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