Inspire Health July 2019 by The Times

INSPIRE July 21, 2019

Mind, Body & Spirit for Women

A Supplement to

Kale

CALM, COOL

Cherry Up!

THE ULTIMATE RECOVERY

The Power Of

Forgiveness

Get

h c a e B Ready

Beauty is More Than Skin Deep with Britta Aragon page 16

INSPIRE HEALTH

I N T R O D U C I N G I N T R O D U C I N G S T Y L E T T O C O N N E C T S T Y L E T T O C O N N E C T

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MIGHTY KIDS

When Will I Be Bigger, Mom?

4 SUPER FOOD

Tart Cherry Juice

5 HEALTHY MIND

The Power of Forgiveness

6 NATURAL BEAUTY

contents 14 PET THERAPY

Bringing Home a Puppy

16 COVER STORY

Calming, Cooling Kale

Natural Beauty is More Than Skin Deep

7 WEIGHT LOSS

19 DISCOVER

The Truth Behind Long-Term Weight-Loss

To Market We Will Go

July 21  2019

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INSPIRE HEALTH

super food

e s i Post c r e x E RECOVERYdrink TheULTIMATE

super food

By Christina Leidenheimer, CPT, CHLC, CPI

MARATHONERS, WEEKEND WARRIORS, AND EVEN EXERCISE NEWBIES ARE “RUSHING TO THE RED” FOR EXTRAORDINARY MUSCLE RECOVERY.

ctive Americans have caught on to nature’s secret tonic that is delivering muscle recovery big time! What is this scarlet-colored potion that has athletes buzzing? It is tart cherry juice or tart cherry juice concentrate. The recovery secret lies in its exceedingly high antioxidant levels. Antioxidants are vitamins and phytonutrients that help repair the body from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Tart cherries are exceptional, hosting an ORAC (oxygen radical absorption capacity) value of 12,000-12,500. An ORAC scale is used to test and compare the antioxidant levels of foods. Tart cherries far exceed that of blueberries with an ORAC of 2,400 and raspberries with an ORAC of 1,220. Clearly, tart cherries are antioxidant chart toppers! Since exercise actually tears down muscle fibers, resulting in post-exercise muscle soreness, it is important to have a post-exercise recovery regimen. Supplying the body with antioxidants is perhaps the best way to help speed the recovery and repair of muscle tissue. Tart cherry juice is especially beneficial because its vibrant red color is indicative

of a certain type of antioxidant, anthocyanins. Anthocyanins help the body resist oxidative stress and provide natural anti-inflammatory properties. Runners everywhere are catching on to these unique benefits. A study published in the December 2010 issue of "Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports” reported that long distance runners discovered “daily consumption of tart cherry juice concentrate for 5 days before, during, and two days following a marathon resulted in improved strength, decreased inflammation, decreased levels of oxidized lipids and reduced recovery time. “ If these benefits are not enough to motivate you to sip a glass of tart cherry juice, melatonin may be the cherry on top. This valuable brain hormone effectively promotes a better night’s rest, which is ultimately the best time for the body to repair and recover. The manifold benefits of tart cherry juice are just too good to pass up. Tart cherries are an antioxidant powerhouse that can help you rest, recover and rebuild a stronger, healthier body—go get some of the red! 

WHERE TO FIND TART CHERRY JUICE?

Since growing in popularity, tart cherry juice is becoming more and more available. It may be available at your local grocer, but if it is not, you can certainly buy it online. I like Stanton Orchards because they are located in the United States in Montgomery Michigan. Their juice is never pasteurized, gluten-free, non-GMO, allergen-free, cross contamination free, and FDA compliant. www.stantonorchards.com

HOW TO USE TART CHERRY JUICE CONCENTRATE?

Since the juice concentrate is highly concentrated, you will need to dilute it. Typically, one ounce of cherry juice to seven ounces of water will make a nice glass of cherry juice. You can get creative by mixing it in with fresh squeezed apple juice or lemonade to make a refreshing glass of cherry lemonade.

INSPIRE HEALTH | July 21, 2019

CHERRY RECHARGE SMOOTHIE Super-natural ingredients:  1 cup frozen cherries  1 banana  1 cup water  2 oz. non-pasteurized tart cherry juice concentrate Whip it up: 1. Add all ingredients to a blender. 2. Blend on high for 30-60 seconds. 3. Serve and enjoy!

CHERRY POM PUNCH

(Post-workout recovery drink) Super-natural ingredients:  1 oz. non-pasteurized tart cherry juice concentrate  1 oz. fresh pomegranate juice  6 oz. water  -1 tsp. stevia Whip it up: 1. Cut the pomegranate in half. Using a manual juice press, squeeze the juice from one-half of the pomegranate. 2. Drain the juice from a young Thai coconut and set aside. (If you are in a pinch, you can use coconut water purchased in a carton or glass jar). 3. Measure all ingredients and pour into a glass. Stir well. 4. Sip and enjoy!

healthy mind

o g t i t Le …ThePowerof Forgiveness By Christina Leidenheimer

DID YOU KNOW THAT BURYING THE HATCHET OFFERS MANY HEALTH BENEFITS? LETTING GO OF ANGER AND RESENTMENT CAN ACTUALLY REDUCE ANXIETY, LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE, AND HELP YOU BREATHE EASIER. HOLDING ANGER INSIDE IS LINKED TO HEART DISEASE AND STROKE, POSSIBLY TAKING YEARS FROM YOUR LIFE.

n a study called “Forgive to Live,” psychologist Loren Toussaint and colleagues found that the inability to forgive others may predict an earlier age of death. That is especially true of conditional forgiveness, when a person desperately waits for an apology. Conditional forgiveness can bear negative energy, as individuals who put demands on their forgiveness typically continue to harbor resentment and grudges. These negative emotions can especially impair heart health. Staying upset over the past is not good on the ticker. What is more, nursing negative feelings keeps you in a state of stress, and stress can take years off your life. This

resentment is not always directed at others. Some individuals cannot forgive themselves. This is especially damaging to your mental health, robbing you of joy, peace, and happiness. But, how can you let go? Recognize the behavior for what it is. Ask yourself what it is doing to you? How much time and energy do you spend dwelling on the matter? Understand that forgiveness is something you do for others, but it’s mostly an important action you do for yourself. When you harbor resentment, you cannot experience personal growth, true health, or inner calm. If you truly want to live longer and be healthier and happier, do not wait for others to come to you.Take the first step. Start the process of forgiveness in your own mind and then follow it through with genuine action. When you forgive others unconditionally— without expectations—you are generating superior mind-body health.  INSPIRE HEALTH

natural beauty

CALMING, COOLING

By Patricia Danflous SPINACH ON YOUR TEETH COULD CREATE AN EMBARRASSING MOMENT AT THE DINNER TABLE, BUT KALE ON YOUR FACE MAY INITIATE A CONVERSATION ABOUTYOURYOUNGER, SOFTER LOOK.THE SUPERFOOD, RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE MOST NUTRIENTENRICHED GREENS, IS NOW A LEADING INGREDIENT IN PRODUCTS RANGING FROM SKIN-BRIGHTENING SERUMS TO NAIL POLISH AND BODY LOTIONS.

s one of the components in Eminence Organics’ relatively new Citrus and Kale anti-aging line, kale extract helps to boost collagen formation, reduce inflammation and redness, and minimize visible aging signs. It may also help to prevent additional signs of aging and smells good, too, with a hint of lemon and avocado. Based on the powerful antioxidant benefits of the super green food, kale enriched products are combined with vitamins and other food extracts to produce the trendy cosmetics which could be as good for you on the outside as well as the inside.Try Eminence for your skin and for stronger nails, experiment with the Nailkale line – available in several colors in addition to green. Eating a cup of kale is an outstanding choice for your inner and outer beauty. Kale’s vitamin A softens your skin and its vitamin C is good for building collagen.You will also find vitamin K, which helps moisturize, and the leafy green is also rich in calcium for strong bones and good posture. 

DIY KALE FACE MASK

Ingredients:  3 or 4 large kale leaves  1 teaspoon olive oil  1 tablespoon lemon juice Directions: 1. Blend all ingredients into a thick paste. 2. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. 3. Rinse with warm water.

This mask is great for dry or aging skin.

INSPIRE HEALTH | July 21, 2019

Go to inspirehealthmag.com for product information.

Eminence Organics

NailKale

weight loss

h t u r T e h T

BEHINDLONG-TERM WEIGHT-LOSS

By Tamara Charbonnet, CPT, MLA AS A PERSONAL TRAINER I HEAR: “HOW CAN I GET RID OF BELLY FAT, HOW CAN I GET RID OF CELLULITE, FLABBY ARMS, REDUCE FAT AROUND THE HIP AREA…” SO WHAT IS THE REAL ANSWER?

he truth is there is NO easy “fix” to weight- loss, no supercharged exercise program for specific sections of the body, no magic pill nor diet plan that reduces fat and leads to optimum health. Only with proper know-how, patience, determination, and realistic goals, will your fitness goals be achieved. For example, knowing and applying the 80/20 rule can set you up for long term weight-loss: 80% of successful weight-loss is due to decreased calorie consumption and 20% is exercise/ movement. (Energy in < energy out). Here are 4 steps to help you apply the 80/20 rule successfully. 1. Create a personal weightloss goal. Count the amount of calories you normally consume in a day and

decrease that amount by 500. For example: if you consume 2,500 calories in one day, decrease that number to 2,000. Following this method should help you lose one to two pounds in 7 days. Another way to eliminate calories is to burn them through exercise. However, everyone burns calories at different rates so be careful! It is easy to underestimate your calorie burn. With advancing fitness technology, now there are devices/ armbands that will calibrate exactly how many calories an individual burns. 2. Have patience. Following the 80/20 rule, generally you can expect to lose 2-3 pounds per week. Under normal circumstances, more than 2-3 pounds of weightloss per week is considered by the National Academy of Sports Medicine to be unhealthy.

3. Create a daily food diary. Document the foods you eat and the calories you consume. Write down how you “feel” after certain meals. Record your energy level throughout your day. Being patient and documenting food consumption and personal energy levels will allow for reflection. It is important to enjoy food, but also important that the food you consume fuels your body. 4. Move your body. Perform 30 minutes to an hour of exercise 5 days a week. No excuses - find a treadmill, take a walk, run outside, or enjoy your favorite fitness class, just KEEP MOVING! Remember, to accomplish muscle tone, you must first reach your optimal weight-loss goal. To lose weight, you must burn more calories than you consume! Life is all about choices and challenges! Make the choice to eat less and take the challenge to move more.

Enjoy the results!

INSPIRE HEALTH

h c a e B h t i w Ready

GET

S C I R T E M O PLY

Model: Tamara Charbonnet Photographer: Bobby Lecompte

exercise

By Christina Leidenheimer, CPT, CHLC, CPI

GETTING BIKINI READY MEANS RIDDING YOUR BODY OF EXCESS FAT.

THIS

SUPER

CHARGED

WORKOUT IS DESIGNED TO DO JUST THAT.THROUGH A SERIES OF PLYOMETRIC EXERCISESYOU CAN UP YOUR CALORIE EXPENDITURE, QUICKLY SENDING YOUR BODY INTO FAT-BURNING MODE.

LYOMETRICS is well-known in the sports arena as an effective training method used to enhance the power and performance of an athlete. It is an arrangement of specific activities that enable a muscle to reach maximal force in the shortest amount of time. Moves like jumping, skipping, and hopping are common to plyometrics. But you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be an athlete to reap the rewards of plyo. Plyo works the muscles differently than conventional strength training; the movements are quick and sometimes explosive. If your body is not changing or you have hit a plateau, adding plyo moves to your routine will help break your static status. Your body will become stronger, fitter, and leaner. Here are 8 favorite plyo moves to get you set to rock a confident body this summer.

INSPIRE HEALTH | July 21, 2019

1 1-MINUTE JUMP ROPE WARM UP Stand with your feet a little closer than shoulderwidth apart. Make a soft fist with each hand, like you are grabbing an imaginary rope. Bring your hands beside your body and slightly bend your elbows. Slightly shift the weight of your body from your left to right foot, adding a slight hop to skip-jump the imaginary rope. Your fist should turn simultaneously as if you are turning a rope. Perform exercise for 1-minute.

exercise

HIGH KNEE SKIPS Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Drive your right knee up toward your chest while you fully extend the left leg and allow it to leave the ground. As your right knee lifts, bend and lift the left arm and move it forward to encourage the movement (right leg and left arm, then left leg and right arm). Alternate legs (right to left) while propelling yourself forward with an exaggerated skipping motion. Skip with vigor. Perform 10 reps.

3 TUCK JUMPS Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms extended in front of you. Bend at the waist and lower your butt to bring your chest to your knees. Use momentum to propel yourself up to a tuck jump; your knees should come close to your chest at the top and bottom of the movement. Perform 10 reps.

PLYO PUSHUPS (IN AND OUTâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; NEAR AND WIDE) Get into a front plank position. Place your hands on the floor wider than shoulder-width apart. Lower your chest to the floor to perform a pushup. At the bottom of the movement, use momentum to propel yourself up; allow your hands to leave the floor for a second. While hands are in the air, shift arm position to bring your hands closer than shoulder-width apart. Perform another pushup by lowering your chest to the floor, keeping your elbows close to the body. Continue alternating your hand position from wide to near. Perform 10 reps.

FROG JUMPS Squat very low to the ground, keeping your knees out wide and placing your arms between your legs, allowing your fingertips to touch the floor for support. Propel yourself forward by straightening your legs and arms while hopping forward. Briefly return to the squatted position and continue to repeat the hop, successively moving forward with each hop. Perform 10 reps. INSPIRE HEALTH

exercise

SONGZA

SINGLE LEG LATERAL HOPS Stand on your right foot; keep a slight bend in your knee. Bend your left knee up and rest your foot slightly on the right calf area. Bend both elbows at your side. Begin hopping from side to side, about 6 inches distance with each hop, using only the right leg. Switch to the left leg and repeat movement. Perform 10 reps on each leg.

INSPIRE HEALTH | July 21, 2019

YOUR SOUL

The icon won't win any graphic design awards. Try it any way. Download and tap into Songza, a free music App, for interesting and diverse musical categories. You'll find playlists for dining, relaxing and cooking. Been to a festival and want to relive the sounds? Did you miss a live concert and want to hear what you could have enjoyed? There's a category for that. Browse songs according to decades, activities, moods or genres to start your search and then filter through a wide array of specialized choices. Even easier, follow suggested playlists assembled according to day and time ranging from music for running on a Saturday morning to preparing dinner on a Monday night. A sleep timer is also included in the App for late night sleepytime songs.

exercise

7 PADDLE BOAT ABS Sit on the floor and come into a v-sit position by lifting hands and feet off of the floor. Keep a bend at the knees. Rest and balance weight on the mid to upper part of the butt. Alternate the right and left leg by moving one leg 6-8 inches ahead of the other. Continue alternating legs as if you are peddling a bicycle or paddle boat. Perform exercise for 30 seconds.

BONUS MOVE

ANGRYDONKEY

Do not rest longer than 30 seconds between each exercise. Perform as a circuit, completing two sets of each exercise. For best results, perform this routine at least 3 times per week along with a good cardio routine that consists of at least 150 minutes per week.

Same Great Physicians. Same Great Care. For over 65 years the physicians and staff of Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic have been providing compassionate, innovative, quality healthcare to northeast Georgia. With 33 physicians and other healthcare professionals, The Diagnostic Clinic remains committed to providing exceptional medical care to Gainesville and the surrounding communities for many years to come.

NEPHROLOGY Mark Kats, MD Laura Shepherd, MD Kim Tran, MD PULMONOLOGY Craig Brown, MD Wesley Head, MD Thomas Murray, MD Joseph West, MD RHEUMATOLOGY Sylvia Dold, DO Tracy Lovell, MD Alok Sachdeva, MD

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Place the palms of both hands and the tip of the toes on the floor. Use momentum to raise both legs from the floor, coming into a quick half handstand. Bend both knees and return to starting position by touching your feet down for just a second. Rapidly continue kicking motion.

770-536-9864 www.ngdc.com

mighty kids

WHEN ❛❛ WILLIBE by Michele Robert Poche

ROWTH. IT COMES IN MANY FORMS. PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, INTELLECTUAL. FOR KIDS, IT’S ALL ABOUT BEING ABLE TO REACH THE BATHROOM FAUCET, RIDE THE BIG ROLLERCOASTER AT THE AMUSEMENT PARK OR JUST SIT IN THE FRONT SEAT OF THE CAR. Some children grow early while others don’t experience bodily and developmental changes until later in their little lives. The important thing for a child and his or her parent to understand is that, like life, growth is not about the destination but rather the journey. And, since you don’t want to miss even one mile marker along the way, there are lots of different methods you can use to track the trip.

IT'S CURIOUS!

Hang a wall chart. There’s a reason this old stand-by is so popular. Most children think of their growth primarily in verticality so they appreciate using a chart that enables them to measure and record their distance from the floor. But be sure to hang it somewhere where it can stay, because you’ll likely be measuring your little people for well over a decade! Catch up to your favorite celebrity or character. My son chose the tallest person he knew, National Basketball Association’s Yao Ming, and we put a life-sized poster of him on the wall of his bedroom. Over the years, he enjoyed determining, “Hey, Mom! I’m up to his waist!” or “Wow! I’m up to his elbows now!” Save a little money together. Kids can be pretty expensive so why not put aside a little green for their futures

the "Children halevhe abit unforgiveabg up." of growin

“

- Bjarne Reuter

INSPIRE HEALTH | July 21, 2019

Grow and shrink with Alice. Smile like the Cheshire Cat. Slide down the rabbit hole. It’s time to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Head to the University of Texas Harry Ransom Center in the heart of Austin for an educational and entertaining Wonderland exhibit. Between now and July 6th, the Center unfolds a tale of Carroll and the real Alice who inspired his long-lasting story. View one of the few surviving original editions of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Follow the White Rabbit’s trail through the display or perhaps have a tea party with the Mad Hatter. The exhibit is free. www.hrc.utexas.edu

YOUR SOUL

, r e g g Bi MOM?"

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while also measuring their growth? This method can be accomplished in many different ways but one of the most visually rewarding is simply stuffing a jar with quarters, silver dollars, $10 bills, etc. for every inch of height he grows. Then, at age 18, give him the money for prom, college or even just a nice outing for the two of you. He’ll love seeing the amount grow along with him over the years. Plant a progressive garden. Recognizing the passing years of a child’s life can be just as important as measuring her inches. Plant a flower or vegetable garden on her first birthday. Then each year add one new item to the mix. She will not only be able to see the individual plants grow year after year, she’ll also be able to see

the entire project develop as a whole … just like she does. And when she’s old enough, be sure to include her in the garden’s maintenance. It’s a great project for a parent and child to share with each other. However you chart the journey, just remember that everyone reaches the destination differently. Some drive through the night to get there first while others prefer to take the scenic route and make a few stops along the way. The important thing is that you celebrate every mile marker together. And don’t forget to make predictions or “growth guesses” for the following year with a little prize for whoever comes the closest!

Happy charting!

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INSPIRE HEALTH

y p p u P pet therapy

Bring home a

CHANGE YOUR LIFE

At this moment in time, I have yet to raise a human child. I have, however, successfully raised a puppy! That furry little piranha-monster brought me to my knees—I can't even tell you how many times I burst into tears of frustration. To say that my animal trainer ego was bruised would be an understatement.

By Mary Tully, www.tullystraining.com

RAISING BABIES IS A TRICKY ENDEAVOR. NO MATTER WHAT SPECIES OF BABY YOU ARE RAISING, BABIES HAVE THE ABILITY TO HUMBLE AND CHARM THEIR CARETAKERS IN THE MOST UNEXPECTED WAYS. I HAVE PERSONALLY BEEN CHARMED BY BABIES OF MANY DIFFERENT SPECIES: SEA LION PUPS, FLAMINGO CHICKS, DOLPHIN CALVES, KITTENS, KANGAROO JOEYS, HUMAN BABIES, AND OF COURSE, PUPPIES.

Proudly joining forces for the community.

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1485 Jesse Jewell Parkway Suite 330 Gainesville, GA 30501 770-536-9864

Visit us online at ngdc.com or give us a call at 770-536-9864

INSPIRE HEALTH | July 21, 2019

pet therapy Bringing home a puppy and raising it by yourself, with a partner, with a friend, or with your family, can be an incredible experience that will encourage vast and varied growth. My best advice that I can give to those who already have a puppy or to those who are looking to add one to their household is to prepare to make this new baby a major priority and surrender to its needs. Will you be able to do everything you did before this new baby came into your lives? Nope, not in the exact same way you won't—and that's good! To have another living being completely rely upon you for it's survival is an important life experience. Devoting time and energy to getting to know your new puppy is key: learning what they need, figuring out their personalities and fun little quirks, understanding the adult you want to help them grow into, and

adequately preparing them for the world. Building a healthy relationship with your new family member in that first year is important to ensuring that you have a healthy relationship with this animal for the rest of your lives together. Welcoming a new puppy into your family can be life-changing in the best way—as long as you are ready to accept it. Surrender to change and growth and you won't believe the things you'll learn. 

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INSPIRE HEALTH

cover story

NATURALBEAUTYIS MORETHAN

Sdkienep by Michelle Fouchi Esneault

ENTREPRENEUR, SAFE COSMETICS EXPERT , MAKE-UP ARTIST AND AUTHOR BRITTA ARAGON KNOWS ABOUT TOXIN DAMAGES FIRST HAND. WHILE MOST 16-YEAR-OLDS WERE THINKING ABOUT “SWEET SIXTEEN” CELEBRATIONS AND PUTTING A DRIVER’S LICENSE IN THEIR WALLETS, SHE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH HODGKIN’S DISEASE. THE CANCEROUS ATTACK ON HER IMMUNE SYSTEM SET THE FOUNDATION FOR A PROFESSION FOCUSED ON HEALTH AND WELLNESS. NINE YEARS LATER, SHE CONFIRMED HER CAREER DECISION. CANCER WAS A TURNING POINT IN HER LIFE ONCE AGAIN, SPARKING A PASSION FOR EDUCATING PEOPLE ON LIGHTENING THEIR TOXIC LOAD BY USING NATURAL AND ORGANIC PRODUCTS FOR A HEALTHIER LIFE.

INSPIRE HEALTH | July 21, 2019

ine years after my diagnosis and treatment my father was diagnosed with colon cancer,” Aragon shared. “It spread into his lungs and his liver and he had a secondary cancer, brain cancer, and it all came back in the bones. My father fought for eight years and throughout he had all these chemotherapies, radiation, surgeries, and medications. All that caused side effects.” Using her experience as a make-up artist, she sought to relieve the damage from chemotherapy and medications to her father’s hair, skin and nails by using what she thought were the best available products for sensitive skin. When they burned and irritated his already fragile skin, she looked closely at the list of ingredients and was shocked. “Not only were there allergens and irritants in the product, but also it was full of carcinogens, hormone disruptors and other ingredients that had been linked to health issues,” she remembered. “First I wondered, why? Why were these ingredients in these products? Not only in the ones I was using for him, but also in the products my mother and I were using.Then there was anger. I became very protective. My father was my everything, my best friend. So I started researching and monitoring everything that came into our home. I bought natural, organic products from a health food store, but those weren’t effective on his sensitive, compromised skin. I was at a loss and there really wasn’t a lot of information out there. I was very frustrated with that.” That experience inspired her to become an advocate for safe skincare. She founded Cinco Vidas, a company devoted to raising awareness about toxins in personal care products, food, and the environment, for one reason only—to try to reduce risk of disease and help save lives. Her work, which ranges from speaking engagements and writing to a toxin-free line of skin care products, is dedicated to

cover story her father’s legacy. Translated as “Five Lives” in Spanish, honors her father who battled his way through five reoccurrences of the cancer. “My father passed away August 7, 2007 and it was a pivotal moment in my life,” she says. “I thought, I have this gift now, the gift of experience that I had with the disease, with my father and caregiving for him, alongside my mother, and all this research and all these things I found out. If I had to go through this, I’m sure many people had to go through this also.” Her first project was creating the resource she wished her parents had when she had cancer and that she had looked for when caring for her father. Her Cinco Vidas blog speaks to those suffering from the side effects of cancer treatment and from skin conditions like chronic dryness and eczema. It’s a site where people share stories of what did and didn’t work for them, and an expert resource highlighting safe, natural solutions while raising awareness of what using potentially harmful chemicals can do. The blogging led to the publication in 2011 of Aragon’s first book, When Cancer Hits. A complete guide for those diagnosed with cancer, When Cancer Hits bridges the gap between the doctor’s office and everyday living. “The first two chapters are about all the chemicals that are around you, understanding how the skin absorbs what we put on it, really talking about what your routine is and how you look at what your chemical count is. We talk about how to lighten your toxic load by natural and organic means, by

LIVEA HEALTHY, TOXINFREELIFE BRITTA ARAGON NOT ONLY TEACHES ABOUT LIVING A HEALTHIER LIFE, SHE LIVES IT TOO! HERE ARE SOME OF HER TOP TIPS:  Eat Real Food. Let go of packaged, processed food and go back to basics! See how it changes your attitude, skin conditions, sleep, mental state and energy levels. Eat organic and free range to limit exposure to pesticides, antibiotics and cortisol.  Get Rid of Sugar. Sugar is nothing more than a legal drug and it is so disruptive – at a cellular level and at a mental level. It breaks down your immune system.  Remove Inflammatory Foods. These include sugar, gluten, soy, caffeine and alcohol.  Sleep! A good night’s sleep changes so much. Create a sleep time that works for your, removing electronics an hour or two before bed, dimming the lights, having decaffeinated tea, taking a bath, or reading. Make sure you’re getting 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep.  Have Fun! Is there joy in your day? Your bank account, what you have, or your level of achievement does not define success. If you’re not having fun doing it, why do it? That’s a hallmark of health.  Relationships. How fulfilling are your relationships? Is it give and take? Are you getting your needs met or are you just around people who bring you down and don’t support you?  Reduce Your Toxic Load. Do it for everything your bring into your home. Your cleaning products, personal care products, and make-up.  Self-Care. Are you taking enough time to take care of yourself? Are you taking enough time to give to yourself first? Put the oxygen mask on yourself first! Then there’ll be time and energy to help others.

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cover story avoiding certain ingredients. We talk about emotional coping and how to detox emotionally. Then I go into each body part, suggesting some natural solutions while going through chemo and radiation. Some chapters are about nutrition and one of the chapters is about complementary therapies like reiki, massage and pet therapy. What you can do to detox the body whether you’re going through cancer treatment or not. Several years ago, Aragon founded CV Skinlabs™, an innovative line of natural skin care products especially for those with sensitive skin, chemical sensitivities and other skin conditions. Aragon pulled together a team of leading dermatologists, toxicologists, chemists and product developers, to create a product free of any ingredient that is even minutely linked to cancer, hormone disruption or other health issues. Her team specifically researched ingredients that were proven to calm down inflammation. “Anything natural that had any kind of data or studies that had been done I wanted to know about them,” she said. “My concern was, of course, the products had to be natural and organic but I needed them to work.” Three ingredients: turmeric, reishi mushroom and Alpha Bisabolol were chosen for their outstanding antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-histamine benefits. Together they create the Tri-Rescue complex™ which is in every formula for CV Skinlabs™. Twenty-four years in remission, Aragon is living a healthy, happy life. Passionate about what she does, she “walks the talk” in everything she does and uses; from her personal care products to what she eats. “I love how I feel,” she enthused. “It’s very important for me to manage my energy and my output because when I’m so passionate about things, I can forget about self-care and that’s what you’re doing is really helping people my book is all about. I have to really and creating awareness, it’s really a ground myself and center myself. service, getting the word out and Aragon’s energy, her inner and educating as many people as possible.” outer beauty, and most importantly Through it all, she never forgets the her down-to-earth outreach continues man who inspired it all. “I feel closer to inspire. And she gives no indication to my father now than I did when he that she will be slowing down any was alive. I’ve grown up; I had a lot time soon. Dedicated to healthy, of challenges that have come up. I’ve non-toxic living and safe self-care her had the opportunity to look at myself, horizons include another book, global and as I’ve grown the business, I’ve speaking engagement, awareness grown but instead of having someone workshops while adding appropriate to have conversations with, which I still products to her skin care line. “It’s do, I now have him in my heart and I about the vision. The vision is way feel him in my meditations. I feel him bigger than me. When you see what in the guidance I get. He’s been a big,

Britta with her father.

I believe that the breakdown of the body really starts in the mind. It starts the moment I’m not present. It

INSPIRE HEALTH | July 21, 2019

starts the moment that I let things slide. It starts the moment I don’t honor my boundaries. big business partner! All the decisions that have been made have been very much done with my dad. I connect with whatever I feel, that inner knowing, that feeling when I don’t know where to go, I turn to him, I talk and I feel guided in some way.” 

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HEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU VISITED YOUR LOCAL FARMER’S MARKET? WHAT? YOU’VE NEVER BEEN? WELL, CHANCES ARE, UNLESS YOU LIVE ON A FARM, YOU JUST WON’T FIND FRESHER FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ANYWHERE ELSE. BUT PRODUCE IS ONLY THE BEGINNING. OFFERINGS AT THE AVERAGE FARMER’S MARKET CAN ALSO INCLUDE HOMEGROWN MEATS, CHEESES, BAKED GOODS, PRESERVES, HONEY … THE SKY’S THE LIMIT. Here are a few tips to make your first trip to the green market the perfect experience: Check the schedule. Once you locate your nearest market, be sure to check their hours. Not many operate full-time and you don’t want to get all the way there only to find an empty parking lot. Ask questions. Want to know if his product is certified organic? Ask. Want to know about her pest control methods? Ask. The more you visit the market and learn about the products, the

more you’ll know what questions to ask. Don’t be shy. Go early. If you want first pick or to guarantee that what you seek will still be in ample supply, plan to arrive when the market is just opening. Go late.Yes, you read that right. Because vendors don’t want to pack everything up and bring it back home, the later customers often get to take advantage of discounted prices. Look, smell, listen, touch and, best of all, taste! A green market is a very interactive experience.Visitors are welcome and even encouraged to look around, handle and, yes, taste just about anything. Transport carefully. These delicate delectables are typically sold in minimal packaging so bring some of your own to get everything home safely. Planning to buy refrigerated goods? A small cooler is the perfect receptacle to preserve and protect. According to the USDA, the number of farmer’s markets in the nation has quadrupled in the last twenty years. Currently, there are more than 8,000 locations across the country. And growing! Seriously, what’s keeping you?

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