advice
Answering all of your health, wellness, fitness, and personal questions.
Frequently Asked Health Questions
There are questions about all areas of health—from fitness to diet to vitamin supplements—that many people have but don't know who to ask. Many worry they should already know the answers to their questions, or simply aren't sure who does have the answers. I'm here to go over a few frequently asked health questions to educate you on staying healthy as part of your day to day life.
By Alicia Springer9 years ago in Longevity
Healthy Eating Habits
When it comes to dispensing health advice, it seems impossible to prescribe strictly one method for a group of individuals; We’re all motivated differently. For example, some people prefer weaning off of a bad habit gradually whereas others, like myself, need to cut something off cold turkey for the change to stick. However, through my own personal experience and health journey, I have found that there are some key points to keep in mind and can be easily incorporated into your life.
By Alissa Bourne9 years ago in Longevity
The Ego
What is the ego? There has been talk of this going on as far back as Freud however there is such a variety of interpretation that it seems to fall somewhere in the area of mysticism. It is something that is found in everyone which is why this topic is fascinating. The dichotomy between the opposing functions of the ego is where much of the confusion lies. Some define ego as a driving force. As something we need to stay motivated and survive in the world. Others are completely against the ego knowing that it is not in fact the ego that drives us but our mind in the witnessing state. Witnessing is that state where we feeling like we are in the “zone,” so to speak. Where we are pure existence doing something we love or enjoy and are fully immersed in. It is a separateness from the body which we identify with. Our body and mind are so grounded in what we think & feel that it sometimes takes a lifetime to undo the conditioning and in most cases several lifetimes. Which one is right: science or mysticism? Both. In order to access our true self we need to step outside of the confines of the mind. Ego is what keeps us from the core of our being which is pure bliss. Acting from this place allows us to use the mind in an efficient way. The mind is like a highly technical invisible computer located in everyone that has vast capabilities of both great things & mass destruction. When the mind hinders our well-being the ego is present. Keeping this as technical as we can, one can say many people suffer from the fluctuations of the mind (Ego) which is in short what keeps us from our own equanimity. It has also been speculated that the mind is the origin of all disease as it relates to the cause and or our attitude about it. Science has figured out many ways to help control the mind mostly through the use of medication by inhibiting the feelings & thoughts that are troubling us. This method only treats the symptoms of the mind instead of eradicating the source of problem. Mysticism would suggest facing these feelings head on with a number of different lifestyle changes and techniques. The latter has proven to be very effective however extremely difficult to maintain. It is usually when life becomes difficult and throws us a curve ball that we tend to seek out these types of lifestyle changes. A good first step is looking at our adversities as a catalyst for future positive change. There are numerous ways to commence this lifestyle change however conquering just one at a time could be an approachable way to begin living these practices slowly and in a way that will facilitate the consistency needed. The practice of yoga, mindfulness and meditation has found its way back into the mainstream even though it has been around for thousands of years. People are realizing that no matter what lifestyle they have, their are bodies crave the benefits of stretching, releasing stress from their body and mind, an overall calmer presence and just plain happiness. I have encountered so many different types of people on and off the mat opening up to me about how much they know yoga and mediation can help them. It is calling out to so many people now which makes me want to get the word out as far and wide as possible. It is not easy, but with help it can happen. The first step is establishing a strong mind body connection by attending a yoga class that resonates with you. There are many different teachers and styles out there so allow yourself to explore what is our there and once you find it, do your best to stay consistent with the practice. The benefits will begin to flourish in your life and you will begin to wonder how you survived without it!
By Jackie Mazzarella9 years ago in Longevity
Best Gear for Night Runners
This rundown of some of the best gear for night runners will help you stay safe and have a more fulfilling experience if you decide to go for a late-night run. Running at night is not just a great way to get your exercise fix, it's also great for the mind and soul, as it can be an extremely peaceful activity. You'll also find that this gear for night runners is ideal if you like to head for an early morning jog.
By Alicia Springer9 years ago in Longevity
Super Cheap Ways to Live Healthy in the New Year
You don’t need the latest yoga bralette, the fanciest juice cleanse, or a personal trainer to eat healthy, stay fit and sane, keep your house clean the natural way, and be good to the planet. If those match your goals for the New Year, read on for ideas on how to do it all on the tiniest budget. (And I DON’T mean a middle-class income - I’m talking here about things that I’ve done when my husband was in law school and I stayed home with my son and we lived on less than $20k per year.) It doesn't have to be beans and rice and weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth if you do it the smart way, so get excited to learn how you can live a good life no matter how small your paycheck.
By Sarah Quinn9 years ago in Longevity
Yoga Vs Pilates
I am qualified to teach both Yoga and Pilates, and though my preference, by and large, is Yoga, I am going to try and make this as non-biased as possible. I began my Yoga journey 8 years ago but Pilates is fairly new to me. Frequently thrown into the same pot, I think most people are under the impression that Yoga and Pilates are exactly the same. I was also under this impression. Largely because, when I began training to teach Yoga, my school offered me a discounted rate on the Pilates course based on the fact I would already have the required anatomy and physiology certificates to go forward with another course. At first I didn’t want to, I had never taken a Pilates class in my life and didn’t think it would be possible to learn an entirely new skill alongside learning to teach it. However, I was assured that Pilates was EXACTLY like Yoga and that the qualifications went hand in hand. A lot of Studios look for teachers qualified in both.
By Samantha Bentley9 years ago in Longevity
Yoga to Stay Young
Yoga makes you feel and look more youthful. It literally slows the aging process by stretching the body. Muscles can be developed two ways: by building them up into hard little knots of power, which is what you get when you lift weights, or by making them flexible and elastic, which is what you get when you practice yoga. Kinesiologists learn toward the latter method of body development, evenly distributing lean tissue, rather than tightly packed muscle bulges. The younger you are when you begin a yoga practice, the probability increases for extended life and better health.
By Mackenzie Lu9 years ago in Longevity
Why Japanese Cheesecake Is Taking Over Food Blogs Everywhere
If you follow any food blogs, you’ve most likely seen the recent storm of posts about Japanese cheesecake. Food bloggers have quickly fallen in love with it, from its name (cheesecake, what’s not to love?), to its fluffy golden-brown appearance and delightfully bouncy texture. In fact, Japanese cheesecake has often been described as a ‘cloud’ version of regular cheesecake, and the nickname is an apt one. (One has only to check out the multiple videos of people happily poking their airy cheesecake slices to verify that).
By Anne St. Marie9 years ago in Longevity
How to Stay Young
To navigate past the biblical three score and ten (that's 70 years), we humans pore over a great many charts. On course, with Ponce de Leon and James Barrie, we've searched for extended youth in monkey glands and meditation, embryos and electromagnetic fields, yoga and yogurt. None has gotten us to Methuselah's 96.9 years or even to 150, although the record now stands at 113 years. 113-Year-Old holocaust survivor, Israel Kristal, had his bar mitzvah 100 years later.
By Alicia Springer9 years ago in Longevity
Plaque is Wack
Dental plaque doesn't seem like the stuff controversies are made of. No one says anything good about it, and everyone agrees that the gum disease and tooth loss connected with the plaque buildup that tends to occur as we grow older are avoidable. “There's no reason you have to face the loss of teeth at any age," says Peter Robinson, D.D.S., professor of periodontics. "Aging does not mean you have to have periodontal disease."
By James Porterson9 years ago in Longevity
