Heal South Africa - A project dedicated to uniting & empowering the people of South Africa, with the goal of peace, happiness and health for all.

ARTICLES

 Attitude Balancing

 Batmanghelidj Water Cures 

 Best Kept Secrets

 Bone Breathing

 Breuss Total Cancer Treatment Diet

 Budwig Diet

 Cayenne Pepper

 CITI (Citizen) Health

 CLEANSERS

  - Bowel Cleanse

  - Intestinal Wash

  - Kidney Cleanse

  - Liver Cleanse

  - Master Cleanse

  - Parasite Cleanse

  - Full Body Cleanse

  - Oil Pulling

  - Neti Cleansing

  - Castor Oil Pack

 Coffee Enema

 Credo Mutwa's HIV Remedy

 Deer Exercise - Men

 Deer Exercise - Women

 Diabetes - Chromium

 Diabetes - Cinnamon

 Dry Skin Brushing

 Emotional Balancing

 Enzymes

 Essential Health

 Essiac Tea

 Eye Exercises

 FREE E-BOOKS, etc.

  - End of Disease

  - NEO HAIR HEALTH

  - NEO HEALTH

  - NEO HEALTH - Deutsch

  - NEO HOW TO HEALTH

  - Secret of the Ages

  - White Lighter

  - Emotional Freedom Techniques

  - I Am Part of the Change

  - When You can Walk on Water, Take the Boat

  - What Really Causes Aids?

  - What Really Causes Schizophrenia?

  - What Really Causes Alzheimers?

  - What Really Causes MS?

  - The Cure for All Diseases

  - Lessons from the Miracle Doctors

  - Beyond the Himalayas

  - The Yoga of the Christ

  - The Work & Loving What Is

  - It Works!

  - Your Empowering Spirit

  - Think and Grow Rich

  - Science of Getting Rich

  - Science of Being Well

  - Science of Being Great

  - The Secret of the Ages

  - As A Man Thinketh

  - The Master Key System

  - The Magic Story

  - Power of Concentration

  - The Game of Life

  - The Pulse Test

 Gerson Therapy Protocol

  - Gerson Modified Diet

 Greatest Health Discovery

 Honey and Cinnamon

 Ho'oponopono

 Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy

 Hyperthermia

 Hypno-Cybernetics

 Lemonade Diet

  Lymphology

 Meditation

 Optimum Nutrition

 Oxygen Therapy

 Relaxation

 Rhythmic Breathing

 Self Massage

  Tai-Chi - Gentle Movement

 The Ultimate Universal Remedy

 Tibetan Rites

 Urine Therapy

 Water Cure

 Whole Body Exercise

 Yoga Postures

 Z Point Process

HOME PAGE

NATURAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS

 Associations for NHP

 Approval Procedures

DISCLAIMER

LINKS

NEWSLETTER

PROJECTS

SUPPORT US

THANK YOU

 

Citizen Health
Heal South Africa - A project dedicated to uniting & empowering the people of South Africa, with the goal of peace, happiness and health for all. Heal South Africa - A project dedicated to uniting & empowering the people of South Africa, with the goal of peace, happiness and health for all.

    Print Version 

Support Heal South Africa

Keith McFarlane of HealSA & Light in SA, is writing a series of articles for the
Citizen newspaper's monthly CITI HEALTH section
printed on the last Tuesday of every month.

The articles are in order from first through to most current.
Should you have missed an article in the newspaper
please click on the quick link's indicated below.



CITI HEALTH ARTICLES - Section 5
Going for GoalsOne Too ManyNo to DietsManaging PD

All for OneCANSA PreventionOne Step at a Time

PREVIOUS ARTICLES

CITI HEALTH ARTICLES - Section 1

CITI HEALTH ARTICLES - Section 2

CITI HEALTH ARTICLES - Section 3

CITI HEALTH ARTICLES - Section 4


Going for Goals
- Article by Keith McFarlane for CITI HEALTH

Time is really flying. A year has ended and another already begun; but can you remember where you were and what you were doing this time last year? Has it been a blur, or are you in the same place, doing the same old thing?

How about last year’s resolutions; did they work out? More importantly have you made new ones this year and how similar are they to last year’s? Same old same old?

Of all the billions of people on the planet, when it comes to resolutions, there aren’t that many variations – lose weight, get fit, make money. Do these sound familiar? If so, then perhaps it’s time for a change.

Ditch the resolution idea, it’s dated and more of a yearly ritual than a serious decision to improve your life.

It’s time to set a goal!

Setting Goals
Thanks to movies like the Secret, a lot of people are familiar with the idea of personal development goals. Unfortunately, few take the time to set them and fewer still work toward achieving them. This may be due to an unconscious resistance to change, but more often than not, it’s due to the confusion about how to properly set a goal. 

If you want a change, you do need to stretch yourself; however it need not be a painful experience, if you follow the right steps.

Brainstorming
The biggest hurdle most people face is clarity. In order to uncover your deepest desires, 
you need to brainstorm; so if you are serious, get a piece of paper, set aside 5 minutes and begin writing. Write down every possible goal you can think of.

No Limits
Health and wealth related goals are admirable, but let’s throw caution to the wind for a moment. Let’s think a little further out of the box. What would you like to learn, what skills would you like to master, what characteristics would you like to develop. Clear your mind of all limiting beliefs, have fun and let your imagination run wild. Write it all down.

Focus
It is essential that you focus on your goals rather than worrying about how to achieve them. That would stop you before you even have a chance to begin the journey. For now, act as if it were impossible to fail. You’ll know you’re on the right track, when your goals start making you feel excited.

Prioritize
Once you have finished writing, set a time frame for each goal - short, medium and long term. Now run through your list and pick a short term goal, one that can be achieved by this time next year. Pick the one that most excites you; the one that makes you want to get up and do something right now.

Motivation
Before you go rushing off, ask yourself why you want to achieve these goals? What impact will they have on your life? In order to step out of the box and take action, you must be motivated. Most resolutions don’t succeed simply because they are not exciting. 

If you do want to lose weight, get fit or make more money, what is your motivation for change? Picture yourself in a year’s time, having achieved your goal; notice how you feel. 

Take action
Now you’re ready, it’s time for action. What is the first step you can take to move closer to your goal? It doesn’t have to be an earth shaker, remember every great journey started with just one small step. It is persistence that pays; a little each day and before you know it, your goal is in reach. 

The Secret
Goal setting is the great secret of successful people. However, it is not exclusive, whether it is a career decision or a personal characteristic, setting a goal demonstrates a sense of purpose in life. There will always be turns in the road, it is important to stay focused, remind yourself of your motivation and be flexible. There is no harm in changing direction, as long as it maintains your excitement and motivation. Today could well be the first day of the rest of your life.


One Too Many
- Article by Keith McFarlane for CITI HEALTH

Sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll - symbols of a cultural revolution that changed the face of civilization. Who would have thought they’d become an integrated part of our everyday life? Ever since the sixties, we’ve been pushing back the boundaries of human experience, testing ourselves to the limit. In 50 short years, we’ve been to the moon and back, shrunk the Global Village with cell phones and the internet and even brought the Wisdom of the Ages to the masses; but at what cost?

Life in the fast lane
Aside from the high incidence of pornography, sexually transmitted disease and unplanned pregnancy; abuse of mind altering substances is fast reaching epidemic proportions and it is not limited to rabble-rousers in jeans and leather jackets. Today’s ‘junkies’ include innocent preteens, ‘straight-A’ students, housewives, doctors and lawyers.

Rather than opting out of society, it seems more and more people ‘need a fix’ just to keep up with the pace of modern life. We live in a hybrid world of virtual and everyday reality, with the lines all too often blurring beyond recognition. Whatever happened to the peace loving hippies who thought it was all too beautiful, man!

Many dragons
Aside from alcohol and illegal drugs, today’s widespread substance abuse includes the use of solvents, prescription and over the counter medication, tobacco and caffeine, (which is available in over 5000 products). In fact, most goods on a supermarket shelf have additives, which can be addictive and open to abuse. The first time I heard of a child inhaling Spray and Cook from a plastic bag, all I could think of was … why?

Coping mechanism
Mind altering substances do just that, they alter the way the mind perceives reality. Whether you’re looking for change or simply respite from a current situation; underneath all substance abuse, lies a deep sense of vulnerability. The truth is you are just not coping; to some degree you feel out of control. The irony is, the moment you rely on a substance to cope, you lose even more control. Eventually, over time the substance controls you … now that’s abuse!

Signs of abuse
The following warning signs could suggest a substance dependency:
• Tolerance levels of the substance increase
• Withdrawal symptoms, needing more just to feel normal
• Repeatedly neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
• Sudden unexplained mood swings
• Uncharacteristic irritability or aggression
• Loss of interest in friends, sports and hobbies
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained disappearance of money and valuables

Consequences of abuse
It is estimated that substance abuse costs the economy billions of Rand every year. In the workplace, it results in a higher incidence of absenteeism, work place injuries, therapy and counseling as well as rehabilitation and retraining. In addition, statistics show that a high percentage of motor vehicle injuries result from driving under the influence; not to mention the devastating effect it has on interpersonal relationships.

Abuse helpline
Addiction to a mind altering substance is a disease that gains control over an individual leaving them powerless. It is important to note that an addiction develops over time, as the substance becomes more and more controlling. If you are using a mind altering substance, or know someone who is, be aware of the potential side effects on physical and mental wellbeing. Remember when you are under the influence, you are more uninhibited and open to additional physical and sexual abuse.

Don’t be swayed by peer pressure or the stress of a situation; take a stand on your own feelings about drinking alcohol and doing drugs. Surround yourself with people who will look out for you and most importantly, know your limitations and trust your instincts.

Recovery from an addiction requires a continuing daily process (one day at a time), with appropriate support, motivation and cooperation from all involved.
 

The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) is a non-governmental organization, whose major objectives are the prevention and treatment of Alcohol and Drug Dependence. They provide treatment services for chemically dependent people and their families. For more information visit www.sancanational.org.za.


No to Diets
- Article by Keith McFarlane for CITI HEALTH

Google the word diet and you’ll get 132 000 000 results in just 0.51 seconds. Whether you like it or not, dieting has become a cultural phenomenon; akin to pop music, dieting has it’s own top ten, celebrity dietary superstars, reality shows and of course fanatical followers. There is something to suit everyone’s ‘palate’, from simple calorie counting and meal planning to periodic fasting and radical food choices.

Dieting Minefield
For the would-be-dieter, it is a mine field; so much to choose from and so much conflicting opinion. Even the experts can’t agree - take the Egg Diet, once branded a cholesterol nightmare, new opinion suggests we can now eat as many eggs as we like. Others include high fat/protein diets like Atkins and its nemesis the high carbohydrate ‘Bread for Life Diet’, which recommends eating 12 to 16 slices of bread a day. According to the Hay Diet, by avoiding ‘foods that fight’ (protein mixed with carbohydrates) you can safely lose weight and regain your health. On the other side of the plate, health guru Patrick Holford suggests that combining quality protein and carbohydrates is essential for stabilizing blood sugar and weight loss.

Drastic measures
There are libraries of evidence suggesting that losing weight too quickly can be hazardous to your health. Of course, this doesn’t deter the more radical plans from becoming overnight (albeit short lived) hits. Take the Cookie diet (eat 6 special cookies a day), the Bad Breath Diet (garlic and onion on crackers), the Cabbage Soup Diet (nothing but cabbage soup) and the ultimate Tape Worm Diet (no prizes for guessing the catch of the day!). For those with ‘the stomach for it’, there is always stapling!

No to Diets
I’ve always disliked the word diet; I mean it can’t be that healthy for you, it’s got the word ‘die’ in it! In addition, why are we constantly being told what, when, why and how to eat? Have we lost our natural instincts to the gurus and marketers? More importantly, have we forgotten why we actually need to eat? Aside from enjoying the social and emotional experience, there are three important biological reasons why we need food. Food provides the essential nutrients to:
• fuel our daily activities
• repair and build our tissue
• protect our bodies from illness and disease

Cell food
If you had to feed a rabbit, you would give it rabbit food; a goldfish would get fish food and a bird would get bird food. So what should we humans eat? Our bodies are made of cells and these cells have specific needs; if we want to enjoy health and vitality, we must provide our cells with the best quality foods that offer a variety of the following nutrients:
• protein
• carbohydrates
• fats
• vitamins
• minerals
• fiber
• water

Whole Foods
These vital nutrients all come from whole foods. This means cutting out the refined, processed and artificial foods all of which are devoid of quality nutrients. Don’t be fooled by the packaging, it’s designed to sell products. If it’s made in a plant, don’t eat it; if it’s made from a plant, eat it!

To ensure optimum absorption of nutrients, increase your consumption of raw fruit and vegetables. The biggest problem most people face when it comes to food is malnutrition, whether you are overweight or underweight, it’s the same thing - your cells are starving. Eat smaller portions and chew your food slowly – eat to live rather than living to eat.

Contributing Factors
Stress triggers the flight or fight response in our bodies, which affect metabolism and blood flow and leads to cravings for fatty, salty and sugary foods. These foods are less healthy and lead to increased weight gain.

Sleep is not only an essential part of a healthy lifestyle; it can also help with weight loss. Research has shown that women who increased their sleep time to at least seven and a half hours a night, lost between 7 and 15 pounds in 10 weeks; without making any dietary changes.

Sunlight has a tremendous affect on metabolism and overall body health. A lack of sunlight can reduce serotonin levels, which affects feelings of hunger, causing you to eat more. In addition, spending more time indoors causes your body temperature to drop, which also increases feelings of hunger.

Prescription for health
Dieting can at best only offer a short term solution. If it’s health you’re after, a healthy lifestyle is essential. Eat fresh whole foods, drink pure water, reduce your stress, exercise and sleep well, get some safe sunlight every day and of course don’t forget to breathe.


Managing Parkinson's Disease
- Article by Keith McFarlane for CITI HEALTH

There is no telling when it might happen; however when it does, we resign ourselves to the fact that we are ‘just not as young as we used to be’. The tell tale signs of aching joints, stiffness, slower movements and a forgetful memory are all deemed an ‘inevitable part’ of the aging process.

For some however, these symptoms may have a more foreboding meaning.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Described as a movement disorder, PD is both chronic and progressive; meaning that the symptoms continue and get worse over time. Discovered in 1817 by Dr. James Parkinson it was initially called ‘Shaking Palsy’, due to one of the presenting symptoms.

What happens?
A group of cells in an area of the brain responsible for producing the chemical messenger dopamine begin to malfunction and die. As a result, messages from the brain telling the body how and when to move are delivered more slowly; leaving the person incapable of initiating and controlling movements.

Who does it affect?
PD usually occurs in individuals over the age of fifty; however it can affect younger people as well. It occurs worldwide, in all population groups and the incidence generally increases with advancing age.

Diagnosis
There is no standard test to determine whether someone conclusively has PD. This makes it difficult to diagnose; however it is clinically characterized by four common motor symptoms:
• Resting tremors of the hands, arms, legs, jaw and face
• Rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and torso
• Slowness of movement and
• Difficulties with balance and coordination

Secondary motor symptoms can appear, like fatigue, stooped posture, slurred speech and non motor symptoms like pain, sleep disturbance, constipation, depression and dementia. Symptoms vary from individual to individual.

What causes the disease?
The cause of PD is unknown; however scientists suspect a combination of genetic and toxic factors. Apart from environmental toxins like herbicides and pesticides, a build up of internal toxins may reduce antioxidant protective mechanisms, leaving the body vulnerable to free radical damage – a known cause of aging.

Research has found that individuals with PD have increased brain levels of iron which supports the oxidation theory. In addition, there is strong evidence that high levels of Homocysteine (a metabolic waste product) and a deficiency of the antioxidant glutathione may also increase the risk for developing the condition.

Treatment
While not life threatening, there is currently no cure; however individuals can use medication and surgery to manage their symptoms. Patients should be treated as soon as possible, once the disease is suspected.

Standard medical treatment involves the drug L-Dopa, which treats the symptoms, but does not reverse the effects of the disease. Side effects include nausea, low blood pressure, blurred vision disorientation and anxiety, while long term use has been associated with the development of motor complications. It is not uncommon for people with PD to take a variety of medications in different doses and at different times of the day to manage their symptoms.

The latest surgical option is Deep Brain Stimulation, which uses implanted electrodes to improve symptoms and quality of life; however it is only recommended for a small group of people, who meet specific criteria.

Exercise
Exercise is very important as it may stretch and tone underused and rigid muscles - improving mobility, balance and coordination as well as emotional wellbeing. Walking, jogging, swimming and rebounding are great ways to get the muscles moving and the heart pumping, while yoga is a gentle method for slow, relaxed stretching. Deep breathing and good hydration will also enhance results.

Nutrition
Poor nutrition can be an underlying trigger for PD, so it is important to have a well balanced diet, rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Other important nutritional supplements include:
• Probiotics, to replenish friendly bacteria and treat constipation
• Digestive enzymes to help with the assimilation of nutrients
• B Complex vitamins and folic acid for brain and nerve function - Note B6 interferes with the action of the medication L-Dopa
• Antioxidants C, E, Zinc and Selenium to deal with free radicals
• Evening Primrose and Flax Seed Oil for protective essential fatty acids
• Milk Thistle to optimize liver function


All for One
- Article by Keith McFarlane for CITI HEALTH

Wouldn’t it be great if we could invent a magic pill that would eradicate illness and disease and at the same time, put an end to the discomforts associated with aging?

A foolish dream you might think; after all there are thousands of different conditions that can afflict us, each with their own unique set of circumstances and presenting symptoms and each needing their own specific remedy.

Environmentally friendly
150 years ago a pioneering French biologist by the name of Antoine Bechamp discovered what he believed were the elementary building blocks of life. These microzymas or ‘little bodies’ make up every living thing, from bacteria to human beings - think of the pixels that make up a digital picture. What makes this relevant to our dream, is Bechamp showed that the environment in which these little ‘creatures’ live is vital for the health and wellbeing of the individual.

Under normal, healthy circumstances, we all live happily together; however when our inner terrain becomes compromised, through a build up of waste, the ‘little bodies’ morph into scavenging bacteria determined to break down this unhealthy buildup and restore balance.

Mucous free
Fifty years later, Professor Arnold Ehret echoed these findings by suggesting the underlying cause of illness, disease and even aging is the build up of acidic mucous in the blood and tissue. His ‘Mucousless Diet Healing System’, focused on clearing this waste and restoring the internal environment with a simple diet of fruits, starchless vegetables and edible green leaves; foods he considered mucous free or alkaline.

The pH Miracle
Most recently, Dr Robert O Young revealed the importance of internal pH balance, suggesting that acidic buildup in the body accounts for low energy, illness and even weight gain. According to Dr O Young, the most crucial balance the body strives to maintain is that of the blood chemistry, which must be mildly alkaline; over acidification of the body fluids and tissues underlies all disease.

When the body is unable to clear waste buildup through the normal avenues of elimination, the acids are deposited in various organ systems, including the heart, pancreas, liver and colon or stored in fatty tissue in the breasts, hips, thighs and belly. Dr O Young suggests that the process of acid waste breakdown and disposal could also be called ‘the aging process’.

Symptoms of acidity
Acidity leads to oxygen deficiency, which affects energy levels and leads to inflammation and tissue damage. This can cause cells to weaken and mutate and even become cancerous. In the absence of oxygen, micro-organisms proliferate, leading to bacterial, viral and parasitic infection. Candida is a sure sign of acidity.

To protect itself from the damaging effects of acidity, the body sacrifices vital alkalizing minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can weaken bone and muscle tissue, leading to osteoporosis, loss of lean muscle mass and even muscle wasting. Cholesterol levels increase to protect the delicate blood vessels from damage.

Acidity also creates acidic habits like smoking, drinking alcohol and taking drugs.

What causes acidity?
The most obvious culprit is diet; most of the food we eat has an acidic effect on the body. This includes processed, refined and artificial foods as well as meats, eggs and dairy. In addition, poor quality drinking water, a sedentary lifestyle, too much exercise and fear based thoughts and emotions can create acidity. The key lies in maintaining balance.

Restoring the balance
It is important to allow for a transition period so that your system is not overwhelmed. Begin identifying the acid forming foods you eat and habits that you have and systematically eliminate them.

At the same time increase your intake of alkalizing foods and drinks to counteract the build up. The most powerful way to clean is to go green - green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, cabbage, lettuce and green beans as well as edible green leaves like barley and wheatgrass are rich in alkalizing minerals. Other powerful alkalizers include cucumber, tomato, avocado and fresh sprouts. To ensure you get a balance of nutrients in your diet, follow a ratio of 70% alkaline foods (most fruits and vegetables) with 30% acid foods (meat, fish, eggs, cereals and grains).

Regular deep breathing ensures you get plenty of oxygen, while gentle bouncing on a rebounder clears the lymph, draining waste from the tissue. Make sure you drink plenty of alkaline water.

To kick start your program, pour yourself a large glass of alkalizing lemonade made from a tall glass of cold water, 2Tbs freshly squeezed lemon juice and a pinch of bicarbonate of soda. To the dream and your good health, cheers!


CANSA Prevention
- Article by Keith McFarlane for CITI HEALTH

I recently had the opportunity to attend CANSA’s annual CEO’s Ball and aside from a great night out, what I really enjoyed was their stance on cancer prevention. Leading the fight against cancer, the Cancer Association of SA is passionate about educating people, reminding us that ‘It’s your right to be informed and make a smart choice’.

Responsibility
Trillions of dollars have been spent on research, looking for the ever illusive ‘cure’ for cancer and with the greatest respect to the many highly qualified individuals involved, it would seem that the old adage ‘if you want something done properly, you have to do it yourself’, still rings true.

Now I’m not advocating going it alone, what I am suggesting is by taking more responsibility for your own health, you stand a much better chance statistically of not having to face a dreaded diagnosis somewhere down the line. In addition, if you are more pro active in your own health care, the odds are that you can reduce the severity of symptoms and recover more quickly from a diagnosed disease.

Prevention
Prevention by its very nature suggests responsibility, something the old Chinese doctors knew only too well. They were paid to teach you how to stay healthy; if you happened to get ill, they weren’t doing their job properly and didn’t get paid until you regained health. In today’s fast-paced, quick fix world, there are experts from all backgrounds waiting to relieve our never-ending symptoms, knowing full well that we’ll be back for more; it’s big business.

Environment
According to CANSA, up to 90% of cancers are caused by the environment. Research suggests that cancer causing agents, known as carcinogens, can be found in our food, water and air, our homes and our places of work. These substances can damage the cells, causing them to rapidly multiply to form lumps or tumours. Your risk of getting cancer increases the more you are exposed to a carcinogen. By knowing the different carcinogens, you can avoid exposure and greatly reduce the risk.

Three Major Targets
If you would like to take more responsibility for your health and reduce the risk of contracting a disease, here are three key areas that you can start with:

Quit Smoking - It might seem like a hoary old chestnut; but the fact is, smoking remains the most preventable cause of cancer. Every year, over 44 000 South Africans die from tobacco related diseases; while many more become ill, either from using or from second hand smoke. It is the main cause of lung cancer, but also increases the risk of other cancers in the mouth, esophagus and internal organs. In addition to smoking, it is worth bearing in mind that other forms of tobacco use also carry a risk; these include hubbly bubblies, chewing and snuff.

Second only to smoking as the most preventable cause of cancer are inactivity and obesity, which account for approx 30% of cancers in the Western world.

Eat Wise – It is a sad fact, but the number of obese people in the world now outweighs those who are hungry and what makes it even more tragic, is all of them are starving. Aside from depleted soils, most of the world is eating nutrient deficient food that is processed, refined and filled with potentially harmful chemicals. To compound the problem, 5 out 10 South Africans do not have clean drinking water, putting them at risk of harmful viruses and microorganisms.

Variety is not only the spice of life, it is also vital for good health. It is important to eat a balanced, predominantly plant based diet; with at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day, as well as high fiber, unrefined wholegrains and lean meats. Rooibos tea is an excellent health drink, with research showing that four cups a day can help to prevent heart disease and cancer.

Danger foods to be aware of include transfats, foods covered in plasticizer cling wrap, milk and fried or oven baked potato and cereal products.

Get Active
Scientists estimate that as many as 30% of cancers of the colon, breast and kidneys can be attributed to obesity and a lack of physical activity. With today’s sedentary lifestyle, it is vital to get at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise 3 to 5 times a week. If the gym is not your thing, you could always:


• Take the stairs whenever possible
• Park further from the shop entrance and enjoy the walk
• Take time out to play with the kids and the dog in the garden

One of the most enjoyable ways to exercise is rebounding. It is not only convenient and time effective, but also a safe way to strengthen every cell in the body, whilst also optimising blood and lymph circulation.

Einstein said: ‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results’. To get better informed so that you can make smarter choices, visit www.cansa.org.za.


One Step at a Time
- Article by Keith McFarlane for CITI HEALTH

It’s a new year, a new decade and the world is descending on us for the party of a lifetime. Things are moving so fast, it’s hard to remember a time when we weren’t dizzy with 2010 fever.

With all of the changes happening around us, it’s a great time to take stock and focus on a few necessary changes that can improve our own health and wellbeing. After all it’s not everyday the world comes to visit and let’s face it; we’re going to need all the energy we can get to sound a vuvuzela for 90 minutes!

Resolutions
Of all the resolutions proposed every year, the most common usually involve health; whether that means getting fitter, losing a few kilos or quitting smoking and drinking. Two other popular choices that indirectly relate to health are spending more time with family and friends and enjoying life more.

For most people however, setting resolutions has become more of a tradition, than a serious decision for change. More often than not, it is an automated response to a new year that is quickly forgotten, once the humdrum routine of everyday life returns.

But hey, this is 2010, it’s not just another year, the spotlight is on us!

It wasn’t that long ago that some seriously doubted our ability to host the World Cup; but we kept our heads down, our eyes on the ball and now we’re warming up and waiting for the whistle.

When it comes to resolutions, it’s much the same; take it one step at a time and keep your focus on the goal.

Step by Step
There are a number of elements necessary for successful change and these include:

• Be very clear about the change you want to make
• Formulate a plan (keep it simple, it will unfold)
• Follow through with your plan, one step at a time
• Monitor your progress and be willing to change
• And most importantly, look forward to the new you

The Goal
What is it that you resolve to do? Losing weight is a goal, but it is more effective to be specific; how much weight, where do you want to lose it and why. Perhaps you want to tone up a particular area or fit into a certain outfit, maybe you want to walk up a flight of steps without getting breathless or boost your self esteem. Be as clear as you can and remember you may want to divide your goals into short, medium and long term objectives. It is advisable to set one goal at a time as this will keep you focused and more likely to succeed. Once you have achieved your goal, you can start the next.

The Plan
It is a good idea to sit down and write down a plan of action. Change should not be daunting, it is a natural part of life; have fun, be creative and most importantly, be open and willing to change. Nothing is carved in stone; just make sure that you are heading towards your goal. Once you have a plan, it is time for action.

Taking Action
Your first step is the most important. As grand as your goal may be, it is vital that you do not let your ambitions overwhelm you. Everything of substance began with one small step, don’t hesitate, just do it and be consistent. Five minutes of effort every day is more effective than a sporadic hour every now and then. It is the consistency that creates the habit and ultimately the new you.

Goal Tracking
The whole point of goals is to create a happier, healthier you. Take time out every now and then to savor the fruits of you labour. Pay attention to any change in energy, mood and sleep patterns; you may find that your clothes fit differently, others are noticing the new you. In addition, read your goals daily to ensure you keep your mind focused amidst the many and varied distractions of every day living. If necessary, redefine your goals and then take another step.

The New You
Change is inevitable; however it doesn’t have to be scary. Having goals puts you in the driving seat and allows you to look forward to the changes that are coming. Use all of your senses and really experience the new you – use your mind to see it, feel it, live it and be it. Feel the excitement and it won’t be long before it is a reality.

Laduma!


 

 
Email: HealSA
PO Box 213 - Glenvista - 2058 - Gauteng - South Africa