and help make being Healthy by Choice more convenient than ever.

The Wellness Home Water Pack

Clean water is key to good health. Whether you need clean water at home or on the go, Nikken water products give you access to healthy water. The Water pack comes with replacement filters and the PiMag MicroJet® Shower System to reduce contaminants in the water we bathe in.

Our redesigned Sports bottle is a favorite of ours for healthy water on the go, without the expense of, or pollution associated with bottled waters. The new improved PiMag Sport bottle is not just a state-of-the-art water filter, but also a health product crucial to an Active Wellness lifestyle. The new filter can significantly reduce certain harmful pathogens in potable drinking water. It’s also a green choice; You won’t be adding to landfills and polluting ocean waters with plastic. Instead, you’ll be saving a fortune by not paying for commercially bottled water. 

Empowering individuals to take greater ownership of their health has never been more important. The rising cost of healthcare, the unprecedented increase in chronic disease, and the cost of treating and managing preventable conditions has launched an Awakening to raise Self Care as an essential component of health care. The new Vital Wellness Home Packs are easy, convenient and affordable ways to empower anyone to be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance.

The ABC’s of Self Care V

The ABC’s of Self Care V

A Nikken Wellness Home is designed to address many health concerns, including environmental toxins, contagions, dehydration, poor sleep quality, weight matters and nutrition. In a practical sense, the Wellness Home creates an environment that enables us to make healthier choices every day.

This week our series on the ABC’s of Self Care continues with V.

This month, Nikken announced the concept of Vital Wellness Home Packs to enable anyone to make simple, affordable choices to create a Wellness Home. The Packs address all the areas of self care and help make being Healthy by Choice more convenient than ever.

The Wellness Home Water Pack

Water is not just a beverage choice, it is our most essential nutrient. We have previously blogged about the importance of staying hydrated and the consequences of dehydration in the Impetus quite a few times. Clean water is key to good health. Whether you need clean water at home or on the go, Nikken water products give you access to healthy water to drink and bathe in.

The Wellness Home Sleep Packs

Sleep is the single activity that we spend the most time doing in our lifetimes. We spend one-third of our lives asleep and for good reason. William C. Dement, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University, is one of the world's leading authorities on sleep. He is sometimes referred to as the father of sleep medicine. To quote Dr. Dement, “Healthy sleep has been empirically proven to be the most single important determinant on predicting longevity, more important than diet, exercise and heredity.” 

Sleep is not only about how many hours we sleep, but more importantly about quality of sleep that we are receiving. A significant component of sleep quality is dependent on our sleep environment. For that reason, the foundation of the Nikken Wellness Home is the Nikken Kenko Sleep System. It uses natural materials and simple principles to create Adaptive Sleep Technology. This includes, self-regulating temperature control, advanced magnetic technology and passive massage to provide a natural, relaxing sleep environment to for a deep restful, rejuvenating sleep. The Sleep Packs are available in twin, queen and king sizes.

The Wellness Home Energy Pack

The Energy Pack is essential for an Active Wellness lifestyle. It is designed to support maximum mobility, flexibility and energy. It is comprised of a variety of Nikken products and technologies to support over-all physical well-being. Heather and I use many of these products daily. They are staples in our Wellness Home.

I will add one more pack to the list which I consider to be vital to our health and well-being. I suggest this to my clients to provide a daily base for good nutrition.

The Wellness Home Core Nutrition Pack

This pack makes healthy nutrition simple, convenient and affordable. The products include:

Kenzen Super Ciaga®

 Super Ciaga is an organic mixed superfruit juice concentrate made exclusively with organic fruit content. This advanced formula is made with a select group of superfruits chosen for their nutrient and antioxidant characteristics. Highly concentrated, it has an exceptional ORAC value. Certified-organic, Super Ciaga supports individuals who want to feel more energized as well as those who need assistance with poor eating habits.

Jade GreenZymes®

Called "nature's perfect food," barley grass is said to have more nutrition than an equal serving of any other vegetable. The barley grass in organic Jade GreenZymes® is beneficial in helping balance pH, supporting a strong immune system, and assisting in maintaining blood glucose levels that are already in the normal range. 

 Kenzen Vital Balance®

Organic Food for Everyday Health
Our formula contains organic moringa and naturally sweet monk fruit in addition to organic pea protein and organic vegetables. It is designed to help burn fat, boost metabolism and promote healthy brain function and the elimination of toxins in the body. With pre- and probiotics to assist in digestive and immune system activity, the Kenzen Vital Balance formula is food for action and food for thought—for people of all ages. 

These Nikken Wellness nutrition products can be ordered as an autoship with an additional 25% discount.

Empowering individuals to take greater ownership of their health has never been more important. The rising cost of healthcare, the unprecedented increase in chronic disease, and the cost of treating and managing preventable conditions has launched an Awakening to raise Self Care as an essential component of health care. The new Vital Wellness Home Packs are easy, convenient and affordable ways to empower anyone to be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance.