Bonus Tip 5/26/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired May 26, 2010

This is the bonus tip from Doctor Oz:

One sugared beverage can contain 140 calories and 40 grams of sugar per serving.  If you replace just one of these a day with a bottle of water, you can cut out more than 50,000 calories a year which equals over 14 pounds.

Bonus Tip 5/25/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired May 25, 2010

Pinch the fat between your thumb and pointer finger for 30 seconds.  This can result in a reduction of upper body tension by up to 40%.

Managing stress is an important part of staying healthy.  Try this trick when you don't have a lot of time but be sure and do some yoga or meditation every week.

Bonus Tip 5/24/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired May 24, 2010

A tip from Doctor Oz:

Beware of water fountains

If you must drink out of one, let the water run for at least 10 seconds.

Bonus Tip 5/21/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired May 21,2010

Bonus tip from Doctor Oz today:

Listen to music to improve memory

Bonus Tip 5/20/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired May 20, 2010

Here is a Bonus Tip from Doctor Oz -

Potassium and magnesium can prevent pain from muscle cramps

Try eating bananas and citrus fruits!

Lower Risk Of Heart Disease

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 5/19/2010

Doctor Oz wants to know:

Which of the will lower risk of heart disease?

A  Daily crossword puzzle
B  Avoid alcohol
C  Watch a funny movie

The answer is C.  Laughter is the best medicine!

Bonus Tip 5/18/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 5/18/2010

Here is a tip from Doctor Oz:

"Batch cook" your meals for the week.

Why, you ask?  To succeed at eating healthy, you have to always have your food ready to go and if you're going out, take it with you.  Otherwise, you will find yourself with no time and you'll end up going to the drive thru.  Planning and consistency are the keys to eating healthy.  These are also necessary to follow a regular exercise routine.  Planning makes getting healthy a reality!

Bonus Tip 5/17/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 5/17/2010

No more Oz's Orders!  Doctor Oz offered a bonus tip at the end of the show:

Berries and chilies can help fight fat

Berries have a lot of other benefits as well.  Add them to your diet and reap the rewards!

Oz's Orders 5/14/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 5/14/2010

Doctor Oz wants you to remember these three things:

1.  Take deep breaths and sip water to relieve panic attack

2.  Keep fire extinguisher near outdoor grill

3.  Replace strawberry shortcake with yogurt parfait

You have the power to change your life!

Oz's Ultimate Countdown

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 5/13/2010

There were no Oz's Orders today.  There was another Doctor Oz Ultimate Countdown.  He counted down from eight to one.  Number one on his countdown was the number one supplement you need right now.  It is something that he talks about a lot.  A lot of us are deficient in this vitamin so a supplement is a good idea.  It is Vitamin D!  It is also an excellent idea to get a little sun every day for natural vitamin D.

Start going for a walk outside every day.  It's a win win.  Your body will thank you!

Oz's Orders 5/12/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 5/12/2010

Here are three ways Doctor Oz wants you to improve your life:

1.  Wear pants and long sleeves to prevent tick bites

2.  Lose weight for better sex

3.  Try a sweet potato, mango and honey mask

The best way to improve your life right now is to make a change you can stick with.  Start today!

Oz's Orders 5/11/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 5/11/2010

Doctor Oz had a segment about the dangers at nail salons.  Here are three tips for your protection:

1.  Look for UV tool sanitizers

2.  Don't shave your legs before pedicure

3.  Bring tub liners to the nail salon

You want to look beautiful, you don't want to get sick.  Take precautions when going to the nail salon.

Oz's Orders 5/10/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 5/10/2010

Three tips from Doctor Oz to you:

1.  View emergency situations in "slow motion"

2.  Boost libido with zinc and magnesium

3.  Try essential oils for good health

Getting healthy isn't something you do overnight, it is a way of life.  Start today!

Oz's Orders 5/7/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 5/7/2010

Here are the three ways Doctor Oz wants you to improve your life:

1.  TRY A PEPPERMINT AND SALT WATER SPRAY
Try a homemade peppermint and salt water spray to relieve your seasonal allergies

2.  BEWARE OF BACTERIA IN THE KITCHEN
Put meats on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to avoid contaminating items on lower shelves

3.  GROCERY SHOP ON WEDNESDAYS
Most supermarkets get deliveries on Monday and Tuesday so this is the day that all the freshest items should be on display

Oz's Orders 5/6/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 5/6/2010

Today Doctor Oz had three supermodels, who are now in their forties, fifties and sixties, on the show.  His orders were three of their anti aging secrets:

1.  Try sweet almond oil to help dry, brittle hair













2.  For flat hair, use a water filter in your shower to eliminate chlorine














3.  Try tamanu oil for great skin











Of course they also highlighted the importance of a healthy diet and exercise.  If you are healthy on the inside, it will show on the outside!

Oz's Orders 5/5/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 05/05/2010

The three things Doctor Oz hopes you remember from the show:

1.  Try cooked rice for an upset stomach

2.  High fiber foods can help prevent hernias

3.  Have one cup of water for every alcoholic drink

Learn to listen to your body and live a healthy life!

Oz's Orders 5/4/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 05/04/2010

Doctor Oz wants you to pass this on to your friends:

1.  Eating less salt may help reduce cankles

2.  "Feed" your hair avocados and raisins

3.  Try yogurt with mayo as a low calorie dressing

Start making small changes today and reap the rewards tomorrow!

Oz's Orders 5/3/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 05/03/2010

Three reminders for you!

1.  Download the silent cancer checklist at DoctorOz.com

2.  Try at home mask made with grapes and flour

3.  Use ground clove and water to ease tooth pain

Oz's Orders 4/30/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 4/30/2010

The three things Doctor Oz wants you to remember from this show:

1.  Keep bird feeders 50 feet from home
to prevent unwanted pests from living under your roof

2.  Protect yourself from the sun
use a sunscreen with zinc or titanium dioxide to eliminate harmful UV rays

3.  Kill your cravings
try sunflower seeds instead of chocolate which trigger similar feel good hormones without the extra calories

Health is a lifelong journey.  Start it today!

Oz's Orders 4/29/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 4/29/2010

Three tips from Doctor Oz that you want to remember and share with a friend!

1.  Drink 3 cups of green tea daily.  This can reduce your risk of breast cancer by 50%.

2.  Wash infested (with lice) clothing and seal in bags for 2 weeks.

3.  Replace cheese in fettucine with cauliflower. 

Check out the book 10 Things You Need to Eat for recipes.

Oz's Orders 4/28/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 4/28/2010

The three things Doctor Oz wants you to remember from the show!

1.  Add 2 years to your life by eating beans daily

2.  Prevent Athlete's Foot by rubbing feet with lemon

3.  To increase metabolism drink 3 cups of Green Tea daily

Pass it on!

4/27/10 Highlights

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 4/27/2010

Today in the first segment, Doctor Oz talked about health supplements like chondroitin and green tea extract.  You have to be very careful when you buy them because they can contain illegal ingredients that are not listed on the label and they can have a different potency than what is listed.  Doctor Oz suggests buying single ingredient supplements at big chain stores.

Of course, it is best to get what you need from whole foods.  A diet high in fruits and vegetables will help you get a variety of vitamins and minerals.  The more color there is in your diet, the more nutritious it is. 

Remember, the foods that nourish us come from the ground, not a lab!

Oz's Orders 4/26/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 4/26/2010

The three things Doctor Oz wants you to remember from the show:

1.  Include iron-rich foods like raisins and soybeans in your diet
If you're always exhausted, you may not be getting enough iron in your diet.  To boost your body's iron stores, you can add raisins, soybeans, spinach and fortified cereal to your diet.

2.  Sharing personal items can cause infection
Be careful about what you borrow.  Using someone else's razor or wearing their earrings can expose you to dangerous infections.

3.  Mocktail recipes on DoctorOz.com
Instead of ending your day with the usual cocktail, try a mocktail

Remember, good health doesn't begin at the doctor's office but with the small decisions we each make every day.

You Can Reverse Heart Disease!

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 4/14/2010

I was fascinated by this episode.  Doctor Oz along with Dr. Dean Ornish provided a three step program to reverse heart disease.

1.  Get the plaque out of your arteries.  Eat a diet where only 10% of the calories come from fat, 15-20% come from protein and 70-75% come from complex carbohydrates.

2.  Reduce inflammation of the artery wall.  Get 30 minutes of exercise every day.  Doing so can cut your risk of premature death in half.

3.  Stop heart from spasming and make arteries more elastic.  The key to this is de-stressing.  Stress levels can be lowered through yoga and meditation.  It is extremely beneficial to meditate for up to one hour daily.

What amazed me about this episode was that there was a guest who participated in Dr Ornish's study over 20 years ago.  At the time, he had so much pain it was difficult for him to take a shower or walk.  He was actually waiting for a heart transplant.  Following the three steps above, he was able to get healthy.  He didn't need the heart transplant and he's healthy and energetic now.  Dr. Ornish said he looks better now than he did over 25 years ago.

Getting healthy takes some work.  It requires a commitment.  The rewards are immense though.  Personally, I would rather never be on the heart transplant list so I'm trying to take care of myself now.  The reason this struck me is that I would've thought that a person that needed a heart transplant was beyond repair.  I was wrong!  Clearly it doesn't matter if you are in bad shape, you can make a change and you can improve your health.  Start today!

Oz's Orders 4/23/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 4/23/2010

Today on the show -

Fatal attraction:  secret ways your spouse is destroying your health:  ways a spouse may destroy one's health; three generations lose weight; psoriasis

The three things Doctor Oz wants you to remember from the show:

1.  beware of 3rd hand smoke

2.  sleep on your side to eliminate snoring

3.  prevent psoriasis - use a vitamin D cream

Make healthy choices and your body will thank you!

Oz's Orders 4/22/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 4/22/2010

Three things Doctor Oz wants you to remember:

1.  avoid technology overload

2.  prevent bed bugs

3.  eat away the years

We are always learning.  Share your knowledge!

Oz's Orders 4/21/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 4/21/2010

Doctor Oz would like everyone to keep the following three things in mind:

1.  menopause may cause sleeplessness

2.  reduce indoor allergens

3.  choose foods high in choline to boost your memory

Getting healthy isn't going to happen overnight.  It's a journey.  Learn something new every day and apply it to your life.  Today is the best day to start!

Oz's Orders 4/19/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 4/19/2010

Here are three tips Doctor Oz wants you to take from the show!

1.  prevent glaucoma by eating foods rich in vitamin A

2.  soothe poison ivy by taking a tea bath

3.  provide a scratching post for cat in home

Take one of these tips and apply it in your life.  Getting healthy is easier if we all do it together!

Oz's Orders 4/16/10

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 4/16/2010

Here are the three things Doctor Oz wants you to remember from the show!

1.  For allergy relief, use a neti pot.

2.  Download the 5 minute de-stress plan on doctoroz.com.

3.  To ease joint pain, eat strawberries.

Share what you learn with one more person and together, we'll get the word out.  Be healthy!!!

The Dr Oz Show 4/15/2010

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 4/15/2010

Oz's Orders
1.  download de-clutter checklist on doctoroz.com
2.  aging can cause unwanted hair growth
3.  use saline drops to prevent dry eyes

A cluttered home is a sign of something that is going on inside.  When you work through your emotions, you will be able to get rid of the junk. 

The Doctor Oz Show 4/14/2010

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 4/14/2010

Oz's Orders

1.  download heart disease challenge on doctoroz.com

2.  to prevent blisters use anti-perspirant on feet

3.  do hip raises to strengthen glutes

Get well one step at a time!

The Dr Oz Show 4/12/2010

From The Doctor Oz Show
Aired 4/12/2010

Dr Oz's Ultimate Back Pain Clinic:  The top three sources of back pain, Dr Oz's wife, Lisa, offers tips on building family unity.

Oz's Orders
1.  try willow bark for back pain
2.  don't leave a sore throat untreated
3.  add natural cures to your medicine cabinet

Unemployment and Your Health

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 4/6/2010

Unemployment can wreak havoc on your health.  Of the things that cause us the most stress, financial matters are at the top of the list.  All the stress can lead to weight loss or gain, insomnia and high blood pressure.  What can you do to protect yourself?

Doctor Oz highlighted three things you can do to help reduce stress. 

#1  Follow a regular routine.  You may not have to get up at a certain time anymore, but you should.  You should get up and get dressed.  Don't just sit around watching TV in your pajamas.  Look for a job, work on your resume, do little projects around the house.  You want to continue to feel useful. 

#2  Get out for one hour every day.  It doesn't really matter where you go, although I would recommend something that doesn't cost money.  A walk, bike ride or rollerblading is great.  That way you will get the vitamin D that you need, which will help you stay positive.  You will also see other people and get some social interaction that you used to get at work.

#3  Exercise.  Exercise is great to combat depression and stress.  Eating healthy will also help you keep your spirits up.  The healthier you are, the better you will feel, the more confident you will be, the more someone will want to hire you!

If you are unemployed it is a great time to start getting healthy.  You shouldn't be eating out anyway so start making simple, healthy meals at home.  Get into an exercise routine and be sure and keep it up once you find a job.  You'll have the life you always wanted!

Protect Yourself From Superbugs

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 4/6/2010

Superbugs are gram negative bacteria.  It is pretty scary that people usually get them in hospitals.  Here are three things you can do to reduce your risk.

1.  Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.  Washing your hands is your number one defense against a lot of things.  When your hands are lathered, scrape the palm of your hand with your nails to make sure you get soap under your nails.

2.  Ask before you take an antibiotic.  Doctor Oz said that 10% of the adults who go to the doctor complaining of a sore throat need antibiotics but 70% get a prescription.  Don't just ask for antibiotics or just take antibiotics.  Make sure you actually need them.

3.  Get out of the hospital.  Like I said, this is where people get infected with this bacteria.  If you are in the hospital, make sure that everyone that comes in washes their hands.  Get out of the hospital as soon as you can.

It is pretty scary, I have to say.  In addition to these three steps, getting healthy is of course a protection.  Eating healthy and exercise boost your immune system.  Start taking care of yourself today!

Foods You Should Throw Out

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 4/5/2010

Doctor Oz talked about snacks and named three unhealthy foods you should not eat.  If you have them in your pantry, throw them out. 

The first one is unhealthy because it is so high in sodium.  It is a can of chicken noodle soup and it has 840 mg of sodium.  Always check the sodium content of any foods you buy.  Go for the low sodium variety.

The second food that you don't want to eat is high in sugar.  This is actually a drink that has 24 g of sugar - apple juice.  It is a much better idea to eat an apple.

The third food you want to avoid is tuna salad.  It is very high in calories at 383 calories. 

If you want to eat healthy, you have to avoid all foods high in sugar and salt.  If you want to lose weight, you definitely don't want to snack on high calorie foods.  Getting healthy requires you to watch what you eat.  The healthiest diet is full of whole foods.  An apple is a great snack.  Make one good choice today!

Are you happy?

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 4/5/2010

Today Doctor Oz had a guest on the show that is a Debbie Downer.  Do you bring down everybody around you?  Do you always have something negative to say?  If so, this show was for you.

Negativity is actually harmful.  Happy people are more creative, more productive, make more money and are healthier.  We could all use that!

So, what can you do if you are negative and unhappy?  The author of this book, The How Of Happiness, was on the show and shared 28 days to a happier you.  Week 1 you start keeping a daily diary.  Several times per day, write down what you are doing and who you are with.  Then write how happy you feel.  After a while, you will be able to pinpoint the things that make you feel happy so you can do more of them.  During Week 2, you fake it until you make it.  If you act happy and smile more, you will actually feel happier.  In Week 3 you will want to create a diversion.  Something to distract you when you start over-thinking and thinking negatively.  One thing you can do is have a rubber band around your wrist and when your thoughts turn negative, snap it.  Finally, in Week 4 you will perform one random act of kindness every day.  Giving and helping others gives us a surge of positive emotions that make us happier.  It can be feeding the meter for somebody or just telling someone they look nice.

Happy people are healthier so part of getting healthy is getting happy.  Living a healthy lifestyle can help you be happier.  Foods that are bad for us depress us so eating healthy can lift our mood.  Exercise is another great way to elevate our mood.  If weight loss is your goal, reaching it will make you feel happy.  Eating healthy and getting regular exercise will help you lose weight and feel happier so it's the best thing for you all around.  Health is not just physical but also mental and emotional.  So, smile and compliment someone today!

The DNA Diet

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 4/5/2010

Today Doctor Oz talked about the DNA Diet.  Our genes can explain why some people lose weight on certain diets and others don't.  That is because our genes influence how we metabolize foods.  Dr David Katz was a guest.  He works in this field.  Keri Glassman, a nutritionist, was also a guest.

The three diets that were discussed were the low fat diet, the low carb diet and the balanced diet.  Answer the questions to find out which will work best for you.

Low Fat Diet
Does heart disease run in your family?
Do you have low energy levels often?
Do you have high LDL levels?

If you answered yes to these questions you may achieve that elusive weight loss with a low fat diet.  Your calories would be broken up as 70% coming from carbs, 15% coming from protein and 15% coming from fat.

Low Carb Diet
Do you carry weight around your middle?
Do you have high blood pressure?
Are your triglyceride levels high?

If the answer is yes, you may be able to lose weight with a low carb diet.  If so, 30% of your daily calories should come from protein, 30% from carbs and 40% from fat.

Balanced Diet
Is there a history of heart disease and diabetes in your family?
Are you of Mediterranean ethnicity?
Are you prone to indigestion or constipation?

If this describes you, you could benefit from a balanced diet.  If you want to eat a balanced diet, 50% of your daily calories should come from carbs, 20% from protein and 30% from fat.

Of course, it's not enough to follow the calorie breakdowns.  It is important to make sure that your calories are coming from nutritious, whole foods.  My favorite quote from this show is:

"Food is the fuel for the human body".

That's what I'm always trying to get people to see.  If you drive a BMW, are you going to put regular unleaded gas in it?  Doubtful.  It is a performance vehicle and for it to perform optimally you would fill it with premium gas.  Why do people treat their cars better than their own bodies?  A healthy lifestyle, eating healthy, exercise are all musts in this cancer age that we live in.

These books are by the guests on today's show.  Haven't read them yet but they seem to have good reviews. 

What is the healthiest diet?

I've just been writing about general stuff I've learned from watching The Dr Oz Show and reading books.  Yesterday and the day before I was talking about how important it is to start eating healthy.  What does eating healthy mean?

Well, eating healthy is part of a healthy lifestyle.  It is not a diet.  It is not temporary.  Doctor Oz has talked about how yes, you will lose weight on a restrictive diet, but you can't sustain that.  Eating healthy is a way of eating for life.  The first thing you need to start eating healthy is to change your mindset.  Don't think of yourself as being on a diet.

The healthiest diet is a natural diet.  You should not eat chemicals.  You shouldn't eat food that has been processed beyond recognition.  Food that doesn't have labels is the best.  There is no need to put a label on an apple that says "Ingredients:  apple".  That's just silly.  If you eat something that does have a label, you should be able to recognize the ingredients.  The bulk of your diet should be whole foods without labels. 

Processed foods may have started out whole but now they are missing parts and missing nutrients.  Examples are white rice, white bread, white pasta.  Does high fructose corn syrup look like corn to you?  The first time you saw bacon, did you know it came from a pig?

The healthiest diet is high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains.  It is low in meat and dairy.  Vinegars, sweeteners, refined foods should be eaten sparingly.

These are great books.  I got hooked when I watched the "You Are What You Eat" show on BBC America.  It is amazing what a difference eating healthy and getting regular exercise can make.  I use the cookbook every week.

Give it a try.  You're worth it!

How To Start Eating Healthy

Yesterday I talked about the importance of eating healthy, getting healthy, living a healthy lifestyle, exercise, etc.  So, how do you get started?  That is a personal question and you have to find what works for you. 

If you have a go for broke personality, then go all out.  Saturday throw away all white flour, white sugar, processed foods, etc.  Then, go shopping for fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and whole grains. 

Do you need to start slowly?  Well, make a list of all the things you need to change and start crossing them off.  It could look something like this:

1.  eliminate all soda/coffee/sugary drinks
2.  eliminate white bread
3.  stop eating white rice
4.  don't eat any candy/candy bars/donuts/cookies, etc
5.  eat a healthy, fresh breakfast every day
6.  pack lunch every day
7.  cook dinner every day

Exactly what is on your list depends on you and your goals.  It is a good idea to go for a super healthy, vegetarian diet over the course of two months.  Then, when you've tried it and you see you can do it and you feel the benefits, you can add a little meat.  You can eat a little dessert no more than once per week.  You can try new whole grains, new vegetables, new fruits.  It's fun to experiment.

Obesity is a huge problem in this country and increases your risk for certain cancers as well as diabetes and high blood pressure.  Eating healthy will help you reach your ideal weight and it also evens out your blood sugar levels and lowers your blood pressure.  Weight loss is great for any illness you may have.  However, you may be surprised to find that you don't have to lose a ton of weight to see a difference. 

It is up to each and every one of us to take control of our health.  Do it for yourself and your family!

Do you want to get cancer?

Cancer is more and more common everyday.  We all know someone who has had it.  Doctor Oz talks about it a lot on The Dr Oz Show.  It seems to me, that although he talks about all different types of cancer, the best way to prevent it is the same for all of them.  Eating healthy and exercise will reduce your cancer risk.  Obesity raises your risk for certain cancers so getting healthy and maintaining a healthy weight is important.

People are increasingly aware of the need to eat healthy.  We are also realizing how unhealthy it is to eat fast food and processed foods.  A lot of people know they shouldn't drink soda.  Yet, people keep doing it.  I've heard over and over people say "I shouldn't be eating this" or "I shouldn't be drinking this" as they ingest something unhealthy.  Why do they do it?  Personally, I was a sugar addict.  I couldn't have even a tiny bit of sugar because it would send me on a binge.  I had to quit cold turkey and force myself not to eat any cookies or candy bars for months.  It got easier and easier until I stopped craving it.  Now I can actually eat a cookie or a little bit of ice cream and be happy with that.  This is what everybody needs.  Restaurants put salt and sugar in their food to make you crave them.  You have to stop eating altogether and detoxify.  It's like quitting smoking.  You have to get it out of your system.  It takes discipline but it doesn't have to be that hard.  What it really takes is planning.  Plan out your meals for the week, buy everything you need and prepare as much as you can ahead of time.

Exercise is another thing that people are always saying they should do.  "I know I should exercise."  "I know I need to exercise."  I hear it all the time.  It also takes discipline and planning.  What did I discover when I forced myself to exercise every day for 90 days straight?  I liked it.  I enjoy my daily walks.  Now, if I miss a day for some reason, I feel achy and stiff.  A brisk walk can really be invigorating. 

So, do you want to get cancer?  If you keep eating garbage and sitting when you should be walking, then I guess the answer is yes.  A healthy lifestyle is within everyone's grasp and can seriously reduce your risk of cancer.  What are you waiting for?  Get started today!

The Tenth Commandment Of Weight Loss

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/12/2010

We've reached the end!  Doctor Oz counted down his ten commandments for people who want to lose weight.  Number ten is:

"Thou shalt not eat standing up or in a car".

I've talked about it before.  We need to eat mindfully.  If you're standing up or in a car you can scarf down an entire meal without even noticing.  A previous commandment was to chew at least twenty times.  You probably won't do that if you're not sitting down to eat.  Unfortunately, people don't appreciate food or meals.  Food is a wonderful thing and a meal isn't just about not being hungry anymore.  It is a time to enjoy eating nourishing food and being grateful for what we have.  Eating healthy is about what you eat but also how you eat it.  We need to really savor our food and take our time.  If we do that, we will enjoy eating a lot more and eat a lot less.  Getting healthy is about making lifestyle changes.  Start sitting down at the dining room or kitchen table to eat.  It will pay off in the long run!

The Ninth Commandment Of Weight Loss

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/12/2010

On this episode, Doctor Oz shared his ten commandments for everyone that wants to lose weight.  Weight loss is not a final goal, it is just one part of getting healthy.  Commandment number nine is:

"Thou shalt not carry small bills".

This seems like a weird one, huh?  Well, this is for all the vending machine junkies.  You probably wouldn't want to break a twenty to spend a couple of bucks at the vending machine.  In the same vein, I would say don't carry coins around.  Put them in a piggy bank every night and save up for a little gift for yourself.  Eating healthy is incredibly important.  People don't seem to understand how much what you put in your mouth affects you.  What we eat gives us energy and gives our body the strength to fight invaders.  THINK BEFORE YOU EAT!

The Eighth Commandment Of Weight Loss

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/12/2010

Doctor Oz counted down his ten commandments for those who want to lose weight.  The eighth is:

"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's plate nor sneak bites".

Meals should be planned.  Snacks should also be planned.  Of course, you should never be starving or even really hungry.  If you plan your meals and snacks there is no reason to eat other people's food or pick at food all the time.  Doing that you will eat more calories than you should or need to.  I talked before about not eating mindlessly.  Just grabbing something as you walk by is eating mindlessly.  You won't feel like you ate anything but your body will feel those extra calories.

You hear about the Mediterranean diet being healthy.  People in Italy and Greece and other Mediterranean countries generally take their time preparing meals and sit down and enjoy them.  They are not in the habit of going to the drive thru.  Getting healthy and eating healthy can be time consuming at first if you are not used to cooking.  It doesn't have to be difficult though.  Prepare simple meals with fresh ingredients.  A healthy lifestyle is attainable if you put forth a little effort.  It is well worth it!

The Seventh Commandment Of Weight Loss

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/12/2010

Doctor Oz counted down his ten commandments of weight loss.  Today I'm posting number seven, which is:

"Thou shalt not chew food less than twenty times".

Why?  Well, one reason is that digestion begins in the mouth.  Your body can't digest huge pieces of food so they will come out whole.  The reason Doctor Oz gave is that it takes time for the signals between the stomach and the brain to tell you that you are full.  If you scarf down your food, you may eat a ton of food before you get that message.  If you take your time, chew, put your fork down between bites, eat mindfully, you will feel satisfied with less food.  If you want to lose weight, this is a good way to cut some calories.

Part of getting healthy is having healthy digestion.  To achieve it, you have to chew your food thoroughly.  A healthy lifestyle is within everyone's grasp.  Make one small change each day and they will add up.  In just a few months you can feel a huge difference.  Make a commitment to eat healthy and exercise.  You don't have to do it all today, just get started.  Your body will thank you!

This is a great book by Doctor Oz and Doctor Roizen.  I highly recommend it if you want to lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way.

The Sixth Commandment Of Weight Loss

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/12/2010

We're counting down the Doctor Oz top ten commandments of weight loss!  So far, we've talked about clothes and food.  The sixth commandment is another food one.

"Thou shalt not pile food more than one inch high or less than two inches from the edge of the plate"

What's this about?  Portion control.  We tend to eat a whole lot more than we really need to.  Those extra calories show up in our bellies, thighs and other places.  You shouldn't be starving all the time but you shouldn't feel stuffed, like you couldn't eat another bite or have to unbutton your pants either.  It's best to eat less, more often.  Never wait until you're ravenous to eat because you will absolutely overeat.

For some people, it is possible to lose weight with this one suggestion.  There are 3,500 calories in a pound so if you can cut 100 calories each day, you will lose about a pound per month.  Doesn't sound like much but it's better than gaining.  Also, it is something that you can do without really even noticing it.  Chances are you won't miss that 100 calories. 

Eating healthy is more important than losing weight.  Always remember that.  Take care of yourself, and the rest will follow.  Not just weight loss, but increased energy and fewer illnesses.  Living a healthy lifestyle is not going on a diet.  It's a complete change and is not just about what you eat.  It also involves exercise and trying to protect yourself from toxic substances.  More on that another day.  Getting healthy is an investment in yourself.  What could be a better way to use your resources?  Start investing in yourself today!

The Fifth Commandment Of Weight Loss

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/12/2010

On this episode Doctor Oz listed his ten commandments of weight loss.  Number five is:

"Thou shalt not eat after 7:30 pm".

You don't want to eat too late in the evening.  You especially don't want to eat a big, heavy meal, or any meal for that matter, too late.  If you do that, you will go to bed before you finish digesting.  That is not going to help you sleep. 

I've read that it is best to eat your biggest meals early in the day.  That way, you can burn off the calories throughout the day.  If you eat a big meal at night, those calories don't go anywhere if you're not exercising.  Also, when we wake up we need a good meal to get going because it should be ten or more hours since we last ate.

To lose weight, you definitely want to close the kitchen.  A lot of times we eat mindlessly in front of the TV without even being really hungry.  Those extra calories don't do us any favors.  A healthy lifestyle is possible for each and every one of us.  Not only is it possible, we deserve it!  Eating healthy and exercise will improve your quality of life.  Take it one day at a time and you'll get there before you know it!

The Fourth Commandment Of Weight Loss

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/12/2010

I'm posting the ten commandments of weight loss according to Doctor Oz.  The fourth was:

"Thou shalt not graze or browse in search of prey".

What you eat should be planned.  If you just walk around foraging, you will eat things you shouldn't.  I find it best to have a menu.  When meals are planned out, you know what you're going to eat and you're less likely to binge on whatever you find in the refrigerator or on the counter.

Getting healthy is not a race.  Neither is losing weight.  Do your best to plan healthy meals and have the ingredients on hand.  What you eat is a key factor in your health.  Eating healthy can be difficult at first but keep at it and it will become second nature.  Don't forget to exercise!  Stick with it and the weight loss will come!

The Third Commandment Of Weight Loss

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/12/2010

Doctor Oz shared his ten commandments of weight loss.  The third was:

"Thou shalt not eat meat that walks on four legs more than once a week".

Meat that walks on four legs would include beef, lamb, goat and pig.  If you must, stick to chicken and fish and turkey.  Personally, I get my protein from beans, lentils and the protein powder I put in my smoothies.  I am not strictly vegetarian.  Now and then I'll eat a little meat or fish.  It's just not a daily, weekly or even monthly thing for me.  This works for me.  We are all different but I definitely recommend doing a month long detox with no animal protein whatsoever, no added sugars and no white flours.  Then, you can see how you feel about animal protein.  You may find that you don't miss it as much as you thought you would.  There are definite benefits to not eating too much animal protein.  Eating healthy can include some animal protein. 

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR HEALTH!  TAKE CONTROL TODAY!

The Second Commandment Of Weight Loss

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 03/12/2010

Doctor Oz gave his 10 commandments of weight loss.  The second one was:

"Thou shalt not keep fat clothes".

Have you achieved weight loss?  Are you getting exercise and eating healthy?  Have you made the switch to a healthy lifestyle?  If so, you want to burn bridges.  Don't leave any bread crumbs to find your way back.  You don't ever want to go back where you came from.  So, as you lose weight and cannot wear certain articles of clothing anymore, get rid of them.  If they are in good condition you can donate them.  Otherwise, just throw them in the garbage.  You'll feel great and have more room in your closet!

The First Commandment Of Weight Loss

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 03/12/2010

Today on The Dr Oz Show, Doctor Oz shared his ten commandments of weight loss.  The first one was "Thou shalt not wear pants that stretch".  Why?  Well, some people are in the habit of wearing stretch pants all the time.  These pants will not alert you to the fact that you have gained weight.  You definitely don't want to put on weight and pants that are one specific size will make it obvious that you're gaining.  Even if you're not losing, you don't want to keep gaining.  So, throw out those stretch pants!  Getting healthy is as much mental as it is physical.  Feeling your pants getting tighter will give you extra motivation to live a healthy lifestyle.  Eating healthy and exercise will help you lose weight and get you into a smaller size.  Today is the day to start!

The Number One Mistake Dieter's Make

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/10/2010

What is the number one mistake dieter's make?  They deprive themselves.  They eat too few calories.  Why is this a mistake?  Although they will lose a lot of weight at the beginning, their metabolism will slow down because the body thinks it's starving.  If they have lost all the weight they wanted to lose or just give up, when they start eating normally they will gain back the weight they lost and then some.  That is how people end up yo yo dieting and losing the same 40 pounds over and over.  Sustainable weight loss is about making a lifestyle change.  Eating healthy means eating a lot of food that is good for you.  A healthy lifestyle also involves exercise and exercise will help you lose weight, keep it off and in many other ways.  Getting healthy is a journey that begins with one step.  Take one step in the direction of health today!

Are You Living In A Cancer Cluster?

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/9/2010

What is a cancer cluster?  It's an area where there are more cancer cases than "normal".  In an area in Florida, there were 8 children diagnosed between 2005 and 2008.  In that area, the cancer was brain cancer.  For the Centers For Disease Control to consider an area a cancer cluster, there has to be a specific type of cancer affecting a specific group of people in a specific geographic location.  If you suspect you live in a cancer cluster, start locally.  Speak to the local news and local public officials.  From there move up to state level and then federal.  Be aware that there will be people that will not appreciate your efforts.  They will be more concerned with property values and reputation than people's health.  Having an area declared a cancer cluster is not a solution.  The only solution is to find the source and get rid of it. 

If you are seeing a lot of cancer in your area, take steps to help yourself.  Check out my blog post about how to lower cancer risk.  Your diet and lifestyle play a big part in your cancer risk.  If you are worried about cancer, you have a good reason to start eating healthy and get regular exercise.  Living a healthy lifestyle is an important way to protect yourself from getting cancer in the first place and for helping you fight it if you get it.  It seems to me that cancer is all too common.  By getting healthy, we can lower our cancer risk and set an example for our kids, our friends, our community.  Make one change today and you'll benefit for years to come!

Healthy Lifestyle

Today I'm just going to talk about what's on my mind.  Eating healthy is not a diet, it is a lifestyle change.  If you want to live a healthy lifestyle you have to make a commitment and make a real change.  Eating healthy food is not about giving up stuff you like.  The more you eat healthy food, the less you will want junk.  When you start to feel better and look better you will want to keep taking care of your health.  Exercise is not punishment.  It is good for our bodies.  People who want to go on a diet or exercise just to lose weight should change their mindset.  That is not what you need.  If you do it for a limited time, you will gain the weight back.  Getting healthy should be the goal.  What we all need is to find an appreciation for real food and for physical activity.  Once you are exercising regularly, you will see that you feel achy and stiff when you don't work out.  So, make the decision to be healthy and stick to it!

A man on The Dr Oz Show today said what you have to do is make up your mind and be consistent.  He is absolutely right.  Any physical change starts with a mental decision.

Do Diet Pills Work?

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/5/2010

Do diet pills work?  They can but you have to use them with caution and be aware of the risks. 

Herbs that are sold as diet pills often rev up the metabolism .  As a result you may not be able to sleep, you may be jittery and your blood pressure can even get so high that you can have a stroke.  Just because something is an herb doesn't mean it's safe.  The amount in a capsule is probably way more than you could ever eat so you have to be careful not to take too much. 

Prescription medication should only be used if the Body Mass Index is greater than 30.  These must be taken according to the directions.  They can raise blood pressure, cause insomnia, make you jittery and increase your risk for a heart attack.

Over-the-counter there is only one pill that is FDA approved.  It works by stopping the absorption of fat.  If you eat too much fat, you may experience oily stool and the need to go often.

What's possibly the biggest problem with diet pills?  When you stop taking them, you gain the weight back.  Diet pills are ok (according to Dr Oz) if you use them as a crutch.  They can help you lose weight but at the same time you should be developing good habits so you'll be able to keep the weight off.  Nothing can replace eating healthy and exercising.  If you change to a healthy lifestyle, the weight will automatically come off.  It will not come off overnight but you will get a greater reward than you get with diet pills - good health. 

Health is the key to life.  Without health you can't do things you enjoy.  Without good health, you will not be able to work.  If you do not take care of yourself, you will die younger than necessary.  If you don't live a healthy lifestyle now, your quality of life will diminish and diminish until it is gone.  Make one small change today and benefit for the rest of your life!  Getting healthy is something you can do!

Sleep Eating

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/4/2010

Sleep eaters get up and eat while they're still asleep.  They'll even cook something.  These meals are generally high calorie junk meals.  Some sleep eaters will eat anything they come across, even the kitchen sponge.  They may be on a diet during the day and not understand why they can't lose weight.  It affects women more than men and can be caused by some prescription sleep medications.  The two women Dr Oz talked to on the show said that when they told their doctors, their doctors laughed.  Can you imagine?  Too bad not all doctors are like Dr Oz.  Sleep eating is treatable.  First, your doctor should check for underlying disorders like sleep apnea.  Stress can be a really big factor so try to reduce it as much as possible.  There are medications that are effective.  Think you might be a sleep eater?  Set up a camera and see if you get up to eat. 

I'm always advocating a healthy lifestyle, eating healthy, regular exercise, etc.  That will help with stress levels which can help if you're a sleep eater.  However, this is one case where prescription medications may be necessary.  You must take charge of your health.  You certainly can't rely on your doctor.  Remember, if you aren't satisfied with your diagnosis or your doctor laughs at you, get a second opinion.  Then, get a third and fourth and fifth if you have to.  We are each responsible for our own bodies and our own health.  Take care of yours!

The Importance Of Getting A Good Night's Sleep

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/3/2010

Dr Oz talked to a sleep deprived couple.  They have two young children and their sleep is interrupted several times each night.  It's not just bad for the parents.  Roughly 25% of children with ADHD could actually have an underlying sleep disorder. 

We do need 7 hours of sleep but more than that we need quality sleep.  20% of sleep should be deep sleep.  What can happen if you don't get enough quality sleep?  It increases the risk of diabetes, obesity and heart disease.  1 in 5 motor vehicle injuries are due to lack of sleep so it also increases your risk of a crash if you drive.  This isn't a big health concern, but it can also make you look older.

Now for my two cents!  You need to sleep well to be healthy and you need to be healthy to sleep well.  It's difficult to do all the things you need to do for your health when you're tired.  You should know that eating healthy and regular exercise will help you get the rest you need.  Kids are full of energy and need a good amount of exercise to sleep through the night.  So try and get moving a little every day.  Make better choices when it comes to meals and snacks.  Get on the path to a healthy lifestyle.  You can start reaping the rewards, like better sleep and more energy, even before you're doing it all right.  You don't have to completely overhaul your life, you just have to get started!  There's no time like the present!

Have You Had Angina?

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 3/2/2010

Dr. Oz says that chest pain is often a warning sign.  Have you had angina?  How can you tell?  Typically the pain is described as vice like.  You may also experience nausea, vomiting and sweating.  The pain could also be felt in the shoulder, arm, neck, jaw and chin. 

There are two different types of angina.  One is called stable angina and occurs when you exert yourself physically.  This type can usually be treated with medication.  The other type is unstable angina.  This happens when you are at rest and medication doesn't work as well. 

What should you do?  If you get these symptoms, call 911.  Then chew an aspirin.

Now for my two cents.  A healthy lifestyle is the best way to keep your heart healthy.  Eating healthy and regular exercise will benefit you even if you already have heart disease.  Getting healthy doesn't happen overnight but you can do it.  Start today!  Skip the doughnut and have an apple instead.  Take a walk around the office or walk around the building or climb a flight of stairs.  Small changes add up.

What a storm!

Well, I missed the Dr. Oz Show on Thursday and Friday.  Thursday I saw parts but the lovely network kept interrupting to tell me it was snowing.  Yeah, I couldn't tell by looking out the window.  Thursday night the electricity went out and didn't come back until Friday night.  The cable didn't come back until Sunday night.  It was crazy!  We got a good two feet of snow.  I hadn't seen that much snow since I was a kid.  I'll start posting about the Dr. Oz Show again tomorrow.  Remember, you are what you eat!

Eating Healthy To Prevent And Fight Cancer

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 2/24/2010

Oz's Orders (what he wants you to remember)
1.  Supermarket Can Help Fight Cancer
Your supermarket is your anti-cancer pharmacy.  The right choices can help you avoid disease.

2.  1/2 Of Plate For Fruits And Vegetables
When you sit down to dinner, fill 1/2 of your plate with fruits and vegetables.  Reserve 1/4 for lean protein and the remaining 1/4 for whole grains.

This was a really information packed episode!  He talks fast and says a lot in a short time.  My notes are crazy because I was trying to write fast.  Here goes!

There were nearly 1.5 million new cases of cancer diagnosed last year in America. Close to 600,000 people died. 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will face cancer in their lifetime. These are some really shocking numbers! That means that you or someone in your family will very likely develop cancer! According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, 1/3 of new cancers every year can be prevented with wholesome diet, regular exercise and a healthy weight. In some cancers, a healthy lifestyle can prevent up to 70% of new cases. Dr. Oz says that eating healthy can reduce cancer risk as much as quitting smoking. Why? When you feed your body nutritious foods:

• your body is better able to eliminate carcinogens
• you boost the function of your immune system
• you improve the health of your cells
• you can even change the behavior of your genes.

What should you eat?

1.  Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day.  Women who eat cabbage and broccoli three times a week are 72% less likely to get breast cancer.  It is best to cook carrots and tomatoes and use a little olive oil on them to release the antioxidants.  It is also best to cook broccoli lightly (do not overcook) to break down proteins that are hard to digest. A serving is 1 cup of greens, 1 cup of broccoli, 1 tomato, 1 orange or 1 cup of strawberries.

2.  Eat three servings of whole grains every day.  They are loaded with fiber which helps your body get the carcinogens out.  They also reduce inflammation, stabilize hormone levels and lower blood insulin.  A serving is 1 slice of bread or 1/2 cup cooked grains.

3.  Eat fish and vegetable protein like edamame and soy milk.  Meat can increase inflammation and is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.  Salmon should be cooked gently over a low heat because the Omega 3s are heat sensitive.  A serving size is 3.5 ounces of salmon, 1 egg, or 1/2 cup cooked beans.

4.  Use nature's oldest drugs - herbs and spices.  Ginger, garlic, turmeric, curry and cinnamon are good choices.  They are anti- inflammatory and anti- microbial.  When garlic is cut and exposed to air, it releases a potent anti-cancer drug that slows down the ability of cancer cells to divide uncontrollably.

Eating this way tips the balance of inflammation in favor of your immune system so it can fight off the risk of cancer.

Getting healthy is about making better choices.  You can get there one step at a time.  Knowing what a difference eating healthy can make definitely gives you a reason.  Do what's best for you and your family.  Start the move to a healthy lifestyle today!

What Is Agoraphobia?

From The Dr Oz Show
Aired 2/23/2010

Agoraphobia is the fear of panic. It affects over 3.5 million Americans. In extreme cases the fear paralyzes the person to such an extent that they only feel safe at home. Everyone with agoraphobia avoids things because of the fear. For most people the onset is gradual. Who is at risk? The number one risk factor is having a panic disorder. Women are four times more likely than men to have agoraphobia.

How can you tell if you have it? Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you avoid crowded places that are hard to get out of?
2. Do you avoid things like public transportation?
3. Do you avoid driving a car or riding in a car?
4. Do you avoid bridges and tunnels?

If you answered yes because you are afraid that one or more of these things would trigger a panic attack, you may have agoraphobia.

Getting healthy can be more challenging if you have agoraphobia. Part of a healthy lifestyle is going out and having a good time. Panic attacks and fear of panic attacks reduce your quality of life. As always, eating healthy and daily exercise are helpful. Check out this resource http://www.emofree.org It is free so give it a try.

Getting Healthy: Are You Sabotaging Yourself?

From The Dr. Oz Show
Aired On 2/22/2010

Today Dr. Oz showed what people ate when they thought no one was looking. He put out healthy food and unhealthy food and then videotaped people. Some people made good choices but a lot of people made bad choices. They went for the hamburgers, french fries, cookies and soda. Eating healthy is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. When Dr. Oz confronted them, they gave excuses that I've heard before. One excuse is: "It tastes good". My question is: "Will it still taste good when you have a heart attack or when your leg gets amputated?". Dr. Roizin's answer was that you can make things that taste just as good and aren't as bad for you.

Dr. Oz talked a lot about group eating. He said that on average, you eat 35% more if you're with a friend and that number goes up as the number of friends you're with goes up. So, Dr. Oz concluded that if you eat with a big group of friends three times per week, you could end up eating an extra 72,000 calories by the end of the year. How much is that? Well, he said in another segment that one pound is 3,500 calories. According to my math, that's about 20 pounds in one year. Think about that the next time you're out with friends. The doctors recommended that when you're eating with a group you should be the last one to start eating and you should eat slowly. It is always a good idea to eat slowly because you will usually eat less. At home too, pay attention to what you are eating. Savor it. Use all your senses. Also, I've read that you should chew your food a minimum of 30 times to aid digestion.

When I'm going to eat with a group, I prepare myself mentally. I remind myself of why I eat healthy and why I no longer overeat. I psych myself up to be strong and I decide ahead of time what I will allow myself. Usually I will allow myself half of a dessert because I have a real sweet tooth. You can follow a healthy diet and go out with your friends. Just remember that you eat to nourish your body and get the energy you need to do all the things you want to do. It helps to have a buddy so ask a friend to join you! Together you can change lives!

Help For Asthma, Allergies and Sinuses

On The Dr Oz Show Aired 2/12/2010
Dr Oz's Ultimate Countdown

Dr Oz's next to last countdown was:
The Two Alternative Health Secrets He Is Going To Try This Year!

The first one was the Himalayan Salt Inhaler. It's like a ceramic pot with a spout that has Himalayan salt in it. When you inhale through the spout, the air comes from the bottom and through the salt. The salt is supposed to be very pure because there is less pollution where it comes from. Personally, I love breathing the salty air at the beach. I always feel better when I am at the beach. The Himalayan Salt Inhaler is supposed to be helpful for asthma, allergies and sinuses. It could possible be beneficial for high blood pressure as well because of the potassium content of the salt.



A part of getting healthy is getting off harmful medications. It is always a good idea to try natural alternatives. At the very least, you could use less of the harmful drugs. A healthy lifestyle will help you to feel better no matter what. Stop missing out on life. If respiratory problems are preventing you from doing what you want to do, give this natural inhaler a try. Always follow directions when using natural products. Never stop your medication without checking with your doctor. Get healthy and feel great!

Foods To Avoid

from The Dr. Oz Show
Aired 02/19/2010

Making mistakes at the grocery store can take years off your life and off your family members lives. Salty snacks and frozen foods make the list of the top ten best sellers. The number one seller, with $12 billion in sales? Carbonated drinks. Know what didn't make the list? Fresh fruits and vegetables.

Here are the top 5 foods Dr. Oz believes you should keep out of your cart:

1 - simple sugars or simple carbs
These cause blood sugar imbalances and end up as belly fat. Examples are ice cream, sugary drinks, white bread and white pasta.

2 - meats high in nitrates and saturated fats
Nitrates have been linked to stomach cancer and other degenerative diseases. These include things like salami and other foods with additives.

3 - ingredients you can't pronounce
If you can't read it, don't buy it. Long names that can't be pronounced are usually things made in a lab. Healthy foods are natural and whole. Do you need to check the ingredients on a pint of tomatoes?

4 - fake healthy foods
One example is low fat foods. They try to make you think that they're healthy but the truth is, they are not. When the fat is removed, something else has to be added to make it taste good. Usually extra sugar is added. As mentioned below item 1, this causes blood sugar imbalances and extra fat around the middle.

5 - canned foods high in sodium
Too much sodium is bad for the arteries and blood pressure. The max you should be getting is 2300 mg per day although it would be better to consume a maximum of 1500 mg.

Want to get healthy? Eating well is key. The best diet includes fresh foods that are not fried or covered in cheese or cooked to death. If you want to live a healthy lifestyle, you have to look at food in a different way. What you eat determines how you feel. Eat the right foods and you will have energy. Be good to your body and it will be good to you. Abuse your body by feeding it garbage and it will let you down. Start right now. Throw away those doughnuts or what's left of that cake. You'll be glad you did!

Can You Get Rid Of Cellulite?

From The Dr. Oz Show
Aired 02/18/2010

At the end of the show, Dr. Oz gives his orders. They are the three things he wants you to remember from the show. Today, the second one was:

Watch out for products that promise to get rid of cellulite. Weight loss and targeted exercise are the best ways to improve its appearance.

During the show he talked about different treatment methods and how effective they are. According to him, liposuction and laser are too expensive because they are not permanent. They get rid of fat cells but your fat cells regrow. Massage seems to work because it traumatizes the area and it gets swollen so you don't see the puckering. Once the swelling goes down, you're right back where you started. As for creams, he says there are no studies that show creams are effective. So, what does he recommend? Diet and exercise are most effective. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. A good exercise for that area is doing plié squats while holding hand weights.

My Two Cents

Diet and exercise are most effective for everything. A healthy diet and exercise will improve your life. You don't have to get it all right today, just get started today. Say no to that sugary breakfast. Skip the fries at lunch. Resist the afternoon candy bar. One step at a time, one day at a time, you will get healthy. When you live a healthy lifestyle and you're not sick all the time and you're not tired all the time and you can actually sleep, you'll be happy to exercise. You'll be happy to eat healthy food because you love how it makes you feel. Make one good decision today. Then make another one tomorrow. You'll get there!

Are You Exhausted?

The Dr. Oz Show
Aired 02/17/2010

A cause of extreme fatigue can be the Epstein Barr Virus. It is easily transmitted and there is no cure. It is possible that it can cause lymphoma and multiple sclerosis. Adolescents who are infected can develop mononucleosis. The symptoms of mono are fever, sore throat, swollen glands and fatigue. The fatigue can be overwhelming and not helped by sleep. Dr. Oz tested some members of the audience and they all had the virus although they didn't all know it. 76% of them were also deficient in Vitamin D. Vitamin D is also a hormone and has a direct effect on the immune system. It is possible that getting enough Vitamin D can help the immune system fight the virus. Taking cod liver oil, Vitamin D3 and drinking fortified OJ and milk can help you get your D. Adding fish like salmon to your diet will help you get more D. Another way is to soak up 15 minutes of sun every day. Lack of Vitamin D has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Go for a walk outside when it's sunny and give your immune system an extra boost!

Lose Weight and Feel Great!

Today on the Dr. Oz Show:
100 people who each lost over 100 pounds, some of them have kept it off for years

This was a great show! It's really hard to pick one thing to write about. Let me give it a try. There were a lot of great tips and very encouraging statements but I think I'll write about the two that I liked the most.

1 - You didn't gain weight in two weeks and you can't lose it in two weeks

So true! Often excess weight creeps up a few pounds at a time. If it took you ten years to gain it, it won't be gone in a month. All the people on the show lost weight the right way, the Dr. Oz way, the old fashioned way. Surgery and fad diets are not the way to go. Why? This leads me to the second statement that stood out.

2 - It's not about dieting, it's about changing your life

Weight loss is not the real goal. The real goal should be lowering your blood pressure, having more energy, getting off medications, flying on an airplane, going hiking, being able to do whatever you want to do. That is why eating low fat this and low fat that is not a good idea either. Food is on this earth to nourish us. If you can't tell what something is by looking at it, don't eat it. Eat whole foods, natural foods and you will improve your health and eventually reach your ideal weight. The focus should always be on health. You're worth it!

Would you know what to do if you saw someone having a seizure?

Aired Monday 02/15/2010

Very informative segment about seizures. I had no idea what to do so here is what Doctor Oz recommends:

1 - Stay calm
2 - Keep person safe by pushing away anything that could hurt the person like anything with a sharp edge
3 - Turn the person's head to the side so any fluid or food can come out instead of blocking their airway
4 - Keep track of how long the seizure lasts because if it's more than 5 minutes it's a serious problem
5 - When the person comes to, get in the car and drive to a doctor

Don'ts
1 - Don't try to restrain them
2 - Don't put your fingers in their mouth
3 - Don't worry about them choking on their tongue
4 - Don't call 911


I hope I never have to use this information but it's good to know.

Hasta mañana!

6 Biggest Risks For Cancer

The Dr Oz show that aired Friday, February 12, 2010

On the show he counted down the top 6 risk factors for cancer. He said that there were nearly 1.5 million new cases of cancer just in the US last year. That's a lot! If you have one of the risk factors, it increases your risk for getting cancer. If you have more than one, that increases your risk even more. Four of the risk factors are things you can do something about. We should all be working on those four to keep our risk to a minimum. Here are the risks:

#6 - LIFESTYLE - Smoking, drinking and promiscuity increase your risk
#5 - SUN - Both spending too much and too little time in the sun increase risk
#4 - DIET - Eating a high fiber diet lowers risk of colon cancer 40%
#3 - OBESITY - A body mass index over 30 indicates obesity
#2 - FAMILY HISTORY - Close relatives who had cancer, especially before old age
#1 - AGE - The older you are, the greater your risk

I'll be writing more about these factors using information I've learned on other shows and I've read in books and magazines. If you have any of the risk factors #3 - #6, you really want to do something about it before you get cancer. Yes, there are a lot of survivors out there but there are also a lot of people who die. Think about your family, your friends, people who depend on you and all the people who would miss being able to see you and talk to you. Ultimately, the only way to make a really big change is to absolutely want it for yourself and be determined. Make a change today. You're worth it!

About My Blog

Hi! With all the crap on TV it is very refreshing to watch something worthwhile. Having had some bad experiences with doctors, it is also really nice to see a doctor trying to help people. He has said it many times himself: doctors don't know everything. If you think there is something wrong and your doctor doesn't believe you, be persistent. Don't give up. We are each responsible for our own health. That is why the show is so great. He tells you what to do to be healthy. He can help if you need to quit smoking, lose weight, lower your cholesterol or get off diabetes medication. I believe in using natural methods whenever possible so I love that he encourages people to eat well and exercise to avoid or stop using prescription medications. Who really wants to take damaging medications for the rest of their life? Not me! A good diet and some exercise can go a long way.

I'll try to post every day. Besides posting what the show is about and what Dr Oz's recommendations are, I will also post my opinions. I'm no expert, of course. Everything I think I know I learned from reading books and magazines, watching shows and going to a bunch of alternative health care providers. I also have first hand experience having suffered with a variety of health problems. I know what works for me. We are all individuals so what works for me might not work for you. The key to good health is learning as much as you can and finding what works for you. You have to remember that taking herbs or vitamins, changing your diet and exercising will not cure all your ills over night. Like Dr. Oz, I recommend that you make as many changes as you can and over time you will see a big difference. Getting healthy isn't about doing one particular thing. Just keep working at it and you'll get there. It's taken me 33 years! Hopefully this blog will help you get healthy faster than that.

You may want to keep a diary for a few days. Talk about how you slept, how you feel when you wake up, everything you ate all day, what exercise you did, etc. When we make small changes over time it is hard to notice a difference. The improvements can be so small we don't even realize they're happening. However, if you look at your diary a year later, you may find that you're sleeping better, that you have more energy, you get fewer headaches, your allergies are gone, etc. It's good to think about it periodically so you don't get discouraged.

Getting healthy is easier if we do it together!