Archive for anti-aging

BEYOND BOOMER ENERGY

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Sunday, May 27th, 2012

Beyond Boomer Energy

How many of us in the Fitness World have often asked ourselves why we weren’t getting the results we wanted although we were certain we were doing all the right things. If this sounds like you, I can understand, feeling the same way many times. As a Coach and competitive athlete for over thirty years I am always looking for that “edge”. I am continually studying everything in nutrition, strength and psychology (Human Behavior) looking for that edge for myself and my clients. A few years ago as I was working with my Coach on an electrolyte problem I was having, I swerved into an area that grabbed my attention and changed everything. Being Alkaline. With my business focus being challenged populations, primarily those who I call “Beyond Boomers”, those who are beyond age 65, actually the averge age of my clients is 80-85. I needed to have a solid grasp of this concept before I would feel confident to share with these special populations.

My Plan

As a competitive Triathlete I proceeded to get myself alkaline. I used a very simple plan. I drank lots of water. But not just any water. It had to have a PH of at least 8.0. I also had to have a way to measure whether it worked. So being a good scientist I proceeded to eliminate my supplements that I had been using as buffering agents during training and replaced them with the water. It worked! I felt better. I was stronger and I was able to recover quicker from my workouts. I now felt it was time to share my knowledge with my clients.

My Clients

The first goal I have with a new client is to get them to start moving. After that is accomplished and we are establishing a training program or new activity, I then look at their nutrition. Now I need to remind everyone that I work with very challenged individuals, many having suffered very traumatic injuries, brain and spinal cord. For this article I am going to focus on Beyond Boomers which again their average age is 80-85. An important and often overlooked fact with this group is that as we age we lose taste buds. But we don’t lose our taste for sweets, which is why a lot of our Beyond Boomers have a difficult time with nutrition. The food has to taste good. I believed I had found at least a partial solution to the problem. I had a place to start. Plain old water. Let me make a couple points here. First it is very common that our Beyond Boomers are challenged when it comes to hydration. They just need to drink more. Second, remember it has to taste good. The goal was to introduce a more alkaline water. Most water is acidic which means it is less than 7.0 on a scale of 1-14. Although this will help with hydration, it won’t allow for maximum health. This is the goal, maximum health and performance. Just by drinking a more alkaline water anyone could quickly start to feel better and have increased energy, as I experienced in my own training.

The Science

How is it possible to achieve increased energy and strength through alkalinity? Some of you have probably been aware of the importance of keeping our bodies more alkaline, which has to do with your bloods PH. Ideally we need to be at 7.3 on that scale of 1-14 which I previously had mentioned. Your body will do whatever is possible to maintain 7.3 PH. This can weaken you. This is where drinking water that is alkaline is important. A more alkaline water can solve two problems at the same time. Proper hydration and being alkaline. Next, remember how I shared with you about those taste buds. The water must have a good taste to it. So to this point if we can get people to drink quality water we can begin to positively influence their health. If you want you can test your own PH with special strips from the Drugstore or a Health Food store. This gives you a baseline, but the real test is the results.

Benefits of Being Alkaline

Some of the benefits that are gained from drinking alkaline water and being alkaline are

* Increased Energy

* Increased Strength

* Improved Metabolism

* Improved Immunity

* Improved Fat Loss

* Feeling Better

* Improved Bone Density

Although all of these points are huge with Beyond Boomers, it’s important for everyone. Who would not want the benefits presented here?

Results from Being Alkaline

Let’s Look at these benefits and begin to appreciate the results of having more energy, such as providing you more time to do what you enjoy. Just think how important this is for our Beyond Boomers. With improved strength from having less muscle fatigue you are able to exercise more often, at an increased intensity because of being able to increase the time or resistance of your program. This then relates back to being able to do what you enjoy more, such as golf or other activities, at higher levels of performance. Which will then create a positive, emotional relationship to exercise and you will feel better.

Strength

Because I believe that being strong is the most important fitness component for Beyond Boomers. (I really believe it applies to everyone). I want to highlight this benefit. By being strong this population’s entire world opens up. They have no limits and now can find a purpose and go after it with physical certainty. Lastly by creating a healthier body with stronger bones and muscles, people have less health issues, which creates an incredible psychological boost. Being sick or injured is not fun at any age, but is devastating at this age.

Summary

Although many in the mainstream medical community may have problems understanding the concept of alkalinity, there has been good research that we should investigate for ourselves, as I did, by such individuals as Dr. Neil Solomon, Dr. Sang Whang, Dr. Alex Guerrero, top Endurance Coach, Joe Friel and many others. Remember what we in the fitness and athletic community are most concerned with is performance. When you can measure the effects on your own performance as well as others you coach, it becomes an undeniable and powerfull component of your peak performance program.

Arnie Fonseca, Jr
Wellness Coach
Exercise Physiologist
Founder of Your Awesome Life Now.com
Founder of Total Recovery
arnie@yourawesomelifenow.com
602-390-9144

Categories : anti-aging, Elderly, Exercise, Exercise Over 50, Healthy Products, Life, Nutrition, Over 65, Stength and Fitness, Traumatic Injury
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TBI CARE

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Sunday, May 13th, 2012

Key factors that weigh in on traumatic brain injury care, rehab
On behalf of Harris, Powers & Cunningham, P.L.L.C. posted in Brain Injury on Monday, January 23, 2012
Here is a startling disconnect, as noted by Geoff Manley, a neurological surgery expert at the University of California, San Francisco, and Lisa McGuire of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Although the estimated costs to the nation associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) last year were in excess of $76 billion, the total funding that is available to the National Institutes of Health for TBI research in 2012 is a scant $85 million.
That both perplexes and frustrates researchers and medical practitioners who work with brain-injury victims. Manley calls the dearth of available services and lack of funding “a travesty.”
What medical professionals also find disconcerting are the relative hit-or-miss aspects related to treatment. One patient might be lucky enough to receive exemplary intensive trauma care with long-term rehabilitative treatment thereafter, for example, while another patient receives mediocre care initially and little follow-up over time to address issues concerning cognitive abilities, the emotional aspects of severe head trauma, and related issues.
The severe head injury sustained by Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords last year, and information concerning her rehabilitative therapy, has served to focus a great deal of attention on brain-injury symptoms and care. Giffords has both lauded the care she has received and advocated that it should be standard for every person suffering from a brain injury.
Experts say that Gifford’s high level of care owes less to her congressional status than it does to her insurance carrier and coverage through federal workers’ compensation.
Many factors are involved that influence the type of care ultimately received, say experts. The state a person lives in can have an affect (Texas law, for example, requires that rehabilitation be provided for brain-injury victims). Insurance plans vary widely, as does personal advocacy in any given case.
And hospitals matter. Some — if not most — render merely adequate care for head injuries, says Manley, who adds that there are very few facilities that truly stand out for offering exceptional care.
Source: Pro Publica, “Giffords may get better brain-injury care than most of her constituents” Lena Groeger, Jan. 17, 2012
Tags: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, TBI, intensive trauma care, rehabilitative therapy, traumatic brain injury
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Categories : anti-aging, dementia, Elderly, Exercise Over 50, Traumatic Injury
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HENRY IS AWESOME!

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Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

Categories : anti-aging, Elderly, Exercise, Life, Stength and Fitness, success, Traumatic Injury
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WISDOM FROM PEGGY

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Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

Categories : anti-aging, Elderly, Life, Nutrition, personal growth
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PAIN OR PLEASURE

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Sunday, July 31st, 2011

I was working with a client yesterday. We had just finished a walk in his apartment; his goal is to improve his walking skills. It was not a very smooth walk. As he was sitting in the chair; that we had made his goal, I could see a look of fear in his face. I quickly had to change this if I was to continue to earn his trust, which I define as behavior over time. My strategy was to quickly focus on all the positive gains in strength he has been making over the last few weeks. I also told him we would cut this goal into small manageable chunks. Finally we talked about how he has all the skills necessary to achieve this goal. I used the story of one of my favorite movies, The Wizard of Oz, to make my point. We agreed that the Scarecrow was the smartest person in the movie, and all he wanted was a brain. Once the Wizard handed him a diploma, he immediately gained confidence and now believed he was smart. When all along he was the most intelligent. The same was true about the Tin Man and his heart and empathy and finally the Lion and courage. All they needed was someone who believed in them or some symbol they possessed that reminded them of the behavior they wanted to achieve. My client had all the skills to walk without assist in his apartment. He just lacked the confidence. My strategy of “chunking” which made his goal more achievable to him was the strategy I would use to build his confidence. We took the same walk and broke it into four chunks. He did it! Without a hitch. Wow was he proud of himself. After that he did the same walk two more times! After we were done. We evaluated the session. He stated, “I think I’m better.” My quick strategy decision had worked. A mere twenty minutes earlier, he was ready to hang it up. Now he’s looking forward to the next hill to climb. Although I know that pain or fear can be a big motivator. I believe for most of us, if we can find a way to anchor joy and pleasure to our goals, the changes we achieve could be permanent. Design an awesome day by finding ways to anchor your goals and dreams to pleasure and joy, while avoiding the pain. Live life by design!

Categories : anti-aging, Elderly, Exercise, Stength and Fitness
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ENTHUSIASM MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

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Friday, July 15th, 2011

Have you ever met someone that lights up the room whenever they walk in or are just present? When you are around an individual like that you can feel the energy surging through the room. These types of individuals are special, not that we all are not special. But the difference is that they have discovered one of the secrets to living a long, happy, healthy and successful life. Be enthusiastic! They just love life. They can’t say enough words of encouragement about people. They are constantly lifting people. They make living fun. I recently met someone like this during a fitness seminar. Her name is Elaine Smith. Elaine has given me permission to use her name. I immediately noticed something different. For one she didn’t look nearly her age, which is 89. She had “I love life” written all over her. When speaking with her she was excited about learning new ways to continue to grow. She wants to get to the next level physically. Wow! If only individuals less than half her age would make these types of choices. Let me explain. Elaine chooses to be happy. She has for a long time. She chooses to be fit and healthy, she has for a long time. Because of these choices she is very successful in her life. If we choose to be happy, we will be. Because you will seek out those healthy things that make you happy, you will also attract them. The more you surround yourself with happy the more you want to be healthy. You see you have to have the health and energy to enjoy your wonderful life that you design. Elaine is living her life by design. She continues to learn and grow. Elaine has the energy to contribute to her community. Her age is just a number, as she has the attitude and energy of someone half her age. Elaine is enthusiastic about life, because she chooses to be, you can to. Starting tomorrow, choose to be enthusiastic and live your life by design!

Categories : anti-aging, Elderly, Exercise, success
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THE AGING MONSTER

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Saturday, June 25th, 2011

As I speak to various groups on aging and meet people in my life who are dealing with various health issues. It has really got me thinking about how crazy and scary this whole aging thing can be. Many people, who are younger, which I’ll define as under fifty, can’t relate much to the whole concept of aging. They just know they don’t want to end up in some nursing home, unable to make decisions for themselves. The reality is that if they don’t begin to make some changes in their current lives, especially concerning lifestyle, they may not have a choice. Let me explain. I like to compare this whole aging thing to a big Boa Constrictor. Once it gets hold of you it just waits for you to slack off, at which time, it very calmly picks up the slack. As you continue to relax, aging continues to take up the slack until you die. Just like the Boa, aging lets you struggle, because it knows what going to happen. I have been teaching for 25 years that you must not let up when it comes to continuing to work hard physically, spiritually and emotionally, as you age. It’s actually a lot easier to get started with movement or exercise. The key point here is that if you choose not to exercise, it will catch up with you. With medical science today, they can keep almost anyone alive. But how many of us want to end up old and very unhappy. Worst of all, not even being able to make your own decisions about your life. It’s one thing to have a living will; it’s another to be kept alive with a handful of pills. For me it’s an easy choice. Make decisions today that will allow you to maximize health. It’s never too late, but it’s a whole lot easier to start sooner. Because you will pay one way or another. Don’t give in to this monster called aging. Choose to live your life by design, change your life and watch your happiness soar.

Categories : anti-aging, Elderly, Exercise, Exercise Over 50
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HEALTHY AGING KEYS

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Wednesday, June 15th, 2011

I am always fascinated by anyone who still feels that they are too old to pursue a passion in their lives. I have the honor of working with someone who has just turned 101, this past week. One of his keys to healthy aging, is he continually is seeking to grow and challenge himself. This past week he reached his first small goal, which was to get up out of a wheelchair and walk with his walker. This is something he has not been able to do for a very long time. The timing of this was even better as his Son had just shown up and was there to witness his Dads triumph. The smile on both of their faces was priceless. What a great learning experience for me, first you have a man who is continually seeking new challenges in his life and gets to model to his son how one can achieve happiness and health in their lives, at any age. The bonus is that a son gets to feel amazing pride watching Dad chasing a dream. The great thing for me as his Coach was that I had to hold him back, as this man wanted to keep going! I was able to convince him that he was way ahead of schedule as we had to reset most of our goals. This is yet another key to achieving joy and happiness in your life. Not only chasing after a dream but being able to enlarge the dream. This is only possible if you put massive action behind your goal. Let’s also not forget that hard work is behind this. One more point is that if you surround yourself with people who will encourage you and believe in what you want to do, really helps. I don’t just mean “yes” men. Because sometimes we have to step back and be realistic about our goals. Which means we can discuss them and make adjustments, not just saying “no”. This about creating the right plan for you. In this case working with an expert in strength was another key. So, develop your team and go after your dream!

Categories : anti-aging, Elderly, Stength and Fitness
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Key to Healthy Aging; Trust and Verify

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Thursday, June 9th, 2011

As one gets older and begins to see a decline in physical and psychological function. This hopefully creates an awareness that something needs to be done. The problem for most is that most rely on various individuals that they trust for advice. They could be medical or just have good general knowledge. The key is that you trust them. This is defined by behavior over time. Because they have previously provided an answer or a solution, you trust that they will be there again. This is where many times we can run into road blocks when it comes to our health. At some point you need to find out what works for you. This is where it becomes difficult. If you just don’t know, which most don’t, of course you may reach out to someone you trust. I would advise you to start seeking out experts in areas that you want to change, areas that are negatively affecting your life, especially with your health. You have to become aware that the strategies or advice you receive is working for you. Your job is discover or rediscover what works for you. This is where it becomes difficult. Because this can and does change many times during our lifetime, which will cause you negative stress. If you just don’t know, which most people don’t, of course you’re going to try to go to someone you trust. My advice is to start seeking out experts in areas that are affecting your life, especially with your health. You have to become aware and certain that the strategies or advice to receive is working for you. You have to be willing to seek out the information or the person who can best help you. Everyone is different. You are special and need to be treated that way. I find with exercise and wellness that if the program doesn’t fit you like a glove, keep looking. Now I’m not talking about being easy, I’m talking about being right for you. This will allow you to work hard and achieve results. Age just doesn’t matter; find an expert that will guide you along your journey.

Categories : anti-aging, Elderly, Exercise, Stength and Fitness, Uncategorized
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PAY IT FORWARD

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Saturday, June 4th, 2011

I had a wonderful meeting yesterday with a wonderful lady who is battling with Parkinson’s Disease. This has been going on a number of years now for her. Instead of just giving up she has gone the other direction. She has taken it upon herself to organize a monthly meeting for not only those with Parkinson’s but for those affected by other conditions and physical limitations. She has decided that whatever she can learn for her own physical improvement needs to be shared with those around her, who may be worse off. I shared with her some simple ideas that I have learned from over twenty years of working with those affected by Parkinson’s, simple things that she could do immediately in her life. One such thing was that of standing from a chair. This I told her will be a game changer, especially with her balance. As with many who are in there 60’s and 70’s balance is a huge issue. Regardless, if you exercise or not, if you’re not strength training, you will have balance issues. For those with Parkinson’s it’s worse. With the nature of the disease, balance is huge. So this great lady was dealing with this issue staring her in the face, while trying to figure out a way to reach out to others affected by traumatic injuries or conditions. This type of behavior I have found to be one of the secrets to healthy aging and longevity. Although with Parkinson’s which is progressive, longevity is not her goal. Her goal is quality of life. To her it isn’t about living a long time, it’s about living! We all should have such an attitude. I have a feeling that she has a long way to go yet on her journey. It has become a passion of mine to help as many people as possible gain the knowledge and the tools which will allow them to focus on just living!

Categories : anti-aging, Elderly, Stength and Fitness, Weight Training
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