Well Workplace Programs Are A Good Idea!

The Healthcare debate rages on and whichever side you lean toward one thing is clear: there needs to be a change. Our current system is inefficient at best and downright dangerous to your health in the worst case scenarios. Providing adequate healthcare coverage for employees can be a major challenge - Starbucks spends more on healthcare than it does on coffee! We used to only worry about aging Baby Boomers, but as the health of younger generations deteriorate, health issues are affecting more and more employees.

One way employers can help reduce costs, both in healthcare and for their bottom line, is to implement a Well Workplace program. Many companies have health benefit plans that reward them with premium discounts for employees who participate in programs or take proactive steps to reduce risk factors for chronic diseases (cardiovascular, diabetes, blood pressure).

According to the Wellness Council of America, addressing "obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated total cholesterol and elevated blood glucose levels represent the first line of defense in the early detection and treatment of costly risk factors."

Whether it's through ongoing, formal, company-wide programs, or something as simple as a series of Lunch 'n Learn seminars, Well Workplace programs not only improve employee health, focus and attendance, but the health of spouses and family members as well (which further decreases absenteeism).

Education is often the most important factor in getting employees to be proactive in improving their health, but without action, there is no result. Therefore, programs must also provide an incentive for employee participation. Surprisingly, incentive programs are not that costly when compared to the net savings.

For Businesses, employees are your most important asset. For employees, you spend a fair chunk of your waking hours on the job and it's usually one of the major stressors in life. Both sides benefit from managing stress and implementing diet and lifestyle changes to improve health and keep chronic disease at bay.

If you are interested in a Well Workplace program for your business, check out http://www.SeminarsForHealth.info and see how easy it can be to improve the health of your business!

"There's no question that workplace wellness is worth it. The only question is whether you're going to do it today or tomorrow. If you keep saying you're going to do it tomorrow, you'll never do it. You have to get on it today."

- Warren Buffett, Chairman, Berkshire Hathaway

For the Wellness Councils of America

Flu Fears? Boost Your Immune System!

There has been much in the news lately about the H1N1 (Swine) Flu. Vaccines are presently undergoing testing before the anticipated onslaught of flu cases predicted for this fall. Not being a fan of flu vaccines under the best circumstances, the rush to get this one to market makes me even more uncomfortable.

I will be foregoing the flu shot (as I have for the last 20 years) and looking to boost my immune system and allow my natural defenders to take action against any invaders!

The aim and purpose of the immune system is to protect us from micro-organisms which may do us harm. The master gland of the immune system is the Thymus, which is most active around the time of birth, but starts to decrease in size and activity from puberty onwards. It is responsible for recognizing friend from foe (the basic outside threats to human health are either viruses or bacteria).

The first line of defense is the skin which forms a protective layer around us. The skin has a blood supply rich in immune cells and can secrete antimicrobial substances; membranes lining the eyes, nose, mouth, throat and other body openings contain immune cells and enzymes that help prevent antigens from reaching the inner body.

The eyes secrete tear drops, which contain the enzyme lysozyme to break down harmful bacteria; saliva in the throat is also laden with antibacterial substances; and stomach acid often halts antigens before they can be absorbed (a good chunk of immunity lies in the proper function of the gut).

As well as being contained in the blood, many of the defender cells (macrophages, monocytes, lymphocytes, phagocytes) are found in the lymph. These cells work in different ways with some being fixed to their posts and grabbing the invader as it goes past and others being on a search and destroy mission. By being exposed to these micro-organisms we develop immune power which allows us to fight off colds, infections, flu and more serious viruses. So being sick isn't necessarily a bad thing, providing your immune system is up to the task!

Keeping the immune system in tip-top shape is no easy chore, given the complexities of the involuntary immune response; but, in addition to healthy diet changes (eliminating processed & sugary foods from your diet will also help your immune system), dietary supplements can help address general immune health, as well as target specific aspects of illness prevention and severity.

To support your immune system, make sure you are getting adequate amounts of these nutrients:
Vitamins C, E, A and the full B Complex (especially in times of stress)
Zinc
Selenium
Grape Seed Extract & Resveratrol
Aloe
Ginseng (also helps with stress!)
Medicinal Mushrooms are also great immunity boosters (http://bit.ly/Immune)

There are other dietary considerations to support the immune system as well. Please let me know if you would like more information on these special nutrients. Make sure you are also getting enough exercise to keep that Lymph System moving, and of course the old standby: WASH YOUR HANDS!!

New Study: Treatment of ADHD with Pycnogenol

Trebatická J, Kopasová S, Hradecná Z, Cinovský K, Skodácek I, Suba J, Muchová J, Zitnanová I, Waczulíková I, Rohdewald P, Duracková Z.Dept. of Child Psychiatry, Child University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Limbová 1, 833 40 Bratislava, Slovakia.

"Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common psychiatric disorder in children.

Pycnogenol, an extract from the bark of the French maritime pine, consisting of phenolic acids, catechin, taxifolin and procyanidins, has shown improvement of ADHD in case reports and in an open study.

Aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Pycnogenol on ADHD symptoms. Sixty-one children were supplemented with 1 mg/kg/day Pycnogenol or placebo over a period of 4 weeks in a randomised, placebo-controlled, doubleblind study. Patients were examined at start of trial, 1 month after treatment and 1 month after end of treatment period by standard questionnaires: CAP (Child Attention Problems) teacher rating scale, Conner's Teacher Rating Scale (CTRS), the Conner's Parent Rating Scale (CPRS) and a modified Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children.

Results show that 1-month Pycnogenol administration caused a significant reduction of hyperactivity, improves attention and visual-motoric coordination and concentration of children with ADHD. In the placebo group no positive effects were found. One month after termination of Pycnogenol administration a relapse of symptoms was noted. Our results point to an option to use Pycnogenol as a natural supplement to relieve ADHD symptoms of children." PMID: 16699814 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

One product I recommend for my clients with Spectrum Disorder children is the Isotonix Might-A-Mins® Spectrum Isotonix OPC-3® which contains Pycnogenol and provides a strong antioxidant defense and is formulated for children who need special neurological, metabolic, or digestive support. With an isotonic delivery system, 95% of the supplement is delivered into the system. Contact me to discuss further.

More Information on the Spectrum line is available at http://bit.ly/Spectrum

Good Fats? Bad Fats?

We are in a society that has villified fat. Bad Fat! An entire segment of food manufacturing exists only to support this myth: non-fat, low-fat, lower fat, etc. Yet for all our fat-phobia we have a higher level of obesity than ever before! Clearly, eating low-fat or no fat will not make you thin.

So, how do we know the good guys from the bad guys?

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
These help to balance our hormones, promote energy, help skin and arteries remain supple and protect the cardiovascular system. Many of them are also incorporated into every cell in the body making cell membranes more flexible allowing nutrients in and toxins out. Unlike saturated fats they are liquid at room temperature. Especially good sources are nuts and seeds. Fish is also a good source of these essential fatty acids. Called essential because we can’t make them from other fats!

There are quite a few types of essential fatty acids, however the main ones are:
Linoleic Acid (Omega 6) whose derivatives make hormone like substances called prostaglandins. These are involved in anti-inflammatory reactions, in the stickiness of blood and circulation, the immune system, the functioning of the hormone system and helping to maintain blood sugar levels. A deficiency of linoleic acid can result in eczema, allergies, pre-menstrual tension and even hyperactivity.

Alpha-Linoleic Acid (Omega 3) whose derivatives also make prostaglandins. These are involved in keeping the heart healthy and influencing the formation of blood clots, reducing blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Deficiency have been associated with weakness, learning difficulties and tingling in the arms and legs.

Good sources are:
Oils (organic, cold pressed): Olive, Hemp, Sunflower, safflower and corn.
Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, brazil nuts & pecans.
Seeds: Sesame, pumpkin, linseed, sunflower and hemp.
Oily fish: Mackerel, trout, eel, salmon, tuna, sardines and herring.

Unfortunately, with the Standard American Diet (SAD) we consume too many Omega 6 fats in ratio to our Omega 3 fats, some sources say as much as 20:1 when we really should shoot for 1:3!

Hydrogenated Oils
Hydrogenated oils are basically ‘essential fats’ that have been turned what Udo Erasmus describes as "Killer Fats"! Instead of being good for our health as they would be in their natural state they have been chemically altered to produce cheap spreadable, shelf stable fats. The process of hydrogenation twists the essential fatty acid molecules which mean that they then behave more like a saturated fat. Unfortunately, unlike saturated fats which can be utilized by the body, these fake fats can’t be. They’re a bit like key that fits the lock but they can’t turn. This means that the locks are then blocked for the body to utilize the good fats.

Hydrogenated and Trans Fatty Acids:
- Change the way our immune system works.
- Interfere with blood insulin function thereby increasing the likelihood of blood sugar imbalance.
- Increase cholesterol particularly the bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower the good cholesterol (HDL).
- Change the way our fat cells work.
- Change the fluidity of cell membranes making them harder, slowing down reactions and lowering cell vitality.
- Make platelets more sticky.
- Raise the level of Lp(a), the strongest known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Main Sources:- Traditionally, anything processed, although manufacturers are catching on. For now look for them in Margarines, biscuits, cakes, crackers, pancake mixes, breakfast cereals, instant soups, chocolate bars, crisps, croutons, many processed meals and even some peanut butters!

They're easy to avoid if you read food labels and try to eat a diet of whole foods and stick with unprocessed products. Here's a tip: labeling laws say trans fats must only be listed if there is more than .5 grams per serving. Be sure and check your serving size - if you're consuming more than a serving you may be consuming trans fats. it the ingredient label includes hgydrogenated oils, there are trans fats!

Be Well!

IS YOUR BUSINESS FIT OR FAT?

Did You Know. . .
- Sixty-nine million workers reported missing work days due to illness, for a total 407 MILLION DAYS of lost time at work?
- Fifty-five million workers reported a time when they were unable to concentrate at work because of their health issues, or those of a family member?
- The number of lost workdays was almost 13 times higher, medical claims costs were seven times higher and indemnity claims costs were 11 times higher among the heaviest employees compared with those of recommended weight?

The health of your employees has a direct impact on your bottom line. Research has shown that focus, productivity and attendance are all impacted by chronic disease, many of which are directly caused by being overweight.

Nutritional Therapy 1:1 offers a 12-week Weightloss in the Workplace program designed to get your employees to a healthy weight and make lifestyle changes that will impact many other areas of their health (blood pressure, inflammation, heart disease, metobolic syndrome and more).

If you would like healthier employees, lower insurance costs and increased productivity call NT 1:1 at (971) 227-9919.

Also available are Well Workplace Programs, Seminars, Health Fairs and Employee Incentive/Reward programs.

Cholesterol: the Good, the Bad & the Ugly

I don't think a week goes by without a question or two about cholesterol, statin drugs and diet. Although it's a complicated issue (sort of) and each person is different, here are just a few thoughts on the subject.

Cholesterol: Good or Bad?
Although often referred to as "good" or "bad", HDL and LDL simply refer to the particle size. Cholesterol is not "bad" and is actually necessary for many metabolic functions, not the least of which is making hormones and keeping things from leaking thru our arterial walls!

Statin Drugs
like Lipitor and the lot inhibit the pathway that makes cholesterol by inhibiting the enzyme that kicks off the molecular process. Unfortunately, there are other end products along this pathway that are also inhibited. These include Ubiquinone or CoQ10 and Dolichol.

Cholesterol contributes to production of
Sex Hormones (Estrogen, Testosterone)
Vitamin D (deficiency in Vit D has been linked to cancer)
Stress Hormones (Cortisol, DHEA)

CoQ10 contributes to
Heart function (deficiency leads to heart failure!)
Muscle repair (yeah, the heart is a muscle, too)
Blood Pressure regulation
Cell Energy & Blood Sugar levels

Dolichol contributes to
Cognitive function ("Now where did I put my Lipitor?")

The true test in cholesterol is not quanitity but QUALITY! The level of oxidation in your cholesterol is a better marker of health issues - this is what I like to evaluate. And things like hydrogenated oils and High Fructose Corn Syrup are more detrimental to your health than dietary cholesterol!

Questions or comments? Let me know!

Be informed - be healthy!!

David Wolfe's Free Videos!

In preparation for the launch of his new program, Longevity NOW!, David Wolfe is providing some great educational videos to improve your health now!

The latest one, Discipline, is a great one for us procrastinators or people who think they "can't", "don't have time" or a myriad of other excuses we (I) use everyday! You can view this one at http://bit.ly/DavidWolfeVideo3

If you haven't seen the previous ones, be sure to check out 10 Foods to Increase Your Wealth! Who would have thought what you eat impacts your wealth! David, of course!! Check it out at http://bit.ly/DavidWolfeVideo2

And check out his video on Immunity - http://bit.ly/DavidWolfeVideo
David discusses 5 medicinal mushrooms you can eat to really boost your immune system. I have actually been taking these for more than a year now and I can attest that THEY WORK. You can check out the product I use at http://bit.ly/Immune

There will be more videos to come, and I will be sharing David's incredible new program, Longevity NOW when it launches on June 24! I am very excited about this new program and look forward to sharing it with you!