mastHEAD cover
publisher
kellyWALGAMOTTE
Page 16
editor
lanaWALGAMOTTE
marketing
May
scotANTHONY
2015
Cover: Spa Jouvence
Q&A
volume6 NUMBER 05
account executive gregFLORIDI
chief designer chrisTIBLIER
contributing writers mikeMILLS melissaBRELAND larryMcEWEN garyDRAGON kristieANDRES travisMANNY kristenSMITH
Distribution in: New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Westbank, Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, Hammond, & Southwest Mississippi
page 12
page 8
Tid BITS
runnersCORNER
page 10
page 14
supplementREVIEW
page 22 Rest & Recovery by travisMANNY
chiroTALK
page 24 Matter of Fat
page 16 Spa Jouvence Q & A
by markWALGAMOTTE
by kellyWALGAMOTTE
page 18 Delvinn Breaux Overcomimg Obstacles
by garyCOOPER
by lindaCUCCIA
page 20 Organic Food
page 13
healthyEATS
by scottCANIPE Metro Fitness is published monthly by Metro Fitness P.O. Box 752, Slidell, LA 70459, 985778-6171. Copyright 2015 by Metro Fitness. No part of this publication can be reproduced without the written, expressed consent of the publisher. Reproduction of editorial content or graphics in any manner or in any medium is prohibited. Opinions of staff & contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. For advertising information, contact Metro Fitness business department at 985-778-6171 fax at 985-201-8165 or e-mail at metrofitness@live.com. Letters to the Editor are Welcome – send signed letters to P.O. Box 752, Slidell, LA 70459. Please include a phone number for verification (it will not be published). E-mail letters to metrofitness@live.com. The Editor reserves the right to edit for length, style and spelling. Postmaster: Send address changes to Metro Fitness P.0. Box 752, Slidell, LA 70459
page 26 Training for a 5K
INSPIRATIONALNOTES
page 14
spiritualFITNESS
kellyWALGAMOTTE publisher
Like Metro Fitness On the best sunny day, the most powerful magnifying glass will not Magazine on: light paper if you keep moving the glass. But if you focus and hold it, the paper will light up. That is the power of concentration. A man was traveling and stopped at an intersection. He asked an elderly man, "Where does this road take me?" The elderly person asked, "Where do you want to go?" The man replied, "I don't know." The elderly person said, "Then take any road. What difference does it make?" How true. When we don't know where we’re going, any road will take us there. Suppose you have eleven football players, enthusiastically ready to play the game, all charged up, and then someone takes the goal post away. What would happen to the game? There is nothing left. How do you keep score? Enthusiasm without direction is like a wildfire and leads to frustration. Goals give a sense of direction. Would you sit in a train or a plane without know- ing where it was going? The obvious answer is no. Then why do people go through life without having any goals?-Author Unknown
God Bless, Kelly Walgamotte (985) 778-6171 • metrofitness@live.com
6 www.metrofitnessmag.com May 2015
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Top Health
Tips
1. The best habit to adopt is daily exercise. But don’t perform the same exercise every day. Have three or four different regimens, and rotate through them. 2. The simple act of taking a daily “baby” aspirin (81 mg) can decrease the chance of heart attack, stroke and other serious health problems in higher-risk patients. But always check with your doctor. 3. The key is to achieve balance between work and your personal life, because when all is said and done, your legacy is your family and the people you love. 4. Get a physical in 2015! And those who have had regular checkups should not stop! 5. Happiness is the least known health tip. 6. My best advice: Restrict your calories. You can make up all the stories you want about different diets, but the only thing that truly counts is how many calories you eat a day. 7. Wellness is a verb. Think of health not as a target, but as a journey that has no end. 8. Laugh a lot—why? It will put you in the right mood to not take life so seriously. We spent years studying cortisol, and when you laugh stress hormones plummet. 9. Have a rich social life.
Harnessing the Power of Your Brain They say that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but when it comes to the brain, scientists have discovered that this old adage simply isn’t true. The human brain has an astonishing ability to adapt and change— even into old age. This ability is known as neuroplasticity. With the right stimulation, your brain can form new neural pathways, alter existing connections, and adapt and react in ever-changing ways. The brain’s incredible ability to reshape itself holds true when it comes to learning and memory. You can harness the natural power of neuroplasticity to increase your cognitive abilities, enhance your ability to learn new information, and improve your memory.
Antioxidants Aren't the Same As "Good Guys" During the 1990's, researchers began to conduct very large-scale studies (involving tens of thousands of participants) to determine the benefits of antioxidants in fairly high doses. The Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene, and Cancer prevention study (ATBC), the Physicians' Health Study (PHS), the Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET), and the Skin Cancer Prevention Study (SCPS) were among these large-scale studies. One very unexpected result in several of these studies was the fact that antioxidant dietary supplements actually increased the risk of disease instead of lowering it. In fact, some studies were abruptly canceled, with letters being sent to participants, explaining that antioxidant supplementation seemed to be putting them at greater health risk. While many of these studies have been criticized, and their results debated among scientists, this decade of research changed our thinking about antioxidants and their health role. What we are now realizing is that it is not just antioxidants working in isolation that have benefits but that antioxidants need each other to function optimally and promote our optimal health.
Moderate Drinking Can Improve Your Libido Contrary to prior beliefs, newer research has found that moderate drinking might actually protect against erectile dysfunction in the same way that drinking red wine might benefit heart disease. In a 2009 study published in the, Journal of Sexual Medicine, researchers found that the chances of erectile dysfunction were reduced by 25 to 30 percent among alcohol drinkers. The lead researcher, Kew-Kim Chew, an epidemiologist at the University of West Australia, conducted the study with 1,770 Australian men. In his study, Chew cautiously noted that he and his team in no way are advising men to hit the bottle, and that further research is needed to accurately connect impotence and alcohol consumption.
Lemons Just one lemon has more than 100 percent of your daily intake of vitamin C, which may help increase "good" HDL cholesterol levels and strengthen bones. The citrus flavonoids found in lemons may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and act as an anti-inflammatory. Quick Tip: Add a slice of lemon to your green tea. One study found that citrus increases your body's ability to absorb the antioxidants in the tea by about 80 percent.
8 www.metrofitnessmag.com May 2015
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supplementREVIEW by: mikeMILLS “Get Lean with Glutamine� The Amino Acid Glutamine has been studied
becomes conditionally essential (requiring intake
extensively over the past 10–15 years and has
from food or supplements) in states of illness or
been shown to be useful in treatment of serious
injury. Dietary sources of L-glutamine include
illnesses, injury, trauma, burns, and treatment-
beef, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, dairy products,
related side-effects of cancer as well as in wound
wheat, cabbage, beets, beans, spinach, and pars-
healing for postoperative patients. Glutamine is
ley. Small amounts of free L-glutamine are also
also widely used as a supplement used for muscle
found in vegetable juices and foods, such as tofu.
growth in weightlifting, bodybuilding, endurance,
Glutamine may be the most abundant amino
and other sports. Evidence indicates that gluta-
acid found in muscles. However, Glutamine levels
mine when orally loaded may increase plasma
are greatly depleted when exercising, which can
HGH levels by stimulating the anterior pituitary
zap your strength and slow down recovery.
gland. Glutamine is the most abundant naturally
Glutamine supplementation can reduce the
occurring, non-essential amino acid in the human
breakdown of muscle and improve protein metab-
body. Glutamine is found circulating in the blood
olism. Recent studies have shown that Glutamine
as well as stored in the skeletal muscles. It
helps to repair micro-tears in the z-discs that are
in between Actin (thin) and Myosin (thick) muscle fibers. Glutamine is creatine sparing, meaning it literally
saves
creatine
from
being
degraded.
Glutamine is also anti-catabolic because it blocks the release of the hormone cortisol thus allowing more lean muscle in the body which reduces body fat percentage. Glutamine strengthens the immune system which is very important when training hard during the cold and flu season. The form of Glutamine consumed may determine its overall
effective-
ness.
Many
c h e a p e r brands of glutamine
use
powders
or
capsules that have
to
be
chugged down in mega doses in order to see results. Glutamine in liquid form is more concentrated and highly absorbable, requiring less grams to be consumed on a daily basis to see results. As little as two table spoons a day of liquid glutamine is equivalent to 20-30 grams of the powder and capsules! So, let us re-cap the benefits of Glutamine supplementation. Glutamine supports recovery and new muscle growth. Glutamine increases cell volume and is anti-catabolic. Glutamine helps metabolize body fat and excrete HGH. Glutamine helps boost the immune system and finally, Glutamine is quickly absorbed in a concentrated liquid. After a long day of physical activity or intense training, the amino acid glutamine is proven to reduce soreness and increase lean muscle quickly. Don’t delay! To build more lean muscle and reduce fat, add Glutamine to a daily regime of vitamins, protein and creatine today!
Mike Mills is an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, has a B.S. in Health and Exercise Science from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), and 10+ years experience in the Vitamin and Supplement Industry.
runnersCORNER Overtraining Syndrome It’s summertime here in Louisiana and this is the time of year many endurance sport athletes ramp-up their training, adding volume and intensity. With increased training, there’s always a risk of overtraining. For most athletes, there’s a fine line between being fit and healthy and being broken down and sick. Overtraining syndrome (OTS) usually occurs as a result of a training schedule that has suddenly increased, lasts for long periods of time, and is performed at high volume and/or intensity without adequate rest periods. Mood changes are an early indicator of OTS. Emotional disturbances usually occur before a noticeable drop in performance and coincide with increased training load. Research has shown that OTS shares common characteristics with clinical depression, such as changes in hormones and neurotransmitters. Be mindful of any sustained negative mood changes. Our body’s immune system is also a key indicator of chron-
ic fatigue and overtraining syndrome. Never- ending colds, flu-like symptoms, and scratches and cuts that are slow to heal are all things to watch out for. Nutrition is critically important when it comes to avoiding OTS. Dieting to lose additional weight during intense training periods should be avoided. Make sure you’re consuming enough carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats to fuel your training regimen and allow for proper physical recovery. The American College of Sports Medicine suggests the following guidlines which may be helpful in preventing OTS: 1. Keep accurate and detailed records of your training program. This allows you to self-monitor and adjust training volume and intensity depending on your current training status, e.g., feeling great, feel- ing tired, etc. 2. Eat a healthy diet, drink enough fluids to stay hydrated, and get enough sleep.
dragon’sCORNER 3. Openly communicate concerns, both physical and mental, with a family member, friend, or health care professional. 4. Be aware of your emotional health. Job stressors, interpersonal relationships, and other environ- mental stressors may have a harmful effect on athletic performance. Maintaining health and wellness in all areas of life will help prevent OTS. 5. OTS is most successfully treated with rest and/or meaningful changes in exercise volume and intensity. The amount of rest and decrease in exercise depend on the individual. 6. Highly fit individuals sometimes find complete rest a greater source of stress. Consider “active recovery” activities such as walking, stretching, mind-body classes, and core training. Physiological symptoms Of OTS:
GETTING YOUR ANKLES BACK INTO ACTION garyDRAGON Walking, running, jumping and playing sports outdoors
build strength, restore function and manage pain. After an
allow us to enjoy nature and also spend time with friends
initial period of non-weight bearing, your therapist will
and family. An ankle injury can get in the way, interfering
guide you to apply load to the affected joint in a gradual,
with the ability to move unhindered and without pain.
progressive manner. Techniques to facilitate rehabilitation
Injuring an ankle can occur when the joint is twisted,
following an ankle injury include: electrical stimulation,
turned, sprained or strained.
heat, ice, myofascial releasing, stretching and strengthen-
In the acute stages, rest and ice can bring relief. The
ing exercises.
joint is often elevated to control swelling and compression
At Action Physical Therapy, we will help resolve under-
wraps can be applied to reduce swelling further. Pain,
lying problems like weak ankle muscles and chronic ankle
swelling, and bruising are the hallmarks of a sprain. A
instability. We will design techniques tailored to accom-
sprain weakens and destabilizes muscles and ligaments
modate your specific needs following your injury. So don’t
surrounding the ankle joint. As healing takes place, the
let an ankle injury keep you from exercising and outdoor
formation of scar tissue can cause constriction of nerves
activities this summer. If you are experiencing ankle pain,
and blood vessels surrounding the joint leading to residual
give us a call at Action Physical Therapy. We will get your
pain and discomfort.
ankle moving and get you Back into ACTION.
After an ankle injury, physical therapy plays a crucial • Altered (often elevated) resting heart rate and blood pressure • Chronic fatigue • Decreased efficiency of movement and physical performance • Decreased maximum work capacity • Frequent nausea/gastrointestinal upsets • Impaired muscular strength • Inability to meet previously attained performance standards or criteria • Shortness of Breath • Insatiable thirst • Insomnia • Joint aches and pains • Lack of appetite • Lower percentage body fat • Menstrual disruptions • Muscle soreness and tenderness • Prolonged recovery time from exercise • Reappearance of previously corrected mistakes Psychological function symptoms of OTS: • Changes in personality • Decreased self-esteem and motivation to workout • Difficulty concentrating during work, school, or training • Emotional instability • Fear of competition • Feelings of sadness and depression • General apathy “Giving up” when the going gets tough • Easily distracted during tasks
role in rehabilitation. Although ankle injuries can lead to immobilization for some time, physical therapy will help
Gary Dragon, owner of Action Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, has a Master’s & Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine. Gary has 13 years of experience specializing in orthopedic and sports related injuries.
healthyEATS Chicken salad with Black beans and Quinoa robHOWELL This is a very easy to make and easy to pack for your lunch on the go! This recipe incorporates a high protein grain, and adds a delicious Spanish flavor. This is a very healthy and tasty cold dish on a hot summer day. If you need to make lunches for the week you can double this recipe easily. You could also incorporate shrimp into this dish instead of chicken if you want to try a seafood twist. To Make: Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl except the quinoa and mix together until fully incorporated. Next add the quinoa and stir until mixed together well. Set in fridge and allow to sit for about 30 minutes so flavors can come together. Then enjoy!
Ingredients: 1 cup chicken cooked diced small 1 cup cooked Quinoa (prepared per box instructions but cooked in chicken broth & chill) 1 tsp olive oil 1 tbsp lime juice ¼ tsp cumin
½ tsp dry oregano 1 tbsp cilantro finely chopped ¼ cup chopped green onions 1 can black beans rinsed and drained ½ - 1 cup diced red bell pepper (roasted is best) 2 medium tomatoes diced 1-2 tsp diced jalapenos seeded Salt and pepper to taste
of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have
“I remember when I could do that”
received a faith as precious as ours: Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of
by: Dr. Larry T. McEwen Senior Pastor, Northshorechurch.net
Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so
Have you ever heard yourself saying or thinking,
difficult the same amount of crunches can be! And if
that through them you may participate in the divine
“I remember when I could do that”? Sometimes we
you go months or years without a consistent workout
nature and escape the corruption in the world caused
realize we’ve allowed ourselves to get out of shape
it will be much more catastrophic in terms of getting
by evil desires. For this very reason, make every
back to the same level of physical fitness. Why?
effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness,
Physical fitness is not a one and done, it’s a lifestyle
knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to
that must be maintained. And so it is with spiritual
self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance,
fitness! Ever find yourself thinking, “I remember
godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and
when I used to be so close to God”? Sometimes we
to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these
allow the busyness of life to encroach on our spiritu-
qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you
al fitness regimen of prayer, study, meditation and
from being ineffective and unproductive in your
serving. Now, I’m not saying we work for God’s love
knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
and forgiveness! We could never do that! God’s love and forgiveness are both gifts for the asking, but there are things we must do if we want to grow in our relationship with God. One of Jesus’ disciples and things that once seemed easy now take much
explains this concept and gives us a pretty good spir-
more effort. Here’s the kicker: It doesn’t take as long
itual fitness regimen to follow.
as you might think for this to occur. Miss a couple of
2 Pet 1:1-8 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of
weeks of your workout regimen and it’s amazing how
Jesus Christ, to those who through the righteousness
POSITIVE
Quotes-
“Get going. Move forward. Aim High. Plan a takeoff. Don't just sit on the runway and hope someone will come along and push the airplane. It simply won't happen. Change your attitude and gain some altitude. Believe me, you'll love it up here.”
-Donald Trump
“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”
-Will Rogers
“Whoever loves much, performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.”
-Vincent Van Gogh
“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great makes you feel that you, too, can become great.”
-Mark Twain
“Either you run the day, or the day runs you.”
-Jim Rohn
“The difference between a successful person and others is not lack of strength not a lack of knowledge but rather a lack of will.”
-Vince Lombardi
“Don’t worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try.”
-Jack Canfield
“Many of life’s failures are experienced by people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
-Thomas Edison
Situated in the heart of Old Metairie is an oasis, an unexpected retreat from the clutter and chaos of daily life. One step inside Spa Jouvence, and you take a deep breath, your shoulders relax, and you are instantly at ease. The muted tones, soft lights, warm candle scents, and nature sounds make you feel as if you’ve entered a paradise. But ambiance is just the beginning of what Spa Jouvence has to offer. What makes Spa Jouvence a Medspa? We are Physician owned and offer Physician services that surpass the results of a day spa, by providing medical attention, with Dr. Edmond Wood. All of our suggested treatments are designed to improve the condition of your skin, either through in-office procedures or at home skincare. We design each patients treatment plan, based on their individual needs, not a set routine. Medspa services include: Neuromodulators i.e Botox, Fillers i.e Juvederm, Laser Resurfacing, Vampire Facelift, Micro needling, Hydrafacial MD, Chemical peels, Hormone therapy, Sclerotherapy for spider veins and Weight loss programs.
What are some of the most common concerns people come to you with? The most common concern our clientele comes to us with is age related issues: looking tired, sagging skin, and concerns about pigment uniformity or fine lines and wrinkles. Our patients love that we have different options to choose from to assist them in achieving their goals. The next most common concern is a need for relaxation. We have a beautiful treatment room filled with soothing sounds and relaxing aromas filling the air where our therapists melt your stress away.
Is there a particular treatment you recommend for anti aging? It would depend on the patients concerns, but for wrinkles, combining spa services, like chemical peels, with Dr.Woods' procedures Botox and/or Fillers. We offer a CO2 Fractional laser, for skin resurfacing, which has been the gold standard in facial rejuvenation for many years. What is the best way to get rid of hyperpigmentation? There are several ways to address hyperpigmentation. We like to address it from several angles. First, we put our patients on a 4% hydroquinone, which is a tyrosinase inhibitor, its job is to go into the cells and regulate the melanin production to even out the skin tone. Second, we recommend in-office treatments from light to
16 www.metrofitnessmag.com May 2015
dermal chemical peels, and laser therapy. Finally, always remember sunblock is the best prevention tool we have. Everyone, everyday should be wearing sunscreen. We do carry a line of skin lightening agents without hydroquinone, if that is a preference.
What is a Vampire Facelift? The Vampire Facelift offers a way of both restoring shape, and improving tone as well as literally rejuvenating new and younger tissue. Vampire Facelift helps with volume loss in aging skin, and re-establishes collagen depletion.This is done by a 3 step process. 1. The physician uses Hyaluronic acid fillers to create a beautiful shape. 2. Next, Dr. Wood isolates growth factors from the patients own blood, onsite using a centrifuge. 3. After the growth factors enter the face ( via injection ) the stem cells activate new tissue growth ( new collagen, and new blood vessels for smoothness and a healthy glow) If you prefer no filler, you can choose the vampire facial, which also uses patients blood, but thru the micro needling process, the growth factors are absorbed into the skin.
What is microneedling? Who is a good candidate? Needling is a minimally invasive, in office, skin rejuvenation treatment that improves fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, texture concerns,hyperpigmentation, stretch marks and other conditions. By stimulating your skin's natural ability to repair itself. Your skin will look and feel healthier with little or no downtime! Needling is done in a series of 4-6 treatments for optimal results.
What is a Hydrafacial? This treatment is a patient favorite! It merges soothing and invigorating spa therapies with advanced medical technology to achieve instant lasting results. Combining a wet microderm with a light chemical peel and extractions finishing with an infusion of vitamins and hyaluronic acid. Your skin instantly feels fresh and alive, leaving a beautiful glow that lasts days.
How do you determine the best treatment? Botox or Filler? What is the difference? These are two vastly different procedures. Filler i.e Juvederm, reestablishes volume or correction of asymmetry to face or soft tissue defects to body, particularly face. Neruomodulators, i.e Botox, is used to smooth out wrinkles and unwanted muscular prominences in face and neck. Dr. Wood accomplishes this by injecting precise amounts to specific targeted muscles to smooth out wrinkles created by the muscle, or to correct facial asymmetries. Dr. Wood utilizes modulators to lift the neck, known as "Nefertiti"neck lift. He can also correct vertical muscular bands that develop in neck, known as "Paltysmal bands" Dr. Wood can determine which is best and what amount is needed to achieve the desired look. Both Botox and Fillers treat moderate to severe facial lines and wrinkles. Botox temporarily reduces the activity of muscles, whereas, facial fillers temporarily smooth moderate to severe wrinkles. We offer free consultations prior to all procedures
What does the future hold for your buisness? We are very excited to say, our future is now!! We are relocating to a larger facility, staying on Metairie Road ( above Glenn Michael Salon ). We will have much better visibility and plenty of parking. We are so grateful to our loving patients who have supported us, given referrals and helped us grow. To achieve completion of our vision, We will be using this opportunity to rebrand from the place you CAN'T find with the name you CAN'T pronounce, to the place you CAN find and the name you CAN pronounce :) To reflect our expanded capabilities and services, we feel a name change will highlight our achievements and vision of enhanced capabilities. We will have exciting new services to offer ( Laser hair removal, digital skin analysis, airbrush tanning) and Dr. Wood will be launching his own medical grade skincare line! We plan to be in the new facility late this summer, and have a grand opening party soon after. We thank you again for your continued love and support.
Photo’s by:
tracieSCHAEFER Studio U
Congratulation Delvin Breaux! Your persistence and hard work has paid off. We all look forward to seeing you play as a New Orleans Saint this year.
18 www.metrofitnessmag.com May 2015
Are non-organic food products really bad for your health? by scottCANIPE There are many organic food benefits that triumph the produce stem- ming from commercial farming. The harmful effects of non-organic food are far-reaching. Although this is a vast subject in which to delve, the following article will endeavor to point out some key elements regarding organic food benefits versus non- organic food disfavor. Well, you must consider that the air and water in industrialized countries are dreadfully polluted. In the United States alone, two million pounds of pesticides are sprayed every year on crops as a result of poor farming practices. Most people, when they shop in a grocery store, are looking for the cheapest eggs, produce, meats, and other food items. Little value is placed upon choosing the best UN-POISONED produce so that one can receive organic food benefits. Most people do not think in this capacity when grocery shopping. Your body is somewhat like an automobile. Ask your- self, “How would my car operate if I put contaminated gas and oil in it?” The answer is quite simple, “The vehicle would malfunction and not operate properly.” That is what most people are doing to their bodies by eating non-organic food which is a product of most commercial farms. Remember the old adage, “You are what you eat.” There are many toxic dangers of how modern crops are grown and eventually sent to the marketplace.
20 www.metrofitnessmag.com May 2015
Non-Organic Food In 1900, 1 out of every 30 people had a chance of getting cancer. However, that statistic has risen dramatically upto the present time. These are the stats as follows in the United States: • 1985 - 1 out of 5 • 1990 - 1 out of 4 • 1995 - 1 out of 3 • 2000 - 1 out of 2 Why are these chances increasing in light of the fact that we have more "sophisticated" health care and greater understanding of nutrition? Healthcare expenditures were approximately $2.6 trillion in 2010, over 10 times the $256 billion spent in 1980. This is a 916% increase over 20 years, which is a staggering amount of money. Many people explain this with a population increase during this time frame and thereby justify those numbers. This is not true. In 1980, the population of the United States of America was approximately 230 million, and in 2010, the number rose to around 310 million. This is only a 35% population increase compared to a 916% increase in health care spending. The ratios are grossly uneven. The U.S. population is not improving their health, but rather destroying it. Personally, I feel one of the culprits is a result of the populace consuming non-organic food. Most of the "food” sold in grocery stores is poisoned and has little nutritional value. When approximately five companies control nearly 90% of the food consumption in the United States and the world, something is wrong. Corporations such as Continental Grain Company, Andre Maggi Group, ContiGroup Co, Cargill Inc., Bunge limited, and Louis Dreyfus sup- ply the greater majority of the world with non-organic food. The problem with their business modalities con-
cerns the use of non-organic farming techniques that simplify and destroy ecosystems. They grow and process their food products disseminating them to the masses worldwide. These corporate entities are extremely powerful and solidify their objectives by having backing from the political spectrum. It boils down to the almighty dollar!
Why is commercial farming so terrible? Start with the soil – Commercial farming processes incorporate herbicides to kill weeds, fertilizers to feed crops, pesticides to control insect pests, fungicides to maintain fungal diseases, and specific soil fumigants to "sterilize" the soil. But in reality, these chemicals are actually doing more harm than good. The soil in which crops are grown lays the foundation for the nutritional value, or lack of it, for produce. If the produce is not nutritionally sound, this carries over into human consumption and, as well, to the farm animals that eat the produce such as grass, wheat, corn, etc. Consequently, humans eat the contaminated farm animals. If the crop's nutritional integrity is compromised by the exposure to harmful chemicals, then the consumers, be they animals or humans, will not receive organic food benefits. Another interesting fact is that our deserts are grow- ing at an alarming rate throughout the world, therefore encroaching upon qualitative farming soil that is rich with nutrients and microorganisms. Along with global warming and growing populations, commercial farming is a big part of the culprit. Misuse of irrigation, overgrazing, poisonous chemicals, and other methods by which commercial farms are facilitated contribute to this environmental degradation.
Commercial farming destroys approximately 85% of healthy microorganisms and many valuable nutrients and minerals. This is done by the previously mentioned chemicals that are absorbed by farming vegetation. In essence, these chemicals are literally obliterating nutrient-rich soils that produce the best crops. Ultimately, healthy soil is replaced with barren deserts.
Organic Food Benefits Organic produce is grown in a very controlled environment that is carried out through a high level of strictness ensuring that crops are cultivated with maximum nutrient- rich density. The organic food standards are set very high on these farms. Crops are not exposed to harmful chemicals. They are also rich in healthy microorganisms that eat up poisonous bacteria and carry nutrients throughout the soil ensuring that the roots of the crops can absorb them with the greatest and most efficient effect. Before a farm can achieve organic certification, its fields must be cleaned out for a minimum of three years under stringent guidelines that have been implemented by competent organic committees. This gives the farming fields enough time for microorganisms to eliminate and digest chemical residues that could have been left in the soil from previous exposure to typical commercial farming. This process guarantees maximum organic food standards. In an unbiased study, nutrition expert, Dr. Virginia Worthington reviewed 1,230 published comparisons between organically and commercially grown crops. Her findings indicated that organic produce possessed lower levels of toxicity and higher levels of nutrient concentrations, as much as a 56% difference. Macronutrients and micronutrients Some other organic food benefits is the makeup of macro- and micronutrients. Macronutrients are typically regarded as proteins, carbohydrates and fats. These are drastically reduced in non-organic food. In addition, the nutritional quality of these crops plummet even further when one considers the depletion of micronutrients. There are estimates of approximately 7,500 micronutrients in plants. Vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, phenolic com- pounds, and a host of antioxidants make up these micronutrients. These particular nutrients are superrich in organic crops since they have not been destroyed by any synthetic chemicals.
Organic – Better for the Environment Organic farming is much more conducive for a stable environment starting from the soil up. Through thousands of years, humanity has survived on organically grown foods. However, the Industrial Revolution and mass production in farming have destroyed our soils through the vehicles of toxic chemicals. The result is a horrible reaction in plants, animals and, ultimately, human beings who consume both products. Organic produce is definitely a little bit more expensive to acquire. However, when you consider the organic food benefits that it provides for your health and the environment, it is worth the extra expense. There are scores of other literary sources and research substantiating that organic is the way to go. Spend a little extra, save yourself and the environment!
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Don’t let Exercise-Induced Asthma Stop you. Exercise-Induced Asthma Symptoms usually begin about five to 20 minutes after beginning to exercise. The symptoms often peak about five to 10 minutes after stopping exercise then gradually diminish. The symptoms are typically gone within an hour, but they may last longer.
Symptoms include one or a combination of the following: Coughing, Wheezing, Chest tightness, Chest pain Prolonged shortness of breath Extreme fatigue.
Northshore Allergy & Immunology, LLCNAI, LLC Office (985) 792-4022 NEW LOCATION: 355 Lakeview CT. Covington, LA 70433
Richard J Guillot, M.D. Board Certified In Adult & Pediatric Allergy & Immunology