Johnny's Health Blog 7-9-15

Good morning everyone I have some victories to show off today!  First my blood sugar is holding at 123 which means I'm over another hurdle as I've been able to keep it down this past week.  I upped my cinnamon/milk thistle pills this week (called Cinnergy) to 3 times per day instead of two and I think that's been a key.  If you're per-diabetic or you don't have blood sugar issues twice per day is plenty but for me three times per day is what's required at least for now.  As I've stated before everyone's situation is different and what works for me may not work for you.  There's no one single solution to this mess I put myself in and I have to adhere to my diet/supplement regimen.  Also my weight release since mid April was 14lbs.  That's roughly about 5lbs per month.  I was hoping it would've been 20lbs but I've had to cut back on my exercise intensity and frequency due to my back issues so I'll take it!  So far I've released 50lbs with 60 more to go!  Let me tell you releasing this much weight isn't near as easy as it was back in 2000 when I dropped 50lbs in 3 months lol.  At age 47 my metabolism isn't what it was and back then I didn't have a back injury holding me back in the exercise arena.  If you're still in your 30's you better get busy!  If you wait too long you'll end up like me and it takes longer! Remember this is what's working for me and you may need a different approach.  I've spent hundreds of dollars on different supplements to find what would work for me and the stuff I get from the peoples chemist work best for me.  There are other great companies out there as well and if they work for you great don't change a thing!  I just thank God I found what works for me as it has saved me from being a big pharma zombie.  And of course I better put my FDA disclaimer up at this point so I don't go to a prison camp.  "*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."  

The health topic today is laughter and it's benefits to the body and soul!  The Bible's book of Proverbs says it like this:  "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."  You can find that in chapter 17 verse 22.  How true is that statement?  From a personal standpoint I feel it's crucial!  Anyone who knows me knows that I love to laugh and smile.  In fact during my first year in the car business my fellow salesmen called me "smiling Johnny".  Smiles are infectious!  They tell people that you're comfortable in your own skin and that you're the person to do business with!  Who wants a crabby depressed salesperson?  Not me!  That's all fine and dandy but where's the science?  The science can be found here in this article: http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm.  

The article has a summary that says this:

Laughter is good for your health

• Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
• Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
• Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. 

Wow with all those benefits why wouldn't you want to laugh?  No I don't laugh all day everyday but I always seem to find humor even if things don't go right which is super important!  Also being able to laugh at yourself (like when you can't find your keys which are in your hand) is important.  We beat ourselves up on a daily basis and that needs to stop if you want to be successful in life.  You can get knocked down but don't stay out!  Laughter is the best healthiest way to alleviate stress, anger, frustration etc.  This doctor puts it this way: “Your sense of humor is one of the most powerful tools you have to make certain that your daily mood and emotional state support good health.”

~ Paul E. McGhee, Ph.D.

My advice for today is smile a lot and laugh when you're stressed out!  Think of the line of a movie you watched that made you crack up or something in your past you laugh about these days even if it wasn't funny then.  Love yourself, laugh at yourself and pass it on to others who need it (where appropriate).  God bless you all and remember to LIVE TO WIN NOW!

PS  Tomorrow I will talk about something millions need to hear about.  Natural heart health!  

Johnny