Do you know the top ten causes for death? You will recognize them all.
Here they are?
1. Heart disease
2. Cancer
3. Stroke
4. Lower-respiratory diseases
5. Injury (mostly car accidents)
6. Diabetes
7. Flu and pneumonia
8. Alzheimer's disease
9. Kidney disease
10. Infection
Source: 1999-2001 mortality statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Most of us want to live long, productive, pain free lives.
So, then, why are so many people dying from heart disease, cancer and strokes - most of which can be prevented through lifestyle changes?
***Health Is More Than Just Physical***
Health is defined in Webster's dictionary as "sound physical or mental condition". Did you notice this definition only includes physical health and mental health? What about emotional health and spiritual health? So many times I separate my life into different "file folders".
I have a folder for exercise and diet, a folder for my relationship with God, a folder for my social life, and another folder for my emotions?.can anyone else relate? I try to fix my exercise and diet without addressing my emotions. Or I try to overcome a difficult relationship in my "social folder" without addressing my relationship with God.
I try to separate myself -- my emotions, my mind, my spirit and my body into different parts. And it just doesn't work.
***Water, Ice & Steam - The Same Substance In Different Forms***
Let's take the example of water. It has different functions as water, ice and steam, but it is still the same basic molecular substance. H2O.
Similarly, I believe each one of us has different parts - our emotions, mind, spirit and body, but they all interrelate to one another. They can't be separated. Picture three circles. Now picture them all overlapping. I believe the three circles are your emotions, mind and body and where they all overlap - the core of your being - is your spirit. Your deepest beliefs and desires.
Have you ever noticed that when you feel depressed it is harder to exercise? Or if you suffer from physical pain it is harder to concentrate mentally on your work?
***Fitness Trends - Yoga, Pilates & Wellness***
I believe one reason Yoga & Pilates have become popular fitness trends is because they try to incorporate some form of spirituality. They realize the "key" to improved health is not just physical.
There's another popular trend called "wellness". Instead of only addressing exercise, wellness also addresses other aspects of our life, such as emotional and mental health.
"The concept of total wellness recognizes that our every thought, word, and behavior affects our greater health and well-being. And we, in turn, are affected not only emotionally but also physically and spiritually." -- Greg Anderson
***Unlock Your Potential With This Key - Spirituality!***
Our bodies "were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies?. Don't you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which belongs to Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never!.... Or don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:13, 15,19-20 (NIV)
What is the key to improving your physical health? Honor God with your body. It is as simple as that.
But, just because it is simple, does not mean it is always easy. How can you honor God with the foods you eat and the physical energy you have (or don't have)? You can honor God with your body with the choices you make each day. One of the main reasons I exercise is to have more physical energy for my daily tasks and to not feel so tired in the mornings.
Honor God with your body.
In closing, remember that "physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." 1Timothy 4:8 (NIV)
Written by Shelley Hitz, Licensed Physical Therapist and Certified NASM Personal Trainer.
Sign up for her free Exercise Advice journal at http://www.abs-exercise-advice.com/journal.ht
ml or read more of her articles at http://www.abs-exercise-advice.com. Get your free unbelievable abs ball workout here!




It is relatively well known now that exercise releases endorphins... Read More
Martial arts are currently studied worldwide from a variety of... Read More
An informative textbook confirming a newly established field: Sleep PsychiatryBook... Read More
Tired of costly medications, prescriptions and time lost for doctor's... Read More
Noni Juice, Morinda CitrifoliaMorinda Citrifolia , a deciduos creeping vine... Read More
Brewer's yeast can help to ease, reduce, or clear your... Read More
Not everybody knows exactly what ergonomic means, but it's getting... Read More
Do you ever listen to other people's conversations? I mean... Read More
Darker-complexioned teens will always seek a tanning bed or booth.... Read More
At the end of 2004 results from a study on... Read More
In "Evidence for the Sixth Sense", Hazel Courteney interviews an... Read More
What exactly is infrared, or radiant heat? No need to... Read More
Here are four different herbs that can give you hemorrhoid... Read More
Immunoglobulin E is an antibody, which is secreted from the... Read More
Aromatherapy is a well known holistic method for healing, but... Read More
Bringing Home Nature's Forest Correctly and SafelyPreserving Both Essence and... Read More
Feeling sad? Have you lost interest in things you used... Read More
The term 'alternative medicine' that is so commonly used today... Read More
BATH: Add 10-12 drops of a single oil or a... Read More
Even a single family member who is senile or afflicted... Read More
My Fun Commandments are more relevant today than ever before... Read More
The New Age should also be called The Stone Age,... Read More
Developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago, acupressure is an... Read More
Fungal infection of the nails is the one of the... Read More
In my workshops we use energy techniques that involve tapping... Read More
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and is characterized... Read More
Nowadays is the era of everything that is herbal and... Read More
When your body is toxic, toxins hide and embed themselves... Read More
An amazing tea that can help with colds and flu,... Read More
You've seen the stage acts where a hypnotist selects someone... Read More
The terms alternative medicine and complementary medicine are often wrongly... Read More
Scientific studies continue to show that green tea is good... Read More
In my workshops we use energy techniques that involve tapping... Read More
If you want to remedy snoring, you have to find... Read More
The musculoskeletal, immune and endocrine systems can all be potent... Read More
The initial consultation may well be the most crucial aspect... Read More
What is Shiatsu? Shiatsu, literally means: Shi = 'finger,' Atsu... Read More
Vegetables like fruits and their juices have healing properties because... Read More
I'm sure you know what it's like to be sick.... Read More
The practice of Tai Chi combines flowing movement and breathing... Read More
How many of us wake up in the morning feeling... Read More
It is estimated that 80 percent of communicable illnesses are... Read More
Herbal medicine is the use of plant and herb extracts... Read More
Can you prevent the flu? or is it just luck... Read More
We can find many beneficial uses for natural herbs and... Read More
Use of herbs for health and as a medicine has... Read More
Tips on Purchasing Essential OilsIt is important to purchase your... Read More
Recently I came down with a cold, flu, and some... Read More
Reflexology therapy, (an ancient art practiced by early Egyptians), is... Read More
Herbology is one of the oldest healthcare sciences known to... Read More
|
|