The 33

It's remarkable to know that the 33 Chilean miners trapped some 2,300 feet below the surface in Chile will be rescued beginning tonight. In fact, the first miner is due out hopefully in the next few hours. This story reflects endurance, patient endurance, heart, strength, and so many other characteristics and themes.

This entire ordeal goes beyond many things that anyone of us have experienced. The rescue is by far the one of the greatest of this century. With much respect, the `00s started with monstrous news. The `10s are not falling short.

How are all of these events connected to health, fitness, and wellness. Well, health, fitness, and wellness are a part of living and are lifestyles. The events that have transpired and continue to manifest affect the lifestyles of numerous individuals - everything is influenced.

The recipe for living well and being healthy and fit cannot exist without the desire to believe and to have faith.

In living and doing,
Derek

HAHPN - October #2 2010

• It's Fast Food...in Abundance
• The Athletes, The Young...Easy Does It Y'all
• The Good and More Good

It's Fast Food...in Abundance

The United States ranks #1 in the fast food industry. Many sites rank Americans as consuming the most fast food. Euromonitor.com ranks the U.S. #1 in fast food consumption. With fast food restaurants in every city (some cities are more saturated than others), it is difficult to pass up a restaurant. Seriously, it's a culture thing. So, don't blame yourself too much.

Yes, I said it! Do not blame yourself too much if you consume more fast food then you would like. Let's face it: If you're hungry... I mean really hungry... you look to your left and to your right...up the street and down the street...and all you see are fast food chains (or in food courts). Chances are that you will eat at the fast food place. It's difficult to avoid it; however, it is avoidable. Fast food restaurants know exactly what they are doing when they advertise healthy menus.

McDonald's can add a tofu and brussel sprout burger, and it will still be suspect.

The Athletes, The Young...Easy Does It Y'all
I see a lot of young athletes and young non-athletes consume a large portion of junk food...when it's unnecessary.

I truly think that all young athletes should understand that junk food before competition is unacceptable. Yes, it's fuel. But, it certainly is not the best fuel or even the right fuel. I am aware that it is sometimes the only choice to make. The unnecessary consumption plays in when it is not the only option. As a former college athlete, I remember eating junk food before a game because it was the best and fastest option. Plus, how many college kids are going to prepare their own food for the road?

I also truly think that all young non-athletes should understand that the rare consumption of junk food is accepted. At a young age, teenagers gain an acquired taste for junk food. This acquisition continues into adulthood after it overtakes a good percentage of a teenagers diet. Thus, the inclusion of powerfoods is lost.

It's a battle that will be hard to break.

The Good and More Good

We have established that the abundance and density of fast food restaurants promotes problems for those who are really trying to eat healthy. The same rule counts for cheaper buffet bars, large and scrumptious holiday dinners, and freebies.

With this establishment, a person who is beginning an exercise routine, an avid exerciser, and an athlete somewhat fall in the same nutritional choice category. All three groups have to make the conscious decision to make a change in their nutrition plan. They may not eat the same foods or the same amount of calories, but they will share this restriction: avoiding what they know is bad for them! Simple as that.

The "good stuff", which we are calling "bad", is a form of satiety for those that do not follow a plan. The "good stuff" is also a nutritional break for those that do follow a strict diet plan.

I'll end: eat up!

Be well,
Derek

HAHPN - October #1 2010

• Pain Has Feelings
• It Starts in the Mouth

Pain Has Feelings
It hurts.

I used to believe in "no pain, no gain". I do not anymore. When it comes to exercising, it is not wise to fight through pain that can induce further injury. It's a moral rule of thumb: if a joint is painful rest it and get the appropriate care. A painful joint means that you can work with the pain and to the pain level not through it.

I recently read an article in the Wall Street Journal entitled "Getting in Shape but Without the Pain". Wholeheartedly, I agree with the article and add that the pain you feel when you squat and say "Owie!" is different from the pain you feel sans joint pain when you have not worked out for a while. Just a thought.

Pain is weakness leaving the body...I guess there are several ways to look at this quote. Pain could represent a number of things they do not involve exercise. But, in this case, movements that are pain-free are definitely beneficial when performed correctly; so the effort to strengthen is clearly present. As long as pain is present, very little movement will be performed - those individuals with chronic pain know the feeling.

Pain, it hurts but don't ignore it. Don't let anyone tell you to ignore it, if it is truly bothersome.

It Starts in the Mouth
"It" is not pain.

As I was reminded at my last dentist visit to continue to take care of my teeth; that is, brush, floss, and use mouthwash, I realized that our habits start in the mouth. Good and poor dental hygiene begin in above your shoulders. Often times, we opt to correct these habits that migrate down our bodies. But, there is a large percentage that ignores them.

The dentist, therapist, trainer, and doctor share a common bond with each other and with everyone else: We may not want to visit one another, but we will when it comes down to it...while we're engaged in the treatment we feel smarter...when the treatment has ended, hopefully, we feel better!

This health field is vast (the four mentioned above are just a small part). Many individuals in these professions work together to get the best out of patients. The difficult part is working well with each profession.

Be well,

Derek