Sending the Obama Administration My ‘two cents worth’.

A colleague of mine recently sent me a link to the Obama Administration’s website that is soliciting feedback from normal ‘Joe’ citizens like you and me. The site includes several different areas of focus including health care reform and health and physical activity-related links. The purpose being to encourage individuals to write in and provide ideas, insights, and feedback about how we, as citizens, can contribute in the improvement of specific programs and policies within our government. So, I figured what the heck. I’ve written my governor and congressman before, why not The Prez?

The easy way, for the purposes of this blog post, would’ve been to have copied my letter prior to sending it to The White House so that I could’ve simply copy and pasted it to this post. Ah yeah, that would’ve been the easy way. Perhaps it was the fact that I wrote my letter to B.O. at around midnight and was fading fast. I just didn’t think it through enough to make a copy before hitting the ‘send’ button. So, here I am, re-creating the ‘just’ of what I sent over and now anxiously awaiting his reply. (absolutely no sarcasm here)

Basically, I was compelled to write the Obama Administration to give my insights on what I believe we need to focus our efforts on as a society in decline as it relates to the improved health, fitness and overall wellness in this country. Something that needs some serious fixing. Health care reform is a whole other topic but it’s all interconnected and must include a close look at physical activity, dietary tendencies, and a host of other personal-health key elements if we’re to succeed at re-vamping a system that’s obviously not working and significantly change worrisome trends. Ultimately, fulfilling a vision for a healthier America will require engagement from our government and several other entities including employers, insurance providers, medical professionals, schools, and of course, you and me.

First off, and this is my strongest belief, we need to re-commit to placing a focus on teaching and shaping our generations to come. It must start with our children. And that includes a return to placing an emphasis on physical education and nutritional health curriculum in school as much as reading, writing, and arithmetic. It used to be this way when I was a kid and we have to get back to it. Now.

We’ve seen over the years a trend of eliminating physical education classes and nutrition classes or at least a change in making these courses ‘required’ courses. I believe these classes should be required classes and the emphasis should be placed on children of all ages. We know children are very impressionable and I contend that the sooner good habits can be established, the better. And, the more likely these good habits can and will be continued through adulthood.

To encourage participation and to create environments where children of all ages and abilities feel compelled to learn and excel, teachers and coaches need to be held to higher standards with more of an emphasis placed on higher success rates of participation. Recognition methods and incentives for outstanding efforts need to hold significant value and should reflect a ‘gold’ standard of performance. Point being, we need to emphasize and place importance on quality and success as it relates to ‘younger generation’ health & wellness. Success can be found in encouraging children of all ages and abilities to be involved in establishing good health habits, it merely takes focus and a desire to achieve.

Additionally, for far too long, our society has been operating under a 'disease management' model. We fall prey to lifestyles that promote and encourage 'fully saturated' unhealthy living practices, increase our health risk factors and wind up in the disease management vicious cycle. A cycle that demands an enormous amount of time, money, and emotional (stress) investment. And, one that can be extremely difficult to break out of. But, again, that's what feeds the monster and it's dependency on money and chronic conditions.

What if we took a step back and put the focus on 'prevention'? What if we invested more of this time and money in providing resources, education, and benefits programs focused on preventative measures? What if, instead of filling out prescription pad after prescription pad with 'pharmaceutical cures' and hence, padding the pockets of pharmaceutical companies, physicians filled out prescription pads with orders for physical activity and nutritional consulting? Consulting that could truly make a lifestyle behavior change and long-term difference. Because the reality is, unless the 'behavior' is addressed, the vicious cycle will continue to be fed.

A 'Healthier America' vision is a realistic one. It is. But, as I've penned in other posts, a fundamental foundation must be established first. I'm hoping the 'change' we've all been promised includes a sound overhaul in how physicians, employers, insurers, educators, and citizens promote and 'do' personal health.

Can one find 'true' health by being a Wii bit fit?

Embarrassing as it is to admit, I will....I've never tried Wii Fit. That's right, never done it. It's true, I work in personal health and wellness and don't have a clue about what Wii Fit provides in terms of a workout or overall 'health makeover'. I can only ascertain based on a few conversations I've had with individuals and now this article. I've been hoping for an opinion piece such as this and here it is, granted, it's just one person's take. Am I surprised at the assessments? No. The analysis seems to be pretty much right on. And I appreciate the honesty. Can one find improved fitness levels using the Wii Fit system. Sure. Can one find peace and solitude using Wii Fit yoga? Sure. Can Wii Fit be as effective as going to a club or gym? You bet. So, is Wii Fit worth the money spent? It's up to you. Simply put, Wii Fit falls into the same category as everything else purchased in the name of 'better health'. Should you be disciplined enough to stay the course for the long haul and put in the necessary effort, you'll inevitably reap the benefits. The key is in the foundation and the discipline. I'll contend that the difference is where the mindset rests and if true behavior change can be realized and maintained. For many, the 'late night fitness infomercial' is the catalyst that puts them over the top. (Cue the ab roller, buns of steel, gazelle, and countless others..) I would place Wii Fit into this same class when looking at the 'bigger picture'. The fun factor is there, the new approach is there, the intentions are there. Whether the sustained results in weight-loss and other health metrics important to you will eventually be there, only time will tell. For the $90 or so price tag, it may not matter to you. And that's cool too. If it provides quality bonding time with friends and family, that's important to health as well. And, who knows, it just may be the catalyst that starts a positive personal health trend.

I recently took the opportunity to write the Obama administration with my own analysis of the state of personal health and wellness in this country and what I believed should be included in efforts to help curb the negative trend. I'll be expanding on this in a later post. But the bulk of my letter was based on our abilities to influence, teach, and encourage our youth in ways that lead to better decision-making and habits later in life regarding personal health. And, I believe, that sustained healthy movement, in whatever form, at a young age can and does make a profound difference. Times have changed from when I was a kid. Options for kids have changed. I do think gaming devices like Wii Fit fit are a step in a positive direction and can play a role.

I'm interested in your thoughts...Do you have a Wii Fit? Do you use it? Has it made a difference in any way? Do you think it'll eventually get 'old' and become a dust collector? Do you have kids that use it and if so, does it hold their attention for long?

It'll be interesting to follow up on Scott Owens' (Exercise Science at the University of Mississippi) six month study to see what he uncovers. I'll post his assessment when it comes out.

As for me....well, I'm off to bowl a few Wii frames..

New Year's Resolution Keys: Sustained Motivation & Support.

Once again, that time of year has come. We add an extra year to the calendar and quickly follow with thoughts of how we might make things different. Improve upon things. Find success in things. Make things more efficient. Rid ourselves of things so we can re-discover what things really matter to us. Find new things. Make sense of some things.

I recently read a couple of statistics about New Year's resolutions and I wanted to share them..

[1] 70% of people who make New Year's resolutions say that the hardest part is staying motivated.

[2] 60% of people who made resolutions said they needed more support to achieve them.

Nothing about these numbers is surprising, in fact, they make absolute sense. Motivation maintenance and the support that is undoubtedly required are, without question, the key reasons people generally only make it through the 'honeymoon' phase of a behavior change attempt. The thing to remember, is that this is natural. There's nothing to feel bad about, nothing to feel ashamed about, nothing to feel failure about. Again, because it's natural.

With anything worth achieving or having, motivation has to come from somewhere. And we're all different in where and how we find this motivation. If motivation were something you could just grab off the 'sale's shelf' at Starbuck's in addition to your coffee drink, well, Starbuck's would be doing even bigger business than they already are. Point being, sometimes we just have to work a little harder and a little smarter to find the right motivation before putting it to use. And sustaining that motivation oftentimes is directly related to the aforementioned 'right motivation'.

Ask anyone who's achieved their dreams and great things in life what it took and undoubtedly you'll hear: hard work, focus, perserverence, goals, a plan....but, under all of this, hidden behind the scenes...that's right, support. Can it be done without it? Not likely. Perhaps, yes...but not likely. We all need support. And the key is finding the right support.

With the right support and motivation in your corner, you cannot fail.

Happy New Year.

A cup of the good stuff (and several refills) may save your life.

Ok, just to be clear, I don't need a reason to indulge in a morning cup of the good stuff or the afternoon 'once you've tried it, you'll never go back-French Press' I've worked into my schedule now. No reason at all, it just comes naturally. And though I honestly don't feel pressure to defend this wonderful habit since more and more are jumping on board daily, it's always nice to have 'data' to back up said habit when necessary. If more nothing more, it just makes you feel better, in your own mind.

I've read before about scientific studies proving the cardiovascular value in drinking coffee and this is another good one. So enjoy that morning cup....that mid-morning cup...afternoon cup...and early evening cup...Do it for your heart. Yeah, now that sounds like a good enough reason, doesn't it?

.......

Buzz from Recent Research - Coffee Gets a Health Boost

In a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, scientists found that regular coffee consumption was not associated with an increased risk of death in either men or women; and this included those who regularly drank six cups of coffee or more a day. Furthermore, heavy coffee drinkers, particularly women, seemed to have a decreased risk of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD).

In the study, data was examined from 41,736 men who were tracked for 18 years as part of the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, and 86,214 women who were followed for 24 years as part of the Nurses’ Health Study. Participants completed diet questionnaires every two to four years, which included coffee consumption. As coffee consumption rose among more than 125,000 study participants, the risk of death decreased for both men and women. However, the results were most significant for women who drank four to five cups daily. They had up to a 26 percent reduced risk of death, particularly from CVD.

Source: Lopez-Garcia, E. “The Relationship of Coffee Consumption with Mortality”. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2008 June; 148(12):904-914.

There are no rules, just recommendations. And, it's 'ok' to break the recommendations (rules).

So, I met with an individual a few days ago. She had emailed me specifically to discuss some things regarding her current workout program. As I've learned over the years, these discussions typically evolve into a little more than just talking about 'working' out, and this one took the same course.

She shared a little about her personal health history, which was very helpful, and included a history about her workout experiences and what she'd been doing up to this point. We discussed some of her past successes, as well as, some of the challenges she'd faced, what she'd done to overcome those challenges, and which ones still lingered on. We summarized the general components of her overall 'health plan' which I find to always be helpful as it ties the bigger picture together with the smaller elements of more individualized, creative health aspects. And what I learned about her fitness component was that she'd been working out in an all-women's club for quite some time.

We continued to chat and talked a little more about what her current workout program consisted of and the advice she'd been following for quite some time. It became apparent that her fundamental thinking needed to be tweaked a bit. She'd been following the 'recommendations, guidelines, and advice' from professionals at her club and it was becoming apparent that this was precisely what was burdening her and actually bringing added stress to her routine. In her case, as is quite common, the recommendations given to her had become 'rules' in her mind and in turn, were actually complicating the process for her and leaving her feeling like her success was strictly tied to her ability to follow the 'rules' placed before her.

Experience has shown me that there's a segment of the workout population that demand rules, guidelines, steps, a very exact plan. They need/want to be told exactly what they need to do. Don't want to have to think about it on there own at all. "Tell me what I need to do and I'll do it". Generally, these individuals have the fortitude to take what's given to them and make it happen for themselves and are able to successfully self-motivate or they lose steam after a short period of time and drop it altogether.

The fitness industry has done an effective job of catering to these folks. In part, because 'rules and guidelines' show legitimacy. And, lots of money can be made from those wiling to pay for 'guidance by the rules' who don't have the self-discipline to 'go it alone'. And, because the overall health of Americans has seen such a rapid decline over the years, guidelines and recommendations have been put in place in an effort to educate and slow this decline. However, as was the case with this individual, there are also those who take these guidelines quite literally and eventually find themselves on the verge of exercise meltdown as they begin feeling overwhelmed by the demands of following 'the rules'. In most cases, time, boredom and a sense of hopelessness contribute to the meltdown. But, it's the pressure of feeling like if you don't do this much or that much, for this long or that long, or this way or that way, you perhaps shouldn't be doing it at all. And before you know it, you find yourself not doing anything at all. And, that's exactly how this individual felt.

We had a good chat. My message to her was to toss the 'rules', err recommendations out the window, forget about them. I gave her permission to find a routine that worked especially for her and we set in motion a plan that fit her schedule, her lifestyle, and ultimately met her personal health concerns. The sense of relief that I could see on her face was priceless. I could tell it felt very different for her and I actually had to bring an end to the conversation a number of times. She was soaking it all up. It made sense to her and it was very cool to see.

Oprah's Recent Weight Confession a Familiar One.

I'm not an Oprah follower. I don't keep up on what Oprah does or doesn't do. I know many do. She's got a tremendous following. I will say, Oprah has done some serious good in this life. She's done some wonderful things in the lives of others. And, I believe she's delivered some stories and messages that others weren't brave enough to, messages that needed to be told and heard. For this, I respect her. Oprah has also been very candid about certain things in her own life. Have there been agendas attached to these revelations? Sure. But, I also believe that these confessions are just a part of who Oprah is.

Recently, I came across one such confession and felt compelled to offer some of my own insights. I don't profess to be an expert in weight loss or weight management but having spent most of my career in personal health I have gained some insights into these two very complex areas. I've developed a deep appreciation and respect for those who've embarked on this journey themselves or are contemplating a walk down this path. It's a journey. A journey that requires serious deliberation, planning, recognition of unexpected barriers that lay ahead, and an open mind to unknowns and deviations that will be required...much like an adventurer preparing for an expedition. Most importantly, I believe, a clear understanding and sense of purpose.

Oprah's experiences with personal weight fluctuations are not unlike millions and millions of others around this planet. What does make Oprah's experience a tad more unique is the very false impression that her wealth and personal resources should enable her to find success easier than most. And, really, it's not that unrealistic to think that this combination should allow for a greater possibility of success. If you've got billions of dollars, access to personal chefs, trainers, physicians and a host of other health professionals, how is it possible that Oprah couldn't find 'success' with her weight management goals? Or, to be more specific, that she could only find 'success' for a short period of time? It's very possible. More possible than you'd think. And, Oprah was setting herself up for this dramatic change years ago.

I've got many questions for Oprah and would love an hour question and answer session with her. I know a lot would be learned. Oprah, if you're reading, I do have one question regarding your recent confession. Why now? What's different now compared to a few months ago or even a year ago?

Each one of us no doubt has struggled at some point in our lives with fleeting success as it relates to weight issues, cardiovascular health and endurance, addictive habits, personal life and career fulfillment and a host of other overall health gages. And for the most part, we know that fundamental steps coupled with the correct mindset and carefully structured framework is our best chance for lasting change. I believe Oprah understands this and I believe she probably also understands what changed to bring about her current situation.

Success, be it through weight-loss, addictive behavior change, wealth accumulation, family and personal relationships, finds each one of us at different times and in different ways. And while finding this success most certainly requires work, investment, and perseverance...the work, investment, and maintenance of said found success is where the difference is really discovered.

I always look forward to the seasons changing.

I have my own seasonal ritual. I guess you could dub it 'seasonal cleaning' but it's not the seasonal cleaning you might think it is. A few years ago I started seeing an acupuncturist for my back issues. I'd been to a variety of health professionals....doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists...you name it. And while, yes, I did get some relief for a period of time, it wasn't working for me longer term. And, what I hadn't realized was the extent of the inflammation that was present in my back that desperately needed to be dealt with before the healing process could take place. Circulation was poor, energy pathways impaired, thus muscles were tight and hence, movement restricted. Acupuncture has been a key player in maintaining these specific areas and in my own health maintenance overall. Today I had an appointment and I laughed as I walked in thinking of the first time I asked my acupuncturist how often I should schedule with her. Her reply, "When the seasons change." Needless to say, it wasn't the reply I was expecting but you know what? She's exactly right. I've been on a 'once every 3 months' schedule with her and I can say it's pretty much right in line with when my body feels like it needs the cleansing. Wild stuff.

Today I told her not only do I look forward to my appointments with her from a pain relief standpoint but I look as forward to the time with her from a conversation standpoint. She's a very wise, grounded, optimistic, and motivating individual and I always feel like I walk out of her office with a renewed appreciation for what I'm trying to achieve in life and what's possible.

Today's conversation revolved around what the Chinese dub as '3 Elements of Success':

1] Your own abilities and how you choose to use them. How you choose to improve the 'self'. (This you can control, have influence over.)

2] Where you choose to be/place yourself. Who you choose to be with. (This you can control, have influence over.)

3] Timing. (In the bigger scheme) (You can't control this, nobody can. Much of this has to do with luck. You can certainly try to position yourself in the best way possible so that things align in a positive way when the timing is 'right' but you have no control over timing itself.)

Already looking forward to my next scheduled appointment, March 20th.....the first day of spring. I know I'll leave both mentally and physically cleansed.

Top 10 Goals for Better Health in 2009.

[1] Establish a journaling habit that works best for you. Either handwritten or electronically. This is key! I've had so many clients tell me how important this has been for them and the difference it's made. It's little-used by most but highly effective!

[2] Be nicer to yourself. Give yourself a break.

[3] Recognize that healthy movement comes in many forms, not just on a treadmill, bike, or stair machine. How creative can you get?

[4] Experiment with how creating a more organized, healthier home environment impacts your overall mental and physical well-being.

[5] Find time for calm. (through stillness, meditation, or yoga)

[6] Re-discover a hobby you've let go of. Find a new one.

[7] Look into 'free' or low-cost community education courses that might be of interest or benefit to you from a healthier-living standpoint.

[8] Engage in online social networking for re-connecting with friends and family you've been out of touch with for awhile. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to get started and how much fun it can be.

[9] Put aside a little money for your children or nieces and nephews. They don't need more 'stuff'. However, a little money now will go a long way later (yes, even in today's economy).

[10] Hit the road. That's right, make a point of getting 'out of Dodge' sometime this year. You don't have to go on an expensive vacation, just get out of town. Roadtrip therapy can be some of the best kind.

Spreading happiness through social networking can slow the aging process!

Ok, I don't have any definitive proof that it actually slows the aging process but can't we have some fun making the assumption? A friend of mine sent over this article and I had to share it, I love this stuff..Being in the health and wellness field, this stuff really intrigues me. Especially since I'm fairly new to the online social networking realm...You see, I've been resisting jumping on this train for months now because I believed it would be a royal time-sucker for me and I'd end up feeling nothing but exhaustion (from having to keep up with everyone) and panic (from worrying about having to keep up with everyone)..But I finally succumbed and jumped onboard a few weeks ago and I have to say, it's been a lot of fun. I've truly enjoyed finding friends I haven't seen or spoken to for years and catching up with their lives and families. I've also met a number of others through the socializing channels that I've enjoyed getting to know from a friendship and business networking standpoint..And now, all this...finding out that there's all this happiness being spread and I'm benefiting from it. It's fantastic. Come to think of it..I have felt much healthier the past few weeks. Screw Botox, I've found something much cheaper, pain-free, and a lot more fun.

Never too old. A 73 yr. old college basketball player an inspiration.

I came across this article today and it left me thinking, "Wow". What an inspiration for everyone out there who feels they don't have what it takes. Guess again. You do. This athlete became the oldest individual to play college basketball. And, he's a full-time student!

Remember, you're never too old to get started. Just take that first step and you might be amazed at what follows.

You live simpler. You live less stressed.

Health is found in many forms. True health is a compilation of what we choose to eat and drink. How we choose to move. How we find rest. But as equally key in this equation is the environment we live within and that which we surround ourselves with. It's an area of well-being often overlooked but one I believe deserves much more attention that it gets. It's understandable that we place emphasis on our genetics/family health history, the foods we eat or don't eat, the habits we may have as they relate to tobacco and alcohol consumption, our exercise tendencies, and the typical daily stressors we encounter as these are the focus areas our physicians and other health professionals emphasize and ask us to monitor, and rightly so. These all play critical roles in our overall health and hence, longevity.

But, what about those daily 'stressors'? Where does this stress come from? Does it originate from home or the workplace? And when I say 'from home', can we pinpoint the specific contributors? Perhaps from interactions with family members, finances, uncertainty about the future, responsibilities, the raising of children and young adults. All of these, areas we could spend hours discussing and looking for ways to improve upon and hone our approaches in. Areas that warrant their own individual time and effort in establishing goals and forward plans for, and in turn, finding success in.

However, for the purposes of this post, I'd like to focus on the actual 'home' itself and the factors that contribute to unnecessary, added stress. For years I've been acutely aware of the 'stuff' that can accumulate in life. And I've made a conscious effort to avoid being overwhelmed by this stuff. I've always had the neat-freak gene so I've just inherently kept stuff in check and have developed my own system of avoiding the 'collection' problem. With more stuff comes the opportunity for unnecessary accumulation, disorganization, a feeling of being overwhelmed and somewhat claustrophobic, frustration with not being able to find important items when necessary, and ultimately plain 'ol added stress.

Oftentimes, one doesn't even realize the impact this type of stess can have. It sort of goes unchecked, I refer to it as a type of 'stealth' stress as it comes in under the radar and isn't recognized as easily as other more traditional types of stress. And, typically, even if it is recognized, it's more easily pushed aside and avoided. But, eventually, it comes back and keeps coming back until it's finally dealt with to the tune of alot of time and effort.

When we look at taking steps to reduce general stress in our lives we look at things that aren't rocket science but rather simplistic things that are always the first to be forgotten or missed when our busy lives take over. But, the good news is that these steps are simple enough you can jump back onboard with a little effort and focus. And most often, it's not the steps that are hardest to maintain, it's getting started and getting started with a plan that can be maintained.

The following are steps I focus on with individuals as it pertains to initially getting stress under control:

1. Breathing-a return to the most basic thing we do but with an emphasis on the deep, diaphragmatic kind
2. Reduction of caffeine and alcohol-relax, I didn't say the elimination of, I said the reduction of....two very different things
3. An increase in water consumption-you've heard it over and over again, I know....you'd be surprised at the difference it can make
4. Saying 'no' on a regular basis-it's a tough one, but man, it's an amazing asset once you've gotten some practice in
5. R&R-no secret here
6. Getting back to who you are-oftentimes when we feel the stress level rising it can be attributed to the fact that we've lost touch to a certain extent with ourselves and when you've lost touch with yourself it can be difficult to understand why you feel the way you do

So what does the above have to do with 'home-stuff' stress? Plenty. When general stress continues to build and build and goes unchecked it begins to infiltrate other areas of your life. The proverbial 'snowball' effect kicks in and before you know it your living space starts to suffer and the power of 'abode overload' takes over.

When I coach individuals in creating a more ideal home environment we generally begin with recognizing and defining those things that are potentially adding to the overall stress level. Some things are easier to recognize than others and it's my role to help the individual discover some of those areas that may be impacting them in a negative way that might not be so easily recognizable. Once we've developed a clearer understanding of those areas we can formulate a plan forward for addressing them. Generally speaking, plans may focus on the recognition of those things most important in your life, taking inventory, the 'purging' of 'stuff' not needed, organization, simplification, re-design of a room or rooms, and the creation of a more inviting outdoor living space.

I'd like to touch on all of the above mentioned areas but we'll start with one for now and move to the others at a later time. I'm skipping the first two and moving to 'organization' since I did find a good read on this and it relates back to a few of the steps I listed earlier. Have a look and I'll continue with this topic very soon.

You and diet myths.

This is a topic that achieves plenty of airtime and it seems to come up every year right around holiday eating time. And why wouldn't it, it's when millions find themselves putting on the 'winter layer' and when gyms and clubs start salivating themselves. The holidays are right round the corner and with them, the fun, food, and.......more food. But, it's all 'ok'. Really. No, really. It can all be controlled with a little planning, a little 'take it easy on yourself', and a little more 'take it easy on yourself'. With the right approach, you can enjoy the holidays the way they were meant to be enjoyed, avoid padding 'Jacque the Personal Trainer's' wallet, and not even have to be concerned about 'The Truth Behind 10 Diet Myths'.

Feel free to drop a line, Element U can help you put together a 'Holiday Survival Plan'. And, yes, it can actually be alot of fun too.

A return to manners. A return to better health.

I just couldn't resist posting this after I read this article. You see, I believe it's all connected. Better manners equals enhanced happiness (for both those giving and receiving) which, I believe in turn, equates to improved health. In corporate-speak it's referred to as a win-win.

2008 physical activity guidelines for Americans.

Given the state of poor overall health that a high percentage of Americans are in, it should come as no surprise the government has been working overtime to develop a plan to address the issue before it becomes even more catastrophic. There's much to gain as a whole for our nation if less numbers of individuals continue to gain. Overall, there's been a major emphasis placed recently on educating the consumer on everything from simple movement ideas to the true caloric content of fast food to enhanced sleep remedies. All very critical to increased longevity with the likelihood of less negative health issues along the way. Take a look, there's some good, solid information to be found. If you've got further questions, and sometimes the information can be confusing, don't hesitate to contact Element U Personal Health Coaching or a health professional near you.

It's official. Lance Armstrong is back.

Lance announced today that he will compete in the 2009 Tour de France and will ride for previous team director Johan Bruyneel with Team Astana. This could definitely make for some interesting dynamics down the road with past American teammate Levi Leipheimer on the squad, as well as, 2007 Tour winner Alberto Contador. We'll see how this unfolds, but I'm stoked to have him back..It's what American cycling needs and it's what The Tour needs. Lance is also hiring anti-doping expert Don Catlin who will run a program to regularly test Lance. For the entire story, click here.

Allez Lance.

Tour de Lance '09!

Sheer joy. I've had a smile on my face all day. America's cycling and cancer awareness icon is returning to ride. And not just ride, but ride in the 2009 Tour de France (and a few other events). I couldn't be happier. And, I don't think I just speak for myself when I say I've missed seeing him and his dominate performance each year in France's signature event. I've been geeked on cycling my entire life and to see LA again revitalize American cycling and continue his huge contributions in so many ways to cancer awareness is awesome. Yes, I've followed the Tours since his departure because for me that's what the month of July has always been about (other than it's my birth month.... barely) but it's not been the same. Not even close.

Thanks Lance. You've made my day and my year. Looking forward to seeing you, once again, in yellow and the French, once again, seeing red.

health tips of the week:

Ahhhh, Chocolate

Reaching for sugary candy when chocolate is what you truly crave can leave you feeling unsatisfied. In addition, it can also lead to excess calories. If chocolate is what you want, simply consider eating your favorites in smaller amounts.
Chocolate doesn't contain fewer calories than other sweet treats, but studies are showing that dark chocolate may actually have cardiovascular health benefits. It's rich in flavonoids, a group of antioxidants also found in red wine, fruits, vegetables and tea. The key, as is the case with all foods we enjoy, is moderation. It should only take a bite or two to satisfy your urge.

A Dash of Salt

Like to add salt to just about everything? You're not alone. More than three-quarters of our salt (sodium chloride) intake comes from processed foods such as frozen dinners, canned foods, and processed meats. Decreasing your sodium intake can help lower your blood pressure if you have hypertension and improve your overall health. The best way to cut down on sodium is to consume more foods in their natural form, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and to limit fast foods. Aim for a maximum of 1500 - 2300 mg of sodium (2/3 to 1 teaspoon of salt) per day.

Multivitamins & Food

Are you one of millions of Americans that take a daily multivitamin? If so, many nutrition experts recommend taking it with a meal. Doing so can improve the absorption of some nutrients and may reduce stomach irritation. It's recommended to look for a multivitamin with the USP seal of approval. This voluntary standard ensures that the pill has been tested to dissolve properly and that it meets purity standards. Keep in mind, vitamin supplements are not a substitute for a healthy diet and as always, it's best to check with your doctor before taking any supplements.

A Healthy Cool Snack Idea - Banana Crunch Pops

Place a small banana on a popsicle stick, cover with non fat or low fat vanilla yogurt, roll in crisped rice cereal and place on waxed paper. Freeze overnight and enjoy a low fat, nutritious cool snack.

Your home and better health.

Most of us think of personal health in terms of a weigh scale, how we eat, how much exercise we get, how much stress we encounter, and how much quality sleep we’re able to achieve. But, another key element that I believe gets overlooked too often is our personal space at home. What exactly do I mean by this? Well, several things. We’re all unique in our personal style as it relates to the choices we’ve made in the type of home we live in, the size of our home, the location and what our home provides us as it relates to the other important and critical things in our life. With home health design we’re speaking specifically of those elements found within and outside of our dwelling that impact our personal health in ways that perhaps we’ve not thought of before. Believe it or not, the impact can be very real and can significantly enhance or hinder progress in other areas of a healthier-living ideal. Healthy design can entail many areas, from the arrangement of furnishings for better comfort and ease, to the removal of toxins and moisture, the concepts of simplification and organization, adding special places for exercise, rest & relaxation, the placement of plants, flowers and herbs; the unique use of color, light and sound and the creation of a stimulating and aesthetic outdoor environment all work together to enhance your personal health ideal. Design changes in and of themselves can offer alot of fun and reward as the possibilities become endless and the creative opportunities leverage one another.

My personal interest in home health design stems from a lifelong passion with design in all forms, specifically, architectural, interior, landscape and the relationship these elements have with personal health and well-being. Integrating these various concepts with my own personal space and where I've called home, I've become more acutely aware of how design style and certain elements play into my own personal happiness, stress-reduction, sense of calm and ease and even the impact on personal biometric values. In my travels to southeast Asia I've paid particular attention to the concept of integrating structure with the natural landscape, using natural elements to blend the interior and exterior living spaces. Much can be said for the way these individuals integrate living things with the proper light, elements of water, wood, color, and modern style. It's a style I'm drawn to for its incredibly calming and tranquil effects and highly 'natural' aesthetic appeal.

In professor Diane Harris-Cline's theory of the Greek Aesthetic and its relationship to the concept of 'Flow' (Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi describes 'Flow' in his book, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, as the state or feeling of total immersion) she explains how the Greeks, who were very aware of color and sound, triggered 'flow' experiences from these two elements which, in turn, enhanced their levels of creativity to the point of producing works of art still held in high esteem today. It ultimately contributed to an environment where individuals were allowed to excel in many areas of human achievement. This fully supports the notion that those who've created environments that cater to creative tendencies (and yes, believe it or not, we all have an inner creative being) tend to have better or improved overall health. Even for those who suffer with minor health problems; longer, healthier lives are attained through environments that encourage self-expression and creativity.

Home Health Design is an area of health that will continue to get more attention as individuals are made more aware of the long-term health benefits and especially as baby boomers search for ways to enhance longevity at home and away from traditional assisted living facilities and retirement homes.

Stay tuned for further discussion around 'Home Health Aesthetic and Design' and please feel free to drop some thoughts or insights.

The realities. The difference.

At Element U Personal Health Coaching, the approach is different. Much different. Often times when individuals are feeling down about their physical condition they immediately turn to the gym or club. Why? Because that's what they've been trained to do. To look for the treadmill or stair machine to make things better. Hire a personal trainer. Why? Because they'll know what to do to 'fix' my problems. They'll hold me accountable. The reality is, in most cases, these 'quick fixes' don't work. We want them to work, but generally, they don't. Why? Because the 'fix' is temporary. We go to the gym for a few months, buy fancy workout gear to make us feel 'official', like we belong there. We buy expensive supplements that we're told will make a HUGE difference in our results, how we feel, how we'll recover, etc, etc.....We see the personal trainer 3 times per week because we're told we need to have that many sessions per week to see results. What it all amounts to is a lot of time and money spent for perhaps a little positive gain that lasts only a few months. Then, it's back to square one.

So, why does this sound familiar? Why do we get caught in this vicious cycle only to see virtually no change over the years in our physical and mental well-being? The answer is because the approach is all wrong and the underlying habits, rituals, and routines are not addressed first. The correct framework is not laid first and thus the structure (your mind and body) eventually starts to crumble again and then the process starts all over. Gyms and fitness clubs know this. Personal trainers know this. Supplement companies know this.

With health coaching the focus is placed on the 'framework', that which is going to make you strong both mentally and physically so the cycle ends and you see sustained, positive health gain without the constant reverting back to hold habits, rituals, and routines that don't promote positive health growth.

You wouldn't continue to invest your hard-earned money in investments that yielded only losses in the end. You'd re-evaluate, learn from the mistakes, make a plan for smarter investments, and leverage that knowledge for positive financial gain.

Make the same choice with your personal health. It can be done. Choose to lay the framework so you can reap the benefits for years to come.

For more information about how Element U can help you navigate the 'health process', please email elementuhealth@gmail.com.

You and success.

Define success. What is it? What does it look like? Do I have it? If I had it, would I know it? What does it feel like? Is there a price tag attached to it? What sort of APR (annual percentage rate) comes with it? If I had it would I be comfortable with it?

Success comes in many different forms and means different things to different people. How one person may perceive it isn't necessarily how another might. For some it's defined by the well-stocked bank account, for others by the drained accounts. Perhaps by how many credit cards one has in their purse or wallet or maybe by the one and only credit card in the purse or wallet. By the number of cars in the garage or having one car in the garage that's paid for. By the few hundred pairs of shoes in the enormous walk-in closet or the single pair of broken-in flip flops worn to the beach everyday. The ultimate investment portfolio or an enormous portfolio of photos of children growing up and treasured times shared. Keeping up with the Joneses or not knowing who the Joneses are.

I have my own ideas about success and how I measure it, but I'd like your thoughts on it, please fill me in.

Also, check out this article, it's a good one. A good reference piece that I'll go back to again and again for that often needed dose of positive thought.