Wealthy----Inside and Out

Are you wealthy inside and out? Darren Hardy, SUCCESS Magazine Publisher & Founding Editor, writes in the March 2013 issue, "Wealth is not a state of bank account. It's a state of mind." You decide....is it more important to be wealthy in spirit, heart, and mind or in material goods? At Aqua Flex'n Stretch, our purpose is to keep you wealthy and healthy in body and mind with classes that stimulate you inside and out. Here's to your health and wealth!!

LIVE LONGER ... WIN AN EMMY!!

Want to live longer? Win an Emmy

To delve into the impact of socioeconomic status on longevity, researchers looked at the differences between people who won an Emmy Award, were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and were presidents or vice presidents and the individuals who were nominated but not chosen.

Emmy-winning actors lived 2.7 years longer than nominees who did not win, but Emmy-winning screenwriters lived three years less than nominees. Longevity was the same whether or not a nominee was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Presidents and vice presidents lost, on average, 5.3 years from their lives compared to other candidates, even when assassination was removed as a factor.

SOURCE: American Sociological Review, online before print, doi:10.1177/0003122413477419 (February 20, 2013)

MYTH: EXERCISING IN A FASTING STATE TO PROMOTE FAT BURNING WILL RESULT IN BODY FAT LOSS

FACT: While research shows that exercising in a fasted state allows one to burn more fat, there is inconclusive and little scientific support for a link between fat burning and body fat loss. In fact, exercising in a fasted state may reduce exercise capacity overall and decrease the quality of the workout – and it is possible to experience lightheadedness or dizziness if blood sugar becomes too low during exercise.

“Fat burning” refers to the body’s ability to oxidize (or burn) fat by using fat instead of carbohydrate as a fuel source. Fat burning is often associated with body weight or body fat loss; however, in order for one to lose weight, he must consume fewer calories than he expends consistently over a period of time. This is why exercising in the “fat burning zone,” a lower intensity zone, is often not ideal for reductions in body weight if one is capable of exercising at a higher intensity.

Carbohydrates are important in an individual’s diet because they are the primary fuel for the muscles during exercise (and for the brain all the time!). As exercise intensity increases, the body relies more and more on carbohydrate as a fuel source – so, when you’re exercising at moderate to high intensities (and expending more calories in doing so), your body’s capacity to perform such work is dependent on carbohydrate fuel.” (IDEA Fitness, 3/6/13)

Bigger is better: Aquatic exercise benefits people with Parkinson's disease

According to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, aging is an important risk factor for Parkinson’s disease. The good news is that people with Parkinson’s disease who exercise regularly are able to move and maintain balance better than those who do not. And water is a wonderful environment for exercise. Water boasts unique properties that enable it to be used for both therapy and fitness. When someone with Parkinson’s is able to float and move in a pool, it is similar to a water lily opening at dawn. Participants can stand up tall and move more freely. (Intl. Council on Active Aging, 2/27/13)

Keep Your Berries Fresh Longer

HOW TO PREVENT MOLD IN

BLUEBERRIES, STRAWBERRIES - ALL BERRIES!

We love to buy fresh fruit, but every day the berries start to go bad too quickly and end up in the garbage.  Not anymore, thanks to this great tip.

The key to preventing moldy berries...wash them with vinegar.

When you get your berries home, prepare a mixture of one part vinegar (white or apple cider probably work best) and ten parts water. Dump the berries into the mixture and swirl around. Drain, rinse if you want (though the mixture is so diluted you can't taste the vinegar,) and pop in the fridge. The vinegar kills any mold spores and other bacteria that might be on the surface of the fruit, and voila! Raspberries will last a week or more, and strawberries go almost two weeks without getting moldy and soft. So go forth and stock up on those pricey little gems, knowing they'll stay fresh as long as it takes you to eat them.

Dr. Seuss Nails It!

Dr. Seuss: Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You. 

FLU SHOT --GO TO COSTCO!!

I get my flu shot at Walgreen's yesterday for $31. Today, i was at Costco and their flu shots are only $17!!! No question where to go!! Get yours now before they run out.

IS IT THE FLU OR A COLD??

Is It A Cold Or the Flu? How to Tell the Difference

Here's a chart to help you figure out which one you might have. Either way, doctors advise getting an annual flu shot.

• By John Crandall
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• 12:01 am

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As the influenza epidemic sweeps through the country, you may be wondering if it’s the flu or a cold causing your sniffles.

One major difference between the two is that there is a vaccine for the flu, a disease that can have life-threatening complications

“An annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of six months,” said a spokesperson for the Los Alamitos Medical Center. “It’s especially important for those at risk of developing serious complications from the flu to receive the vaccine.” 

Unfortunately, there’s no vaccine for the common cold, but you can figure out whether you’ve been infected by the human rhinovirus (the cold) or influenza.

Both are highly contagious and have similar symptoms and seasons.

If you haven't been vaccinated and feel sick, or if you have been vaccinated—the flu shot isn’t always 100 percent effective—and you feel sick, here's a chart that may help you tell the difference between cold and flu.

Flu	Common Cold
Sudden onset of symptoms. Can be severe.	Mild symptoms
Fever between 102° F and 104° F. Lasts three to four days	Fever below 102 degrees
Muscle aches	Some aching muscles
Headache	Headache
Sore throat	Loss of appetite
Very tired and weak. Some people feel extremely exhausted	Stuffy nose
Cough that can be severe	Chills and sweats.
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

Chart Courtesy Los Alamitos Medical Center 

You can get the flu the same way you get the cold—the virus lands on surfaces like counters, elevators buttons, stair rails or telephones. People get the virus on their hands and can then infect themselves when they touch their eyes, nose or mouth.

According to the Los Alamitos Medical Center, some people are more at risk of developing complications of the flu. These include young children and people older than 50. Other at-risk groups include:

• Residents of nursing homes or chronic care facilities
• People with chronic disorders such as diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disorders
• People with a weakened immune system including those with HIV, leukemia or taking medications following an organ transplant
• Women who are pregnant and in their second or third trimester
• People who work in a healthcare facility

If you fall into one of these groups and develop symptoms of the flu, call your doctor immediately. If you’re not one of those people in the at-risk group, the best advice is to get plenty of rest, drink lots of liquid and avoid using alcohol and tobacco.

You can take over-the-counter medicines to relieve symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nasal congestion and cough.

CAUTION: Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, especially a fever. In some cases, this has caused a serious complication known as Reye’s syndrome.

If you develop complications including trouble breathing, a very high fever, a severe sore throat, a cough that produces a lot of green or yellow mucus, or you feel faint, call your doctor.

Anti-viral medications may be prescribed for cases of the flu. These medicines may shorten the time you feel ill. Some of these medications only work with certain types of influenza viruses. To be effective, these need to be taken no later than 24 to 48 hours after you first develop symptoms.

Physical Activity and Quality of Life with Arthritis

Physical Activity Adherence and Quality of Life among Individuals with Arthritis

By Kelsey Stamps

Austin, S., Qu, H., & Shewchuk, R. M. (2011). Association between adherence to physical activity guidelines and health-related quality of life among individuals why physician-diagnosed arthritis. Quality of Life Research, 21, 1347-1357.

Purpose:
Physical activity is an important, non-pharmacological intervention to diminish pain and discomfort and to improve health-related quality of life in individuals with one of the most prevalent chronic conditions, arthritis. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an indicator of physical and mental health, and a population’s chronic disease load. It evaluates the impact of arthritis, which is a leading cause of disability both in the U.S. and internationally. Adults with arthritis have poor HRQOL and, on average, report four more physically unhealthy days and 2.3 more mentally unhealthy days (within a 30 day period), compared to those without arthritis. After assuming that HRQOL for adults with arthritis would be predicted by adherence to physical activity guidelines controlling for health system factor (physicians’ recommendations for physical activity), pre-disposing, enabling, and need-relation factors, the authors hypothesized that individuals who did not adhere to recommended levels of physical activity would report more physically and mentally unhealthy days compared with those who did, controlling for physicians’ recommendations, predisposing, enabling, and need-related factors.

Conclusion: 
Individuals who did not adhere to the physical activity guidelines had more physically and mentally unhealthy days. By engaging in low- to moderate-intensity physical activity of approximately 150 minutes per week, evidence shows that individuals with arthritis had some degree of relief from pain, improved their physical function, and delayed onset of disability. The 150 minutes per week consisted of five 30-minute sessions. However, this study proved that adherence to physical activity is low in this population and interventions are needed to connect adults with arthritis to participate in physical activity. It is recommended that even if adults with other co-morbidities cannot meet at least 150 minutes per week they should still be physically active as much as possible whenever their conditions and abilities allow. 

YOQUATIX Rocks!!

Skye La Fevre of Heart and Soul Yoga has joined Cynthia Shorteed of Aqua Flex'n Stretch at the Providence Tarzana Outpatient Therapy Center in Encino for YOQUATIX! Participants get 45 minutes of restorative land yoga PLUS 45 minutes of restorative aqua. We're talking the ultimate in restoration and relaxation. Check it out....first class is half price through January! RSVP's required.

GO BANANAS!!!

A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas. He said the expression 'going bananas' is from the effects of bananas on the brain. Read on:

Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!  This is interesting.  After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

 

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.  PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.  Anemia : High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.  Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.  Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.  Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey.. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.  Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

 

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.  Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.  Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute ofPsychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips.. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.  Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.  Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. InThailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood Enhancer tryptophan.  Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.  Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.  Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!  Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe it's time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A banana a day keeps the doctor away!' 

Aqua Flex'ers celebrate holiday together

AquaFlex'ers and friends celebrate the holiday of Sukkot 2012 in classmates Sukkah. Good food, good company, lots of laughs and fun.

ARTFUL AGING

Artful Aging by Dr. Suzanne Groah

As a physician and scientist, I have seen remarkable aging. The patients whom I care for, often with severe physical disabilities, experience a process termed “accelerated aging.” This means that some of the “normal” declines in body organ function that we see associated with age occur earlier than anticipated. Unfortunately, the result is a shorter lifespan for these individuals.

I have seen a number of people, though, who have outlived expectations — some by years and a few by decades. I want to learn from these people so that I can discover the Art of Aging, live it myself, and share it with others.

The example that is most striking is a patient and friend who was involved in a car accident 50 years ago at age 20. The accident left him paralyzed at the waist due to a broken back. If this happened today, we would anticipate he would live a productive life using a wheelchair and have about 45 years to live. Fifty years ago this number would have been much lower. For the first few years after his injury he worked hard to achieve his goal of walking. He accomplished this without regaining even a muscle twitch in his legs. He has walked using leg braces, crutches, and Hulk-like upper body strength. More incredible is that he has done it for the past 50 years — a feat well beyond anything I have ever observed.

To me, Ed exemplifies the Art of Aging. I am convinced that his commitment to physical activity — to stand when most would have sat and to continue to be physically active even when faced with life’s greatest challenges — is the key to his artful aging. As stated by Chinese microbiologist, Zhao Liping, “EAT RIGHT, KEEP FIT, LIVE LONG, DIE QUICK”.

Dr. Suzanne Groah is a physician and researcher in Washington, DC. www.SCI-Health.org

THANKFULNESS=WEALTH

One day a father and his rich family took his young son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose to show him how poor people can be. They spent a day and a night in the farm of a very poor family. When they got back from their trip the father asked his son, "How was the trip?" Very good, Dad!" "Did you see how poor people can be?" the father asked. "Yeah!" "And what did you learn?"

 

The son answered, "I saw that we have a dog at home, and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden, they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lamps in the garden, they have the stars. Our patio reaches to the front yard, they have a whole horizon. When the little boy was finishing, his father was speechless.

 

His son added, "Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are!" Isn't it true that it all depends on the way you look at things? If you have love, friends, family, health, good humor and a positive attitude toward life, you've got everything!You can't buy any of these things. You can have all the material possessions you can imagine, provisions for the future, etc., but if you are poor of spirit, you have nothing!"

 

Your Turn: No matter how you define wealth, I believe we can all agree that without a thankful heart, none of us are wealthy. Watch how your life becomes richer as you celebrate the practical ideas for giving thanks throughout the year.

 

Affirmation: The key to wealth of spirit is gratitude. (www.brooknoel.com)

DURING-WORKOUT FLUIDS--STAY HYDRATED!

	Working out when it’s hot and humid during the dogs days of summer calls for special attention to fluid intake. Whether you choose Bikram yoga, spinning or tennis, and even in the water, get the most out of a workout in the heat by making sure you get enough fluid. In order to minimize changes in your body weight over the course of a workout, determine your sweat rate by measuring body weight before and after a workout and adjust fluid intake accordingly. Remember that sweat contains more than just water, and sodium is the key electrolyte lost in sweat helping you retain the fluid you drank. Using a low-calorie sports drink like G2 or G2 Natural, Propel, and others can help replace the fluids and electrolytes lost in sweat. On days where your workout is longer and more intense, or if you are training for a specific event, add carbohydrates to give your body the energy it needs

DRAGONFLIES AND OUR ECOSYSTEM

Love these beautiful dragonflies that circle our heads when we are doing aqua fitness in the pool! Read about how they help our ecosystem (Washington University Magazine)--plus they eat mosquitoes--a real bonus!

http://magazine.wustl.edu/2012/august/Pages/TysonDragonfliesExperiment.aspx

Fitness and Happiness!

It's true!!!

Fitness professionals and enthusiasts are well aware of the positive effects that exercise can have on mood. A report from the Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology (2011; 33 [6], 884–902) takes this common knowledge one step further, suggesting that exercise is associated with feelings of excitement and enthusiasm.

According to the authors, “Physical activity was not associated with pleasant-deactivated, unpleasant–activated or unpleasant–deactivated feelings. People who were more physically active overall had higher pleasant–activated feelings than people who were less physically active. People reported higher levels of pleasant-activated feelings on days when they were more physically active than was typical for them.”

Google Wallet Now Accepted for Payment!!

You can now pay for individual classes or a series by Google Wallet. Go to www.google.com/wallet

   
It's easy and fast to reserve your spot in a class today!!!

Parkinson's --EXERCISE NOW say Doctors!!

Start exercising NOW—as soon as possible. Physicians rarely refer their patients to health and fitness programs at diagnosis because medications are very effective early on alleviating most of the symptoms and patients experience little change in function. Yet, according to recent surveys, it is at the time of diagnosis that patients often begin to consider lifestyle changes and seek education about conventional and complementary/alternative treatment options. Thus referrals to exercise, wellness programs as well as physical/occupational therapy would be best initiated at diagnosis, when it may have the most impact on quality of life (Parkinson Resource Organization, 2012).

LESS CALORIES = LESS BODY FAT

It might be time to shift the goal for obesity treatment away from just weight loss and body mass index to include fat reduction and a better understanding of nutrition science, say the authors of a Journal of the American Medical Association study (2012; 307 [1], 47–55).

At the crux of their findings? Body fat increased when healthy subjects took in more calories than they burned, and the calories themselves appeared to be more important than the amount of protein ingested. When subjects consumed more calories than they expended each day, they appeared to gain body fat and lose lean muscle if their food choices were low in protein.  (Ruth Sova, ATRI e-list, 7/15/12)