Good Nutrition the Essentials

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food

Hippocrates

Wellness Home and Good Nutrition

A major component of the Wellness Home is healthy nutrition. Eating a balanced diet is vital for good health and wellbeing. Food provides our bodies with the energy, protein, essential fats, vitamins and minerals to live, grow and function properly. We need a wide variety of different foods to provide the right amounts of nutrients for good health.

There are six basic nutrients required for good health. 

These include:

Carbohydrates-Carbohydrates are grouped into two categories: simple and complex. Carbohydrates are the main energy source for the brain. Without carbohydrates, the body could not function properly. Sources include fruits, breads and grains and starchy vegetables.

Protein-which is broken down into amino acids by the digestive system. Protein is the major structural component of cells and is responsible for the building and repair of body tissues. Lean protein sources such as low-fat meat, dairy, beans or eggs. There are many other vegetable sources of protein, if that is your personal choice.

Fat-The fat in food includes a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fats.  Fat is an energy source that when consumed, increases the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins including vitamins A, D, E and K. Choose healthy options such as omega-3-rich foods like fish, walnuts and vegetable-based oils. Omega-3s help with development and growth. Limit intake of saturated fats such as high-fat meats and full-fat dairy. Other smart choices include nuts, seeds and avocado.

Vitamins- both water and fat-soluble. There may be slight differences in the amounts of specific vitamins for men versus women, but in general, the essential vitamins that your body needs are:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• B vitamins

The best way to get these vitamins is to eat a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. A multivitamin may also be useful to help fill in the gaps if you have a restrictive diet.

Minerals- These essential nutrients, those that your body needs but cannot produce, include the inorganic substances found in foods such as: calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, chloride and Trace Minerals.

Water- said to be our most essential nutrient, read more in Down the Hatch. Water helps to maintain homeostasis in the body and transports nutrients to cells. Water also assists in removing waste products from the body. We recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces per day.

Whenever possible choose fresh organic produce. We strive to eat as natural as possible and avoid processed foods. Many processed foods, including canned and frozen vegetables contain added sugar. In our Wellness Home we make a conscious effort to keep our sugar consumption at a healthy level, 36 grams or 9 teaspoons a day for me and 25 grams or 6 teaspoons a day for the ladies in the house.

Unfortunately, our busy fast-paced lives often impede with our choices for healthy eating.  I’m sure we have all experienced the trials and tribulations in shopping, food preparation and all that goes in to preparing and consuming healthy meals. One way to counter act this is supplementing our food. Many supplements fall short in what they deliver in terms of natural provided nutrients. 

Nikken’s philosophy (and ours) is that the best way to take care of our nutritional needs, is the natural way. Nikken created the first complete program based on natural, organic ingredients. These fill the nutritional gaps in our daily diet, to help us "eat right," even when our meals may fall short of their nutrtional mark. Organic-Based Nutrition means that all ingredients are carefully chosen, and the organic content is maximized. 
Nikken Kenzen® Wellness nutrition is founded on a whole-food philosophy. These organic-based solutions help bring our daily diet closer to nature and is an integral part of our Wellness Home.

Here are three of our favorite products that are core to our nutritional needs:

Kenzen Vital Balance® Meal Replacement Mix- We kick-start every day with a KVB shake.

KVB’s 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 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—for people of all ages. 

Naturally-sourced protein from organic pea, organic rice and organic chlorella to promote the formation of lean muscle mass without the high levels of saturated fat and calories associated with animal protein.
Contains Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), sourced exclusively from palm kernel oil, serve as “brain food” to support cognitive sharpness and for weight loss to assist in burning fat, boosting metabolism and regulating the appetite.*

Jade GreenZymes®- We have glass of JGZ’s twice a day.

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.

Kosher and vegan certified and USDA Organic.

Kenzen Super Ciaga® - We use this once a day and have developed some very delicious drink variations.

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. 

Excellent flavor enhancer when diluted and mixed in with other beverages or water.
• Great replacement for sodas that may contain artificial sweeteners or lots of sugar. Simply mix with Nikken PiMag® water or seltzer for a naturally sweet beverage.
• Certified Kosher by Earth Kosher.
•USDA certified organic.

• No preservatives, 12 month shelf life.

Super Ciaga bottles are made of an environmentally-friendly polymer that contains no bisphenol-A (BPA) or other potentially harmful chemicals, are easily recycled and compared to glass, require fewer resources to store and transport.

An effective nutritional strategy is more than just what we eat. It requires attention to many self care processes that can affect our well-being. Quality sleep, proper hydration with healthy water, reduction of our body burden of toxic chemicals and stress management are all important for improving and maintaining good health.

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.

Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance

* 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.*

Nutrition in Your Wellness Home

To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art. 

Eating You Alive

“People aren’t living longer, they are dying longer.” This is the first statement in a trailer for an upcoming in theater broadcast event of the movie “Eating You Alive”.  For more details on the film and showings check out their webpage.

EatingYouAlive.org is a non-profit 501(c)(3) committed to promoting the power of a Whole Foods Plant Based lifestyle through films, television and online platforms.  With a fresh and passionate perspective, our mission is to produce content that educates and inspires audiences to implement the changes that have been proven, through science and experience, to reverse disease, create a more sustainable planet and promote a more compassionate global community.

Half of all adults in the U.S. struggle with chronic health conditions including cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, Alzheimer’s and arthritis just to mane a few. Twenty-five percent of us 2 have two or more chronic health issues. Seven out of 10 deaths in the U.S. are a result of chronic diseases, yet it is estimated that over 80% of chronic disease is preventable.

Despite countless dollars spent on medical research, new drugs and innovative technology to improve our health, more Americans are disabled and dying from chronic disease than ever before. Nearly 70% of our population are on some type of prescription medication. We fill over 4.3 billion prescriptions per year. Many chronic and degenerative conditions are becoming epidemic and the United States currently leads the world in almost every disease and chronic condition.  Although the U.S represents 4.4% of the world’s population, we consume 75% of the world’s pharmaceutical drugs.

At some point you must ask, Why? What is causing all of this dis-ease? This is the impetus for the film “Eating You Alive”. From information listed on their web page they are advocates for plant based whole food nutrition. Although, Heather and I are not vegan, we do try and include as much whole foods, while eliminating processed foods in our Wellness Home.  We are very cognitive of our sugar consumption as well as the other aspects of the Self Care Awakening.

Whole Food Nutrition

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. The Nikken concept of Whole Body Renewal includes a Core System to help meet daily needs, and modules that offer support for specific biological activities: gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neurological, immune, and skeletal support.

A few of our daily favorites are Kenzen Vital Balance®, Jade GreenZymes® and Kenzen Super Ciaga®.

Just 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. It is our biggest aspiration that you will Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance, and if you have the chance you may want to catch “Eating You Alive” at select theaters on April 5th.

“quick, power-up, healthy Kenzen Vital Balance protein snack recipe”

½ cup rolled oats
1 scoop of vanilla or chocolate Kenzen Vital Balance pea protein powder
(our fav is chocolate)
½ cup peanut or almond butter
¼ cup honey
½ Tbsp Chia seeds
Dried Cherries
Water

• Combine ingredients in a bowl only adding water as needed
• Mix until ingredients start to form a ball
• Form into bite sized balls and chill until firm
Check out Kenzen Vital Balance: https://goo.gl/SiWe42 🤗

Water Matters, Planet in Peril

Water Matters to People and the Planet

Today is World Water Day. On March 22nd every year, is about focusing attention on the importance of water. The theme for World Water Day 2018 is ‘Nature for Water’ – exploring nature-based solutions to the water challenges we face in the 21st century.

On this day we are all asked to “Take action, wherever you are and whatever you do on March 22, make it about nature and water.” For my part, I will take a little break in our current Wellness Home Series and talk about the environmental impact and waste of natural resources that are the result of the bottled water industry.

The effect of plastic bottles on our environment has been documented and although we have an awareness of the problem it is getting worse not better. There are over 100 million plastic bottles used each day globally and nearly 80% of these end up in our landfills. This means that only 20% are recycled. Approximately 1500 bottles end up in landfills and the ocean every second accounting for 2 million tons of plastic bottles that are landfilled each year.  It takes 700 years before plastic bottles start to decompose and can take up to 1000 years to fully decompose. Virtually every piece of plastic that was ever made still exists in some shape or form (except for the small amount that has been incinerated).

Consumption of natural resources related to plastic water bottles is a major concern. Producing the bottles for American consumption required the equivalent of more than 17 million barrels of oil and an additional 18 million barrels are used to transport bottled water. More energy is needed to fill the bottles with water at the factory, move it by truck, cool it in grocery stores or home refrigerators, and recover, recycle, or throw away the empty bottles. The Pacific Institute estimates that the total amount of energy embedded in our use of bottled water can be as high as the equivalent of filling a plastic bottle one quarter full of oil. Bottling water also wastes water, it takes three gallons of water to produce one gallon of bottled water.  Key environmental issues with bottled water, according to environmentalist David Suzuki, are waste and uncertainty over the long-term health effects created by plastic. "Not only does bottled water lead to unbelievable pollution…but plastic has chemicals in it. Plastics are ubiquitous. I don't believe that plastics are not involved in a great deal of the health problems that we face today."

Any way you look at it, bottling water is a tremendous waste as far as resources and a major contributor to the pollution of our planet and wasteful of our most essential nutrient, Water.

Just this week, a new study of 259 water bottles has found tiny pieces of plastic in more than 90 percent of them, prompting a review by the World Health Organization (WHO). As Graham Readfearn reports for the Guardian, the study was conducted by scientists at the State University of New York (SUNY) in Fredonia. Researchers analyzed water bottles from nine countries—the U.S., China, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Lebanon, Kenya and Thailand and found that 93 percent showed at least some sign of contamination from microplastics. Although stated that the consequences of ingesting microplastics are unknown, common sense would tell us they would not be good. Among the brands tested were: Aqua (Danone), Aquafina (PepsiCo), Bisleri (Bisleri International), Dasani (Coca-Cola), Epura (PepsiCo), Evian (Danone), Gerolsteiner (Gerolsteiner Brunnen), Minalba (Grupo Edson Queiroz), Nestlé Pure Life (Nestlé), San Pellegrino (Nestlé) and Wahaha (Hangzhou Wahaha Group).

As I have written before (The Body Burden) it is estimated that each one of us carry an average of over 200 toxic chemicals in our body. Everybody is being exposed to some degree at any given time from gestation through death to toxic chemicals from plastics. Plastic bottles are known to release harmful chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s. BPA is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics are commonly used in containers that store food and beverages, such as water bottles. BPA is one of many man-made chemicals classified as endocrine disruptors, which alter the function of the endocrine system by mimicking the role of the body's natural hormones.

A study of 77 Harvard College students found one week of drinking water from polycarbonate bottles increased the levels of BPA in by two-thirds (1). This suggests that regular consumption of water from such bottles significantly increases exposure to BPA. Bio-monitoring by the Center for Disease Control and other studies have detected levels of bisphenol A in the urine of 95% of the adult population of the United States.  

Health problems associated with BPA’s include, overweight, early puberty, hypertension, ADHD, heart disease, liver failure, breast and prostate cancer to name a few.

One other contaminant that is associated with plastic bottled water is antimony. Antimony is a regulated contaminant that poses both acute and chronic health effects in drinking water. In small doses, antimony can cause nausea, dizziness and depression. In large doses, it can be fatal. The longer water is stored in plastic bottles and the higher the ambient storage temperature, the higher the concentration of a potentially harmful chemicals can be, a recent study states (2).

Given the environmental impact of bottled water, the potential health risks that we know of, and the potential for risks we may not be aware of warrants serious consideration as to your choice for water.

When we consume bottled water, we pay far too much for it in terms of expense, our health and the health of our planet. Skipping the bottle is one step toward Being Healthy by Choice.

Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance

Quality Sleep and the Wellness Home

"Sleep’s the only medicine that gives ease.” Sophocles

Quality Sleep is a foundational component of the Nikken Wellness Home. 

Coincidentally as I write this blog the National Sleep Foundation in celebrating its annual Sleep Awareness Week, March 11 to 17,2018. This year's theme “Begin with Sleep” highlights the importance of good sleep health for individuals to best achieve their personal, family, and professional goals. Today, March 16th, is World Sleep Day. Its goal is to celebrate the benefits of good and healthy sleep and to draw society's attention to the burden of poor sleep. 

We have previously blogged about sleep and its importance to our health. 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.” Matthew Walker, a professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley agrees, "I used to suggest that sleep is the third pillar of good health, along with diet and exercise, but I don't agree with that anymore. Sleep is the single most effective thing you can do to reset your brain and body for health." 

We need sleep to be heathy, happy and productive. Without it we suffer consequences both physically and mentally. Sleep is the most important determinant to being healthy by choice, so, choose to get enough quality sleep. Sleep Matters. 

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 and our personal choice, 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. 

Naturest® Mattress Topper

The system includes three main components, the Nikken Naturest® Mattress Topper with a KenkoDream™ Comforter and the Kenko Naturest® Custom Pillow. Each component contains advanced technology and materials to improve sleep quality. The Nikken Naturest® Mattress Topper features a design that has no springs. Its construction forms itself to body contours. This prevents the formation of pressure points (feeling to heavy in one spot that often precipitates tossing and turning) that can interrupt sleep and prevents us from attaining optimal rest. The natural latex foundation is firm yet comfortable, and resists sagging. This support system combines advanced scientific technology and natural materials in a design that promotes healthy and refreshing sleep. An impressive merger of two very different design principles, Naturest features advanced sleep innovations, including a revolutionary new design in magnetic technology, seen nowhere else — and traditional materials that are not only environmentally responsible but help you sleep soundly and wake feeling refreshed and energized. After trying the Kenko Naturest Mattress Topper, you’ll never want to sleep without it. 

Kenko Dream Comforter

A perfect balance of comfort for all climates, the Kenko Dream® Comforter combines revolutionary technology and the finest materials allow better rest. Ceramic-reflecting fibers help regulate temperatures to keep you warm or cool and is designed for all-season use. Chitocotton, another innovation, contains chitosan to help fibers retain a clean, fresh scent. A magnetic layer completes the cocoon effect with ceramic-reflective fibers that help to release heat and maintain a comfortable temperature. The breathable cover provides ventilation and releases excess heat for comfort and is finished in an elegant, satiny weave that dresses up your bed.

Kenko Naturest® Custom Pillow

Inside the Kenko Naturest® Custom Pillow is a special filler of rolled natural latex. It’s designed so that you remove or replace filler to achieve the desired degree of firmness —your personal perfect fit. The latex is especially resilient, so it resists being compressed flat, unlike a down or foam pillow. A head and neck insert helps provide correct spinal alignment. The pillow cover is a natural, breathable cotton blend. Deep within the Custom Pillow is patented DynaFlux® Magnetic Technology, a series of magnets arranged to surround you in a cocoon of magnetism. 

 

Nikken Kenko Sleep products are made in the USA. 

Regular sleep on a Kenko Sleep System can contribute to improved learning ability and decision-making abilities, improved memory, alertness and increased mental acuity. Quality sleep supports physical health including improved immune system function, better ability to resist premature aging, increased ability to resist stress, and better-regulated hormone production that can help prevent weight gain or obesity. 

Sleep Matters and is a vital component of every Wellness Home. Get at least 7.5 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night with the Nikken Kenko Sleep System and BE HEALTHY BY CHOICE, NOT BY CHANCE. 

Save You, Your Family and the Planet

"We forget that the water cycle and life cycle are one"

Water Matters and the Wellness Home

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. I advocate drinking half your body weight in ounces of healthy water per day. 

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

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. 

What do we use in our Wellness Home? 

Our personal choice for water filtration is the Nikken PiMag Waterfall. Imagine if we could create fresh spring water in our own home or office? This is the strategy behind the Nikken Waterfall.  The Nikken Waterfall System is an advanced, technically sophisticated, well designed countertop home filtration system that converts tap water into fresh spring-like water. Using a multi-stage filtration process which cleans, alkalizes, mineralizes, ionizes, energizes and oxygenates the water, the Waterfall produces a light, velvety fresh-tasting water which is highly absorbed and healthy. 

PiMag Waterfall

Put simply, the Waterfall produces water the way nature intended water to be. Free of contaminants but maintaining an alkaline pH with minerals that are added back after the filtration process. The water is run through a magnetic field that provides a water structure as it occurs in nature. 

The Waterfall Gravity Water System has a modern, compact profile and fits conveniently into most kitchen environments. All Nikken water products are designed to the highest standards, using non-leaching, and free of BPA and other estrogenic chemicals. With its Gold Seal of Approval from the Water Quality Association, the Waterfall meets rigorous standards for performance, capacity, and integrity, removing a variety of drinking water contaminants.

The Nikken Waterfall meets contaminant-reduction specifications of National Sanitary Foundation (NSF) Standards 42 and 53 and reduces objectionable tastes, odors, colors, aesthetic chlorine, chloramines, VOCs and mercury from municipally treated tap water. This is considerably better performance than you'd get with many conventional faucet or pitcher--type or water filters. The filtration efficiency is equivalent to more complex and expensive water filtration systems costing $1000’s of dollars.

The water tank components are bio-degradable plastics that will not leach potentially harmful chemicals into the contents of the tank. Nor will they release these chemicals into the soil.  The Waterfall is environmentally responsible in several ways. It reduces the number of discarded plastic water bottles that become trash in landfills. This also decreases consumption of fossil fuels used in manufacturing those bottles. The waterfall is made with recyclable and biodegradable materials, including a polymer that does not leach chemicals into water as some plastics will. 

Features and Benefits that we like most about our Waterfall:

• Multiple-stage filtering process, advanced water-contaminant reducing technology

• Certified filtration to reduce contaminants, NSF Certification 42, 53 and 372

• Gold Seal of Approval from the Water Quality Association

• Natural, gravity-fed filtration – no need for electricity or plumbing, can be used is any location

• Minerals added back to adjust pH to create alkaline water

• Fits perfectly onto kitchen counter-top

• Non-leaching and BPA free materials

• Made of bio-degradable plastics for no environmental impact

• Ease of operation and maintenance

• Cost effective solution for healthy water

The Waterfall is good for your family, your pocketbook and our planet! It is an integral component of the Nikken Wellness Home.

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

Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance.

Fresh Air... Indoors

Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat. 

-Laura Ingalls Wilder

Is Your Home Your Haven?

Most of us consider our homes to be a safe, healthy environment, but in reality, our homes are often very toxic places. Given a choice, “Would you prefer to live in “sick” home or a “wellness” home? The answer is obvious, I think we would choose a wellness home. 

Your first question may be, what is a wellness home? The best way to answer this question is to use an analogy. Think of a greenhouse. It creates the optimal environment for plants to grow. It provides optimal light, healthy air, healthy water, a balanced pH and nutrients. If a plant is not provided with the optimal environment it can still survive but given an optimal environment it thrives. Are we any different? 

Imagine a greenhouse for you and your family, an optimal environment that provides the tools for your body to heal and protect itself, that is the concept of a wellness home. I am of the opinion if we give our bodies the right tools it can heal and protect itself. Our bodies are amazing.

A Nikken Wellness Home is designed to address many 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.

In the Self Care Awakening we discuss environmental toxicity and our Body Burden. 

One of the major factors contributing to our body burden is air pollution. Although we have limited control over outdoor air pollution we do have choices for the quality of air in our homes. 

Indoor Air Pollution

Indoor Air Pollution is concern for many health-conscious individuals and with good reason. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the air within our homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air even the largest and most industrialized cities. We spend nearly 90% of our time indoors. Those who spend most of their time indoors are the very young, elderly or infirm. Pollutants can be 2 to 10 times higher indoors than outdoors. This is especially so during the cold months, when windows and doors are kept tightly shut and homes, schools and office buildings are made as airtight as possible to conserve energy.

The air inside our homes is the same air as outside, but we add to the pollution with cleaning products, chemicals from our carpets, furnishings, paints, glues from furniture (i.e. particleboard), and with the other by-products of our modern lives. Dusts, molds, pollens, pet dander and other particles in our air can directly impact us through hay fever or other allergies. Indoor air pollution can aggravate, irritate, and in some cases cause serious harm. The effects of indoor air pollutants range from short-term effects – eye and throat irritation – to long-term effects – respiratory disease and cancer.

Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality include:

• headache
• eye irritation 
• fatigue
• dry throat 
• sinus congestion
•  dizziness
• nausea

Improving the quality of our air can reduce the air pollution we experience, as well as helping to reduce airborne transmissions in our homes, offices, schools, and other environments.

The Nikken Wellness Home Solution

The KenkoAir® Purifier is designed to combat allergy-causing particles and enhance the air we breathe, helping us to enjoy a more natural, pollutant-free air quality in our homes.  When guests first enter our Wellness Home, they often remark that they feel a difference in the air, a calm, fresh feeling as though they were outdoors in a forest or at the beach. 

KenkoAir Purifier

There are many choices when it comes to home air filtration units. We recommend the KenkoAir Purifier for the following reasons.

·         The KenkoAir Purifier operates without producing ozone. Ozone is classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a toxic gas, yet many other air filtration systems produce it as a byproduct. The State of California has banned the sale of ozone-producing air systems, and other states are expected to follow.
 

·         The Nikken KenkoAir Purifier incorporates multiple-stage filtration including an ultra-low penetration air filter (ULPA). The KenkoAir Purifier exceeds that, with measured efficiency up to 99.9995%. No other home air filtration system matches this level of performance.
 

·         This advanced design uses minimal energy. The KenkoAir is Energy Star qualified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The Energy Star is given only to an appliance that is at least 35% more efficient than a standard model and saves its owner a minimum of 215 kilowatt-hours per year.

·         The KenkoAir Purifier costs no more than typical home air systems that do not include ULPA filtration technology and Energy Star qualification. Only Nikken offers all these advantages at a competitive price.

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KenkoAir Purifier

1.  Prefilter that removes larger particles present in air as dust, pollen, animal dander, among others.
2. Deodorizing Filter (replaceable), which neutralizes odors such as cigarette smoke. 
3. ULPA High Effciency Filters provides a 99.9995% removal of particles as small as 0.12 microns. No other home filtration system matches this level of performance. 

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The Wellness Home is by design and application an easy, effective way to be Heathy by Choice. It offers peace of mind, saves money and gives our bodies the tools it needs to repair, rejuvenate and prevent many health concerns. Early in my career as a Self Care advocate, one of my mentors asked me to imagine our children growing up in a Wellness Home, getting quality sleep, drinking healthy water, breathing pure clean air, receiving optimal nutrition, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight. My conclusion was at the time and still is, we would prevent most of our health concerns.

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.  That’s why we say, “Every home a Wellness Home”. 

Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance

Introducing the "Wellness Home"

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ANY HOME

can be a

WELLNESS HOME

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Every Home a Wellness Home

For the next few weeks we are going to introduce you to the concept of a Wellness Home.

Most of us consider our homes to be a safe, healthy environment, but in reality, our homes are often very toxic places. We need to ask, is our home helping us be healthy? Or, is our home making us sick? 

This is often referred to as Sick House Syndrome (SHS) and has also been referenced in literature as Sick Building Syndrome. The symptoms associated with SHS include many chronic issues such as: Headache, dizziness, nausea, eye, nose or throat irritation, dry cough, dry or itching skin, difficulty in concentration, fatigue, sensitivity to odors, hoarseness of voice, allergies, cold, flu-like symptoms, increased incidence of asthma attacks and personality changes. The cause of the symptoms is not known; however, it has been suggested a few key factors include:

1.       Chemical contaminants from outdoor and indoor sources.

2.       Biological contaminants.

3.       Inadequate ventilation.

4.       Electromagnetic radiation.

5.       Psychological factors, stress.

6.       Poor and inappropriate lighting with absence of sunlight, bad acoustics, poor ergonomics and humidity.

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.

These are the same topics that we discuss in the Selfcare Awakening as to why so many of us are not as healthy as we can be. The Nikken Wellness Home products are categorized into three specific areas:

• Improved rest and relaxation through our patented natural energy products and kenko sleep products
• A healthier environment with clean air the way nature intended it to be.
• Filtered, structured alkaline water for pennies a gallon. 
• Complete nutrition and organic weight management products.
• Skincare support and haircare product lines based on natural ingredients and organic principles.               

These areas create your Wellness Home, by making improvements in each of them, you can make your home the healthiest and safest place for you and your family to live and thrive.

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”. 

The first installment of our Wellness Home series will discuss indoor air quality. We spend 90% of our time indoors and daily exposure to indoor air pollution can be 2 to 5 times greater than what we are exposed to outdoors. Recent studies show that respiratory problems are increasing. Allergies currently affect 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children. This is the Impetus for next week’s blog and what you can do about it.

We invite you to join us on this “open house” and learn how you can be Healthy by Choice with a Nikken Wellness Home.

Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance

Building a Wellness Home

Building a “Wellness Home”

“There is no comfort anywhere for anyone who dreads to go home.” Laura Ingalls Wilder 

This has been a very exciting year! We are rebuilding the Self Care Hub. We are expanding our team. We released our first publication the “Self Care Awakening” magazine and we are finalizing our first book.

Moreover, we are moving into a new Wellness Home townhouse. Moving into a new home is the impetus for this blog post. Every home should be a Wellness Home. We came up with this idea during our move, recognizing and appreciating how much we rely on our Nikken Active Wellness products and technologies for our every day self care program. Nothing is more important in our home than these technologies to create a safe, healthy environment for ourselves and our family. 

What is a Wellness Home?

So what exactly is a “Wellness Home”? Basically, a Wellness Home is the healthiest and safest place for you and your family. It utilizes Nikken Active Wellness products and technologies that addresses the specific areas of concern in the Self Care Awakening. A Wellness Home provide solutions for- deep, rejuvenating Sleep, proper Hydration, reducing Environmental Toxicity (Body Burden) and achieving and maintaining a healthy Weight. 

Before we even slept in our new Wellness Home we brought in a few of the essentials. 

Water: First thing we setup was our countertop Nikken PiMag Waterfall. Filtered water is essential anywhere but especially in a home where the water hasn’t been circulating for a while. You also want to increase your daily water intake when participating in strenuous physical activity such as moving.  The Keurig came in with the Waterfall because a girl must have her tea and it works in tandem with our Waterfall. Always filter the water you use for beverages or cooking.

We installed our Nikken PiMag shower system next. It is very important to filter your shower water.

Sleep: Our Nikken Sleep System went in next. The right amount and quality of sleep are especially important for your body when battling the mental and physical stresses of something like a move.

Air: When you move into to a place that has been closed for several months, especially, after new carpet installation, the quality of air you are breathing can be very toxic. We plugged in our KenkoAir Purifiers to remove any off gassing of toxic chemicals and provide fresh, forest like air.

We are moved in and our future blogs will help you build your Wellness Home. 

There’s no place like Wellness Home.

Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance,

Gary and Heather

Start building your Wellness Home

Water

Visit our H2O shop

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Sleep

Visit our Kenko Sleep Shop

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Air

KenkoAir Purifier (While Supplies Last)

FEATURES & BENEFITS
• The KenkoAir Purifier operates without producing ozone. Ozone is classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a toxic gas, yet other air filtration systems produce it as a byproduct. The State of California has banned the sale of ozone-producing air systems, and other states are expected to follow.
• The Nikken KenkoAir Purifier incorporates multiple-stage filtration including an ultra low penetration air filter. The KenkoAir Purifier exceeds that, with measured efficiency up to 99.9995%. No other home air filtration system matches this level of performance.
• This advanced design uses minimal energy. The KenkoAir is Energy Star qualified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The Energy Star is given only to an appliance that is at least 35% more efficient than a standard model, and saves its owner a minimum of 215 kilowatt-hours per year.
• The KenkoAir Purifier costs no more than typical home air systems that do not include ULPA filtration technology and Energy Star qualification. Only Nikken offers all these advantages at a competitive price.

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Self Care Travel Tips

“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Self Care Travel Tips 

The holiday season is in full swing and with it comes the busiest travel season of the year. Love it or not traveling can be extremely disruptive to the “self care” routine you have worked so hard to establish unless you follow a few simple guidelines.

1.     Keep up with your water intake. In fact, when traveling it is not a bad idea to increase the amount of water you drink. Why? Lack of humidity, especially on a plane it is very dehydrating. Have you ever noticed how dry your skin feels when get off of a plane?  

Most travelers experience bowel issues when traveling for various reasons. The World Health Organization identifies dehydration as the most severe threat posed by “traveler’s diarrhea.” Hydration can help both diarrhea and “traveler’s constipation.”

We always travel with a filtered, alkaline water bottle that we can easily fill anywhere. It is convenient and less expensive than bottled water.  Keep track of how much water you drink in a day. Try to drink half of your body weight in ounces a day. For example if you weigh 120 lbs. drink 60 ounces of water a day.

2.     Stay comfortable. No matter how you travel “temperature regulating fabric” can help keep you either warm or cool. We always travel with comfortable socks that have ceramic reflective fibers in the material that absorb energy from a variety of sources.    These fibers have a saturation point, and do not retain excess heat. Instead they release it into the surrounding environment.

3.     Eat smart. It is best to use some common sense here. First thing to remember, it is the holiday season and refusing a slice of your hosts award winning pie is not going to win a popularity contest so enjoy that pie but there are ways to eat smart throughout the day. Remember portion control and if possible eat as many fresh vegetables as possible. Avoid snacking by trying to maintain your usual meal schedule and don’t skip meals. If you have a super frantic schedule be sure to pack your favorite protein shake. 

We always travel with Kenzen Vital Balance (KVB). KVB is an organic based pea-protein shake naturally sweetened with monk fruit. KVB also has prebiotics and probiotics which support gastrointestinal and immune system health.

4.     Sleep matters. Losing as little as one and a half hours for just one night reduces daytime alertness by about one-third. Traveling across time zones changes the principal time cue -- light -- for setting and re-setting our 24-hour, natural day-night cycle, or circadian rhythm. When you pack be sure to pack for sleep. We always pack ear plugs, a sleep mask and travel with a temperature regulating travel comforter. Remember to keep up with any established sleep routines, for example, if you listen to relaxing music while preparing for bed make sure you have that with you and a way to play it. If you are well hydrated, eat smart, stay comfortable, exercise and try to maintain a sleep schedule while traveling you can alleviate sleep deprivation and enjoy your trip a whole lot more.

Happy Holidays and be Healthy by Choice, not by chance.

Adaptogens Help You Adapt to Stress

Adaptogens Help You Adapt to Stress

By: Nikken

PUBLISHED ON September 8, 2017

Adaptogens are a class of herbs that help bodies adapt to physical and environmental stress. They help ease the stress response by helping to regulate important hormones that cope with fatigue, a common condition of chronic stress. Adaptogens offer numerous health benefits, and the better known ones include:

• A boost for the immune system1
• Support for managing a healthy weight2
• Increased physical endurance and mental focus
• Reduction in discomfort caused by poor health3
• Encouraging a balanced mood4

To qualify as an adaptogen, an herb must be completely safe, non-toxic, have broad uses for health and specifically must help reduce stress, both mental and physical.5

Stress actually is supposed to exist only in short bursts, which our bodies are geared to deal with well. However, the ongoing stress that exists as a part of modern living causes our adrenal systems to work constantly and suffer from overload. This in turn causes our bodies to get knocked out of balance. We most commonly experience this imbalance in our digestive systems and low energy levels. Adaptogens work by helping the hormones of the adrenal system to balance out and counter adrenal fatigue. In the same way, some adaptogens help shorten recovery times after exercise or intense physical activities.

One of the adaptogens that is well known even in the western world comes from the tradition of Ayurveda: Ashwagandha is so valued that it is referred to by some as “Indian ginseng.” Studies show that those who consume ashwagandha “enjoy dramatic improvements in how they handle and feel stress. It is also taken to keep the mind sharp, and for energy.”6

Another adaptogen is one of the hottest herbal commodities on the market today: turmeric . Just about every benefit has been attributed to consuming turmeric in one form or another. Used generously throughout Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has been shown to promote circulation, relieve joint and muscular discomforts, and enhance the functions of the liver.7

Adaptogens have been part of the Eastern vernacular for centuries. In more recent years, the West has adopted them for a natural approach to Active Wellness and longevity. Nikken continues to combine the best of eastern traditions with western technology: Ashwagandha and turmeric are both contained in the Kenzen® Clarity and Kenzen® Cleanse & Detox formulations.

1. Seely D, Singh R. Adaptogenic Potential of a Polyherbal Natural Health Product: Report on a Longitudinal Clinical Trial. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM. 2007;4(3):375-380. doi:10.1093/ecam/nel101.
2. Panossian A1, Wikman G, Kaur P, Asea A. Adaptogens exert a stress-protective effect by modulation of expression of molecular chaperones. Phytomedicine. 2009 Jun;16(6-7):617-22. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2008.12.003. Epub 2009 Feb 1.
3. Vyas P, Thakar AB, Baghel MS, Sisodia A, Deole Y. Efficacy of Rasayana Avaleha as adjuvant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in reducing adverse effects. Ayu. 2010;31(4):417-423. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.82029.
4. Smirnova MD, Svirida ON, Ageev FT, Forfanova TV, Vitsenia MV, Mikhalov GV. [The ability to use meldonium as adaptogen in winter in patients with cardiovascular disease]. Kardiologiia. 2014;54(10):51-6.

1. http://www.medicinehunter.com/adaptogens
2. https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/what-are-adaptogens/
3. https://www.yinovacenter.com/blog/live-longer-live-stronger-10-of-the-best-herbal-adaptogens-for-anti-aging/

Why Kenzen Lactoferrin 2.0

Why Kenzen® Lactoferrin 2.0™

By Nikken

PUBLISHED ON November 10, 2017

There’s a new lactoferrin in the Nikken neighborhood and we’re super excited about it. Kenzen® Lactoferrin 2.0 addresses the body’s need for iron: iron deficiency can result in anemia, fatigue and poor circulation, as well as many other physical discomforts. Women are most vulnerable to iron deficiency, and people who are very active may also suffer from iron depletion. Kenzen® Lactoferrin 2.0 is a great solution.

Lactoferrin is a protein whose main biological function is to bind and transport iron, an essential mineral that helps hemoglobin carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. No matter how much iron is in your body, if it can’t be retained and utilized, you could end up deficient. For example, you may eat lots of green, leafy vegetables,and/or lean red meat, which are natural sources of iron. But your doctor runs a blood test and announces that you’re anemic. How can this happen? Just because you eat iron-rich foods does not mean your body can absorb or process it.

Lactoferrin 2.0 addresses this dilemma by providing a delivery system to allow the body to better utilize and balance the iron in the body.* Studies show that because Lactoferrin 2.0 is naturally iron-binding, it has a positive effect on iron absorption, which in turn increases blood iron levels.

In addition, Lactoferrin 2.0 is gentle on the digestive system, therefore supporting the gastrointestinal tract and all its functions. Rather than adding elemental iron —the kind you find in virtually every iron supplement on the market—which has been shown to cause intestinal inflammation1, lactoferrin helps the body absorb what is already there—and importantly, without upsetting the stomach. And, Lactoferrin 2.0 has been shown in clinical research to be more bioavailable, allowing for more efficient absorption of iron, compared to other iron sources.2

Just take a look at the graph:

With Lactoferrin 2.0 you get 200 mg of lactoferrin in each capsule—more than three times as much for the same cost as before. More lactose-free, gluten-free, non-GMO lactoferrin, an efficient delivery system and four organic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory ingredients (see Brain-Gut Connection) equals increased access to Active Wellness and more importantly, your improved health.

1 Uchida, T. (2006) Availability of lactoferrin as a natural solubilizer of iron for food products. International Dairy Journal 16. 95-101.

2 (Rezk, Dawood, Abo-Elnasr, Halaby, & Marawan, 2015), (Rezk, Kandil, Dawood, , Shaheen, & Allam, 2015), (Nappi, et al., 2009), (Paesano, et al., 2010), (Paesano, et al., 2014)

Don't Let the Flu Bug Bite

Stay Healthy through the Flu Season with Active Wellness

By Nikken

Original Publish Date: Jan. 12, 2018

Extreme weather conditions wreak havoc. Cold, flu, bronchitis and pneumonia lead to misery and even death. What can we do to help maintain good health with all the germs around us?

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University conducted an experiment that suggests the more restful sleep we get, the better our chances of fighting off respiratory bugs. The scientists worked with 153 healthy men and women who agreed to be quarantined and injected with cold viruses. Monitored over the next five days, those who slept less than seven hours nightly were nearly three times more likely to contract colds than those who slept eight hours or more. The researchers measured how deeply the people slept in addition to the number of hours, and the people who had better sleep quality were the ones more likely to fight off colds.1

David Katz, MD, founder of the Yale University Prevention Research Center and author of Disease-Proof: The Remarkable Truth About What Makes Us Well, explains that “our bodies need seven to eight hours of sleep in order to stimulate an immune response from our ‘natural killer cells,’ which attack viruses. Sleep is my most reliable defense against infection.”2 There’s nothing comparable to the Kenko Naturest® Mattress Topper when it comes to helping you with restful sleep!

Here are some other suggestions to help prevent or shorten colds, flus and respiratory viruses:

• Eat protein. Douglas Kalman, PhD, RD, director of nutrition and applied clinical trials at Miami Research Associates in Florida says, “Research shows that diets too low in protein can deplete the immune system. So I make sure to get protein-rich foods throughout the day, especially fish, eggs and yogurt.” 2 Nikken makes it easy with nutritional pea protein in Kenzen Vital Balance®! 
• Drink lots of water. Paramedic Kristina Economou of Monterey, California says, “As a paramedic, I never know what germs I’ll be encountering, so I drink water constantly to flush toxins out of the lymph system.” 2
• Use a water bottle. A kindergarten teacher in Atlanta, Georgia, Cheryl Lassister says, “I never use water fountains or the railings on stairs. They’ve got the prints of hundreds of germy hands and mouths. And they don’t get sanitized as other surfaces, like sinks. I’ll use my own water bottle!” 2The PiMag® Sport Bottle not only serves as your personal water bottle but it also has a built in filter, so you get alkaline water without sediment!
• Get massages regularly. A massage therapist in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Christine Nelson says she doesn’t just give massages, she gets them. She explains, “I receive massages once a month to increase my circulation, which boosts immunity by nourishing cells with more oxygen and blood. It also makes me relaxed and less stressed. When you’re less stressed, you’re less likely to be a germ magnet.” 2 When you feel like a quick massage, there’s nothing easier than the hand-held KenkoTouch® with its warming pulsation in three speeds or the MagCreator. 
• Take care of your gut. According to the National Institute of Health, approximately 70 to 80 percent of the body’s immune tissue is located within the digestive system, so boosting your immune system really requires a healthy gut.3 For efficient G.I. Tract support, Kenzen® Lactoferrin 2.0™ is both helpful and convenient!
• Drink tea. Murray Grossnan, MD, ear, nose and throat specialist at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, California says, “I drink hot black or green tea with lemon and honey. Drinking the tea and breathing in steam stimulates the cilia—the hair follicles in the nose—to move out germs more efficiently. Lemon thins mucus and honey is antibacterial.” 2

Wise diet and lifestyle choices can improve your health and well-being. For your well-being, Nikken provides choices in support of Active Wellness with its nutritional supplements, water and sleep products.

1 https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/dont-let-a-cold-get-you-down#1

2 http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20752945,00.html

3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2515351/ 

What We are Working On

Coming Features

Our mission is to Inform, Inspire and Empower Everyone to be Healthy by Choice. We want everyone to understand that chronic disease is not a normal part of life or “just getting older.” The CDC says “Chronic disease is the Leading Causes of Death and Disability in the United States. Chronic diseases and conditions—such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and arthritis—are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems.” We want you to focus on “…and preventable of all health problems.” We designed the Self Care Awakening  to give you the knowledge and the tools to help prevent chronic disease. There is an added bonus, you can be healthier by making simple choices.

At a health symposium, last year when speaking about “self care” retired RN Barb Satterwhite said, “What is really exciting here is the prevention piece. The medical profession is dealing with so much they need our help.” We can help by simply drinking more clean water. If we get the right amount of quality sleep, watch our weight and reduce our body burden (environmental toxicity).  

To that end we want to share with you what we are working on and what you can look forward to in the coming months.

First, we want to change our look. You may have already noticed some subtle changes, for example, if you follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts you see a new banner. There will be changes to SelfCareHub.com over the coming months. We are updating our video content, new blog subjects and creating free downloads. Who doesn’t love freebies? We hope to organize the site by subject matter: water matters, sleep matters, weight matters and body burden matters. You can stay up-to-date by following us on Facebook (don’t forget to like our page), follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We update our social media channels with healthy choice content, daily, so tune in. We also hope to build a Pinterest page.

Pubs Sneak Peak 

Second, we are very excited to announce we are publishing a magazine, entitled “Self Care Awakening!” The SCA zine is a 12 page, full color, glossy overview of each self care topic. We just approved the hard copy for print and it looks amazing. Dr. G is hard at work recording a companion video for the magazine (as I am typing, in fact) that will go on our YouTube channel.  

Last but not least… we are publishing a Self Care Awakening book! The book dives deep into each SCA subject and what you can do to keep yourself and your family healthy. The book will available on Amazon. We will post a link once the book is published.  

You can see that we will be very busy but, we will still get 7-9 hours of sleep at night, drink half of our body weight in water, watch our weight and maintain an exercise schedule while reducing our body burden by living in a wellness home. Together we will make 2018 our healthiest yet!

Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance.

Forget Resolutions

New Year Solutions

I hope the world ends in 2018 so I won't be held accountable for my 'New Year Resolutions'

-anonymous 

If you're looking to turn over a new leaf in 2018, you're not alone. In a recent survey from YouGov, the online polling firm, nearly 70% of people said they were making New Year's resolutions to set themselves new goals for the coming 12 months.

Here are the top five most popular resolutions for 2018.

 

• Eat better — 37 percent
• Exercise more — 37 percent
• Spend less money — 37 percent
• Self-care (e.g. getting more sleep) — 24 percent
• Read more books —18 percent

Although most of us make resolutions, it is estimated that only 8 percent of us keep our New Year's resolutions. There are many reasons people can't stick to their resolutions, from setting too many of them to getting discouraged by small failures. Many people use the New Year as a chance to make large bucket lists or attempt extreme transformations, whether personal or professional. Setting overly ambitious and restrictive goals is a worthy ambition, but the average person has so many competing priorities that this approach is doomed to failure. Basically, shooting for the moon can be psychologically intimidating, many times resulting in failure to launch in the first place or giving up after just a short period of time.

A more sensible approach is to set "small, attainable goals throughout the year, rather than a singular, overwhelming goal," according to psychologist Lynn Bufka. "Remember, it is not the extent of the change that matters, but rather the act of recognizing that lifestyle change is important and working toward it, one step at a time," Bufka adds.

Small, incremental changes may feel less sexy, but they have a much greater chance of creating real change. According to Dr. Roberta Anding, a registered dietician and nutrition professor at Baylor College of Medicine, moderating your resolutions could be the difference between giving up in February and creating a lasting lifestyle change.

Keep it Simple

When setting goals for a new year, we suggest making them simple and health-related. Your health is your most important asset, investing in your body and your sense of well-being is what self care is all about.

Here are some health-related ideas for your resolutions that can improve your health and well-being. (As a side benefit don’t be surprised if these suggestions help you lose weight.)

1. Sleep more.

Commit to those eight hours. Proper shuteye is linked to better mental health and a lower risk for physical health conditions. Read more to learn more about sleep health benefits and how to get a better night’s sleep.

2. Cut back on sugar.

It’s challenging but it can be life changing if you succeed. Here are a few tips on how to break the sugar addiction.

3. Drink more water.

Believe it or not 75% of us are dehydrated. Drink half your body weight in ounces of healthy water every day. Here are some tips for staying hydrated.

 4. Eat more fruits and vegetables.

Vegetables offer more benefits than fruits in terms of vitamins and minerals with fewer calories, but fruits are a place to start if you don’t get much of either. The best way to get more fruits and veggies is to cook more meals at home with unprocessed foods. This also decreases sodium, sugar and calorie intake, said Dr. Freedhoff. “If you focus on cooking more with fresh whole ingredients, that will lead to an increase in fruits and vegetables,” he said.

5. Become Portion Control Savvy

Maintaining a healthy weight requires a balance between what you consume and the energy you use. Being portion control savvy means you are satiated, energized and in control. Here are 6 easy tips to help you make healthy portion choices every day, all day.

6. Spend time in the sun, but not too much.

Not everyone has this option year-round, especially in northern latitudes, but take advantage of what you can. Light helps your sleep and mood, being out in the sun increases your likelihood of physical activity and sunlight is the only natural way to get vitamin D.

7. Say “no” more often.

Burnout is real, and it can happen in a blink of an eye. Make sure you’re prioritizing yourself and are not saying “yes” to everything asked of you because it feels like an obligation. Self care isn’t selfish.

Keep it simple and have a Happy, Healthy 2018.

Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance

Top Health Trends for 2018

Top Health Trends for 2018

by: Nikken

As Self Care Ambassadors we advocate for the health and wellness company Nikken because they have superior products that address the needs in all four areas of concern; sleep – water- weight - body burden.

Nikken blogged about upcoming health trends for 2018 and we couldn’t have said it better ourselves but we have included tips for adopting these trends into your self care routine. (our comments are in iltalic)

As we approach the end of 2017, it’s the perfect time to assess some of the health trends for 2018. Here are 10 that dovetail with the Nikken focus on Active Wellness.

1          Less sugar consumption. A recent survey found that 12% fewer adults and 19% fewer children have a sugary beverage like soda or juice on any given day compared to data from 2003.1 This is amazing news! This is also the first year that bottled water sales have topped soda sells. The American Heart Association recommends 6 tsp of sugar for women daily and 9 for men. Be wary 80% of groceries sold in the US contain sugar for more read, “Self Care Defense 101: Hidden Sugar”

2          Matcha tea. The powdered tea dates back to the 10th century, when Zen Buddhists found that the tea brought them a sense of clarity, focus, energy, and a feeling of well-being. In addition, matcha creates that feeling of being awake but calm. That’s because L-theanine helps lead to relaxation without drowsiness. L-theanine also helps produce dopamine and serotonin, which enhance mood, improve memory, and boost concentration. Kenzen Ten4® Energy Drink Mix, made with the highest quality of organic matcha tea leaves, launched in 2014. We drink this to. take care of that 3 o’clock slump.

3          Increase in water intake. People are learning to drink more water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Dehydration can cause dizziness, headache, sleepiness and cramping…. To help increase water consumption, you can stir in lemon, orange or other sliced/chopped fruit, add mulled herbs for a natural flavor boost, and drink a whole glass of water at each meal. We recommend you drink half your body weight in ounces a day. This is simple if you get a glass container that you know how many ounces it holds then sip on that container all day. This action becomes automatic. Since adopting this practice we have lost a combined weight of 50 lbs, skin issues have cleared up and we just plain feel better. Want to learn more read, “Down the Hatch.”

4          Flexitarian diet. The focus is on incorporating more plant-based food into the diet without completely forgoing meat. Gradually replace some meat and seafood with vegetable proteins. With Kenzen nutritional supplements and the Everyday Weight Management program, it’s easy to focus on a plant-based diet that includes apportioned lean meats. You can also start with simple portion control. To learn how to take control of your dinner plate read, “Becoming Portion Control Savvy.”

5     Adaptogenic herbs and spices to help reduce inflammation. Inflammation and chronic stress are so talked about now that natural ways to help address them have taken center stage. Adding herbs and spices is a great way to flavor food and increase intake of antioxidants. Nikken nutritional supplements are formulated with adaptogens:

·       Kenzen® Cleanse and Detox has ashwaganda, shisandra, turmeric extract, bupleurum extract and milk thistle—all organic.

·       Kenzen® Clarity has turmeric, ashwagandha , gingko leaf, bacopa leaf and lion’s mane mushroom—all organic.

·       Kenzen® Lactoferrin 2.0™ has turmeric, rhodiola, ginger and inulin, all organic.

·       Kenzen® Immunity has 14 species of mushrooms, all adaptogenic and grown under laboratory conditions.

6   Temperature regulating fabric. Large companies have begun touting the benefits of wearing clothes or support garments that keep you both warm and cool. Nikken is one of the few companies that incorporates ceramic-reflective fibers in sleep products and support wraps to help release heat and maintain a comfortable temperature. Your body expends most of it’s energy regulating your body temp. This is why we recommend the Kenko Sleep Shop items for better sleep they help regulate your body temp while you sleep to keep you from tossing and turning which disrupts your sleep cycle. If your body temp is regulated then that energy is expended elsewhere.

7     Fermented food and beverages. “If you’re consuming a diet rich in fermented foods, you’re essentially bathing your GI tract in healthy, food-related organisms,” says food scientist Robert Hutkins, PhD, a professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln whose lab focuses on the link between fermented foods and human health. Kenzen® Clarity contains 100% organic ingredients that are fermented to increase the macro- and micro-nutrients while breaking down food that is difficult to process.

8     Consumption of pulses. Pulses refer to the dry seeds of edible legumes, such as peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas. High in protein and fiber while low in fat, pulses are nutrient-dense and help you stay on a plant-focused diet. The primary ingredient in Kenzen Vital Balance® is organic pea protein. One of our absolute favorites we have 1-2 shakes a day. KVB is perfect for weight maintenance and digestive health.  

9    “Smart” beds and pillows to help you sleep better. Sleep products have been “numbered,” “angled” and made with memory foam and contouring husks. Ask anyone who has experienced a Kenko Sleep System and you’ll never want to sleep on anything else. This is true the amazing technologies included in the Kenko Sleep System provide you uninterrupted sleep for 8-9 hours.

10     Monk fruit. Known as luo han guo in China, where it grows naturally, the Chinese have eaten it for millennia. Now the world has discovered monk fruit as a natural sweetener with zero calories. This expensive ingredient is prominent in both vanilla and chocolate flavors of Kenzen Vital Balance® Meal Replacement Mix.

Be Healthy by Choice and not by Chance 

·       http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/news/g4912/health-trends-2018/

·       https://www.prevention.com/health/2018-health-trends

·       http://www.mydomaine.com/wellness-trends-2018

·       https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20170213/could-fermented-foods-boost-your-health#1

Sleep for Better Health

Sleep for Better Health

“Sleep is that golden chain that ties health and our bodies together”

— Thomas Dekker

Like many others, getting enough sleep and  good quality sleep was one issue that was very difficult for me through much of my adult life. My sleep was often interrupted with thoughts, projects or just that flood of ideas that ran through my head preventing me from going to sleep. Once asleep, (if I really was?), I would wake up every few hours and look at the clock.  Doze and look at the clock became what I considered to be a normal sleep pattern for me. From a personal standpoint, my perception of sleep was that it seemed like a waste of valuable time. A non-productive part of my day. Not until my mid-40’s did I take heed of what I knew about sleep to be healthy by choice.

In our fast paced, highly productive lives, we often sacrifice sleep for other activities. This is due in part to this perception of sleep as a non-productive endeavor, when from a physiological and health standpoint it is the most productive time of our day. Work that must be completed, a project that just must be finished, studying for that mid-term, getting up an hour early to exercise or miss that rush hour traffic on the way to work are a few of many reasons we rationalize not sleeping but for the most part it is our perception of sleep. Sleep is anything but a waste of time. While many people think of sleeping as the body “shutting off” until morning, nodding off activates an organized, complex process to help you feel rested and healthy the next day. 

Until the 1950s, most people thought of sleep as a passive, dormant part of our daily lives. William C. Dement, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University, is the world's leading authority on sleep. For this pioneering work in a previously uncharted field, 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.”

"I used to suggest that sleep is the third pillar of good health, along with diet and exercise," says Matthew Walker, a professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. "But I don't agree with that anymore. Sleep is the single most effective thing you can do to reset your brain and body for health."

In a 2015 CNN documentary Sleep with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, he states, “If you have an extra hour in the day to exercise, you would be well advised to use that hour for sleep, as it will provide more health benefits.”

Given all the scientific evidence to the importance and benefits of a good night’s sleep we are a sleep-sick society, ignorant of the facts of sleep and the price of sleep deficiency.

It is estimated that nearly 70% of American’s do not get adequate sleep. National Institute of Heath research studies on sleep state that the average American gets less than 7 hours of sleep per night. Cognitive performance after less than six hours of sleep is equivalent to getting no sleep for 48 straight hours.  Cognitive performance relates to mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning. 

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Sleep Deprivation Statistics from the American Sleep Association:

37% of 20-39 year-olds report short sleep duration

40% of 40-59 year-olds report short sleep duration

35.3% adults report <7 hours of sleep during a typical 24-hour period.

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A good read on the importance of sleep and ways to get a better night’s sleep are elucidated in Dr. Dement’s book The Promise of Sleep.

One thing I do and suggest others do is to make sleep a priority. It may sound funny, but schedule sleep like any other daily activity, so put it on your "to-do list" and cross it off every night. Don’t make sleep the thing you do only after everything else is done. Stop doing other activities so you get the sleep you need. I realize that this is not easy for many of us, but give it a try and you will see that with more and better quality of sleep your mood, effectiveness and productivity will improve.

Sleep Matters and getting enough sleep is one way that we all can be healthier, more productive and happier.

Tips for a better night's sleep: 

• Stick to a sleep schedule, even on weekends.
• Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual.
• Exercise daily.
• Evaluate your bedroom to ensure ideal temperature, sound and light.
• Beware of hidden sleep stealers, like alcohol and caffeine.
• Turn off electronics before bed. Avoid reading on electronic devices.
• Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.

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Healthy Sleep System

Since you spend a third of your life sleeping it is as important to choose healthy bedding as it is you living room couch and matching drapes. . “Most mattresses contain a petroleum-based polyurethane foam and flame retardants that release volatile organic compounds, which can pollute your bedroom air, irritate your respiratory system, and cause skin problems and other allergies,” saysTasha Stoiber, EWG senior scientist. Stoiber’s tips:

Look for natural materials: Choose a mattress that include at least 95 percent organic content, such as cotton, wool, or natural latex. 

Avoid fire retardants: Chlorinated Tris, a chemical flame retardant commonly found in mattresses, sleeping mats, pillows, and futons, is a known neurotoxin and carcinogen.

Wash and cover: “When you’re tossing and turning in bed, you can stir up a lot of dust in your mattress that can potentially cause allergy issues. It’s important to frequently launder your bedding, and vacuum your mattress once in a while.” Also, use a mattress cover, preferably one made of tightly-woven, organic cotton, to avoid dust mites.

Steer clear of additives: Mattresses and toppers treated with antimicrobial solutions and added scents can contain hidden carcinogens.

I recommend a visit to our Kenko Sleep Shop for the best in healthy choice sleep. 

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Sleep is an essential physiological process. 

Get 8 hours a night of good quality sleep. It’s one way to be Healthy by Choice.

“Without enough sleep, we all become tall two-year olds”

— JoJo Jensen, Dirt Farmer Wisdom, 2002

Teaching Healthy Choice Habits to Our Children

 Teaching Healthy Choice Habits to Our Children

“A nation is only as healthy as its children.” Harry Truman (1946)

Over the last century, the primary burden of disease in children and young people has shifted from infectious diseases towards chronic conditions. Up to twenty million children and adolescents in the United States have some form of chronic illness or disability. Chronic refers to a health condition that lasts anywhere from three months to a lifetime.

The state of health among U.S. children does not reflect the standard of health expected for a child living in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. According to a 2010 study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, chronic illnesses in children doubled from 12.8 percent in 1994 to 26.6 percent in 2006. This alarming trend confirms an earlier Harvard study that found U.S. children were sicker today than their parent’s generation. It has been said that babies being born today are the first generation of children whose life expectancy is less than that of their parents.

The "big three" chronic health conditions for kids are obesity, which affected 5 percent of American children in the early 1970s but 18 percent of children today; asthma 10% percent prevalence, nearly double from the 1980s, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, an increase of 43 percent in the last 15 years.

The percentage of children with obesity in the United States has more than tripled since the 1970s. Today, about one in five school-aged children (ages 6–19) are obese. Childhood obesity has immediate and long-term impacts on physical, social, and emotional health. For example:

• Children with obesity are at higher risk for having other chronic health conditions and diseases that impact physical health, such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, type 2 diabetes, and risk factors for heart disease.
• Children with obesity are bullied and teased more than their normal weight peers and are more likely to suffer from social isolation, depression, and lower self-esteem.
• In the long term, childhood obesity also is associated with having obesity as an adult, which is linked to serious conditions and diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and several types of cancer.

Childhood diabetes is one of the prime results of rising obesity rates, which in turn result from more sedentary behaviors and poor diets.

it is estimated that children with serious, complex chronic conditions account for 10% of admissions, but 41% of hospital charges in the United States.

In 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a comprehensive study that suggests more than 33% of diseases affecting children under the age of five are caused by environmental exposures, and that by preventing these exposures, as many as four million children’s lives a year worldwide could be saved. 

“The environment plays a role in 85% of all diseases. New science is showing that the effects of exposure to chemicals at low doses, and in combination, can have an impact on human growth and development.” National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

The Self Care Awakening is about reducing our body burden of environmental toxins, staying well hydrated with clean healthy water, quality  sleep and maintaining a healthy weight. These are sound principles and vital to good health regardless of our age.  Teaching healthy choice habits to our children can be one of the most important things we can do as parents.

Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance.

I Heart Self Care for My Heart

Self Care for Your Heart

The heart beats about 2.5 billion times over the average lifespan. Every minute, it pumps about five quarts of blood through a system of blood vessels over 60,000 miles long, equal to about 2,000 gallons of blood every day. Pretty amazing. However, keeping our heart healthy is our biggest health challenge.

Ischemic heart disease and stroke are the world's biggest killers, accounting for a combined 15 million deaths in 2015. These diseases have remained the leading causes of death globally for the last 15 years.

Anyone can develop heart disease. It occurs when a substance called plaque builds up in your arteries. When this happens, your arteries can narrow over time, reducing blood flow to the heart.

The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type is coronary heart disease, which can cause heart attack. Other kinds of heart disease may involve the valves in the heart, or the heart may not pump well and cause heart failure.

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• About 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year which accounts for 1 in every 4 deaths.
•  Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. More than half of the deaths due to heart disease in 2009 were in men.
• Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of heart disease, killing over 370,000 people annually.
• Every year about 735,000 Americans have a heart attack. Of these, 525,000 are a first heart attack and 210,000 happen in people who have already had a heart attack.

Statistics from the American Heart Association show that 75 million Americans currently suffer from heart disease and it is affecting younger and younger people in greater numbers every year.

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. About half of Americans (47%) have at least one of these three risk factors.

Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, including:

• Diabetes
• Overweight and obesity
• Poor diet
• Physical inactivity
• Excessive alcohol use

Even though 25% of the population takes statin medications to control cholesterol and despite the fact we have reduced the fat content of our diets, more Americans will die this year of heart disease than ever before.

Heart disease may be a leading cause of death, but that doesn't mean you have to accept it as your fate. Although you lack the power to change some risk factors such as family history, sex or age there are some key heart disease prevention steps you can take to reduce your risk.

The Mayo Clinic recommends the following seven strategies to prevent heart disease.

1. Don't smoke or use tobacco

Smoking or using tobacco of any kind is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease. Chemicals in tobacco can damage your heart and blood vessels, leading to narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis can ultimately lead to a heart attack.

2. Exercise for about 30 minutes on most days of the week

Getting some regular, daily exercise can reduce your risk of heart disease. When you combine physical activity with other lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, the payoff is even greater. Physical activity can help you control your weight and reduce your chances of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

3. Eat a heart-healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet can reduce your risk of heart disease. Two examples of heart-healthy food plans include the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan and the Mediterranean diet.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help protect your heart. Aim to eat beans, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, lean meats, and fish as part of a healthy diet.

Avoid too much salt and sugars in your diet.

4. Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight, especially if you carry excess weight around your middle increases your risk of heart disease. Excess weight can lead to conditions that increase your chances of heart disease including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

5. Get enough quality sleep

Sleep deficiency can do more than leave you tired throughout the day. It can harm your health. People who don't get enough sleep have a higher risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes and depression.

6. Manage stress

Some people cope with stress in unhealthy ways such as overeating, drinking or smoking. Finding alternative ways to manage stress such as physical activity, relaxation exercises or meditation can help improve your health.

7. Get regular health screenings

High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heart and blood vessels. But without testing, you probably won't know whether you have these conditions. Regular screening can tell you what your numbers are and whether you need to take action.

A recent CDC report found that approximately 80 percent of deaths from coronary artery disease, a name for heart disease caused by narrowing of the arteries which leads to reduced blood flow to the heart, can be attributed to preventable factors like obesity, poor physical activity, heavy drinking, eating unhealthy foods and not keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol under control. These lifestyle changes could also prevent about 50 percent of stroke deaths, the report's authors added.

As with many of our chronic health issues, prevention is the key. The Self Care Awakening is about becoming aware of and making choices for a healthier life. Our battle cry of “Be Healthy by Choice, not by Chance” is our mission.

Our Favorite!

Have You Heard of the Brain-Gut Connection?

Have You Heard of the Brain-Gut Connection?

by Nikken

The brain-gut connection is a big deal. It is revolutionizing the way doctors and scientists approach digestion, mood, health and the way we think. One way to understand it is to picture a “brain in the gut,” which is actually known as the enteric nervous system (ENS). It’s composed of more than 100 million nerve cells that line the G.I. tract running from the esophagus to the rectum.

Internationally renowned ENS specialist Dr. Jay Pasricha says, “The enteric nervous system doesn’t seem capable of thought as we know it, but it communicates back and forth with our big brain with profound results. Its main role is controlling digestion, from swallowing to the release of enzymes that break down food to the control of blood flow that helps with nutrient absorption to elimination. For decades, researchers and doctors thought that anxiety and depression contributed to gut problems, but our studies and others show that it may also be the other way around.”1

In keeping up with the latest scientific developments, Nikken has launched Kenzen® Lactoferrin 2.0™ as an integral component of Active Wellness. The lactoferrin in the formulation addresses the body’s need for iron to help hemoglobin carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. But Lactoferrin 2.0 takes the formulation up to a superior level with four organic ingredients that work to support the G.I. tract and mental health, which addresses the important brain-gut connection. Here’s how:

• Our Organic Inulin is sourced from Jerusalem Artichoke, known to be high in potassium, iron, essential amino acids and protein.2 Organic Inulin is soluble so it dissolves in the stomach and forms a gelatinous substance that helps slow digestion to allow better nutrient absorption and a slow release of sugar. This slower digestion promotes healthy blood sugar levels. Organic Inulin aids digestion by helping to increase good bacteria in the gut and stimulating the immune system.3
• Organic Rhodiola rosea has been used in China and Siberia for thousands of years to help soothe, calm and relax people who are stressed, depressed or fatigued. Research shows it to have a positive effect on cognitive health, including boosting memory and concentration.4 Research also shows this adaptogen helps speed up fat-burning cells when combined with exercise. 5
• Organic Ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and is effective against nausea and exercise-induced muscle discomforts. It helps empty the stomach more quickly, which benefits people with indigestion and related issues. There is some evidence that organic Ginger enhances working memory and reaction time, helps inhibit the growth of bad oral bacteria and helps reduce LDL cholesterol and blood triglyceride levels.6
• More than 600 health benefits are attributed to Organic Turmeric, but in Lactoferrin 2.0, it works synergistically as a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. It helps promote brain health as well as supporting the G.I. system. See “Turmeric: Hot Topic of the Year.”

1 https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/healthy_aging/healthy_body/the-brain-gut-connection

2 http://www.chatelaine.com/health/diet/five-health-benefits-of-jerusalem-artichokes-sunchokes/

3 https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/top-inulin-benefits#overview1

4, 5 https://www.organicfacts.net/rhodiola-rosea.html

6 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-ginger

Be Healthy by Choice and not by Chance

Self Care Awakening, The Impetus

The Impetus: A New Mindset

Some 20 years ago, I came to an awakening regarding my own health and well-being. This journey has led to the information we discuss in the Self Care Awakening. It is about a few very simple concepts. It is about Being Healthy by Choice and not by Chance. The reality is, if we leave our health to chance, chances are that we are not going to be healthy. The major impetus for the Self Care Awakening is to bring this and other aspects of good health to light.  To do so we first need to become aware of the problem or what are the reasons that so many of us are plagued with so many different chronic issues. This is a relatively new problem and maybe it is one that we have created ourselves. 

In the early 1900’s the major cause of death was communicable diseases (infectious diseases). The top three were pneumonia and flu, tuberculosis, and gastrointestinal infections.  In 2012 the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine published a retrospective look at causes of death from 1900 to 2010. Deaths from infectious diseases have decreased dramatically, while the proportion of people dying from cancer has more than tripled. If we look at current trends, cancer rates are going up, heart disease and stroke are increasing, Type2 diabetes is nearly epidemic and a host of other chronic issues that contribute to our mortality.  

The first question to ask is why? What has changed in the last 100 years? Have we changed much biologically, or have we altered everything else around us? I think the latter is the more logical answer. The world we live in today is much different than that of the 1900’s. 

I think many people believe that chronic disease or issues that impact our quality of life are normal. Let me unequivocally state, chronic disease is not a normal part of life. How many times have we heard someone say, “That’s just part of getting older”, as if the headaches, joint/back problems, weight gain, blood sugar problems, memory problems (and the list can go on and on) are just a “normal part” of life. 

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. This is a brainwashing, inferring that diabetes (chronic disease) is a normal part of life. It is not! The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease control (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.

In a span of a little over a 100 years chronic disease has become the number one killer worldwide accounting for nearly 70% of all deaths. Chronic diseases and conditions—such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and arthritis—are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems. 

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) statistics show that 50% of Americans age 18 and above have at least one chronic disease, one out of four have two or more. By the time we are 65 years of age, 80% of us have one or multiple chronic diseases. Treatment of chronic conditions represents 86% of our nation’s health care dollar.

Americans currently fill 4.3 billion prescriptions per year. While representing 4.4% of the world’s population the U.S. consumes 75% of prescription medications. In 1993 the average prescription per American was seven, it nearly doubled to 12 ten years later. 

A 2013 study from Mayo Clinic researchers revealed how many Americans are on prescription drugs and it's a lot of us. The study, published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, stated that seven out of 10 Americans take at least one prescription drug, and more than half take two.  About one in four children took one or more prescription drugs in the past month, compared to nine in 10 adults 65 and older. In 2013, patients between 50 to 64 years had an average of 19.2 prescriptions per person. Prescription drug expenditures are growing faster than any other part of the health care dollar.

Let’s face it, we are taught our entire lives to be consumers of modern medicine, especially pharmaceutical medicine. When we were young and had a headache, our moms gave us baby aspirin. They didn’t ask when we last drank some water. This behavior continued as we grew. If we think that there’s a pill for everything that ails us (and many do), we have missed the whole point of prevention and self care.  We are taught to treat rather than prevent, to react rather than be proactive about our health. 

The Self Care Awakening series was designed to bring back common sense and some sanity to what I consider to be an insane notion that chronic disease is a normal part of life. It's not, but if we look at it statistically most our population have chronic health issues.

We think being healthy is difficult when it's pretty simple if we make some of 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. 

Within the Self Care Awakening we look at four vital areas that lead to a healthier life. 

1. Environmental toxicity and our body burden “the pollution in people” and what we can do personally to limit our toxic exposures and reduce our body burden of toxic chemicals.

1. Water Matters discusses the importance of hydration and what happens if we don’t drink enough water. This chapter also talks about different choices for healthy water that we consume and bathe in.

1. Sleep Matters addresses the fact that many of us walk around every day sleep deficient. Sleep is considered by many of us to be an unproductive endeavor, when it is our most productive physiological activity. 

1. Weight Matters concerns itself with excess sugar consumption and what we can do to limit our intake by simple easy choices and achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

These four concepts are easy to understand but are vital for our health. Self Care is a practical and simple way of Being Heathy by Choice and not leaving our Health to Chance. 

Be Healthy by Choice and not by Chance