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It is estimated that over 5 million Americans are walking around with undiagnosed Diabetes. This means that they are experiencing damage to their blood vessels, eyes, heart, and kidneys that may be unrepairable.

Diabetes is defined as a disease that occurs when your body does not make enough or cannot metabolize insulin. A high level of glucose builds up in the blood, and it is very hazardous to your health. In its early stages, Diabetes has few symptoms, and a person can be suffering all kinds of serious health risks and not have a clue about it.

Often, the screening for this disease can only be done after the person fasts for 24 hours, and then the blood test used most often, right now, can be and sometimes is inaccurate. Blood sugar levels must be no higher than 125 milligrams per deciliter. Doctors recommend that each person have at least two tests done that show this high level of blood sugar, before making this diagnosis.

If you have tingling or some numbness in your hands and feet, extreme thirst, blurry vision, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, tiredness or any injury which will not heal; there is a possibility that you should be screened for diabetes.

A recent study has shown that people can go undiagnosed and be symptom free for about five years, and during this time, they are experiencing very damaging effects to their heart, kidneys, nerve damage, and many other serious complications.

Today it was announced that there is a new test for this dreaded disease. It is called the A1C blood glucose test and it measures blood sugar levels over a period of two to three months. No fasting is required and the results are more accurate than older tests, which have been in place for more than 30 years. Since blood sugar is very difficult to measure, and a test could have false results if a person had just exercised or if the sample of blood taken is kept in a room which has a cold temperature; the new process will give a much more consistent result in a more controlled environment.

If there is a history of diabetes in your family, or if you have had any of the symptoms that suggest a problem with your blood sugar, it would be a good idea to check with your doctor and ask to take this new test as well as the standard testing. Also, if you are overweight and rarely exercise, studies have shown that people who improve their diets, lose enough weight to be within the proper range for their age and body structure, and who walk or exercise for at least 30 minutes several times a week, can reduce their risk of getting diabetes by about 58 per cent.

Once again, being proactive, and getting tested if you want to have information that can protect your health, is within your power to do. It’s your life, your wellness, and your choice; and now there is better testing for a more accurate result.

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In order to have less illness and be well more often, most of us seek knowledge and information about wellness programs, and we visit our physician for check-ups, with more regularity, because we know that being proactive about our health is one viable way stay healthy.

Recently diagnosed with a Vitamin D deficiency, a friend of mine was told that in the mid-west people do not get enough sunlight to sustain good levels of Vitamin D. In the winter months the sun is at the wrong angle to be a good source of this vitamin, and the few months of strong sunlight in the summer are just not enough for either children or adults to sustain the levels necessary to fight cancer, heart disease, and hormone imbalance, just to name a few health issues which this vitamin can affect.

People are staying out of the sun or using sunblock in order to avoid getting skin cancer, in every area of the country, and therefore optimal levels of Vitamin D are not being maintained by many of us. Doctors now report that 75% of our population is deficient in this vitamin, just at a time when research proves that D does fight colon, breast, prostrate and ovarian cancer.

If you are younger than age age 50, a healthy adult needs at least 400 to 800 IU’s of D daily, and older adults need up to 2000 IU’s, in order to effectively fight diseases, lower blood pressure, and regulate hormones that affect the blood vessels of the muscles in the heart.

You can get outside in the sun light for about 15 minutes, at least 3 times a week, if you have fair skin, and up to 30 minutes without sunscreen protection, if you have a medium or darker complexion. However, if you have a history of skin cancer in your family, it is best to find other sources of Vitamin D.

A safe option for everyone is to take Vitamin D as a supplement, and eat foods which are known to be D-rich such as milk, yogurts, soy, orange juice, mackerel, sardines, herring, egg yolks, and some cereals.

Each minute you spend in the sunlight allows your own body to produce 1,000 IU’s of Vitamin D. You would have to drink at least 8-10 glasses of milk to get that kind of dietary result, and it would not be nearly as effective against autoimmune disorders, or for building immunities against colds, moodiness and depression, or any of the other diseases that have been mentioned.

Now that you know what Vitamin D can do to help you maintain your good health, fight disease, stabilize your blood pressure, enhance your good mood, and strengthen your bones and immunities, what you must do is determine which source of this nutrient is safest for you. Sunshine is best, if taken in small doses, but supplements, and a Vitamin D rich diet are other viable sources too.

It would seem prudent to have your blood tested, periodically, to determine your level of D, and then supplement any low D number, with sun, nutritious foods, and in pill form.

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Are you finding yourself to be less than energetic as the small and beautiful miracles which a new day, experience, or season are offered up for your discernment? The it might be time for a little introspection. Taking five minutes or perhaps, 10, now and then, to examine the content of your “awake time”, can give you the information needed to lift your spirits and reduce the destructive and unnecessary stress in your existence, allowing for an improved quality of life, and big bursts of energy.

From the moment your feet hit the floor, in the morning, and the cozy comfort zone of your sleep-space is left behind; you get instantly called upon to perform chores, prep for work, interact with your significant other, kids, pets, parents and people in general. Ask yourself this question: “when in any 24 hour period of time, do you have a few minutes that are just for you?”

This is not a selfish question! Finding solitude and peacefulness for just a few minutes in each day, really does enhance your mood and enrich your life. Stress levels fall and physical as well as, mental health are improved. Solitude is a natural form of self-help that lets you sustain your happiness and improve your creativity without suffering from burn-out and losing the “YOU” in your lifestyle equation of : your work+your family+your obligations+your partner = Zero You.

Of course, the experience of togetherness at work and at home is not an unconscionable negative and life threatening element in your life. Togetherness, and working with others has many benefits, as long as you allow yourself short periods to take a physical and emotional TIME OUT.

The stress that accompanies never having time for yourself, is the culprit in this scenario. Consider these five factors and then see if you don’t crave a little solitude for yourself or some “me” moments.

1. Taking a brief break from the social stress of long working hours and the demands of a have-to lifestyle, significantly reduces stress levels that deplete your energy and lead to a diminished immune system.

2. Putting yourself first occasionally: a half hour walk, a five minute daydream, a quiet cup of coffee or tea consumed while you read your favorite Twitter or blog, will weaken the dreaded high stress levels you fight, and reinvigorate you.

3. Reducing the amount of mental bombardment you get 24/7, allows your mind to take a break from sensory overload. Being alone and quiet, allows your thinking to be less structured and rigid. Room is made inside your mind and body to decompress and unwind. You can become stifled by the pressures of living without release and solitude in your multi-tasking existence.

4. When you give yourself a short break from stuff….and stop problem solving whether it’s work related, social or emotional, balance is restored. Constantly meeting the needs which are ever present in your environment, without sufficient time to simply “vegetate”, will eventually make you inaccessible to everyone because you will be completely drained with nothing left to give.

5. Giving yourself a gift of “alone time”, whether it’s meditation, listening to music, napping, or whatever, and letting yourself “zone out” and relax, without having to concentrate at all, not only reduces stress levels; improves your physical and emotional state, rejuvenates you, and has long term benefits which allow for a healthy, happy YOU; it could just possibly add years to your life.

Stress produces a constant reaction from your body and mind. Your heart rate is elevated , as is your blood pressure. Over time, these factors can lead to serious health issues and interfere with the quality of your life. Hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses are not curable, only treatable. The emotional toll you take on your mental well being can lead to depression, and anxiety disorders. Choose to de-stress and avoid this needless suffering. Get to know yourself again by making the conscious decision to value yourself.

Those you work with will appreciate a happy and vigorous you, and you’ll be your best self for those you love, as well.

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Standing in line at my local pharmacy in order to ask the pharmacist a few questions about the generic equivalent for an expensive prescription that I was given, I inadvertently overheard a conversation between the pharmacist and another customer. This person was asking the pharmacist why he had gotten violently ill from taking pills for a sinus infection, from the remains of an old prescription that had not yet expired? The pharmacist said that many medications begin to lose potency at or near the expiration date, and can become ineffective and even dangerous if consumed.

When it was my turn, and I was receiving the information about generic medications, the pharmacist asked me rather rhetorically, “why don’t people ask their doctors more questions and get more informed to prevent mistakes, illness and suffering?”

After some thought, I decided to pass along to you, dear readers, these simple but effective actions which you can take to be part of your own sustainable wellness!

1. Maintain an updated list of the medications you take.

2. Discard old and unfinished prescriptions.

3. Maintain a personal list of your allergic reactions to food, medications and anesthetics.

4. Use one good pharmacy to provide your prescription needs/or show the pill provider a listof medications you are currently taking, to insure that there are no “problems” with bad drug-interactions.

5. Take your medications on a timely basis to get the “full benefit” of each dose. Either early morning or bedtime is best.

6. Take the entire prescription that your doctor has prescribed. Don’t self-diagnose. The strengthand number of doses are carefully calculated to cure your ills.

7. It you miss taking a dose, don’t just reach for twice as much medication. Check with your doctor.

8. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, even the over-the-counter- stuff like sleep aids, antacids, vitamin supplements, herbs, and anything else.

9. Don’t ask for antibiotics as if they were a cure-all for every illness. Your doctor will know if you have a bacterial infection. If what you have is caused by a virus, antibiotics don’t work.

10. Know your family health history. If heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes were the cause of serious illness for your parents/grandparents, you are also at risk.

The best way to achieve sustainable wellness is to take the time to find a good Primary Care physician. Pick someone that you can establish good communication with and tell this person when you feel ill. Getting regular check ups, screenings, and any tests which allow you to prevent hereditary illness; and keeping copies of test results, inoculations, allergic reactions, and other pertinent information, will give you the tools you need to promote long-term wellness.

Your good health is worth the effort you make, and it’s also priceless for you!

Photo Credit: Voyerman Brain Puzzle

You can’t do a lot right now to breathe life back into the economy, and certainly you can’t dodge paying taxes.  there is no way that you will be able to return the multi-colored scarf that your mother-in-law bought for you and expects to see you wearing, regularly.  You certainly cannot grow the money in your bank account or CD’s in the same ways as you did, unless or until the interest rates rise again.  These are the kinds of events that you must accept, and tolerate, in life, and there is little that can be done by you, other than to comply.

However, you CAN DO something for yourself.  You can protect, improve and re-condition yourself, and own your GOOD HEALTH for a longer, happier and more productive life.

The following list of activities that you CAN DO to be healthier is not an ordinary, every day, broad list of “to-do’s”.  These actions work to make you feel better and are the tools  to make you pro-active in very meaningful ways.  Life is too short to wast a moment on trivia.

These actions work:

1. Take/Make the time right now, to compile a list of the diseases that are genetically inherent in your family.  Ask your parents and grandparents (if Possible), what diseases or illnesses have been on-going and life threatening for them, like diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease, or cancer.

Use this information to gain knowledge about what you can do to prevent these genetically inherent diseases from taking having an impact on your health.

2. Build a stronger brain and help your thinking processes to age well, by doing regular puzzle solving activities (crosswords, missing letters, Search Words) etc., that exercise your left brain or language skills, and Image solving puzzles (whats missing from this picture, find the right angle ) to exercise your right brain temporal Lobe which is stimulated by images and spatial orientation.

You can find all kinds of brain teaser puzzles on the internet, and in book stores, and they work to keep your brain strong and impede the onset of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

3.  See your physician at least twice a year and ask for specific information about your levels of Good and Bad Cholesterol, HDL and LDL levels should be under 200 and over 50 respectively.  You want to prevent heart disease, and therefore you need to know these numbers to be able to improve on them.  You should also know your Triglycerides and Blood Sugar numbers.

Information is power.  Why not know these numbers and begin to address them as health issues if you need too.

4.  It is a good idea to take a multi-vitamin and 400 or more milligrams of vitamin D, but don’t count on them, by themselves, to sustain good health.  You must eat whole grain cereals, beans and lentils, fatty acid fish like salmon and sardines, shellfish, yogurt, tofu, citrus fruits, spinach,  blueberries, and broccoli, to get the Kind of nutrition building blocks that increase your immune system and promote wellness.

5.  If you live on this planet, you already know that exercise, whatever kind works for you, is an element in wellness that cannot be ignored.  Did you know that drinking skim milk, at least one cup, after working out, burns fat and builds and strengthens muscles?

Research shows that the calcium and milk proteins in skim milk go to work for you, when you take the time to drink skim milk after exercising.

6. Taking a few deep breaths in which you inhale slowly through your nose and exhale though your mouth, not only relieves stress, it makes your body’s nervous system relax, lowers your blood pressure and gives your heart a rest, as well.

These six steps are not all-inclusive and they certainly are not the only methods that will insure your good health.  Having a positive attitude, good emotional support, adequate sleep patterns, and  loving relationships, all matter greatly in the big picture of personal wellness.

Knowing your genetic family health history, and health risks, your own body’s blood chemistry information, getting regular check ups, eating nutritiously , exercising and taking a few well chosen multi-vitamins, works to increase your immune system and helps YOU take charge to become an even healthier person.

Photo Credit:   Art Center Gallery

No one wants to be sick! This is a given fact.  Not only do you not have time to miss work, rest, and feel better, you can’t afford it.  Often by the time your doctor can see you, you’re already getting better, by chance, by chicken soup, by prayer, or all of these cure-alls.

If you visit your local pharmacy for some lovingly labeled O.T. C. (Over-the - Counter) elixirs, and a little free advice  from the pharmacist about liquids and pills that are supposed to speed recovery time, and numb or mask the symptoms you are experiencing, by replacing them with curious side-effects;  you might bring home an armful of magic bullets (O.T. C. kinds). But will they kill or cure you?

Chances are, depending on your age and health history, you will recover and have time to read more blogs and get on with your life.  However, you have an equal chance to exacerbate the problems and end up in the hospital, where real suffering has been known to begin.

Why not try to preempt the problems or get pro-active about your health? Sure, you know about drinking plenty of fluids, washing your hands, frequently, using hand-sanitizer, getting plenty of rest, and fresh air, eating right and cutting back, ok, way back, on fast food consumption.

What about the recommended pro-active steps you may NOT know about?

Take courage and read on:

1. Watch something comedic on your High Definition Television.  Anything from re-runs of Wil and Grace to Saturday Night Live, or even “Ellen” or “Tyra” that is fun,  and gets you to relax and laugh; helps increase the blood flow to your heart.  Studies show that your body releases NITRIC OXIDE  which has been found to lower the cholesterol build up in your body, too.

2. Read something new, which you have not read before.  It doesn’t have to be “War and Peace” or some other multi-page tomb, but it should be something interesting that challenges you to think and learn. Thinking outside the box, improves your memory skills.  Working that gray matter that is inside your head, keeps you healthy.

3. Depending on how often the sun shines where you live, on this planet, if you don’t see it with regularity, you aren’t getting enough vitamin D that comes from ultra-violet rays.  Take Vitamin D as a vitamin Supplement to strengthen your vital immune system as well as your bones.

4. Snack on Cherries and blueberries.  New studies show that cherries are anti-inflammatory fighters that assist with reduction of arthritis pain.  Blueberries have anti-oxidants that fight infections and strengthen you immune system.

5. If you’re stressed all the time, from work and worry about the economy, set side the time to see your loved ones and friends, and to be with your family support system.  Constant stress takes a toll on people by pushing the body to release the hormone CORTISOL into the blood stream.  Over time, without some fun and emotional support, this hormone contributes to the onset of many illnesses.

6. Listen to music.  It does not have to be and should not be loud (which harms the inner ear if you are wearing your iPod) but it does relax and distress you, and this simple act depletes the body of its CORTISOL content and increases your circulation.

7.  Increase your intake of foods which are rich in Calcium like yogurt, cottage cheese,  soy milk, black beans, almonds, tofu and low fat milk. This helps protect all adults from the loss of bone density.  Taking calcium supplements is not always very effective in protecting the strength of your bones.

8. Check your bottled water.  Make sure that the bottom of your plastic water bottle says “BPA” meaning that it does not contain BISPHENOL A which has been proven to promote the growth of cancer cells in animals.  The studies of human contact with this by-product of plastic have not been released, but it might be a better idea to put your water in a stainless steel carafe, and then stop worrying about it.

You want to be healthy for a life time and you can not only increase the chances of your own wellness, but also the health of your loved ones, by taking an active role in making sure your choices are healthy ones. Have fun, take time to relax, enjoy the quiet, read a good book, listen to your favorite tunes, get loving support from others, enjoy your friendships, and have the lifestyle that you have earned.

Photo Credit: Carterfsmith

HGH is a hormone that is made in and secreted by the Pituitary Gland.  In babies and increasingly in children, there are very high levels of HGH that control muscle and bone growth, as well as, helping to establish a healthy immune system, tendons, ligaments and their flexibility, muscle mass and bone strength.

As you age, less and less of the HGH is secreted.  Stress, poor nutrition, and lack of adequate sleep can affect the amount of HGH in a person’s body at any age.

By the time a person reaches the age of 60, their total body accumulation of HGH has been significantly reduced by about 80%.  The physical signs of this reduction are:

1. weight increase
2. loss of bone density
3. hair loss
4. muscle mass loss and some atrophy
5. tooth loss
6. weakened immune system
7. thinning of the skin
8. tendon and joint loss of elasticity
9. on-set of Arthritis
10. increased illness and longer recovery time

As early as 1985, studies were done to see what the effects of HGH would be if administered to the elderly in order to strengthen their immunities and stop bone density loss from having crippling effects on patients.  Injections of controlled doses of HGH showed significant improvement in bone and muscle mass, as well as a definite strengthening of the immune system.

This was encouraging news and many people began to believe that it would be possible to reduce the signs of aging ,and keep people looking and feeling years younger than their actual chronological age.

No one wants to age, so of course, people began to look for ways to obtain HGH in some kind of dosage that would allow them to recovery their muscle mass, energy, skin tone, bone strength and flexibility.  However, consumers don’t always know the risk factors, and are not well informed about the so called wonder drug HGH and its manufactured synthetic supplements.

The F.D.A. only approved certain applications for the legitimate prescriptions that doctors may write for HGH, and it generally only works well when injected under the skin.  Research is on-going to see if correctly administered doses of HGH can prevent aging without having very serious side-effects such as,  an increase in the growth of cancerous cell production, and damage to the heart and liver.

The Senate is considering a bill that would place the HGH hormone on the controlled substance list, and this would make the usage and sale of HGH and its synthetic supplements illegal.

If you look on the Internet for answers, there are many sources that offer a great deal of information about HGH.  You need to know that the risks often outweigh any significant improvement in mobility, wellness and appearance.

Perhaps, in the next decade, researchers will come up with more definitive results and map out a safe way to restore that youthful energy, strength, and wellness, which we all seek, as we age.  For now, information from trusted physicians, and gathering all the risk factors, is the best way to determine if you can actually “turn back time”.

Photo Credit: Craveonline

You’ve probably been reading all the hype about the Acai berry from the tropical rain forests of Brazil.  This berry is being called the “it” fruit by every health conscious person on the planet.  It has been discussed on from A to Zen because research supports its nutritional value as being superior to any other antioxidant-rich fruit that we consume today.

Like our own blueberries, this Acai berry contains not only antioxidants for fighting free radicals in our bodies, but also, fatty acids, fiber, a huge amount of protein,  anthocyans and even some amino acids.  This is an amazing amount of nutrients when you consider that only about 10-20% of each berry is skin and pulp.  The rest of the berry is just a big seed which has no nutrition at all.

Acai berries are small, round and have a purple color and pulp.  They contain all of the essential nutrients to provide the kind of immune system boost that everyone needs to maintain their health and the energy levels necessary for an active lifestyle.  Purveyors of the Acai berry offer it in fruit drinks, in a powder form that is also tea, or capsules; and  in shakes, freeze dry powders or even in chocolate candy and organic pop tarts that can be heated in the toaster.

This is all good news and it’s wonderful for you and your family when something that has become a huge “trend” is also as good as it claims to be.  However, there is a flip side to this news, and it is very important that you become aware of the problems and scams that are now being perpetuated on people who are looking for ways to maintain or improve their health, by purchasing and consuming this berry.

The major flaw with this “it” fruit is that it doesn’t keep its potency or freshness for more than 24 hours after being picked.  Since a majority of us live no where near the Brazilian rain forest, eating this berry fresh from the palm tree is not an option.  For us to get any health benefits, we must purchase it in a freeze dried form, or as a fruit drink,  tea or some other processing treatment, in order for it to have any nutritional value at all.   Any product with the magic word “Acai berry” on it, is selling for major dollars, and not all of it has the value we are expecting.

You have to do the Acai research to avoid being fooled about the value of any product claiming to be Acai berry enriched. Potency is the key to purchasing this fruit in any form, and getting your moneys worth of the essential elements you need to boost your immune system and fortify your health.  Many sites recommend the freeze dried Acai berry products because they have been prevented from having contact with oxygen for any length of time during their 24 hours of freshness.  Once you open the jar or package of freeze dried Acai berry, it must be immediately refrigerated to retain its potency.

Read the labels on any product you purchase that uses the word Acai to attract your attention and your hard earned dollars. Some scammers use these three descriptions on their labels and there is no proof of Acai berry nutritional value among these:

a) Acai pit (the pit has no nutritional value)
b) spray dried (no proof its dried within 24 hours)
c) thin film (only the skin and pulp have food value)

Just like with any popular or trendy new elixir, diet or medication, you must have accurate information in order to make an informed decision about whether to purchase any product, no matter what the research claims.   You are a savvy person, and you want to live a long, productive and healthy life.  This Acai berry works as long as it is fresh, or has been preserved while fresh.  Do the footwork it takes to find out which is the best and most potent process that will work for you.   Remember, too, that the freshest Acai berries are very potent, and should probably be ingested in small portions until you know how your body will react to all of these nutrients, being taken at one time.   Often, in the juice section of your favorite market, there are orange juices and other fruit juices which now contain Acai berry.  Check the amounts to consider the potency, and try to find one that is made by a name brand that you are familiar with, because their reputation will make them a more reliable source for any new product.

Photo Credit:  Blogger

It happens to everyone at some point in your life.  You slow down just long enough, one day, to look in the mirror.  Who is that person?  Certainly your lack of energy, frequent illnesses, and inability to take the stairs two-at-a-time anymore, couldn’t be the side-effects of the 20 extra pounds you now have visual knowledge of, could they?

When your day begins well before sunrise and ends long after sunset; you can’t imagine adding some other element or activity to your crowded agenda in order to lose the weight.  You try cutting back on coffee with cream and chocolate which your rational had permitted as “quick energy boosters” during the long work day.  Peaks and valleys of falling energy levels now dilute your self-control, and carbs and calories are quickly reappearing in and on you.

Now what?  Do you dare to try diet pills?  Horror stories about the dreaded side effects, like heart problems, hypertension, migraines and cellulite, have kept these quick fixes out of your life.

Healthy weight loss can be achieved through good nutrition, portion control, and consistent exercise.  Yet, look at all of the constantly increasing numbers of overweight people in many countries today.

The diet pill industry brings in many millions of dollars every year.  This money represents the millions of people who opted to take “magic pills” and supplements to reach a healthy weight.  Many of these pills do have serious side effects, and some of them don’t work at all.  However, many people have succeeded at losing weight.

What you need to know is which pills are safe and effective, and which ones to avoid.  The ingredients in most diet pills are similar in content.  Many of them once contained Ephedra, which was very harmful for the heart.  It has now been removed, by law, from all diet pills and supplements.

The pills that doctors’ prescribe are regulated by the FDA and the content is known and controlled.  Doctor’s aren’t likely to give you a prescription unless your body mass is much larger than it should be.

Over-the-counter pills are unregulated for content and many contain amphetamine like properties to speed up your metabolism.  Some of these pills work to suppress the area of the brain that stimulates your appetite.

Whatever choice you decide to make, get the facts, first.  Read the information that is available on the web, carefully, and consider the side effects, too.

You might want to consult your doctor just to be sure that you have no health issues which might be negatively impacted by dieting.  Being lean can be the beginning of the path you take to a long and healthy life, and there are many options available for achieving that goal.  Good luck!

Photo Credit:  Tea-co.

Humans have been consuming green tea for centuries, mainly because of its availability and great taste.  The earth continued to rotate, normally, and its inhabitants took on no special glow or heroic attributes after drinking green tea, that’s the truth.  Recently, however, research has proven that what people eat and drink effects their health in very real ways that can no longer be ignored.

Studies have shown that the populations of Asia, China, Thailand and India have overall better health, stronger immune systems, less heart disease, and cancer, and greater longevity.  The staples in their diets include steamed vegetables, rice, very little red meat, and more significantly, at least 1.2 liters of green tea, each day.  This information and its scientific support, based on thousands of hours of research, worldwide, has led to many cultures and communities new found interest in drinking green tea.  They believe that a person can go for a few days without eating food, but to be without at least one cup of green tea,daily, is foolish and risky for your health.

If you want to take some simple, but proactive and positive steps to maintain the health you have now, to feel better and have a higher resistance to disease and communicable infections; then you need to follow these necessary steps to become an active participant in your own wellness plan:

1). Do the research to find out why green tea is worth drinking.  Learn about how the antioxidants in green tea fight heart disease and lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) while raising good cholesterol (HDL), due to the polyphenols they contain.

2). Check out the latest Internet information about which green teas offer the best health benefits for you, and why.  Read about the green tea making process and why oxidation has a lot to do with how effective the tea will be in restoring and maintaining your immune system.

3). Cut back on rich fatty food consumption, like the nutrition poor “fast foods” and increase your intake of fish, and green leafy vegetables.

4). If you are overweight, develop an exercise plan that works for you.  Learn about how drinking green tea can help you reduce your weight naturally, by stimulating the bodies metabolism to burn more calories.  Eating smaller portions and more often, along with exercise, and drinking green tea, is a simple but effective weight loss program.

5). Becoming informed, right now, about what you can do to feel good and maintain a healthy lifestyle; and taking advantage of the natural antioxidants, vitamins, minerals (like fluoride, also found in green tea); and other life-saving, and plentiful healthy foods, fruits, vegetables and herbs, is the most important work you can do to benefit yourself and your family.

You want to feel good, and be an active participant in the life you’ve been given.  It makes sense to do the footwork it takes to stay healthy, and be proactive, rather than reactive, and suffering from life threatening health problems that could have been prevented.   The information is available online and you can always consult with your doctor to make sure that your choices will result in a very healthy, happy and content lifestyle.