Super Set for Super Results

1_Laura_Mak_Fitness

In less time than it takes to watch a few youtube videos, answer emails, or make a cup of coffee, you can burn as many calories as if you were to go for a brisk mile and half walk. You can do this workout at home, outside, at the gym, or in your hotel room – my point is it can go with you wherever you are! This power-packed routine will turn up the intensity with more speed and lots of muscles being simultaneously used. Because it is a full body workout, you will feel not only the core, but the rest of your body engaged and energized. You can burn stress and fat with this high-energy super … [Read more...]

Portrait of a true survivor…The Missy Jenkins Story

Jenkins

On December 1st 1997, Freshman Michael Carneal walked into the lobby of Heath High School in West Paducah, Kentucky and began shooting. Three students were killed and five were injured. Missy Jenkins was one of those injured students. At the age of fifteen she was left paralyzed from the chest down. Now given the circumstances she could be granted the right to be bitter, resentful even, however this was not her choice and her story is not one of self pity but self empowerment. The events of that day were certainly life changing but in a positive and inspiring way. Read on and discover how … [Read more...]

May 2012 Letter from the Editor

family health

Wow!  The school year is already winding down, summer is around the corner, and we’re honoring several important causes this month!  May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, Mental Health Month, and Arthritis Month.  Do one of these focuses resonate more with you? As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist, I encourage you to keep a comprehensive wide-lens view of health.  If we sit on the couch all day watching TV, eating fast food, scarcely exercising, having little family involvement/ communication, our mental health will no doubt be affected.  Feeling … [Read more...]

Food for thought….Eat smart!

food mental health

Numerous clinical research studies have been published implicating the potential impact diet has on your metal health and function. Your brain is as vital as your heart, in constant need of energy and oxygen. Under normal conditions, it depends mostly on glucose (end product of carbohydrate metabolism) for energy and it uses 20% of your energy intake at rest. (1) Its a highly metabolic organ. But to keep your brain healthy, just like you do your heart, you also need to feed it foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants for brain development and proper function. Docosahexaenoic acid … [Read more...]

The connection between physical and mental health

Brain Health

In my last article I emphasized the importance of particular micronutrients, such as Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin D, optimally obtained from a well balanced, high nutrient diet. Today I would like to share some exciting scientific discoveries proving the impact of exercise on mental health. Long-distance runners and triathletes have frequently been observing the “runner’s high”. With the help of fMRI (functional MRI) studies, cognitive neuroscience is now able to observe the physiological correlates of this phenomenon. When we work out, preferably aerobically, and keep our heartbeat in a … [Read more...]

Week 11 2012

waist measuring tape

Cheryl continues to do what I tell her to do (brave soul)! She’s lost 2 more pounds and is now wearing XS scrubs at work. <she works in a doctor’s office> So that tells me her body composition is definitely changing and continuing to change in the right direction—healthier! I’m so proud of her for everything she’s experienced so far not just physically – but emotionally! She’s truly realizing that getting healthier isn’t just about the body – it’s about the mind and spirit too. Almost everything has to change, for everything to change—permanently! I’m going to mix up her weight routines … [Read more...]

Week 10

Cheryl-wk-8

The week following our last blog was so “ho-hum” for Cheryl that I opted not to blog for week 9. I felt awkward about it as it wasn’t initially “our pact”…she succeeded once more with her workouts and even forwarded me a picture which I’ve included. I was happy to see---a happier Cheryl! By that I mean, well…can’t YOU tell?? She’s got this sassy, confident smile about her and she’s proudly sporting more fitted gym attire and looking more toned and leaner all over! Out of curiosity I had her do her measurements, in spite of the fact the scale wasn’t creeping down at a speed of lightening … [Read more...]

Never Say Never

photo-1

Michelle Nazaroff is a picture perfect example of how incredible determination and a refusal to take no for an answer can help us overcome extreme obstacles in life and still achieve our dreams. A successful athlete who was told she would never be able to compete again, not only overcame a life threatening surgery and returned to the stage, defying the odds -  she returned to the stage a champion! At the age of 21, Michelle discovered she had aortic stenosis – a valvular heart condition characterized by abnormal narrowing of the aortic valve that impedes the flow of blood. If not taken care … [Read more...]

Family Event Night

family running

This month's eFit for Life challenge relates to family bonding.  One suggestion I usually have for families who bring their children in for therapy is to schedule a weekly family event or activity night.  Most families are able to find one evening each week that can be designated as family night...for some families a weeknight is easier, others choose a weekend evening.  The event for the evening can be selected in various ways...family members can rotate who selects the activity for the evening, or they select the event from a family event jar containing ideas in which all family members have … [Read more...]

Letter from the Editor: National Youth Sports Safety Month

sports month

Thank you for joining us on a journey of simple steps for healthier living…for you, your children, and the next generation.  We are all aware that children are sponges soaking up every aspect of their environments and following their parents’ model of living.  What are your goals for your children as they move through childhood into adolescence and eventually adulthood?  If your hope is for your child to live a happy and healthy life as an adult, are you modeling happiness and health? One step towards a healthier and happier lifestyle is physical activity.  If you’re concerned about the … [Read more...]