Category / General Health & Well Being

by tessbrennan

Are Schools Modeling Healthy Behaviors?

Yesterday, I had the honor of talking with these amazing people. Aimie and Daniel Stillings are traveling the country and the world to create a documentary on Nature Play.

As I sat and spoke with Aimie, yesterday, I started to process and think more and more about the tests our Children are being required to take about every 4th day school.  The tests that they all prepare to take in 3rd – 10th (and now 11th) grades. The fact that we are “teaching” all children all the way down to Kindergarten to “take tests.”  (Bubble in the correct answer)

How does this relate to health?  Our schools are where our children learn the behaviors they will have for a lifetime.  Yes, many habits and such are learned from the parents, but ask most parents of high school students and you will find they are learning “new” habits while at school.

Documentary_image

 

  • Our children are being asked to SIT for 6-7 hours a day
  • Our children are given twenty (20) minutes to eat their lunch
  • Our children are being denied recess
  • Physical Education classes are being scaled way back
  • Our children are being asked to complete page after page of worksheets, even in Kindergarten
  • Administrators and teachers are telling them that walking from one class to another is considered “a break”
  • Our children are being rewarded for good behavior or correct answers with candy, pizza parties, and the like
  • Our children are being TESTED every 3-4 days

Our country is in dire straights when you consider the health of our nation.  80% of the top 4 health problems in the United States are preventable through daily lifestyle choices!

2013_Obesity_Rates

We ask our children to sit at their desks and pay attention for 6-7 hours a day – as young as Kindergarten.

sitting_epidemic

By asking our children to sit still for 6 hours a day we are modeling risky behavior for their future health. Studies are showing that sitting for long periods can be VERY detrimental to our health:

Sedentary lifestyles increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. “For people who sit most of the day, their risk of heart attack is about the same as smoking.” ~ Martha Grogan, Cardiologist, Mayo Clinic

Many of our children are given 20 minutes to eat their lunch, if this includes their travel time and time in line to purchase that meal, this can quickly whittle down to 10-12 minutes to eat. This models poor eating habits that can stretch into a lifetime of issues.  What happens when we eat too quickly?  Check out the information from LiveStrong on the topic of eating too fast.

Our children are being denied recess!

With all the stress being placed on test scores, there just isn’t time for recess! We need another 15 minutes for English Language Arts or Math class.  All fine and dandy, but what good is a test score when you are out of shape, your body begins falling apart in your 2o’s and you are spending days, months and years in doctor’s offices, medical centers and hospitals.  Not to mention, the plethora of research pointing to children retaining more information and grasping information better when given a break and then coming back to the classroom!

How many of us would willingly take a job with 13 minutes to eat and no “breaks” during the day.

Recess 

Our child is lucky, she gets PE 3 times a week! Many districts across the United states, AND our higher grade levels are NOT being given physical education classes.  Those are considered optional classes and if the student requires remedial action due to another test score, these options are no longer on the table. 

I remember in grade school, Mr. Jones taught us how to “fall down correctly.”  Told us that if we learned and then used it if we fell, we would not hurt ourselves as badly. We thought it was really silly at the time, as an adult, I now see the importance of all he taught us about moving on a daily basis to stay healthy!  Our students need to learn to stay active, they need to be taught to enjoy activities so they can remain physically strong and healthy.  When our muscles atrophy due to inactivity we begin feeling more and more pain on a daily basis.  I do NOT want that for my child or any other child!

Worksheets are the norm!

Gone are the days of make believe, kitchen sets, dress up clothes and such.  Our children are no longer, for the most part, encouraged to move around and explore and learn through play – even in kindergarten our children sit at desks most of the day and complete worksheets.  They move to the carpet for story time, then return to their seats to complete an activity worksheet on the story.  Movement is gone from the classroom due to the perception of chaos and the need to score better on end of course exams… YES, END OF COURSE EXAMS FOR OUR KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS.

Moving from your seat to the restroom or another classroom is not enough to be called a break!

What would be your thoughts if your boss told you that your breaks would consist of the time you spent walking from your desk to a colleague’s desk, or the restroom, or the copy machine.  I have actually had administrators tell us that this is a break because they are not being asked to complete work at this time!  I THINK NOT!

Candy is your reward for a correct answer!

So, our children are snarfing down their lunch, not given time to play and move around, sitting for hours and slowing their metabolism and when they answer a question correctly or do something good, they are rewarded with a piece of candy or a mini-marshmallow?  How is this modeling healthy behaviors?  Having a pizza party because their class won a competition is NOT modeling healthy behaviors.  Perhaps, they could be rewarded with some additional time on a PLAYGROUND and be allowed to PLAY!

I was NOT rewarded with a skittle in class if I answered correctly and I still learned and fell in LOVE with learning!  If our classrooms have sunk so low that we must entice our children like Pavlov’s Dogs in order to get them to answer, we have some huge problems.

Finally, our children are being tested every 3-4 days as mandated by districts, states, and our federal government.

I liken this to someone hired for a new job.  You are told to learn on the go and not take breaks. Every 3-4 days someone comes in and administers an exam to you on what you have been learning. The test was not written by someone familiar with your industry so it is difficult to know how to answer the questions.  You will never be allowed to review the test, so you will be unable to discover exactly what you missed and where you made the error. 

Would you be stressed in an environment such as this? Of course you would be stressed!  So are our children.

HOW TO FIX IT!

The dialog has begun.  Parents have begun standing up and speaking out to fix our public schools for our children.

SPEAK OUT!  – Your child is our future! Your child’s future should be a future of joy and learning, and good health!

When we eliminate the high stakes testing, ALL high stakes testing, there will no longer be any need to eliminate recess, no need to eliminate Physical Education classes, no need to rush through meals, and no need to sit for 6 hours a day to complete worksheet after worksheet.  When our children are taught to LOVE LEARNING there is no need to bribe them with candy or treats.

Join your local group working toward eliminating high stakes testing, talk with your board of education, and vote!  For the health of our children and the health of our nation, PLEASE STAND UP!!!

Thank you

https://www.facebook.com/HealthySchoolsLee

http://unitedoptout.com/

If you would like additional information about groups in your area, or how to begin a group in your area, please contact me.

by tessbrennan

Protein Cookies–Not Yo Momma’s Chocolate Chip Cookie

What to pack for my daughter’s lunch? What to give her for a healthy snack? Chocolate Chip Cookies of course!  (But not what you are thinking.)

I work to be sure that my daughter gets a balanced diet every day.  I pack her lunch, out of necessity, every day of school, and I work to be sure that she gets a sampling of all the food groups.

Here is one of her new favorites – She calls them Cookies!

Ingredients:Protein Cookies

2.5 cups whole wheat Flour
0.5 cups Instant Protein
1.5 cups rolled oats (ground)
1.5 tsp baking soda
1tsp ground cinnamon
0.75 cups ground pecans
0.5 tsp salt
0.75 cups butter
1 cups brown sugar
1 TBSP Vanilla
6  large eggs
1 cups chocolate chips

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 350* F
  • In large bowl, mix dry ingredients through salt
  • In mixer – cream butter & brown sugar
  • Add vanilla and 1 egg at a time
  • Slowly add dry mixture until all blended
  • Stir in chips
  • Drop by scant 1/4 cups onto parchment paper lined cookie tray – flatten slightly (makes right at 24 cookies)
  • Bake 11-13 minutes until slightly browned on top
  • Cool on pan for ~5 minutes then use spatula to move to wire racks to cool.

I put cooled cookies in zip lock bags and store in the fridge to use in her lunches. They freeze well, but don’t normally last that long.

Here’s the amazing part!  The nutritional figures:

Each cookie has about 169 calories, 8.7 g of Fat, 18.1 g of Carbohydrates, 3 g of Fiber, AND… 6.5 g of protein!!!

Tasty treat AND good for you!  Dip them in milk for an extra special treat!

by tessbrennan

5 tips for avoiding the new Respiratory Virus +

 

It is such a scary thought… Your child gets a cold and then, suddenly, they can’t breathe, they turn blue and you need to call 911 or rush them to an emergency room!  (Here is a link to the story about this new unknown respiratory virus: http://youtu.be/BOy7bRP3oak ) It is for this reason – we work to build our little girl’s immune system!

Children Immune Boost

  1. Begin with a solid foundation:  For us, that consists of Incredivites and Meal Shakes for breakfast each morning.  No added sugars and NOTHING artificial to cause additional stress to her little body.
  2. Probiotic – She swallows a tiny Optiflora pearl each morning to give her intestines added good bacteria to fight the bad.  It’s a tiny little thing that she swallows easily with her morning “shake.” (She is holding the probiotic in her fingers next to her face – its THAT tiny… and triple encapsulated so those little critters are ALIVE when delivered to the large intestine!)
  3. Nutriferon – This is an amazing, patented, product that helps the body to increase it natural Interferon levels (the Killer T-Cells that fight off infections) We usually give this to her a couple of times a week, but right now, due to the threat levels, she is taking one every day.What_is_Interferon
  4. Defend & Resist – This is an amazing chewable Echinacea & Elderberry tablet that she can chew.  It’s purple and sweet and she eats them right up!
  5. Cut back on refined sugars and flour… White sugar, white flour, heavily processed foods etc… This tends to compromise and stress the immune system causing them to be weaker than they should be – more susceptible to the crud – whatever it may be.
  6. Reduce respiratory challenges in the home.  We removed all toxic and stinky household cleaners long ago.  Momma has asthma and when we eliminated all those different nasty cleaners – momma’s asthma went away!!!  We use the Get Clean line of products because they work, they are REALLY inexpensive and they last a REALLY, REALLY long time.

Get_clean

Don’t forget the common sense things like, wash your hands often and don’t share food and drinks with others.  Please, notice, I did NOT say spray Lysol everywhere! – this can actually have the negative effect of what you are working toward – the toxins in the Lysol spray stress your lungs and can cause your system to weaken… Same goes for soaps with Triclosan or other antibacterial ingredients… Our skin, naturally has bacteria that lives on it to protect us – when we kill off the good bacteria – then our first line of defense is gone! 

We don’t use antibacterial ingredients in our home, our daughter is allergic to them.  She is also rarely ill and has a VERY STRONG immune system…  There was a very brief time in her life when she was sick for about 6 months straight – we discovered her preschool was spraying Lysol in the room over the students’ heads!  We removed her from that school and the Lysol – and she has never been sick like that since. We use Get Clean Handwash and Meadowblend Cleansing Bar.

The 6 steps above are what WE DO, as a family to prevent the “CRUD” from creeping in, and it has worked very well for us for over 7 years.  I hope it provides you with some insight.  If you would like further information, please contact me. 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

by tessbrennan

Tips to Keep Them Healthy when School Starts

School started for us today. This means she will again be with her friends and the other 900+ students in her school.  This means germs from a plethora of places and people. 

I feel it is important to give her a strong start to her school year and boost her immunity and system for learning as well.  Here are some of the things we do to help strengthen and support our family’s immunity when the school year starts – and most of the time. Smile

  • Breakfast IS important.  What we feed our children, first thing in the morning, sets them up for optimum learning, or sets their bodies rolling on the blood sugar roller coaster.
    • We make sure our days begin with a balanced meal. Since time is of the essence and my child prefers to “drag” herself into the kitchen at the last minute, we opt for a Meal Shake – her favorite is Bavarian Cocoa, it provides her with PLENTY of protein, some fiber, and some nutrients to give her the boost she needs.
    • When she feels extra hungry, or I know she didn’t eat a full dinner the night before, we add a 1/4 cup of oatmeal in the morning to give her an extra boost

      20130406_173825

  • Add Supplements if your child doesn’t eat 7-9 fruits & veggies a day, eat fish 2-3 times a day, or is a picky eater. The first couple of times she took her “grown up” supplements-it was a bit of a challenge, but when she swallowed them whole we celebrated!  She is 7 years old and swallows tablets better than her daddy!

    Shaklee_Kids

    • Multi-vitamin – Coral takes two Incredivites (These multi-vitamins contain NOTHING ARTIFICIAL because it is important to me that when I am giving my daughter something to improve her health, that there not be ingredients with side effects that could harm her health.)
    • Optiflora probiotic – this boosts her immune system in the large intestine – guaranteed live delivery of the bacteria she needs to maintain a strong immune system
    • B-Complex & Omegaguard Fish Oil – She struggles with focus and the Omega & B-Complex really seem to help her with that.
    • Osteomatrix Calcium/Magnesium supplement each day.  This supplement assists her in relaxing AND prevents those pesky growing pains.  If she complains of her joints or legs hurting, we add a Chewable Cal/Mag to the mix at dinner time too.

  • Washing hands Frequently
    • We know this one, we hear it all the time. Wash your hands frequently.
    • Use PLAIN soap, NOT anti-bacterial soap.  Our kids don’t typically wash their hands long enough to allow the antibacterial soaps to work properly – AND they kill the GOOD guys on the skin that help fight the bad guys.  We’ve been so enamored with “KILLING GERMS” that we have killed off the good bacteria our bodies need to fight those germs!

  • Reduce Sugar Intake
    • I KNOW, they are kids, they love sweet, however – sugar suppresses our immune response. The more sugar and refined carbohydrates we consume, the harder it is for our body to fight off sickness. We don’t bring candy into our home – it just makes it easier. (not often anyway) Ever notice how cold and flu season begins in full force about 2 weeks AFTER Halloween?  (interesting)
    • Other options: FRUIT!  Its sweet, it tastes good, its pretty, and its HEALTHY!  We stock up on fresh fruits and frozen fruits, make frozen smoothees instead of popsicles and other sweet temptations.
    • EAT A PROTEIN WITH EVERY CARB!
      When we eat a sugar it spikes our blood sugar, which then causes a dramatic DROP in blood sugar –> This in turn can cause our children to crave and to become HANGRY MONSTERS!  When we serve a protein with a carbohydrate – the protein works to level off that blood sugar and a more gradual drop – avoiding the monsters!

  • Teach Your Children
    • People frequently get a chuckle out of my daughter (for many things) specifically when she will come up to ask me, “What are my protein choices?” or “Mom, what snack options are available to me now?”  She knows she needs to eat healthy to stay healthy.  She KNOWS she must have a protein source if she is going to have a “sugar choice”.  It makes my life easier when I know she is looking for the right foods.

  • After School Snacks
  • 7-9 a Day!  (Fruits and Vegetables)  – I know, mine is picky too. She prefers fruit and broccoli and that is IT.  We have instituted the you must try 2 bites theory – and the eat it all if you want desert, and it seems to work. (We’ve also implemented a time limit for her for desert as well.)

    Fresh Produce Healthy Grease Monkey

    • Include fruits or veggies at every turn.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks.
    • Taste the Rainbow of Flavors!
    • When all else fails, HIDE IT in their favorite foods.  I shred zucchini, carrots, spinach, moringa, and anything else I can think of to boost the nutritional value of her favorites.

  • Exercise!  We are blessed in Lee County FL because all of our schools now have 15 minutes of recess a day for our children to move and refresh and the minimum of 150 minutes per week of physical education!  Movement is SO important in maintaining a healthy immune system as well as mental health… Get your kids moving!  Park for 3o minutes, a sports team, a dance team, something… Keep them moving and off the couch.

The habits we model and teach our children today are shaping them into the adults of our future! Help our children help themselves by learning healthy, daily habits through Health Choices!

For more information on Healthy Choices or for a personal consultation or for questions on high quality supplements and other products, feel free to contact me, The Healthy Grease Monkey.

Make it a GREAT YEAR!

by tessbrennan

Choices & Consequences = Our Current Health???

So, I’ve been preaching choices and consequences to my daughter quite a bit lately.  At 7 she wants what she wants and she cries if she doesn’t get it.  It frustrates me to no end, I don’t feel like we spoil her, we don’t buy her everything she asks for, she has responsibilities, and she is required to eat what is fixed for meals.

Today, she wanted to go to the park. I said okay and that we would ride our bikes there.  She was very excited.  (It is August in SW FL) As we prepared to leave she decided she would rather ride her scooter.  I discussed this with her and tried to focus on the consequences of this choice, that she would be required to bring the apparatus home after the park and that her bike would be easier than her scooter, yet she insisted. – Long story short – the mile home seemed like 15 to me! She kept whining and complaining that she was just going to die, that she couldn’t go on another step. We didn’t have a choice – we had to get home, plus, she had plenty of water for the journey.

CLB pouting at dinner

We get home and it is lunch time. Consequences—> She still has chicken and mixed veggies from the other night that she has refused to eat – so that is lunch.  She is now taking a nap in her room because she is just too exhausted to eat. LOL 

Why is this relevant to your life?

Our daily choices have consequences. Everyday we choose a soda pop, or a donut, or a bowl of cereal, or a 10,000 calorie sandwich from a fast food restaurant.  Our daily choices have consequences. 

Unfortunately, we don’t see those consequences so readily as having to eat the food we refused the night before or by having to get home on our scooter when we’ve decided we are done.

These consequences may take years or even decades to develop. Enter the current state of our national healthcare crisis.  Forget about the fact that no one can afford the care they need – WHY DO THEY NEED THE CARE IN THE FIRST PLACE?  Choices & Consequences

I saw a new YouTube video

https://youtu.be/ic5RgOjOimk

yesterday that points this out clearly. 

I don’t typically like, what I call, scare monger tactics to make people see things, but this video stuck me hard.  Our choices have consequences.  I count myself lucky because I had friends who pointed me in a healthier direction.  Better Choices.

This video, clearly shows WHY I am so adamant about our children having recess and PE at school, WHY I protest teachers giving the kids candy or food for answering correctly or cooperating, WHY I stress that our daily choices make such a difference.

I was close to this in my 30’s.  Though not this big, I was struggling with my health, with depression, with pain, and the answer I was given at that time was to take prescriptions. SIX of them at one time – some to handle the side effects of the others.  I was miserable.  I thank my friend, Betsey, for opening my eyes to what nutritional choices could do and to how easy those choices could be.

What can you do?

If you are struggling with your weight, with pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, pain in your joints, the beginning of heart disease, lethargy, cravings and such, changing a few things gradually could have a synergistic effect and redirect your current path.

I would love to work with to show you what simple choices could make a HUGE impact on your health! HUGE (and I’m not trying to sell Kia’s here either. – local humor) 

Simple steps can begin to turn things around for you so that you don’t find yourself where this gentleman has found himself.

CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES BEFORE

YOU MAKE THAT CHOICE!

by tessbrennan

School Supplies for a Healthy School Year

Two weeks until our school year begins. We are out busily purchasing uniforms, school supplies, & the like to prepare for the new school year.

Besides the Crayola’s and #2 pencils, we also stock up and make sure we have the nutritional support to keep her healthy throughout the week as well.  Our kits are explained here and outlined at the bottom of the article.

Back%20to%20school%20kits!

The average child in the USA is sick and has approximately 6-7 sick visits to the doctor per year.  This is time that parents have to take off work, time that our children miss important lessons in class, and costs us copays at the doctor’s office as well as for any prescriptions. It quickly adds up. 

When our children have a strong, healthy immune system, they can more readily fight off those illnesses, bacterial infections, & viruses. We began with a “BASIC” protocol to improve CLB’s immune system and to keep her strong against those germs! 

Side note: CLB is also allergic to Triclosan, so she can’t use the soap at the school, she only uses natural soaps with no anti-bacterial ingredients.  She is strong and healthy and rarely fights illness.

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This is our basic foundation:

Keep in mind that we also focus on whole food choices, healthy, nutrient dense foods and have eliminated most, if not all, of the toxins in our home to allow for healthy bodies and immune systems, but here, this is how we supplement with whole food, plant based, guaranteed supplements.

Meal Shakes are DELICIOUS protein mixes… a vanilla or Bavarian Cocoa flavor.  2 canisters/month – we give her 3/4 of a serving in her morning “shake” made with Soy Milk. “Fast Food, no guilt!” $24.10 per canister.  This allows her to sustain her energy throughout the day rather than SPIKING from breakfast cereal only to plummet a couple of hours later.  This contains all the amino acids to allow your child to absorb it quickly and effectively!

Incredivites – Multivitamin with Lactoferin for immune health.  This multi-vitamin as AMAZING! Compared to other leading brands this little powerhouse of a vitamin is more comprehensive with 23 essential vitamins & minerals, has 50% more vitamin D3 for bone health, AND it CONTAINS NOTHING ARTIFICIAL!!! I don’t understand why vitamin companies make products to “support your health” then include ingredients, like artificial colors, flavors, or ingredients that work to compromise your health! (RANT OVER-for now.)  $29.70 for 120 tablets (60 servings) = $14.85 per month.

Mighty Smarts – Ultra-pure DHA chews These little gems were my daughter’s first DHA supplements.  Now they serve as her “reward” for taking her other supplements. Smile  These orange flavored chews are concentrated with a 100% natural, ultra-pure form of omega-3 oil that has been purified and tested to be of the highest quality…WITHOUT the fishy taste and potential hazards of environmental toxins.  (75% Organic, natural, and gluten free) Again, NOTHING artificial.  $27.00 for 30 chews.

Targeted issues:

Our daughter has battled eczema, from a corn allergy, and tends to get bored and find it difficult to focus in class.  We discovered the mood swings and focus issues during her first grade year. 

We added a couple of supplements last year to assist her with this challenge and were pleasantly surprised to discover that she quickly found it easier to focus and to stay on task – the result – in a mere 1/4 she went from an average student to one being recognized and recommended for the gifted program.

(I am not saying the supplements made this difference, I am simply saying we saw the difference after we added them.)  Here is what we found to give her the greatest advantage.

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Optiflora (probiotic) – This amazing little pearl contains and protects the probiotics from the stomach acids so that it is delivered ALIVE to the very place it is needed, and not before.  Great defender of health, affordable price. $19.10 per month. (One per day.)  This is ESPECIALLY important after your child has had to use an antibiotic to repopulate the GOOD bacteria in the digestive tract so the immune system can rebuild itself.

B-Complex – This COMPLETE B-Complex supplement assists with everyday stress that my little diva seems to love.  It allows her mood swings to level out and for her to stay calm and manage her “stresses” better. We began by crushing this one and mixing it into her morning smoothee and she has graduated at age 7 to swallowing it whole when drinking her smoothee in the mornings. $21.70 for 120 tablets (one per day for my tiny one) or $40.75 for 240 tablets ~$7.30 a month.

OmegaGuard – DHA & EHA  This amazing product assists her little brain in focusing and in retaining what she is being taught.  Another great supplement that actually delivers more EPA & DHA than other brands. She began swallowing these last spring when I dared her to take it. $16.95 for 60 softgels or $43.95 for 180 (one per day for our tiny)

Nutriferon – Immune Booster – Developed by world-renowned immunologist, Dr. Yasuhiko Kojima who first discovered interferon in 1954.  This product allows your body to naturally produce interferon to fight off infection, bacteria, and viral by boosting that immune system and allowing you to be stronger and not succumb to the “crud.”  {The Shaklee Difference: A recent laboratory study showed that NutriFeron ingredients impact Natural Killer (NK) cells, an important part of our frontline immune system defense.  (Research papers from peer reviewed journals available upon request.) $39.00 60 caplets (I give her 1 per day ~$19.50 per month. (No pictured above)

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Yes, we invest in the health of our daughter. Our choice to invest in her health has meant that we only have about 1 sick visit to the doctor per year, if that.  We have seen her academic performance increase dramatically, her mood swings decrease, and she smiles a lot and reminds us if we forget one of her supplements in the mornings.

These do taste different than Flinstone Vitamins, or the popular gummy vitamins, it is a different flavor – a NATURAL flavoring.  She loves them and begs for them, and they don’t contribute to tooth decay or cause other side effects. 

As for parents and teachers for back to school supplies – that is another blog for another day!  Wishing you a healthy school year!

ALSO, here is a great video presentation on Building Immunity for your Kids by Jenni Oates.  It is 45 minutes well worth your time!

School Supply List for Healthy Immunity From the
Healthy Grease Monkey Shop

Basic:
* Incredivites (2 month supply)
* Mighty Smarts
* Meal Shakes
* $66/month**  

Better:
* Basic Package plus
* Optiflora for improved immune function
* B-Complex for energy & happy moods
* $91/month.** B-Complex is purchased once every 8 months

Best:
   * Better Package plus (for older children – ours is 8 now)
* OmegaGuard for focus and brain health
* Nutriferon for boosting immune funtion (we use this when we want
to ramp up her immune system (2 weeks before school or before a
flight or traveling)
* $137/month** OmegaGuard is purchased every 6 months,
Nutriferon as needed.

** Member pricing with products bought in bulk quantities – not every product is ordered every month.

For more information regarding these or other products, feel free to contact me.

by tessbrennan

Why You Don’t Need Vitamins

I have a girlfriend who doesn’t need vitamins.  She meets all of the criteria needed to avoid the need for supplementation due to her chosen lifestyle and how she chooses to eat every day. 

Like you, I have NO stress, I only breathe clean air, no one in my family has ever had any kind of breast cancer, lung cancer, brain cancer, arthritis, I never eat processed foods or junk foods, and I always get plenty of fresh fruits and veggies in my daily diet.

WHAT>???   YOU DON’T MEET ALL THE CRITERIA???

Who don't need vitamins

Okay, lets get real.  No one, or very few people in the US, meet all of these criteria to be sure they are not stressing their bodies, their health, their cellular make-up.

So what do you do to make up for the deficiencies from household cleaners, the toxic body care products, the processed and junk food consumption, the STRESS???

The main reasons for needing supplementation are:

4 Reasons 2 supplement

Yet, when someone suggests we actually invest in better health we tend to balk and think… Whhhhaaaaattt?

PicsArt_1406664909153

I’ve been investing in my personal health for over 8 years now. Purposefully spending money on health promoting foods, supplements and products.  What do I have to show for it?

  • Increased energy levels
  • I’m 55+ pounds lighter
  • I get carded to buy beer at age 43
  • I no longer need 6 pharmaceuticals
  • No more migraines
  • I get rebate checks from my health insurance company ANNUALLY
  • I don’t need many sick visits to my doctor
  • Oh, and my hubby thinks I’m sexy. Smile

Enough of what I think. How about some clinically based research? How about a study done by UC Berkley on long term supplement usage, specifically using the brand I choose?  Here are some images from the study’s findings.

Landmark_Study_2Landmark_study_5Landmark_Study_4Landmark_Study_GraphLandmark_Study3

Personally, I use the Shaklee Lean & Healthy Kit daily. This allows me to begin with a sound, solid foundation as I provide the daily nutrition necessary to allow healthy cells to continue multiplying and my body to provide sick cells what they need to recover.

For more information, feel free to contact me or visit my product website at http://healthygreasemonkey.myshaklee.com.

I am happy to work with you to guide you in what could be the best fit for your needs!

I’ll repeat something Jenni Oates and many others have said, which makes perfect sense…your cells are made up of Vitamins, Minerals, and Proteins…it needs those three things to be healthy and function properly, not short-term remedies/drugs that temporarily take care of the symptoms… disease has one cause, malfunctioning cells. ~Suni Ferrer

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Resources used for this piece:

“Build a Better You” by Dr. Richard Brouse
“Why Do I Feel This Way?” by Christine Graber, RHN & Charlene Day, RDC
“Treasures of Health Nutrition Manual” by Annette Reeder & Dr. Richard Couey
“The Landmark Study” http://landmarkstudy.com
“The Landmark Study by Dr. Stephen Chaney”  http://betterhealthin31days.com/healthygreasemonkey/vp/LandmarkStudy-DrStephenChaney

by tessbrennan

Beginning with the BURSTclub Workout

I have a confession to make.  I dislike working out! I AM a health coach, but I struggle with the couch.  I love to walk but it takes so much time.  Some days I am so busy that there is not time, others I pretend like I am busy so there is no time…

Enter the BURSTclub workout!

3 minute warm-up, 3 minute stretching, 3 minutes of BURST, 3 minute cool down, DONE

I’ll admit, when I first tried these a year ago I was overwhelmed. I tried to do the workouts EXACTLY as the Oates’ did them… WRONG…  They are professionals, they do it daily, they are in shape – I. WAS. NOT.

Now, 12 days ago, I looked at my cushy tummy with the “baby flab” still there after 7 years. (Don’t get me wrong, after losing 55 pounds 7 years ago I am proud of my physique.)  I had taken a 12 day hiatus from nutrient dense foods, from exercise, from routine, and from my healthy lifestyle.  – How easy is it to form a NEW BAD habit??? 

I was feeling sluggish, bloated, unhealthy, and when I attempted to wear heals my feet hurt again. So, I committed, once again to working the BURSTclub workouts.  (These come FREE with my 180 Lean & Healthy kit as a way to give me a full system.)

On day one I could hardly make it through the warm-up. I was SO happy when the warm-up stretching began.  I was NOT able to finish out the 3 minutes of burst completely – but I kept moving. I kept doing the “exercise” of the minute in a “lesser” way.  Its only 20 seconds, then you get a break! 

Day two was similar.

Day three – the saboteur stepped in. I felt a bit sore from the first two days of effort. (okay, quite a bit sore in places) A friend posted a motivational image on Facebook and I went in and DID IT – its only TWELVE minutes… The muscle soreness subsided quite a bit after the workout, too.

Day four – I rested – I still did stretching (egosque) and I kept moving, walking, shopping, playing with my daughter, and rearranged the furniture in her room.

Day 5 – Now I’m feeling really good. There was one of the exercises I physically could not do, so instead of giving up, I modified it to one, similar, that I could do and finished my workout.

Day 6-11 – Same general thing.  I take a day off to rest about every 4-5 days, but I still stretch and move.

Day 12

After only 12 days I can feel that I am getting stronger and I am increasing my energy levels.

FINALLY, the proof that something is happening…

Day 1 - July 2014Day 12 - July 2014

Before photo 7/12/14                          After photo 7/23/14

As Zig Ziglar frequently said, “Keep on, keepin’ on”

For more information on the Shaklee 180 system and tools, contact me. I am here to be a resource for you!

by tessbrennan

6 Tips to Make Time for Health

As a mom, wife, health coach, entrepreneur, PTO member, Rotarian…  I find that my “time” is limited. (or is it?) 

The calendar on my “smart”phone is often filled with lots of running and back to back appointments across the county. It is very easy for me to get “so busy” that I forget about the things that are important – LIKE MY HEALTH!

Many times, as a mom & wife, I get so wrapped up in taking care of the needs of my family, that I forget what it is that I need to do for myself. 

I can remember my mom’s 30th birthday, when Dad took us all to Lafayette to celebrate HER birthday, but when we got there we spent all the time shopping for my sister and I and before we knew it, the time was up and we hadn’t done anything for mom. Sad smile  Her 30th birthday was a BIG sacrifice for us! (It happens – my 40th was a bit like this too, but that’s a story for another day. LOL)

Today, as Moms, it is SO important that we remember to take time to support our personal health and that we don’t get distracted by the little things (like Candy Crush & Facebook) and that we get the important things in there.

So, what is a busy mom supposed to do to make time for a healthier YOU?

  1. Dump list & Daily 4: List out all that you need to do for the week, then create the FOUR most important things to accomplish THAT day… (maybe 5… but NO MORE)  If you accomplish the first 4, then you can move on to other things on that list.  (At the end of the day, do yourself a favor and write down all you accomplished – then list the FOUR things for you to do tomorrow)
    Dump List
  2. Work on the 30 minute “FOCUS” time system:  As you begin to work on things from that list, remember the 30 minute rule.  SET A TIMER (your smartphone has one)  Focus on that one task for 30 minutes.  (Yes, you can answer your kids, redirect them, etc. but remember to return right back to that task.)   I am frequently amazed at how much I can accomplish in a 30 minute time frame when I put my mind to it!
    30 Min Focus
  3. If you are going to cook anyway, make it worth it! Prepare multiple meals at once. I don’t like to waste time in the kitchen, so if I need to be in the kitchen to make dinner/lunch/breakfast I like to prepare foods for future meals. Make the most of the time I am in the kitchen and save time in the future for food prep.
    Silly mom in kitchen shoes
  4. Remember your supplements! When my immune system is weakened due to holes in my daily nutrition, I tend to succumb to whatever crap is floating around.  It took me a while to learn to remember to take my morning supplements. I created my routine by using my smartphone alarm app.
    Schedule it in
  5. Squeeze in some workout whenever you can: I am NOT above doing squats in the bathroom whenever I need to “go”. Add a few extra steps when you head to the store. Be active WITH your family. Park a bit further from the store and walk a few extra steps.  (This is my daughter’s new favorite thing to do.)
    Adding steps is an easy way to improve our fitness

  6. Take time to rest! Our kids aren’t the only ones who need rest. By rest, I don’t mean 20 minutes sitting in the recliner playing Bubble Witch2 or scanning FB from your phone.  I MEAN, 20 minutes of quiet.  I have implemented a 30 minutes a day reading requirement for my daughter (she’s 7 now).  That is my time to reflect, pray, meditate, or read something to provide myself that needed recharge time.
    Reading child with momReading child

I have other tips, but these seem to be the most important for my daily sanity and health.  A few simple focused minutes now can set me up for easier, quicker, healthier sailing later on!

Make it a GREAT day!  For additional information, personal coaching, or events happening in your area, contact me.

by tessbrennan

Well POOP!

It certainly doesn’t conjure up pretty thoughts, does it?

My husband’s friends have many colorful metaphors for it.  Movies make fun of it.  It’s the first thing that seems to come to mind when things go wrong. (I know, I’ve heard many a person use the metaphor when things have gone wrong. – okay, I’ve used it too.)

The problem is, we don’t talk about it. Poop just isn’t discussed, it is almost taboo. Yet, our poop can tell us a lot!  (I’m NOT saying I want you to email me photos of your poop! – have a friend who does this to his wife)  What I AM saying is, “When we look at our poop, it can tell us a LOT about our health.” – Current health and even FUTURE health!

Why look at poop?

  • Americans are suffering from colon problems that are affecting over 90% of the population!
  • 79% of our immune systems are located near our colon & digestive tracts.
  • Most colon ‘diseases’ come directly from impaction, miscellaneous debris, or toxic materials that are formed in the colon and generate toxins throughout the rest of the body – a direct cause of many diseases

PicsArt_1405529769080

What GOOD poop looks like. (Yes, I AM going THERE)

  • Medium brown
    • Prolonged periods of a different color could indicate issues that need investigated
  • 1/2 inch in diameter
    • The size of a healthy, clean colon
  • ~24 inches per day (about 2 pounds)
    • NO, you don’t need to measure – just guestimate
  • Little to no odor
  • Doesn’t leave a mess behind
  • Does it sink or swim?
    • It should gently and easily “dive” into the pool (toilet)
    • It should settle in the water
      • Diver – too little fiber in your diet
      • Floater – too much undigested fat
  • 2-3 times per day (YES, PER DAY)
    • Big meal in SHOULD = Big meal out (A healthy bowel moves after every significant meal.Well_Poop

What to do when things “don’t look good.”

  • Hydrate – constipation is often caused by dehydration. DRINK MORE WATER
    • Drink water 30 minutes before your meal and 2 hours after your meal to increase the effectiveness of digestion enzymes
    • Technically, you should avoid drinking during a meal to prevent the dilution of those important digestion enzymes
  • Supplement with Calcium/Magnesium or VitalMag – magnesium is a gentle mineral that brings water into the colon among many other things
  • 7-9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day
    • FIBER IS KEY
    • Eat nutrient dense foods – not processed crap
  • Flax seed is a great way to add fiber
  • Lubrication (NOT THAT WAY)
    • Oils help provide smooth and gentle elimination – THINK:
      • Flax seed oil
      • Cold water fish
      • Supplements like EPA or GLA
  • Exercise – get things a movin’ and a shakin’

PicsArt_1405529307199

Why NOT OTC laxatives?

  • Laxatives come with side effects that are detrimental to your health and they don’t FIX IT.
  • Mineral Oil is BAD
    • the body does not absorb it
    • it prevents digestive juices from getting to the food you eat
    • it prevents the lining of the intestine wall from absorbing the good nutrients you need
  • Herbal formulas increase the peristaltic action of the colon and help it function better

Herbs to move constipation on out…

  • Senna leaf
  • Alfalfa LEAF (note alfalfa LEAF – not the rest of the plant)
  • Anise seed
  • Blue malva flower
  • Buckthorn rood
  • Culver’s root (not their burgers)
  • Fennel seed
  • Licorice root
  • Rhubarb root (NOT their leaves)

When we can say, “That’s some good poop!” we know our immune system and our bodies are in good health, making healthy cells.

For more information on achieving “perfect poop” feel free to contact me.  Would love to discuss  your health and how we could move it along! Winking smile

sources:

Treasures of Health Nutrition Manual, Annette Reeder & Dr. Richard Couey

Why Do I Feel This Way?, Christine Gaber, RHN & Charlene Day, RDC