by Glen Depke
Doing nothing…REALLY! It is important to understand that what you did in the past is what got you here. If you are doing nothing, this simply means that you are continuing the exact path you are on. Is this really what you want?
Make 2011 the year of action, learning and growing with Depke Wellness!
When I am working with my clients, I often explain that the past does not dictate your future. It is your current choices that dictate your future. The problem is that most with health challenges continue to choose based on the past. Therefore we continue to reproduce the past, which is exactly what we are trying to change. Ouch, did I just say that. Are we really repeating the very experiences we are trying to run from? Absolutely, but you are not alone. This is one of the common challenges that most of us live with.
Here is a simple tool to begin right now. If you are doing something that has led to your health challenge or you believe that it is contributing to your challenges, chose something different. Anything! It just needs to be different. Understanding again that what you are doing is one of the reasons you are in your current predicament; so if you chose something different, you give yourself and opportunity to find something that works, or something to cross off your list that does not work. At least it is movement in a positive direction for you to be one step closer to healing.
To understand this a bit deeper, it is important to “get” that you are perfect. Often this is disturbing for those with challenges to hear. “What do you mean, I am perfect?” is what I often hear. “Do you think these symptoms I am suffering with are perfect?” is another.
Let’s look at my definition of perfect, which will be very different from the definition that most of you grew up with. Perfect to me is the recognition that as you are right now in this moment is a perfect reflection of life choices and circumstances of the past. So with this, as you sit here and read this, you are perfect.
Once you recognize the perfection it is important to accept it. By this, I do not mean that you want to continue this. This is a simple recognition of what is and this will be your starting point.
From this point, it is important to take responsibility for your choices in the past that may have left you with your current health challenges. Once we accept responsibility, we can see that if we made choices to be here, we can darn well make choices to improve on so many levels. Recognize that they need to be new choices though. Recycling the old choices keeps us in the same predicaments.
So as you sit in your perfection right now; assess if you like this, accept the situation, take responsibility and decide if you would like this perfection to continue. If you do not like your current perfection, it is very simple. Make new choices!
The old model and definition of perfection is judgment based and leads to individuals being “stuck” and playing the roles of victim and blame. This is due to a lack of responsibility and choice. My question so often to my clients is, “how’s that been working for you?”
Make a choice. Move forward. Create change in your life. Do this because you can, because nobody else will do it for you. Doing nothing is never the option.
If the direction of choice confuses you, feel free to visit the Calendar of Events page at Depke Wellness to access the upcoming live events as well as upcoming tele-lectures and webinars. Also feel free to browse through Depke Wellness to enjoy the complimentary health information to begin your journey to health and wellness.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Addressing the Pain of Emotional Stress
by Glen Depke
It is amazing that the emotional aspect of our health is often overlooked as a significant contributing factor to our overall health and wellness. Often this is looked at as “in your mind” as is communicated by many doctors today. Let’s take a look at the “in your mind” aspect of your health.
First of all let’s look at the physiology of stress to your body.
When you are under stress the body regards this as a “fight or flee” situation. To be real for most of us, our stress is truly not a life or death situation but based on the perception created in the mind, your body believes that your situation is often life threatening.
Once this type of situation is regarded as life threatening, your body and specifically, your sympathetic nervous system, kicks into high gear. The response that will then proceed is recognized below:
• Your heart rate will increase
• Your blood flow will be decreased to the internal organs
• Your blood flow will increase to the muscular/skeletal system
• Your senses will become more acute
• Your adrenal glands will significantly increase cortisol production
All of this happens to give you the ability to fight or flee from your life or death situation. The problem though, is as mentioned above; it is most often not that type of situation.
This sympathetic nervous system reaction is perfect if you are being attacked by a pack of wolves but a disaster for your body if the stress is traffic, spouse, children, job, boss, bills, and/or finances. It is amazing the significant amount of individuals that wake up in the morning and are living the perception of being attacked by a pack of wolves from that moment until they lay their head down to sleep at night.
Recognize that a regularly elevated heart rate is not health building. Understand that when your blood flow is reduced to your internal organs, the digestive system struggles to do its job. Recognize that senses in a heightened state of awareness can really drive you crazy. Last but not least, the high cortisol production will create significant challenges with functionally the whole of your being.
Beside for the sympathetic nervous system reaction, it is important to recognize that there is also a chemical reaction when you are living with negative emotions. Every negative emotion will produce chemicals in our bodies that create challenges for the body, while positive emotions produce chemicals that are very healing to the body. I don’t know about you but I would love for my emotions to be producing chemicals to heal my body rather than destroy it.
There is one very simple tool that you can use to create a positive shift in this emotional stress reaction. Breathe! Yes, I know you breathe already but it will be important to create a habit of deep belly breathing. When you do this, you will increase the intake of oxygen by your cells which has a significant physical benefit to your health but there is another physiological benefit. You cannot be under stress and take a deep belly breath at the same time. We talked about stress creating a sympathetic nervous system response; deep belly breathing creates a parasympathetic nervous system response. The parasympathetic nervous system is the relaxed side of your nervous system that is dominant during times of relaxation. This aspect of your nervous system enables your body to maintain functional balance without you needing to have a conscious thought in that direction.
So what does a deep belly breath look like and how often should you do this.
Take a deep breath through your nose for about the count of 8. While you are taking this breath in, breathe all the way down just below your belly button, while sticking your stomach out to allow the full expression of your lung capacity. It is not about sticking your chest out, it is about sticking your belly out. From there, hold that breath for a count of 4 and then forcefully exhale that breath through the mouth for about a count of 7. While exhaling, be sure to be tightening your stomach muscles to achieve a full exhalation of this breath.
I suggest repeating this 3-5 times once per hour during your waking hours of the day.
Making the simple choice of deep breathing through your day will significantly assist you in releasing your stress and moving you toward improved states of health.
One side note; when you are in the midst of a stressful situation, 3-5 of your deep belly breaths will assist with clarity and release.
To learn more about your Fundamentals of Health or Energetic/Emotional Release visit these links.
For a list of Depke Wellness events, please visit our Calendar of Events.
It is amazing that the emotional aspect of our health is often overlooked as a significant contributing factor to our overall health and wellness. Often this is looked at as “in your mind” as is communicated by many doctors today. Let’s take a look at the “in your mind” aspect of your health.
First of all let’s look at the physiology of stress to your body.
When you are under stress the body regards this as a “fight or flee” situation. To be real for most of us, our stress is truly not a life or death situation but based on the perception created in the mind, your body believes that your situation is often life threatening.
Once this type of situation is regarded as life threatening, your body and specifically, your sympathetic nervous system, kicks into high gear. The response that will then proceed is recognized below:
• Your heart rate will increase
• Your blood flow will be decreased to the internal organs
• Your blood flow will increase to the muscular/skeletal system
• Your senses will become more acute
• Your adrenal glands will significantly increase cortisol production
All of this happens to give you the ability to fight or flee from your life or death situation. The problem though, is as mentioned above; it is most often not that type of situation.
This sympathetic nervous system reaction is perfect if you are being attacked by a pack of wolves but a disaster for your body if the stress is traffic, spouse, children, job, boss, bills, and/or finances. It is amazing the significant amount of individuals that wake up in the morning and are living the perception of being attacked by a pack of wolves from that moment until they lay their head down to sleep at night.
Recognize that a regularly elevated heart rate is not health building. Understand that when your blood flow is reduced to your internal organs, the digestive system struggles to do its job. Recognize that senses in a heightened state of awareness can really drive you crazy. Last but not least, the high cortisol production will create significant challenges with functionally the whole of your being.
Beside for the sympathetic nervous system reaction, it is important to recognize that there is also a chemical reaction when you are living with negative emotions. Every negative emotion will produce chemicals in our bodies that create challenges for the body, while positive emotions produce chemicals that are very healing to the body. I don’t know about you but I would love for my emotions to be producing chemicals to heal my body rather than destroy it.
There is one very simple tool that you can use to create a positive shift in this emotional stress reaction. Breathe! Yes, I know you breathe already but it will be important to create a habit of deep belly breathing. When you do this, you will increase the intake of oxygen by your cells which has a significant physical benefit to your health but there is another physiological benefit. You cannot be under stress and take a deep belly breath at the same time. We talked about stress creating a sympathetic nervous system response; deep belly breathing creates a parasympathetic nervous system response. The parasympathetic nervous system is the relaxed side of your nervous system that is dominant during times of relaxation. This aspect of your nervous system enables your body to maintain functional balance without you needing to have a conscious thought in that direction.
So what does a deep belly breath look like and how often should you do this.
Take a deep breath through your nose for about the count of 8. While you are taking this breath in, breathe all the way down just below your belly button, while sticking your stomach out to allow the full expression of your lung capacity. It is not about sticking your chest out, it is about sticking your belly out. From there, hold that breath for a count of 4 and then forcefully exhale that breath through the mouth for about a count of 7. While exhaling, be sure to be tightening your stomach muscles to achieve a full exhalation of this breath.
I suggest repeating this 3-5 times once per hour during your waking hours of the day.
Making the simple choice of deep breathing through your day will significantly assist you in releasing your stress and moving you toward improved states of health.
One side note; when you are in the midst of a stressful situation, 3-5 of your deep belly breaths will assist with clarity and release.
To learn more about your Fundamentals of Health or Energetic/Emotional Release visit these links.
For a list of Depke Wellness events, please visit our Calendar of Events.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Death by Strawberries
by Change.org
The toxins in methyl iodide are so potent that the chemical is used to grow cancer cells in laboratory settings. It can cause severe brain damage, miscarriages, and thyroid diseases.
Thanks to a decision last week by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), this substance could soon be used on the strawberries in your supermarket. The agency approved methyl iodide as a pesticide for the state’s strawberry fields, and farmers could start spraying it as early as this spring.
The scientific community has spoken loudly against the toxin. Six Nobel laureate recommended banning the use of methyl iodide completely back in 2007, and earlier this year all eight independent researchers on DPR’s scientific advisory panel expressed serious concerns about using the chemical as a pesticide.
But scientific warnings were no match for an intense lobbying effort by a Japanese chemical firm that produces methyl iodide, Arysta LifeScience, and a full-court press by the state’s powerful $2 billion per year strawberry-growing industry. In response to this pressure, the DPR approved use of the chemical at 100 times the level scientists consider safe.
Even if you don’t live in California, this affects you -- the Golden State grows roughly 90 percent of all strawberries sold in the United States.
It’s not too late to take action. California’s Governor-Elect, Jerry Brown, who has a solid environmental track record, will take office on January 3rd. With enough attention on the issue, there’s a good chance he’ll put consumers’ safety before corporate interests.
Local consumer, environmental, and farmworker groups are banding together to speak out, holding six protests throughout the state last week. California’s leading newspapers are condemning the decision. With a huge outcry, Change.org members can help push this fight over the top.
Join the grassroots group Pesticide Action Network in calling on Governor-Elect Brown to commit to banning methyl iodide as soon as he takes office. Take action now!
The toxins in methyl iodide are so potent that the chemical is used to grow cancer cells in laboratory settings. It can cause severe brain damage, miscarriages, and thyroid diseases.
Thanks to a decision last week by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), this substance could soon be used on the strawberries in your supermarket. The agency approved methyl iodide as a pesticide for the state’s strawberry fields, and farmers could start spraying it as early as this spring.
The scientific community has spoken loudly against the toxin. Six Nobel laureate recommended banning the use of methyl iodide completely back in 2007, and earlier this year all eight independent researchers on DPR’s scientific advisory panel expressed serious concerns about using the chemical as a pesticide.
But scientific warnings were no match for an intense lobbying effort by a Japanese chemical firm that produces methyl iodide, Arysta LifeScience, and a full-court press by the state’s powerful $2 billion per year strawberry-growing industry. In response to this pressure, the DPR approved use of the chemical at 100 times the level scientists consider safe.
Even if you don’t live in California, this affects you -- the Golden State grows roughly 90 percent of all strawberries sold in the United States.
It’s not too late to take action. California’s Governor-Elect, Jerry Brown, who has a solid environmental track record, will take office on January 3rd. With enough attention on the issue, there’s a good chance he’ll put consumers’ safety before corporate interests.
Local consumer, environmental, and farmworker groups are banding together to speak out, holding six protests throughout the state last week. California’s leading newspapers are condemning the decision. With a huge outcry, Change.org members can help push this fight over the top.
Join the grassroots group Pesticide Action Network in calling on Governor-Elect Brown to commit to banning methyl iodide as soon as he takes office. Take action now!
Fibromyalgia, Here We Come!
by Glen Depke
Do you, or does anyone you know suffer from the pain and discomfort of Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue? Have you been told that there is nothing you can do about this but find minimal relief from prescription drugs? Have you seemingly tried everything to overcome these challenges, yet find very little relief?
Well, if you have answered yes to any of these questions: here we come!
I have had extensive “practice” over the years working with clients challenged with pain, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and many health challenges that resemble these issues. I can honestly say that when my clients follow the program as presented to them, we have always seen a significant improvement when the client is ready to make some changes in their lives. That is a very good track record just in and by itself.
Now there’s more!
I have had the pleasure of teaming up with two other leaders in this field and we are putting together our collective knowledge and “practice” to rock the Fibromyalgia world. Our Fibromyalgia Solutions team is comprised of me, Glen Depke of Depke Wellness, Susan Ingebretson, author of “FibroWHYalgia” and Deirdre Rawlings, author of “Food That Helps Win the Battle Against Fibromyalgia”. There are so many other credentials to list for all of us, so instead placing this within this blog I have link the perspective websites for each of us for your understanding and enjoyment.
Some of the projects that you can be looking for is an e-book that is being spearheaded by Deirdre Rawlings that will be available near the first of the year. This incredible book is a collaboration of 13 leaders in the field of Fibromyalgia to provide their individual incites understandings and expertise in releasing the pain and suffering of Fibromyalgia. Our Fibromyalgia Solutions team of me, Sue and Deirdre are of course included within this e-book. So watch for the upcoming release of this amazing e-book.
Our Fibromyalgia Solutions team is also releasing a live and recorded six part program on May 12, 2011 to assist the Fibromyalgia and CFS world in reaching their health and wellness goals. Definitely watch for this program, It will change your life.
Thank you for taking your time to read through this information today. I am just so excited about our Fibromyalgia Solutions team and this e-book, that I cannot hold back the excitement.
More to come…
Do you, or does anyone you know suffer from the pain and discomfort of Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue? Have you been told that there is nothing you can do about this but find minimal relief from prescription drugs? Have you seemingly tried everything to overcome these challenges, yet find very little relief?
Well, if you have answered yes to any of these questions: here we come!
I have had extensive “practice” over the years working with clients challenged with pain, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and many health challenges that resemble these issues. I can honestly say that when my clients follow the program as presented to them, we have always seen a significant improvement when the client is ready to make some changes in their lives. That is a very good track record just in and by itself.
Now there’s more!
I have had the pleasure of teaming up with two other leaders in this field and we are putting together our collective knowledge and “practice” to rock the Fibromyalgia world. Our Fibromyalgia Solutions team is comprised of me, Glen Depke of Depke Wellness, Susan Ingebretson, author of “FibroWHYalgia” and Deirdre Rawlings, author of “Food That Helps Win the Battle Against Fibromyalgia”. There are so many other credentials to list for all of us, so instead placing this within this blog I have link the perspective websites for each of us for your understanding and enjoyment.
Some of the projects that you can be looking for is an e-book that is being spearheaded by Deirdre Rawlings that will be available near the first of the year. This incredible book is a collaboration of 13 leaders in the field of Fibromyalgia to provide their individual incites understandings and expertise in releasing the pain and suffering of Fibromyalgia. Our Fibromyalgia Solutions team of me, Sue and Deirdre are of course included within this e-book. So watch for the upcoming release of this amazing e-book.
Our Fibromyalgia Solutions team is also releasing a live and recorded six part program on May 12, 2011 to assist the Fibromyalgia and CFS world in reaching their health and wellness goals. Definitely watch for this program, It will change your life.
Thank you for taking your time to read through this information today. I am just so excited about our Fibromyalgia Solutions team and this e-book, that I cannot hold back the excitement.
More to come…
Monday, December 6, 2010
Give the Gift of Health
Are you or someone you love faced with the pain and suffering of health challenges and you do not know where to start? If this the case, Depke Wellness has an answer for you.
From now throughout the rest of the year, Depke Wellness is offering the Gift of Health. If you have been following our newsletter for some time you understand the importance of your fundamentals of health, digestion and adrenal balance. This is the basis core of health for all of us.
As a holiday gift for yourself or a loved one, we are offering an exceptional package to address your health and wellness goals.
* Depke Wellness 7 Part Video Series on the Fundamentals of Health
* Understanding Gluten Intolerance DVD
* One 90 Count Bottle of the Probiotic that I use Personally
* One 90 Count Bottle of the Prime Digestive Support
* One Adrenal Saliva Kit
* One 30 Minute Phone Consult to Review Adrenal Results
Normally this would be a cost of $413.65 but for this Gift of Health, your cost will be ONLY $297.00 for this complete package. FREE shipping in the continental US and Canada.
To complete this purchase email me directly at Glen@DepkeWellness.com or call my office at 949.642.2094.
From now throughout the rest of the year, Depke Wellness is offering the Gift of Health. If you have been following our newsletter for some time you understand the importance of your fundamentals of health, digestion and adrenal balance. This is the basis core of health for all of us.
As a holiday gift for yourself or a loved one, we are offering an exceptional package to address your health and wellness goals.
* Depke Wellness 7 Part Video Series on the Fundamentals of Health
* Understanding Gluten Intolerance DVD
* One 90 Count Bottle of the Probiotic that I use Personally
* One 90 Count Bottle of the Prime Digestive Support
* One Adrenal Saliva Kit
* One 30 Minute Phone Consult to Review Adrenal Results
Normally this would be a cost of $413.65 but for this Gift of Health, your cost will be ONLY $297.00 for this complete package. FREE shipping in the continental US and Canada.
To complete this purchase email me directly at Glen@DepkeWellness.com or call my office at 949.642.2094.
Upcoming Tele-Lecture on PMS, Menopause & Infertility
Hope for PMS, Menopause & Infertility
* Are you a part of the 90% of women suffering with symptoms of PMS?
* Are you one of the 70% of women dealing with symptoms of menopause?
* Are you one of the 5 million plus women challenged with infertility?
* Did you know that you have the ability to walk away from these challenges?
With this short tele-lecture we will address these challenges at the core.
Thursday 12/9 at 6:00PM Pacific Time
Click on this link to register for this life altering information.
* Are you a part of the 90% of women suffering with symptoms of PMS?
* Are you one of the 70% of women dealing with symptoms of menopause?
* Are you one of the 5 million plus women challenged with infertility?
* Did you know that you have the ability to walk away from these challenges?
With this short tele-lecture we will address these challenges at the core.
Thursday 12/9 at 6:00PM Pacific Time
Click on this link to register for this life altering information.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The Reason for the Season...It's Not What You Think
by Glen Depke
We're going to have some fun with this conversation but let's recognize the truth within it.
The reason for the season is to put clients in my office. What??? It's not about family, the baby Jesus, Santa Claus, giving, or peace on earth? While we like to think it is all about the above sentence, is that what you truly recognize every year.
I see the fallout of holiday stress, eating, drinking, family issues, and adrenal exhaustion, in my office at the beginning of every year. With this, it is my conclusion that the reason for the season is to fill my schedule.
So what's a person to do?
While I am more than happy to take care of my clients when they have challenges, there are some simple tips you can follow to keep yourself healthy through the holidays.
First, when you recognize that the hustle and bustle is getting to you…breathe. Yes, taking the time to take 3 -5 deep belly breaths can shift you out of the stress and anxiety and put your body back into a state of balance. To deal with the stress, I would also recommend downloading your favorite upbeat and energizing song and/or a clip from a movie that you know gives you the warm and fuzzies. This will give you something “ready to go” to create that ever important mood shift.
Second, is to stay hydrated. Too often the holiday parties lead to an overconsumption of alcohol and an under consumption of water. Be sure to start every day with a 16 – 20 ounce glass of water, sip water all day and be sure to always have a big glass of water between every alcoholic beverage. Just falling into dehydration can create many challenges for you, so this one is easy to maintain with little effort.
Food, oh yes, food during the holidays. Be sure to stay away from the flour based foods as much as possible and take a small piece of what entices you instead of loading the plate. It is a good idea to cut down on the quantity of food you consume at regular meal time, since you know you are going to make up the difference at your holiday parties and gatherings. Be sure to also take you Prime Digestive Support every time you are eating cooked food, to be sure you maintain proper digestion. I would also recommend that you eat prior to drinking when you are out and enjoying. Nothing is worse than working all day, going to a party hungry, and starting the festivities with a couple of glasses of wine on an empty stomach.
Be sure to schedule adequate sleep. If you know you will be out late for a holiday party, give yourself permission to sleep in the next day. To make sure you can fall asleep quickly, be sure to cut off alcohol the last hour or so of you party also and switch to water. This will assist in come improved sleep habits. On nights that you are not out, get to bed a bit earlier than normal. This will help you immensely in the long run.
Often we get caught up in the hustle and bustle to the point that our usual exercise routine also suffers. If this is the case, recognize that you need less food and not more at this time. You can also help by doing some little things like parking further away from the mall when shopping, taking stairs instead of elevators…you get the picture.
Most importantly, simply enjoy yourself. Yes, it is a busy time of the year but if you create the energy of fun and play with what you are doing, this will immensely help you in maintaining your own health and wellness and heck, the people around you will have a lot more fun also.
For those that are not able to make these simple changes and your holiday’s are going to push you into states of poor health, feel free to take advantage of the Depke Wellness “Gift of Health” offer on our newsletter. This is an awesome way to start the new year of 2011!
Please enjoy the holiday season and by all means , have fun!
We're going to have some fun with this conversation but let's recognize the truth within it.
The reason for the season is to put clients in my office. What??? It's not about family, the baby Jesus, Santa Claus, giving, or peace on earth? While we like to think it is all about the above sentence, is that what you truly recognize every year.
I see the fallout of holiday stress, eating, drinking, family issues, and adrenal exhaustion, in my office at the beginning of every year. With this, it is my conclusion that the reason for the season is to fill my schedule.
So what's a person to do?
While I am more than happy to take care of my clients when they have challenges, there are some simple tips you can follow to keep yourself healthy through the holidays.
First, when you recognize that the hustle and bustle is getting to you…breathe. Yes, taking the time to take 3 -5 deep belly breaths can shift you out of the stress and anxiety and put your body back into a state of balance. To deal with the stress, I would also recommend downloading your favorite upbeat and energizing song and/or a clip from a movie that you know gives you the warm and fuzzies. This will give you something “ready to go” to create that ever important mood shift.
Second, is to stay hydrated. Too often the holiday parties lead to an overconsumption of alcohol and an under consumption of water. Be sure to start every day with a 16 – 20 ounce glass of water, sip water all day and be sure to always have a big glass of water between every alcoholic beverage. Just falling into dehydration can create many challenges for you, so this one is easy to maintain with little effort.
Food, oh yes, food during the holidays. Be sure to stay away from the flour based foods as much as possible and take a small piece of what entices you instead of loading the plate. It is a good idea to cut down on the quantity of food you consume at regular meal time, since you know you are going to make up the difference at your holiday parties and gatherings. Be sure to also take you Prime Digestive Support every time you are eating cooked food, to be sure you maintain proper digestion. I would also recommend that you eat prior to drinking when you are out and enjoying. Nothing is worse than working all day, going to a party hungry, and starting the festivities with a couple of glasses of wine on an empty stomach.
Be sure to schedule adequate sleep. If you know you will be out late for a holiday party, give yourself permission to sleep in the next day. To make sure you can fall asleep quickly, be sure to cut off alcohol the last hour or so of you party also and switch to water. This will assist in come improved sleep habits. On nights that you are not out, get to bed a bit earlier than normal. This will help you immensely in the long run.
Often we get caught up in the hustle and bustle to the point that our usual exercise routine also suffers. If this is the case, recognize that you need less food and not more at this time. You can also help by doing some little things like parking further away from the mall when shopping, taking stairs instead of elevators…you get the picture.
Most importantly, simply enjoy yourself. Yes, it is a busy time of the year but if you create the energy of fun and play with what you are doing, this will immensely help you in maintaining your own health and wellness and heck, the people around you will have a lot more fun also.
For those that are not able to make these simple changes and your holiday’s are going to push you into states of poor health, feel free to take advantage of the Depke Wellness “Gift of Health” offer on our newsletter. This is an awesome way to start the new year of 2011!
Please enjoy the holiday season and by all means , have fun!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Giving Thanks
by Glen Depke
Regardless of our current state of life, we all have something to be thankful for. Often we judge our lives or the lives of others, with the recognition of what is wrong. There is often more that is right than wrong, yet most of us were domesticated to put our attention on the negative rather than the positive.
I can remember back to being a kid going to grammar school. After I would take a test, it would come back graded with marks and circles in red pen to bring attention to what I did wrong. I often have clients in my office that tell me that their parents were quick to punish them what they did wrong but lack praise when they did something right. Do you ever wonder what life would be like if our teachers would have circled in red everything we did right on our papers? We would have gotten it back all marked up, all excited about everything we did right. How about if our parents praised us for all the good deeds that we did and taught us the what was looked at as wrong is simply about lives learning and growing? We could be excited about every moment!
Understand that this attention on what is wrong is not what who we are; it is what we were taught. So what do we do from here? I know, we should blame our teachers and parents for all our problems in life. No, no, no! They did the best they could based on what they were taught, so it really is not about passing the blame and living a life of a victim. It is about taking a stand and choosing something different in your life; one moment at a time. Since it is Thanksgiving Eve, let’s start with looking at what is right today by being thankful for what we have right now.
I would recommend that as soon as your finish reading this post, sit down with a piece of paper and write the top ten things you are thankful for. Here’s the big question though. How many of you thought of what was wrong as soon as you read that? If that was you, simply drop it. We all have something to be thankful for. Maybe your health is challenged, you don’t like your job, you did not sleep well last night, you hate the holidays and the list goes on? That could be true but do you have roof over your head, do you have food on the table, do you have children, family or friends that love you, do you have heat in your home and that list goes on and on and on? So what do you want to focus on?
I want you to really get in this moment, is that whatever you focus on is what you get more of. I see this consistently in my life, the life of my clients and those around me. Do you know somebody that everything always seems to go wrong for them? How do they talk? Is there focus positive or negative? What does their life continue to look like? I think we all know those answers.
As an example: when someone comes into my office with cancer, one of the first points I make is that we are not going to fight cancer, we are going to learn to live in harmony with this. Just that simple distinction can lay the ground work for choosing a life of health and wellness rather than of pain and suffering. It is much easier to reach health and wellness coming from the positive and gratitude. Trust me on this one.
Remember, the first thing to do as soon you finish this post; write your top ten list for what you are thankful for in life. Here’s mine.
• My current health as it is
• My wife Dawn and Ruben too (our dog)
• My friends
• My parents and siblings
• My in-laws (so much for stereotypes)
• My clients
• Living in Southern California
• My ability to help others
• Being a person that typically focuses on what is right
• Consistent growth as a person
I hate to stop at ten because the list can really go on and on. Do I have challenges in my life? You bet, don’t we all? What makes all the difference is what we focus on and giving thanks!
As a bonus for yourself and all of our readers, I would recommend that you post your top ten below for all of us to share the positive energy together.
Happy Thanksgiving from Glen and Dawn!
Regardless of our current state of life, we all have something to be thankful for. Often we judge our lives or the lives of others, with the recognition of what is wrong. There is often more that is right than wrong, yet most of us were domesticated to put our attention on the negative rather than the positive.
I can remember back to being a kid going to grammar school. After I would take a test, it would come back graded with marks and circles in red pen to bring attention to what I did wrong. I often have clients in my office that tell me that their parents were quick to punish them what they did wrong but lack praise when they did something right. Do you ever wonder what life would be like if our teachers would have circled in red everything we did right on our papers? We would have gotten it back all marked up, all excited about everything we did right. How about if our parents praised us for all the good deeds that we did and taught us the what was looked at as wrong is simply about lives learning and growing? We could be excited about every moment!
Understand that this attention on what is wrong is not what who we are; it is what we were taught. So what do we do from here? I know, we should blame our teachers and parents for all our problems in life. No, no, no! They did the best they could based on what they were taught, so it really is not about passing the blame and living a life of a victim. It is about taking a stand and choosing something different in your life; one moment at a time. Since it is Thanksgiving Eve, let’s start with looking at what is right today by being thankful for what we have right now.
I would recommend that as soon as your finish reading this post, sit down with a piece of paper and write the top ten things you are thankful for. Here’s the big question though. How many of you thought of what was wrong as soon as you read that? If that was you, simply drop it. We all have something to be thankful for. Maybe your health is challenged, you don’t like your job, you did not sleep well last night, you hate the holidays and the list goes on? That could be true but do you have roof over your head, do you have food on the table, do you have children, family or friends that love you, do you have heat in your home and that list goes on and on and on? So what do you want to focus on?
I want you to really get in this moment, is that whatever you focus on is what you get more of. I see this consistently in my life, the life of my clients and those around me. Do you know somebody that everything always seems to go wrong for them? How do they talk? Is there focus positive or negative? What does their life continue to look like? I think we all know those answers.
As an example: when someone comes into my office with cancer, one of the first points I make is that we are not going to fight cancer, we are going to learn to live in harmony with this. Just that simple distinction can lay the ground work for choosing a life of health and wellness rather than of pain and suffering. It is much easier to reach health and wellness coming from the positive and gratitude. Trust me on this one.
Remember, the first thing to do as soon you finish this post; write your top ten list for what you are thankful for in life. Here’s mine.
• My current health as it is
• My wife Dawn and Ruben too (our dog)
• My friends
• My parents and siblings
• My in-laws (so much for stereotypes)
• My clients
• Living in Southern California
• My ability to help others
• Being a person that typically focuses on what is right
• Consistent growth as a person
I hate to stop at ten because the list can really go on and on. Do I have challenges in my life? You bet, don’t we all? What makes all the difference is what we focus on and giving thanks!
As a bonus for yourself and all of our readers, I would recommend that you post your top ten below for all of us to share the positive energy together.
Happy Thanksgiving from Glen and Dawn!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Is High Blood Pressure a Disease?
by Glen Depke
I have seen more and more new clients in my office lately that are challenged with hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. This has at times been shared by my clients as a disease that they have been diagnosed with that needs to be treated by medicine. So the question is, “Is this really a disease?”
If you do not already know this I will share that the answer is, absolutely not. While this is not a disease, it is often a symptom of stress or serious malnutrition.
Let’s understand that when we are talking about blood pressure, we are discussing your body’s ability to move your blood throughout your body to every aspect of your being to nourish the cells of your body and assist in removing cellular waste. When your body determines that it does not have the ability to move your blood in an optimal manner, your heart will pump harder to achieve this goal. Obviously, if this is determined by your body, it is a need.
Also understand that your blood pressure raises based on any fight or flee response that your body/mind can be currently responding to. Often we experience white coat syndrome, that is often the factually reaction to having your blood pressure taken in the doctor’s office. I would estimate that there are many individuals wrongly placed on meds for hypertension due to this white coat syndrome. I can remember in the past, showing up for a doctor’s appointment after being stuck in traffic and running late. When they took my blood pressure, it was off the charts. I explained what happened and they took it again at the end of my appointment and it was back to normal. What if I was put on meds because I did not open my mouth and share my experience that lead to the high readings?
There are other factors that may skew your blood pressure readings, such as consuming coffee or high sugar prior to having your blood pressure measured. Just drinking a simple cup of coffee can raise your blood pressure 10 points or more.
Another factor is smoking. Did you know that by lighting up and “enjoying?” your cigarette can increase your blood pressure by as much as 15-20 points?
We often hear that using salt raises blood pressure but I find this to be the case with the approximate 15% of the population that is salt sensitive or more of the case that conventional table salt is sodium and chloride and simply not the natural product as it is meant to be used. Since typical table salt is limited to only two minerals this often leads to an imbalance in sodium/potassium levels which leads to high blood pressure.
Kidney disease of liver stagnation can also lead to hypertension and need to be addressed if this is the issue. This is obviously best addressed by your doctor or natural health practitioner.
Atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis should not be overlooked either. This narrowing of the arterial system by deposits such as calcium, cholesterol or other blood constituents is commonly referred to as atherosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is a thickening, stiffening and calcification of the artery walls, which can increase pressure because of a lessened diameter. These conditions are often due to an inflammatory challenge that causes a rupture of the inner lining of the artery wall and creates a perfect circumstance for the formation of plaque.
Let’s not forget that we mentioned nutritional deficiencies also and we will address this.
To address the stress factor, this could be as easy as practicing some deep belly breathing. This has a strong physical and emotionally relaxing effect on the body and should be used on a regular basis. I would also recommend consistent deep belly breathing when you know your blood pressure is going to be assessed. This will give you a higher chance of gaining a true reading for yourself. You could also use techniques such as ERT as used in my clinic.
Obviously the best way to address the smoking tie into hypertension is to stop smoking, but we can recognize that this is easier said than done for many. I recommend that quitting smoking be a part of a whole health program and to address this after you have shifted to positive health practices on the basic levels. I would suggest that you start by looking at your fundamentals of health and work from there.
Next we will discuss salt and nutrition together. From the nutritional perspective, I would suggest you search through our gluten intolerance page as well as nutritional ID. In regard to salt, it is best to use a high quality salt product such as the product we use in our home, Himalayan salt. This is not just a sodium/chloride product, but the full complement of some 80 or so naturally occurring minerals. This will not create the same stealing of other important minerals in the body, especially potassium.
Often when you look at minerals that are typically found to be depleted in hypertension individuals, this would include potassium, calcium and magnesium. Often by supplementing with these minerals there is a natural balance in blood pressure, especially when used in conjunction with the other tips in this article. When I am addressing this with my patients, I use liquid ionized forms of these individual minerals when available for the best possible absorption and assimilation.
If kidney disease is part of your problem, I would suggest eliminating all coffee, tea, alcohol and high sugar beverages. I would also never use tap water for drinking, showering or bathing. Drink approximately one quart of water for every fifty pounds of body weight daily and dry skin brush before your morning shower every day. Start with this and work with a qualified natural health practitioner to address balance within your kidneys.
If liver congestion is involved in your hypertension, I would also recommend working with a qualified natural health practitioner to assist in balancing your liver function.
As far as atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis are concerned you may want to research oral or intravenous chelation as this has been reported to assist on this level. I would also address the underlying causes of these challenges since this is generally caused by free radical activity and oxidative stress created by poor life style choices. A highly absorbable product that can assist with this free radical activity and oxidative stress is the Isotonix OPC-3.
So recognize that high blood pressure is not a disease and address the underlying challenges tied into this challenge. Very often when you take care of these areas the body is able to bring you back to a state of balance. Feel free to post any comments or questions for me to address personally.
I have seen more and more new clients in my office lately that are challenged with hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. This has at times been shared by my clients as a disease that they have been diagnosed with that needs to be treated by medicine. So the question is, “Is this really a disease?”
If you do not already know this I will share that the answer is, absolutely not. While this is not a disease, it is often a symptom of stress or serious malnutrition.
Let’s understand that when we are talking about blood pressure, we are discussing your body’s ability to move your blood throughout your body to every aspect of your being to nourish the cells of your body and assist in removing cellular waste. When your body determines that it does not have the ability to move your blood in an optimal manner, your heart will pump harder to achieve this goal. Obviously, if this is determined by your body, it is a need.
Also understand that your blood pressure raises based on any fight or flee response that your body/mind can be currently responding to. Often we experience white coat syndrome, that is often the factually reaction to having your blood pressure taken in the doctor’s office. I would estimate that there are many individuals wrongly placed on meds for hypertension due to this white coat syndrome. I can remember in the past, showing up for a doctor’s appointment after being stuck in traffic and running late. When they took my blood pressure, it was off the charts. I explained what happened and they took it again at the end of my appointment and it was back to normal. What if I was put on meds because I did not open my mouth and share my experience that lead to the high readings?
There are other factors that may skew your blood pressure readings, such as consuming coffee or high sugar prior to having your blood pressure measured. Just drinking a simple cup of coffee can raise your blood pressure 10 points or more.
Another factor is smoking. Did you know that by lighting up and “enjoying?” your cigarette can increase your blood pressure by as much as 15-20 points?
We often hear that using salt raises blood pressure but I find this to be the case with the approximate 15% of the population that is salt sensitive or more of the case that conventional table salt is sodium and chloride and simply not the natural product as it is meant to be used. Since typical table salt is limited to only two minerals this often leads to an imbalance in sodium/potassium levels which leads to high blood pressure.
Kidney disease of liver stagnation can also lead to hypertension and need to be addressed if this is the issue. This is obviously best addressed by your doctor or natural health practitioner.
Atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis should not be overlooked either. This narrowing of the arterial system by deposits such as calcium, cholesterol or other blood constituents is commonly referred to as atherosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is a thickening, stiffening and calcification of the artery walls, which can increase pressure because of a lessened diameter. These conditions are often due to an inflammatory challenge that causes a rupture of the inner lining of the artery wall and creates a perfect circumstance for the formation of plaque.
Let’s not forget that we mentioned nutritional deficiencies also and we will address this.
To address the stress factor, this could be as easy as practicing some deep belly breathing. This has a strong physical and emotionally relaxing effect on the body and should be used on a regular basis. I would also recommend consistent deep belly breathing when you know your blood pressure is going to be assessed. This will give you a higher chance of gaining a true reading for yourself. You could also use techniques such as ERT as used in my clinic.
Obviously the best way to address the smoking tie into hypertension is to stop smoking, but we can recognize that this is easier said than done for many. I recommend that quitting smoking be a part of a whole health program and to address this after you have shifted to positive health practices on the basic levels. I would suggest that you start by looking at your fundamentals of health and work from there.
Next we will discuss salt and nutrition together. From the nutritional perspective, I would suggest you search through our gluten intolerance page as well as nutritional ID. In regard to salt, it is best to use a high quality salt product such as the product we use in our home, Himalayan salt. This is not just a sodium/chloride product, but the full complement of some 80 or so naturally occurring minerals. This will not create the same stealing of other important minerals in the body, especially potassium.
Often when you look at minerals that are typically found to be depleted in hypertension individuals, this would include potassium, calcium and magnesium. Often by supplementing with these minerals there is a natural balance in blood pressure, especially when used in conjunction with the other tips in this article. When I am addressing this with my patients, I use liquid ionized forms of these individual minerals when available for the best possible absorption and assimilation.
If kidney disease is part of your problem, I would suggest eliminating all coffee, tea, alcohol and high sugar beverages. I would also never use tap water for drinking, showering or bathing. Drink approximately one quart of water for every fifty pounds of body weight daily and dry skin brush before your morning shower every day. Start with this and work with a qualified natural health practitioner to address balance within your kidneys.
If liver congestion is involved in your hypertension, I would also recommend working with a qualified natural health practitioner to assist in balancing your liver function.
As far as atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis are concerned you may want to research oral or intravenous chelation as this has been reported to assist on this level. I would also address the underlying causes of these challenges since this is generally caused by free radical activity and oxidative stress created by poor life style choices. A highly absorbable product that can assist with this free radical activity and oxidative stress is the Isotonix OPC-3.
So recognize that high blood pressure is not a disease and address the underlying challenges tied into this challenge. Very often when you take care of these areas the body is able to bring you back to a state of balance. Feel free to post any comments or questions for me to address personally.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Is Inflammation Good or Bad?
by Glen Depke
I continually hear people talk about inflammation like it is a disease. If you are wondering this yourself, I want you to know right now that it is not. The reality of inflammation is that it is a part of the healing crisis that is leading you to wellness, as long as your body has the strength and balance to complete this healing process.
I was explaining to a client in my office the other day, how happy I am that both of my knees were inflamed. I shared that I was a weekend warrior and played in a game of flag football. My 46 year old knees that have had many other challenges in the past were pushed to a point of stress and damage. Thankfully my bodily processes created inflammation as a response to this damage and my knees are on their way to recovery in the healing crisis.
Let’s briefly discuss the different types of bodily inflammation.
It is first important to understand the different types of inflammation. There is acute inflammation that is the initial response to injury. There is the immune system response that occurs when cells of the immune system are activated in response to the antigens released during acute or chronic stages of inflammation. We then have chronic inflammation which involves the release of interleukins 1, 2 and 3. Over the years with my clients, I find that this chronic inflammatory response is activated by severe stress or alcohol abuse. Stress is such a significant challenge in this chronic inflammatory response.
What should you do with inflammation? It is first helpful to understand what type of inflammation you are dealing with.
If you have acute inflammation the one choice you can make that is a substantial benefit is to soak that area in cold water. For my knees, I fill a bath with the coldest water possible and I sit in this for 20 minutes. I know you may be thinking that you could not possibly deal with the cold water, but after about 30 seconds your body adapts to the temperature and you will gain comfort even in the cold water. I recommend cold water vs. icing the inflamed area because ice can stop the healing crisis without restoration of the tissue in the area. Understand that you do not want to remove acute inflammation; you want to assist your body in moving through the process.
From a supplemental aspect; during acute inflammation I often suggest a homeopathic from Germany called AB No. 11. The indication of use for this is any inflammation that is not accompanied by fever. This is not a cure for inflammation, this is simply another way to assist in your bodies healing crisis. In my mind, a must for any inflammatory response is the use of enteric coated proteolytic enzymes. The one I use in my office is another German product called Marcozymes. These enzymes are designed to survive the acid bath of the stomach with eventual breakdown in the more alkaline environment in the small intestines. From here they will be released in our blood where the enzymes can control inflammation by breaking up inflammatory debris and initiate tissue restitution. If you are looking for rapid healing, proteolytic enzyme use is remarkably effective. It is important to note that these special enzymes are to be taken away from meal time or just before bed. I cannot talk about supplements without also mentioning the benefit of omega 3 fatty acids such as fish oils to aid in the inflammatory response. The omega 3 supplement that we use in our household that I also recommend to my clients is krill oil.
Recognize that the immune response inflammation can be a part of the acute or chronic stage of inflammation. If this is due to the acute response I would recommend the same as above. If the inflammation is long term and the underlying cause of the inflammation is not resolved you may also want to support your immune function. You could review last week’s post, “It’s Cold and Flu Season” to get further information on supporting your immune system function.
Once you get into the chronic inflammatory response, I often find this to be tied into adrenal function. Understand that your body’s natural anti-inflammatory is the hormone cortisone. Cortisone is not a stand-alone hormone and is actually converted from the hormone cortisol. Yes, this is the same hormone we produce when we are under mental, emotional or physical stress. Due to poor functioning adrenal glands, many individuals to not have proper bodily function to initiate the body’s pro and anti-inflammatory response. At this point it is of utmost importance to assess your adrenal function and create the balance needed for your adrenals to do their job. To address this adrenal function you could call our office at 949.642.2094, to schedule a complimentary phone consult to understand adrenal insufficiency. You can also click through the links on our website to gather further information.
There are many other herbs and supplements used to assist with inflammation but this is what I see work consistently in my office with my clients.
Follow these tips to deal with any inflammatory response but most importantly recognize that inflammation is very positive for your body, when your healing crisis is allowed to initiate and finish the job.
If you have any questions or comments please post these below and I will answer them personally.
I continually hear people talk about inflammation like it is a disease. If you are wondering this yourself, I want you to know right now that it is not. The reality of inflammation is that it is a part of the healing crisis that is leading you to wellness, as long as your body has the strength and balance to complete this healing process.
I was explaining to a client in my office the other day, how happy I am that both of my knees were inflamed. I shared that I was a weekend warrior and played in a game of flag football. My 46 year old knees that have had many other challenges in the past were pushed to a point of stress and damage. Thankfully my bodily processes created inflammation as a response to this damage and my knees are on their way to recovery in the healing crisis.
Let’s briefly discuss the different types of bodily inflammation.
It is first important to understand the different types of inflammation. There is acute inflammation that is the initial response to injury. There is the immune system response that occurs when cells of the immune system are activated in response to the antigens released during acute or chronic stages of inflammation. We then have chronic inflammation which involves the release of interleukins 1, 2 and 3. Over the years with my clients, I find that this chronic inflammatory response is activated by severe stress or alcohol abuse. Stress is such a significant challenge in this chronic inflammatory response.
What should you do with inflammation? It is first helpful to understand what type of inflammation you are dealing with.
If you have acute inflammation the one choice you can make that is a substantial benefit is to soak that area in cold water. For my knees, I fill a bath with the coldest water possible and I sit in this for 20 minutes. I know you may be thinking that you could not possibly deal with the cold water, but after about 30 seconds your body adapts to the temperature and you will gain comfort even in the cold water. I recommend cold water vs. icing the inflamed area because ice can stop the healing crisis without restoration of the tissue in the area. Understand that you do not want to remove acute inflammation; you want to assist your body in moving through the process.
From a supplemental aspect; during acute inflammation I often suggest a homeopathic from Germany called AB No. 11. The indication of use for this is any inflammation that is not accompanied by fever. This is not a cure for inflammation, this is simply another way to assist in your bodies healing crisis. In my mind, a must for any inflammatory response is the use of enteric coated proteolytic enzymes. The one I use in my office is another German product called Marcozymes. These enzymes are designed to survive the acid bath of the stomach with eventual breakdown in the more alkaline environment in the small intestines. From here they will be released in our blood where the enzymes can control inflammation by breaking up inflammatory debris and initiate tissue restitution. If you are looking for rapid healing, proteolytic enzyme use is remarkably effective. It is important to note that these special enzymes are to be taken away from meal time or just before bed. I cannot talk about supplements without also mentioning the benefit of omega 3 fatty acids such as fish oils to aid in the inflammatory response. The omega 3 supplement that we use in our household that I also recommend to my clients is krill oil.
Recognize that the immune response inflammation can be a part of the acute or chronic stage of inflammation. If this is due to the acute response I would recommend the same as above. If the inflammation is long term and the underlying cause of the inflammation is not resolved you may also want to support your immune function. You could review last week’s post, “It’s Cold and Flu Season” to get further information on supporting your immune system function.
Once you get into the chronic inflammatory response, I often find this to be tied into adrenal function. Understand that your body’s natural anti-inflammatory is the hormone cortisone. Cortisone is not a stand-alone hormone and is actually converted from the hormone cortisol. Yes, this is the same hormone we produce when we are under mental, emotional or physical stress. Due to poor functioning adrenal glands, many individuals to not have proper bodily function to initiate the body’s pro and anti-inflammatory response. At this point it is of utmost importance to assess your adrenal function and create the balance needed for your adrenals to do their job. To address this adrenal function you could call our office at 949.642.2094, to schedule a complimentary phone consult to understand adrenal insufficiency. You can also click through the links on our website to gather further information.
There are many other herbs and supplements used to assist with inflammation but this is what I see work consistently in my office with my clients.
Follow these tips to deal with any inflammatory response but most importantly recognize that inflammation is very positive for your body, when your healing crisis is allowed to initiate and finish the job.
If you have any questions or comments please post these below and I will answer them personally.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
November Take Control of Your Health
Greetings!
Congratulations for making the commitment to yourself by taking the steps to change your health and change your life. By replying with a post that you are "all in", you will be acknowledging your commitment to yourself, to me and the rest of the group. This commitment solidifies that you are going to do everything within your power to follow this workshop and support others in our group so we can all accomplish or weight and/or health goals.
Wellness for the World,
Glen Depke
Congratulations for making the commitment to yourself by taking the steps to change your health and change your life. By replying with a post that you are "all in", you will be acknowledging your commitment to yourself, to me and the rest of the group. This commitment solidifies that you are going to do everything within your power to follow this workshop and support others in our group so we can all accomplish or weight and/or health goals.
Wellness for the World,
Glen Depke
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
It's Cold and Flu Season
by Glen Depke
If you have been following Depke Wellness, you would probably guess that I am not a proponent of flu shots. While I am not going to use this platform to address the debate of receiving a flu shot, I want to assist you in maintaining a healthy immune system to stay healthy and strong throughout this year’s cold and flu season. These are the practices I use myself and recommend to my clients.
Let’s first look at the lifestyle aspect to improve your immune system function. Stress plays a significant role in challenging immune system dysfunction. I have seen stress over the years significantly lower white blood cell count and put countless individuals in a challenged state. One easy practice you can incorporate to improve your stress levels is to practice deep belly breathing. Take a deep breath through your nose while breathing down to the area of your belly button for a count of eight seconds. Hold that breath for four seconds and then forcefully release this breath while contracting your stomach muscles. This will allow for optimal oxygen supply to the cells in your body and understand that you cannot be stressed and take a deep breath at the same time. I would recommend 3-5 of these breaths each hour of your waking day.
Proper sleep cycles play such an important role in immune system function. Believe it or not this starts with good digestion and proper nutrition which includes the consumption of foods that contain the essential amino acid L-Tryptophan. This is then converted to Serotonin and eventually Melatonin, which is of utmost importance to initiate the high immune system response while you sleep. To learn more about sleep cycles visit our previous post here.
Another way to impact your immune system is to support your lymphatic system. In my opinion, the best way to do this is by using a rebounder. You know…one of those little trampolines. Jump on this for at least 5 minutes per day and if you feel any health challenges coming on, rebound a couple of times per day. This is healthy and fun. You can also dry skin brush to assist your lymphatic system. Get one of those long handled body brushes and every day before you shower, brush your skin from the extremities of your body toward your heart. This not only assists the lymph but also your skin and kidneys.
Staying hydrated is also very important and often for those in cooler climates water consumption is reduced quite a bit at this time. Be sure to be drinking approximately one quart for every 50 pounds of body weight daily.
Let’s look at a way to assist your immune system and address it at the core. About 80% of your immune system function originates in your gut, so be sure to create a healthy environment in your GI tract. One powerful way to address this is to take a quality probiotic daily. Personally, I take a probiotic produced in Germany called Ba-Co-Flor. I have seen much success with this product in my family as well as with my clients.
One of the most supportive supplements for your immune system is another product from Germany called Mycosurge. This is the only known product in the world that combines twelve medicinal mushrooms that are carefully selected in order to provide the most effective immune system boosting efficacy possible. The manufacturing of this product is done in such a way to deliver each mushroom’s full and complete natural ingredient in its natural ratio. Mycosurge is a liquid tonic to facilitate rapid absorption in the mouth and throat with quick delivery into the blood stream. Due to this revolutionary delivery system the GI is bypassed and there is a quick distribution via the heart. Unfortunately Ba-Co-Flor and Mycosurge cannot be sold over the internet so if you really want to support your GI and immune system, feel free to call our office today at 949.642.2094 or email me at Glen@DepkeWellness.com.
Another leading supplement to support the immune system function is the Isotinix OPC-3®. Isotonix OPC-3® is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of bilberry, grape seed, red wine and pine bark (pycnogenol) extracts, and citrus extract bioflavonoids, all found to be powerful antioxidants. Utilizing antioxidants has been shown to support a healthy immune system and the Isotonix form is the best delivery system available today. To order your OPC-3® today visit this link provided.
Understand that you do not have to fall victim to the cold and flu season and if you take care of your body and support your immune system properly, you will give yourself the best opportunity to enjoy the season; that is the holiday season.
If you have any questions or comments feel free to post below and I will personally address this.
If you have been following Depke Wellness, you would probably guess that I am not a proponent of flu shots. While I am not going to use this platform to address the debate of receiving a flu shot, I want to assist you in maintaining a healthy immune system to stay healthy and strong throughout this year’s cold and flu season. These are the practices I use myself and recommend to my clients.
Let’s first look at the lifestyle aspect to improve your immune system function. Stress plays a significant role in challenging immune system dysfunction. I have seen stress over the years significantly lower white blood cell count and put countless individuals in a challenged state. One easy practice you can incorporate to improve your stress levels is to practice deep belly breathing. Take a deep breath through your nose while breathing down to the area of your belly button for a count of eight seconds. Hold that breath for four seconds and then forcefully release this breath while contracting your stomach muscles. This will allow for optimal oxygen supply to the cells in your body and understand that you cannot be stressed and take a deep breath at the same time. I would recommend 3-5 of these breaths each hour of your waking day.
Proper sleep cycles play such an important role in immune system function. Believe it or not this starts with good digestion and proper nutrition which includes the consumption of foods that contain the essential amino acid L-Tryptophan. This is then converted to Serotonin and eventually Melatonin, which is of utmost importance to initiate the high immune system response while you sleep. To learn more about sleep cycles visit our previous post here.
Another way to impact your immune system is to support your lymphatic system. In my opinion, the best way to do this is by using a rebounder. You know…one of those little trampolines. Jump on this for at least 5 minutes per day and if you feel any health challenges coming on, rebound a couple of times per day. This is healthy and fun. You can also dry skin brush to assist your lymphatic system. Get one of those long handled body brushes and every day before you shower, brush your skin from the extremities of your body toward your heart. This not only assists the lymph but also your skin and kidneys.
Staying hydrated is also very important and often for those in cooler climates water consumption is reduced quite a bit at this time. Be sure to be drinking approximately one quart for every 50 pounds of body weight daily.
Let’s look at a way to assist your immune system and address it at the core. About 80% of your immune system function originates in your gut, so be sure to create a healthy environment in your GI tract. One powerful way to address this is to take a quality probiotic daily. Personally, I take a probiotic produced in Germany called Ba-Co-Flor. I have seen much success with this product in my family as well as with my clients.
One of the most supportive supplements for your immune system is another product from Germany called Mycosurge. This is the only known product in the world that combines twelve medicinal mushrooms that are carefully selected in order to provide the most effective immune system boosting efficacy possible. The manufacturing of this product is done in such a way to deliver each mushroom’s full and complete natural ingredient in its natural ratio. Mycosurge is a liquid tonic to facilitate rapid absorption in the mouth and throat with quick delivery into the blood stream. Due to this revolutionary delivery system the GI is bypassed and there is a quick distribution via the heart. Unfortunately Ba-Co-Flor and Mycosurge cannot be sold over the internet so if you really want to support your GI and immune system, feel free to call our office today at 949.642.2094 or email me at Glen@DepkeWellness.com.
Another leading supplement to support the immune system function is the Isotinix OPC-3®. Isotonix OPC-3® is an isotonic-capable food supplement that is made from a combination of bilberry, grape seed, red wine and pine bark (pycnogenol) extracts, and citrus extract bioflavonoids, all found to be powerful antioxidants. Utilizing antioxidants has been shown to support a healthy immune system and the Isotonix form is the best delivery system available today. To order your OPC-3® today visit this link provided.
Understand that you do not have to fall victim to the cold and flu season and if you take care of your body and support your immune system properly, you will give yourself the best opportunity to enjoy the season; that is the holiday season.
If you have any questions or comments feel free to post below and I will personally address this.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Menopause is NOT a Disease
by Glen Depke
Let me start with this question, “Do you really thing the women were created or evolved to suffer for 5 to 10 years during their mid-forties to mid-fifties? Of course this is not the case, yet this pain and suffering is truly to an epidemic proportion.
Menopause is typically defined in this way; menopause is the transition period in a woman's life when her ovaries stop producing eggs, her body produces less estrogen and progesterone, and menstruation becomes less frequent, eventually stopping altogether.
In some women, menstrual flow comes to a sudden halt. More commonly, it slowly stops over time. During this time, the menstrual periods generally become either more closely or more widely spaced. This irregularity may last for 1 - 3 years before menstruation finally ends completely. Before this the cycle length may shorten to as little as every 3 weeks.
Common symptoms of menopause include:
• Heart pounding or racing
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Skin flushing
• Sleeping problems (insomnia)
Other symptoms of menopause may include:
• Decreased interest in sex, possibly decreased response to sexual stimulation
• Forgetfulness (in some women)
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Mood swings including irritability, depression, and anxiety
• Urine leakage
• Vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse
• Vaginal infections
• Joint aches and pains
• Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
I want to let you know right now that these symptoms listed above are NOT a normal part of menopause. The transition of menopause could be and should be symptom free!
In indigenous cultures around the world women did not and do not suffer from these symptoms and are actually honored and worshiped for this transition, while holding higher levels of stature within their community due to their recognized strength and wisdom. When is the last time you heard a women share that she cannot wait to make the transition into menopause, so she can be honored in her community?
There may be some women out there that are thinking at this point, “Why would I listen to a man about menopause?” I can share that I have never and will never experience menopause in the way that a woman will. With this said, I can also share that the higher percentage of my client base over the years is female and from the ages of 35 to 55, so I regularly work with women suffering the pain and discomfort of menopause or other hormonal challenges such as PMS and infertility. With this base of clients, I have been able to understand the core aspects that lead to this pain and suffering and will share that it does not have to be. Many of my clients are quickly able to enjoy a positive shift in their symptom challenges by addressing the core of the issue. They actually enjoy balancing their body and walking away from their symptoms.
The other positive aspect of being a male while looking at the challenges with menopausal symptoms; I have never “bought into” the horrific stories of menopause. I am able to look at menopausal symptoms for what they are; a basic fundamental imbalance that can be understood and addressed.
If you would like more information on the core issues that lead to menopausal symptoms visit this link provided.
Let me start with this question, “Do you really thing the women were created or evolved to suffer for 5 to 10 years during their mid-forties to mid-fifties? Of course this is not the case, yet this pain and suffering is truly to an epidemic proportion.
Menopause is typically defined in this way; menopause is the transition period in a woman's life when her ovaries stop producing eggs, her body produces less estrogen and progesterone, and menstruation becomes less frequent, eventually stopping altogether.
In some women, menstrual flow comes to a sudden halt. More commonly, it slowly stops over time. During this time, the menstrual periods generally become either more closely or more widely spaced. This irregularity may last for 1 - 3 years before menstruation finally ends completely. Before this the cycle length may shorten to as little as every 3 weeks.
Common symptoms of menopause include:
• Heart pounding or racing
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Skin flushing
• Sleeping problems (insomnia)
Other symptoms of menopause may include:
• Decreased interest in sex, possibly decreased response to sexual stimulation
• Forgetfulness (in some women)
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Mood swings including irritability, depression, and anxiety
• Urine leakage
• Vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse
• Vaginal infections
• Joint aches and pains
• Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
I want to let you know right now that these symptoms listed above are NOT a normal part of menopause. The transition of menopause could be and should be symptom free!
In indigenous cultures around the world women did not and do not suffer from these symptoms and are actually honored and worshiped for this transition, while holding higher levels of stature within their community due to their recognized strength and wisdom. When is the last time you heard a women share that she cannot wait to make the transition into menopause, so she can be honored in her community?
There may be some women out there that are thinking at this point, “Why would I listen to a man about menopause?” I can share that I have never and will never experience menopause in the way that a woman will. With this said, I can also share that the higher percentage of my client base over the years is female and from the ages of 35 to 55, so I regularly work with women suffering the pain and discomfort of menopause or other hormonal challenges such as PMS and infertility. With this base of clients, I have been able to understand the core aspects that lead to this pain and suffering and will share that it does not have to be. Many of my clients are quickly able to enjoy a positive shift in their symptom challenges by addressing the core of the issue. They actually enjoy balancing their body and walking away from their symptoms.
The other positive aspect of being a male while looking at the challenges with menopausal symptoms; I have never “bought into” the horrific stories of menopause. I am able to look at menopausal symptoms for what they are; a basic fundamental imbalance that can be understood and addressed.
If you would like more information on the core issues that lead to menopausal symptoms visit this link provided.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Recent Testimonial
My journey to health started 3 years ago. I first met Glen when I went to a clinic to find out why I was waking up in the middle of the night consistently. Regular exercise, cardio and resistance exercise had been a part of my routine as well as nutritionally eating the recommended 10 raw veggies and 2 fruits with a small amount of protein and fat daily.
I had multiple blood tests run by regular M.D.’s. The results came back perfect and they said I was the picture of health. Right then I knew that if I didn’t look elsewhere, they would say that it was all in my head.
After meeting Glen, he ran a special adrenal test. My results indicated that I had an adrenal insufficiency which resulted from a stressful, workaholic lifestyle, no time for relaxation and a lifetime of suppressed emotions. I also took a quiz based on my eating habits and we discovered that the “perfect diet” was not so perfect for me. The standard recommendation was pretty much for carb types and it turns out that I am a fast metabolizer and I needed much more protein and fat to balance my metabolism.
Along the way, Glen has worked with me to heal my adrenals as well as severe and chronic insomnia, hypertension, an H-pylori infection, malabsorption of my nutrients and minerals as a result of digestive issues, and candida. I learned that much of my body’s physical issues were a result of my emotional suppression. I learned to suppress my emotions as a child, and what may have worked for me as a child, was no longer benefiting me as an adult. Glen is compassionate and especially gifted in helping uncover my suppressed emotions. It took much dedication and persistence on his part as well as mine. The journey involved permanent, lifestyle changes.
I would say the most important work we have done has to do with healing my emotions. I literally lived in an emotional prison, where my emotions were in control of me. I have learned how to live in the present, no longer bothered by issues of the past. I have developed skills under Glen’s tutelage to enable me to live a life of ease and balance. My entire life has been transformed because of the emotional work I have done with Glen, and I am excited to be living a vibrant, healthy life. I will always be grateful for Glen’s patience, dedication, and passion for assisting me in reaching optimal health.
Diane W.
To learn more about Depke Wellness visit this link.
I had multiple blood tests run by regular M.D.’s. The results came back perfect and they said I was the picture of health. Right then I knew that if I didn’t look elsewhere, they would say that it was all in my head.
After meeting Glen, he ran a special adrenal test. My results indicated that I had an adrenal insufficiency which resulted from a stressful, workaholic lifestyle, no time for relaxation and a lifetime of suppressed emotions. I also took a quiz based on my eating habits and we discovered that the “perfect diet” was not so perfect for me. The standard recommendation was pretty much for carb types and it turns out that I am a fast metabolizer and I needed much more protein and fat to balance my metabolism.
Along the way, Glen has worked with me to heal my adrenals as well as severe and chronic insomnia, hypertension, an H-pylori infection, malabsorption of my nutrients and minerals as a result of digestive issues, and candida. I learned that much of my body’s physical issues were a result of my emotional suppression. I learned to suppress my emotions as a child, and what may have worked for me as a child, was no longer benefiting me as an adult. Glen is compassionate and especially gifted in helping uncover my suppressed emotions. It took much dedication and persistence on his part as well as mine. The journey involved permanent, lifestyle changes.
I would say the most important work we have done has to do with healing my emotions. I literally lived in an emotional prison, where my emotions were in control of me. I have learned how to live in the present, no longer bothered by issues of the past. I have developed skills under Glen’s tutelage to enable me to live a life of ease and balance. My entire life has been transformed because of the emotional work I have done with Glen, and I am excited to be living a vibrant, healthy life. I will always be grateful for Glen’s patience, dedication, and passion for assisting me in reaching optimal health.
Diane W.
To learn more about Depke Wellness visit this link.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Could You Have Auto-Immune Challenges?
by Glen Depke
First of all, what is auto-immune disease? This includes but is not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile RA, lupus, scleroderma, endometriosis, Sjogren’s syndrome, type I diabetes, Hashimoto’s, MS, and Addison’s disease.
For most that are diagnosed with these challenges there are often many challenging years ahead, so it is best to address this from a preventive matter.
Let’s get wrapped around some important information first. Before you are diagnosed with an auto-immune disease there must first be tissue damage or destruction. Before this happens there will first be an auto-immune reaction, somewhere within your body. This would be comparable to knowing that the tires on your care are bald and your breaks are out and not understanding the problem until you get into a car accident. Instead of waiting for the accident, how about fixing the underlying challenges that lead to the accident itself?
Looking at the function of the immune system, we can understand that there are two sides that work in synergy with each other. These are called TH-1 and TH-2. When either TH-1 or TH-2 is low the other is high and likewise. If the body is not able to maintain this balance, we have a TH-3 which is able to assist in the balancing act. Auto-immune disorders are actually either TH-1 or TH-2 dominant due to an overall poorly functioning immune system. This happens when the TH-1 and TH-2 are not able to self regulate and the TH-3 is unable to perform its job as needed. Often the mechanism for this poor regulation is mental/emotional stress, adrenal imbalances, chronic poor fundamentals and such. This leads to a weakened immune system function and the dysfunction of the TH-1, TH-2 and TH-3 as mentioned above.
Once the dysfunction above is initiated this will lead to the activation of TH-17. This is where we really begin to see some challenges. Once TH-17 is activated this “turns on” free radical activity and tissue destruction begins.
There are two areas to address once this begins. One is addressing the role of glutathione and also the role of nitric oxide in the body. While these two areas are not a cure for auto-immune disease, they can allow for a much more sustainable life and the needed hope for recovery long term. For those that would like to learn more about these protocols to assist in balancing proper immune function, feel free to post your question at the end of this article.
The main goal is to continue to support your immune system function so you do not even begin the auto-immune reaction. To do this you will want to keep your gastro-intestinal tract healthy. Remember from previous posts that about 80% of your immune system actually originates in your GI. Do this by taking a high quality probiotic daily and your Prime Digestive Support with every meal. Be sure to focus on all of your fundamentals of health and to look into these deeper, please visit the series of post on this blog from January of this year that addresses the air you breathe, the water you drink, the food you eat, your sleep, movement, exposure to the sun and the underlying energetic component to your health. I will also share that your immune system function is substantially affected by your adrenal function and for anyone that follows me regularly; you know how important and often challenged adrenal function is.
Two areas that can often be significant triggers for this auto-immune reaction is, extreme mental/emotional stress and abusing the use of alcohol. This creates a very poor recycling of the glutathione that we spoke of earlier.
I will also add that I have seen many clients in my career with auto-immune challenges and I must say that there are typically multiple imbalances that are needed to be addressed to allow the body to utilize its natural healing abilities.
If you have any questions or comments in regard to the post please do not hesitate to leave them below for me to answer personally.
First of all, what is auto-immune disease? This includes but is not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile RA, lupus, scleroderma, endometriosis, Sjogren’s syndrome, type I diabetes, Hashimoto’s, MS, and Addison’s disease.
For most that are diagnosed with these challenges there are often many challenging years ahead, so it is best to address this from a preventive matter.
Let’s get wrapped around some important information first. Before you are diagnosed with an auto-immune disease there must first be tissue damage or destruction. Before this happens there will first be an auto-immune reaction, somewhere within your body. This would be comparable to knowing that the tires on your care are bald and your breaks are out and not understanding the problem until you get into a car accident. Instead of waiting for the accident, how about fixing the underlying challenges that lead to the accident itself?
Looking at the function of the immune system, we can understand that there are two sides that work in synergy with each other. These are called TH-1 and TH-2. When either TH-1 or TH-2 is low the other is high and likewise. If the body is not able to maintain this balance, we have a TH-3 which is able to assist in the balancing act. Auto-immune disorders are actually either TH-1 or TH-2 dominant due to an overall poorly functioning immune system. This happens when the TH-1 and TH-2 are not able to self regulate and the TH-3 is unable to perform its job as needed. Often the mechanism for this poor regulation is mental/emotional stress, adrenal imbalances, chronic poor fundamentals and such. This leads to a weakened immune system function and the dysfunction of the TH-1, TH-2 and TH-3 as mentioned above.
Once the dysfunction above is initiated this will lead to the activation of TH-17. This is where we really begin to see some challenges. Once TH-17 is activated this “turns on” free radical activity and tissue destruction begins.
There are two areas to address once this begins. One is addressing the role of glutathione and also the role of nitric oxide in the body. While these two areas are not a cure for auto-immune disease, they can allow for a much more sustainable life and the needed hope for recovery long term. For those that would like to learn more about these protocols to assist in balancing proper immune function, feel free to post your question at the end of this article.
The main goal is to continue to support your immune system function so you do not even begin the auto-immune reaction. To do this you will want to keep your gastro-intestinal tract healthy. Remember from previous posts that about 80% of your immune system actually originates in your GI. Do this by taking a high quality probiotic daily and your Prime Digestive Support with every meal. Be sure to focus on all of your fundamentals of health and to look into these deeper, please visit the series of post on this blog from January of this year that addresses the air you breathe, the water you drink, the food you eat, your sleep, movement, exposure to the sun and the underlying energetic component to your health. I will also share that your immune system function is substantially affected by your adrenal function and for anyone that follows me regularly; you know how important and often challenged adrenal function is.
Two areas that can often be significant triggers for this auto-immune reaction is, extreme mental/emotional stress and abusing the use of alcohol. This creates a very poor recycling of the glutathione that we spoke of earlier.
I will also add that I have seen many clients in my career with auto-immune challenges and I must say that there are typically multiple imbalances that are needed to be addressed to allow the body to utilize its natural healing abilities.
If you have any questions or comments in regard to the post please do not hesitate to leave them below for me to answer personally.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
How do I Afford Alternative Health Care?
by Glen and Dawn Depke
Due to the frustration of many American's with our current system of health care, really disease maintenance; many individuals are looking toward alternative health care to address their issues. This may be with a Traditional Naturopath, Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, Herbalist and the list goes on. One of the challenges though is that insurance often does not cover these services.
Both Dawn and I are extremely compassionate to this due to the fact that in me healing epilepsy and Dawn healing endometriosis; we both went the alternative health route and are blessed to no longer live with these challenges. But ouch…the financial aspect was overwhelming at times!
Let’s take a look at some alternatives to create some affordability for you.
First of all we can look at the health savings accounts. Many individuals have these plans through their place of employment but don’t really understand the utilization of these accounts.
A Health Savings Account is an alternative to traditional health insurance; it is a savings product that offers a different way for consumers to pay for their health care. HSAs enable you to pay for current health expenses and save for future qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis.
You must be covered by a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) to be able to take advantage of HSAs. An HDHP generally costs less than what traditional health care coverage costs, so the money that you save on insurance can therefore be put into the Health Savings Account.
You own and you control the money in your HSA. Decisions on how to spend the money are made by you without relying on a third party or a health insurer. You will also decide what types of investments to make with the money in the account in order to make it grow.
You must have an HDHP if you want to open an HSA. Sometimes referred to as a “catastrophic” health insurance plan, an HDHP is an inexpensive health insurance plan that generally doesn’t pay for the first several thousand dollars of health care expenses (i.e., your “deductible”) but will generally cover you after that. Of course, your HSA is available to help you pay for the expenses your plan does not cover.
Consumers can sign up for HSAs with banks, credit unions, insurance companies and other approved companies. Your employer may also set up a plan for employees as well.
An HSA is not something you purchase; it’s a savings account into which you can deposit money on a tax-preferred basis. The only product you purchase with an HSA is a High Deductible Health Plan, an inexpensive plan that will cover you should your medical expenses exceed the funds you have in your HSA. However, HSA trustees often will charge fees for their services.
Another way to address the cost of alternative health care is to ask if the practitioner you are working with has a sliding scale. Many practitioners will take into consideration your current financial state when looking for payment. Often you may be asked to verify income and your current outflow also; basically your personal profit/loss statement. Often individuals are too embarrassed to ask if a sliding scale is available but hey, it never hurts to ask. You may save yourself thousands of dollars.
It is always a good idea to also ask if there is a payment plan available. Often the practitioner may offer a payment plan or they can provide you with an application for a third party payment plan that is very often interest free for a certain period of time. These types of plans are becoming much more common in alternative health practices. One of these companies is called Care Credit and you can visit Care Credit to find a practitioner in your area that offers this payment option.
Another way to address the cost of alternative health care is to attend workshops and often you can learn so much in this way at a very low cost. Often you can receive thousands of dollars worth of information for only a small fraction of the cost. I must admit that this is one of the reasons I often offer workshops on a regular basis. Individuals have the ability to learn the necessary steps to move forward in their goals of health and wellness while also sharing the stories and results of others in attendance.
I would also recommend that you ask if your practitioner has any day or time of the month that they accept donations for services. Personally, I offer one day per month in my practice as a donation day. I also know of other practitioners that offer either one day per month or some even offer one day per week as a donation. Once again, it does not hurt to ask. The worst that can happen is they say no.
I would also ask if your practitioner offers any packages. This is very common for practitioners that provide a regular protocol of healing that touches multiple modalities. Packages are definitely a way to save some cash while being able to address your health needs.
Another option is to seek assistance from a friend or family member. Often we have a family member that can assist us financially at this time of need. If you are going to seek this help, I would suggest researching the focus and direction of your health plan and already discuss this with your preferred alternative health practitioner. Most alternative health practitioners offer a short complimentary session to explain their services because they want you understand their protocols and direction of care. When you ask your friend or family member, they may be more comfortable covering your finances if they feel you have a viable plan to reach your health goals. I have recognized over the years that my client’s ability to create financial success is often directly tied into their health and wellness. It’s simple; when you feel better your life typically improves on every level.
Last but not least is using unsecured credit. I save this for last because there are so many individuals in trouble financially due to this form of payment. Even though this is less than optimal, it is of utmost importance to put yourself in a positive health state. Since financial stress is such a significant challenge for many in regard to health and wellness, please be sure to be addressing your mental/emotional health along with any health building plan.
You may be asking, “Which of these suggestions do we offer at Depke Wellness?” To assist with any financial difficulties for my clients I regularly offer workshops as a cost effective way to gain the knowledge needed to reach your health and wellness goals. For clients working with me long term, packages are offered that may be a financial output up front, but long term you can save hundreds of dollars. I also offer a donation day typically on the second Saturday of every month for my clients in need. These sessions are all 30 minute sessions and the session type is based on need. Visit Depke Wellness to learn more about our Locations and Services.
Remember that your health and wellness is one of the most important factors in your life and it is of utmost importance to provide the necessary steps to reach your goals on this level. Don’t be afraid to ask your alternative health provider for assistance in addressing your financial challenges.
If you are an alternative health practitioner, you may have found some ways to make life easier for your patients/clients or you may even have other creative ways of assisting that you can share. If you have any comments or questions, I welcome you to share with a post.
Due to the frustration of many American's with our current system of health care, really disease maintenance; many individuals are looking toward alternative health care to address their issues. This may be with a Traditional Naturopath, Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, Herbalist and the list goes on. One of the challenges though is that insurance often does not cover these services.
Both Dawn and I are extremely compassionate to this due to the fact that in me healing epilepsy and Dawn healing endometriosis; we both went the alternative health route and are blessed to no longer live with these challenges. But ouch…the financial aspect was overwhelming at times!
Let’s take a look at some alternatives to create some affordability for you.
First of all we can look at the health savings accounts. Many individuals have these plans through their place of employment but don’t really understand the utilization of these accounts.
A Health Savings Account is an alternative to traditional health insurance; it is a savings product that offers a different way for consumers to pay for their health care. HSAs enable you to pay for current health expenses and save for future qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis.
You must be covered by a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) to be able to take advantage of HSAs. An HDHP generally costs less than what traditional health care coverage costs, so the money that you save on insurance can therefore be put into the Health Savings Account.
You own and you control the money in your HSA. Decisions on how to spend the money are made by you without relying on a third party or a health insurer. You will also decide what types of investments to make with the money in the account in order to make it grow.
You must have an HDHP if you want to open an HSA. Sometimes referred to as a “catastrophic” health insurance plan, an HDHP is an inexpensive health insurance plan that generally doesn’t pay for the first several thousand dollars of health care expenses (i.e., your “deductible”) but will generally cover you after that. Of course, your HSA is available to help you pay for the expenses your plan does not cover.
Consumers can sign up for HSAs with banks, credit unions, insurance companies and other approved companies. Your employer may also set up a plan for employees as well.
An HSA is not something you purchase; it’s a savings account into which you can deposit money on a tax-preferred basis. The only product you purchase with an HSA is a High Deductible Health Plan, an inexpensive plan that will cover you should your medical expenses exceed the funds you have in your HSA. However, HSA trustees often will charge fees for their services.
Another way to address the cost of alternative health care is to ask if the practitioner you are working with has a sliding scale. Many practitioners will take into consideration your current financial state when looking for payment. Often you may be asked to verify income and your current outflow also; basically your personal profit/loss statement. Often individuals are too embarrassed to ask if a sliding scale is available but hey, it never hurts to ask. You may save yourself thousands of dollars.
It is always a good idea to also ask if there is a payment plan available. Often the practitioner may offer a payment plan or they can provide you with an application for a third party payment plan that is very often interest free for a certain period of time. These types of plans are becoming much more common in alternative health practices. One of these companies is called Care Credit and you can visit Care Credit to find a practitioner in your area that offers this payment option.
Another way to address the cost of alternative health care is to attend workshops and often you can learn so much in this way at a very low cost. Often you can receive thousands of dollars worth of information for only a small fraction of the cost. I must admit that this is one of the reasons I often offer workshops on a regular basis. Individuals have the ability to learn the necessary steps to move forward in their goals of health and wellness while also sharing the stories and results of others in attendance.
I would also recommend that you ask if your practitioner has any day or time of the month that they accept donations for services. Personally, I offer one day per month in my practice as a donation day. I also know of other practitioners that offer either one day per month or some even offer one day per week as a donation. Once again, it does not hurt to ask. The worst that can happen is they say no.
I would also ask if your practitioner offers any packages. This is very common for practitioners that provide a regular protocol of healing that touches multiple modalities. Packages are definitely a way to save some cash while being able to address your health needs.
Another option is to seek assistance from a friend or family member. Often we have a family member that can assist us financially at this time of need. If you are going to seek this help, I would suggest researching the focus and direction of your health plan and already discuss this with your preferred alternative health practitioner. Most alternative health practitioners offer a short complimentary session to explain their services because they want you understand their protocols and direction of care. When you ask your friend or family member, they may be more comfortable covering your finances if they feel you have a viable plan to reach your health goals. I have recognized over the years that my client’s ability to create financial success is often directly tied into their health and wellness. It’s simple; when you feel better your life typically improves on every level.
Last but not least is using unsecured credit. I save this for last because there are so many individuals in trouble financially due to this form of payment. Even though this is less than optimal, it is of utmost importance to put yourself in a positive health state. Since financial stress is such a significant challenge for many in regard to health and wellness, please be sure to be addressing your mental/emotional health along with any health building plan.
You may be asking, “Which of these suggestions do we offer at Depke Wellness?” To assist with any financial difficulties for my clients I regularly offer workshops as a cost effective way to gain the knowledge needed to reach your health and wellness goals. For clients working with me long term, packages are offered that may be a financial output up front, but long term you can save hundreds of dollars. I also offer a donation day typically on the second Saturday of every month for my clients in need. These sessions are all 30 minute sessions and the session type is based on need. Visit Depke Wellness to learn more about our Locations and Services.
Remember that your health and wellness is one of the most important factors in your life and it is of utmost importance to provide the necessary steps to reach your goals on this level. Don’t be afraid to ask your alternative health provider for assistance in addressing your financial challenges.
If you are an alternative health practitioner, you may have found some ways to make life easier for your patients/clients or you may even have other creative ways of assisting that you can share. If you have any comments or questions, I welcome you to share with a post.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
What's Up With My Thyroid?
by Glen Depke
I am amazed to see the increasing number of clients diagnosed with thyroid challenges that enter my clinic. Even more amazing to me is the misunderstanding of the underlying causes of these thyroid imbalances and the unwillingness to address the core challenges for many. Thyroid challenges have increased to the point that it is almost looking like a part of the natural aging process but I cannot scream out enough that there is nothing natural about this. So what are some of the underlying challenges?
This will not be a dissertation on thyroid function, but I want you to understand some of the basics.
Let’s first look at what many conventional docs are using to diagnose this. Many are looking at T3 and T4, which are hormones produced in the thyroid as well as TSH, which is produced in the pituitary gland. If these are shown as being “off” there is often a very quick diagnosis of hyper or more often hypo thyroid. Before we jump into this it is important to look at other challenges tied into the T3, T4 and TSH.
First let’s look at these hormones. TSH which is the thyroid stimulating hormone is produced as mentioned above in the pituitary. The TSH communicates the need for production of T3 and T4 in the thyroid. Most do not look at the precursor to the production of the TSH though. Before the pituitary gland can produce the needed TSH, the adrenal glands require optimal function to communicate the need for TSH. Due to this, very often the underlying adrenal challenge is never addressed and we are not getting to the core. I will see this often in what I refer to as a “lazy” pituitary. To address this, it is important to follow a proper protocol for optimal adrenal function.
Another challenge is tied into the body’s need to convert the protein bound T4 produced in the thyroid into a usable or “free” T4. This free T4 can then be utilized by your body as needed. This conversion actually occurs in the liver and often when there is adequate protein bound T4 but the conversion does not happen due to a sluggish liver. When this is the challenge it is obviously very important to support liver function to allow proper balance.
Another challenge for many is hyperthyroidism. I would suggest that it is often the case that this has a direct tie into an autoimmune challenge and addressing the immune system function is a must in these cases. I also recommend that anybody that is challenged with hyperthyroid also work with an Endocrinologist on a consistent basis.
There are other dysfunctional patterns potentially tied into your thyroid challenges but I wanted to cover the more common of these challenges. As always it is important to recognize the importance of addressing your fundamentals of health as the starting point of any health challenge.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post below and I will answer you personally.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Rub a Dub Dub, What's in my Tub?
How many of you know that there are ingredients in our personal care products that are cancer causing?
(All information is provided by Network News and Publishing 2004)
Publishers Note: “Statements of fact made in this publication are based on research and all information has been obtained from previously published, studies, journals, magazines, newspapers and material safety data sheets. Opinions are those of the publisher and the validity of such is up to the reader to decide.”
First I want to share the answer to that question and secondly, I will share with you information that will allow you to make healthier decisions for you and your family from today on.
How many of you know someone who is chronically ill, perhaps with gastrointestinal issues, skin issues or even cancer? Can you imagine a life, a world without these health issues?
Think of a few health challenges you are currently struggling with personally. It may be
• Headaches
• Low back pain
• Fatigue
• Or even cancer
How many of you know that there are ingredients in our personal care products that may be causing your health challenges? Below are listed a few of the products that have been shown to cause serious health issues for humans.
According to the US Dept. of Health & Human Services, “DEA (di-ethanol-amine) when applied to the skin resulted in clear evidence of carcinogenic (cancer or contributing to cancer) activity.” From a 2 year study concluded in 1997.
DEA is found if over 600 personal care products such as
• Soap
• Detergents
• Surfactants
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Bubble bath
• Lotions
• Cosmetics
• Dish soap; laundry detergents
Propylene Glycol: Propylene Glycol is a colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid used in anti-freeze solutions, hydraulic fluids, and as a solvent. It is a substance that helps “retain moisture” and has been implicated in (according to Material Safety Data Sheets)
• Contact dermatitis
• Kidney damage
• Liver abnormalities
• Inhibit skin cell growth
• Damage to cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage.
• Gastro-intestinal disturbances
• Nausea
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Central Nervous System depression
• May be harmful by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption
Propylene Glycol is found in:
Anti-freeze, brake & hydraulic fluid, de-icer, paint, floor wax, laundry detergents, pet food, tobacco, cosmetics, toothpastes, shampoos, deodorants, lotions, processed foods and many more personal care items.
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate): is found in harsh detergents, and used as a surfactant to break down the surface tension of water. Found in
• Concrete Floor Cleaners
• Engine Degreasers
• Car Wash Detergents
According to the Journal of the American College of Toxicology, Vol. 2, No. 7, 1983 “SLS can be a mutagen. In sufficient amounts it is capable of changing the information in the genetic material found in the cells and has been used in studies to induce mutations in bacteria.”
• Found routinely in clinical studies to irritate skin tissue
• Corrode hair follicles and impairs ability to grow hair
• Carcinogenic nitrates can form when SLS interacts with other nitrogen bearing ingredients
• It enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, liver, lungs and brain form skin contact
• Can damage the immune system, cause separation of skin layers and cause inflammation to the skin.
Found in
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Toothpaste
• Lotion
• Baby wash
• Body wash
• Bubble bath
• And so many more products
Warning Label on a bottle of Minnie Bubble Bath states that if swallowed contact a POISION CONTROL CENTER immediately, yet we are supposed to bathe our children in it??
Talc: is a very fine substance, so fine it can be used as a “dry” lubricant. Talc is chemically similar to asbestos, a known cancer causing substance. It’s found in many body and baby powders, feminine powders, cosmetics, and used as a dry lubricant on condoms.
According to Nutrition Health Review, Summer 1995 n73, p8(1)
“Talc’s harmful effect on human tissue has been known for quite some time. Long ago, its dry lubricating properties were used as a glove-donning powder for surgical gloves. As early as the 1930’s, Talc was linked to post-operative granulomatous peritionitis and fibrous adhesions.
A possible tie between talcum powder and ovarian cancer was strongly supported last week when a study found a higher risk of the cancer among woman who dusted themselves with talc or used feminine deodorant sprays.
“The study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that woman who used talcum powder in the genital area had an increased ovarian cancer risk of 60% and woman who used feminine deodorant sprays had a 90% increase risk.” In 1994, the FDA conducted a scientific workshop on the issue and did not find enough of a causal link to justify even a consumer warning!
Aluminum: Aluminum-containing antiperspirants are designed to be absorbed, and studies show that regular use of these products can raise the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by as much as three-fold….a municipal water supplies treated with aluminum sulfate…as least 7 studies show that people drinking water high in alum are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s.
Parabens: are used to retard the growth of bacteria in personal care products. This is a highly controversial ingredient because parabens are naturally occurring in blueberries. You will see more and more companies are advertising on their labels “No Parabens”, so controversial or not, they are beginning to make the choice to leave them out of our products.
Now that you have read a little bit about these ingredients and some possible damage they can cause, do you see any symptoms you currently have or someone you know that may be linked to personal care products?
It is obvious that supportive research is out there, my question is why hasn’t our governing agencies (FDA, EPA, etc) made us aware of these concerning ingredients or band them from being used? We can’t blame the manufacturers if they aren’t aware of the damage these ingredients are causing; however, who is to blame or who needs to be taking responsibility for our health & well-being. More and more, I feel it is up to us individually to educated one another and demand healthy alternatives!
My suggestion to you is to do your due diligence and educate yourself. Become a conscious consumer and only buy natural healthy products so that you know what’s going ON your body and IN your body. It’s time we take our health into your own hands and educate ourselves to make better, healthier choices.
If any of you are concerned with checking levels of parabens please contact Glen Depke for a Paraben Profile Test Kit. Detox protocol is available through Depke Wellness.
(All information is provided by Network News and Publishing 2004)
Publishers Note: “Statements of fact made in this publication are based on research and all information has been obtained from previously published, studies, journals, magazines, newspapers and material safety data sheets. Opinions are those of the publisher and the validity of such is up to the reader to decide.”
First I want to share the answer to that question and secondly, I will share with you information that will allow you to make healthier decisions for you and your family from today on.
How many of you know someone who is chronically ill, perhaps with gastrointestinal issues, skin issues or even cancer? Can you imagine a life, a world without these health issues?
Think of a few health challenges you are currently struggling with personally. It may be
• Headaches
• Low back pain
• Fatigue
• Or even cancer
How many of you know that there are ingredients in our personal care products that may be causing your health challenges? Below are listed a few of the products that have been shown to cause serious health issues for humans.
According to the US Dept. of Health & Human Services, “DEA (di-ethanol-amine) when applied to the skin resulted in clear evidence of carcinogenic (cancer or contributing to cancer) activity.” From a 2 year study concluded in 1997.
DEA is found if over 600 personal care products such as
• Soap
• Detergents
• Surfactants
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Bubble bath
• Lotions
• Cosmetics
• Dish soap; laundry detergents
Propylene Glycol: Propylene Glycol is a colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid used in anti-freeze solutions, hydraulic fluids, and as a solvent. It is a substance that helps “retain moisture” and has been implicated in (according to Material Safety Data Sheets)
• Contact dermatitis
• Kidney damage
• Liver abnormalities
• Inhibit skin cell growth
• Damage to cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage.
• Gastro-intestinal disturbances
• Nausea
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Central Nervous System depression
• May be harmful by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption
Propylene Glycol is found in:
Anti-freeze, brake & hydraulic fluid, de-icer, paint, floor wax, laundry detergents, pet food, tobacco, cosmetics, toothpastes, shampoos, deodorants, lotions, processed foods and many more personal care items.
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate): is found in harsh detergents, and used as a surfactant to break down the surface tension of water. Found in
• Concrete Floor Cleaners
• Engine Degreasers
• Car Wash Detergents
According to the Journal of the American College of Toxicology, Vol. 2, No. 7, 1983 “SLS can be a mutagen. In sufficient amounts it is capable of changing the information in the genetic material found in the cells and has been used in studies to induce mutations in bacteria.”
• Found routinely in clinical studies to irritate skin tissue
• Corrode hair follicles and impairs ability to grow hair
• Carcinogenic nitrates can form when SLS interacts with other nitrogen bearing ingredients
• It enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, liver, lungs and brain form skin contact
• Can damage the immune system, cause separation of skin layers and cause inflammation to the skin.
Found in
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Toothpaste
• Lotion
• Baby wash
• Body wash
• Bubble bath
• And so many more products
Warning Label on a bottle of Minnie Bubble Bath states that if swallowed contact a POISION CONTROL CENTER immediately, yet we are supposed to bathe our children in it??
Talc: is a very fine substance, so fine it can be used as a “dry” lubricant. Talc is chemically similar to asbestos, a known cancer causing substance. It’s found in many body and baby powders, feminine powders, cosmetics, and used as a dry lubricant on condoms.
According to Nutrition Health Review, Summer 1995 n73, p8(1)
“Talc’s harmful effect on human tissue has been known for quite some time. Long ago, its dry lubricating properties were used as a glove-donning powder for surgical gloves. As early as the 1930’s, Talc was linked to post-operative granulomatous peritionitis and fibrous adhesions.
A possible tie between talcum powder and ovarian cancer was strongly supported last week when a study found a higher risk of the cancer among woman who dusted themselves with talc or used feminine deodorant sprays.
“The study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that woman who used talcum powder in the genital area had an increased ovarian cancer risk of 60% and woman who used feminine deodorant sprays had a 90% increase risk.” In 1994, the FDA conducted a scientific workshop on the issue and did not find enough of a causal link to justify even a consumer warning!
Aluminum: Aluminum-containing antiperspirants are designed to be absorbed, and studies show that regular use of these products can raise the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by as much as three-fold….a municipal water supplies treated with aluminum sulfate…as least 7 studies show that people drinking water high in alum are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s.
Parabens: are used to retard the growth of bacteria in personal care products. This is a highly controversial ingredient because parabens are naturally occurring in blueberries. You will see more and more companies are advertising on their labels “No Parabens”, so controversial or not, they are beginning to make the choice to leave them out of our products.
Now that you have read a little bit about these ingredients and some possible damage they can cause, do you see any symptoms you currently have or someone you know that may be linked to personal care products?
It is obvious that supportive research is out there, my question is why hasn’t our governing agencies (FDA, EPA, etc) made us aware of these concerning ingredients or band them from being used? We can’t blame the manufacturers if they aren’t aware of the damage these ingredients are causing; however, who is to blame or who needs to be taking responsibility for our health & well-being. More and more, I feel it is up to us individually to educated one another and demand healthy alternatives!
My suggestion to you is to do your due diligence and educate yourself. Become a conscious consumer and only buy natural healthy products so that you know what’s going ON your body and IN your body. It’s time we take our health into your own hands and educate ourselves to make better, healthier choices.
If any of you are concerned with checking levels of parabens please contact Glen Depke for a Paraben Profile Test Kit. Detox protocol is available through Depke Wellness.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Trouble Sleeping?
by Glen Depke
So really, how important is a positive night’s sleep? Your body does most of its maintenance and repair when you are sleeping and I do not know of anyone that does not require a regular dose of this maintenance and repair. While your immune system is always active on some level, it kicks into high gear during your sleep cycle.
First let’s define a good night’s sleep. I would suggest that this is typically 8 hours and generally from the times of approximately 10:00PM and 6:00AM. During the winter months you may require even more sleep to be at your best. Recognize that I also put specific times since it is not OK to simply get eight hours of sleep if you are going to bed at 1:00AM and sleeping to 9:00AM. Yes, this is still eight hours but it is an unhealthy eight hours since it is not in alignment with natural shifts in cortisol and melatonin. If you have a positive focus on your fundamentals of health and good hormonal balance, it should be easy to fall asleep and you should have no challenges staying asleep until morning.
So what helps us create this positive pattern? A big part of this is tied into hormonal balance. If you follow our newsletter regularly, you understand the importance of the adrenal glands and cortisol production. Most do not understand though that cortisol production and melatonin have a direct relation to each other. When cortisol goes up, melatonin goes down and when cortisol goes down, melatonin goes up. When melatonin increases, this sets you up to fall asleep easily, as well as allowing you to have uninterrupted sleep. This raise in melatonin also stimulates your body to initiate an increase immune systems response for your maintenance and repair.
So to address this let’s review what is setting up this positive pattern. Recognize the importance of having balanced adrenals since low cortisol at night is what raises night time melatonin. If this is not balanced, this will throw off your circadian rhythm all day and lead to even further adrenal imbalance. In my opinion too many individuals have been led to believe that the answer lies in supplementing with melatonin. This may provide some immediate relief but long term it may actual create further hormonal imbalances and long term insomnia.
Typically speaking what will lead to improving the circadian rhythms is to improve production of the neurotransmitter serotonin and/or the essential amino acid tryptophan. The flow to produce optimal melatonin is tryptophan, serotonin to melatonin. Often if you supplement with tryptophan and support serotonin production you can normalize your melatonin production and improve your circadian rhythm. This in turn can help balance your adrenal function and make life much easier if you are using a proper protocol per your adrenal imbalance.
Obviously, it will be helpful to reduce stress, get out in the sun daily and “shut down” about an hour before bedtime.
Please “get” that a regular positive night’s sleep is so important. If you are not reaching this goal, please look for direction of a qualified natural health practitioner that understands these processes.
If you have any questions or comments on this post, please leave your comment below and I will personally address this.
So really, how important is a positive night’s sleep? Your body does most of its maintenance and repair when you are sleeping and I do not know of anyone that does not require a regular dose of this maintenance and repair. While your immune system is always active on some level, it kicks into high gear during your sleep cycle.
First let’s define a good night’s sleep. I would suggest that this is typically 8 hours and generally from the times of approximately 10:00PM and 6:00AM. During the winter months you may require even more sleep to be at your best. Recognize that I also put specific times since it is not OK to simply get eight hours of sleep if you are going to bed at 1:00AM and sleeping to 9:00AM. Yes, this is still eight hours but it is an unhealthy eight hours since it is not in alignment with natural shifts in cortisol and melatonin. If you have a positive focus on your fundamentals of health and good hormonal balance, it should be easy to fall asleep and you should have no challenges staying asleep until morning.
So what helps us create this positive pattern? A big part of this is tied into hormonal balance. If you follow our newsletter regularly, you understand the importance of the adrenal glands and cortisol production. Most do not understand though that cortisol production and melatonin have a direct relation to each other. When cortisol goes up, melatonin goes down and when cortisol goes down, melatonin goes up. When melatonin increases, this sets you up to fall asleep easily, as well as allowing you to have uninterrupted sleep. This raise in melatonin also stimulates your body to initiate an increase immune systems response for your maintenance and repair.
So to address this let’s review what is setting up this positive pattern. Recognize the importance of having balanced adrenals since low cortisol at night is what raises night time melatonin. If this is not balanced, this will throw off your circadian rhythm all day and lead to even further adrenal imbalance. In my opinion too many individuals have been led to believe that the answer lies in supplementing with melatonin. This may provide some immediate relief but long term it may actual create further hormonal imbalances and long term insomnia.
Typically speaking what will lead to improving the circadian rhythms is to improve production of the neurotransmitter serotonin and/or the essential amino acid tryptophan. The flow to produce optimal melatonin is tryptophan, serotonin to melatonin. Often if you supplement with tryptophan and support serotonin production you can normalize your melatonin production and improve your circadian rhythm. This in turn can help balance your adrenal function and make life much easier if you are using a proper protocol per your adrenal imbalance.
Obviously, it will be helpful to reduce stress, get out in the sun daily and “shut down” about an hour before bedtime.
Please “get” that a regular positive night’s sleep is so important. If you are not reaching this goal, please look for direction of a qualified natural health practitioner that understands these processes.
If you have any questions or comments on this post, please leave your comment below and I will personally address this.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Back to School is Omega 3 Time
by Glen Depke
While it is important to achieve proper omega 3 balance throughout the year, it is especially prevalent during back to school time. This is due to the fact that maintaining proper levels of these very important essential fatty acids plays a role in mental and emotional function. So the question is, as your children are heading off to school are you putting them in the best mental capacity to be at their best?
Another factor that is assisted in proper omega 3 consumption is tied into proper immune function. As our children are put into the environment where there are large groups of other children in an enclosed area, this leaves them open and susceptible to catching colds, the flu or may other diseases that are common among children. Maintaining proper omega 3s may assist in improving the immune system of your children and I trust that this is a concern of any parent reading this post.
Another factor to understand it that omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to assist in regulating blood sugar. Blood sugar levels out of control with your child could create some challenges with behavior or could lead to a blood sugar “crash”, which is a far from optimal state for learning.
Please understand that this is not only true for our children but for all of us reading this post. The omega 3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, have been shown to aid in all that is listed below:
• Inflammation
• Cardiovascular health
• Blood sugar regulation
• Normalize cholesterol levels
• Liver function
• Regulate hormones
• Improve immune function
• Anti-aging
• Increase joint comfort
• Improve mental/emotional health
• Increase healthy skin
Personally, I choose to take krill oil for my omega 3 supplementation. This is my choice based on the high level of bio-availability of the DHA and EPA in krill plus that fact that krill oil also has an anti-oxidant property as an added bonus.
While most are only suggesting supplementation we would also like to suggest nutritional recommendations. Consuming wild caught salmon is one of the best nutritional sources as well as consuming grass fed meats. The challenge of course is maintaining quality sources so we will provide you with the sources we prefer in our home to achieve our recommended Omega 3 intake.
In our opinion the best quality salmon as well as other seafood can be ordered from a company called Vital Choice, Wild Seafood and Organics. To learn more about Vital Choice or to order the best wild caught salmon feel free to visit the Preferred Health Partner page at www.DepkeWellness.com and click on the Vital Choice link.
Our preferred source of grass fed meats with a significantly higher Omega 3 content than conventionally raised meats is Blackwing Quality Meats. To learn more about Blackwing or to order the grass fed meats we prefer in our household visit the same Preferred Health Partner page listed above.
Now you can enjoy the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids from multiple sources as you further your journey to optimal health and wellness.
If you have any questions or replies to this post, please leave your message to me below and I will personally address this.
While it is important to achieve proper omega 3 balance throughout the year, it is especially prevalent during back to school time. This is due to the fact that maintaining proper levels of these very important essential fatty acids plays a role in mental and emotional function. So the question is, as your children are heading off to school are you putting them in the best mental capacity to be at their best?
Another factor that is assisted in proper omega 3 consumption is tied into proper immune function. As our children are put into the environment where there are large groups of other children in an enclosed area, this leaves them open and susceptible to catching colds, the flu or may other diseases that are common among children. Maintaining proper omega 3s may assist in improving the immune system of your children and I trust that this is a concern of any parent reading this post.
Another factor to understand it that omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to assist in regulating blood sugar. Blood sugar levels out of control with your child could create some challenges with behavior or could lead to a blood sugar “crash”, which is a far from optimal state for learning.
Please understand that this is not only true for our children but for all of us reading this post. The omega 3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, have been shown to aid in all that is listed below:
• Inflammation
• Cardiovascular health
• Blood sugar regulation
• Normalize cholesterol levels
• Liver function
• Regulate hormones
• Improve immune function
• Anti-aging
• Increase joint comfort
• Improve mental/emotional health
• Increase healthy skin
Personally, I choose to take krill oil for my omega 3 supplementation. This is my choice based on the high level of bio-availability of the DHA and EPA in krill plus that fact that krill oil also has an anti-oxidant property as an added bonus.
While most are only suggesting supplementation we would also like to suggest nutritional recommendations. Consuming wild caught salmon is one of the best nutritional sources as well as consuming grass fed meats. The challenge of course is maintaining quality sources so we will provide you with the sources we prefer in our home to achieve our recommended Omega 3 intake.
In our opinion the best quality salmon as well as other seafood can be ordered from a company called Vital Choice, Wild Seafood and Organics. To learn more about Vital Choice or to order the best wild caught salmon feel free to visit the Preferred Health Partner page at www.DepkeWellness.com and click on the Vital Choice link.
Our preferred source of grass fed meats with a significantly higher Omega 3 content than conventionally raised meats is Blackwing Quality Meats. To learn more about Blackwing or to order the grass fed meats we prefer in our household visit the same Preferred Health Partner page listed above.
Now you can enjoy the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids from multiple sources as you further your journey to optimal health and wellness.
If you have any questions or replies to this post, please leave your message to me below and I will personally address this.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
How's Your Vacation Health?
by Glen Depke
So, how do you feel about your vacation health? I know you may be thinking; what vacations?
Here at Depke Wellness we look at every aspect of health and taking time away from work to vacation is a very important aspect for all of us. Yes, I understand that the economy is bad, you may not have the same cash flow, or you may even be out of work currently. This does not take away the need for you to escape the grips of our work, work, work culture. Vacation is not a luxury, it is a must.
I get it…how do you go on vacation when you cannot even cover the bills at home that are coming in currently? This is where creativity comes into play for you.
There is always a way to go on vacation when you are creative. For some this may mean that you cannot go on the extravagant trip you are used to, but you can still get away on a more cost effective vacation, even if it is a weekend getaway. If you do not have the cash for this, you may have the opportunity to visit friends or loved ones for an extended period, with the goal of needed fun and enjoyment. We can even look at it from the perspective of someone that is out of work and really struggling financially. How about committing to an entire weekend of low or no cost fun?
So how do you go on a low cost or no cost vacation? Pick a theme, such as a Caribbean as example, and take a weekend with your loved one and simply make it up. Play Caribbean music all weekend; find some recipes on-line for some fun and inexpensive meals (you have to eat anyway). Set up a blanket in the backyard, get out in the sun, keep the music going, play a game and enjoy a fun book. Do whatever it is you would like to do on vacation. Instead of paying for a massage, give and receive a foot massage with your loved one. As the night goes on dance to the music and simply live. Make sure you do all this while wearing your favorite vacation cloths. You know that ones; they never come out of the closet to wear around the people you typically hang out with. I have a couple of these shirts myself.
If you need to create an emotional shift for yourself just to get into your no cost vacation weekend, rent a comedy that you know simply cracks you up every time you watch it. I trust that we all have one of those in mind.
Anyway, I think you get the idea by now. Regardless of your financial state, vacation is a must. This will improve your health; physically, mentally and emotionally and potentially set you up to even improve your financial health also. If you have been out of work, just think of the renewed energy you may feel from your vacation and what this can do for your future employment or entrepreneur goals.
By the way, when I told my wife Dawn about the no cost vacation, she shared that it sounds like fun and she is now waiting for me to plan this surprise weekend for us. Here’s to a fun, no cost weekend!
If you have any comments or questions, please post below for my response.
So, how do you feel about your vacation health? I know you may be thinking; what vacations?
Here at Depke Wellness we look at every aspect of health and taking time away from work to vacation is a very important aspect for all of us. Yes, I understand that the economy is bad, you may not have the same cash flow, or you may even be out of work currently. This does not take away the need for you to escape the grips of our work, work, work culture. Vacation is not a luxury, it is a must.
I get it…how do you go on vacation when you cannot even cover the bills at home that are coming in currently? This is where creativity comes into play for you.
There is always a way to go on vacation when you are creative. For some this may mean that you cannot go on the extravagant trip you are used to, but you can still get away on a more cost effective vacation, even if it is a weekend getaway. If you do not have the cash for this, you may have the opportunity to visit friends or loved ones for an extended period, with the goal of needed fun and enjoyment. We can even look at it from the perspective of someone that is out of work and really struggling financially. How about committing to an entire weekend of low or no cost fun?
So how do you go on a low cost or no cost vacation? Pick a theme, such as a Caribbean as example, and take a weekend with your loved one and simply make it up. Play Caribbean music all weekend; find some recipes on-line for some fun and inexpensive meals (you have to eat anyway). Set up a blanket in the backyard, get out in the sun, keep the music going, play a game and enjoy a fun book. Do whatever it is you would like to do on vacation. Instead of paying for a massage, give and receive a foot massage with your loved one. As the night goes on dance to the music and simply live. Make sure you do all this while wearing your favorite vacation cloths. You know that ones; they never come out of the closet to wear around the people you typically hang out with. I have a couple of these shirts myself.
If you need to create an emotional shift for yourself just to get into your no cost vacation weekend, rent a comedy that you know simply cracks you up every time you watch it. I trust that we all have one of those in mind.
Anyway, I think you get the idea by now. Regardless of your financial state, vacation is a must. This will improve your health; physically, mentally and emotionally and potentially set you up to even improve your financial health also. If you have been out of work, just think of the renewed energy you may feel from your vacation and what this can do for your future employment or entrepreneur goals.
By the way, when I told my wife Dawn about the no cost vacation, she shared that it sounds like fun and she is now waiting for me to plan this surprise weekend for us. Here’s to a fun, no cost weekend!
If you have any comments or questions, please post below for my response.
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Health Coaches, Orange, CA