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 in helping people on their journey to better health. Remember, you should always consult with your physician or holistic 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 ]

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. Controlled conscientious 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. It is important to exercise and engage in deep breathing in an environment with clean air. Walking and exercising outdoors whenever possible is one way to get more fresh air. We're more likely to intentionally breath deeply when exercising. 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, optimize mental clarity, 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. Rather than adopting a diet that restricts what you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat, consider changing your food preferences so that the quantity and frequency of eating don't matter. Raw fresh or dried vegetables can be a delicious and filling snack, yet they are low in calories and high in nutritional benefits. If the bulk of your diet is vegetables and other healthful raw foods, you won't need to worry about how often you eat or how much you eat.

Here are some considerations regarding healthful nutrition:

• Super Foods. There are various super foods that contain power nutrients. These super foods include a variety of seeds, grasses, nuts, grains, herbs, leaves, stems, roots, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. 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.
• 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), Coenzymes, 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).
• Combined Superfoods and Blended Power Nutrients are an excellent way to consume numerous health enriching products. Various companies offer such products. Here are a few examples:
  • Pulse (product available from The Brain Garden). A delicious combination of 24 raw foods offered in a variety of flavors such as orange, blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, banana, cranberry, and carob. Included in the blend are ingredients such as: dates, oats, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, prunes, almonds, cashews, figs, barley four, millet, whole groat buckwheat, gluten free brown rice, flax seed, yellow corn grits, beet root powder, grape seed oil, walnut oil, amaranth, and quinoa.
  • Dynamic Plus Probiotic Superfood (product available from The Brain Garden). A cleansing greens combination that can be eaten in powder form. Contains: Spirulina, Soy Beans, Alfalfa Grass, Barley Grass, Wheat Grass, Malt, Molasses, Sweet Potato, Barley, Brown Rice, Maize, Millet, Mung Beans, Oats, Rye, Wheat, Whole Flax Seed, and Jerusalem Artichoke. Also contains healthy bacteria and effective digestive aids.
  • SuperGreens (product available from Inner Light). An excellent base for cool refreshing natural "green tea" flavored drink. Contains: Kamut Grass, Barley Grass, Lemon Grass, Shavegrass, Wheat Grass, Alfalfa Leaf, Dandelion Leaf, Billberry Leaf, Black Walnut Leaf, Blackberry Leaf, Plantain Leaf, Red Raspberry Leaf, Blueberry Leaf, Boldo Leaf, Goldenseal Leaf, Papaya Leaf, Strawberry Leaf, Lecithin, White Willow Leaf, Slippery Elm Bark, Marshmallow Root, Pau d'Arco, Cornsilk, Rosemary, Betatene, Rose Hip, Echinacea Purp Tops, Dog Grass, Meadowsweet, Aloe Whole Leaf Conc., Oat Grass, Soy Sprouts Con., Kale, Spinach, Okra, Cabbage, Celery, Parsley Leaf, Broccoli, Watercress, Alfalfa Juice Conc., Tumuric, Tomato, Peppermint Leaf, Spearmint Leaf, Wintergreen Leaf, Sage, Thyme, Rosemary Leaf, RPM.
• 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.
• Avoid Minimal Variety Food Fads. Some diet fads suggest that you eat only one kind of food. Limited variety will cause you to lose interest quickly. Also, eating the same foods repeatedly could result in a type of repetitive stress syndrome to the TMJ (the joint in your jaw). Click here for more information about Repetitive Stress Syndrome. (20030830sa0655)
• Food for Life. It's hard to imagine there would be such a thing as a food that isn't 'for Life.' Yet, it's true. Some foods just don't promote life, they erode life. Make a conscientious effort to choose foods that create, promote, sustain, and defend life. Some of the companies that offer food for life are:
  • Food for Life at www.ffl.org is the name of an organization (affiliated with the Hare Krishna movement) that provides healthful vegetarian food to hungry and starving people around the world.
  • Food for Life Baking Company, Inc. at www.foodforlife.com has a wonderful line of breads that are food for life.
  • Food for Life at www.myfoodforlife.com is an organization that offers home delivery of gourmet diet foods for about $25 a day.
  • The Brain Garden at www.thebraingarden.com has a line of super food combinations they call Food for Life.
  • Food for Life is also a new book about healthful foods. Click here for details. (Click on the cover of the book to read 42 pages online).

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 Greens and More from Solgar.
• Earth Source Multi-Nutrient Tablets from Solgar.
• Super Antioxidant Anti-Aging Green Yogi Tea from the people at Yogi Tea.

Sleep [ Top | Health Map ]

Sleep is essential for mental and physical well-being. 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. Click here to read about the Mobile Hermitage sleep system. 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. Noise elimination headphones are also a good way to alter your acoustic setting. 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. Consider wearing only running shoes on a daily basis to provide support and cushion that reduces impact. Choose shoes that are slightly larger than your foot. The New Balance brand offers extra wide sizes. As shoes wear out, buy a new pair that will be your running shoes and use the old pair for office work, walking, and daily use.

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, a walk in nature, a massage, or relaxing music can help increase well-being. Having a spiritual life that includes prayer and worship with songs and music has been proven to enhance wellness. 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 well-being, digestive health, and an active metabolism. For a good aerobics workout, we suggest a quality treadmill ($400 - $700) or elliptical system from ProForm. Or walk outdoors ($0). Begin with 12 minutes per day and work up to 30-40 minutes per day (or whatever is comfortable for you). Proper stretching before and after your workout are essential in avoiding injury. 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.

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. Consider taking time early in the day to exercise 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. Whenever possible, use water rather than toxic chemicals to clean surfaces. Consider purchasing an air cleaning system (about $150) with hospital-grade HEPA filtration to eliminate spores, dust, pollen, etc. If you get one of these, perhaps have it in the room where you sleep. Consider another for the room where you spend the most time. Consider purchasing a high grade bagless vacuum with HEPA filter such as the Fantom 12 Amp vacuum (about $300). This will help reduce airborne contaminants.

Resources for Life
Postal: P.O. Box 2717, Iowa City, IA 52244-2717 USA
E-Mail: mailbox @ resourcesforlife.com
Internet: www.resourcesforlife.com
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