Lower Your Blood Pressure and Pulse The Organic Way

Everyone needs a timeout every once in a while...even the dog.  A day or two in the country with no newspapers, radio, television, unnecessary human interaction can do wonders for your blood pressure, your heart rate and your overall wellbeing.  I thought I'd take the advice I give my own patients and try it out for myself.  After two days of doing nothing but sitting under a tree watching the dog observe the horse playing with the pony who was studying the deer outside the paddock guarding her foal who was playfully paracing around a chipmunk eating a nut - I began to relax, and center myself to the natural environment.  We took short walks around the perimeter of my cousin's farm, munching on wild berries, observing wildlife in the pond; we picked greens and squash blossoms for our breakfast that were prepared with eggs from the chickens down the road.  The afternoon was much the same...say nothing, do nothing; just sit and absorb the sights, smells and sounds around us.  Dinner was very much the same - fresh greens accompanied by organic goat burgers from another farm in the area.  Bed by 10 and up at 5am to the singing of the birds.

There's something to be said for the quiet, naturalness of a farm.  Nothing goes to waste and when nature is allowed to 'do it's thing', all is right in the world.  We returned from the farm with a goodie bag filled with greens from the garden (a little bag of fairy dust you might say); the dog is walking around with her old bounce to her step, and I'm feeling more relaxed and rested; we're ready to meet and greet our Monday morning patients with a smile and another fine story.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  If you can manage to stay on a farm like I did for 2 days, it'll do you a lot of good.  You'll sleep better, eat better and feel better.  Appreciate that there are still little 'heavens' out there and support your local farmers.  And while you're sitting on a chair under a tree soaking up the sights, smells and sounds, remember what an old friend of mine would tell me:  Relax, Absorb, Participate, Share and Enjoy.  Pay it forward.

With gratitude to Connie Rovigo and John DiGregorio of Cavallo Jewellers, Red Hook, New York. http://www.yessy.com/cavallojewelers

Stamina and Longevity

Last night, I went to see a corporate 'fight night' event.  This is an event where, white collar (men and women) train to box at their gym and then get into the ring for 3 two minute rounds of boxing bouts.
There is dignity in just having the guts to get into the ring...no one is a loser here.  The training that goes into fighting is grueling, rigorous and demands the highest standards of cardiovascular training.  2 minutes in the ring can be the longest 2 minutes of your life.  The bell rings and your opponent comes out of his or her corner, ready to beat your brains out...and they don't even know you.   It's nothing personal; you're just 'IT'.  The heart rate soars during those 2 minutes and can go up to as much as 170bpm.  You'd better be in really good cardio condition for this sport. 
Did you know that the resting heart rate of a conditioned athlete is approximately 48bpm?  This is because they are heart healthy.  Your heart is the most important muscle in your entire body.  Forget the quads and biceps that most think are the target muscles to hit at the gym.  Your heart rules:  the better cardio-conditioned you are, the better your heart will pump that oxygenated red blood cell supply to your organs, muscles and bones...oh yeah - and the brain.   In the long run, you'll be smarter, stronger, faster and you'll most likely live longer.
And if you think you've got what it takes to go into the ring....you'll have more stamina.  You'll have your 'day in the sun'.
Here's Your Tip of the Day:  try jumping rope...it's great stuff for the heart.  Start off with a consecutive 2 minute round.  Take a 60 sec break and then get back to it.  Next round, jump for 5 minutes, then take another 60 sec break.  Keep increasing the length of time you can jump without resting.  Breathe naturally and think about dancing.  Rope jumping is like dance...it's rhythym and fun.
And when you think you can jump for at least 20 minutes straight, give me a call and you can come jump with me!
Have a great weekend!