Growing Young

The Secret of Immortality

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:06:00 GMT

Do you want to live forever? I do. That is if the quailty of my life is excellent. I don't want to live in unbearable pain or in some prolonged vegetative state, but a quality life without end - sign me up! Actually, I'm already signed up as I hope you are. My faith in Jesus Christ ensures that I will spend eternity in Heaven. But what about extending our lives on earth? Most people are in no hurry to die, myself included.

As I research myriads of books and articles about anti-aging for my “Growing Young” book (working title), I ran across a very interesting book called The Immortality Edge by Fossel, Blackburn and Woynarowski – medical doctors and researchers in the science of extending life. The central theme of their book is stated in their tag line: Realize the Secrets of Your Telomeres for a Longer, Healthier Life. Until recently, I didn’t even know I had telomeres. Well, I do. And so do you.

Telomeres are defined as the segment of DNA that occurs at the ends of chromosomes. They are the non-genetic material that determines the life span of a cell. They’ve been described as long strands of “junk” DNA. Instead of losing vital DNA during replication, segments of the telomeres break off and grow shorter and shorter. At the point that the telomere reaches its critical limit, the cell either stops reproducing or dies.

Today, the age of a cell can be measured by the length of its telomere. Infants have very long telomeres, but not near as long as those of embryos. Of course adults, have even shorter telomeres. Telomeres don’t actually measure chronological age, but rather biological age – supporting the “you’re as young as you feel” cliché. I know this may be “TMI” (too much info) for some of you. But hang in there with me as it is fascinating and worth pondering the possibilities.

The authors say that telomere biology is “an extension of all other theories on aging – including wear and tear, antioxidant deficiency, genetic and hormonal deterioration, and mitochondrial aging and dysfunction – since ultimately they all point to the telomere”. One proof that telomeres are at the center of much of the longevity and anti-aging science is the fact that telomere researchers won the Nobel Prize in medicine in 2009. Even more fascinating discoveries have been made since then that are causing many scientists to believe we can not only stop aging, but reverse it. Wow.

This is exciting information for someone who turns sixty in 150 days. It’s even more exciting for my father who turns 84 in two weeks and will ski until his last dying day if he can. So, I flipped through this interesting book to look beyond the pure science and theory to find out what I could do today about those little tail-like telomeres that were shrinking daily as my cells replicate into an imperfect replica of my younger self.

The book includes a test to help me determine my “Telomere Age”. You start by giving yourself ten thousand points and then begin adding or subtracting points based on lifestyle questions such as:

How old are you? (Subtract 250 points for every decade over 20) – Bummer, I was down 750 points already!

Do you smoke? (Subtract 250 points if yes)
Do you drink more than two drinks of alcohol a day?
How much do you sleep?
Do you take fish oil?
Do you have high blood pressure?

And so on. Obviously, I don’t have permission to duplicate the test – you’ll have to buy the book if you want to take it. There were seventy questions in all. At the end, a 5000 to 6000 score meant you were between age 60 and 70. I scored 8,500 and rated at less than 35 years old. So, I took it again and scored myself very carefully and still was over 8000. What was so encouraging was that many of the lifestyle habits I’ve developed over the last fifteen years are factors that support my telomeres.

So, as I close today’s blog – I’ll share my top ten lifestyle factors that helped me score so high – because they are things that you can also do to keep your little DNA tails nice and long.

Sleep seven to nine hours most nights. Melatonin helps me greatly – I really like the time release type.
Fish oil EVERY DAY. I take a double dose morning and night and I can see and feel the difference.
Exercise 6 to 7 days a week. I usually get 45 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise and 15 to 20 of conditioning.
Be anxious for nothing! Learn to deal with stress and trust God. Tomorrow has enough worries of its own.
Love life. Rejoice in the Lord!
Take supplements to fill in your nutritional gaps.
Eat 30+ grams of fiber every day.
Use olive oil instead of other vegetable oils.
Drink green tea (or supplements).
Never overeat.

Next blog:

Immortality on this earth – not meant to be!

Growing Young with Betty White

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:30:00 GMT

This past week, Betty White - America's Sweetheart - turned 90 years young. For her - 90 is the new 60! As I watched her televised birthday bash with dozens of clips from all her shows of years past, I was struck with how her sense of humor and joy for life was a consistent thread throughout the years. I don't know if Betty has faith - or what she believes follows this life. I truly hope she knows Jesus as I'd love to get to know her in Heaven one day. Maybe I should write her and see if she's secured her eternal reservation!

What really struck me is that there are far too many Christians that don't seem to live with the kind of joy and zest for life that Betty has. What's wrong with that picture? I believe this is due in part to the fact that we fail to focus on the truth that truly sets us free and gives us unquenchable hope and joy despite our circumstances. I've been re-reading a spectacular book by Bob George called: CLASSIC CHRISTIANITY. It is one worth reading every couple years. In fact, we are using it as one of four anchor books for our leadership mentoring groups at my church. It is a profound reminder that Jesus not only died to offer us forgiveness of our sins and a place in Heaven after this life, but He also ROSE from the dead to give us new life NOW! If we are not exuding the kind of joy we see oozing from the likes of Betty White - there is something wrong!

As I continue my countdown to 60 (155 days), I'm praying that God will help me to celebrate the gift of each and every day He chooses to give me on this earth to reflect the joy and hope that is within me - found only in Jesus Christ!

Now, go out and share a smile, find the humor in things and celebrate today with someone who needs hope!

164 Days to Sixty...And I am BLESSED

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:23:00 GMT

I am blessed. Blessed to be alive. Blessed to have an amazing husband and children. Blessed to be approaching my sixtieth birthday. Yes, BLESSED. I used to say, "Think about the alternative" - which of course would mean death. But, these days, I finally realize that the other side of death is just another...you got it...BLESSING.

As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, the only big concern I have about death these days is HOW I get through the door. That big unknown has got to trouble most of you, yes? Both my grandmothers died in their mid-sixties. At the time, I thought they'd lived a nice, long life. Today, I realize how young they really were. But, much more sadly I also know that it is highly unlikely that either trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation. In my opinion, that is the one thing in life worth worrying about - that someone you know or love - or even those you DON'T KNOW - would die without knowing Christ.

That's what's on my mind more often than in years past. How many people can I touch with the Good News. And remember good news implies there is BAD news - which there is! An eternity separated from God and all the people you love would be hell...and it is.

So, no matter your age - your next big birthday looming on the horizon - Go share the Good News - Jesus Christ not only died for our sins so we could be forgiven and reconcilled with God. He ROSE again so we can have new life both NOW and for eternity. That's the greatest hope ever and why no matter what happens to me, I can say:

I AM BLESSED!

Extreme Makeover...God's Edition

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:35:00 GMT

At sixteen, my very first job was as a nurse's aid in a nursing home. It was a real and raw introduction to aging in all its deterioraton, loss and sorrow. At the time, my grandparents were in their early sixties and that was my vast experience with "old people". I had no idea that aging had such a sad, sometimes pathetic alter ego. I remember lining up all the oldsters who were not capable of feeding themselves during mealtime and serving three or four of them spoonful by spoonful.

Sometimes I would stare into the vacant eyes of a woman who suffered dementia and wonder what her life had been like when she was young. Then, as I cut small pieces of toast and spooned another bite of pureed peaches into another shriveled mouth, I would create a screen play in my mind about their experiences. I imagined amazing hopes, dreams, passions and loves - before their lives were reduced to a "feeding line".

It became my regular practice to say to myself: "Old Mrs. Jones was my age once. She had a youthful body and strong mind. She had dreams. She had a life!" I came to realize that most people still have a "younger soul" existing within them that longs for the same things younger people long after: Peace. Hope. Love.

I only wish that I had known a powerful truth earlier - a truth that would give peace and hope to the old and hopeless. That truth: If we know Jesus as our personal savior, it doesn't matter how much our mind or body decays. Our eternity - the bulk of our existence is wrapped in an amazing promise of a new and glorified body one day:

2 Corinthians 5: ¹ For we know that ifthe earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. ² For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, ³ inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. ⁴ For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. ⁵ Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.

Growing Old...Growing Young

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:51:00 GMT

Whoosh. Time flies when you're having fun! I blinked my eyes and I was no longer a "middle aged" woman - I'm guessing in light of the latest life expectancy statistics that is about 42. It's hard to consider myself "old" when I feel young. But, if I'm still middle aged, then I'm going to live to 120 - Yipee!!!

How do you feel about growing older? I feel GREAT about it. There are definitely a few downsides. My hands expose my age. I've inherited my mom's arthritis and received the extra bonus of chronic tendonitis as well. They remind me that I'm not really 45. But, most of the benefits of aging far outweigh the losses.

When I went through menopause at 50, I gained the traditional "menopause muffin middle" and thought that despite my ability to maintain a healthy weight, I was resigned finishing life without a waist. Two years ago, I disproved that myth and lost about15 pounds and regained my 30-something figure. How? I put my Caltrac Activity Monitor back on and actually counted calories - which ALWAYS works. I also used my treadmill at about a 12% grade almost daily for 40 to 60 minutes. Three natural products also helped me greatly with my appetite and metabolism: SLIMALUMA, CELLUTHIN AND LYMPHTHIN (info on my webstore).

So, I figured it was time to disprove other myths about aging of body and mind and started writing my new book titled: GROWING YOUNG. I'd love to hear about your challenges - physical - mental - emotional -spiritual - and how YOU are celebrating this BEST SEASON OF LIFE in ways other women can embrace!

In the next few months, I'm going to post a few thoughts most days. And, I invite you to comment. Let's start a dialogue about this very temporal life journey and discuss how we can finish strong to God's glory!

Countdown to My 60th Birthday

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:26:00 GMT

There's a question I've been asking women for years: If time and money were no issue, what would you do differently with your life? It's a question that encourages daydreaming, but it can also be a negative motivator to focus on what you don't have rather than be thankful for what you DO have in all life's dimensions. If you can keep yourself from falling into discontent, the answer to that question may give you a hint of hopes, passions or gifts you've never pursued. At the end of your life, will you regret not pursuing them? And, an even more important question: Are any of these hopes, passions, giftings from God? Does HE want you to pursue them, but you are not for fear of failure or some other reason.

As I near my 60th birthday, I'm asking God to prompt, nudge, perhaps even give me a big ole PUSH toward the hopes, passions or use of gifts that HE wants me to pursue. He put me on this earth for a tiny bit of time to leave a deposit. I'm more and more aware that that time is running down. So, I'm trying to live like time and money are not an issue and pray for a few Godly nudges. I'll let you know when they come! Have YOU been nudged by God lately?

Holy Hotties Need Strong Bones

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 21:31:00 GMT

HOLY HOTTIES NEED STRONG BONES

The cliché says, "If you don’t use it…you’ll lose it.” This little saying becomes more and more relevant as we age. If we don’t use our muscles, they go flabby and as our muscle mass decreases, so does our metabolism. It’s also true for our bones. No, they don’t go flabby…but they do get weaker. According to naturopathic doctor, Mark Stengler, “Bone is a living tissue and ever-changing. Peak bone mass is achieved by about age 30, after that bones begin to weaken.” He states that one in every two women over 50 will experience an osteoporosis related fracture in their lifetime.

Our gender and genetics related to bone loss are out of our control, but Dr. Stengler states that many other factors are in our control and it is never too early to begin taking action against osteoporosis. Here are a few of the things he recommends you consider to address this risk:

Maintain a bone healthy diet by eating foods rich in calcium, magnesium, Vitamin D, boron and silicon. Dr. Stengler’s Bone Plus product is an excellent supplement which I have featured below. Additionally, junk foods such as sodas and too much caffeine can promote bone loss.
Cigarette smoking is linked to bone loss. Just one more reason to quit!
Excessive consumption of alcohol increases bone loss and fractures.
Inactivity weakens bones and weight bearing activity promotes bone growth…so get moving!
Abnormal or low levels of hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol and thyroid can increase osteoporosis risk. If you are pre or post menopausal and have not had a recent hormone level analysis – now’s the time to take action.

Sadly, too many women are taking action too late and then resort to pharmaceutical remedies to reverse their bone loss. However, the FDA recently issued a public alert that “bisphosphonate drugs” (such as Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, Atelevia and Reclast and their generic counterparts) for osteoporosis carry an increased risk of femoral (thigh bone) fractures. According to Dr. Stengler, “This is not the first time that this risk has been raised. A 2008 study by physicians at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University found that Fosamax may increase the risk of fractures of the thigh bone (femur). The researchers reviewed 70 people admitted to their trauma center with femur fractures and identified a particular type of break specific to patients who had been taking Fosamax for more than four years.”

He recommends that his patients avoid this class of drugs and instead, follow a pH balanced diet, get weight bearing exercise, balance their hormones, and make sure they are getting an array of nutrients required for bone health such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin K and boron.

Dr. Stengler’s specially formulated product, Bone Plus is an excellent choice which I personally take to address this important issue. Use the special code: BONES to receive a 10% discount on your first order.

Let's become great role models for our sisters and daughters and begin "Growing Young" from the inside out by building new bones for a healthier, stronger future!

Lost My Menopause Middle…and Found Some Great New Jeans at Target!

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:34:00 GMT

Lost My Menopause Middle…and Found Some Great New Jeans at Target!

As I’ve shared on my weekly Caltrac Club Conference Calls, I recently trimmed down from my healthy size eight, back to my pre-menopausal ideal size six. I proved my own theory, that menopause does not mean we must become “waistless”. By diligently using my Caltrac Activity Monitor for a few months and taking Slimaluma occasionally to naturally diminish my appetite on days when I desired more food than I needed…I found myself experiencing a GREAT problem: My old jeans were literally falling off.

While it is fun to buy new, smaller jeans – it can get expensive. So, I went on a search for comfortable, stylish jeans that did not break my budget. And I found them…at TARGET. No designer jeans for me – Target has some of the best casual clothes I’ve seen in a long time – at great prices. My favorite jeans are a combination of leggings and jeans that Target calls “Jeggings”. They look great – very stylish and current – but they are also incredibly comfortable. My 34 year-old daughter saw mine and ran out to buy some for herself.

If I can lose my “menopause middle”, so can you! By paying attention to my calories and increasing my aerobic workouts to 60 minutes 5-6 times a week, I’m also discovering greater energy. Why not save $5 to $10 each week as you say no to high cost and high calorie lunches at restaurants and become more mindful of your calories? Soon, you’ll soon be buying smaller jeans at Target, too! Wow - Target sure received some great free advertising!

Rest, Renew, Regenerate

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:34:00 GMT

“Comeaway by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while."

Mark 6:31

Rest a while? What a concept. If you’re anything like me, you don’t rest until your body demands it. In years past, I actually questioned God’s thinking when He designed a 24 hour day and created our bodies so that they need to rest about one third of each day. If you live to the current average lifespan of 78 years, you will have slept twenty-six years of your life away! What a waste, right?

If I had been consulted, I would have created a 48 hour day and a body that only needed six hours sleep in that time. Just imagine all that you could accomplish, not to mention the fact that you’d only have to make your bed, do your makeup and any number of other daily tasks, half as much as you do now. Cool. So I thought.

Well, my days of striving to be a superwoman are long over. Truth is…I totally burned out. The value of time efficiency and accomplishment began to pale and I finally began to understand why God created us as He did – needing regular, long sessions of rest, renewal and regeneration. I realized that our fragile human bodies are a constant reminder that we are weak, dependent beings. As we age and see the telltale signs of time showing up in various ways, we cannot deny this reality. If we always felt like we did at 21 years old, able to get by on almost no sleep, high energy and looking great – we’d be deluded into thinking we were invincible. God has created us with a daily reminder that we are delicate organisms totally dependent upon Him for every breath we take. This side of Heaven, we must contend with the limits of our flesh. But, if we follow His prescription for healthy living – our bodies will serve us well until we get our new ones one day.

In recent years I’ve learned the value of rest – not only for the body – but also for the soul and spirit. I’ve stopped complaining…I’ve stopped rebelling…and I finally just embrace it. God clearly thought it was vitally important to teach us the significance of rest since he modeled it to us as He completed His creation.

By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. Genesis 2: 2, 3

The God of the universe did not need to take a break. His energy is endless and His power is unlimited. What He did was show us the importance of rest from our work. When we honor His principles of living, we are refreshed and renewed. When we don’t, we pay a price by living unhealthy, stressed out lives that not only diminish our joy – but also the people around us.

Jesus had a huge assignment to accomplish in his 33 short years on this Earth. Yet, he was never a frazzled mess, wringing his hands or scurrying about like a superhero. He took time to get away to rest and encouraged his disciples to do the same. If God could use Jesus’ limited time to save the entire world, I am confident that He will give you adequate time for you to complete “the good work He has begun in you”. Come away…for a little while…and rest.

WHAT’S AGE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

Perspectives on Growing Young (a.k.a. aging)
Fashion Do’s & Don’ts

What do women really think about aging?

Before I share a few fashion tips to help you look and feel youthful, I thought it would be interesting for you to get an idea of how other women view aging. A study called Aging Redefined: A Frank Perspective on Marketing to Women as They Age was conducted in 2004 by “Frank About Women”, a Winston-Salem, N.C. based strategic consultancy which is dedicated to helping companies build lasting relationships with women.

The study revealed that 55% of the women in the study say "aging well" means looking great, no matter what age they are. Younger women were much more likely to say they want to look 10 years younger. Among the women 35-39, 18 percent said looking a decade younger was their definition of aging well, compared to only 9 percent of women over sixty. One quarter of women in the survey say "old age" never begins. The older women get, the more likely they are to reject the notion of old age; 37 percent of women over 65 say there is no specific age they would classify as old, compared to only 15 percent of women aged 35-39.

Aging is not just a physical process. It is an attitude. We can’t turn back time, but we can choose how we interpret the journey thus far. If we waste our energy obsessing over every wrinkle, we will be miserable. But, if we focus on a few things that enhance our appearance and help us feel better, then we can age gracefully and feel good about ourselves in the process.

Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. ~1 Samuel 16:7

As Christian women, we know that we are not defined by our appearance. Nevertheless, most of us care about how we look. We must remember that God created our physical bodies and even uses physical appearance for His own purposes at times. King Saul and Esther are both examples of this. The key is to maintain a healthy perspective and not place undue emphasis on our looks. In my experience, when I feel good about my appearance, I tend to forget about it and focus on more important matters. When I feel frumpy and disheveled, I tend to be more aware of how I look. But no matter if today is a “good hair day” or not, I remind myself that all my worth and true identity is in Christ alone. And that makes me feel beautiful. With THAT being said, here are few beauty tips that will help may help you express the “growing young” attitude of a woman who is truly AGELESS!

Don’t wear baggy or shapeless clothes. They make you look frumpy. Invest in a few quality pieces such as a great pair of jeans, slacks, a skirt and a dress in black, brown or navy. You can mix and match tops and jackets to create lots of different looks.
Don’t overdo with too much detail or “fussyness”. Classic simplicity with great accessories is ageless.
Black is always classy and slimming. You can look terrific just going to the grocery store by wearing a nice black top with a great fitting pair of jeans and some silver hoop earrings. Black turtlenecks are great in cool weather and create a nice smooth neck!
Jeans and jean jackets are always youthful IF they are in style. As I’ve said before – throw out your “Mom Jeans” and invest in a stylish pair every couple years.
Don’t go sleeveless unless you have great arms. Cap sleeves and short sleeves are still cool, but keep our “flappers” under control!
Some experts say that our handbag is a dead giveaway to our age. Take a 30-something shopping with you and find a bag you love that doesn’t scream: “I’m a grandmother”! By the way: We are expecting a new grandbaby any day, so I’m not saying it’s bad to BE a grandmother – we just don’t want to LOOK like one!

More tips next time!

SLEEP…For Health…Anti-Aging…Stress Relief

Try your best to have a regular bedtime – whatever works for you.
Dim the lights an hour or so before going to bed.
Avoid caffeine or a heavy meal at least four hours before bedtime.
Do enjoy a light carbohydrate snack an hour or so before retiring as it increases your level of serotonin – which relaxes you.
Turn off the television and read a something relaxing.
The darker the room, the more melatonin you release for slumber.
A hot bath or shower promotes sleep as your body temperature cools afterwards.

Since our theme this week is rest, renew and regenerate…I thought I’d feature two quality supplements I use regularly and have recently added to my website store.

TIME RELEASE MELATONIN - $15.99

Promotes better sleep patterns. Time Release.
60 vegetable caps; 30 servings.

Melatonin releases from the pineal gland, reaching its peak at night to help maintain tissues in a youthful state of health. Secretion of melatonin declines significantly with age, as the pineal gland becomes calcified. It can be helpful for those experiencing interrupted sleep, travelers suffering from jet lag or people working on rotating or late shifts who experience sleep disturbances caused by changing melatonin levels. You can boost your melatonin production naturally by getting thicker blinds for the bedroom windows or wearing a night mask.

The time release formula created by naturopath, Dr. Mark Stengler releases to help you sleep through the night. If you need a little extra boost to get to sleep, you can the sublingual formula.

Directions: Take one to two capsules15 to 60 minutes before bedtime or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Caution: Consult your healthcare practitioner before use. Patients with leukemia, Hodgkins disease, or lymphoma should avoid melatonin until more is known about its effects on these forms of cancer. If you have an autoimmune disease do not use melatonin.

RESVERATROL COMPLEX

Trans-Resveratrol Plus Grapeseed Extract
Used for Anti-Aging, Energy and Weight Loss
60 vegetable caps; 30 servings.
$36.95

The resveratrol compound is classified in a family that’s known as polyphenols. In small amounts, resveratrol can be found naturally in the skins of red grapes, some green teas, and even peanuts. It is also the main ingredient that gives red wine natural anti-aging properties.

Numerous studies have shown that resveratrol can actually increase the life expectancy of certain cells in the body by as much as 70%. It has been proven to help soften wrinkles, aid in weight loss by supporting healthy metabolism, improve nutrient intake, help remove built up toxins from your body, and improve overall energy throughout the day.

Directions Adults, take two capsules a day or as directed by a health care practitioner

Supplement Facts:
250mg Trans-resveratrol
100mg Grapeseed Extract (fruit)
359mg Rosehip Seed Powder

Not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

AGING
Age-related disorders are mainly caused by lifestyle factors such as diet, exposure to environmental toxins, lack of exercise, stress, along with genetic susceptibilities. If you're young or middle-aged, you can prevent many problems by changing your habits now. If you're older and are already experiencing health difficulties, it's not too late to bring balance and harmony to your system.

Most of the diseases we associate with aging - arthritis and other painful conditions, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, digestive problems, frailty, depression, sexual dysfunction, and fatigue - are not an inevitable part of growing older. These “age-related disorders” are mainly caused by lifestyle factors such as diet, exposure to environmental toxins, lack of exercise, stress, along with genetic susceptibilities. If you're young or middle-aged, you can prevent many problems by changing your habits now. If you're older and are already experiencing health difficulties, it's not too late to bring balance and harmony to your system.

Normal aging occurs when old cells start dying at a faster rate than new ones are generated. Since the body’s tissues have a smaller supply of cells to draw upon, they begin to degenerate and malfunction. This process happens to everyone; it’s simply a natural part of life. It appears our cells are pre-programmed to have a maximum lifespan. Yet the key is to prevent premature aging; where one ages faster than their genetic programming. In addition, most will agree that quality of life is paramount to lifespan.

What causes premature aging?

1. Free radicals

In recent years we have come to understand more about highly reactive kinds of atoms or molecules called free radicals. In many cases, free radicals assist the body by destroying invaders, producing energy, and helping to carry oxygen through the bloodstream. However, when they are present in overwhelming numbers, they attack healthy cells, sometimes destroying them or mutating their DNA. When cells die before their time or are damaged, the normal aging process is accelerated, and the body becomes vulnerable to life-threatening diseases such as cancer, arteriosclerosis, and many degenerative diseases.

It is becoming more and more difficult to keep the number of free radicals in the body down to a healthy level. Many of the aspects of modern living, including unwholesome diets and exposure to pollution, tobacco smoke, environmental contaminants, and even the sun, leave us exposed to far more free radicals than any generation before us. Luckily, nature has equipped us with the means to neutralize free radicals in our bodies. Substances called antioxidants accomplish the task, and they’re found in many fruits and vegetables and in some herbs. A combination of healthful eating combined with antioxidant supplements and wise living can prevent excessive damage from free radicals.

2. Diet and nutritional deficiencies

Another major cause of several age-related diseases is diet and nutritional deficiencies. Studies on laboratory mice and primates, as well as emerging human studies, have shown that a reduced-calorie diet significantly extends their lives. Additionally, diets that are high in fat and sugar lack many essential nutrients, fiber, as well as antioxidants. Poor diets also contribute to gastrointestinal disorders, which can inhibit the body's ability to absorb important vitamins and minerals. Sometimes, however, a good diet is not enough to keep deficiency at bay. As a result of normal or accelerated aging, older people are often simply less efficient at absorbing nutrients, even if they eat well. If you have reached old age, you will need to redouble your efforts to take in nutrients.

3. Lack of exercise

Aging is accelerated by a lack of exercise. If you’re not regularly exercising you’re increasing your risk for almost every kind of disorder, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and osteoporosis.

4. Hormone imbalance, especially Cortisol and DHEA

Hormone balance is a key to healthy aging. This is particularly true of the stress hormones such as cortisol and DHEA. A deficiency or abnormal elevation of these hormones (particularly cortisol) accelerates aging and immune system breakdown. In reality, all of the hormones are important for healthy aging. Thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, as well as growth hormone levels must be at balanced levels to slow the aging process. Researchers are finding that growth hormone may play a special role in slowing down the “aging clock.”

5. Elevated blood sugar levels

It is also important to keep blood sugar levels in the normal range. Elevated levels of glucose lead to a process known as glycosylation. This contributes to a weak immune system and speeds up aging. An example of this process is diabetes.

6. Too much stress

Finally, the effects of stress appear to play a role in aging. People who perceive prolonged periods of intense stress are more likely to develop chronic disease. One major stressor is loneliness. This is becoming a big problem with the elderly who lack companionship and stimulation. Many cut back on social obligations, intellectual activities, and sports and exercise. Giving these essential activities up has been linked to a shorter life span and an increased risk of disease. It is up to all of us, whatever age, to create families and communities in whom the elderly are welcome, active members.

Root Causes

Free radical damage

Poor diet and nutritional deficiencies

Excess calorie intake

Genetics

Environmental toxins

Poor digestion and detoxification

Lack of exercise

Hormone imbalance

Elevated blood sugar levels

Stress and isolation

Dr. Stengler's Solutions

Dr. Stengler uses a variety of tests that give you an assessment of your aging:

Oxidative stress analysis-urine or blood testing

Toxic Metals (urine, stool, or blood)

DNA damage-blood or urine

Antioxidant testing (urine, blood)

Blood profile for cardiovascular, immune, and blood sugar markers (glucose and insulin)

Stool analysis

Detoxification profile-urine

Hormone analysis by saliva, urine, or blood (estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, melatonin, IGF-1, thyroid panel)

Sidebar

A double blind clinical trial studied the effects of 1500 mg of Panax Ginseng with 49 elderly people. This herb was found to improve coordination and reaction time as well as increased alertness and energy. (Fulder S et al. A double blind clinical trial of Panax Ginseng in aged subjects. Presented at the Fourth International Ginseng Symposium, Daejon, Korea, September 18-20, 1984.)

Through cutting edge laboratory testing Dr Stengler finds the root causes of accelerated aging and treats them with natural therapies. This may include bio-identical hormones, adaptogenic herbal therapies, detoxification programs, calorie restriction, and targeted nutritional supplements.

Hormone Hostage Husbands and Weight Loss for Holy Hotties

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:35:00 GMT

Hormone Hostage Husbands
Weight Loss for Holy Hotties
Hormone Hostage Hair

THOUGHTS ON MENOPAUSE

From a Hormone Hostage Husband

By Lew Boore (Danna's HHH)

Ladies, perhaps you feel alone and misunderstood in this season of "pre" or "post" menopause. If you are in your early to mid-forties, you may even wonder, "What is happening to me, I'm too young to be having hot flashes!" And, most likely your husband is also a bit confused wondering, "Who IS this person sharing my bed?" One minute you're too hot, the next too cold. What used to be great is now terrible and sometimes he's just not sure how to respond lest he get his head bitten off! Well today, Danna has given me (her husband, Lew) the honor of speaking to you from a man's perspective. If you find some of what I say resonates with your situation - please share it with your husband. Most are struggling to understand and negotiate your new "phase".

Throughout Danna's book, THE HEAT IS ON, she provides a reasoned God-centered approach for women to take in their journey through menopause. I love that word...journey. It is more than just a trip. For me, living with Danna has always meant adventure. And, an adventure is always best when it is shared. Husbands must make a decision to take the journey with their wife and help her realize she's not alone. It took me a while to understand this. It took even more time for me to gather the courage to actually talk to Danna about it. After all, if I don't bring it up and we don't talk about it, won't it all just go away? Nope. So, here's some practical advice to pass on to your HHH:

Hormone Healthy Hints from an HHH survivor

1. Pray with your wife.

If you have never done it, START. It took me years to understand that true intimacy is not only the connection that you have sexually with your wife; it is the shared intimacy that you have with her through Christ.

2. Empathize with her.

Understand that she doesn't want to go through this anymore than you! But, she has no choice. It is time for us, as men of God to accept the meaning of the word sacrifice! Believe it or not, she knows that she is being an irritation to you and the entire family, whether it shows externally or not.

3. Accept reality and change your expectations.

Accept the fact that "things" are going to be changing. The woman you married may break down occasionally. She cannot be the Proverbs 31 woman every day of her life. (I think that woman is actually a compilation of all the good qualities a woman can have rolled into one example.) Bottom line: Have realistic expectations.

4. Listen to her...hear her.

Ask her what connotes love to her now. It could be as simple as just listening (hint: that means ACTIVE listening...not just hearing her talk). Maybe she needs time alone. (Hey, this is a chance for you to get to know your children better!) Or, maybe she needs more help around the house. (Think of your helping hand as a good way to get a "cheap" workout, plus reacquaint yourself with the property you own or rent.)

What irritates or makes her less than comfortable? Are your funny little nuances now irritating habits? Talk about sexual intimacy; even if it is not normal for you to do so. Understand that the frequency may change and ACCEPT it! Never use a "guilt trip" to manipulate your wife into having sex. Try to understand what's going on in her mind and body. Whether emotional or physical, she may need time to adjust to the huge changes occurring.

5. Pray with your wife.

Yes, I know I already said this. This is what I call a "reinforcement" to emphasize an important point. Prayer is the most powerful tool you have to connect you both supernaturally to the only One who has any control over your life.

Do you remember when your Dad had "the talk" with you? Boy, I sure wish that dear old Dad would have clued me into this "menopause thing". Men, take heart. In time, your "real" wife will reimmerge. It is up to you, with our Lord's strength, to come along side that wonderful woman you married. And, most likely you'll need to pick her up and carry her now and then. Show her the man that God intended YOU to be.

My friend, I pray for your strength on this rollercoaster trip. I pray you'll apply God's wisdom to your specific challenges. I pray for you to be courageous, when lesser men would "cut & run". I pray blessings on you, your family and your marriage.

Oh...and welcome to the HHH Club!

WEIGHT LOSS FOR HOLY HOTTIES

1. Can women facing menopause and beyond actually lose weight?

2. Is it possible to have a waist again?

3. Are we destined to finish our years in stretch pants and moo moos?

Yes, Yes, No!

After years of battling with emotional eating and bulimia - I found total victory over my food issues and maintained a healthy size six to eight for over 30 years. But as menopause approached, I found myself giving in just a little to food cravings and exercising less because of fatigue associated with sleepless nights from endless hot flashes. While I never outgrew my size eight jeans, I did surrender to the inevitable reality of a slightly thicker waist and belief that it was perhaps time to give away my size six clothes. Isn't it ironic that many of us add an extra fat pad of insulation on our bodies just when we need it the least!

But as my sleep improved - thanks to some great natural products - such as the Femmenessence I spoke about in my Growing Young Blog #2 - I began to see light at the end of the tunnel and return to my more regular exercise routine. Fortunately, I stopped adding fat - but I seemed to be stuck one size larger. This summer as I turned 58, I decided it was time to get more serious and see if it was still possible to be as lean as I was in my forties. I don't want to be obsessed about being thin - been there done that. But I know (because I've taught it for years) that weight gain is an insidious process that happens one fat cell at a time and can creep up unexpectedly if you don't pay attention. I also know that there is only ONE proven way to increase longevity in both animals and humans - eat less calories! So with that in mind, I decided a reality check was in order.

Reality Check

I pulled out one of my favorite tools, my Caltrac activity monitor, and practiced what I've been preaching for years about doing a "reality check" on your energy equation (intake versus output). I learned for myself that I was pretty much eating and burning the same amount of calories. The good news was that I was not gaining weight - but the bad news was that I wasn't losing either.

I decide to wear my use my Caltrac religiously for a couple months and try to burn at least 200 calories a day more than I ate...and guess what? I have my old waist back! I've lost about ten pounds by simply paying attention to the details and can wear my size six jeans again. I also reaffirmed that "Holy Hotties" can't use menopause as an excuse. While we may store fat a little more readily than we once did, we can still be reasonably lean. It may take a little longer, but we can do it.

Caltrac Club?

The problem is that most people won't take the time and energy to get a true reality check. Unfortunately, calorie estimation is simply "guesstimation". I'm a walking calorie counter and I still deceive myself if I don't either write my calories down or put them in my Caltrac. Now that I'm back to my old normal, I won't continue counting calories every day and wearing my Caltrac. But when I see or feel a little weight gain creeping on, I'll put the Caltrac back on and get back to my "reality checking" for a week or so. I've also learned to play some very useful games with myself and hope to start a little "Caltrac Club" with a few of you who want to test out my ideas personally. Email me if you are interested!

Be Gone Appetite

While on this journey to lose my menopause fat pad, I was asked by my friend and former radio co-host, naturopathic doctor, Mark Stengler to test a new product he is using with his weight loss clients. Now, you must know that I am VERY skeptical about products that deal with appetite. We certainly know the dangers of amphetamines, but also very popular products such as ephedra which was ultimately outlawed by the FDA because of the unhealthy side effects. Nevertheless, I have the highest regard for Dr. Stengler and trust his well-balanced and natural approach to health. He's a strong Christian and does not support doing anything that is simply a a quick fix.

Slimaluma

Mark explained that the "Slimaluma" product he wanted me to evaluate is an extract that he has patented from the Caralluma Fimbriata plant used in India for centuries to diminish appetite and hunger during times of famine. It is combined with green tree extract which helps support a healthy metabolism. His doctor approved clinical formula contains no harmful stimulants. So, in my usual skeptical way, I took a dose one day about an hour before lunch. I got busy with a project and...forgot to eat lunch. I ate a small snack about 4pm and then still had a somewhat diminished appetite at dinner. One day, I took the Slimaluma after two cups of coffee - rather than my usual cup of herbal tea - and felt a little "racy" for about an hour. I continued to test the product over the last six weeks, usually just taking one dose a day (two are recommend for weight loss) four or five times a week. I have found it consistently helpful - so much so that I've added it to my website store.

Whether you have 10 or 100 pounds of excess fat on your body, you lose them the same way - by burning more calories than you eat day after day. If you burn 100 calories per day more than you eat - you'll lose one pound a month. If you burn an extra 200 a day, then you'll lose two pounds a month. The slower you lose it, the more likely it will stay off. If you want to truly grow young and increase your longevity - start a reality check today!

HORMONE HOSTAGE HAIR!

Raging hormones also affect your hair! According to senior stylist, Jamie Lee, hair becomes much dryer as women begin to experience the hormone fluctuations of "peri" and "post" menopause. Additionally, many women begin taking thyroid and hormone replacement in their forties and fifties which can result in the "frizzies" or other changes in texture. She recommends keeping the hair well conditioned with an occasional deep protein treatment. She also recommends a process called a "Brazilian Blowout" to calm down your menopausal mane.

It is also important to have an excellent color specialist deal with the challenges of covering gray hair and protecting from further damage. This is not the best time for women to do their own color. Color done correctly can create a better texture and increase shine and manageability.

From a "growing young" perspective, Jamie recommends that women go lighter rather than darker as they mature. Lighter hair or gentle highlights (even one shade) softens the face. If you live in the San Diego area and would like a free consultation with Jamie, she works in Solana Beach and can be reached at: 6192749137

P.S. Jamie is my oldest daughter! God has a wonderful sense of humor. Both my daughters were a bit "challenging" as teens and young adults. Now, both in their 30's - they are a delight and my best friends. BUT...they caused so many premature gray hairs in my forties that God has blessed me by charging them with the lifelong task of keeping their mom "brown" for life! While staying youthful starts in the mind, most of us prefer to cover our gray so our hair color matches our attitude!

One Month to Live?

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:23:00 GMT

One Month to Live?
Hazardous Substances to Healthy Bodies
Makeup Madness

So teach us the number of our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.

~ Psalm 90:12

A couple years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Kay Arthur face to face and hearing her speak several times over a weekend. Kay was 75 years old at the time and she had more passion and energy than many women I know in their forties and fifties. I did some quick math and realized that she is just 18 years older than I am.

As I watched her run (literally) across the stage and hear God's word flow from her mouth as part of almost every sentence (as if permanently woven into the fabric of her life), I wondered if I would have the same passion, energy and spiritual depth as Kay when I hit my 75^th birthday.

And then something occurred to me. The last twenty years had flown by...and the next twenty were bearing down at an alarming rate. The truth is, before we know it, our life on this planet is over. It gave me a sense of urgency and purpose. It spurred me to become much more intentional about my life. Like most of you, I want to know that I've made a valuable contribution before I die. When I finally reach Heaven, I hope to hear God say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

But, if I'm honest, I must admit that I've frittered away many days. I've taken them for granted assuming I have lots more. So just over two years ago, I took out my calculator and figured out how many days I had left before I turned 75. At the time, it was 6,995. As of this writing, I will turn 58 in nine short days. Yippee. 790 days have flown by since I did my initial calculation. Whoosh!

Now there is no guarantee that God will allow me to live to 75. But then again, he could also choose to give me even more time. Only He knows the number of my days. In verse 10 of Psalm 91 it says: "As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years". Not all of us are blessed to live a long life. No matter how many years, verse 12 above tells us to number our days in a way that presents a heart of wisdom. To me, that means we are to take our assignment here for the years God gives us very seriously.

If you knew that you only had one healthy month of life left, how would you spend it differently than you have been? Have you said everything you want to say to the people whom you love? Does everyone in your circle of influence know Christ?

To me, Growing Young in our spiritual dimension means striving to maintain the excitement and passion of the basis of our faith - our first Love - Jesus. As our assignment winds down, do we feel confident that everyone we know and love will join us one day in Heaven? If not, then our assignment is crystal clear: Share the love of Christ in whatever way you can so that others will want you to explain "the hope that is within you".

Let's live with passion, purpose and joy during these most important "growing young" years. Together let's pray the closing verse (17) of Psalm 90:

May the Lord our God show us His approval and make our efforts successful.

Yes, make our efforts successful!

Food Nazi?

I'm not a food killjoy or a health hypocrite. You'll see me at Starbucks ordering an occasional pump of chocolate in my latte. You may catch me with a bite of dessert in my mouth at a local restaurant. I don't eat perfectly. But, I do strive to decrease the empty calories in my diet and increase nutrient dense foods for one reason: I want to stay youthful and healthy as I grow young. And it matters more, the older we get. So with that in mind, here are some reminders of WHY we want to avoid some "hazardous substances" and only indulge in very limited quantities. Focus on the positive reasons to limit them...staying youthful and healthy!

Hazardous substance #1: Sugar

It promotes aging, decreases your immunity, promotes weight gain, and increases your incidence of diseases like diabetes.

Sugar tastes good to your taste buds, but acts very badly in your body. It simply is not good for you. Sucrose, fructose, lactose, raw, confectioners, or "natural" sugar may have some minor differences, but ultimately metabolize similarly in your body. Though your brain needs a constant supply of glucose (blood sugar) to survive, it doesn't need it in such a simple form. Our bodies are great at converting any kind of food to glucose in order to provide an ample supply to our brains. Excess sugar reacts with proteins in the body and produces a damaging effect similar to free radicals - and those age us prematurely.

While a sugar free diet would be ideal, we don't have to throw all sweet foods out of our lives forever. But we do need to cut back our weekly intake significantly from pounds of sugar (that the average American eats) to ounces. I follow a couple of personal rules that I think work very well: I rarely have anything sweet before lunch, avoid beverages with sugar or fructose and keep my desserts or other sweet selections to no more than 250 calories per day - with the exception of an occasional larger indulgence...just because I don't very often. The less sugary foods I eat, the less I really enjoy them.

Hazardous substance #2: White Flour

Have you ever mixed a little water into a big bowl of white flour? What do you get? Paste!

Refined bread products, white-flour pastas, crackers and the like convert very quickly to sugar. In fact, if you put a piece of white bread in your mouth for a few minutes, you will notice a sweet taste. The starch is converting to glucose. Yes, your white bread is fortified with important vitamins and minerals, such as iron and folic acid, and contains a smidgen of protein and fiber. But for the most part, refined carbohydrates are sweet nothings. Think of it this way: Every slice of white bread you eat is a bit like eating three or four vitamin-fortified marshmallows. A cup of pasta equals eight marshmallows.

Have you ever mixed a little water into a big bowl of white flour? What do you get? Paste! And that is what too many crackers and other processed foods are becoming in your digestive tract. It may sound extreme, but I label French bread, white bagels, and most crackers right up there with other junk food like chips, cookies, and cakes! If you're not doing so already, read labels carefully and look for products that say whole grain and include two to four grams of fiber (or more) per serving. When you do choose to indulge in something sweet, a little fiber will actually slow the release of the sugar and help stabilize your blood sugar. Fortunately in recent years there are many good companies and markets offering healthier alternatives without sacrificing taste. You may not love every new product you try, but you'll probably discover a few that will become favorites.

Hazardous substance #3: Bad Fat

If your blood is drawn right after a fatty meal, you sometimes actually see the fat in the tube of blood as it comes out of your vein!

I wish that God had given us personal scopes to see what was happening microscopically inside our bodies moment to moment. I truly believe it would motivate us to stop doing some things and start doing others. The point is that most of us are eating way too much saturated and "trans" fat. All those years we were eating margarine and thinking we were doing the "right thing," we were actually deceiving ourselves. As it turns out, when vegetable oil is hydrogenated to be solid at room temperature, it produces "trans" fats that act much like saturated fats. The problem is that we are getting unhealthy fat from a multitude of sources. The obvious source is meat and dairy products. But much of the fat is hidden in our packaged foods. And as we discussed previously, getting too much of the healthy Omega 6 fat in comparison to Omega 3 can cause as much damage as too much saturated fat. So eat lots of Omega 3 and take a daily supplement, use more healthy Omega 9 olive oil and cut down on packaged chips, crackers and other treats that are high in vegetable oil.

NEXT WEEK: Brain Cell Funerals, Artificial Sweeteners and Healthier Alternatives

MAKEUP MADNESS:

If you ever watch a hair and makeup makeovers on television, you know how the "before and after" can be pretty dramatic. It is amazing how something as simple (and relatively inexpensive) as makeup and a good hairstyle can transform a person's appearance. Years ago, I learned how to do my own makeup and the older I get, the more thankful I am that I can do my own "extreme makeover" right in my own bathroom each morning.

Using the right colors and products can make a huge difference. So, if you have not ever learned, go to one of the many makeup counters at your local department store and start experimenting. The clerks want to sell you their products, but first make them earn their sale by showing you how to use them. And DON'T feel pressured to buy! You may need to visit a few different counters - and perhaps different stores - before finding a woman who helps you acheive the look right for you.

Don't get overwhelmed. Learn one tip at a time if you are new to this. And, don't let someone talk you into something that does not suite your style.

Lipstick Tip:

As I've matured, I actually wear lighter lipstick. It is more youthful and creates a softer appearance. Don't get stuck with your favorite color just because you've worn it for years. Get the advice of someone a decade or so younger - but definitely over thirty!

Pick Your Poisons Carefully

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:21:00 GMT

Pick Your Poisons Carefully
Purify – A Fresh Start Everyday
More Fat Burning Tips

PICK YOUR POISONS CAREFULLY

"Many of our foods have become so processed, preserved and full of chemicals that they are hardly foods at all, but rather manufactured products that happen to be somewhat digestible."

~ Dr. Francisco Contreras

If you could see the direct impact that some foods you eat have on the cells of your body and realize the negative potential and how they can even cause premature aging...you'd probably eat them anyway. Why? Because they taste so good. Most of us feel like we're being punished if we don't indulge our taste buds with our favorite foods. But when we do this on a daily basis, our body responds with excess weight, decreased immunity, increased disease and low energy. You'd think we'd care more. But immediate, delectable gratification is a pesky little devil.

If someone told you that there was arsenic in the plate of brownies on the table, you'd definitely avoid them. But, if it was just a teeny little bit that wouldn't make you feel sick or die (and we changed the name from arsenic to aspartane) - and if these brownies were the only chocolate dessert on the planet - you might just consider a bite! In essence, we are slowly poisoning ourselves by constantly indulging in empty calorie foods that are robbing our health and vitality. Don't get me wrong. I'm far from a purist. I do enjoy a small ration of empty calories, but I have learned the value of consistent moderation (most days) and feel blessed that I look and feel relatively young as my 58th birthday approaches this very month!

Enjoying a food just because it tastes good is fine on occasion if we don't over rationalize what moderation really is. Each year that I research and teach about this topic, I have a harder time indulging with joy. I simply cannot eat some things with reckless abandon anymore. Not because they are simply fattening, but because they are unhealthy. All the facts just keep ricocheting off the walls of my brain and tormenting me if I start to go overboard. That may seem like a foreign concept to some of you; but it is a great freedom to move from craving foods that have no value to having little or no interest in them. It took me a long time to get to this point - but it was worth the effort.

True Confession

I actually ate a donut the other day - my first in years. It is my personal rule to save any empty "fun food" choices until after lunch if I'm going to allow myself to indulge. The donut tasted great. But all morning long (as my energy hit the floor), I kept thinking, "It didn't taste good enough to feel this tired an hour later". It was a good reminder of why I don't make that choice very often. Because I know that I can have anything I want anytime I want it, I rarely crave it. I crave a healthy, high energy body more.

I share all this to illustrate how seeing each bite you take for what it really is can change your attraction to it if you force yourself to acknowledge truth each time you are eating it. By deciding to think differently about the foods that can do you harm, you don't feel so compelled to eat them.

Next week, I'll share a little negative motivation about several hazardous ingredients found in many of our favorite indulgences.

In the meantime, if you need to practice renewing your mind so you see food for what it really is (or isn't), I have a new 3-CD package of Biblical Self-Talk CD's available. Instead of trying to change your habits by pure will power, try changing your thinking as well!

PURIFIED - A FRESH START EVERYDAY

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Pure fresh water flushes toxins out of our body and purifies it so that all of our organs can perform optimally the way they were intended to function. If the water we drink is polluted, it can do just the opposite. "Growing Young" in our spiritual dimension means that we must never forget our "first love" and the joy of our salvation. It means that we need to not only look at what pollutes our body - but what polutes our souls as well. Sin pollutes our soul.

Confessing our sins to a holy God also purifies us. As believers, Jesus died for all of our sins: past, present and future. If we are justified by His blood, forgiven and going to heaven, why should we concern ourselves with confessing our sins? We need to confess and be purified "in time" - that is right now - because our sin disrupts our fellowship with God and keeps us stuck. Yes, Jesus paid the ultimate price to cancel our debt of sin and justify us for eternal life. But our sinful behavior that occurs despite our salvation, takes the confidence and power out of our walk with God. It also grieves the Holy Spirit who is in us. (Ephesians 4:30)

When young couples get married, they are usually idealistic and cannot imagine some of the challenges that lie ahead. They promise to love honor and cherish each other in good times and in bad. If they are serious about their covenant of marriage, they do not let disagreements, dishonesty or even more grievous actions become grounds for divorce. But, no matter how unbreakable their commitment, they still need to work through their issues and restore the relationship to wholeness. Without confession (admitting one has wronged another through their actions) and repentance (turning from those actions and back to those which build up the marriage) the marriage is not fully alive.

In 1John chapter one, the apostle of the same name recounts to believers all the wonderful truths about Jesus. He reminds us about the fellowship we have with God through Christ, so our joy will be complete. And then, he shifts gears at the end of the chapter and starts to talk about sin. He tells us that if we say we have no sin, we are liars. But in the midst of that condemning blow, he gives us hope by telling us what to do with our day to day sins - confess them to a loving God. By doing so, we can know that we are purified from all unrighteousness and can walk once again in confident fellowship with the Lord.

Such a simple "formula" could be easily abused. If our God is so forgiving, then perhaps we can do whatever we want as long as we pray for forgiveness. If you look back to the marriage illustration - is that the kind of marriage you would want? Of course it isn't - and we don't want that kind of relationship with God either. His laws are perfect. They are designed to protect us and draw us close to Him. Both in marriage and our fellowship with God, we want a relationship based on a covenant of love that always builds up. That is why our loving Father stands ready to forgive and restore us again and again. Shouldn't we do the same for each other?

Three More Fat Burning Tips

TIP #3: Increase Your Energy

The higher your energy, the less likely you will be to overeat. There are several important factors that will energize you to the max:

Eat to stabilize your blood sugar: Include a good source of protein and fiber with every meal or snack, especially at breakfast and lunch. Shoot for at least 30 grams of fiber everyday. Try to avoid highly processed or sugary foods until after lunch (and then only in small, pre-planned amounts). This will help you maintain a more stable blood sugar and that will significantly diminish cravings.

De-stress your life: Stress releases hormones and sugar into your blood stream creating a vicious cycle of fat storage and adrenaline rushes. When the excess sugar released during stress goes unused, (because most of us aren't being chased by a wild animal) it ends up getting stored as fat. The answer: Decrease your stress. (What Happened to My Life? includes a 40-day journey that will help you distress and rediscover your passion, purpose and joy.)

Sleep until you are rested: Well-rested people have higher mental, emotional and physical reserves. The body regenerates at the cellular level only during deep, quality sleep. Most people need a minimum of 71/2 hours per night. Try it. You'll be amazed at how well you'll perform in many areas of your life, including your lifestyle.

Exercise for maximum energy: Don't wait to start exercising until you have enough energy. Get moving purposely every day and you will have more energy. You'll feel better, more focused and have better self-control. Get at least 10 minutes of purposeful activity every morning before you jump in the shower. In seven days, you will feel a difference which will motivate you to work toward at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

TIP #4 Burn More Calories

The bottom line to all fat loss is simply: Calories In versus Calories Out. But, most people severely underestimate how many calories they eat and over estimate how many they burn. If you only eat ten calories more than you burn each day, you'll gain an extra pound of fat every year. It's the small stuff that adds up over time. Take action and reverse that equation by burning more calories every day.

The average woman eats over 2,000 calories per day, but she only burns about 1,700. That's the perfect formula to gain about 30 pounds in a year. If you eat 250 calories less and burn 250 calories more each day, you will lose one pound of fat per week with going on a diet or extreme exercise program. Now that's what I mean by a lifestyle change!

Learn Your Burn with Caltrac

For me (and many of my clients), the Caltrac Activity Monitor has been a valuable tool to give me a reality check and motivate me to move more. Even though I've maintained a size 6 to 8 for over 20 years, menopause left me with a bit less of a waist than I once had. Just recently, I put my Caltrac on and streamlined my waist measurement by committing to burn at least 700 activity calories per day.

TIP #5 Creative Ways to Eat Fewer Calories

Practice portion control: Eat one-third to one-half your normal food portions whenever possible. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to use this simple technique. Consider this: If you've been eating an average of 2,400 calories per day, a reduction of only 10% would result in a daily caloric savings of 240 calories. That's about 24 pounds in one short year. One caution: Never decrease your fruit or vegetable servings.

Become a daytime eater: Try eating half as much food as usual after 6:00 p.m. Most Americans would be much leaner if we simply ate less food in the evenings. Think about it...we burn most of our calories in the early part of our day and eat most of our calories just before going to bed. Go figure...no wonder we're getting fatter.

Go to "Calorie College": Buy a good quality "nutritional counts" book and take one month to determine exactly what you are eating most days (not just when you are dieting). Simply knowing what you eat is essential to making wise choices. We wouldn't think of neglecting to balance our checkbooks, but most of us don't have a clue how much we are eating or burning.

Practice the ten-minute delay strategy: Whenever you have a craving for something and you're not the least bit hungry, don't tell yourself you can't have it. Simply drink a tall glass of water and wait ten minutes. If you still want it, then have half the amount you usually would. This technique works most of the time...try it!

The Brain-Beauty Connection

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:36:00 GMT

/storeThe Brain-Beauty Connection
This is the Day – A Devotion for Young Hearts
Fat Burning Tips – Part One

IF YOU KNEW there was a powerful nutrient that would stimulate your brain, revitalize your skin, slow down aging, improve fat metabolism, lubricate your joints, decrease inflammation and protect your heart ...wouldn't you make sure your body got plenty of it? But, what if this nutrient was found in only a handful of foods that you rarely ate on a daily basis? And, what if the foods you were eating regularly were throwing off a your nutritional balance causing you more damage because you lacked this key nutrient? If you don't address this almost universal nutritional gap, your body, skin and brain will be short-changed.

The nutrient I am talking about is an essential fatty acid called omega 3. It is one of only two fats that are considered essential for life, the other being omega 6. Our body cannot produce these fats independent! ly and must have them to function properly. In addition to the list of great benefits above, I've listed some other compelling facts later in this article. I've been notching up my omegas for almost ten years and I there is a visible difference in my skin. In fact, most people guess my age in my mid-forties - but I'm really turning 58 next month! And, except for my occasional hormonal "menopause brain freezes"; my ability to concentrate and recall information has improved as well. Talk about a great nutrient for GROWING YOUNG!

The product that I personally take (in a daily double dose) is Coromega. I just recently found a source and just added it to my website store at a great discount. You can find it in my webstore under Webstore.

To learn more about the phenomenal growing young benefits of Omega 3 nutrition and the foods you should add and delete from your diet for maximum benefits, CLICK HERE and Scroll Down to the "Brain-Beauty Connection" article on my website.

...Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1

For many years, I ate enough food to feed a third world village as I battled with emotional eating and bulimia. I know how difficult it can be to put good health first when chocolate and doughnuts seem to be calling your name. But, God created us with a body that is our one and only vehicle for life and it is our responsibility to care for it and offer it back to Him as a living sacrifice - an act of worship. So, let me ask you: How is your body worshipping its Creator?

The tips that follow are from my SCALE DOWN book and small group curriculum and can help give you a jumpstart to a healthier and leaner body. It's easier than you think, if you make consistent lifestyle changes. A lifestyle change is something that you can do most days of your life without too much effort or deprivation. Everything else is just another diet.

TIP #1: Change Your Thinking

Do you really believe you can get and stay lean for life? If you don't...you won't! Get in tune with your self-talk. Romans 12: 2 tells us to be "transformed by the renewing of our mind". We do that by filling it with truth. In the human brain, the most dominant thought wins. If you tell yourself a new truth long enough, you will start to believe it and your behavior will follow. Memorize a few healthy statements that will erase and replace your old negative ones. You can also try my biblical Healthy Self-Talk CDs if you don't know where to start. Listen or tell yourself these messages two or more times each day. Within a few months, your new self-talk will reset your "automatic pilot" and lead you down a leaner lifestyle path. This was exactly how I changed my mind, habits and life over twent! y-five years ago and have found total victory over my bondage to food.

TIP #2: Change Your Attitude

Get rid of your old diet mentality and legalize all foods. If you can have any food you want, any time you want it...then you don't need to have it all right now. Give yourself permission to enjoy your favorite foods without feeling guilty. Chances are your cravings will diminish and your will power will increase. Just don't keep them under your nose in your home until your mind is renewed! For now, selectively plan a controlled treat - ideally with an accountablitly partner nearby. While you are enjoying a small portion, tell yourself: "I am easily satisfied and can only enjoy small amounts fun foods such as this."

It's also time to get rid of your "all or nothing" attitude as well. It's not either a "diet day" or a "blow out day". Every time you think you've gone a little too far off the path, start fresh right then and there. Don't wait until the first day of the week, the first day of the month or the first day of the year. Restart again right now, even if it is Wednesday afternoon. If most women simply learned how to cut their losses and start fresh in the middle of the day, they would not feel their lifestyle spiraling out of control. Which brings me to one last important statement you should remind yourself daily: "I am in control of my food choices and I can easily say no to any food and stop eating before I eat too much." You can, you know? I've never seen a cookie or chocolate jump into someone's mouth. You are in control - Believe it!

Three more Fat Burning Tips Next Week!

Tip #3: Increase your energy

Tip #4: Burning more calories

Tip #5: Simple Ways to cut calories

Your Body...Your Only Vehicle for Life

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:19:00 GMT

Your Body, Your Only Vehicle for Life
Hot Flash Relief
Throw Out Your Mom Jeans

Your Body is Your ONLY Vehicle for Life…So, How's It Running for You?

Human beings naturally avoid negative experiences. It's our nature to at least try to change the situation. However, there is one situation we can never escape this side of death...and that is living 24/7 within our own body. We are trapped for life and our health and well-being constantly impact the quality of each waking moment. Your body is indeed your ONLY vehicle for life! You can't trade it in...until Heaven.

Think back to the last time you felt poorly. Maybe you had a cold, headache or perhaps just didn't get enough sleep. For some, you cannot remember when you last felt healthy and full of energy. Whether it is an occasional illness or constant lethargy, how you feel moment to moment profoundly influences every aspect of your life.

<The bad news:

About 30% of your health and wellness is out of your control. Call it genetics. Some of you are more prone to certain diseases or tendencies.

The really good news:

About 70% of your wellness is IN your control. That 70%is called your LIFESTYLE. How you eat, move, sleep, deal with stress and even think plays a bigger role in your wellness than the 30% out of your control.

You can greatly diminish the impact of your genetic programming by living a consistently healthy lifestyle. Sure, you may come from a family of overweight people - but that does not mean you are destined to be obese! You may never be a stick-thin super model (and who wants to be?) - but you can be reasonably lean and definitely healthy and full of energy.

So, what is holding you back from maximizing the 70% control you have over your health? By paying closer attention to the details, you can begin "growing younger" day by day. Try to eat a little more nutritiously. Go to bed a little earlier. Learn how to let go of stress. Celebrate the body God gave you by taking good care of yourself.

God put us in physical bodies to experience our short assignment on earth. Yet, no matter how well we take care of these vehicles, they will break down and eventually die. And then finally, we can trade them in for new and absolutely glorified bodies. Until then let's worship Him by "presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing - as a spiritual form of worship". (Romans 12:1)

GROWING YOUNG SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK:

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. ~1 Corinthians 6: 19, 20

For those of you who have a personal relationship with Jesus, the scripture above reminds us that our body is a gift from God. For me, that is added motivation to worship God by taking good care of myself so I can fully live out HIS purpose for my life! I love what Ron Hutchcraft says about this very topic:

If you know Jesus, that body of yours - whatever you or other people may think of it - is a temple where God Himself lives! I saw a teenager once with a shirt that simply said, "Property of God." That's the truth! Imagine how it might change things if every believer had that indelibly stamped on their forehead "property of God." Some couples wouldn't be messing around with each other the way they are if they remembered they were messing around with God's property. We'd think twice about some of the garbage we put in our body; some of the junk we allow ourselves to watch or listen to if we realized that we were dragging trash into the "property of God."

GROWING YOUNG HEALTH TIP:

Hot Flash Relief

If you haven't experienced your own personal summer in the middle of winter, you won't relate to this next tip. But, read on anyway...chances are you will need this information sooner or later! In my book, THE HEAT IS ON, I wrote extensively about this topic for "Holy Hotties". One of the principles I shared was that it is best to try the most inexpensive and natural remedy for hot flashes first and work up only as necessary. If your menopausal symptoms get so severe that your sleep and sense of well being are disturbed for a prolonged period, then it may be time to consider bio-identical hormone replacement. But, BEFORE you do...I've found a new product that is working as well as the bio-identical hormones worked for me. It is called FEMMENESSENCE MACAPAUSE. There are different formulations for pre and post menopausal women. The 50+ is working great for me...most days! You can get more info or order at: www.naturalhi.com

GROWING YOUNG BEAUTY TIP:

Throw Out Your "Mom" Jeans

Jeans...they're like comfort food for the body. We've been wearing them since we were young and when we've got a pair that looks and feels great...it helps us feel young again. But, the wrong pair of jeans...well...let's not go there.

Go to your closet and if you have any jeans more than five or six years old...chances are, it's time to give them away!

No matter what your body type, there is a pair of jeans that will boost your "growing young" attitude. When a mature woman wears a classy pair of stylish jeans that are suited specifically to her body type and partners it with a "now" top - she defies age. And...on a really positive note: The old look of high waist jeans is OUT. And the really, really low jeans...they're just too low for everyone! So, if you can only budget one clothing item this month...make it something you can wear a lot – a pair of fantastic jeans!

Serving Him with joy,

Danna

Growing Young is a Choice!

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:02:00 GMT

Welcome to my new blog!

Growing Young is a Choice
Getting Back to Basics – Health Tips
Growing Young Attitude

It takes no time at all to grow “up”. By the time we hit our late teens or early twenties, that project is done. In our twenties and thirties we’re a bit oblivious to the insidious downward pull of gravity. But, one day we wake up in horror and exclaim, “I’ve become my mother!” (I love you, Mom and want to be just like you in many ways. But, looking 25 years older is not one of them!)

It seems like overnight we suddenly become obsessed with growing old. We look in the mirror and wonder, “What happened to my youth?” It doesn’t need to be that way. With some attention to detail – we can not only slow the process, but “grow younger” in many ways that matter, to include our attitude, energy and even our appearance.

About ten years ago, I was getting my nails done and overheard a woman at a nearby station talking about going to her thirtieth high school reunion. I’m not usually a nosey person, but my thirtieth reunion was also coming up and I wanted to see who was this gal was who graduated in 1970, just like me. I looked around the room and could not see anyone who appeared my age. There were several gals in their 20’s or 30’s and one much older woman who appeared to be in her 60’s. The older woman began to speak and I realized sadly that she was the 1970 graduate.

Please, please don’t judge me for being shocked. Not everyone ages at the same rate. But this woman’s style of hair and clothing aged her far more than her body size or skin tone. Just because our driver’s license says we are over forty, does not mean that we must dress like our grandmothers! And a word of caution here: It also does not mean that we should overcompensate and dress like our 20-something daughters, either!

As author Florence Littauer once said, “It takes very little to be above average.” With a little attention to our health, style and attitude – we can feel and appear much younger than our birth certificate may proclaim. With that thought in mind, I’ve decided to begin a weekly blog dedicated to all women who think they are “growing old”. Instead, we will focus on “growing young” in body, soul and spirit. We don’t need to settle for just being “young at heart”. Let’s become the best we can be – with the vitality and energy of 30-somethings.

Each week I will give you practical health, beauty and attitude tips to move you from frumpy to fabulous! I hope you will join me on the journey and share some of your own tips and stories along the way.

Growing Young Health Tip #1: Get Back to Basics

For the past two decades, I’ve taught a very basic principal related to health and wellness that I’d like to repeat: Master the basics before getting distracted by the details. For example, many people spend too much time trying to fine tune their nutrition with the latest, greatest new supplements – but still aren’t consistently eating sufficient fruits and vegetables. Or, they spend a fortune on skin care products and treatments, but are never sufficiently hydrating their bodies with enough water. Most people know the basics, but in case you’ve forgotten, here are my top five basics that will help you grow younger and more energetic. I’ll expand on these topics in future weeks.

Drink at least 4-6 ounces of purified water every waking hour and more if the weather is hot or you are exercising. (It makes your skin cells look like grapes instead of raisins).
Eat 7-10 fruits and vegetables of varying color every single day.
Eat protein and fiber with every meal or snack to stabilize your blood sugar, keep energy high, and cravings low.
Take an Omega 3 Fat supplement every day. (More about this fabulous food that is my number one beauty tip in next week’s blog.)
Limit fun food (empty calories) to no more than 10-15% of your total diet (about 300 calories maximum).

Growing Young Beauty Tip #1: Sleep…Sleep…Sleep

Many people pride themselves on being able to “get by” on six or less hours of sleep each night. While that may work for the short-term, it will bite you in the rear eventually. Sleep is the only time when the body can truly regenerate at the cellular level. If you want to grow young and have an energetic second half of life – you need at least seven to eight hours of sleep most nights. Someone once said, “You pay now or you pay later…but you will always pay”. Pay yourself forward by getting starting the healthful habit of adequate sleep. It will show on your face.

Growing Young Attitude Tip #1: You Are Only as Young as You Feel …Really!

The cliché, “You’re only as old as you feel” is quite true. Our attitude about life in general greatly impacts how we embrace our own journey of midlife and beyond. If you want to feel like a younger version of yourself – start by thinking young. Comments such as, “I’m too old” or “If only I were younger”, set you up for failure. Don’t let your age stop you from doing the things you once loved to do. At eighty-four, my father is still snow skiing on double black diamond runs. He may ski a bit slower – but he enjoys himself like a teenager.

Every time you catch yourself thinking or talking about feeling “old” – squash those thoughts and do something youthful. Surround yourself with younger people who have a zest for life and join them buy doing the things they do. My 33 year old daughter is my ski buddy. She snow boards and tries her best to keep up with her 58 year old mom. That is NEVER gonna happen – at least in my mind!

Until next week…think young,

Danna