Archive for February, 2010

FYI: Yogi-isms by Yogi Berra

February 26, 2010 · Filed under FYI: For Your Information, Health and Wellness, Yogi-isms by Yogi Berra · Tagged , , , , ,

FYI: FOR YOUR INFORMATION

My perspectives on various topics

that are health related

Topic: Yogi-isms (by Yogi Berra)

When asked what time it was……you mean now?

Friday February 26, 2010

This is the final Yogi quote for the week and I may do some more at another time (let me know if you like them). Here is another clever one, I’d say. How do you define time? Are you speaking in/of the past? present? or future? We all know (but sometimes speak otherwise) that the only time we have is in the present. The exact moment that I am writing this, is it! What happened before is OVER what is going to happen, isn’t known (although there have been those gifted to see the future, but I do not necessarily ascribe to it). If we pay attention to be mindful in the moment (and also try to multi-task less) there would be a smoother flow to our time and space. Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk speaks of being mindful in everything we do. What he means is that we consciously think about the thing we are doing at that time (whether it is walking the dog, washing the dishes) and connect with it fully. For example (in case this seems too difficult to understand), if I am going for a walk, I would think and pay attention to each step I am making and how it feels when I step down on the front of my foot and lift up my heel. Then I may breathe in that sensation inside of me and continue doing that while I am walking. This perhaps can be a walking meditation. That is what matters to you because that is what you are doing! It can be challenging because there is so much going on around you at the time, that is pulling you in all different directions. That is why, we almost have to talk/tell ourselves to stay in the moment. You can experiment with this yourselves and do something where you are fully attentive to that and only that. Like anything, you need to keep on practicing and be present in your participation! Tune in on Monday for the next new post.

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FYI: Yogi-isms by Yogi Berra

February 25, 2010 · Filed under FYI: For Your Information, Health and Wellness, Yogi-isms by Yogi Berra · Tagged , , , , , , , ,



FYI: FOR YOUR INFORMATION

My perspectives on various topics

that are health related



Topic: Yogi-isms (by Yogi Berra)

If the world were perfect, it wouldn’t be

Thursday February 25, 2010

So here is Yogi again, in all his glory (don’t forget, no one can take away the fact that he has World Series rings for all 10 fingers playing with the New York Yankees– if he so chooses to have them sized so he can wear one on each of them – the years he won were, 1947, 1949, 1950-53, 1956, 1958, 1961-62.). Note: if you weren’t aware of this fact, the inimitable Yogi Berra enlisted in the Navy in 1944 and was stationed aboard a rocket launcher off the coast of Normandy Beach just after D-Day. Thank you, Yogi, for your service to our country! In this quote, he says something positive and then changes his mind and says it isn’t so! I don’t have a problem with that, even if you might. What is perfection anyway? I don’t believe anyone really knows for sure. We all strive for it and are on the life long journey to do so. I, myself, have been consciously continuing in the path of optimal health and happiness for 20 years. I have learned so much from all my experiences and I know that have shaped me into the person I am today. If you are aware of the story in the Bible of Adam and Eve, they inhabited the “Garden of Eden.” It was said to be the perfect place and everything was provided for. You didn’t have to worry about food, shelter, work, etc. What a great life and then according to the story, Eve ate an apple from the Tree of Knowledge and they were banished from this “ecstasy.” That to me was perfection of an-other world. Whether we on this earthly plane will ever be given the chance to experience that, one never knows, but we can still always ‘reach’ for it and never give up or back down.

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FYI: Yogi-isms by Yogi Berra

February 24, 2010 · Filed under FYI: For Your Information, Health and Wellness, Yogi-isms by Yogi Berra · Tagged , , , , ,



FYI: FOR YOUR INFORMATION

My perspectives on various topics

that are health related

Topic: Yogi-isms (by Yogi Berra)

The future ain’t what it used to be

Wednesday February 24, 2010

Here is another great quote. They are starting to rub off on me in such a way that I don’t look at them as mindless or out-of-place. They actually make more sense, maybe then people give Yogi credit for. I’ll say, if he ever reads this in my blog, I would want him to know that he is a deep thinker and gets my vote for MVP in the world of quotes (I know there are many great ones out there, myself included, not to brag, but I have some of my own that I think are awesome and perhaps will share them with you in the future. They are part of a poetry book I have compiled, but not yet published called, “My Inspirations: Heart Notes.”). Do people sometimes have premonitions/ESP/intuition and can’t really explain it? I would say so, and this quote to me, is in that vain. Who could have predicted years ago the way the world would be now (oh yes, there are those prognosticators and fortune tellers and I don’t deny or discount everything they say, but I do not live me life by following their every whim and fancy)? I do believe that planet earth itself can not sustain the way we are mis-treating with little care about the consequences. The same holds true for not taking care (i.e care taking) of our own personal space (meaning our physical bodies). The abuse and neglect leads to a future of dis-ease and dis-pair that may be difficult or too late to re-pair. Think about this, if I took a poll (and please indulge me, if you choose to and post your comments) as to how many people out there “baby” their vehicle (car, motorcycle, etc) and make sure everything is working right, shiny, given the right fuel, motor oil, etc. I believe that the percentage would be very high, compared to those who actually fancy doing the same for themselves with the right food, right attitude, fresh air, sunshine, deep breathing, healthy relationships, etc. I would love for someone to prove me wrong, on this account, but I am sincerely doubtful. I know this will change and I say it is so! The future is in your hands and don’t forget that the next generations are all affected by our choices.

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FYI: Yogi-isms by Yogi Berra

February 23, 2010 · Filed under FYI: For Your Information, Health and Wellness, Yogi-isms by Yogi Berra · Tagged , , , , ,

FYI: FOR YOUR INFORMATION

My perspectives on various topics

that are health related

Topic: Yogi-isms (by Yogi Berra)

You can observe a lot by watching

Tuesday February 23, 2010

I know, Yogi is a bit of a quirky man and it seems like he’s using different words to say the same thing, and he is, but that is what makes it clever, amusing and entertaining (heck, Yogi’s quotes became a book and it isn’t like he really needs the money!). Think hard and long (for yourself) as to what this means to you. To me, it is to pay attention and really “tune in” to what is going on around you. Sometimes you may not want to be in touch and would rather turn everything off. I say, YES! to doing that with all the gadgets and gizmos out there (at least for a little while). People these days, seem to get so wrapped up in staying “connected” at every possible moment with the latest news, sports, Hollywood drama, etc and forget that each of us is a real person and needs to be attentive to the things that matter in life. It is great to be a go-getter and make money, have a nice car, house, possessions, but it isn’t the be all and the end all in life. When was the last time you looked at a tree and really noticed the large trunk, intertwined branches that curves around like the veins in the body and leaves all attached and then when the right moment comes, they cascade and blow in the wind to finally reach the ground? Have you truly noticed the vastness of the sky, sand and oceans? Have you been in awe of the lightning, a rainbow, a tornado or a hurricane (all creations of nature whether they are positive or not quite that way)? Allow yourself the time and the pleasure to “re-connect” and notice what is beautiful in the world. I speak from experience in saying that you will be that much more thankful for all you have and take nothing for granted.

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FYI: Yogi-isms by Yogi Berra

February 22, 2010 · Filed under FYI: For Your Information, Health and Wellness, Yogi-isms by Yogi Berra · Tagged , , , , ,

FYI: FOR YOUR INFORMATION

My perspectives on various topics

that are health related

Topic: Yogi-isms (by Yogi Berra)

I didn’t really say everything I said

Monday February 22, 2010

Let me first introduce you to Yogi Berra and let you know that I will be using his quotes this week in my blog. I am a die-hard Yankees fan and grew up in Queens, New York. You say, “that would make me a Mets fan.” My Dad took me and my 2 brothers to games at Shea (the old Mets stadium) and Yankee Stadiums when we were children. I enjoy baseball and would go see a game, even if the Yankees aren’t the team that is playing. I have been devoted to the Pinstripes since the late 70’s and have continued my allegiance through thick and thin (meaning the winning and the losing seasons). I am not a ‘fair weather fan‘ and I wear my colors boldly and proudly, even though I am no longer a resident of New York. Getting back to Yogi Berra, here is some info I took from his website:

Lawrence Peter “Yogi” Berra was born on May 12, 1925 in St. Louis, Mo. and grew up on Elizabeth Street in a neighborhood called “The Hill”.

Yogi got his “nickname” from Bobby Hofman, a childhood friend. While watching a movie about an Indian snake charmer, Bobby noted that Yogi had a striking resemblance to the hindu man, saying “That yogi walks like Lawdie (Larry) Berra,” and the name stuck. Joe Garagiola tells a funny story about Yogi giving Carmen an anniversary card signed ‘Yogi Berra.’ She asked him if he thought he had to sign his last name so she wouldn’t think it came from some other Yogi.”

In 1942 Yogi was playing minor League ball and was approached by the then Cardinals General Manager, Branch Rickey. Rickey had just signed Garagiola for $500, but Rickey offered Yogi $250 and Yogi turned him down. It was reported that Rickey said of Yogi, “He’ll never make anything more than a Triple A ballplayer at best.” Yankees scout Leo Browne disagreed and convinced the Yankees that Yogi was worth the $500, so the Yankees signed him. Read more about his illustrious career with the Yankees: http://www.yogiberra.com/about.html

I find the above quote to be rather interesting and can be interpreted a number of ways. One angle would be to deny part of what you said or that you didn’t mean it the way you said it. How many people do you know personally who want to take back the words they said, always after the fact. Doesn’t anyone ever think before they speak? Did you ever hear the phrase, “Count to 10?” There have been many prominent politicians, professional athletes, actors, etc (some are even looked up to as role models in society) who were caught in a lie and then had to backtrack afterwards. To relate this to health, there are many out there who are trying to refute the benefits of organics or making claims that using things like aspartame isn’t harmful (read more about this: http://www.dorway.com/ (this website has great info, if you are not already aware of this awful product). Then down the road they will want to ‘back peddle’ to say they didn’t say it or mean it that way. Truth be told, they said it and wanted you to believe it because they have a lot vested in the company or the product and are looking to gain power, money and prestige regardless of who is hurt in the process. Please be more AWARE of the choices you make with regards to food. If you buy any packaged products, check the label thoroughly for the ingredients. A couple of tips: 1) if the list is very long, then it probably isn’t good for you, 2) if you can’t pronounce a word, it is likely a chemical, 3) the ingredients start from the most to the least amount of the what is in the product, 4) if you are not sure about a product, call the company and/or look up the ingredient(s) you aren’t sure of and then make an educated decision on whether to buy it or not. I am a 100% strict purist when it comes to ingredients (I also don’t buy anything in a can, jar, bottle or package when it comes to food) and I also have studied up on them for many years. I can look at any product and in seconds tell you whether it is truly pure or not (this includes food, cleaning products, body care, supplements, vitamins and any other I didn’t mention).

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FYI: A Small Group of People Could Change the World…

February 19, 2010 · Filed under FYI: For Your Information, Health and Wellness · Tagged , , , , ,

FYI: FOR YOUR INFORMATION

My perspectives on various topics

that are health related


Topic: A Small Group of People Could Change the World.  Indeed it’s the Only Thing That Ever Has. (Margaret Mead)

Friday February 19, 2010

I am continuing with quotes from famous people as there are many great ones out there that I can make a connection to aspects of health and wellness. Margaret Mead was a famous anthropologist and a writer and speaker in the 1960’s and 70’s.

For more info check out this website: http://www.webster.edu/~woolflm/margaretmead.html

Next week, I will do some Yogi-isms (as in Yogi Berra, as I love baseball and I’m a HUGE Yankees fan!). In today’s quote I will relate it to an issue that came about in the world of organic food. Quite a number of years ago the FDA or USDA wanted to allow irradiation, hormones, antibiotics and pesticides in organically grown foods. To those of use who are proponents of this way of life, it would have been horrific (in never did come to pass). At the time, people may have said, “well, it doesn’t matter if I don’t say/do anything about it, as I am only one person.” This was not the case. People in mass wrote letters, called, sent emails and protested this. I believe it was 100,000 strong!

So you can understand the POWER OF THE PEOPLE. If each person would have said, “not me,” then we wouldn’t have the guidelines for what can and cannot be used to grow organic food (as mentioned above). Here are some website to check out with more information:

http://usdafda.com/Articles/Organic.htm

http://www.foodnews.org/

Have a great weekend! Stay tuned for new posts again on Monday

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FYI: Let Food Be Thy Medicine and Medicine Be Thy Food

February 18, 2010 · Filed under FYI: For Your Information, Health and Wellness, Raw - Living Foods, Raw Vegan Lifestyle, Topics on health related issues · Tagged , , , , ,

FYI: FOR YOUR INFORMATION

My perspectives on various topics

that are health related

Topic: Let Food Be Thy Medicine and Medicine Be Thy Food (Hippocrates)

Thursday February 18, 2010

Here is another great quote from the Father of Medicine who also created the Hippocratic Oath (which in my honest opinion, has now become the “Hypocritical” Oath, as doctors do not follow his guidelines for treating people {that is what they are and not simply ‘patients’ as they are called} who are in need of medical care. Another thing that is “wrong” with the medicine in America, is that it has become sick care. There are countries in the East (I know that it used to work this way in the past and maybe it still occurs with some traditional doctors) where the doctor would not be paid if the person comes to them and is not well. Only when they are “symptom-free” did the doctor get to collect money. This makes sense to me! How about you? Please be sure to give me your feedback. For one thing, I do not ascribe to the western way of medicine a nd don’t have health insurance or see a doctor (I am not telling you to follow what I do, merely telling you the way I choose to live my life). I know that doctors can help with a diagnosis and also for emergency situations (like fixing broken bones) they can be a G-d send (as was for me when I broke my left elbow over 10 years ago). Getting back to the quote from Hippocrates, it makes perfect sense to me logically that he was a genius, even back then (he lived 400 years before J.C.)! His message is ageless and timeless! It is a shame that so many people have to go on all these diet programs like Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Slimfast , etc. If they would follow the principle that Hippocrates stated in the above quote, in layman’s terms it would be: food = medicine; medicine = food. I know that the best foods to consume are mostly fruits and vegetables, preferably in their raw form. Take this into consideration and find even one fruit or vegetable that you like and would be willing to have more of it everyday and keep building on that idea. If you are an adult, think about the fruits you loved as a kid. What child did not like watermelon? How about grapes? (of course when they are in season is the best time to buy them). Next, you can try a fruit you have never eaten. If you aren’t sure you’ll like it, when you go to the supermarket, farmers market, etc ask if you can get a piece of it to try. More than likely, you will be able to do so. Do some research on the internet for exotic fruits or tropical fruits and find out about the many options that are available to you.

Check out these links for more information on Hippocrates

and the last one is for the actual oath

http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/Museum/hippoc.html

http://gardenofpraise.com/ibdhipp.htm

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/doctors/oath_classical.html

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FYI: We Must Be The Change We Want To See

February 17, 2010 · Filed under FYI: For Your Information, Health and Wellness, Topics on health related issues · Tagged , , , , ,

FYI: FOR YOUR INFORMATION

My perspectives on various topics

that are health related

Topic: We Must Be The Change We Want To See

(Mahatma Gandhi)

Wednesday February 17, 2010

I have decided to start using some famous quotes as topics for my blog. They can be very powerful and profound and really make us THINK! The quote from Gandhi, is one with such a strong message. When I first embarked on my vegan journey 20 years ago, I formally studied macrobiotics, I was so excited about this lifestyle that I wanted to share it with the world and change everyone. That was a short-lived thought, which I decided was not the optimal way to “spread the wealth.” At the time (1993), I had not, as yet, figured out the best way to let others know. Then I had an epiphany, when someone asks me a question about anything related to health or my thoughts on a certain food (whether I think it is good or what I know about it), that is the OPEN DOOR! This is the moment I realize that the person wants to learn more and perhaps make a change in their lifestyle choices. Relating to the quote above, is another way for others to follow in your footsteps. If you walk your talk and people see how you act, behave and how healthy you look, they will want to know what the “secrets” are to achieving this for themselves. Of course, nothing is truly hidden, but sometimes needs to be emphasized and brought up again or perhaps rephrased to make it simpler to understand. Eating healthy and looking the part, isn’t rocket science. Mother earth has provided us with a vast abundance of incredible foods growing in the trees and in the ground that are full of nutrients to keep us vital and energized. Start exploring the many choices available and then you will be looked at as an “example” others will want to emulate, too!

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FYI: Laughter Is The Best Medicine

February 16, 2010 · Filed under FYI: For Your Information, Health and Wellness, Topics on health related issues · Tagged , , , , ,

FYI: FOR YOUR INFORMATION

My perspectives on various topics

that are health related

Topic: Laughter Is The Best Medicine

Tuesday February 16, 2010

I decided to talk about this topic because it is one that is very important. I say this, because there is someone (and maybe more than one person) who has written a book by that very title, Norman Cousins. He overcame a serious ailment/dis-ease in his life via laughter. I would highly recommend that you read his book and find out more about his challenges and imminent recovery. As children, we would all laugh at anything and everything, especially when we hear others, we’d copy-cat them. Laughter is also contagious! I absolutely love to laugh for no reason at all. Well, there really is a reason, and that is because it makes me feel good! You build up your endorphins (the happy hormones), get a cardiovascular workout if it is a long-lasting belly laugh, strengthens your abdominal muscles, relieves pain, etc (there are many other benefits that I have not mentioned, but these are the ones I know of).

I never knew about laughter yoga, until a workshop was given at my health food store. You can find a free group in your area by checking the website I listed.

This information is taken from the website www.laughteryoga.org

Laughter Yoga is a revolutionary idea – simple and profound. An exercise routine, it is sweeping the world and is a complete wellbeing workout.

The brainchild of Dr. Madan Kataria, a Physician from Mumbai, India, launched the first Laughter Club at a Park on March 13, 1995, with merely a handful of persons. Today, it has become a worldwide phenomenon with more than 6000 Social Laughter Clubs in about 60 countries.

Laughter Yoga combines Unconditional Laughter with Yogic Breathing (Pranayama). Anyone can Laugh for No Reason, without relying on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group; with eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter. The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. One gets the same physiological and psychological benefits.

Other great websites I found are:

www.laughtertherapy.com

http://www.laughterremedy.com

Also check out www.youtube.com and search for videos on laughter yoga and it will help you start to laugh for no reason.

Please be sure to spread the wealth, as health is wealth and what better way to do so then by giggling out loud and know that you are having fun while you are feeling naturally high and happy!

LAUGH TILL IT HURTS AND YOU EYES WELL UP AND THEN YOU WILL KNOW HOW GOOD IT FEELS!

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FYI: You Are What You______- Part II

February 15, 2010 · Filed under FYI: For Your Information, Health and Wellness, Topics on health related issues · Tagged , , , , , , , , ,



FYI: FOR YOUR INFORMATION

My perspectives on various topics

that are health related



Topic: You Are What You_____ – Part II

Monday February 15, 201o

I decided that I need to bring back this fill in the blank topic, as there is more to it, then what I wrote the previous time (that being on Wed. Feb. 10th). I was sitting down to eat my dinner salad meal at the table (seated next to my Mom, as I am visiting my parents and others). I noticed how she is eating her meal and how I am. There was quite a differential (which I will discuss in more detail shortly). Getting back to what I would fill in the blank with for the topic above would be, digest and more so, what you assimilate and absorb. So, as a was observing my Mom eating, while I was, as well, here is what I noticed (ok, Mom, I am not trying to be negative, merely giving my feedback to help you and others, too, to know how to better eat for optimal abs0rption). Number 1 – Her posture was not perfect and I sit more on the edge of my chair so I sit up straight (better for digestion). Number 2- she does not seem to put down her utensils (fork, spoon, etc) after taking a bite to give herself the time to chew and sometimes even put in more then one forkful into her mouth at one time. I on the other hand tend to put my utensils down after each fork full (I usually eat with chopsticks) and set it down on another plate so I have to spend the time to pick it up again to get more food. Number 3- My Mom doesn’t chew her food for very long, whereas, I will chew it till it is mostly liquid in my mouth (as that is where the digestion actually occurs and your enzymes are activated) and will not put any more food in my mouth until that mouthful is completely masticated. Number 4- when you “inhale” your food, as my Mom tends to do, you are not absorbing the nutrients and usually need to keep eating more and more food, as you are always hungry. Number 5- Another way you know that you are not assimilating your food properly, is when your bowel movements tend to be loose and you can see pieces of the food floating in the water (don’t get me wrong, that has happened to me on many occasions, I am not perfect, so I share with you my challenges, as well. When I chew my food better, I notice that my movements are solid and I barely have the need for any toilet paper. Number 6- I also noticed that it is best to sit quietly without any distractions from TV, radio, phones, computer and simply “plug in” to your food and the energy it is giving you and the sensations you feel while chewing and the wonderful flavors and colors (I eat lots of green leafy vegetables and other wonderful non-sweet fruits for dinner (cucumbers, tomat0es, red bell peppers) and sometimes sweet fruits, as well – if I don’t have fat in my salad). Number 7- Giving yourself a few minutes at the end of the meal to reflect on your time, without “jumping” up so quickly to go to the next project. Sit and relish in the beauty of life and the gifts you have been given. The same can be said for when you sit down to your meal. Try to have everything you need on the table before you start so there is no reason to get up at all once you have started, as it disrupts the flow of your meal. Number 8- Give thanks in whatever way you can/know before you eat your food and afterwards. Since much has gone into getting it to you, so lets show our gratitude. If we can all have the attitude of gratitude in life for everything and anything, life would be filled with much love, joy, health, happiness, peace, prosperity, abundance and beauty. Do what you can to make this so! Please send your comments and what you would fill in the blank with for the topic above.

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