Health Talk Today

45 Reasons to Get Healthy

The number one New Year’s Resolution: Lose weight and get healthy. But, it’s not going to happen without a plan. My first step is to figure out WHY I want to get healthy. Here are 45 reasons …

I want to feel good.
I want to smile when I look in the mirror.
Because beauty starts on the inside.
I want to prevent disease.
I want a strong heart.
Healthy is sexy.
I want to be a good example to my family and friends.
I have goals I want to reach.
Staying healthy is cheaper than being sick.
I’m ready to do a 180 and lose the fat forever.
I want lean, stong muscles.
It’s the only place I have to live.
I want strong bones.
I want to stay active.
I want to maintain a healthy weight.
I made a commitment to myself.
I want to feel good in my clothes.
I am not a quitter.
I have a long bucket list to accomplish.
I want a healthy brain.
I want good eating habits.
Life is worth living.
Because I am in charge of my life.
I want to wear my skinny jeans.
Because not working out isn’t working out for me.
I want to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementia.
If you rest, you rust.
I want to keep my blood pressure low.
I want to travel.
Because vitamins are better than medication.
I know healthy is the right thing to do.
Eating healthy and controlling my weight prevents diabetes.
I want to dance at my grandchild’s wedding.
I want to live a long and healthy life.
I want to feel happy.
Because I’m worth it.
I want to breathe easy.
I want healthy, glowing skin.
I want my family to be proud of me.
I want to add years to my life.
Because I am stronger than my excuses.
Because mom would be proud.
I want more energy.
I want healthy lungs.
Because I can.

Leave a comment with YOUR reasons to get healthy.

Download a printable list: 45 Reasons to Get Healthy

Marilyn Kvasnok

Posted in: Anti-Aging, Healthy Living, Holidays and Events, New Year, Vitamins, Weight Loss.
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Merry Christmas 2012

by Marilyn.

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May the Christmas season
fill your home with joy,
your heart with love
and your life with laughter.
St Albert the Great Church Altar

St Albert the Great Chapel

Photos from St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in North Royalton, Ohio.

Marilyn Kvasnok

Posted in: Christmas, Holidays and Events, Places and Locations.
Tagged: Merry Christmas · St Albert the Great Catholic Church · St. Albert the Great
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Aging is a complex but natural process that affects every cell, organ, and body function you have. It’s impacted by a number of factors, including genetics, nutritional habits, and other lifestyle aspects. But how exactly do we age? Well, scientists have been developing theories of aging for centuries, and more recently have invested billions of dollars into research in hopes of developing interventions to help alter or slow the aging process. To date, research suggests there are several key mechanisms involved:

DNA Damage
Every day the DNA of our cells is under assault. The causes—oxidative damage as a result of normal metabolism, mistakes in cell replication, and exposure to environmental factors such as radiation and other toxins. These assaults can cause “genetic typos” or more mistakes in DNA replication. Eventually, these mutations accumulate, causing cells to malfunction and die.

Declines in Cell Energy Production
Mitochondria are “intra-cellular power plants” that convert carbohydrates, fats, and protein from the foods we eat into cellular energy. However, as we age the number of mitochondria in our cells and their ability to produce energy decreases. In addition, the production of cell energy itself creates free radicals (highly reactive and unstable molecules) which damage mitochondrial membranes and cellular DNA. Over time, this damage accumulates and mitochondria stop functioning.

Formation of AGEs
As we age, the formation of AGEs (advanced glycation end products) occurs. They form when sugar molecules attach to proteins leading to structural changes called protein cross-links. AGE proteins build up slowly but accumulate as we age, and damage body tissues. Numerous studies also suggest that AGE proteins are associated with a number of age-related diseases, such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s and heart disease.

Decreased Cellular Defenses
How we age is related to the activity of genetic regulators—proteins that control the expression of genes. Nrf2 has been identified by scientists as a key master genetic regulator, and is now believed to control and coordinate the cells’ diverse natural defenses—antioxidant protection, anti-inflammatory activities, detoxification enzymes, as well as our cells’ ability to repair DNA and produce energy. Not surprisingly, research focusing on the role Nrf2 plays as our “guardian of longevity” has greatly increased in recent years.

Remember: Although the years of your life can’t be changed, scientists are researching ways to help slow the rate you age, and how well you can age with a healthy lifestyle.

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Posted in: Anti-Aging, Education, Healthy Living, Wellness.
Tagged: Age · Anti-Aging · Cell Energy Production · Cellular Defenses · DNA Damage · Shaklee · Vivix
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Vitamin Chart

by Marilyn.

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Vitamins are essential to life. They help keep your cells healthy and working properly. However, a recent study determined that 90% of Americans are lacking key nutrients in their diets. The problem? Without adequate intake of a variety of nutrients, long-term health challenges may arise — from compromised immunity to poor cardiovascular function and more. Getting all the nutrients you need in the right amounts can be difficult — especially when busy schedules leave you with limited food options.

This Periodic Table of Vitamns illlustrates how many vitamins we need every day. It looks like a simple chart, but there’s lots of info here.

The border color shows what that vitamin is good for (i.e. immunity, heart, beauty, mental, body or all.
The top left corner lists the daily RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance), also known as DV (Daily Value).
The letter in the upper right corner is for Antioxidant, Mineral or Vitamin.
The name and abbreviation are in the middle of the box.
The bottom row of images represent what types of food contain that antioxidant, mineral or vitamin.

Source: Marilyn on Pinterest

So what can you do to make sure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs?

Choose your vitamis carefully. The best vitamins are:

Always Safe
The ingredients are tested and inspected, from raw ingredients to finished product, with no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives added.

Always Work
Based on clinical studies. Contain every vitamin plus minerals your body needs. Guaranteed to work or your money back.

Always Green
Recyclable packaging, free of bisphenol-A, phthalates, and toxic inks.

Don’t be okay with feeling just okay.

If you’re like nine out of 10 Americans, you don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, which can really affect your health down the line. That’s a great reason to supplement what you eat. But the important question is, how do you feel today? Your answer should be nothing short of fantastic.

Click the image for more info.

Marilyn Kvasnok

Posted in: Healthy Living, Internet, Shaklee Corporation, Vitamins, Websites, Wellness.
Tagged: Antioxidants · Minerals · Periodic Table of Vitamins · Vitamin Chart · Vitamins
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Getting Old

by Marilyn.

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Mary Maxwell

Seniors. I love them!

A few years ago, at the Caregiver of the Year Dinner, Mary Maxwell was asked to deliver the invocation. It starts out OK. But, instead of leaving the podium at the end of the prayer, Ms. Maxwell continues, to the delight of the audience.