Sedentary Life Has Many Hazards

sedentary life styleYour Best New Year’s Resolution is to Go For a Walk

The World Health Organization estimates that 3.2 million people worldwide die prematurely each year due to a sedentary lifestyle.  In contrast, an active lifestyle improves one′s general health and decreases the risk of chronic diseases.

Sitting long hours in many typical work scenarios increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic health risks. This sedentary time may have musculoskeletal and/or cognitive impacts on office workers. Sitting (with a relatively low energy expenditure) has the potential to result in a decline of cognitive function over time.  It is known that exercise improves cognitive function.[1. Olanrewaju O, Stockwell S, Stubbs B, Smith L. (2020). Sedentary behaviors, cognitive function, and possible mechanism in older adults: a systematic review. Aging Clin Exp Res. Jun;32(6):969-984.] Continue reading “Sedentary Life Has Many Hazards”

Mitochondria: Essential Powerhouse for Brain & Vision

Cellular organelles called mitochondria produce energy.

Why are mitochondria essential to your health and well-being?

Mitochondria are the energy batteries of our cells. They are tiny organelles within most cells of the body that provide respiration and energy. Low metabolism develops in the brain as we age and is noticeable in brain regions where mitochondrial structure has changed. [1. Hirai K, Aliev G, Nunomura A, Fujioka H, Russell RL, et al. (2001). Mitochondrial abnormalities in Alzheimer’s disease. J Neuro-sci. May 1; 21(9):3017-23.] The mitochondria attempt to replace themselves whenever they are damaged and destroyed. However, mitochondrial biogenesis can be disrupted. Mitochondrial disease, oxidative stress and free radical damage, drinking alcohol, eating a poor diet, and heavy metals can harm the mitochondria. Research on links between mitochondrial dysfunction and Alzheimer’s Disease are underway. The good news is that lifestyle and natural supplements can support healthy mitochondria functioning. Continue reading “Mitochondria: Essential Powerhouse for Brain & Vision”

What is the Connection Between the Liver and the Eyes?

glycation causes ageing skinLiver, Chinese Medicine and Eye Health

You may have heard that the eyes are related to the liver.  But how can that be and what does that mean?  What are the practical implications?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners understand that the health of the body is intimately connected to the flow – or blockage – of energy.  TCM has identified specific ‘channels’ or pathways this flow of energy takes.  Each pathway is called a meridian, and each meridian links to pairs of yin-yang organs, for example the Liver being the Yin organ and its corresponding yang organ being the Gallbladder. The meridians function as a non-physical network mapped out throughout the entire body, with some of the meridians running through and connected to specific organs such as the Liver, Lung, Spleen, Heart, and Kidney. Continue reading “What is the Connection Between the Liver and the Eyes?”

Exercise and Immunity

Exercise, a Key Element to Robust Immune System

Researchers have repeatedly found that regular exercise improves health and immunity. They see reduced risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive problems, vision conditions, weight management issues, hormonal imbalances, and those who get regular moderate exercise have stronger immune system. Depending on our personal likes and dislikes, this exercise can be moderate or intense, but regular modest exercise has been shown again and again to have a beneficial effect on the immune system. Continue reading “Exercise and Immunity”

How to Fight Viruses During Flu Season

SARS-CoV-2_49531042877During flu season, what are the best ways to avoid catching a virus?

The Centers for Disease Control tell us to wash our hands frequently and thoroughly. Wash for 20 seconds with soap and running water. Avoid touching your face, eyes , nose or mouth with unwashed hands. If your doctor recommends a flu shot, listen to their advice, particularly relevant for elders and people with immunity concerns

Eat a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables. Various nutrients in food help your immune system fight off pathogens. Continue reading “How to Fight Viruses During Flu Season”

Exercise & the Immune System

Exercise, a Key Element to Robust Immune System

walking in the parkResearchers have repeatedly found that regular exercise improves health and immunity.  They see reduced risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive problems, vision conditions, weight management issues, hormonal imbalances, and those who get regular moderate exercise have stronger immune system.  Depending on our personal likes and dislikes, this exercise can be moderate or intense, but regular modest exercise has been shown again and again to have a beneficial effect on the immune system. Continue reading “Exercise & the Immune System”

Marc Grossman’s 2020 Vision: Integrated Health and Natural Eye Care

Dr Marc Grossman's 2020 VisionThe world is changing. Our concepts of western medicine have shifted over the past 30 years. Today’s public wants a more comprehensive, integrated approach from health care providers.

Complementary, integrated health care is slowly replacing the idea of referring each symptom to a different specialist.

We need to look at the whole person, his or her dietary preferences, exercise regimen, and the types of relationships they are engaged in. Also, we need to examine the particular symptoms that created their condition in the first place. Continue reading “Marc Grossman’s 2020 Vision: Integrated Health and Natural Eye Care”

Biohacking the Eyes for Vision Health

biohackingBiohacking refers to hacking human biology. The term “hacking” implies rogue, off-road, off-label, do-it-yourself activities. It stems from computer terminology, referring to illicitly defeating security protocols. However, the term has evolved to mean solving problems by undermining the established methods.

Regarding vision health, we have identified three types of biohacks: Nutrition Biohacks (Nutrigenomics), Quantified Self Biohacking (personal tracking devices), and Grinders (cyborgs devices). Continue reading “Biohacking the Eyes for Vision Health”

Manage Glaucoma With More Than Decreasing Eye Pressure – Natural Approaches to Glaucoma Care

glaucomaGlaucoma is an eye disease typically associated with high intraocular pressure, but managing glaucoma is more than decreasing eye pressure. Some cases of glaucoma have normal or low intraocular pressure. Natural approaches to glaucoma care, in addition to standard ophthalmology, can help reduce vision loss. The purpose of treatment is to slow down the damage. What are the symptoms of glaucoma? What causes it? How is glaucoma detected? What is the prognosis? How can decreasing intraocular pressure help? And how can you try to reduce vision loss? Continue reading “Manage Glaucoma With More Than Decreasing Eye Pressure – Natural Approaches to Glaucoma Care”