However, after receiving my automatic billing statement from the yoga studio where I practice and realizing that I am completely wasting my hard earned money, I am back on the wagon!

The by-product of my rejuvenation for exercise has been soreness. It’s been weeks since I last exercised, so it should have come as no surprise to me that my body would be in revolt, but it did.

Another by-product of this newfound exercise regime is a rejuvenated love for post-workout smoothies. I’ve long been a fan of smoothies, and I’m especially grateful for smoothies designed to help my exercise-weary body recover.

Make your post-workout smoothie count!

So what does an exercise recovery smoothie consist of? No recovery smoothie is complete without:

• Protein - I use only vegan protein powders, but it’s a matter of personal choice for you. If you aren’t going to use a vegan version, be sure to look for grass fed on the label – doing this will ensure that the product is of natural sources.

• Coconut Water - I don’t know about you, but I sweat A LOT…so I have to remind myself to re-hydrate. Coconut water is known for its hydrating benefits, so every post workout smoothie I make has got to have coconut water.

• Frozen Berries - I’m an self-proclaimed berry addict, and I love them all – blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries, either alone or paired with one another. With that being said, any frozen fruit or vegetable can be substituted.

• Tart Cherry Concentrate - Juice from Montmorency cherries (tart cherries) are known to help the body battle inflammation, making the concentrate a lifesaver for those sore from exercise related inflammation.

• Greek Yogurt - Because I don’t use milk, the Greek yogurt makes up for the creamy-mouth feel that would otherwise be lost. Oh, and opt for plain – the flavored varieties have a lot of extra sugar that simply won’t be needed because of the cherry juice concentrate.

With this post-workout smoothie guide, you simply can’t go wrong when custom-creating a smoothie tailor made for your exercise recovery!

What are your post-workout smoothie essentials?

The most common excuses I hear when it comes to exercising are either “I don’t have a gym membership” or “I don’t have the TIME to work out”. When it comes to your health, these excuses just don’t fly.

While you can keep your weight down with diet alone, it is SO IMPORTANT for you to be working your heart to keep it healthy and strong. And it’s not just your heart that will thank you. Moving does your body good.

The Mayo Clinic advises adults to get 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. 150 minutes divided by 7 days a week is just under 22 minutes a day! While Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., recommends 30 minutes a day, 22 minutes is a great place to start.

Dance like no one is watching

One of my favorite childhood memories was the family walks in the evening after dinner. I loved the crisp air, the sense of community, and the extra talk time with my parents. The other benefit that I was unaware of, my family walk is considered a Moderate Activity…and you’d be surprised how quickly and easily 22 minutes passes by.

Keep your moderate activity simple. No gym membership is required. You can mow your lawn, or wash and wax your car. Go swimming. Rake the leaves. And even though most people I know don’t enjoy doing it, shoveling snow is great for your heart, too!

If it’s too cold outside, you can vacuum your house. Do several laps up and down your stairs. Wash the windows and the floor.

If you had a hidden camera in our house, then you’d see us dance. It’s not pretty, but it’s fun! So crank that music up and dance like no one is watching!

If you can’t do your 22-30 minutes of moderate activity all at one time, try breaking it up. You could do 2-15 minute sessions, or 3-10 “mini workouts” a day. Make the last 10 minutes of your lunch break at work a brisk walk. You can also try the little tricks like, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, park further away in shopping centers, etc.

Don’t forget about stretching and strength training.

Twice a week you should do some sort of strength training. You can pick up some light weights almost anywhere nowadays, or you can head outdoors and do some gardening! Strength training is important as you get older, because it improves bone density. It also improves your posture, coordination and balance.

 The minute my feet hit the floor in the morning, I start stretching. For those who are 29 and under, this might not be as relateable for you…but boy, your body sure does start to change the minute you hit the big 3-0 (and it’s not getting an easier!) Touch your toes, and reach for the sky. Bring one foot up behind your bum at a time and stretch your hamstrings. Simple stuff!

I stretch again before bed, and I make sure to ALWAYS stretch before and after a workout (this prevents injuries and is important at any level and every age!) You’ll notice that from stretching you increase your muscle coordination, range of motion, and circulation. As an added bonus then, from your increased circulation, you’ll increase your energy!

Yes, I still plan on having as many cookies, cakes and eggnog and I desire – but I will also undertake a strength training initiative to try and counter act all my planned indulgent behavior.

Strength training is one of the best types of fitness a person can do, because even when the workout has long been completed, the body continues to burn calories. It’s perfect! I can weight lift in the day time, and enjoy my many Christmas parties during the evening with peace of mind knowing that while I down my cranberry fizz, my body is still hard at work.

Workout recovery and juice

But with any strength training comes the possibility of injury. So even though my regime is still in its infancy, I’ve already begun to think about rest and recovery. In weight training, rest is equally as important as the exercise itself – which of course got me thinking, “what juices will help my muscles recover faster?”

Recent studies have shown the juice from Montmorency cherries, a tart, bright red variety, may boost the recovery of muscle strength after intensive exercise. The benefits of the juice are reportedly related to its antioxidant activity, which may help reverse the oxidative damage induced exercise.

In this particular study, consumption of the juice prior to and after intensive exercise produced a significantly faster recovery time.

Daily consumption of as little 45 cherries could reduce the concentration of inflammation. The researchers propsose that the flavonoids and anthocyanins in the cherries exert an anti-inflammatory effect that may lessen the damage response to exercise, which loosely translates to less soreness for me!

Researchers also found that people with arthritic diseases such as osteoarthritis benefit from consuming tart cherry juice, as it offers mild relief from pain associated with the condition.

It’s safe to say the benefits of drinking tart cherry juice provides a wide range of health benefits, from improving muscle recovery to reducing inflammation in the body. And for all of us, from the newbie strength trainer to someone dealing with an arthritic condition, tart cherry juice has something to offer!

With the rise of winter temperatures I always find myself far more motivated to exercise, due in no small part to the fact that there is always less to do. But also because winter is when a sedentary lifestyle really begins to show.

Holing up inside with thick soups and stews can wreak havoc on the waistline. One winter I gained 10 lbs without even realizing it, and it wasn’t until spring when I noticed that several of my warm weather clothes wouldn’t fasten.

Pump it up!

So needless to say I am working out a lot at the moment by taking brisk walks, doing hot yoga and hitting the gym for strength training. It feels good to prioritize exercise because, let’s be honest, in the summer there are far better things to do than go to the gym.

Nutrition becomes even more important when exercising the amount that I am since food is the fuel that keeps everything running smoothly. I find after a particularly hard work out that I need rejuvenation and I need it fast. I also noticed that I’m extremely tired the following day. So I did some research and discovered bee pollen.

Nutritional benefits of bee pollen

Bee pollen offers an array of possible health benefits, and studies have shown that when taken regularly Bee Pollens can help increase your energy levels, stamina and immunity. It comes in several forms – as granules, extract, and in capsules.

Due to its easy absorption, the benefits of bee pollen become apparent very quickly. Bee pollen also contains Lecithin which has been shown to remove fat storage from the body and stimulate metabolism. It also helps in the absorption of nutrients in the digestive process.

I started putting bee pollen granules in my post workout smoothies and I immediately noticed improved energy levels. I didn’t have the post workout slump I was getting used to, and I was no longer waking up groggy. And the light floral flavor of bee pollen melds seamlessly into any fruit smoothie.

In short – bee pollen is the perfect accompaniment to every workout!

You can find bee pollen in the refrigerator section of most health food stores, but I will warn you, it’s not cheap. A 400 gram bag cost me $25.00. But seeing as I am using it in tablespoon increments, it should last a long time. And honestly, can you put a price on vitality?

Turmeric is primarily known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is so good a combating inflammation, it’s been suggested as a replacement to pharmaceuticals, without the side effects.  Turmeric’s active ingredient is curcumin, which is what gives turmeric its notable color.

But Turmeric is a giant when it comes to health:

• An antiseptic and antibacterial agent you can use to disinfect cuts and burns.
• Naturally detoxifies the liver.  Regular use combined with a liver cleanse will keep this vital organ at peak condition
• A treatment for inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.  Turmeric has been shown to reduce swelling, stiffness, and enabled arthritic suffers to move and walk longer.
• Can be used regularly after athletic endeavors to keep the muscles supple and the joints lubricated.
• Used as a treatment for depression by Chinese medicine.
• Has a deep research history in the treatment of cancer from either stopping tumor formation or destroy cancer cells. The research includes data on breast, prostate, pancreatic, and childhood leukemia.
• Is thought to protect against the advent and/or progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing the plaque build-up from the brain.
• May reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Used in Chinese and Indian medicine to also treat jaundice, chest pain, bruises, toothache, hemorrhage, bloody urine, flatulence, and menstrual issues.

Turmeric can be taken in raw, powder, pill, or tincture form.  It’s typically used either raw or as a powder when cooking.  As a general supplement, you can take turmeric as a pill or tincture.

Contraindications: If you have gallstones or a bile obstructions or are pregnant, please consult your health practitioner before using turmeric.

Nutritional Breakdown of Turmeric

A 2 teaspoon serving of turmeric contains only 16 calories, and:

• 18% of the daily value of manganese. Here’s some great recipes for getting your daily dose of manganese!
• 10.4% of the daily value of iron
• 4% of the daily value of Vitamin B6
• 3.3% of the daily value of potassium

Sun Milk

• ¼ cup turmeric powder
• ½ cup purified water
• 1 cup of almond milk (need to learn how to make almond milk?)
• 1 tsp almond oil
• Honey or agave nectar to taste.

In a small saucepan, mix the turmeric and water until it boils.  Reduce heat, stirring constantly, until a paste forms.  The paste is good for up to 40 days stored in an air tight container that’s placed in the refrigerator.

After making the paste, blend together 1 cup of almond or other nut milk with 1 tsp of almond oil, ¼ teaspoon of turmeric paste.  Add honey or agave nectar to taste.

Raw option: add turmeric to nut milk or raw milk and serve cold.

A Little History

Turmeric has a long history in its native Indonesia and India where it has been used for over 5,000 years.  While used as a textile dye and in cooking, turmeric is hailed as primary member of ancient pharmacopeias and used in both Indian (Ayurvedia) and Chinese medicines.

Introduced to Europe as early as the 13^th century, Turmeric was largely ignored by the West until recent research about its amazing medicinal properties gained public awareness. Turmeric has been called ‘Indian saffron’ due to its deep yellow-orange color.

Selection and Storage

Because Turmeric is an Eastern spice, check local ethnic markets to see what varieties of turmeric are available.  They may have the raw rhizome or a wider selection of turmeric. The color of turmeric differs per variety, so it’s not an indicator of freshness.

For the full benefits of turmeric, choose raw or powdered turmeric rather than a curry powder mix.  There is typically little turmeric in curry mixes.

Store the turmeric powder in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark, and dry place.  Fresh turmeric should be stored in the refrigerator.

Prepare for High Altitude

Include the following into your diet at least 3-5 days prior to departure if your trip is a relaxing vacation, or 7-10 days if your trip will include strenuous activity such as mountain biking, hiking, or skiing. These tips will help you adjust with grace and ease when your body feels the reality high altitude.

• Hydrate: Drink more water than you normally would – about twice as much in fact, especially for drier climates. Water will help your body adjust faster.
• Potassium: Eat fruits and vegetables high in potassium such as bananas, broccoli, avocado, cantalope, celery, greens, dates, tomatoes, and almonds.
• Anti-oxidants: Eat fruits rich in anti-oxidant properties such as berries; blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries rank the highest. Don’t forget raspberries and strawberries, too.
• Chlor-Oxygen: Rich, bio-available chlorophyll to increase oxygenation, red blood cell production, and energy levels. Here is some more information on Chlor-Oxygen in case you’re not familiar.

In my trips to high altitude destinations (I now live in one), I embraced the shift by adding to my daily regime, the high altitude smoothie.

The High Altitude Smoothie

• 1 banana
• Handful of blueberries
• Handful of blackberries
• 3 Strawberries
• 21 drops of Chlor-Oxygen
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of Almond Butter
• Mix with pure ice and water

Throw everything in a blender and enjoy!

Notes on this recipe: The banana and almond butter is not only rich in potassium, but will help you maintain a stable blood sugar level too. The berries are an anti-oxidant dream, while the Chlor-Oxygen will oxygenate your blood and get you ready to life in the higher realms.

Once At High Altitude

Continue to drink extra water, consume the recommend high potassium and antioxidant foods, and drink the High Altitude Smoothie daily, all while incorporating the following:

• Relax: Upon arrival, sit back and enjoy your arrival and give your body time to adjust. Exercise is more intense at higher altitudes. Even if you’re an experienced athlete, take it easy on the first day.
• Alcohol: Limit your “I’m on vacation!” celebratory intake. First, alcohol binds oxygen and water which removes them from being effectively used by your body. Second, alcohol is absorbed much quicker into the blood stream at high altitudes. In fact, alcohol will pack 10% more of a wallop at high altitudes than at sea-level.

Vacationing in the mountains is an adventure in beauty and for many, a dream come true. Avoid the nightmare of altitude sickness by giving the gift of preparation to yourself before playing at the top of the world. And have fun!

Is it just food?  I don’t believe so.  Changing your diet, even if you are not suffering from a disease, is not easy.  It will bring up emotions and feelings that have been long buried with food and other addictions.  The participants in the movie not only radically changed their food intake, but also took classes in alternative medicine, yoga, meditation, and spent their time in a beautiful, peaceful environment.  It’s important to surround yourself with support when you make any major changes in your life.  The results of this program brought astonishing results.  One person did leave the program.  But the other participants had exceptional results.  Within four days, most of the participants were off their insulin and oral anti-diabetic medications.  It was that quick.  After the 30 days, the Type 2 diabetics had achieved a level of health that was considered comparable with a normal non-diabetic physiology. 

It takes time to get on a healing track.  For most people, just taking meat out of their diet is traumatic.  These people went from eating a typical fast food diet their whole life to eating raw foods only.  They were introduced to supplements, enzyme therapy and exercise.  Moving was a very important factor in getting their blood sugar under control.  Exercise helps get the blood sugar into the cells.  The enzyme therapy is important because most people, especially diabetics, have a sluggish digestion process. 

We know it’s healthier to eat raw.  But do you have to do 100%?  No, you don’t.  Try eating as much raw as possible.  Also take red meat and chicken out of your diet.  Most of these animals are pumped with hormones and antibiotics.  Dairy should also be eliminated.  Dairy has been shown to increase childhood diabetes because of the inflammation it causes in the pancreas. 

One of the participants of the 30-day program went on to go to naturopathic medical school.  He was so influenced by his transition and his health by changing to a mainly raw food lifestyle that he chose to continue to help others.  He can now speak from personal experience.  I love this.  Make your own personal experience.  Being able to speak from personal experience will allow others to heal.  Diabetes is reversible.  The body is capable of healing itself.  Nutrition, mental health and exercise are all factors in that transition.  Statements from doctors about how there are no options for certain diseases or disorders, is damaging to your health.  I’ve heard of too many friends who believe the doctors and give up.  Share your knowledge about health with others.  Share the good news.

Unfortunately, even the American Diabetes Association says, “Diabetes is a chronic disease that has no cure.”  True fact….a good friend of mine is a diabetic.  We traveled to Florida many years ago and during that time she was free of stress and we were feeding her wheatgrass juice prior to our departure.  During our stay in Florida, she did not have to give herself a shot of insulin.  I’ve seen it work first hand.  Not just in the movies.  So why are doctors still not telling their diabetic patients about the raw food lifestyle?  I don’t know….ask yours.

Please consult your doctor before beginning any major lifestyle changes.

My menstrual cycle started changing about a year ago.  Longer, shorter, heavier, lighter….all of the above.  I knew it was perimenopause and I wasn’t concerned until I started experiencing symptoms that would affect my daily life.  Most of the symptoms were manageable.  Some symptoms, like burning tongue, were diagnosed by my dental hygenist.  Night sweats, though intense enough to have to get up and change my clothes in the middle of the night, didn’t interfere with my life.  My fatigue was enough to cause me to start taking an afternoon nap.  I work nights, so that didn’t interfere with my day either.  You’d be surprised how much a cat nap could help.  And though we’re told if you move more you won’t feel as tired, that wasn’t so for me.  I walk or practice yoga every day and I was still tired around 3 in the afternoon.  So I worked a snooze into most of my days. 

However, fatigue could also be adrenal fatigue or low level DHEA. DHEA is a natural steroid produced by the adrenals. The adrenals are small organs right above the kidneys.  We make about 25 mg of DHEA per day (men more than women), but our production dwindles as we get older.  This is what nature intended for us.  Your adrenals make cortisol and adrenaline and also balance over 50 hormones in the body.  The hormone cortisol affects other regulatory processes such as: blood pressure, blood sugar levels, your immune and inflammatory response and influencing mood, memory and thought clarity.  If your adrenals are exhausted from stress (emotional and physical), poor nutrition, and crazy dieting, they are pumping out more cortisol and can’t manufacture enough DHEA to support a healthy hormonal balance.  This will result in your exhaustion, depression and that feeling of being overwhelmed.  So, if you are under more than average stress, your body will not have enough working material for proper endocrine function.  There is some evidence that healthy DHEA levels may help with Alzheimer’s, cancer, osteoporosis, depression, heart disease and obesity. 

So that could be why my blood pressure has been so low these last couple of weeks!  OK, so I guess I’m going through all of the above stressors.  I do know that when I eat 100% raw food I feel better.  I have been traveling a lot lately, and if I am not happy where I am, for example, with people that do not support my lifestyle, I simply do not feel well.  Is taking a DHEA supplement the answer?  It could be an important factor, but include it with lifestyle changes also.  There’s a lot out there about DHEA levels and supplements.  If you are concerned about your levels, have a medical test done.  Taking a supplement alone won’t help you if your adrenals are exhausted.  Your body will produce more or less depending on nutrient support, metabolism, hormone balance, activity level and your emotional state.  Also maintain a healthy body mass index, get adequate rest, expose yourself to some sunlight, exercise, and create more “downtime” in your life. 

What else can you do to support this “aging” thing?  Ayurvedic medicine says the adrenal gland is connected to the root chakra.  The root chakra is about groundedness, our nourishment, and our physical health.  When stress enters full force, we can become less grounded.  That sure explains even more about my aches and pains.  As most of you know I recently closed my business and moved.  However, I am not living anywhere yet.  I have been traveling around visiting family and friends and still haven’t decided on where I want to live.  Yep, that would be ungrounded!  Guess I’ll start doing some yoga grounding poses today! 

Eating a gluten-free diet can relieve the strain of your adrenal glands.  Low blood sugar will put stress on your body and strain your adrenal glands too.  Time your meals so that you aren’t going long periods of time without food.  Adrenals will work harder on an empty stomach, requiring them to release more cortisol to keep you functioning normally.  Living foods will allow the body to absorb more nutrients.  You will find yourself craving sugar and caffeine if your cortisol levels are low or you are tired.  Drinks that will restore your adrenal glands are: chamomile, passionflower and valerian teas, and vegetable juices.  Alcohol, caffeine and gatorade can drain the adrenals.  Honor your body.  Try to take the time to feel if you are actually hungry or if you are eating to fill another need.  I know when I am eating and not actually tasting anything.  With my burning tongue symptom, my taste buds are a little off.  So I think my mind tells me to eat more because my mouth can’t taste anything!  It’s all about balance.  I have good days and not so good days.  I honor them both. 

I’ll talk next time about more symptoms of our changing bodies.

As always, please see your health care practitioner for symptoms that concern you.  The suggestion here are informational only.

I remember growing up in Connecticut going to McDonalds at least once a week. There were10 of us in my family and my dad would have to go with a list.  It was a highlight of the week. The other highlight was game night in my home.  The prize for winning Bingo was a Twinkie or a Susie-Q.  However, we also grew up with a tennis court, basketball court and swimming pool in our yard.  Exercise was also available.  And my parents went vegetarian before any of us did and passed that knowledge onto us later in life.  It’s not too late to start good habits for you or your children.

Healthy eating starts in your own home.  The local schools can only do so much with presenting healthy food to your children if you are not willing to support that in your own home.  Obesity rates have doubled for adults and tripled for children since 1980.  Is it any wonder?  Fast food joints, vending machines and inactive lifestyles, contribute to a country with an obesity epidemic. 

What are some other factors for obesity?  Genetics, emotions, age, culture and medical problems all influence weight gain.  As you age, muscle mass decreases and will slow metabolism (I’ve been seeing that one myself).  Because of this, your exercise and eating patterns must be adjusted.  This could be a great time to read those books on your shelf about being a vegetarian or raw foodist.  Our bodies want to move.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Park your car in the furthest space away from the store.  By keeping a journal of your food and how you are feeling before you eat, you can start to recognize your eating habits.  Are you eating just because you are sad, anxious, or angry?  Notice how when your children hurt emotionally, the first thing you may want to do is feed them.  They need emotional nurturing, not a way to deny their feelings with food.  Start a diary with your kids.  This could also help to diagnose food allergies.

We learn about eating and cooking in our own households growing up.  In our family, birthdays were plentiful and also a great reason to get together for pizza, soda and cake.  Do you praise your children with food for good behavior or winning a game?  Most of us don’t recognize the habits we are teaching our children.  Think about your own upbringing.  What were your patterns when it came to food?  How can you help your child learn good eating and exercise habits?  Get rid of the distractions at the dinner table; the newspapers, tv and phone.  Eat slower, even with less talking.  Save the talking for before dinner during preparation and after dinner during clean-up. 

The Mayo Clinic states the following:  “Although there are some genetic and hormonal causes of childhood obesity, most excess weight is caused by kids eating too much and exercising too little. Children, unlike adults, need extra nutrients and calories to fuel their growth and development. So if they consume the calories needed for daily activities, growth and metabolism, they add pounds in proportion to their growth. But children who eat more calories than needed gain weight beyond what’s required to support their growing bodies”.

Get excited about learning some new things with your kids.  Yoga, raw food, the local farmer’s market, or just the fruit and vegetable isle at the grocery store.  Get out the juicer that you bought yourself and is now gathering dust in the cabinet.  Let the kids choose what fruits they want to throw in.  See who can achieve the best color of juice!  It’s ice cream season.  Some juicers will make really awesome, healthy and fresh ice cream.

Here’s to family health!

Chest discomfort, discomfort in other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, and cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.  Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the chest that can last more than a few minutes to a few weeks.  It could present as pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.  You could also have pain in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.  It is critical not to dismiss any of these symptoms and to seek medical attention as soon as possible to rule out a heart attack.  This will have a big factor in damage to your heart and survival.

Here’s my story, because I always have at least one   About seven years ago, my Dad was in excellent physical shape.  He was 70 years old and was playing up to four softball games a week (sometimes three in one day), working full time at Optimum Health Institute in CA, and eating a healthy diet (mostly vegetarian).  One day I got a phone call from my Mom saying he had had a heart attack.  What?  How did that happen?  He had started feeling bad three weeks prior.  Chest pain and other symptoms, but continued to go about his day.  The only thing that brought him into the doctor that day was because in his softball game he had gone 0 for 4 and he thought something must be wrong.  If you don’t know anything about baseball, that means he didn’t get a hit that day.  Again, he just went to the doctor that day after three weeks of discomfort.  The doctor told him he’d been having a heart attack for three weeks.  His heart muscle was (and still is) working at 30%.  Heart muscle does not repair itself.   Yes, the doctor’s were surprised he was still alive.  To this day, when he walks into the doctor’s office, they say to him “I can’t believe you are still here.”  I tell him it’s time to get a new doctor. 

Obviously, with my Dad being in such good physical shape, blood is pumping through his body without the full help of his heart.  He’s still around although cannot work and has trouble walking upstairs and is learning more and more about himself and his family every day.  It’s not his time; he has more work to do.  And yes, he fights sadness and negativity every day. 

 It is vitally important to have your muscle’s working to their optimum efficiency to support healthy blood movement.  Staying active and eating healthy are two important factors in heart health.  I’m writing this because I have been thinking a lot about the recent deaths of some celebrities.  Better lifestyle habits can help reduce your risk of a heart attack and help to maintain a healthy heart, mind and body.  Choosing the right foods, managing your weight, and exercise.  Emotional health is just as important.  As with my Dad, sometimes eating healthy and exercise aren’t the only things to avoid heart disease.

Heart disease is the number one killer of American women.  Don’t ignore the signs.  What else can cause heart disease?  Weight-loss supplements and recreational drug use may cause life-threatening cardiac complications.  Is it time for you to start a healthier lifestyle?  How about doing it for your kids?  How about teaching your children healthy habits now? 

I just closed my business.  Amazing, but my physical body already feels better.  The stress alone was hurting every muscle in my body.  And yes, it would’ve eventually hurt me in other ways.  I’m convinced of that.  Look at how you really feel and trust your intuition.  Don’t ignore the physical or the emotional signs.

Have a safe and happy Fourth!