There are many hormones in our bodies, but did you know there were some that are key hormones?  Below I include a list of hormones, what they are, what they do in our bodies and what can happen if they are unbalanced.

• Progesterone – this hormone is important for ovulation and menstruation.  If this hormone is unbalanced or low it can lead to mood changes, trouble sleeping, foggy thinking, weight gain and joint or muscle pain.

• Testosterone – this hormone is responsible for the male characteristics and sex drive; found primarily in men but also will find low levels in women.  If this hormone is unbalanced the most prominent effect is lowered sex drive, as well as decreased muscle tone, lethargy, weight gain, and an increased risk of heart disease.

• Estrogen - this hormone is responsible for the female characteristics and sexual function; found mainly in females but men will also have this hormone in lower levels.  If this hormone is unbalanced a woman will experience hot flashes, dryness, loss of sex drive, night sweats, and mood swings that are usually associated with menopause.  The lower levels will increase the risk of heart disease, bone fractures and sometimes strokes.

• Insulin – this hormone regulates the blood glucose levels.  When the insulin level is low, the cells cannot absorb glucose molecules; this also occurs with a resistance to insulin.  Without treatment, whether by diet or medication, the effects on the body will be irreparable.

• Cortisol – this hormone helps to regulate blood pressure, the body’s use of  proteins, carbohydrates and fats as well as cardiovascular function.  The unbalance of this hormone is usually attributed to stress, which will increase the levels of cortisol that can lead to high blood pressure, increased blood sugar and decreased libido.

• Thyroid – the thyroid gland produces a group of 3 hormones which control metabolism which is the conversion of oxygen and calories to energy.  This is a major and most critical function in the human body.  When unbalanced symptoms include fatigue, short-term memory issues, depression, apathy, and in some cases hallucinations.

• Adrenaline - this hormone increases the blood flow and heart activity which makes the body ready for extra exertion and energy.  When this hormone in unbalanced it will cause stress, anxiety attacks, weight disorders, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, shortness of breath as well as fibromyalgia.

The hormones listed above are all key hormones within our bodies and the more we are aware of them and what symptoms may occur with their imbalance, the more aware we become of our bodies and health as a whole.

It is not easy staying focused, especially with the stimuli that comes to us from all different directions.  There is a way to stay focused even when the kids are screaming, the phone ringing, the dogs barking, and the television in the background – sounds like the Calgon commercial.  Remember that one? Calgon! Take me away!

Well, we all don’t have the time required for a Calgon bath, but we can apply 5 Simple Tips that can go a long way towards improving your focus.

1. Sleep – sounds simple enough, however the lack of sleep, has numerous consequences, one of them reducing the ability to focus.  Anyone who is sleep deprived can attest to this realization.  Fatigue influences the production of brain chemicals, which can lead to lack of concentration and forgetfulness.
2. Manage Your Stress – when you are stressed, the brain will release stress hormones which can affect the brain’s ability to focus.  Stress can lead to anxiety and depression which of course will interfere with your memory and concentration levels.
3. Healthy Eating is Essential – inducing foods rich in antioxidants such as fruits and vegetables will provide the needed nourishment to the brain cells.   It is important to eat at least 6 small healthy meals a day, which include healthy snacks.  Hunger will affect your blood sugar levels which will inhibit your ability to focus.
4. Train Your Mind - a healthy mind is one that is busy, which is better able to concentrate and focus.  To keep your mind sharp, consider learning a new skill, playing board games, crossword puzzles or even Sudoku will help in stimulating the mind.  These activities will help in building your mental endurance, allowing you to focus even when faced with multiple tasks.
5. Stay Active - Researchers have found that individuals that exercise can focus and have better concentration that those who do not exercise.  Take a brisk walk, run up and down the stairs, by staying active you’ll avoid being behind your desk all day.  Staring at the computer all day will not help you focus, exercising your body and mind will help you focus, so get up and get moving.

Until next time,

Okay…I felt the need to share this with my readers.  This entire Swine Flu Pandemic scare is really getting out of hand.

Take a look at the video below that relates to the Swine Flu Vaccine scare back in 1976.

Please note:  this is an OLD video which demonstrates the bad advice that was being handed out back in the 1976 flu epidemic…

Now if you do your research you will note that many of the deaths that have occurred have been from those who actually get the flu vaccination.  And many more people have died resulting from the flu alone.

Also note that those more susceptible to extreme cases that may lead to death are the elderly or the very young.  The reason behind this is because their immune systems are weak or not fully developed. As well as many deaths are noted in more rural or under developed areas where sanitation is an issue, (and yes, we have such areas in the US, sad to say).

It is important to remain healthy to avoid such illnesses.  Read and be informed before falling prey to the media hype.

Basic things to remember, and notice I wrote basic:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water more than simply once a day
• When coughing, please cover your mouth (Can you hear your mom’s voice?)
• Your diet should consist of healthy food, not simply fast-food or ‘junk food’
• Exercise, yes exercise will keep your immune system strong
• Avoid the needless anti-biotics and immunizations if possible, remember the anti-biotics will not only attack the ‘bad’ germs but also the needed ‘good’ germs that actually help our bodies fight disease
• Concentrate on being disease-free and don’t cover up the symptoms
• Umm…silly to note, but NO you will not get this strain of flu from eating pork

Please be informed, don’t rely on the media.  Remember this is being enforced by the government as well…and I really don’t want to get political here, I’m just saying do your homework.

More people die from auto accidents, smoking and iatrogenic reasons (drug induced/dr induced) then they do from the swine flu.

Please stay healthy, do your homework, wash your hands and your body will be able to handle this illness if indeed it becomes a pandemic.

We all know in order to stay healthy, both physically and mentally that we must exercise. Below are 3 Simple Reasons why you must exercise.

1. Sleep Better – Everyone knows how important sleep is but did you know that exercise may help you fall asleep quicker?  Not only will you fall asleep quicker but you will also stay asleep longer.  When we get a good night’s sleep we are in a better mood, able to concentrate, have more energy all together being more productive.  Be careful not to exercise to close to your bedtime or you will be too wire from the adrenaline to sleep.  It is best to exercise 5 to 6 hours before your bedtime for best results.
2. Happier – Exercise stimulates the chemicals in your brain to improve and enhance your mood.  These chemicals result in making you happier and in a more pleasant mood.  Exercise we know will enhance your sleep patterns which also help in enhancing your mood.  This will not only increase your self-confidence but will enhance your mood and overall mood.
3. Heart Healthy – Exercise is essential to having a healthy heart.  This occurs because exercise helps to deliver oxygen, and vital nutrients to your body tissues and organs which results in your body functioning at an optimal level. Exercise also improves circulation and cardiovascular health which will keep your heart strong and less likely to develop health issues over time.

Need more reasons to exercise? Or perhaps you don’t have a clue where to begin.  Then I want to invite you to my Spring Into Health Tele seminar being held on Wednesday 4/29/09.  This seminar is entirely FREE and can be accessed via your telephone or computer.  Come listen to 2 Fitness Experts and myself give you 5 Simple Steps to enhancing your lifestyle.

Visit this site for more info and be sure to RSVP for the special link:  Spring Into Health Tele seminar.

We all know how important exercise is to our health, well here is one more reason to exercise.

Physical inactivity is connected to chronic pain which can lead to skeletal pain, which affect the muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones.  It seems that more and more people are suffering from chronic pain than ever before.  Chronic conditions such as back pain, arthritis and neck pain which then lead to fatigue, stress and even depression is increasing more and more.  Some experts have gone as far as calling this increase in musculoskeletal conditions an epidemic.

According to a study done in 2008 and published in BMs Musculoskeletal Disorders, there is a connection between chronic musculoskeletal conditions with lack of physical activity.  It seems that our bodies need constant exercise in the form of movement.  We don’t have to go an extreme of running a marathon but daily walking will be extremely beneficial to our bodies.  To view the actual study you can visit www.biomedcentral.com.

The list continues to grow on the reasons to exercise.  So, in essence this is a warning! Don’t wait to be in pain to begin exercising because mostly likely you will not do it.  It is important to remember that a consistent, balanced fitness program of muscle strengthening, cardio and stretching will do more than help with the prevention of chronic pain.  A daily and even a weekly exercise routine will  help prevent other serious conditions such as hypertension and heart disease.

So, let’s get those walking shoes on and start walking today!

Until next time,