|
|
||
|
| Health Map | The Mega-Fitness System | Mentoring | Vegetarianism | Cosmetics | More... | |
|
|
| Welcome to the Health Resource
Group. The Health Resource Group is committed to providing
access to timely and progressive health resources
which can help maintain
and improve personal health and wellness. Our
'Mega-Fitness' system has proven to be very effective. Note: Please consult with your physician or health practitioner before making any significant changes to your exercise, diet, or lifestyle. |
|
Health Map [ Top | Health Map ]
Maintaining and improving our wellness involves various
interdependent areas of life.
Click on one of the areas shown below to find out more.
The Mega-Fitness System [ Top | Health Map ]
| The Mega-Fitness System is a program designed to achieve maximum health and wellness through physical training and optimum nutrition strategies. This system requires discipline, persistence, and self control. The nutritional portion of this program utilizes "Super Foods" which contain various "power nutrients." This program can build stamina, strengthen the body's immune system, and avert disease through preventative health and wellness. |
"I lost 60 pounds using the Mega-Fitness system. I went from 285 pounds to 225 pounds. I feel great, and I'm still loosing weight. Now I have the energy to do what matters most to me. Thank You!" - Another Satisfied Mega-Fitness Graduate |
Clean Air [ Top | Health Map ]
Breathing and awareness about the air we breath has been an essential element of many wellness traditions, such as Yoga, for thousands of years. In addition to conscientious breathing, it is important to have clean air. Walking and exercising outdoors whenever possible is one way to get more fresh air. If you live in a large city with smog, you may want to consider purchasing a high quality HEPA air purification system with ionization for your work place and home so that the air you breath throughout most of the week is contaminant free.
Clean Water [ Top | Health Map ]
Our bodies are mostly water. Drinking plenty of clean water every day helps hydrate your body which can increase metabolism, reduce back pain, and help detoxify your body. Make an effort to have clean filtered water at home and work. Let water be the first thing you reach for when you are thirsty rather than juice, milk, or carbonated beverages.
Healthful Nutrition [ Top | Health Map ]
Proper nutrition is an important part of achieving optimal health. Here are some considerations.
 | Super Foods. There are various super foods that contain power nutrients. You should try to make these foods a part of your regular diet. Here is a partial list: apples, bananas, Ezekiel 4:9 bread, broccoli, carrots, fish, grapes, lima beans, oranges, soy milk, spinach, wheat germ, yams (sweet potato). |
| A New Food Pyramid. The 'food pyramid' view of eating simply describes how some foods (like grains, vegetables, and fruits) should be eaten in greater quantity than others (like butter). However, the 'food pyramid' approach ignores the importance of eating raw foods. A serving of canned peas or French fries would be considered the same as raw spinach for meeting the vegetable requirement. Consider redefining the food pyramid so that raw and unprocessed foods are consumed in greater quantities (vegetables, fruit, nuts). Let prepared foods (such as a salad or fresh vegetable sandwich) be the next foundation of your food pyramid. Finally, at the top, in smaller quantities, you might want to have processed or baked foods such as pizza or casseroles. If you don't take this approach to eating, you will very likely end up not getting enough fresh foods in your diet. |
| Increase the Good Stuff. Try to pursue and increase the healthy foods in your diet. Don't waste time and money on foods that are low in nutritional value. Do not shop based on price comparison, but rather on nutritional comparison. It isn't price per pound that counts, but consider "price per" protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other essential nutrients. |
| Avoid the Bad Stuff. Toxic foods will counteract the potential benefits of your nutrition and exercise efforts. Limit or avoid: MSG, refined sugar, red meat, other meats, fast food, salt, fat, oils, candy, chocolate, coffee, cigarettes, caffeine, high calories, NutraSweet, etc. For more on vegetarianism, click here. |
| 7-Day Nutritional Cycle. The practitioner of the Mega Fitness system observes a 7-day nutritional cycle in which over 200 essential nutritional elements are consumed. Here is a partial list: Algae (Hawaiian Blue Green Algae), Bark Extract (Pycnogenol / Pine Bark Extract), Bee Pollen, Bread (Ezekiel 4:9 Bread containing organic sprouted barley, corn, lentils, millet, oats, rice, rye, soybeans, spelt, and wheat), Co-Enzymes, Digestive Aids & Detoxifiers (Amylase, Betaine HCL, Bromelain, Cellulase, L-Carnitine, L-Glutathione, Lipase, Milk Thistle Extract, Papain, Protease), Fruit - Fresh (apples, bananas, oranges, and other fresh fruits), Fruit - Dried (dates, pineapple, raisins, and other dried fruits), Grasses (Barley Grass, Wheat Grass, and other grasses), Greens, Cruciferous, & Other Vegetable Supplementation (Alfalfa Leaf, Alfalfa Sprouts, Artichoke, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Collards, Garlic, Kale, Peas, Shattered Wall Chlorella, Spinach, and Spirulina), Herbs and Flower Extracts (Angelica Root, Bioperine, Buplerium, Cayenne, Elder, Horehound, Hyssop, Lemon Balm, Linden Flowers, Milk Thistle, Parsley, Peppermint, Gotu Kola, Rosemary, Sage, Suma, Thyme, Watercress, and Wild Thyme), Juices (juice blend derived from Beets, Carrots, Celery, Lettuce, Parsley, Spinach, Tomatoes, and Watercress), Leaf Extracts (Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Green Tea Leaf), Minerals (more than 70 known essential minerals), Mushrooms (Mitake, Shiitake, and other mushrooms), Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts, walnuts, and other nuts), Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids (From Flaxseed Oil and other sources), Grains (see bread above), Roots (American Ginseng, Astragalus, Burdock, Dandelion, Codonopsis, Chinese Astragalus, Echinacea, Fo Ti, Ginger, Goldenseal, Licorice, and Siberian Ginseng), Royal Jelly, Seeds (grape seed, pumpkin seed, and other seeds), Vegetables - Fresh (a variety of green, yellow, red, orange, brown, and leafy vegetables), Vitamins (all known vitamins), Yogi Green Tea (Containing: Alfalfa Leaf, Burdock Root, Dandelion Root, Emblic Fruit Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Irish Moss Plant, Jasmine Green Tea Leaf, Lemon Grass, Licorice Root, Organic Green Tea Leaf). |
Nutritional Supplements [ Top | Health Map ]
Unfortunately, our foods are not as rich in vitamins and minerals as they once were. As a result, your body may have deficiencies or special needs that can be met through nutritional supplementation. Consider the following products:
| Source of Life Vitamin, Mineral, Protein Energy Shake with Whole Food Concentrates from Nature's Plus. |
| Earth Source Multi-Nutrient Tablets from Solgar. |
| Super Anti-Oxidant Anti-Aging Green Yogi Tea from the people at Yogi Tea. |
| Ultra Power Nutrient from Changes International. |
| UltraLean Gluco-Balance Bar (40-30-30 optimal nutrition) from Biogenesis Neutraceuticals. |
Sleep [ Top | Health Map ]
Sleep is essential for mental and physical wellbeing. Proper sleep can help increase metabolism and speed recovery from injury and illness. There are numerous sleep systems available such as air mattresses, conventional mattresses, water mattresses, and futons. Discover which sleep surface best meets your needs. Eye pillows and ear plugs can help you fall asleep faster if you are sensitive to noise and light. Getting regular aerobic exercise can help improve your sleep. Staying healthy can ensure that you breath fully and properly during your sleep.
Skin Care [ Top | Health Map ]
Your skin will be healthier through proper nutrition, hydration, exercise, and rest. Natural skin care products, such as colloidal oatmeal lotion from Nature's Gate, can help your skin stay healthy, hydrated, smooth, and supple. For more information about cosmetics, click here.
Dental Care [ Top | Health Map ]
A simple tooth infection or infection of the gums can introduce illness into your entire body and lead to a depleted immune system. Consider using a natural toothpaste, such as natural toothpaste from Tom's of Maine, and dental floss with natural oils and/or wax, such as tea tree oil dental floss from Dessert Essence or natural floss from Tom's of Maine.
Hair Care [ Top | Health Map ]
Your hair will be healthier through proper nutrition, hydration, exercise, and rest. Consider using natural hair care such as the Herbal Shampoo and Herbal Conditioner from Nature's Gate. Harsh treatments such as colorizing, straightening, hair dryers, and similar 'beauty' treatments take away beauty and health from hair. For more about cosmetics and the 'beauty' industry, click here.
Foot Care [ Top | Health Map ]
Proper foot care has been emphasized in cultures around the world since the beginning of time. Traditional approaches to healing and wellness such as foot massage have a well established and ancient following. Natural skin care products, such as colloidal oatmeal lotion from Nature's Gate, can help your feet stay healthy, hydrated, smooth, and supple.
Hygiene [ Top | Health Map ]
The simple act of washing your hands regularly can help reduce your exposure to numerous diseases. There are some excellent natural products available for hygiene, such as antiseptic liquid soap from Nature's Gate. For an effective natural deodorant, consider using natural deodorant from Tom's of Maine.
Balanced Living [ Top | Health Map ]
An important part of good health is having a vibrant and balance life. By daily striving to improve every area of life, stress is reduced and well being is increased. Relaxation techniques such as a hot bath, hot shower, massage, or relaxing music can help increase wellbeing. See the Resources for Life map for more information and inspiration. [click here]
Aerobic Training [ Top | Health Map ]
| Aerobic exercise and fitness is essential
for enhanced oxygenation to the brain, emotional wellbeing, digestive
health, and an active metabolism. For a good aerobics workout, we recommend a quality treadmill ($400 - $700) or elliptical system from ProForm. Begin with 12 minutes per day and work up to 30-40 minutes per day. Or walk outdoors ($0). We recommend a brisk walk. Using weights which are comfortable to swing behind you and lift to your chest can be a way to build extra strength and help maintain your pulse in your "target zone." Do not begin an aerobic exercise program until you fully understand the "target zone" concept of pulse monitoring. If you cannot afford a treadmill, commit to walking 30-40 minutes non-stop every day. |
|
Strength Training [ Top | Health Map ]
The strength training component of the Mega-Fitness system involves several considerations. Here is a brief list.
| Exercising at Home. It is sometimes more convenient, efficient, and cost effective to purchase exercise equipment for your own "home gym" than to pay membership fees to a fitness club. We recommend a quality weight machine (about $1000). Or less expensive weights and equipment ($50). Your lower body workout will be achieved through walking, so your strength training can focus more on upper body exercises. If you cannot afford a weight machine, purchase "free weights" (dumbbells) or find other objects to lift. Isometric exercises are also good and cost nothing. |
| Fitness Clubs. A benefit to joining a fitness club is that you will have access to a wider variety of equipment than you would normally be able to have at home. You can avoid the time and expense of maintaining your own equipment. It is inspiring to workout with other people who are motivated to be physically fit. |
| Exercise in the Morning. Take time early before the pressures of the day leave no time for exercise. A good workout and shower in the morning will refresh and invigorate you for the whole day. |
| Make Time for Exercise. The time and money you invest in fitness will help you gain stamina for more energetic and productive hours every week. |
Healthy Home [ Top | Health Map ]
The average home contains more chemicals and toxins than anywhere else in society. This is why it is important to make a conscientious decision to use natural and safe products for cleaning.
About Mentoring [ Top | Health Map ]
| Having a health and wellness mentor or
coach is a great way to find the encouragement and motivation you need to
continue with a sustainable wellness program. It doesn't matter whether you choose a medicine doctor or a doctor of medicine. The important thing is to find someone who inspires you and also shares your views about wellness. |
Medicine Doctor, or Doctor of
Medicine? |
About Vegetarianism [ Top | Health Map ]
We recommend that you avoid eating dead animal parts. The human body was not originally designed to consume animals (see Genesis 1:29). They contain blood and fat, and are frequently contaminated with carcinogens, drugs, antibiotics, and growth hormones. For more information, purchase or borrow (from our library) the video 'Diet for a New America.' Here is a glossary of terms to help you identify and avoid dead animal parts:
| Meat. A generic term referring to various kinds of dead animal parts and flesh. |
| Beef. Dead cow's meat. |
| Veal. Dead cow's meat. |
| Hamburger. Ground up pieces of dead cows. |
| Steak. A chunk of cow's flesh. |
| Ham. Dead pig's meat. |
| Pork. Dead pig's meat. |
| Bacon. Dead pig's meat. |
| Hot Dogs. Dead pig's meat and/or a blend of various other animal parts. |
| Venison. Dead deer's meat. |
| Spam. A blend of various animal parts. |
| Jerky. A blend of various animal parts ground up and dried into a stick. |
| Testimonial: "I stopped eating dead animals and had so much extra energy that I road a bike across the entire state of Iowa in 7 days!" (Your results may vary.) |
Cosmetics
The psychology and politics of putting on a false face... [
Top | Health Map ]
(Guest Commentary)
Makeup and cosmetics are frequently used by professionals in theatre and broadcast media. Those who identify with the 'Goth' movement use dark makeup for dramatic effect and self expression. For some people, makeup is just about having fun or wanting to look a little more rested and red in the cheeks. That's all fine. For most people, their interest in makeup is superficial - only skin deep.
However, the corporations fueling the multi-million dollar cosmetics and beauty industry have a different agenda. Like the tobacco industry, they want to go a little deeper into your psyche to establish habit equity and product dependency on a psychological and physiological level.
The main message being promulgated by the 'beauty' industry is that you are not beautiful without their product or service. The beauty industry steals your sense of what beauty is, then they damage your body in the very areas you are concerned about, then you become hooked on their products to cover up and compensate for the damage that they've done. Such is the case with many forms of makeup. Use of some kinds of makeup can cause skin problems, which lead to more use of makeup. Use of some skin 'moisturizers' can actually dry skin out to promote more use. Use of tobacco products and alcohol is advertised as something that will make you attractive, yet their use causes premature aging, skin problems, illness, and death. This is all part of a well-documented global multi-billion dollar corporate misinformation campaign targeted toward disempowering and oppressing women. Despite this global attack against women, women continue, on the average, to make healthy decisions and live balanced lives which results in their ability to live healthier, longer, more productive lives than men.
Perhaps the most damaging aspect of the 'beauty' industry is the psychology behind cosmetics usage which encourages people not to be themselves but to pay for a different persona and image that you never quite own, but only 'rent' over time as long as you use the products. Men in our society begin to demand a 'beauty' that doesn't exist in nature, but only exists when women pay the price to create this false superficial sense of beauty. So, the beauty industry creates a false product demand where one didn't exist before.
Additionally, cosmetics (as the word implies) encourages a cover up, rather than getting to the root cause of problems and subsequent solutions with skin care, hair care, and health/beauty issues. This mentality of covering up problems can expand into other areas of life. For example, women are not a minority in our society, yet they are still represented by a stark minority in our supposedly 'democratic' governments. Should this issue just be covered up with a little 'makeup' or should it be challenged and changed? The cosmetics industry is about breaking down people's sense of who they are and what their rights are. The message is, "You can't change who you really are or what rights you have, so you might as well just put on some makeup and accept your lot in life." The most familiar image of this psychology is the persona of the circus clown with a face painted to be happy when inside the person may be crying. Today's problems and issues (whether personal or social) are not superficial and therefore solutions cannot be superficial either. In reality, women need to become empowered and strengthened in every area of life to 'fight the powers that be' and take back a world that has been hijacked by an elitist group of irresponsible men who are drunk or asleep at the wheel leading the planet to war, social unrest, materialism, and complete environmental-ecosystem exploitation and collapse. At its core, the fashion industry and beauty industry are tools of a male dominated society to disempower women by encouraging them to spend their hard earned time and money on a false sense of beauty rather than spending time on building, strengthening, and beautifying their lives from the inside out. Most women aren't deceived and manipulated by this trickery. They prefer to spend their time and money with health foods, exercising at the gym, and furthering their personal life and professional career in a way that empowers them to have more control over their life and destiny and take ownership of their beauty rather than pay for it on an 'rent-to-own' basis through a never-ending cycle of false-promise products. Some people believe this is why women outlive men. Women have the power to take ownership of and control over their beauty by living a healthy live which internalizes and creates lasting beauty. This approach to life is one that will also produce positive and long-lasting changes in our society and in the world.
Here is an interesting article about the cosmetic industry:
Maybelline Models Discovered to Be "Born With It"
KILLDEER, NORTH DAKOTA-After a comprehensive scientific study, researchers at East Dakota University have arrived at a definitive answer to the eternal question posed by the Maybelline cosmetic company, "Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's Maybelline"She's born with it.
While this does not discredit the quality nor the value of Maybelline cosmetic products, it does end the mystery created by the alliterative jingle included in countless commercials featuring such ridiculously attractive models as Sarah Michelle Geller, Tyra Banks and Christie Turlington.
"Our tests show that Maybelline products, though they may smooth a woman's complexion or accentuate her best features, rarely give her high, delicate cheekbones, perky yet supple breasts, or cause her to look 20-60 pounds lighter," said Henry Foster, head of Cosmetology at East Dakota University. "They also fail to give most women multi-million dollar modeling contracts or thousands of drooling male fans-with the exception of Maybelline Cool Effect Cream Eye-Shadow. That's some good stuff."
Maybelline representatives have responded to the study with skepticism. "The key word here is maybe," Craig Wilson, a company spokesman said on Monday. "So maybe Sarah or Tyra or Christie was born with the genetic code that defines their carefully sculpted features and statuesque bodies." After a long dramatic pause, he said suggestively, "But then again, maybe NOT!" Wilson then cocked his eyebrow in mock-mystery, and began winking his right eye continuously for nearly fifteen minutes.
More...
Other Wellness Tips [ Top | Health Map ]
In addition to nutrition and regular exercise mentioned above, optimal health involves many elements, concepts, and principles. Here is a brief list.
| Breathing. Controlled conscious breathing is essential. Learn the discipline of controlled breathing. Learn how to breath deeply and slowly during exercise and throughout the day. Practice relaxed, slow, and deep breathing. This will help oxygenate your entire body and enhance digestion as well as other body functions. | ||||||
| Sleep. Get 7-8 hours of sleep every night! Find out what your body prefers for rest and give your body the rest it desires and needs. | ||||||
| Prayer. Prayer has been scientifically documented in thousands of studies to enhance health and induce healing. | ||||||
| Faith and Spirituality. Scientific studies show that people involved in religious activities are more likely to live longer and suffer fewer illnesses. For more information on faith and spirituality, see the Faith Series of Resource Groups. [click here] | ||||||
| Home Environment. Further health benefits can be achieved by
maintaining a healthy home environment. We recommend the following:
| ||||||
| Read. Purchase books (your choice) which discuss aerobic and strength training. We suggest a book titled "The Ultimate Fit of Fat" by Covert Bailey. [more information] |
Healthy Links [ Top | Health Map ]
| Center for Science in the Public Interest - The Nutrition Action Healthletter |
| e-Diets - get your own wellness coach for about $7- $10 per month. |
|
Food Fit - healthy eating and living |
| Milk Sucks - by PETA |
| NotMilk.com |
| Public Citizen |
| TV-Turn Off Network |
Providers of Healthy Foods & Products [ Top | Health Map ]
Available in Local Stores
| Ceres Fruit Juices - 100% fruit juice from South Africa, most products are Kosher, available in some areas at Super Target, also available online through Protea Imports |
| Food for Life - organic sprouted breads |
|
Healthy Choice - healthy frozen meals |
|
Lean Cuisine - healthy frozen meals |
|
Nextra Protein - healthy protein snack |
|
Omni Nutraceuticals - Providers of the 151 Bar, and Dr. Linus Pauling vitamins. Products available through VitaCoast and other nutrition centers. |
|
Ricola - herbal cough drops |
|
Snyders of Hanover - Pretzels, Honey Mustard, Barbecue, Garlic, and other flavors |
|
Tempur-Pedic - mattresses, chairs, pillows, and other products |
|
White Wave - soy beverages and other health products. |
Available on the Internet
|
The Better Back Store (same as The Healthy Back Store) |
|
The Healthy Back Store (same as The Better Back Store) |
|
Available Through Direct Marketing
| Advocare - health products |
| Amway - products and services from thousands of vendors |
| Changes International - nutrition, a Twin Labs Company, excellent source of liquid mineral drinks |
| Melaleuca - nutrition, dental, home care, internet service, Kosher products |
| Quixtar - products and services from thousands of vendors, online shopping |
| Shaklee - products for healthy living |
| Watkins - products for healthy living |
Thank You [ Top | Health Map ]
Thank you for visiting the Health Resource Group. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions. [Feedback]
This page complies with Planning & Development Standards - Revision 20010209fr1010
Please use the QuickLinks� below to jump to another location. [Index | Top of Page]
