One of the biggest challenges I face as a physician and fitness professional is convincing patients and clients that healthy eating and regular exercise serve as the best insurance policies in optimizing health and minimizing the risk of illness and disease. It is especially frustrating because I know first-hand that this is true.
I began weight training at the age of 21 to heal from my teenage bout with anorexia. Luckily, I was already practicing relatively healthy eating habits once I abandoned my starvation mission. I was not surprised by the fact that I loved weight lifting, how it made me feel, how it made me look, and how it made others look at me. It also empowered me and lifted me from the darkest period of my life, becoming my saving grace and an insurance policy for my health and well-being. I became intrigued with the world of fitness and quickly noticed the “can do” attitude that was so pervasive. At one point I had considered competing in the fitness division and had even looked into hiring a coach, but then I got sidetracked by medical training, marriage and then divorce. Little did I know then that I would finally hit the bodybuilding stage in my 40’s and eventually attain IFBB Professional Status.
I may be a freak of nature and blessed with decent genetics, but then again, maybe not. My maternal grandmother died of cancer at 63, and my maternal grandfather passed away at 81 of a heart attack. My mom suffered from a brain aneurysm rupture ten years ago and now battles high blood pressure, macular degeneration, and osteoporosis. In contrast, my blood pressure is at the low end of normal, and I have the bone mineral density of a 20 year old. My mother’s veins are very small and deep, while mine are huge pipelines which sit right under the surface of my skin. With that type of family history, I am thankful that I took charge of my own life as a young adult and made changes which protected my health.
Hopefully my story resonated with some of you and perhaps inspired you to take regular exercise and healthy eating seriously. Please do not wait until your health begins to suffer. Be proactive and preventative, especially if you have a family history of certain diseases. Revamp your eating habits NOW. Commit to a regular exercise program that incorporates resistance training. No more excuses!
Chinese Horoscope 2014 for Pig According to the 2014 Chinese Horoscope, entire year is quite favorable for businessmen. In spite of being into competition, you people will fare out well. 2014 Chinese Astrology suggests you to stay on ground, no matter how much success comes to your feet. Love life will stay smooth only if you will stay at bay from your past. Married couples will cherish a blissful time and may expect a new born. Single ones will cherish their status and would like to live a better social life. Flirting is good for health. As they say, a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt. You guys will get many chances to make money and most of them will be successful. However, you need to direct your expenditure in this year of Horse. Many situations will come in front of you that will ask you to help others, but you need to check if someone is befooling you. The year doesn’t seem very good health-wise, as you may go more into junk foods. People under Pig sign have a delicate stomach. Hence, proper attention needs to be given. You may go through some stomach related issues in this time; like ulcers and indigestion. Headaches may also give your trouble once in a blue Moon. Chinese Horoscope 2014 suggests you to take Herbal teas and do proper workouts.
Chinese Horoscope 2014 for Dog Chinese Horoscope 2014 predicts that this time you are going to spend enough time pondering over your life. A change in job is seen for most of you. This change seems to be positive for you. Also, this change will bring out your hidden skills. If we talk about your finances, you need to stay quite cautious. You need to keep a track of all your expenditures this time precisely. Chinese Astrology 2014 suggests you to avoid spending on others, as your own expenditures may cross the red line. The tricky part of love life is about to begin in your life. Singles may have to strive hard to find the right one. On the contrary, married ones will be troubled finding ways to stay with their best one. If you hope for a beautiful love life, you need to keep a control over your ego and temper. Think twice before saying anything. Health seems fine in 2014. However, you need to take special care of your stomach.
Chinese Horoscope 2014 for Rooster Chinese Horoscope 2014 predicts that the year will give you mixed results. You people may have to face some basic changes at workplace, which may seem uncomfortable in the beginning. Quick adaption of everything will help you. You need to come over your past and start moving in pace with the world. Chinese Astrology 2014 predicts good finances in the beginning of the year, but by the end you may have to face certain difficulties. Roosters are generous people at heart, you like to spend more on others. However, 2014 Chinese Horoscope suggests to keep this habit in control. 2014 Chinese Astrology sees a disturbed love life for you. You are suggested to keep calm. Married couples may face some disagreements issues which will lead to the arguments adding spice to your life, but don’t let it go so serious that it could create some difference between you two. Singles may have to strive hard in search of true love. Friends will come to your rescue in all your hard times in this year of Horse. Old friends may come in contact. Health seems fit. But you need to stay at bay from stress and tensions. Yoga and meditation will be most beneficial for you.
Chinese Horoscope 2014 for Monkey Chinese Horoscope 2014 predicts a year full of mixed results for you. Indeed, you are hard working but hasty decision making may give you a tough time. Chinese Astrology 2014 suggests you to ponder over any idea thoroughly. Your previous achievements seems to be on stake as you may take up many things and not able to complete within the stipulated period of time. Your biggest weakness is that you get easily distracted. Hence, you need to work on it. Things may look bright and advantageous, but when you will go closer, it will just disappear like a cloud of gas. If you have found a shortcut for something, then make yourself believe that it is not worth taking up. Some big attractive investments may make you greedy landing you up in losses. 2014 Chinese Horoscope predicts a good inflow of money. Therefore, you need to keep a control over your expenditure. You are advised to invest only in promising aspects. If you will save in this time, it will benefit you in future. Love life seems to be quite romantic and harmonious. Good time for family planning. Singles need to work on their lost charm. If we talk about your health, 2014 Chinese Astrology suggests you to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The year of Horse needs your concern. Don’t ignore small issues, they may turn bigger.
