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Holistic Medicine and Health : BODY

According to the World Health Organization, "Health is more than the absence of disease. Health is a state of optimal well-being."

Dr. Bernie Siegel (author of Love, Medicine and Miracles, states, " If you view illness as an opportunity, then when you get sick, you can ask yourself, 'Okay, what can I learn from this disease. What do I need to look at first?' "

For most of us, when the body is expressing illness, there are usually more than one underlying reason.  A main concern with illness from a holistic viewpoint is nutrition.  Proper nutrition is a foundation of a healthy life.

From the purely physical perspective, let us remember that we truly are what we eat (and drink).  So, a first step to physical well-being is to accept the following challenge:

1)  No smoking!  This is a no-brainer, but still seems to elude so many who smoke and wonder why they are so frequently sick!  If you smoke, stop.  Stop today - do not wait for that stress-free day when it will be easier.  Such a day will never happen.  Stop today, no excuses.

2)  Reduce or eliminate your soda intake - this includes "diet" sodas.  The sugars and sweeteners in sodas (regular and diet) are toxic.  There is no such thing as a healthy soda.

3)  Reduce or eliminate your white flour intake - especially white bread.  Opt instead for "whole grain" (note: this is whole GRAIN and not just whole wheat) bread.

4)  Exercise regularly:  20 minutes a day of cardio exercise (check with your medical professional before you begin ANY exercise or diet program).  All at once, or cumulative.  This is easier than you may think:  Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Rather than parking your car as close as you can - park it further away from where  you are going (store, work, etc.) and get a little more walking done.  Go take a walk during lunch.

5)  Eat healthy, soluble fiber with each meal and snack.  This includes fruit, whole grains, vegetables, and nuts.

6)  Drink plenty of clean water everyday.

7)  Exercise!