I really think people are starting to wfiake up and smell the coffee.  Yes, we may not all agree that the health care plan does not have our best interest in mind, but I have seen more people take action with their own health in the last 6 months than ever before.

Perhaps it is because they are afraid they will not be able to see a doctor for 6 months or that prescription drugs will not be as readily available,  but whatever it is there is a movement happening.

My goal as a health care professional is to let people know that their ailments and disease are a result of the way they are living.  I really think people feel that are batted over the head and all of the sudden are diagnosed with fibromyalgia or eczema.  Both of these ailments are curable with prescription drugs. 

Most of us are toxic and this is causing havoc inside our bodies.  Eating clean food, exercising, resting are some easy steps to feeling better each day. 

As most of you know I am an avid exerciser and getting a little older each day.  Muscle aches and pains are almost getting to be a daily occurrence.  Some days are worse than others. 

I came across a technique that has really worked for me in getting me right back into exercising with virtually no down time. 

Let me first tell you a few very important things:

1.  If you have issues with bruising or are on a blood thinner - this is not recommended

2.  The sooner the better - meaning when you are injured go within a few days.  Do not wait weeks

3.  It is not for the weary.  It is somewhat painful, but in the end, the problem is resolved

And these are the benefits

1. Decreases overall time of treatment
2. Fosters faster rehabilitation/recovery
3. Reduces need for anti-inflammatory medication
4. Resolves chronic conditions thought to be permanent
5. Continues to engage in everyday activities

Ok.  The technique is called Graston Hall technique.  Here is the website to find a provider near you. 

http://www.grastontechnique.com/

Now it is the optimal time to change your eating habits, exercise routine and even your mindset.  The change of seasons your body craves something new.  So do something new.

Here are three things that you can do to change up your season.

1.   Change your diet.  Eating more cooling foods at this time of year. 

• Growth time — Foods that grow quickly, like bean sprouts, cucumbers and summer squash, tend to be more cooling than foods that take longer to grow, like cabbage, carrots and winter squash.
• Color — Blue, green, or purple colored foods are typically more cooling than similar foods that are red, orange or yellow. Thus, a lime cools more than a lemon. Blue fish is more cooling than salmon.
• Region — Tropical and sub-tropical foods tend to be more cooling than temperate-zone foods. Strawberries and cherries are more warming than mangos and pineapple.
• Water content — Juicy foods tend to be more cooling than dry foods. Therefore, Chinese cabbage is more cooling than cabbage and milk, more cooling than cheese.

2.  Change your exercise routine

• Get outside and walk, run or ride your bike
• Take time to stretch on your deck or patio in the morning
• Do something different each day for your exercise: yoga, walk, stretch, abs, biking, meditation, etc.

3. Change your mindset

• Make a a mental note of what you are grateful for each day
• Take time to do yoga or meditate
• Set your intentions for the upcoming days and months ahead
• Pay attention when you are negative and change your thoughts to something positive

Directions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ginger and chicken and saute until cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes.  Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon oil, vinegar, teriyaki sauce and honey until mixed together. Add chicken mixture, cherries, carrot, green onion and almonds; toss together.
3. To Serve: Spoon 1/12 of the chicken/cherry mixture onto the center of each lettuce leaf; roll up leaf around filling and serve.

Recipe from www.allrecipes.com

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You can’t go anywhere without someone talking about the economy and how the world is going to end any minute. People are losing their jobs, they can’t pay for their mortgages and they are not traveling as much.

So what does this mean for the wellness?

Well believe it or not, your mental state is part of your total wellness. Many motivational experts will tell you, if you dwell on the negative issues that are occurring in the world, you will get more of it. Just think, those who are abundant think of this time as opportunity. Some of the wealthiest people achieve their largest financial gains at this time.

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