Are You A Champion?

Champions are not born; they are made.  Courage, determination, perseverance - these are the ingredients that go into making a champion.  These aspects are your allies in your battle against disease, obesity, mental illness, or rehabilitation from an injury.  Everyone possesses these essential elements within themselves; they sometimes need to be coaxed out to our consciousness.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Do you have what it takes to be a champion?  Every day, we all fight a small battle against disease, obesity, mental illness or other physical injury.  Look into the mirror and find your courage, determination, and persevere.  At the end of the day, you will be a winner; the champion of your own well being - both mentally and physically.

Acupuncture for Stroke

For most people, stroke rehabilitation can be a very long and arduous journey.  Acupuncture has long been used as a form of stroke rehab.  Acupuncture therapy, when received on a regular basis can improve some of the physical debilitations of the stroke, but also improve the psychological and emotional state of the patient.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  If you or someone you know has suffered from a stroke, I encourage you to seek out acupuncture for stroke rehabilitation.  In addition, acupuncture is quite effective in the treatment of the 'slouching face' that is so prevalent with Bell's Palsy.  For more information, email the office at k@kmondesire.com today.

Save the Life of a Stroke Vicitim by Knowing These Simple Steps

One of my readers asked me to share this information with all of you today.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S *Ask the individual to SMILE.


T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)


(i.e. It is sunny out today.)


R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.  The Chinese have known this for approximately 3,000 years and is taught in every Chinese Medical Institution here in the United States today.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.  Acupuncture is highly effective to bring back function to the post stroke patient.  If you or anyone you know has suffered from a stroke, I encourage you or your loved one to begin a regular course of acupuncture treatment for a more effective rehabiliation.
I have done my part. Will you?

Hydration, Climate, Alcohol and Caffeine

Water is just so important for our wellbeing.  We couldn't survive without it, as our bodies are composed mostly of water.  So, how does climate affect how much fluids we should intake on a daily basis?  It's not brain surgery:  if you live in a hot climate, you will need more water on a daily basis compared to someone who lives in a very cold climate.  If you exercise and live in a hot climate, double the daily dosage.  If you live in a hot and humid environment, all the more water the better.  You might actually need twice the amount of water than the person living in a hot, dry climate.  If you do live in a cold climate, don't skimp on water.  Very cold frigid air can be the cause of dehydration as you inhale this dry and cold air.  Altitude doesn't change the equation (11,500-17,500ft).  Your body will adapt to the altitude change and find a new 'normal' at 2% dehydrated and function better.
Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics and for the most part, your body will hold the fluids from these beverages.  However, caffeine and alcohol in excess will dehydrate you.  Wine and liquor have more dehydrating properties than a simple beer.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  Use your common sense when training for an event or exercising.  Make certain you keep track of your hydration needs and now that summer is here, avoid dehydration and heat stroke!

Hazy, Hot and Humid Monday

It's a hazy, hot and humid Monday and I'm sure many of you here in Manhattan are feeling the poor air quality that has been talked about so much on the television news this morning.  It's important to take it a bit slower today and stay indoors - especially if you suffer from asthma or heart disease.

Here are Your Healthy Tips for Today:  if you want to work out, do it at the gym.  Don't be foolish and run outside where the air quality is poor.  Take a bottle of water with you wherever you go today and make sure you stay hydrated.  Don't get aggravated or frustrated - go slow!  Keep your heart rate and blood pressure low...blowing a fuse doesn't do your health any good and you'll ruin everyone else's day if you take a heart attack or have a stroke - so don't be selfish!  Eat watermelon!!  Lots and lots of it (unless you have a sugar issue).  Watermelon is eaten by the Chinese to stave off summer heat.  It'll cool you off, it's fun and share it with your friend.  Telephone and check up on an elderly neighbor, friend or relative and see what you can pick up from the market for them so they don't have to venture outside.  Ensure that they are cool and comfortable.  Last but not least...don't walk your pets in the heat.  They get heatstroke faster than we do and the asphalt can and will burn their toe pads.  Give them some watermelon as well.
Have a great Monday!