General discussion of broad topics fundamental to wellness
The state of matter we call life is marked by a continual flow of energy through the cell. The relationship between the cell, its internal environment, and its external environment, is essential for promoting positive development as well as healing and recovery. When the body undergoes stress—whether mental, physical, emotional, nutritional, or toxic—this can lead(…)
There is an important concept in my coaching method I refer to as the foundation of understanding. This concept is key to getting motivated—and staying motivated—along the path to health and happiness. I believe that cultivating a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding is a necessary first step toward realizing your desired experience in life.(…)
People often talk about “holiday stress.” But what does that really mean? Are the holidays stressful in and of themselves? Why do tasks like holiday shopping, decorating, cooking, and wrapping presents stress some people out, while making others feel joyful and cheery? These two very different responses to so-called “stressful” events help to highlight the(…)
You probably already know that your cognitive and emotional states affect your physical health and the way your body functions (e.g., psychosocial stress can have a negative impact on heart health). But did you know that the converse is also true? Chemicals taken in from your environment as well as produced within your cells affect(…)
Beauty perception in our society is unfortunately very narrow. Our standards for health and beauty tend to be very high, specific, and unrealistic. We idealize body sizes and shapes characterized as “thin,” “lean,” and “athletic,” while looking down on (and discriminating against) people who are viewed as “fat” and “out of shape.” This outlook is(…)
What causes heart disease and “clogged arteries” (i.e. atherosclerosis)? Well, there are many contributing factors to look at when exploring the causes of heart disease. The first step is to understand the nature of the disease itself, which is explained in my previous post: The Truth About Clogged Arteries. Next, you’ll want to take a(…)
What is heart disease? Well, there are many conditions associated with the cardiovascular system as well as the heart specifically. The term heart disease is commonly used to refer to atherosclerosis, which is a disease of the blood vessels (not actually the heart). Atherosclerosis is also known as “clogged arteries,” an advanced-stage feature of a(…)
The safest, most effective method for treating obesity is not weight loss or gastric bypass surgery. It’s lifestyle intervention. If you read my last blog post, you know that it’s a mistake to treat body weight as an isolated disease, and that you can’t “cure” obesity with weight loss alone. Obesity is a really complex(…)
Obesity is considered a disease. It is considered a risk factor. It is considered undesirable. It is considered, in essence, a sign that you are unhealthy, and it is treated as something to be done away with. This outlook on obesity is dangerous and needs to be revised. Keep reading to learn about the complexities(…)
Since the time you are born, you carry intestinal bacteria with you. Your intestinal microbiome is with you all the time—in sickness and in health. My previous post on Understanding Intestinal Bacteria explained what the intestinal microbiome is, how it impacts your health, and whether certain types of bacteria are “good” or “bad.” Important points(…)