Stressors that effect our health, weight, and family. Read on...

balance

People come in many different shapes and sizes.  It is important to recognize that thin may not always mean healthy and fat may not always mean unhealthy.  People use unhealthy measures such as extreme dieting and exercising in hopes of drastically changing their physique.  The problem in extreme dieting is that its very abusive to the body.  People generally cut their calorie intake so drastically that it forces the body into starvation mode.  Then when the person finally gives in and eats they have the tendency to overeat.  People who employ this type of dieting generally lack energy, so they don't exercise.  Then there is the person that likes to exercise it all out!!  Spending too much time exercising is dangerous for it can lead to physical and emotional problems.  The answer is balance.  Eat when you are hungry.  Stop when you are full.  Listen to your body.  Choose healthy foods, avoid fried and canned foods, pick fresh fruits and vegetables, lean cuts of meat, and wild fish.  Always hydrate!!
Other things that effect weight.  Financial responsibilities, children, home, relationship, and family all play a part in one's health.  Theses responsibilities take priority in our lives and sometimes over our health.    Health is time and time is priceless.  My suggestion is that you include health into your homes not just yourselves.  Make healthy dinners and educate your children or loved ones on the important of health and movement.  Perhaps, include a game after dinner in which everyone participates like Wii fit.  The crisp air is perfect for walking so take the family for hike on saturday or sunday.  Focus on what your eating not what your missing.  Again, balance is crucial.  Make movement apart of your life.
Foods you should eat: spinach, chick peas, apples, bananas, spring mix, black beans, fish, lean cuts, of red meat, cucumbers, tomatoes, wild rice, whole-grains, mushrooms, and any fresh vegetables or fruit.  Use olive oil instead of butter and no margarine!  Do not add salt to any of your food, if it is salt you crave enjoy something that contains salt like olives or parmesan cheese.  Flavor your foods with fresh garlic, pepper and herbs.
Avoid foods such as those that are deep fried, rather choose baked it will save you on calories and fat.  Stay away from pork and pork products like sausage, bacon, and ham.  Do not eat lunch meats, these are highly processed and contain way too much salt!  An alternative is to buy a roasted chicken and slice.  Stay away from canned products except beans, and always rinse your beans as they are in salt water to preserve.
The key is variety.  Learn to make dishes with healthy ingredients that satisfy your taste buds.  Enjoy eating it gives us life.  Take time to sit and savor your food.  Be thankful.  Be moving...at least 30 minutes per day.  You, your family, your life is worth it.

Save the date! Oct 24th Open studio 1pm to 5pm! Please join us and bring a friend!

Hello! The Revival Room is hosting an open studio on Oct. 24th from 1pm to 5pm at 14 Plank Rd. Newburgh, NY. To welcome Bernadette Amodio -Esthetician !! Enjoy a mini facial $20 chemical peel $20 or a mini-facial & chemical peel $30 waxing is available! Add on a stress relief massage 10 min for $10. Also, stop by for a complimentary introduction to pilates using the xercizer! Healthy snack and beverage will be served! For details or directions call 845 522 8009 or email christine.revival@gmail.com

HEALTH ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH DEHYDRATION!

Enjoy some water!

Why is water consumption so important?  Our bodies are comprised of approximately 75 % water and it is the most important nutrient we put into our body for its responsible for regulating body temperature, aids in digestion, lubricates organs, and regulates metabolism.  Ideally, people should consume half their body weight in ounces for the body to be properly hydrated.  When a person is chronically dehydrated it can lead to several health issues such as high cholesterol, depression, kidney stones, constipation, and joint pain.  It is recommended that people gradually increase their water intake.  Signs of dehydration include constipation, thick urine, lethargy, mental confusion, and muscle cramping.  You can painlessly increase your water content by adding more fruits and vegetables that are high in water content such as apples, watermelon, tomatoes, and celery.  Also, be sure to increase your water intake if you enjoy diuretics such as alcohol, soda and coffee for they promote dehydration.  Keep it moving and drink up!!

TREATING FIBROMYALGIA WITH PILATES AND THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE!

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition in which individuals experience a deep ache throughout their body.  The causes of fibromyalgia are unknown but it is likely that genetics, depression, and emotional or physical trauma could be responsible.  People who have fibromyalgia have an increased sensitivity in the brain causing them to have a lower threshold for pain.   Many people who suffer from fibromyalgia may also have depression, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, post traumatic stress disorder, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, to name a few.  Individuals with fibromyalgia may experience, fatigue, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, interrupted sleep patterns, deep aches, stiffness to the body, as well as, depression, anxiety and memory difficulties.

Those suffering with fibromyalgia are encouraged to eat a healthy diet containing grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean cuts of meat.  It is also recommended that they avoid fried foods,  high calorie foods, refined sugar, and products containing aspartame and MSG as they may trigger symptoms of fibromyalgia.  Other factors that may aggravate the body and trigger symptoms is caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes so it is advised to limit or avoid them.

Sometimes individuals with fibromyalgia avoid exercise for the fear that it will increase their pain.  However, the lack of exercise will make them feel worse in the long run.  It is advised that people with fibromyalgia engage in physical activity as it will help restore muscle balance.  Begin with just 5 minutes of walking, bicycling, or swimming and gradually increase to 30 minutes.   Always warm up your joints before engaging in any physical activity by performing slow circulation motions in both directions.  Remember to stretch as it improves circulation, increases range of motion, and lubricates the joints.  It is also advisable to incorporate a strength training or isometric routine as it decreases pain and helps with depression.  Pilates is an effective way to restore muscle balance in the body as its focus on centering, strengthening, lengthening, and flexibility.

Therapeutic massage is also beneficial for those suffering from fibromyalgia.  Therapeutic massage manually stimulates the body increasing circulation and therefore increasing the delivery of oxygen to the muscles.   Therapeutic massage helps decrease pain and stress and promotes balance in the body.

Be proactive in your health with nutrition, movement, and positive touch!  Remember to hydrate and listen to your body, rest when you need rest.