New partnership for my health

Hello there, I'm pleased and excited to announce a partnership with Smith-Reid Laboratories, a leading provider of customized nutrition based on their revolutionary NutriTest®.

The NutriTest is a helpful tool for people wanting to know more about their specific nutritional needs. It's recommended that all adults take a multi-vitamin daily, but how can the typical one-size-fits-all multi-vitamins sold in drug stores be right for everyone? Through my partnership, those interested in physical wellness now have access to a customized supplement based on a scientific, evidence-based nutritional assessment, so now people of all ages, body types, diets, and activity levels can be more confident they'll get the vitamins and minerals their bodies need to achieve optimal health. The NutriTest® and Customized Multi-Vitamins perfectly compliment my approach to physical wellness.

After years using this logical approach to supplements, my cardiac risk fell from a moderate high of 18% to a low of 1.7%. It's working for me and it's nice to know that there are more choices out in the Vitamin world.

World Heart Day September 28th

World Heart Day is September 28th- how hard is your heart pumping?

Many people are nervous about all the bad foods they ingested in their 20's coming back and attacking them in their forties. While it's true that what you ingest when you are young plays a significant role in your health in later years- don't despair. It's never too late to get into shape. It's important to visit your practitioner before starting any health regimen so that you know what your body can handle. Of course cutting back on sweets, fast foods, and caffeine are all something you can do on your own.
Remember my 9 self-assessment factors to a healthy lifestyle:
1. body composition
2. level of exercise
3. quality of nutrition
4. dental care
5. sleep patterns
6. stress level ( VERY important)
7. capacity for leisure
8. mental state
9. substance abuse

You need to assume responsibility and find motivation to succeed in a better, healthy lifestyle.
So get moving, enlist support and build in some rewards- you'll be happy you did.
Your heart is what keeps you going- take care of it!!

Customs and my VISA application

So my Temporary VISA needed to be renewed. After taking great pains to get all the paper work in order, I presented for my interview. I made one small error in the process and this was not looked upon kindly by the Border officers. the problem was resolved by using my receptive communication skills. I acknowledged the speaker by maintaining eye contact, kept my body turned to the speaker and gave verbal cues and nods to show engagement. I resisted the temptation to prematurely frame my response ( Didn't interrupt). Lastly, I checked for understanding by paraphrasing what I heard.

Communication is about mutual understanding, even with Border Patrol Officers and now I am happily presenting in New York today!

My Daughter's Wedding

I just married off daughter number 2. With the setting being outdoors in the Canadian Rockies at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, even the weatherman got it right. Weddings are always an interesting time to look at family of origin dynamics. We come into relationships with expectations and our own set of unwritten rules for what relationships should look like. Values play a major role in the success of long term relationships. Each person also have assumptions about the roles each partner is to play in the relationship.

It was a great wedding and great time for reflection on relational wellness.

Do weddings bring that kind of introspection out in you?

The Capacity for Leisure

Closely tied to stress is how often you take downtime.
On a recent long trip by air I had to change planes in Toronto.
After clearing customs, and the endless lines at security, I arrived at my gate early and the flight was delayed. I thought should I crack open the lap top and get some work done or just cool down?
Next to the gate was a booth offering manicures. I'd never indulged in one before, but I thought but what the heck I'll try something new!
Not only did my garden traumatized nails need some work, but the event was unbelievably relaxing and it just took 20 minutes.

Are there other travelers, particularly men who have enjoyed such a short, but wonderful leisure activity?

Summer and sleep patterns

In the summer the temperature can cause havoc to your sleeping patterns. Some nights it's too warm, and others too cold. Chances are you aren't getting enough sleep. If you're under pressure or facing a deadline, sleep is likely the first thing you let fall by the wayside.

Yet sleep or lack of it, affects our performance in all areas of life. Reduced quality or quantity of sleep contributes to a significant lapse in productivity, alertness and cognititive ability, and increases the risk of injury due to falls, for example. It can also cause friction in relationships becuase of increased irritability and, in the case of some sleep disorders, secondhand sleep disturbance. Untreated sleep disorders are associated with serious medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stoke, obesity, and psychiatric and mood disorders.

How much sleep do you need?

Aah, now that's a mystery- it will vary with individuals but the average adult requires between seven and eight hours of quality sleep in every 24 hour period.

So turn on those fans or air conditioning and try to get some quality sleep-you'll feel better in the long run!

Sun protection in your vehicle

The other day a friend of mine drove home from a weekend trip (it took about 4 hours)and remarked that he felt extremely hot when he went to bed that night. He was surprised when he realized that he had a second degree sunburn on his arm and shoulder

He remarked "Well how did I get that? It was cloudy out." I asked him if he had put any sunscreen on before he drove. "No, I was in my car the whole time- I didn't think I would need it."

This is a common misconception about the sunburn. You CAN get a sunburn in your car, and you certainly can receive one when it's cloudy. Remember, that arm you stick out the window on your drive home is also at risk!

Here are some sun facts for you!

• If you are outside or in your car for long periods of time between 10:00am and 4:00pm- you are at risk from the sun- even if it's cloudy. 50%-80% of the sun's rays go through the clouds and can reach swimmers at least one foot below the surface of the water!!


• Check to see if any medications you take react with the sun- these can increase your chances of severe sunburn or even skin cancer


• Reflections of sunlight from water, snow and through car windows can cause sunburn- protect your skin with suntan lotion and your eyes with sunglasses


• Carry some aloe vera lotion and apply mosturizer 3 times a day to a burn- it will cool your skin down and aid in healing

Many people don't realize how quickly a burn can occur. A tan is the skin trying to shield itself from skin damage. Sure it may look pretty nice if you normally have pasty skin, but really you are aging your skin everytime you recieve a suntan. Things to think about!

Captial Ex- staying healthy while enjoying the fun

Aaah, the smell of deep fried chocolate bars, popcorn, candied apples, and cotton candy. You've just entered the Capital Ex fairgrounds and temptation is all around you! Here are few tips to make your visit to the event a fun one!

• Protect yourself from the sun- wear protective clothing and sunscreen- take a tube in your bag, and make sure to step inside every so often to cool yourself down
• Drink plenty of water- pack a small aluminum thermos- you can find really cool ones these days, and keep yourself hydrated
• Make sure you eat a good breakfast, a decent lunch, and try to resist filling up on all those sweets! Grab a steaming hot corn on the cob as a snack to keep your body going to enjoy all those rides and exhibits
• Pace yourself. Take time to stop and rest while you are walking around the grounds. It's okay to take a break
• Don't eat sweets and get on those rides immediately - I've seen the results of that- not pretty!
• Wear comfortable shoes- no flip flops. Try something with some arch support, and tie your shoelaces- you don't want something catching on a ride!
• If you are going to listen to some of the bands, consider a pair of earplugs to dim the sound slightly- protecting your eardrums from permanent damage. All the sound engineers wear them!
• Be prepared for wasps and other biting insects- especially near garbage cans- carry some soothing bite/itch medication or an epipen if needed.
  
• Most of all enjoy yourself at this fun event

Have a great weekend!
Cheers,
Larry

Keys to Conflict Resolution

People focused on conflict resolution have the courage to face issues head on, but do so carefully. There exists underlying goodwill-an attitude of wanting to invest in the good of the relationship, careing for the other person and seeking understanding and reconciliation- more than a defensive spirit that needs to get its own way. Keys to effective conflict resolution include the following:

• finding the appropriate time; waiting for or even scheduling a time when there won't be distractions


• focusing on areas where there is already agreement


• assuming the best intentions from the other person in what is said and what they want for the relationship


• managing negative emotions


• practicing good communication skills


• committing to a positive outcome for both


• desiring to reconnect more than to "win" with a postrure that says "I can agree to disagree even if we don't come to see eye to eye"


• deciding to forgive and move on if the best attempts at reconciliation fail

How are you at conflict management? Can you think of issues at your work or in your personal life right now that are unresolved? What will you do about them?

For a more detailed look at conflict check out The Healthy CEO- chapter 4! available on my website under Purchase!

When the weather is blah

When the weather is not at its best, many people resort to staying inside- which means they either eat more, sit more, or sleep more. No one wants to strap on their jogging shoes in the rain. How can you combat the rainy weather blues?

1. Turn off the TV and put on some fun music, or an excercise dvd

2. Have 12 almonds and go up and down some stairs- you can achieve 10,000 steps in your house!

3. Clean your house- yes I know it's not the most fun thing to do, but it keeps you up and moving- and the end result is a great place for you to enjoy your leisure time.

What do you like to do on rainy days?

Enter the Ultimate Getaway Contest by signing up for my newsletter- lots of prizes every month- to help you achieve your physical, relational, and financial wellness!

Conflict Management

Good communication goes a long way in preventing disputes, but there are as many ways of looking at the world as there are people in it. Disagreement is inevitable. Few of us relish dealing with disagreements or the conflict that may ensue, but when relationships clash-and they will-having good conflict management skills can make all the difference between good resolution and emotional escalation.

Some CEOs have a hard time knowing how to deal with relational conflict in their personal lives. In business, it’s appropriate to compete: to outsmart and out-argue rivals. Dealing with conflict is about securing a “win”. However, when conflict arises in personal relationships, the goal needs to be “win-win”. It’s not easy for every CEO to shift gears and meet the demands of their personal relationships in this way. It requires a different skill set.

Different Approaches To Conflict

Denial or Avoidance: Some people avoid conflict altogether. They tend to lack the communications skills necessary to promote mutual understanding in the first place. Preferring to keep everything pleasant on the surface, even if it means denying reality, which is entirely different from optimism, conflict avoiders would rather let issues go unresolved than risk having to deal with a potentially messy situation. You would rather pretend nothing was wrong than risk running into an obstacle that couldn’t be overcome. Over time, small problems both with health and in relationships will be come critical issues simply because you don’t want to face them sooner.

Stay tuned for more on approaches to conflict- and check out chapter 4 of my book The Healthy CEO for relational wellness

Approaches to Conflict Part Two

Surrender- People who feel threatened by conflict or who lack self-awareness or confidence may simply give in no matter what in order to “keep peace”. This lack of integrity will usually lead to resentment on the part of the person giving in and ultimately contributes nothing to resolving issues or staying relationally connected.

Passive aggression- This is another form of avoidance, but it deflects rather than denies the issue. The passive-aggressive person might make someone ‘pay’ in subtle ways like giving them the ‘silent treatment,’ rolling their eyes, deliberately making the other person’s life difficult or using manipulation, such as taking on the role of the ‘victim’. If the other person isn’t aware of this dynamic, he or she might take undue responsibility for the entire problem or be tempted to drop the matter entirely in an effort to restore peace. But not facing what’s really going on only allows the conflict to go underground and continue to fester.

Keep reading the Blog and find out the KEYS to SOLVING Conflict Resolution!
Can’t Wait? Check out my book the Healthy CEO- your guide to physical, relational, and financial wellness!

Focusing Your Financial Wellness Goals

With all the spending you’ll be doing this summer, reducing your debt, or eliminating it, it that’s a a possibility for you is a longer-term goal that makes sense. If you want to begin by tackling your credit card debt, you may lay out the following action steps:

1. This evening I will gather all of my credit card bills and calculate exactly how much I owe on each cared and at what interest rate.
2. Tonight I will also check out a reliable website such as Bankrate.com and compare the interest rates on my cards to current rates offered by other credit card companies.
3. Tomorrow I will call my credit card companies and ask for a reduction in my interest rates.
4. By the end of the month, I will consolidate my debt-either by transferring my credit card balances to one card with a lower interest rate or by taking out a line of credit to pay all the credit card debt at once.
5. Every month I will make more than the minimum payment on each card and make the largest payment on the card with the highest interest rate.
6. When paying for incidental expenses such as clothes, restaurant meals, entertainment and house wares, I will use cash or debit instead of credit.
7. Once I’ve paid off my credit cards, I will keep one in my wallet for exceptional expenses and cut the rest up.
   

Every one of these actions steps, taken on its own, may seem too small to have any significant impact on your debt load; however, taken together, these actions can make a huge difference.

Try it today and let me know how you are doing!!

For more financial tips, check out Chapter 8 of The Healthy CEO

Healthy Snacks for Summer

Hungry?

Why not reach for a Vegetable or Fruit instead of that packet of chips or a candy bar?A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can combat cardiovascular disease and protect against the onset of a variety of cancers and other diseases. Cruciferous vegetables-like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower-help prevent cancer. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances found in plant foods such as grapes, berries, onions and tomatoes. (They’re also in black and green tea and red wine,) In addition, fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Sampling a wide variety will ensure you get the full spectrum of available nutrients.

If you must have a sweet tooth, add a little peanut butter onto a stick of celery, and top with rice krispies- crunchy and yummy for you and your family!

Relish Your Physical Wellnes Goals

When the shorts and t-shirts come out in the summer, a lot of people suddenly realize that they want to get in shape. They look at themselves and say “man I really should get into shape” but in saying that, some of them expect results immediately.
How do you set up healthy goals that are achievable?
Well, one way is to:

Tailor Your Goals To Fit You (not the other guy racing a marathon- unless you want to be in one!)
For your goals to be meaningful, they should be tailored to your needs and personality. You could have the same larger goal-“I want to eat better” as someone else, but have slightly different smaller goals. Depending on where you’re at, eating better might mean less salt, more fiber, less eating on the run-or even eating more if you’re underweight. You may want to learn some new cooking methods or recipes, or research quick-but-healthy restaurants or shopping options-whichever best fits your lifestyle. Your goals might also be set within a tighter or broader time span.

When setting your goals, you need to be honest with yourself and introduce challenges while keeping the adjustments realistic. For example, the timeframe of a week is wise if you know you want to make significant lifestyle changes but aren’t sure what impact the changes will actually have. In a week, you can learn a lot about what works, what doesn’t and how to adjust the next set of goals accordingly. The next goal-setting session might cover a lengthier period given your new experiential sight. Experience will teach you how to further tailor your goals.

For more on Making goals Realistic and Building in Fun, check out Chapter 3 in my book The Healthy CEO!

Summer and Rest

Summer can indeed be filled with busy on the go activities, but it's important to remember one of the components for keeping your stress level low and your physical wellness high.
Rest.
This is the cessation of physical activity. Sleep is an obvious way to rest, but there are others. Sitting in your backyard with a magazine or an escapist novel, working on a jigsaw puzzle at your coffee table, soaking in a warm bath, watching a football game or favourite movie, being pampered at the spa or enjoying a relaxing massage-these are all ways you can slow down physically and let your body refuel in ways that are highly enjoyable.
What's your secret to achieving rest this summer?

American Traditions

I just returned from Chicago where I spoke to a group of corporate executives. It was a great trip and I had a chance to visit my daughter and husband and their great kids.
I was fortunate to experience several American traditions.

1. Watching the home team the White Sox win at the U.S Cellular Park.
2. Hotdogs are plentiful and still one of America’s favourite pastimes. You could smell the scent of juicy bratwurst, Italian and Kosher hotdogs in the air.
3. In the Chicago tradition, everyone in the baseball park stands up from their seats once there is only 1 remaining out in the ninth inning.

The other tradition I observed wasn’t the best one-that the statistics from the Center of Disease Control on the number of individuals that were overweight and obese were correct. The obesity rate in adults has climbed to 32.9% from 15.0% in 1980.

How do we get back to mindful rather than mindless eating?

The Power of Words

At a recent executive retreat an audience member stated that when he heard the words “diet” and “budget” they gave him a negative feeling.

That seems to make some sense. What do you think of substituting the "healthy nutrition" for "diet" and "spending plan" for "budget" ? Will that make the difference for you?

I look forward to your thoughts!

Staying Connected

Presenting Keynote addresses can have one moving around many time zones and it's important to stay connected with my wife when she can't travel with me. I usually text her when I arrive and call when we can talk. I follow my CATS routine.

C= deal first with any crises at home.

A = make sure my wife hears that I adore her.

T = leave time for her to talk.

S = always conclude with sweet goodbyes.

What works for you?

Airport and Security Stress

As a frequent flyer traveling to speak at corporate retreats, I try to be cognizant of my triggers for stress, particularly going through security.
Historically, Customs and Immigration were famous for creating stress but in recent times, the dubious honour of first prize has been awarded to Security.

I know the rules. I had everything in order. I was just about to enter the fast track lane when a first time flyer was directed in front of me.

He was clueless to the intricacies of the new rules, and apparently deaf and unable to read. He held up the line and thought it was funny. I took a deep breath and tried to be patient but we really need an efficient system put in place at airport security, because even I have my limits! What do you think?

Can you spot the health risk?

Can you spot the health risk in this picture? Is it lack of sun tan lotion or something more sinister?
Let me know what you think it is!

Executive wellness

Just completed my seminar at an executive wellness retreat in Cancun, Mexico. Now for a few days living my relationship wellness model with my wife. Three observations:
1. All inclusive resorts encourage mindless, rather than mindful eating.
2. The obesity stats are truly reflective of what I am seeing on the beach.
3. It is amazing how parents have forgotten about the damage of UV rays to their children.
On an hour walk on the beach today, literally thousands of children were playing in the sand, and only 11 kids had any kind of protective headwear. How do we get people to take responsiblilty for their health and wellness???
Start tanning and stop burning.
The Healthy CEO

Corporate Keynote speaker

At a recent corporate keynote,someone from the audience stated" I attended your healthyceo seminar last year and you changed my life forever." I was pleased with the endorsement, but later thought, if my 3 hour seminar changed his life, what kind of life did he have before? Am I just cynical or can lives be changed with that kind of limited exposure to a concept of taking responsiblity for your health?
Love to hear from other speakers.
Cheers, Larry
The Healthy CEO

Healthy eating

Heard a great quote. Engage in mindful not mindless eating. I wonder which one won during the superbowl.
Cheers, Dr. O

Gambling on your health

Working in Las Vegas recently I thought I would try my luck at the slots. How much is too much to gamble? A months income, a week, a day? I opted for something less than a days income.
Hit the jackpot on my first $100. Should I keep going? No, after paying the withholding tax I headed back to tthe room to prepare for the next day.
I also observed far too many people gambling on their health. No I am just talking about over indulgence of food, not the "other indulgence" Seem odd to me that many people seemed to have a handle on how much they would spend on gambling, but no limits on the calories. How can we bring about change to over eating?
Cheers, Larry

Travel stress - security lines

Arriving at security at Vancouver Airport I am lucky to have a green sticker for the fast line. Boarding pass checked at least twice within ten feet and now I go through the doors where the security machines and staff are waiting. But even though this is the "fast lane" it is also the line for flyers needing assistance. My laptop is out, shoes off and nothing in my pockets. I have been here before. However, it seems like almost everyone in front of me in the "fast line" is a first time flyer, laughing and joking at making the bells go off because they didn't pay attention to what goes on the belt. So I can't buy my way up the wait list in Canadian health care, but why can't I pay more for a truly fast line for frequent flyers who want this choice. I'm better now, sipping a scotch in the Air Canada lounge.
Cheers, Larry

New Years Resolutions

January 17. How many people have given up on their New Years Resolution? Data suggests around 30% have already given up by now. Do you have the same problem? I have a proven process to keep you on track. Interested?
Cheers, Larry

Travel tip

Travel can be fun and exciting, but when it is an essesntail part of your life it can create problems with relationships. Traveling through OHARE to speak at Vistage in Atlanta, I overheard several cell phone converstations, they are everywhere, rushing between gates in different terminals. Without knowing who was on the other end of the conversation and not knowing what they were saying, in many cases my perception was that the call was not that pleasant, a relationship dealing with issues long distance.
Why not travel with CATS! When you call your significant other use the term CATS.
C: Crisises, deal with the crisises first. What ever is troubling deal with it first.
A: Adoration, assuming you are still madly in love, do what you normally do when face to face. Comment how much you adore them.
T: Talk, make sure there is enough time to talk. Some couple need a lot of time to just talk, so make sure you have enough time before you need to hang up.
S: Sweet goodbyes, never end the call without sweet goodbyes. Without seeing the body language we can misinterpret comments that leave doubts. So always end on a happy note.
What tips do you have to keep your relationship well when you are on he road?
Cheers, Larry