wai lana yoga fan club

Having a Healthy Halloween

2009-10-30T04:30:00.000-07:00

With Halloween just around the corner, I'm happy to report that I am ready for a healthy halloween. I've prepared a lot of home baked goods, and even got some of Wai lana little yogi snacks for giveaways.

I read this interesting and useful article on Halloween Candy and how they can cause heart burn.

Halloween Candy Without the Heartburn

Have goodies without GERD

By Mara Betsch

Halloween is tricky for anyone watching her waistline, but for chronic heartburn sufferers, all those goodies can make for a miserable night. "When it's not treated, chronic heartburn can have serious consequences. The good news is that heartburn and GERD are things you can control," says Pat Baird, RD, and board member of the National Heartburn Alliance.

Certain foods trigger heartburn in some patients and not others, but Baird lists citrus products, fatty foods, chocolate, and peppermint as common heartburn triggers. Besides avoiding certain foods, scare heartburn away from your haunted house by leaving the spandex costume at home. Tight, constrictive clothing may cause GERD symptoms. And if a chocolate binge happens, Baird recommends avoiding lying down 2–3 hours after eating.

Here, she gives us tips to sort through the tricks and treats in the candy bowl.

Twenty-two pieces of this fat-free, colorful candy will cost you 140 calories. Though it’s high in sugar, Baird says it’s unlikely to cause heartburn symptoms.
Trick: Snickers

An excess of fat triggers GERD symptoms, so Baird recommends you stay away from chocolate, a known trigger of heartburn. Studies show eating it may release serotonin, which causes the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and allows acid to back up into the esophagus. Plus Snickers contains nuts, which add up to 3.7 grams of fat in a fun-size bar. And who stops at one?

Have a happy weekend everyone!

Top Weight Loss Secrets: How Women in the Army Lost the Baby Weight

2009-10-21T02:39:00.000-07:00

I drank a lot of juice (I got Wai Lana's favorite juice book as a gift), and that really helped me lose the weight I couldn't seem to shake off.

Top Weight Loss Secrets: How Women in the Army Lost the Baby Weight

Any woman who’s ever had a baby can relate to the not-so-joyous side of life after pregnancy: Your body’s changing, sleep is hard to get, and sometimes things between you and your man are strained. Caring for a whole new life can be overwhelming, and postpartum depression may set in. For women who are also soldiers in the Army, add a cold shoulder from your co-workers and boss, and the possibility of losing your job if you don’t drop the baby weight.

Ruby Murray, a master sergeant at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, came close to losing her job—because of 90 pounds of baby weight. Read how she lost the weight and started a no-fail weight-loss program to help her fellow Army women team up to trim down. View the slideshow.

Autumn foods

2009-10-18T03:50:00.000-07:00

Just as we change our clothes according to season, we should also change our diets or at least vary our diets according to the season. Now that it's getting colder, it's important to stay well. Eat more ginger. Wai Lana just posted this nice little message on her facebook:

Ginger for Winter Ills
Ginger is well known for its spicy bite in Asian cooking, but not everyone knows it's also an effective remedy for a number of ailments, including colds and flu. Ginger is a stimulant that helps increase agni, the internal fire that regulates the digestive and circulatory systems. Low agni causes blockage and constipation, allowing toxins to accumulate, which creates a breeding ground for disease. Ginger helps by increasing the agni, which, in turn, burns away toxins and waste matter, improves digestion, and paves the way to recovery. Ginger even helps eliminate harmful bacteria and parasites.

Ginger is especially good during cold and flu season. It helps clear the sinuses, relieves congestion headaches, and reduces fever. It's also an expectorant that expels mucus from the lungs and throat. The most effective way to take it for colds and flu is ginger tea. Here's a simple recipe:

2 cups water
¼ cup diced fresh ginger
2 tsp. honey

Boil the water, then add the ginger and simmer for about 20 minutes. Strain into a cup and add 2 teaspoons of honey (or to taste). If you like, you can add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pot to increase the stimulating, heating effect. Let me forewarn you now, though: This tea is fiery! Sip it—don't gulp it down.

Here's some good advice from health too:
Heat up the kitchen

The weather may be cooler, but your produce choices are heating up. These amazing seasonal foods are the perfect excuse to visit your local farmers' market during the day and heat up the kitchen on cool nights.

Apples

Sweet or tart, apples are satisfying eaten raw or baked into a delicious dish. Just be sure to eat the skin—it contains hearty-healthy flavonoids. Health benefits include:

* Full of antioxidants
* 4 grams of dietary fiber per serving

Harvest season: August–November

Of course, one of my favorite ways to heat up the kitchen in this season is to try one of Wai Lana yoga's many soup recipes. They are delightful. :)

H1N1 flu causes unusual damage to lungs: studies

2009-10-16T02:49:00.000-07:00

I've been very busy teaching for the past few days. It's been quite nice though. I thought this was a little alarming:

H1N1 flu causes unusual damage to lungs: studies

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The new pandemic H1N1 flu may cause blood clots and other unusual damage in the lungs and doctors need to be on the lookout, U.S. researchers reported on Thursday.

Two studies published in the American Journal of Roentgenology show the need to check X-rays and CT scans for unusual features, and also point out swine flu can be tricky to diagnose in some of the sickest patients.

H1N1 flu is causing a pandemic, and while it is not particularly deadly, it is sickening many younger adults and older children who usually escape the worst effects of seasonal flu.

"It is therefore essential that clinicians be able to recognize possible cases of pandemic H1N1 influenza in high-risk groups so that they order the appropriate diagnostic tests, begin specific antiviral therapy, and prepare to provide intensive supportive measures as needed," Dr. Daniel Mollura of the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Maryland and colleagues wrote.

One middle-aged man who died was not diagnosed until after death, but unusual findings on his X-rays may be able to help doctors save other, similar patients.

Mollura's team found irregularities called ground-glass opacities in the patient's lungs using a CT scan. Although the patient was severely ill and had a fever, he tested negative for flu and doctors did not treat him for it.

The man died five days after he went into the hospital and the autopsy confirmed he had swine flu. The lung lesions seen on his CT scan matched lung damage done by the virus, Mollura and colleagues said.

In another study in the same journal, CT scans of patients with severe cases of swine flu showed many had pulmonary emboli, which block the arteries in the lungs, a team at the University of Michigan found.

Anticoagulant drugs can break up these clots and save lives.

Dr. Prachi Agarwal and colleagues examined 66 patients diagnosed with H1N1, 14 of them who were in the intensive care unit. All 66 got standard X-rays, which can show if a patient has pneumonia.

They performed enhanced X-rays known as computed tomography or CT scans on 15 of the patients, 10 of them who were in the ICU on ventilators to help them breathe. Five of the ICU patients had the blood clots in the lungs, Agarwal reported

"Our study suggests that patients who are severely ill with H1N1 are also at risk for developing pulmonary emboli, which should be carefully sought for on contrast-enhanced CT scans," Agarwal said in a statement.

"The majority of patients undergoing chest X-rays with H1N1 have normal radiographs (X-rays)," she added. Pulmonary emboli are also not normally seen in flu, she said.

"CT scans proved valuable in identifying those patients at risk of developing more serious complications as a possible result of the H1N1 virus, and for identifying a greater extent of disease than is appreciated on chest radiographs."

(Reporting by Maggie Fox; Editing by Julie Steenhuysen and Cynthia Ostemran)

Now that winter is here, already! :( - I am keeping myself well doing Wai Lana Yoga and taking Wailana's natural supplements. Of course we're also washing our hands often and trying to keep as well as possible.

:) Happy warmth and wellness to everyone!

At more risk for getting swine flu?

2009-10-11T05:26:00.000-07:00

Well, according to Health news, if you worry too much, hug/kiss/shake hands, smoke (I knew that!), drinking alcohol, solely using anti-bacterial gel.. and etc.

So, I'm guilty of worrying too much, hugging/kissing others, shaking hands and the gel. Now what? Well Wai Lana supplements are on sale. I got myself some nerve toners and things that can calm me down (the kids will be happy), and the immune booster vitamins. That will be good for all of us all around.

On side note, I've been rather depressed of the late. Maybe just because of what's been happening at work and that kind of thing. I should be all right. I cheered up today a little after doing yoga with Wailana and especially after the fun yoga sound at the end of her shows.

Have a good weekend y'all!

Become aware of your environment

2009-10-08T01:11:00.000-07:00

It's great to do yoga outdoors for many reasons. I think that, for example, people like Wai Lana, who do yoga outdoors, are able to utilize nature's many gifts. However, in order to know about or even notice - and later on, appreciate nature's gifts, it is necessary to become aware of nature. It is unfortunate that too many people these days just grow up in cement boxes, completely oblivious to the breath taking beauty of nature and her wonders.

For many people, their biggest window to nature would probably be their television set, given they watch National Geographic or some other nature-documenting channel. But it really doesn't and shouldn't be that way.

Several years ago I read Richard Louv's "Last Child in the Woods". Being a teacher, I easily related the symptoms of the children and people he say have what he calls "the nature deficit disorder". That's another reason why Wai Lana's Little Yogis is excellent. It promotes a healthy consciousness which then promotes environmental awareness.

Staying healthy

2009-10-06T01:04:00.000-07:00

For any parent, keeping the whole family healthy is a big issue. Kids, and adults as well- we all have quite a time trying to keep off disease. Of course there are lots of ways and things we can do to stay healthy. In my house, what we do is we try to eat well. I've been trying out a lot of soups from Wai Lana's Favorite Soups. Now that autumn is here, it's great to have all these hearthy soups.

I also make sure everyone does exercise, and take supplements. My kids just love Wailana's goji juice. And I can definitely see why. It tastes great and feels equally good.

Good to celebrate national breast awareness month too! A friend of mine died of breast cancer two years ago. It's still fresh in our minds.

Great news for breast cancer

2009-10-02T01:51:00.000-07:00

I am relieved to hear that breast cancer rates are continuing to drop.
I'm really into these natural cosmetics and beauty products now because I don't want to take any chances and higher my risks of getting breast cancer. Another reason to use Wai Lana aromatherapy and beauty products. I love my Wailana bath oils too- my my. And the scrubs are fantastic too.

Breast Cancer Death Rates Continue to Drop 2% Annually
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 30 (HealthDay News) — Fewer women in the United States are dying from breast cancer, but disparities in death rates still exist between whites and blacks, a new report shows.

Deaths from breast cancer have dropped more than 2 percent each year since 1990. And in the past decade that decline in deaths has been shared by black, Hispanic and white women. But black women still have a 40 percent higher death rate from breast cancer than white women, according to the report, Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2009-2010, released Wednesday by the American Cancer Society.

“The breast cancer death rate continues to decrease since the 1990s in U.S. women because of improved treatments and increased mammography screening rates,” said Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, strategic director for cancer surveillance at the American Cancer Society.

The death rate from breast cancer peaked in 1989, Jemal said. “The most recent data from 2006 shows the breast cancer death rates have dropped nearly 30 percent,” he said. “That’s very good news.”

When this data is translated into the number of women with breast cancer who did not die, some 130,000 lives were saved, he noted.

Jemal said the decline in breast cancer deaths could be accelerated with more targeted treatment, more access to mammography, and more treatment for the poor and the uninsured.

Among uninsured women, only 30 percent had a mammogram during the past two years, compared with about 70 percent of insured women, he said.

All women should have regular screening for breast cancer, Jemal said. “If breast cancer is caught early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent, but if you catch it late the survival rate is only 24 percent,” he added.

Another way to lower the risk of death from breast cancer is to promote prevention, Jemal said. This includes maintaining a healthy body weight, keeping fit through exercise, and limiting alcohol consumption, he said.

Dr. Harold J. Burstein, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, said, “We are making real progress against breast cancer.”

“Sometimes there is a lot of nihilism. People worry that we are not winning the war on cancer,” he said. “In this particular battle, we are clearly winning. It is slow, hard progress, but we are winning.”

“We are not winning because we have a new secret weapon,” Burstein added. “We are winning because we have a better infrastructure, because we have educated patients and doctors, because we do have new tools becoming available, because we have new insights into the biology of the cancer — all those things are making a difference.”

Other highlights of the report include:

* In 2009, some 192,370 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, accounting for more than one in four cancers diagnosed.
* In 2009, an estimated 40,170 women will die from breast cancer; only lung cancer kills more women.
* Data from 2006 — the most recent statistics available — showed that about 2.5 million American women have a history of breast cancer. Most of these women were cancer-free. Others were still undergoing treatment.
* From 2002 to 2003, there was sharp decline in breast cancer rates, particularly for women aged 50 to 69. This reflects the drop in hormone replacement therapy by menopausal and postmenopausal women that began in 2002. Breast cancer rates have remained about the same since 2003.
* Since 1990, breast cancer death rates have dropped steadily. The decline has been greater among women under 50 (3.2 percent per year) than among women over 50 (2 percent per year).
* From 1997 to 2006, breast cancer deaths dropped by 1.9 percent a year among white and Hispanic women, 1.6 percent a year among black women, and 0.6 percent annually among Asian-American and Pacific Islander women. Death rates have stayed the same for American Indians and Alaska Natives.

State to mom: Stop baby-sitting neighbors' kids

2009-09-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

What about this silly law?

State to mom: Stop baby-sitting neighbors' kids
IRVING TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Each day before the school bus comes to pick up the neighborhood's children, Lisa Snyder did a favor for three of her fellow moms, welcoming their children into her home for about an hour before they left for school.

Regulators who oversee child care, however, don't see it as charity. Days after the start of the new school year, Snyder received a letter from the Michigan Department of Human Services warning her that if she continued, she'd be violating a law aimed at the operators of unlicensed day care centers.

"I was freaked out. I was blown away," she said. "I got on the phone immediately, called my husband, then I called all the girls" — that is, the mothers whose kids she watches — "every one of them."

Snyder's predicament has led to a debate in Michigan about whether a law that says no one may care for unrelated children in their home for more than four weeks each calendar year unless they are licensed day-care providers needs to be changed. It also has irked parents who say they depend on such friendly offers to help them balance work and family.

On Tuesday, agency Director Ismael Ahmed said good neighbors should be allowed to help each other ensure their children are safe. Gov. Jennifer Granholm instructed Ahmed to work with the state Legislature to change the law, he said.

"Being a good neighbor means helping your neighbors who are in need," Ahmed said in a written statement. "This could be as simple as providing a cup of sugar, monitoring their house while they're on vacation or making sure their children are safe while they wait for the school bus."

Snyder learned that the agency was responding to a neighbor's complaint.

Granholm spokeswoman Liz Boyd said the agency was following standard procedure in its response. "But we feel this (law) really gets in the way of common sense," Boyd said.

"We want to protect kids, but the law needs to be reasonable," she said. "When the governor learned of this, she acted quickly and called the director personally to ask him to intervene."

State Rep. Brian Calley, R-Portland, said he was working to draft legislation that would exempt situations like Snyder's from coverage under Michigan's current day care regulations.

The bill will make it clear that people who aren't in business as day care providers don't need to be licensed, Calley said.

"These are just kids that wait for the bus every morning," he said. "This is not a day care."

Snyder, 35, lives in a rural subdivision in Barry County's Irving Township about 25 miles southeast of Grand Rapids. Her tidy, comfortable three-bedroom home is a designated school bus stop. The three neighbor children she watched — plus Snyder's first-grader, Grace — attend school about six miles away in Middleville.

Snyder said she started watching the other children this school year to help her friends; they often baby-sit for each other during evenings and weekends.

After receiving the state agency's letter, she said she called the agency and tried to explain that she wasn't running a day care center or accepting money from her friends.

Under state law, no one may care for unrelated children in their home for more than four weeks each calendar year unless they are licensed day-care providers. Snyder said she stopped watching the other children immediately after receiving the letter, which was well within the four-week period.

"I've lived in this community for 35 years and everyone I know has done some form of this," said Francie Brummel, 42, who would drop off her second-grade son, Colson, before heading to her job as deputy treasurer of the nearby city of Hastings.

Other moms say they regularly deal with similar situations.

Amy Cowan, 34, of Grosse Pointe Farms, a Detroit suburb, said she often takes turns with her sister, neighbor and friend watching each other's children.

"The worst part of this whole thing, with the state of the economy ... two parents have to work," said Cowan, a corporate sales representative with a 5-year-old son and 11-month-old daughter. "When you throw in the fact that the state is getting involved, it gives women a hard time for going back to work.

"I applaud the lady who takes in her neighbors' kids while they're waiting for the bus. She's enabling her peers to go to work and get a paycheck. The state should be thankful for that."

Amy Maciaszek, 42, of McHenry, Ill., who works in direct sales, said she believes the state agency was "trying to be overprotective."

"I think it does take a village and that's the best way," said Maciaszek, who has a 6-year-old boy and twin 3-year-old daughters. "Unfortunately you do have to be careful about that. These mothers are trying to do the right thing."

I'm trying to get together funding for people and children affected by the disasters throughout the world now. My heart bleeds for them. I want to send out some of my big stash of Wai Lana yogi bars too, i'm sure these vitamins from Wailana will be welcome as well. I have some Red Cross friends flying over.

Heart burn

2009-09-28T03:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just experience bad heart burn.

I've been taking some of Wai Lana's digestive supplements to help this, and so far so good. I especially like the Wai Lana goji juice. It tastes fantastic.

I've been reading more about some heart burn causes too. Here are a couple of them:

Why am I in pain?

Heartburn is as American as apple pie—more than 60 million people experience it at least once a month. For some people—those with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD—heartburn can be a constant companion.

Some heartburn triggers are obvious: chili dogs, chocolate cake, Thanksgiving. But heartburn doesn’t stop and start with food alone. If you have constant heartburn, it's time to track down the real culprit.

Click through this slideshow to find some sneaky—and often overlooked—causes of heartburn.

Smoking

As if anyone needed another reason to quit: Smoking makes GERD worse.

Smoking can weaken the valve between the stomach and esophagus (so stomach acid flows back into the esophagus); cause fat-digesting bile salts to migrate from the small intestine to the stomach; and cut down on saliva, which normally flushes stomach acid out of the esophagus and contains a natural acid-fighter, bicarbonate.

How do you spell heartburn relief? Q-U-I-T. (If you need help, visit our smoking cessation center.)

25 foods to avoid

2009-09-25T23:24:00.000-07:00

I think this is a great article: 25 Foods You Shouldn't Eat. Very insightful! I've been keeping tabs of these healthy articles and teaching the kids how to eat healthy. It was a bit challenging in the beginning but now they are starting to get used to it.

They just love Wai Lana's Goji Juice. I don't blame them either! It's definitely one of the best tasting, healthy juices I've ever had.

Not much else happening here. It's been busy. Nobody is sick now, which is great. Flu season is never a fun thing to go through!

Stay happy and healthy everyone! Do your Wai Lana Yoga and eat your veggies :)

Wanted dead: Tobacco

2009-09-22T22:55:00.000-07:00

Tobacco remains one of the biggest killers worldwide. It's predicted that over 6 million will die of lung cancer next year. An aunt of mine was just diagnosed with lung cancer a few days ago- and she never even smoked herself, but her late husband did- and yes, he died of lung cancer. It's a tragic fact that so many people care so little for themselves and for their loved ones that they would light a cigarette without thinking twice.

I'm focusing on helping my aunt get through. We are waiting for more tests to see how far gone it is and what the options are. Lung cancer is a very painful- as you can imagine, and having seen her husband go through it was painful enough- and now this. Please pray for her.

I also have a friend who's been trying to kick the habit. I told her about Wai Lana yoga - and how yoga can help to kick the habit. She said it's helping her quite well now.

Getting sick

2009-09-20T01:19:00.001-07:00

I've been very tired these days. So much to do all the time. I feel like I've got a cold coming on. I'm loading on my Wai Lana supplements and juices.

This is pretty nice to know:

Breast-Feed Infant Son

by Tom Henderson (Subscribe to Tom Henderson's posts) Sep 15th 2009 5:00PM

Just six months ago, Robbie and Susan Goodrich of Marquette, Mich., were expecting their second child.

Now Robbie Goodrich is the single father of two young children as he mourns the death of his wife while some two dozen women visit his house in shifts to breast-feed his infant son.
Nursing Moses

Life turns on a dime, Goodrich realizes, but this crosses the border into surreal. "I've spent the past few months getting used to the fact that this is reality now," he said.

He certainly never expected to become famous. Yet his story has been written up in everything from his hometown newspaper, The Mining Journal, to the June 15 edition of People magazine. Reporters keep calling him for quotes. At least six television producers have approached him about starring in a reality show.

"It would be a really boring show," Goodrich said.

Besides, he said, there's no way he would be put his infant son, 2-year-old daughter, and 11-year-old stepdaughter through that media meat grinder. "It doesn't care who you are," Goodrich said in an interview with ParentDish. "You're just a commodity."

The idea of two dozen women taking turns breast-feeding a widower's baby is apparently a sensation.

But Goodrich said it all began in a blur. He and his wife were professors at Northern Michigan University. He taught history, and she taught modern languages and literature. Susan Goodrich died Jan. 11 from an amniotic fluid embolism after giving birth to their son, Charles Moses Martin Goodrich (called simply Moses).

No words can describe how he felt, Goodrich said. "It was pure blackness."

Both Goodrich and his wife were strong advocates of breast-feeding. Laura Janowski, a family friend who was already nursing her own 4-month-old daughter, asked if he would like her to breast-feed Moses as well. Almost instinctively, Goodrich said, he answered yes.

Marquette is a college town of about 20,000 on the shore of Lake Superior in what Goodrich said is not so much rural as "rugged." The community is close. Everyone knows everyone else -- or least knows someone who knows someone. Plus, as a professor, Goodrich has a high profile.

His story spread quickly. Susan Goodrich's best friend, Nicoletta Fraire, took charge of organizing the team. Now some 25 women drop by the house to either nurse Moses personally or provide pumped breast milk. They've become a community.

"They don't just drop by for five minutes and leave," Goodrich said. "These are loving, nurturing women. They're proud of what they're doing. They're proud of the community, and they're proud of their new micro-community."

Team member Carrie Fiocchi told the Savannah Morning News in Georgia on Aug. 17 she realizes Moses isn't her baby, but the bond is inescapable. "He definitely feels like family."

"I felt like I was doing this for Susan," team member Kyra Fillmore said in the same article. "It's really emotional because, while it's nice to hold a newborn, I think to myself, 'It shouldn't be me.'"

Although the women's love for his son touches him, Goodrich said it is bittersweet for him. "Every moment of joy has sorrow in it." He still grieves the loss of his wife, but tries to put on as brave a face as possible. "The crying goes on in private," he said.

He echoes Fillmore's feelings about the breast-feeding. "It's a reminder of the loss," he said. "They're doing something that Susan would do."

Goodrich said all the publicity makes him and the women in his newfound extended family a little uneasy -- especially him. "They're the ones doing something special."

It's good to know there are still a lot of people caring enough to do this!

Another great piece of news is, all of Wai Lana Yogi bars and Yoga DVDs are on 20% sale

Wanted: Mothers for the Congress

2009-09-17T04:32:00.000-07:00

I recently signed the Mom Congress. I encourage all concerned mothers to sign it too! It's a great opportunity to have your voice heard in the congress. This will affect our children. As parents, we are naturally concerned about our children and their well being.

This is one reason I make sure my kids are doing yoga with Wai Lana Little Yogis. I know they will be living their own lives and making their own decisions. I want them to be able to have everything they need to stay healthy, and be healthy. I trust that Wai Lana Yoga can do that for them, as it's done it for me. Of course I don't force the issue on them, and I am thankful that they actually enjoy doing their yoga and always ask to do it even on days I've forgotten to put the tapes on.

Happy living!

More sugar guidelines

2009-09-12T04:52:00.000-07:00

Here's some news on sugar guidelines. Yet another reason to switch to eating Wai Lana's Yogi Bars.

New Sugar Guidelines: Not-So-Sweet News for Your Heart

In a shocking surprise to most of us dietitians, the American Heart Association (AHA) stood up to the food industry earlier this month and essentially made eating and drinking a lot of items in the supermarket off-limits.

Why? Because sugar has just earned a spot on the AHA’s black list, joining saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium as negative nutrients that need to be limited for your heart’s sake.

The AHA’s new recommendations on added sugars in our diet are the strictest of any major health organizations’ guidelines. Added sugars, by the way, are sweeteners that are used primarily in processed packaged foods and beverages—think sodas, cereals, and desserts. Added sugars are not the same as natural sugars, which are naturally present in fruit, 100% fruit juices, dairy products, and vegetables.

The AHA recommends that added sugar intake be limited to 100 calories (25 grams, or 6 teaspoons) per day for women, and to 150 calories (about 37 grams, or 9 teaspoons) per day for men.

Why the change?
Most of us now eat about 355 calories (88 grams, or 22 teaspoons) of added sugars each day, which is almost a 20% increase over the past three decades. When you consider that a 12-ounce can of soda or one cup of frozen yogurt packs in 8 teaspoons of sugar, meeting the new restrictions will make many foods and beverages off-limits.

(ISTOCKPHOTO)The sour truth to all this sweet stuff in our diet, according to the AHA report, published in the journal Circulation, is that several studies have linked high amounts of sugar intake to insulin resistance, hypertension, high triglycerides, and type 2 diabetes. While most food manufacturers would argue otherwise, the bottom line is that sweets may taste great, but they don’t add positive nutrients to our diet. In a nation of overfed and undernourished individuals, sugary foods need to be limited.

The AHA’s conclusion: There is sufficient evidence to link excessive sugar intake to the pandemic of obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Tricks to limit added sugars
If you have a sweet tooth, you can probably make use of these tricks I use to limit added sugars and make sure I don’t blow my overall daily calorie budget.

Eat natural, whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, as added sugars are primarily in processed foods. This is especially true for snacks, as between-meal noshes are often sugar-laden.
Since added and natural sugars aren’t distinguished from one another on nutritional labeling, it’s not possible to calculate exactly how much you’re getting each day. But as a general rule of thumb, the more processed a food is, the higher percentage of its sugars are added—especially if it’s not a fruit or dairy product, which may contain a mix of both.
For a better idea of the added sugar content, look at the ingredient list on packaged foods. If any of these are among the first three ingredients, the food is sugar-rich: brown sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, sugar (dextrose, fructose, glucose, sucrose), high-fructose corn syrup, honey, invert sugar, malt sugar, molasses, raw sugar, syrup.
Choose foods labeled low-sugar, sugar-free, or sugar-reduced.
Pay particular attention to the foods and beverages listed below, as they are the most common sources of added sugars in the diet.
Major sources of added sugar in Americans’ diets

Regular soft drinks: 33% contribution to total added sugar intake
Straight sugar and candy: 16%
Cakes, cookies, pies: 13%
Fruit drinks and “-ades” (not 100% fruit juice): 10%
Dairy (watch out for sweetened yogurt and ice cream): 8.5%
Grain-based foods (watch out for cinnamon toast and sweetened cereals): 6%

Time to get healthy right? I'm getting more Wai Lana yoga and pilates

Staying on the safe side

2009-09-11T04:54:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to make everything safe here. Another family member of mine got diagnosed with cancer again. I'm just starting to get paranoid. I've been researching on different things that can cause cancer, including plastic. Yes, that's right- water bottles are important. But be sure you're buying the right type of metal water bottles.

I've changed all of our yoga mats to Wai Lana Green. No more MSG here at the house, not even the yummy chips. Thank god for Wai Lana Whole grain chips!!

I'm sure all the families out there who have a loved one with cancer also go through the same worries and concerns. What a toxic world we live in - and so unaware of it too!

Going green

2009-09-08T04:22:00.000-07:00

It's almost ironic sometimes, how I have these run ins with people who are either totally into going green, and who have all the green products you can think of- Wai Lana green mats, solar powered water heating systems, organic clothes, bamboo towels and what not.

Then there are those people who leave their AC on along with all the lights in their flats when they go off for a month long vacation or business travels. They eat wherever and whatever they please, and basically maintain a don't ask- don't care, don't want to know attitude towards the state of our environment.

Where to find the balance here? I think it's a matter of just educating people about the need for them to do their part, if they want to be able to continue living in a not so crazy-toxic world, and if they want their kids and grandkids to be able to play and romp in beautiful parks and etc. I gave one of the people I know one of Wai Lana's eco baskets, and because she liked it so much, she started asking about the green movement and is now trying to cut meat from her diet! I think that's a superb move to support the environment.

Happy living!

Autumn

2009-09-07T06:12:00.000-07:00

Autumns' nearly here now and I'm looking forward to it. I'm planning to try out all of Wai Lana favorite soup book recipes this fall and winter. I'm sure I'll have plenty to try yet, and will find a few favorites myself.

I was reading CNN's Autumn of Change page a while ago and it made me rather wistful.

It's wonderful Wai Lana has so many new products. I can't wait to try out the "Yoga is for everyone" instructional DVDs. I think it's a great idea and just what we all need.

Healthy snacks

2009-09-06T01:33:00.000-07:00

I've been into these healthy snacks recently. I just got myself some of Wailana's whole grain chips, - I got lemon chili and and my favorite flavor, BBQ.

I also got some pecan lara bars. I wish Wailana would make some pecan yogi bars.

It's great to have healthy snacks that don't feel or taste so healthy. :D

Back to school!

2009-09-04T05:15:00.000-07:00

It's been a tiring day for me. It's hard to get everyone ready for school. Have to buy so many things. I'm just glad I can rest tomorrow. Thank God for weekends! And labor day sales. I got an email today from Wai Lana about a 50% off discount on all Wai Lana Supplements until September 14th. I need no other prodding. I am deathly worried that my kids or friends might get the swine flu or any flu at that- over the next few months. I've been doing everything I can to prevent that from happening, so this is perfect timing.

Not to mention, I am really looking forward to trying this fat burner and the goji. I've been a huge fan of goji since I started learning more about that wonder berry!

Asthmatic? Stay away from these things..

2009-09-03T02:21:00.000-07:00

I've has asthma as long as I can remember. Mine is caused by allergies. Thankfully now that I've been doing neti with Wailana yoga and pilates mats pots it's basically gone away.

Here are some good things to avoid for your health's sake:

1. Fireworks
2. Cigarettes
3. Airbags
4. Flour
5. Gas applications
Gas appliances

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a byproduct released by gas appliances, has been linked to asthma symptoms in children.

A 2008 study followed 150 asthmatic children in Baltimore over a six-month period; it found that children who lived in homes with higher levels of NO2 had more frequent wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. (Most studies in adults have failed to find a similar effect.)

NO2 can aggravate asthma even in the relatively small amounts generated by gas stoves, heaters, and fireplaces. Properly venting appliances can help avoid unsafe NO2 levels, experts say.

6. Candles
7. Printers

Laser printers and photocopiers emit ultrafine particles that can exacerbate respiratory conditions. A 44-year-old secretary featured in the journal Allergy, for instance, experienced asthma and allergy symptoms for about 15 to 20 minutes each time she started to make photocopies.

Other types of printers have been known to cause respiratory symptoms as well.

In 2009, the New England Journal of Medicine published an account of a 62-year-old woman who began to cough and wheeze at work, where she sold lottery tickets in a small kiosk. Her doctors concluded that the ink used in the ticket printer was making her sick. When she stopped working in the kiosk, her symptoms disappeared.

8. Plastic

On a side, I just love Wai Lana Little Yogis Granola! I just got a box of it. :)

Wake up with yoga

2009-09-01T21:58:00.000-07:00

Some days I just feel like all the energy was sucked out of me - kind of like a deflated balloon. It's hard to pick myself up or get myself to do anything, but with all the things I constantly have to do, I have no choice but to drag myself through the day and do things.

If I didn't do Wailana Yoga, I doubt anyone would see me half as much!

Here's a little quickie which is excellent for boosting your energy. It works for me, I'm sure it'll work for anyone!

If you need an energy infusion, try Camel Pose with Wai Lana. It opens your chest so your lungs are able to take in more oxygen. Plus, the act of bending backward is believed to stimulate your adrenal glands, revving you up. Do this move a few times a week—or whenever you need a little lift.

How-to: Kneel on your shins so your calves are hip-width apart and parallel to each other. Place your hands on your lower back so that your palms rest on the tops of your buttocks, your fingers are pointing up, and your elbows are hugging in. Draw your belly in and tailbone down to stabilize your lower back. Lift your chest directly up and away from the floor, tilting your head back.

If you feel comfortable, reach back and take hold of one heel with each hand (as shown), pressing down to create further lift in your chest. Stop if you feel any pressure in your lower back. Hold for 5–15 breaths, then come up smoothly by firming your belly and returning your hands to the tops of your buttocks. Sit on your heels to rest; repeat the move up to 3 times.

Aromatherapy and yoga

2009-08-31T19:14:00.000-07:00

Aromatherapy and yoga are just awesome.

So how does aromatherapy correspond to yoga? Aroma evokes memory and emotion and the two are interwoven in our cell tissue. Essential oils influence the whole being. Yoga influences the whole being. It's really cool that Wai Lana has now come up with a new line, "Wailana Yogaroma" Each time you practice yoga, your body responds to the memory of the pose, hopefully in a positive and healing way. The memory of each pose is embedded or stored in the cell tissue. Each time you revisit your yoga mat and practice, your body remembers being in the pose and what it feels like to be in the pose. When a yoga pose is held for a longer period of time, it gives the body the opportunity to open, relax and release.

When practicing yoga, there are several options for incorporating the use of essential oils. Here are a few suggestions: Diffusers, scented lotions using pure essential oils, essential oil sprays, incense (make sure it’s of good quality), and candles made with pure essential oils, not synthetic.

Below is a grouping of yoga poses and suggested essential oils to use while practicing yoga. Each essential oil has its own therapeutic qualities and supports different parts of the body.

* Bridge/Backbends/Heart Openers: Rose absolute is a calming oil that when diffused will produce a stabilizing atmosphere during times of stress, anxiety or grief.
* Downward Facing Dog/ Inversions/Invigorating: Peppermint is an energizing oil that invigorates and can help boost your frame of mind, while giving you a burst of energy.
* Standing Forward Bend/ Forward Bends /Calming: Lavender is a calming oil used for balancing, soothing, relaxing and healing.
* Warrior 1/ Standing poses /Grounding: Sandalwood is an earthy, woody scented oil. In some traditions it is known for its ability to help one focus and stabilize.
* Half Spinal Twist/ Twists /Massage organs: Clary Sage can bring about a sense of relaxed euphoria and ease tension in both mind and body.

Check out the following companies for essential oils, diffusers, candles and more: Aura Cacia, Oshadhi, Wyndmere and Big Dipper Wax Works.

Aromatherapy used during a yoga class can inspire, awaken, calm and connect you to deeper to mind/ body awareness. Try using essential oils while practicing yoga and feel the difference aromatherapy can make in your connection to mind and body.

Yoga Earth and Health-Friendly Yoga Products

2009-08-29T02:48:00.000-07:00

Wai Lana, world-renowned yoga teacher and host of the long-running PBS television series Wai Lana Yoga Toning workout, excels at making the ancient art of yoga easy and effective for anyone who practices along with her. Her faithful exercise products continue to impress with their quality, durability, and fashionable designs. To the serene and warm-hearted Wai Lana, the teaching of yoga is not a business but an important service to the global community.

“At the heart of yoga lies a deep respect for all living beings, including Mother Earth,” says Wai Lana. “I wanted to offer products that people could really feel good about—something that reflects the harmonious spirit of yoga. It’s only natural to want your yoga products to reflect this same caring attitude.”
So it is no surprise that the latest addition to her array of user-friendly products is her line of eco-friendly yoga products called Wai Lana Green.

In keeping with the theme “Fitness in Harmony with the Earth,” Wai Lana’s Green line is made from all-natural, ecologically sustainable sources, giving people products that are good for them and for the planet too. Her Green line includes yoga mats, bamboo towels, and organic cotton straps and totes as well as cork and bamboo blocks. Wai Lana Yoga has also added new kid-friendly eco products to the Little Yogis line, including a kid-sized, phthalate-free yoga mat, a Stretch N Play Eco Yoga Ball Kit, and a Little Yogis Eco Tote Kit.

Kick Laziness

2009-08-27T02:00:00.000-07:00

So, here's a nice little article I enjoyed. I think it's a good one. So just another reason to do Wai Lana Yoga!

LOSE THE LAZY, AMERICA!
by Chani

That's it! We're done. Its time to make some serious changes, and nice doesn't seem to be working. I'm FIRED UP! And you should be too.

Lets get mad together. Did you know that American emergency crews are beginning to equip their ambulances with hydraulic stretchers that can handle up to 700 pounds? Seven Hundred Pounds..... How does that make you feel? We are out of control. There are thousands of web sites, books, magazines, and TV programs full of information on how to live a healthy lifestyle. You can watch them, you can stare at them, you can eat the pages...but none of it will help you if you don't take ACTION!

Everything begins and ends at home. We all work, whether its out of our homes or in them. A busy life is not an excuse. The habits you create in your home affect every aspect of your life. Your kids will follow your lead, you can't just say it, you have to show it. If your kids are headed to obesity...its your fault. Yes, I just said that. If you and your spouse have become fat over the years, its because of the habits you live... Its your fault. Don't blame it on genetics, the government, the restaurants, bad knees, or whatever excuse you have. Face it, look at yourself in mirror. Literally, Face it! Are you angry I'm calling you out? Good. Maybe I'll shake enough trees, to get some movement out of them. In fact, take a look at a tree. The trees that move and stretch their branches to the sun, thrive and bloom. The trees that get stuck in the shade wilt and die out. People are the same way. When you reach for a goal, and push yourself you will feel energy, and hope. If you hide in the complacency of the shade, you too will wilt, get fat, lazy, and look at the healthy trees and make jealous comments. Because deep down, you wish you had the energy of the sun.

I hope you are fired up! Lets get mad together and make a difference in the lives around us. If you are in bad shape and very uncomfortable with what you have become. Make the change today! Say it out loud.."I'm done!" And begin by taking a walk, and eating a little less today. Start small if you have to, but do it! If you are in great shape, be a motivator, inspire those around you. Believe me, some will shoot you down, call you the stick in the mud. So what, the next person just might follow your lead. Start a neighborhood walking group. Get together with your relatives on the weekends and have a "cooking day" where you prepare meals for the week. And please, if you are a parent, a teacher, a nurse, a doctor, a policeman, etc. you are a leader because of the position you hold. People are watching you. Get fit! Inspire, motivate, take a look in the mirror and make the physical changes you need to make. Find the resources you need to make it happen, and use them.

Our country is dying, no more nice..its not working. Get mad, get fired up, and get out there!

GET FIT, STAY FIT!

from

Need yoga mats? Wailana has good ones too. :)

Eating less sugar

2009-08-25T20:42:00.000-07:00

I just got one more good reason to get myself a box of Wailana Yogi bars. Research has shown that high glycemic foods damage the arteries. I've been reading a lot of health books, and so this news is making me squeamish about eating too much sugar.

Anyway, I was just sent Wai Lana's Hello Fitness series today. I'm excited to try it out!

Anyone interested in healthy and nutritious foods has probably heard that whole grains are far better for you than the processed variety like white bread and sugar-laden cereals. There are several reasons for this, including the fact whole foods tend to be richer in fiber and they also have low glycemic indexes. That means they keep blood sugar and insulin levels steady without wide fluctuations. But a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology concludes there's another important reason to avoid high glycemic foods like white bread and corn flakes. For the first time, scientists have documented how eating these foods can directly damage artery walls and cause cardiac problems.

"It's very hard to predict heart disease," Dr. Michael Shechter of Tel Aviv University's Sackler School of Medicine and the Heart Institute of Sheba Medical Center, said in a statement to the media. "But doctors know that high glycemic foods rapidly increase blood sugar. Those who binge on these foods have a greater chance of sudden death from heart attack. Our research connects the dots, showing the link between diet and what's happening in real time in the arteries."

For his study, Dr Shechter and colleagues worked with 56 healthy volunteers who were divided into four groups. One group ate cornflake cereal mixed with milk, a second consumed a pure sugar mixture, the third group ate bran flakes and the last group took water (as a placebo control). Over the course of four weeks, Dr. Shechter applied brachial reactive testing to the research subjects in each group. This test, a clinical and research technique pioneered by Dr. Shechter's laboratory, uses a blood pressure type cuff on the arm that is able to visualize what happens inside arteries before, during and after eating various foods.

Before any of the study participants ate, the function of their arteries was essentially the same. After eating, however, all except the placebo group had reduced arterial functioning -- especially the research subjects who ate cornflakes and sugar. In fact, the testing documented that during the consumption of these foods high in sugar, there was a temporary and sudden dysfunction in the endothelium, the thin layer of cells that line the inside of arteries and reduce turbulence as blood flows throughout the entire circulatory system.

This is a critical finding because, when repeated over time, a sudden expansion of artery walls can cause a host of negative effects on health including damage to endothelial cells. That can reduce elasticity in arteries, resulting in heart disease or even sudden death. In fact, according to Dr. Shechter, endothelium dysfunction can be traced back to almost every disorder and disease in the body.

"We knew high glycemic foods were bad for the heart. Now we have a mechanism that shows how," Dr. Shechter explained in the press statement. "Foods like cornflakes, white bread, French fries, and sweetened soda all put undue stress on our arteries. We've explained for the first time how high glycemic carbs can affect the progression of heart disease."

Dr. Shechter agrees with natural health advocates who have long advised staying away from highly processed, high glycemic foods and eating a diet rich in low glycemic whole foods such as oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts. In addition to helping protect your heart, this style of eating has other advantages. According to the Harvard School of Public Health web site, these healthy foods are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and a host of important phytonutrients.

So take note my friends, and eat well! Let's have a healthy cookout at my place one of these days.

Energy Levels

2009-08-25T04:42:00.000-07:00

Oh, don't you just hate it when you have written such a long blog entry and it turns out you're not logged in and by the time you log in again, your whole post is gone?

Anyhow, I was talking about energy levels. It's been amazing to me how practicing Wailana Yoga has helped improve my energy levels so much. Being a parent is no joke, and I'm sure all other parents would tell non-parents, can you say- "Tiring?" But rewarding nonetheless.

When I watch Wai Lana singing and dancing at the end of her shows, it just makes me hopeful that I can be half as beautiful and youthful as she is when my kids are adults! I mean, Wai lana has said that she's got kids, and the way she moves, and how slim and beautiful she still is, is just a wonderful testimony for how yoga helps the body so much. I mean, doesn't that make sense?

On a side note, my kids have absolutely been losing themselves laughing at this silly baby goat playing on a horse. I'm sorry I still don't know how to embed movies onto my blog posts. Anyone have any idea?

Anyhow, hugs for everyone

Hip and fit

2009-08-24T04:26:00.001-07:00

I'm feeling like a hip mom right now, I just ordered one of Wai Lana Yoga's Urban Yoga Bags. I'm sure it will look better on me than my all-harassed-trying to hold onto 10 different little bags in one go look.

And so.. keep fit and cut the fat with these good tips from Yahoo's Health news:

Use yogurt instead of cream or mayo

Drink lots of water

Skip the cheese

Eat salsa instead of dressing

Skip your office snacks

Cook your own popcorn

Get a steamer

Eat more fruits during the day and during breakfast

skip the sugar

Drinking coffee? Skip the creamer

Try out Wai Lana's favorite juices book. She has some fantastic juices there that are like instant-fill-me-ups. She also has one "fat burner" juice. Drink it, do your yoga, and watch your pounds melt away. ;)

Prevent and cure lower back pain with yoga

2009-08-22T18:48:00.000-07:00

Nearly 8 out of 10 people get lower back pains regularly. I was rather surprised by that statistic, and the ironic thing is it is completely curable and preventable through yoga practice.

Just as it's explained on healthy yoga practice that yoga is so beneficial for getting rid of lower back pain.

More often the pain that is experienced in a person’s back occurs on account of problems with maintaining correct posture. So it may become necessary to consider suitable means to realign the body. This is a good time to consider using yoga exercise for back lower pain as this is one of the best and most natural means of bringing mind, body and soul back into perfect synchronization. Your doctor and health care practitioner can help you decide what you can do for your lower back pain, it is recommended you to what they have to say. You may make your problem worse by doing something wrong. If they say that yoga for lower back pain is something that would help you, you may want to seriously consider it as an option. The great thing about yoga is that it can be very easy on the body, and there are many different things in yoga that you can perform. You don’t have to do all of the moves that most classes have. You only need to do the ones that work well with your back. If your doctor is recommending yoga for lower back pain, they probably have guidelines and recommendations that you should follow.

Yoga is about strength and flexibility and for the most part, this is going to be recommended for those that have muscle problems rather than some type of spinal injury. It may not be helpful for bulging and crushed discs, but yoga for lower back pain can help when your muscles are tight, weak or tense and won’t relax. Some backs go out of place thanks to weak muscles, so doing yoga to help with back problems can be a preventative measure. Purchasing a book that has information about yoga for lower back pain might be something you wish to do.

At Home or In A Class-Which Suits You Best?

When doing yoga for lower back pain, you have two main choices.

1. You can do it from home with the right instruction

2. You may want to take a lesson with a experienced yoga teacher, like Wai Lana.

If you are going to do it from home, you want to go out and find the right DVD or book. You should also make sure you get the right mat to use on your floor, and any other accessories that will help you through your workout. If you are taking a class, call ahead to see what you would need, and stress that you need beginners classe. To start you will generally need a yoga mat and you may even wish to purchase a book that has information about yoga for lower back pain.

Get the Right Clothing

Get the right clothing for your yoga for lower back pain sessions, and make sure you remember that your limits may be pushed. You might feel a little pain as you work your way through the exercises, but stop if it becomes to painful. You don’t want to cause more damage in your back than you already have. What is going to happen is that you are going to build up the muscles that hold your spine in place, and that can do wonders for any back. Yoga for lower back pain doesn’t work for everyone, if this is the case for you, talk to your doctor about other exercise alternatives.

The Mountain Pose and More

It is possible that yoga exercise for back pain will help fix problems related to pain in the back that emanate from the hips that could have been overworked or stretched beyond their limits. The right kind of yoga for lower back pain will ensure that the muscles of the hips are stretched, worked as well as brought back to their proper balance – all of which has the effect of decreasing pain in a person’s back. You can also perform the standing yoga postures that aid in providing better balance and help to achieve better flexibility as well as strengthen the hips.

The Mountain pose in particular is a yoga exercise for back pain that trains each and every muscle and brings the body back to its proper alignment. A person’s hips play a major role in how well or poorly they can move and they also help in keeping the body posture correctly balance. The hips are located centrally and are connected to a person’s lower spine. It has been found that as many as eighty percent of people that suffer from pain in their backs do so because of hip problems.

One of the yoga exercises that helps to realign the hips and help mobility is the triangle pose. Stretching the flanks with a yoga exercise for lower back pain known as extended side angle pose is another way of achieving the right body balance and in addition this yoga exercise for back pain helps to elongate the spine while also countering problems such as poor postures. It can really help you achieve a pain-free existence once more and is a very useful exercise and. Back pain also occurs due to slipped discs. The ache in your back is experienced by people in all parts of the world, it is one of the most common of health conditions. Proper and timely treatment should be given, as the aches can become extremely painful and can lead to disabilities in the patient.

So if you're trying to get rid of your backaches, just start doing Wai Lana Yoga easy work outs!

Swine flu preparations

2009-08-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

With the WHO saying we should prepare for an "explosion" of swine flu cases and deaths over the next two years, I think it is a perfect time to get people aware of the fact that they need to get healthy.

I am an avid health advocate and know everyone can get healthy, after all, I too was once very out of it health wise. Practicing Wai Lana yoga has made such a huge difference in my life, you wouldn't believe it.

So get healthy, do your yoga, eat your veggies, get yourself Wai Lana easy series to start off.. and prevent swine flu!

Home alone

2009-08-20T05:49:00.000-07:00

I've been home alone all week. It's good to have some alone time every now and then. Gives me a good opportunity to think and just introspect.

Wai Lana has been putting up some nice quotes on her Wailana Yoga Twitter account and Wai Lana Facebook. Here are some of them:

"Patience is power. With time and patience, the mulberry leaf becomes silk." ~Chinese Proverb

"The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve." ~Albert Schweitzer

"A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses." ~Chinese Proverb

Aren't they noteworthy?

Obesity today

2009-08-19T03:18:00.000-07:00

Having been obese before, I know how difficult it is to be under so much pressure to lose weight.
It's a depressing thing to have to face.

Here's some news on obesity and how it's been affecting our health care:

Obesity is the elephant in the room of health care reform, a public health catastrophe that kills more than 100,000 Americans a year, cost the nation $147 billion last year and threatens to shorten U.S. life expectancy for the first time since the Civil War.

"Rising obesity rates are increasing health care expenditures per person in a way that is going to be very difficult to finance," said Jay Bhattacharya, a doctor and health economist at Stanford University's Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research.

"Unless there is some vast improvement in the efficiency of the health care system - and I mean vast - we're going to be spending a lot more just because a lot more people will have diabetes" and other obesity-related diseases, he said.

Obesity is all but impossible to treat. Prevention is the only cure. Yet while health care legislation in Congress would increase spending on prevention of chronic disease, it does little to tackle the underlying obesity epidemic directly. Most of the bills are silent on what many health experts contend would be one of the most effective weapons: a tax on soda.

So how did I get out of it? It was such a difficult hole to crawl out of, honestly. It was very difficult emotionally, mentally, and physically. But now that I'm over it, I wonder why I let myself go like that in the first place. I did several things to get well again. One, I started doing Wai Lana Yoga Invigorating workout and Wai Lana Yoga Easy workout. Those two alone brought me so far. I learned to listen to my body, know when it was full and when to stop eating. And, more importantly, I learned that it wasn't bad to control my desires to eat more. I wish the best of luck to all other people who are going through what I did! You can succeed!

I (Heart) Coffee

2009-08-08T21:56:00.000-07:00

I was reading through the usual websites I go through in the morning today and MSN was saying something about coffee alternatives. I was having my favorite cup of coffee, all the while of course, but there's always that nagging thing in my head that I should just stop taking so much coffee already.

Coffee has been such a huge part of my life though. I've got several great memories in coffee shops. Starbucks, Wailana coffee grounds, Coffee from Heaven, and so many other places. Ironically, I like Wailana coffee just about as much as I love Wailana yoga! :)

Happy drinking.

Attention: Vegetarians

2009-08-08T03:24:00.000-07:00

Healthy alternatives

The vegetarian diet can be difficult to adapt to, but there are so many good benefits it has on your body and the environment is well worth your attempts. In this article, we hope to fill you in on on topics regarding vegetarianism that you may not be familiar with in order to increase your knowledge of how a vegetarian diet is helpful.

Balanced diet

Be aware of what you are eating and your needs. Iron is an important mineral that is often found in meat, and so in order to meet their body’s needs, vegetarians can eat dried beans, green leafy vegetables and dried fruits. Female vegetarians in particular need to regulate their levels of iron because much of the body’s iron supply is depleted during menstruation. A lack of iron can be a risk for an iron deficiency or anemia. However, do not worry too much. If you’re unsure on how much iron you should be getting in order to be in good health, you should speak to a dietitian who can help you to identify exactly how much you need. Wai Lana Natural Supplementsis a great source of nutritional information and of of natural supplements of all sorts.

Simple truths about vegetarianism
- While most vegetarians do their best to avoid eating any meat or animal products whatsoever, it is important to note that even simply reducing the quantity of meat and dairy products that you eat can be a significant towards keeping better health. Scientific studies show vegetarians have lower risk for developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. Isn't that amazing? Even just be making simple dietary changes can be for one’s health, and decreasing meat consumption can offer similar effects albeit to a lesser degree.

Misconceptions
- Some people believe that just by not eating meat, they can maintain proper health. However, it is important to realize that there is plenty of fat that can enter your diet through processed or fried foods. Also, nuts are very high in both protein and fat, so one is encouraged to watch their intakes in order to ensure that they take in only a small amount of fat.

The king of vitamins
- Of all of the vitamins that are deemed important to the body by health experts, only one vitamin can not be found in a vegetarian diet – vitamin B12. Luckily, individuals who are worried about their bodies getting all of the nutrition that they need can take supplements in order to fulfill their daily requirement of B12. Other vitamins can be found in fruits, vegetables, and grains in abundance. Wai Lana Easy Yoga's natural supplements are a great source for natural supplements and other all-natural foods.

Add variety in your diet
- Having vegetarian friends who cook well can be one of the most important things you can have that will help you to stick to your diet. Wailana has some delightful cook books and a huge range of vegetarian recipes and meat-substitution techniques that you will find useful. She also offers tips like be sure to stock your house with all types of vegetarian food and snacks that you and your family love. You may even want to get a ‘car kit’ together full of vegetarian snacks so that you can ensure you’ll have something to eat if you end up stuck somewhere where you cannot find any vegetarian food.

Healthy snacks

2009-08-07T05:44:00.000-07:00

I think it's great that Wai Lana has all these healthy snacks available not just for adults- but for kids too. I just got my Yogi Bars from Wai Lana today. I very much enjoyed all of them, especially the apricot one. I also ordered some of Wai Lana Yoga's granola and Little Yogi bars. I'll see how the kids will rate it. I'm sure they'll enjoy it though. They nicked some of my Yogi Bars!

Have a great day everyone. :) I'll post more info on weight loss soon.

Losing weight

2009-08-06T00:15:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to lose a few more pounds. I've just got about 8 more pounds to go before I am like, 4 sizes down from what I was a couple years ago, and I am definitely not looking back. I've never felt so great. I really appreciate one of the weekly messages of Wai Lana sometime back on being the chariot driver. It made me realize I should be able to manage what I'm eating, and I have!

It's fantastic. Weight training has definitely helped as well. The other day MSN Health had a good article on how weight training makes it so that you burn 40% more fat than other people who may exercise the same amount of time, because, well, muscles, literally, are hot, and burn fat.

So having a proper diet and exercising is still the king of weight loss. I've been trying out a lot of the juices from Wai Lana Yoga's favorite juices, and the "Fat Burner", which I was rather intimidated by before- has worked wonders for my waist. And it actually tastes good. I'm kinda addicted to it now.

I am happy Wai Lana is on social networking websites now! It's great stuff.

Develop Healthy Habits Early

2009-08-01T17:10:00.000-07:00

I've been volunteering at a nearby elementary school for the past two months, and more than ever, I realized the importance of developing healthy habits early in life. This responsibility lays largely on parents and teachers, who help a child develop the path and life they will eventually live- on their own. Seeing that many of the children were far above their healthy weight and were- at their tender ages- not very healthy, I raised my concern with the other teachers and parents. I introduced Wai Lana's Little Yogis series to them. Some parents faced my ideas with a little apprehension, while others welcomed the concern. I proposed that the children try it out even just for two weeks, and from there they could assess whether it was working on not.

The funny thing is that many of the parents were surprised that the kids absolutely loved the fun songs and doing the yoga poses with Wai Lana. After two weeks, the parents all voted that the 30 minute "yoga fun and way with Wailana" would continue, and even got Wailana's daydream CD for kids for the preschool children.

I hope and trust that this is a great way to start these children on a healthy lifestyle. As they become accustomed to feeling great and having good fun doing yoga, they will always look forward to it throughout their lives, or at least know how wonderful yoga can make them feel. Kids need to relax too! My next project now is to introduce less sugary snacks, and I know Wailana yoga yogi bars and snacks for kids will be perfect for this.

Be Inspired by Wai Lana

2009-07-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, :) I have been starting on project after another,- and so life has definitely been very hectic for me. I've been helping my sister move house and all that so I've hardly been home.

I found Wai Lana's weekly message- "Inside Out Yoga" to be very insightful. Wai Lana was talking about how it's not necessary to try to force your body into what you may think is the "ideal" yoga posture. Wai Lana also mentioned that it's necessary to note and be aware of your body's limitations and strengths and to work on those as needed. She also reiterates that through regular and conscientious practice, you will advance quickly.

This is just one of the many reasons I love practicing Wai Lana Yoga. I know I am safe with her. It's great to know that I don't have to make believe I'm good and force my body into postures I know I can't do.

Shopping at Wai Lana's...

2009-07-26T05:14:00.000-07:00

My internet has been down and out hence I haven't been able to update my poor blog.

I am, however, very excited about all of Wai Lana's new products. I found this website that has coupons and etc for Wai Lana products, which I am very happy and grateful to find because I've been doing a lot of shopping on her stuff again.

Did I mention how good these yogi bars of Wai Lana look? I've been a long time fan of Lara bars, and I'm sure these are awesome too.

Wai Lana in the news

2009-07-19T04:37:00.000-07:00

Wai Lana Yoga for Kids Goes Eco
WEBWIRE – Friday, July 17, 2009

Contact Information
Anna Matthews
Customer Relations
www.wailana.com
800...
anna@wailana.com

A new line of children’s yoga products called Little Green Yogis has been released by Wai Lana, host of the long-running PBS television series Wai Lana Yoga, aimed at parents who are looking for eco-friendly ways to help their children stay healthy, safe and happy.

This new line helps kids learn to love yoga and exercise, leading them toward greater fitness, balance and well-being. At the same time, it also uses non-toxic, ecologically sustainable materials that are kid friendly and planet friendly too.

“As a parent, I’ve enjoyed watching my own children grow up to embrace healthy lifestyles” says Wai Lana “and I know that a little encouragement when they’re young goes a long way. That is why I’m pleased to be able to offer parents fun and healthy products for children that are also good for the planet.”

Little Green Yogis includes a kid-sized, phthalate-free yoga mat as well as a kid’s sized Stretch N Play Eco Yoga Ball Kit. Kids can also tote their mat with a Little Green Yogis Tote Kit which includes a tote made from recycled materials, a yoga mat, a cartoon poster with 21 poses and Wai Lana’s award winning Little Yogis DVD, as well as silly cartoon stickers.
Wai Lana’s Little Green Yogis will be available this year on Earth Day, April 22nd. Wai Lana’s already popular Little Yogis line of children’s product includes exercise DVDs, music CDs, mats, kits, games, and activity books and can be seen online at www.wailana.com.
Source

A day of thanks

2009-06-21T03:34:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted on here. I'm doing quite well, happy and progressing quite steadily on the road to health. Everyday brings new discoveries to me, and while there are always and will always be bumps on the road of life- I'm quite thankful that I've been given what I have been given. Having been given so much myself, I feel it is only my duty to share and help others who have it a lot worse off than I do.

I sent my dad a card and some gifts a few days ago. I can only wish the best for someone who has likewise wished nothing but the best for myself. I also got dad some gift baskets from Wai lana since they're on sale.

Here's a quote for the week:

We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different, and yet the same.
Anne Frank

Wai Lana's Eco Ball kit

2009-06-03T04:02:00.000-07:00

Eco Ball kit
Eco Ball kit
Stretch, strengthen, and sculpt your entire body with our new planet- and health-friendly Eco Ball kit
You’ll …

* Firm and tone your body
* Define your abs and waistline
* Release pent-up stress and tension
* Improve balance, flexibility, and coordination
* Look great and feel great with an effective, whole-body stretch and workout

Kit Contains:

* Phthalate-free, anti-burst eco ball
* Complete workout on DVD, set by the soothing, inspiring seaside (running time 25 min.)
* Foot pump for quick, easy ball inflation

Choose the ball that’s right for you:
Height Ball Size Color
5’0” to 5’5” S 22”/55cm Blue
5’6” to 5’11” M 26”/65cm Green
6’0” to 6’3” L 30”/75cm Jade

on Sale, regular price: $29.95 Sale: $22.46

Click here to see the color swatches

Natural Supplements

2009-05-23T02:52:00.000-07:00

At times like now, when everyone is on alert for their own safety and the safety of their loved ones, it is always good to have a fall back plan and be taking the best supplements to stay well and healthy. Wai Lana's supplements are my favorite way to keep healthy naturally.

Supplement Collection
$99
Gift Basket includes:

* Goji Capsules
* Immune Support Supplement capsules
* Stress Ease Supplement capsules
* Digestive Fire Ayurveda Capsules
* Pure Aloe Vera Juice
* Colloidal Minerals

Getting well naturally

2009-05-21T05:04:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's just impossible to avoid getting sick. I've been suffering from an upper respiratory track infection and harboring a fever for the past two days. Thankfully it can't be transmitted online! I have gone to the doctor and no, it's not swine flu. Anyhow, I've been taking Wai Lana's supplements- goji berries, noni juice, and etc to get me well fast. My package came timely. I've just been taking a lot of fluids and fruits as well, and broths.

Staying healthy

2009-05-20T04:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, despite our good intentions and work, we just get sick anyway. I have been suffering from an upper respiratory track infection for the past few days.

Yoga Tips for Fending Off Colds and Flus This Fall
Anna Montage, Health and Wellness Editor

RECIPE: Spicy Ginger Tea

Ginger is especially good during cold and flu season. It helps clear the sinuses, relieves congestion headaches, and reduces fever. It’s also an expectorant that expels mucus from the lungs and throat. The most effective way to take it for colds and flu is ginger tea.

Here's a simple recipe:
Ingredients:

* 2 cups water
* ¼ cup diced fresh ginger
* 2 tsp. honey
* Lemon juice (optional)
* Cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions:

1. Boil the water, then add the ginger and simmer for about 20 minutes.
2. Strain into a cup and add 2 teaspoons of honey (or to taste).
3. If you like, you can add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pot to increase the stimulating, heating effect.
4. Let us forewarn you now, though: This tea is fiery! Sip it—don't gulp it down.

Source: Wai Lana Weekly Messages

View more recipes ...

“AH –CHOO!” That sound becomes all too familiar this time of year; as the beauty and crispness of the autumn season arrive, so do colds and flus. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to make this fall and winter healthy. Even if you do catch a cold or flu, the right remedies can help make it as short and painless as possible.
Preventing Sickness

1. Avoid Getting Run Down – Feeling tired and run down is a big risk factor for getting sick. Sometimes family and work responsibilities may seem overwhelming. This is a good time to take stock of what’s truly most important and trim down everything else. Prevention is the best medicine. Getting the proper R & R that your body and mind need should be just as much a priority as everything else. Not only will you be less stressed, but you’ll also be more effective in everything you do.
2. Eat a Yoga Diet – A yoga diet, with the emphasis on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and dairy products, naturally provides your body with both the nutrition and the antioxidants that your immune system needs to function optimally. One of the biggest dietary hazards for cold and flu season is too much sugar and other sweeteners. Fresh fruit and unprocessed honey are the best sweeteners to use. Too much sugar in your diet (whether it’s from white sugar, corn syrup, etc.) literally slows down your immune system, making your white blood cells too tired and sluggish to adequately fight infection.
3. Take a High-Quality Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement – There have been enough studies strongly in favor of supplementation that it just makes sense to give yourself that daily dietary insurance. The best supplement to take is one that is made from natural whole food sources as this helps to ensure that your body will be able to absorb the nutrients. Liquid multivitamin and mineral supplements are also good for absorption. Visit your local health food store for help in finding the best supplements for your needs.
4. Practice Yoga – Yoga not only stretches, strengthens, and tones your muscles, but it also invigorates your immune system and internal organs, helping to keep sickness at bay. Yoga also provides stress relief, which is vital for wellness. If you feel a cold coming on, try doing the Lion pose a few times a day. This pose brings fresh blood to your throat, helping to chase away the germs.
5. Wash Your Hands – You’ve probably heard it a million times before, but it is a fact that regular hand washing really does help prevent sickness.
6. Avoid Sick People When Possible. While a certain amount of exposure to sickness is inevitable in our daily lives, it can help to avoid obviously sick people. For example, if you notice that the cashier at the grocery store is sniffling, coughing or sneezing, just move to another line.

What to Do If You Get Sick

1. Try to Get Plenty of Extra Rest and Sleep – Sometimes it may not be possible to completely stop work, school, or other activities when you feel sickness coming on, but you should make it a top priority to get as much rest as you can. It’s tempting to keep going, but this will just let the virus get a stronger foothold in your body, prolonging your illness.
2. Try a Juice Fast or Eat Minimally – If you feel you are getting sick, this is the perfect time to try a juice fast. Fasting for 1 to 3 days at the first sign of illness is a great way to nip it in the bud. Wai Lana’s Favorite Juices has delicious fresh juice recipes that you can try. Even fasting on vegetable broth and diluted store-bought juice (no corn syrup or other sweeteners) is far better than not fasting at all. Fasting allows your body to concentrate its energy on combating the virus rather than on digesting and assimilating food. However, if you have a health condition or take prescription medications, it’s best to talk to your doctor before beginning a fast.
3. If you don’t quite have the willpower to fast or are unable to for health reasons, try to minimize your food intake and focus on light foods, such as broths or other vegetable soups. This is a good time to avoid dairy products since they can increase mucus production when you’re sick. Also try to avoid refined foods, like sugar and white flour products. These foods sap nutrients from your body and stress your immune system.
4. Try Strong Ginger Tea – This easy home remedy is quite spicy, but it really helps relieve cold and flu symptoms. Try Wai Lana’s own ginger tea recipe for effective cold and flu relief.
5. Supplements Can Help – A trip to the health food store can be a little overwhelming if you’re looking for supplements to help a cold or flu, so here are some suggestions:
* Elderberry Extract – Elderberry is one of the few supplements scientifically proven to have antiviral properties. If you know you were exposed to a sick person or feel you may be coming down with something, try dosing up on elderberry for sickness prevention. If you do become sick, elderberry will help lessen both the length and the severity of the illness.
* Vitamin C – The best variety to use is Ester-C or some other buffered form. For acute sickness, take 1000 mg every 3 hours. If you’re fasting, you may want to take a powdered version that you can mix in juice or water.
* Homeopathic Remedies – If you’re not familiar with homeopathy, it’s best to try a homeopathic cold remedy or flu remedy that has a mixture of different remedies in it. From a homeopathic perspective, there are different remedies for a cold or flu depending on the prominent symptoms, so some homeopathic companies make mixtures of remedies for people who don’t know which specific remedy to take. Homeopathy is very safe and many people have found it helpful for both colds and flus.
* Garlic – Besides being a popular seasoning, garlic is also a powerful medicinal plant. It helps to combat cold and flu viruses and cleanse the body of toxins. Fresh is best, but if you don’t like the smell or taste, there are garlic supplements that minimize the odor.

I’m sure you’ll find these natural remedies both effective and economical for helping ward off those nasty colds and flus!

Stretch Before Action

2009-05-15T03:20:00.000-07:00

Stretch Before Action

There’s one thing you need to be careful of when you exercise, whether you practice aerobics, gymnastics, weightlifting, or a particular sport. And my friend, a martial arts expert, is no exception. She loves to practice Tae Kwon Do’s high kicks. Sometimes she’s lucky; she kicks high, it feels good, and it looks great. Trouble is, she’s so enthusiastic that she often hurts herself because she kicks higher than she can stretch. She throws her leg up, using the leg’s momentum to get it as high as possible. But the body has a built-in protection mechanism, a reflex action that contracts the muscle so you don’t stretch it too far and cause injury. If you throw your body into a dangerous position hard enough, though, your body can’t protect you.

I’ve finally convinced her not to kick higher than she can stretch. She’s determined to keep those high kicks, though, so she’s gradually extending her reach by doing yoga stretches every day. Since she’s been stretching more, she can kick higher with more control, which is better for her form. What’s more, she hasn’t hurt herself.

Whatever your sport, flexibility is a big plus, and yoga asanas are the best way to gain that flexibility. The poses are gentle because you do them slowly and with awareness; they are effective because you hold them right at your limit, breathing and releasing, gradually increasing your boundaries. So do some yoga stretches each day. And be sure to warm up and stretch thoroughly before practicing your sport. You’ll feel more confident, your performance will improve, and you’ll be far less likely to injure yourself.

Wai Lana Green™ Eco-Friendly Bamboo Bath Towels

2009-05-13T05:13:00.000-07:00

Wai Lana Green™
Eco-Friendly Bamboo

Bath Towels

* Made from 100% bamboo, an ecologically sustainable crop
* Sumptuously plush, soft, and silky
* More absorbent than standard cotton towels
* Naturally hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and odor-resistant

Size: 30" x 56"

Yoga Chips :)

2009-05-06T18:59:00.000-07:00

Wai Lana has a new line: Yoga Chips! I've ordered a whole bunch of these all natural and healthy chips while they're on 20% off sale. :)

I'm sure my Mom will like them as well, she LOVES chips.

Easy Abdominal Strengthening

2009-05-04T00:12:00.000-07:00

weekly asanas
Abdominal Strengthening Exercise

Try the Abdominal Strengthening Exercise asana
along with Wai Lana, watch it here

Sit-ups are safe if your lower back is strong and you do them correctly. This means making your movements smooth, never jerking your body up to the sitting position. If your back is weak, just practice the easy version to strengthen your abdominals and lower back until the full sit-up becomes easy. You'll get all the same benefits.

1. Lie on your back.

2. Bend your knees until your feet are flat on the floor. Raise your arms over your head and make loose fists.

3. Inhale, then exhale and swing your arms forward as you lift your back, coming to a sitting position. Be aware that your abdominal muscles are contracting.

4. Inhale and slowly roll down, bringing your arms to the floor above your head. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

5. Straighten your legs, lower your arms, and rest.

Hints...
Use the swinging momentum of your arms to come up. Make the movement smooth. Use your abdominal muscles to roll down, one vertebra at a time. The more slowly you lower your back onto the floor, the more you'll engage and strengthen your abdominal muscles.

Here's an Easier Way…
Don't come up all the way; simply lift your upper back as you swing your arms forward, or come up a little further, lifting your middle back too.

Benefits
• Tones the abdomen and thighs
• Strengthens the lower back
• Warms up the body
• Stretches your shoulders

Healthy, Wholesome gifts for mom

2009-05-03T05:33:00.000-07:00

Wai lana has some great gifts basket offerings for Mom this year. Show your mom your love with a healthy, wholesome gift basket from Wai Lana!

Senators want to expel junk food from U.S. schools

2009-04-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

This is a great move to teach children how to live and be healthy.

Senators want to expel junk food from U.S. schools
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. schools with vending machines that sell candy and soda to students could soon find the government requiring healthier options to combat childhood obesity under a bill introduced on Thursday by two senators.

While school meals must comply with U.S. dietary guidelines, there are no such rules on snacks sold outside of school lunchrooms. Many are high in fat, sugar and calories.

Senators Tom Harkin and Lisa Murkowski said their bill would allow the U.S. Agriculture Department to establish "common-sense nutrition standards" for food and beverages sold in school vending machines, stores and similar outlets.

Harkin, an Iowa Democrat, chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, which oversees school lunch and breakfast programs that cost an estimated $11 billion a year in federal money.

U.S. child nutrition programs such as school lunches and the Women, Infants and Children feeding program are due for renewal this year. An Agriculture Committee spokesman said one option would be to include the legislation introduced today as part of the broader reauthorization later in 2009.

"Poor diet and physical inactivity are contributing to growing rates of chronic disease in the United States," said Harkin, a Democrat. "We must take preventative action now."

An estimated 32 percent of U.S. children fit the government's definition of being overweight and 16 percent are considered obese, at risk for serious health problems. Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, said the bill was a response to "the youth obesity epidemic."

Harkin and Murkowski have offered similar legislation in prior years. The measure could have a better chance of passing this year with U.S. President Barack Obama's administration recognizing obesity as a top U.S. health threat.

Consumer and health advocacy groups including the American Dietetic Association, American Heart Association and the Center for Science in the Public Interest support the legislation.

Reginald Felton of the National School Boards Association said states and local communities should determine what is sold beyond federal programs because a "one-size fits all policy" would not sufficiently address the needs on a smaller level.

He also noted that some schools rely on snack sales to help cover costs.

"It's intrusive for the federal government to establish requirements beyond the programs that they fund, particularly when states are addressing the issue," said Felton. "If local boards want to restrict they should."

Keeping the Flu Away

2009-04-28T17:08:00.000-07:00

In times like now where there is an imminent global flu epidemic, we all have to be extra vigilant about staying as healthy as possible.

Stay healthy naturally with Wai Lana's Natural Supplements. Do your neti, wash your hands often, eat well, sleep well, live well and stay healthy!

Improve your concentration skills

2009-04-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

Do hatha yoga and meditation to improve your ability to concentrate!

Concentration Is the Key
By Tamim Ansary
These days, many people take pride in the ability to multitask, but me? I'd just like to master mono-tasking.

I realize that everything I've done well in my life I've done in a state of intense concentration -- a state of such focus on one task that no other information or concern can break in. My only question has been, and remains, how to get into that zone.

R.N. Whitehead, director of a Canadian tutoring program called Oxford Learning Centres, speculates that concentration is an ability like any other. People are born with a propensity for it but the skill must then be developed, and the process begins in childhood.

Until recent decades, Whitehead says, people learned to read from books that had relatively few pictures and were written in "natural language," which presented readers with lots of vocabulary they didn't necessarily know. Reading those books demanded -- but also built -- concentration.

Today, books for beginning readers tend to have lots of pictures and only a few words, and those words are carefully selected to be reading-level appropriate so that children rarely encounter words they must puzzle out from context. If the material is well sequenced, children emerge into reading naturally without palpable effort, almost without noticing: That's the theory.

The theory works. Kids do learn to read from carefully calibrated materials such as these, but building up the power of concentration? That's a different issue.

Many elements of modern life may actually erode concentration by involving children in short bursts of interaction that return quick rewards. Take video games, for example. What they have to give, you can get in five seconds -- bang! pow! hey, that felt good! -- and if you play for 10 seconds, you get the same thing twice (and for 30 seconds, six times).

Playing a video game for hours on end (not uncommon -- been there/done that) resembles concentration but is actually, in my opinion, the exact opposite; it is to concentration as antimatter is to matter.

By contrast, reading or telling stories to very young children may help build concentration by involving them in a narrative that takes shape over time and offers a payoff only if they've stayed with the story throughout.

Concentration -- why bother?
Concentration is worth building because it is a foundational skill; it supports almost everything else one might do. In that way it's like intelligence. In fact, definitions of intelligence often include concentration as a component. Anecdotes about famous achievers of history suggest that one thing they shared was a phenomenal ability to get fully immersed in … something.

Michelangelo spent two years on his back, two feet from the ceiling, painting the Sistine Chapel. I myself would have spent most of that time idly wondering whether to have pizza that night or soup.

In fact, according to the stories, only the pope could break the great artist's concentration. He kept coming in to ask, "How's it going?" Finally Michelangelo "accidentally" dropped a hammer that landed too close for comfort, and the pope stayed away after that.

Most of the advice aimed at students about how to concentrate amounts to Michelangelo's hammer: eliminate distractions, they say. For example, turn off the TV (duh), turn off the stereo (duh) and power down the iPod (you think?). It's all true, but it's purely external advice. It addresses the place where you concentrate, not the "you" who concentrates.

Want More Tamim?
Read other columns by Tamim Ansary.
Advice about the inner you mostly boils down to health tips masquerading as concentration tips:

• You can't concentrate when you're drowsy, so get enough sleep.
• You can't concentrate when you're groggy, so don't sleep too much.
• You can't concentrate when you're starving, so eat right.
• You can't concentrate when you're bloated, so don't overeat.
• And get some exercise, for heaven's sake! You can't concentrate if --

I'll stop there. It's worthy advice, but generic. The same tips apply to almost anything you might want to do better. Want to ace a test? Memorize the "Iliad"? Learn juggling tricks? Eat right, exercise well, get enough sleep. Yes, Mom.

There's got to be more. People with phenomenal powers of concentration reveal it most dramatically when the context doesn't favor them. I'm thinking of a chef I knew years ago when I worked in a gourmet restaurant as a waiter. The dining room at that place was always whisper quiet, the kitchen always a madhouse. One night, I stepped into that chaos -- the ice machine had broken, a fight had erupted between two sous-chefs, someone was waving a knife -- and there was June, calmly stirring a sauce. Suddenly a pot of something caught fire. Pandemonium ensued; everybody rushed to douse the flames, but June never took her eyes off her sauce -- it wasn't her pot on fire. Later I asked if she had noticed the fire. She had. How then could she just ignore it? "I was making hollandaise," she said. "You have to watch it or it breaks."

That, my friends, is concentration on the hoof: It's not the ability to focus in the absence of distraction, but the ability to focus in spite of distraction.

Attention surplus condition
Our society has put little effort into devising techniques for building attentiveness. We get interested in concentration mostly when its absence rises to the level of a clinical syndrome. A whole industry has developed, for example, around the disability known as attention deficit disorder, or ADD.

I don't doubt that ADD exists, nor that it merits clinical consideration, nor that suitable treatments may help restore people who suffer from this disability to a normal state. I only wonder if "normal" is as good as it gets. How about moving from normal to extraordinary?

According to psychologist Richard Davidson, "Attention can be trained, and in a way that is not fundamentally different [from] how physical exercise changes the body." He zeroes in specifically on meditation, that body of techniques perfected in East Asia for achieving attentive calm. Research by Davidson and his associates at the University of Wisconsin seems to prove that meditation can, in fact, improve one's ability to shut out distraction.

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The proof
In one experiment, people were taught certain basic meditation techniques and then asked to meditate while hooked up to machines that scanned what their brains were doing. In people who attained a deep, meditative state, it turned out, the area of the brain known to be associated with attention became active while other areas -- those associated with emotion, for example, or with processing external stimuli -- went dormant.

Researchers then hooked brain-scanning equipment to two groups of test subjects: seasoned meditators with thousands of hours of experience and novices. With each group, when the meditators seemed to be fully immersed, the researchers set off various distractions nearby -- a blaring TV, a crying baby, a gunshot, stuff like that.

In the novices, each event triggered brain waves that spread to other parts of their brains and did not die away for a long time. In the experienced meditators, each event set off a brief burst of brain activity in one limited area and then the brain went back to its former state: In short, the input was noticed, registered and set aside.

That looks like dead-bang proof that meditation enhances a person's underlying ability to concentrate. Of course it's also true that meditation classically aims to detach meditators from the world and get them concentrating essentially on nothing. I, personally, would rather concentrate on something. I don't want to detach from the world, I want to stay in it and get something done. I don't know of any definitive proof that the power of concentration developed by meditation can be applied, for example, to flying a plane through a thunderstorm.

But the broader point seems indisputable: Concentration is a skill. If it isn't used, it can atrophy; if it isn't trained, it fails to develop past a certain point. But by the same token, with the proper training and practice, it can be developed to a level of fearsome intensity.

Preferably, this begins in childhood (which is where parents and other elders come in) but it's never too late. Adults with normal powers of concentration can strengthen those powers with simple exercises such as the following:

• Count backward from 100 slowly and steadily.
• Count backward from 100 by threes.
• Simply look at an object for a set period -- say, 15 minutes.
• Building on the previous exercise, remove the object and picture it for that same period.

And if the buzz of distracting thoughts grows intolerable, stop what you're doing, make a list of everything on your mind at that moment, choose one thing to focus on, and then schedule a time to deal with all the rest. Giving your anxieties appointments, I find, tends to make them stop petitioning for attention now.

In short, I stand with those Zen masters who, when asked how they achieved enlightenment, answered, "When I walk, I just walk. When I eat, I just eat."

Staying Healthy and safe amidst the flu

2009-04-26T01:16:00.000-07:00

Surely it's a great worry for all of us that there is such a thing as swine flu, and that, as of the latest news, they have discovered 2 Swine Flus in Kan., US Total 11; 8 Likely in NYC.

Stay healthy by doing hatha yoga, cleaning your nose properly by doing neti , the lion pose, and do take ginger tea to keep away the bugs by taking natural supplements. It's no joke now, obviously.

Happy health!

Banning or taxing bad health habits to cut health care costs

2009-04-24T23:44:00.000-07:00

This is a fantastic and very intelligent idea!

Banning or taxing bad health habits to cut health care costs

By Andrea Kane
CNNhealth.com Producer

Two articles have recently come out tackling the twin pink elephants in the room: one is an editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine in favor of taxing sugary drinks (to reduce consumption and possibly raise revenue for anti-obesity programs), the other is a story in Time magazine making the case for an outright ban on cigarettes.

The views in each make plain old sense: Ban or tax that which we KNOW is bad for our health to improve health and cut runaway health care costs.

In the case of cigarettes, the writer notes that cigarette smoking costs an “estimated $100 billion in health-care costs… annually.” In the case of sugary beverages, the authors write, they “may be the single largest driver of the obesity epidemic” (pointing out that the only studies that found no link between sugary-drink consumption and obesity are – surprise! – those funded by the beverage industry).They estimate obesity-related problems cost about $79 billion annually – about half of which is footed by the American taxpayer (you and me).

On the one hand, their arguments make me morally uncomfortable: Who are we to tell other people what to do? Isn’t it too “Big Brother”? Too paternalistic — especially when we are talking about taking steps that will affect the so-called underclass (aka: “the poor”) most? But in both cases, the writers note that poor people have the most to benefit from cutting back on sugary soft drinks and quitting smoking. This is especially true in the case of smoking since “[c]igarettes, to an extent, have become an indicator of lower socioeconomic status.” Yet, nobody likes to be told how to live or wants to feel coerced into any course of action – however “good for you” it might be.

But on the other hand, why can’t we just admit that advocates for taxing and banning these vices have a point? Banning smoking WILL reduce cancer and cardiovascular (and a whole host of other) deaths. Making soda expensive WILL force people (especially poor people, who presumably also can’t afford all the lifelong medications they’ll have to take for diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.) to drink water and thus cut out 250 to 300 empty calories a day, which over the course of a year – not to mention a lifetime — really do add up.

What also adds up are the costs: the costs associated with caring for the sick and the costs associated with lost productivity due to illness. Make no mistake, the American taxpayer (you and I) will have to pay one way or another — via higher health-care costs, the inability to get affordable insurance, or perhaps through cuts to programs such as Social Security, public education, work training programs (or the arts, national parks, etc.) in order to fund the ballooning costs associated with Medicaid/Medicare.

So what is the right answer? Where do your rights (to smoke, to drink liquid calories, to do what you want with your own body) end and my rights (to breathe clean air, to not have to pay for someone else’s problems) begin? I want to hear what you think.

Herbs That Halt Headaches

2009-04-24T04:22:00.000-07:00

Herbs That Halt Headaches

When your head hurts, a pain pill is an easy way to silence the throbbing. But did you know there are herbs that may help, too?

James A. Duke, PhD, author of The Green Pharmacy, offers five options for you to consider.

* Feverfew and ginger: Research suggests that regularly taking feverfew reduces migraine frequency, while ginger may soothe symptoms.
* Willow: The herb contains salicin, an aspirin-like substance. White willow (S. alba) is rather low in this pain-relieving stuff, so if you want more headache relief per cup of tea, look for species that are more potent, like S. daphnoides or S. fragilis. (Find out why aspirin is also a "brain pill.")
* Red pepper: Studies show that its heat-giving ingredient, capsaicin, may help prevent cluster headaches. (Here’s why you should add the food to an egg-white omelet.)
* Thyme: Thyme can be used in a compress to ease achy muscles in the neck, shoulders, and back that contribute to tension headaches. You can also drink thyme tea. (Check out how this herb can healthy-up a salad, too.)

Ask Your Doc
Remember, just like pharmaceutical drugs, herbs can cause side effects or interact with medications. So before running out to the health-food store, clear your plans with your doctor, and ask about the appropriate dose. Take this quick mini assessment to learn about other uses for herbs.
Source

Celebrate Mother Earth!

2009-04-23T04:36:00.000-07:00

As Wai Lana says, it is very important to remember Mother Earth and all of Her wonderful and endless gifts to us. We can't just remember Her and thank Her once a year i.e. on Earth Day, but we should do something for Her on a daily basis.

We use beauty products of all sorts, and we're always cooking up something in our kitchens. Wai Lana has provided Earth-friendly ways of bathing, cooking delicious food, and staying healthy. Go Natural, Go Wai Lana!

Coming Soon! Eco Exercise Ball Kit Stretch, strengthen, and sculpt your entire body with our new planet- and health-friendly Eco Exercise Ball Kit. Yo

2009-04-21T01:12:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon!
Eco Exercise Ball Kit
Stretch, strengthen, and sculpt your entire body with our new planet- and health-friendly Eco Exercise Ball Kit.
You’ll …

* Firm and tone your body
* Define your abs and waistline
* Release pent-up stress and tension
* Improve balance, flexibility, and coordination
* Look great and feel great with an effective, whole-body stretch and workout

Kit Contains:

* Phthalate-free, anti-burst exercise ball
* Beautiful instructional exercise poster
* Foot pump for quick, easy ball inflation

Choose the ball that’s right for you:
Height Ball Size Color
5’0” to 5’5” S 22”/55cm Blue
5’6” to 5’11” M 26”/65cm Green
6’0” to 6’3” L 30”/75cm Green

Gem of Wisdom

2009-04-20T06:17:00.000-07:00

Wai Lana's Daily gem of wisdom:

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something I can do.
Edward Everett Hal

Chili peppers add spice to life

2009-04-19T04:19:00.001-07:00

Chili peppers add spice to life
- Painfully hot, they make your eyes water, your heart race and can turn your face embarrassingly red.
Chilies have been used for many millenia both for their medicinal benefits and exciting falvor.

Chilies have been used for many millenia both for their medicinal benefits and exciting falvor.
more photos »

Once only a staple of cuisine from far flung regions of the world, chilies can now be found in almost any dish around the globe.

Last week an Indian woman wolfed down 51 "ghost chilies," -- the world's spiciest -- in two minutes and smeared the seeds on her eyes for an entry into the Guinness World Records.

Anandita Dutta Tamuly, 28, achieved the bizarre and fiery undertaking in the Indian north-eastern state of Assam.

She was cheered on by British chef Gordon Ramsay, who also attempted a bite of the hot stuff before begging for water. A single seed can cause watering eyes, as well as a burning sensation in the mouth that can last up to five hours.

A chili's spiciness is measured in Scoville units; the number of times a chili extract must be diluted in water in order for it to lose its heat.

The "ghost chili", also known as bhut jolokia, has more than 1 million Scoville units, while Tabasco sauce ranges from 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville units and jalapeno peppers from 2,500 to 8,000 units.

Chilies have formed part of the diet in the Americas since approximately 7,500 BC and owe most of their fame to their sometimes unbearably spicy flavor.

But they have also long been recognized for their health benefits. Scientific research --and legend-- have attributed health wonders to chilies over the years.

Diego Alvarez Chanca, a physician on explorer Christopher Columbus' second voyage to the West Indies in 1493, first wrote about the pepper's medicinal effects back in 1494.

Below we look at effects eating chilies has on the body.

Skin

Other than for its flavor-enhancing qualities, chili is, oddly enough, used to fight the summer heat.

As the chili causes extreme sweating and blood rushing to the face, it cools the body down when the sweat evaporates, making it useful for combating heat.

These same heat inducing properties are said to have a cumulative effect and over time are believed to alleviate pain when used in treatments for anything from arthritis and psoriasis to shingles and severe burns.

Brain

The substances that give chili peppers their intensity when eaten or applied on the skin are called capsaicinoids.

When consumed, capsaicinoids connect with pain receptors in the mouth and throat that are normally responsible for sensing heat.

Once activated by the capsaicinoids, these receptors send a message to the brain that the person has consumed something hot.

The brain responds to the burning sensation by raising the heart rate, increasing perspiration and releasing endorphins, called the body's "natural painkillers" and "happy hormones."

Stomach

Chilies have long been associated with soothing the digestive system, by acting as stomach cleansers. According to the UK Food Guide, chili helps to settle stomach upset and encourages the production of good digestive acid.

Chili aficionados believe the fruits can also induce weight loss because the substance that makes them "hot" speed up the body's metabolism.

However, one study by the American Institute of Cancer Research performed in Mexico showed in 2003 that a high consumption of chilies (approximately nine to 25 jalapeno peppers per day) is in fact associated with stomach cancer.

Immune system

Red chilies contain high amounts of carotene and vitamin C. It is said that chilies contain more vitamin C than citrus fruits. Chili peppers are also a good source of vitamin B6 and are very high in potassium, magnesium and iron, giving them a reputation for naturally boosting the body's immune system.

CNN News

Taro recipes

2009-04-18T01:03:00.000-07:00

Fa’Alifu Talo (Polynesian Taro)
A Samoan classic that shows off the pretty violet color of taro. Delicious!

4 cups Chinese taro, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 tsp. vegetable oil
1 medium onion, sliced into half moons
12 oz. coconut milk
1/2 tsp. salt, or to taste

1. Steam the taro in a steamer that sits close to the boiling water for 45 minutes, or until soft.

2. Heat the oil in a saucepan and sauté the onions on medium heat until soft. Add a little water if needed to prevent sticking.

3. Add the steamed taro and coconut milk and cook on medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes until the milk thickens slightly. Season with salt to taste.

Serves 6

Curry variation: In a small skillet sauté 3/4 tsp. curry powder and 1/8 tsp. chili flakes in 1 tsp. vegetable oil until fragrant. Add to the coconut milk and taro just after they are combined. Salt to taste.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:
Calories: 278, Fat 14g (126 cal), Carbohydrate 35.8g (143 cal), Protein 2.1g (9 cal)
Added information: Saturated Fat 12g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 219mg, Dietary Fiber 6.2g

Read about the yoga diet

Taro chips are great too- although it's not exactly very healthy. Just peel and then cut the taro into very thin chips and then fry. =

Knowing when to go to the hospital

2009-04-17T02:27:00.000-07:00

But is it really an emergency? When to take a child to the ER
Naomi Zikmund-Fisher says her son's life was saved by her maternal instincts -- and her son's flat ears.
Jesse's mastoiditis was discovered after his mother noticed that something was not right with his ear.

Jesse's mastoiditis was discovered after his mother noticed that something was not right with his ear.

One Friday night in May, Zikmund-Fisher looked across the dinner table at 3-year-old Jesse and noticed that his right ear, which usually lies close to his head, was sticking out. She went over to check it out and found a big red lump behind the ear.

She e-mailed her pediatrician, who said that it was probably just a mosquito bite and that as long as Jesse otherwise felt fine, not to worry about it.

Jesse did otherwise feel fine, but something set off Zikmund-Fisher's "mommy meter." So the next day, even though nothing had changed, she called the pediatrician's office and spoke to the nurse.

"She told me, 'If you're worried about it, take him to urgent care,' " Zikmund-Fisher remembered.

Her husband took Jesse to the emergency room, and doctors determined that he had a classic case of mastoiditis: an infection of the mastoid bone, just behind the ear. If not treated with antibiotics, mastoiditis can be deadly.

Now Zikmund-Fisher tells other parents to trust their instincts and act, even when a pediatrician tells them not to worry.

"It just didn't seem right to me," she said. "It just seemed like, if this was a mosquito bite, it would have gone away, and this wasn't going away." Listen to how other parents used their instincts to save their children »
Don't Miss

* Natasha's lesson helps save Ohio girl
* In Depth: Empowered Patient

Dr. Assaad Sayah, chief of emergency medicine for the Cambridge Health Alliance in Massachusetts, agrees that parents should use their instincts when deciding whether their child needs quick medical attention.

"'When in doubt, bring them in' should be your first line of defense," he said. "If they don't look right to you, call your pediatrician, or take them to the emergency department, and if they look very sick, call 911." Video Watch for more tips on when to go to the ER »

Although relying on instinct is a good guideline, there are also some cut-and-dry situations when a parent really should to take a child to the ER. Here are five examples.

1. Neck stiffness or rash with fever

According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, these symptoms could constitute an emergency because they might mean meningitis.

2. Fever in a newborn

Any child 3 months old or younger who has a temperature over 100.4 F needs to be seen by a doctor, says Dr. Jennifer Shu, spokeswoman for the American Academy of Pediatrics. The fever can be a sign of infection or meningitis.

3. Head injury with loss of consciousness, confusion, headache or vomiting

This is another red flag that your child needs emergency attention, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Health Library

* MayoClinic.com: Meningitis
* MayoClinic.com: Burns

4. Burns

A burn should receive emergency care if it's larger than your child's palm, if it's deep or discolored, or if it was caused by a chemical, says Dr. David Beiser, who works in the emergency room at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital. Burns on the hands, genitals and face are of particular concern, he says. Here's a quick primer on burns

5. Severe abdominal pain

Although many stomach aches are minor, others merit urgent attention. There are several signs to look for, including a swollen abdomen that's tender to the touch or blood in the stool, according to guidelines from Parenting.com and Dartmouth Medical School. Severe pain in the lower right side of the abdomen could be a sign of appendicitis.
advertisement

After two shots of antibiotics, Jesse Zikmund-Fisher was back to his usual happy and active 3-year-old self. Even though it's been nearly a year since Jesse's visit to the ER, the lessons his mother learned are still fresh.

"If you are not satisfied with the answer you get, you need to push for the right answer," she said.

CNN Health

Summer time, get protected

2009-04-16T04:29:00.000-07:00

UV Protection From The Inside Out
Anna Montage, Health and Wellness Editor

It's the perfect summer day. The sun shines brightly in a clear blue sky and you're off for a stroll in the park, a picnic at the beach, a hike in the mountains, or a canoe trip on the lake. Or perhaps you're staying home to lounge around the pool or work in the garden. Whatever your fancy, one thing is certain: There's simply nothing more enlivening to both body and mind than a gorgeous sunny day. Just feeling the warmth on your skin has the power to replenish your energy, nourish your body, and uplift your spirits.

As inviting as the sunshine may be, however, it's become somewhat of a guilty pleasure in recent decades, largely due to the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. As we've all learned, UV rays can harm our skin, causing wrinkles, dullness, roughness, thickening of the epidermis, chronic redness, freckles, age spots, and, of course, skin cancer. The sun can also damage the lens and retina of our eyes, thus leading to light sensitivity, decreased vision, and unsightly cataracts.

While it's essential to put on a hat and plenty of SPF 45, there are other protective measures that can be taken. One of the most important is consuming more antioxidants. You see, UV rays create free radicals in the body, which attack your cells, damaging both the health and the appearance of your skin and eyes. Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals, stopping and even reversing damage to the cells. This results in smoother, softer, younger-looking skin. In fact, many sunscreens, moisturizers, and anti-aging creams now contain antioxidants as more and more scientific studies show their effectiveness. And when it comes to your eyes, antioxidants keep free radicals under control, thereby preserving your vision and preventing a host of eye problems.

Drinking plenty of fresh juice is one of the easiest and most pleasurable ways to load up on antioxidants. Fruits and veggies are concentrated with antioxidants like carotenoids and vitamins C and E. Your complexion will also benefit from the silicon, selenium, sulfur, zinc, and other trace minerals present in health-giving juices. Many green vegetables and sprouts also contain significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, an important nutrient for maintaining elasticity and firmness in the skin. In addition, greens are especially rich in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which have been shown in studies to protect the eyes from UV damage and prevent cataracts.

While consuming an abundance of antioxidants will definitely help keep your skin and eyes healthy and glowing, there are other ways to protect your body from harmful sunrays. A good sunscreen is essential. Experts recommend an SPF of at least 15. A big shady hat will also guard your face. Make sure your sunglasses have a UV filter to protect your eyes as well as the delicate skin around them. Many prescription sunglasses and contact lenses also offer UV protection—don't be shy to request it. Ideally, try to limit direct sun exposure in the middle of the day (from about 10 am to 3 pm), when UV rays are most intense.

Even though too much sun exposure can be dangerous, it's important to remember that the sun is also your friend. Getting a little sun every day is good for your body and mind. Sunlight enables your body to produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health. Some beneficial rays also stimulate the pineal gland in the brain, affecting your mood in a positive way. So if you're going outside to enjoy the sun, be sure to drink lots of fresh, tasty juice—it will help protect your body from the inside out!
Blackberry Blend Juice
Blackberry Blend

(Recipe from Wai Lana's Favorite Juices)

If a picture is worth a thousand words, I don't need to tell you how delicious this beautiful drink is. Not too sweet, this light blend of blackberry, grapefruit, and banana is a powerhouse of antioxidants and a general tonic for your skin and eyes.

• 2 pink grapefruit
• 1/3 cup blackberries
• 1 frozen banana
• 1/3 cup water

Procedure
Juice the grapefruit, either manually, with a citrus press, or with a juicer. Blend the juice with the remaining ingredients until smooth and serve. Makes about 1½ cups.

Boost
If you'd like to make this a meal, add a scoop of protein powder and a teaspoon of maple syrup.

Benefits
This juice is rich in powerful antioxidants like ellagic acid, limonoids, proanthocyanidins, and vitamins C and E. All of these nutrients have proven very effective in neutralizing free radicals, making them wonderful foods for protecting your skin and eyes and preventing all kinds of cancer. Blackberries in particular are one of the most antioxidant-dense foods available.

Tip
I always include some white grapefruit pith for extra vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which are most concentrated there. If you like the visual effect, blend the fruits individually, then layer them.

You can find more juicing tips and recipes on our website.

Spring Back from Allergies with Yoga

2009-04-14T05:29:00.000-07:00

Spring Back from Allergies with Yoga

Anna Montage, Health and Wellness Editor

While spring is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and shake off the chill of winter, for many of us the beautiful blossoming of spring flowers and trees means—ugh!—allergies. If you find yourself sneezing and sniffling each spring, why not try to find relief from your allergies this year through the ancient principles of yoga?

1. Practice Yoga Regularly

According to the ancient science of Ayurveda, allergies are aggravated by the build-up of excess toxins (ama) in the body. By gently massaging, stretching, and stimulating the internal organs, yoga asanas effectively help eliminate unwanted wastes and toxins. Yoga postures also improve digestion, enabling you to absorb full nutrition from your food, which in turn creates less waste. Best of all, yoga helps naturally increase your desire for the delicious, vibrant foods that both cleanse and nourish your body.

Yoga asanas also help balance and tone the nervous system, promoting a wonderful relaxation effect in the body, including:

* Lowered blood pressure
* Slower pulse
* Deep, even breathing
* Reduction of stress hormones
* Increase in “feel good” endorphins

We know that stress drains and weakens the immune system, while practicing yoga asanas has the opposite effect. Yoga builds and strengthens your immune system, making your body less likely to react to everyday allergens.

You can practice yoga with Wai Lana by watching her TV show, if it’s on in your area, or by purchasing her yoga videos and DVDs.

2. Try a Yoga Diet

While yogis have known for centuries that a wholesome plant-based diet is ideal for mental, physical, and spiritual health, it’s interesting to know that modern scientists recently discovered that this same diet is also helpful for reducing allergy symptoms. They found that a vegetarian diet naturally decreases the level of histamines in the body. Histamines are the chemicals responsible for the miseries of allergies—sniffling, sneezing, etc.

Whole grains, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a moderate amount of dairy products form the basis of a healthy yoga diet. Light and refreshing soups, salads, fresh juices, and other light and healthy fare help to invigorate your body and improve digestion at this time of year. For recipe ideas, check out Wai Lana’s website or try Wai Lana’s Juice Book, which is full of delicious and refreshing juice and smoothie recipes.

3. Use Warming, Balancing Spices

Spices such as cumin, turmeric, coriander, and fennel help counter the damp coolness of the spring season. Ginger is the classic warming spice for improving digestion and burning up toxins, as well as reducing inflammation. Try some warm ginger tea with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Even hot water or herbal tea with lemon will have a nice balancing, warming effect on your body.

Turmeric is also very helpful for reducing the inflammation associated with allergies—a medicinal daily dose can really help. You can buy turmeric already in Vegicaps in the health food store, or if you don’t mind the taste too much, try taking a teaspoon daily with a big gulp of water. It can also make your cooking both flavorful and colorful—add some to a pot of rice or to veggies stir-fried with cumin seeds.

4. Get Plenty of Rest and Relaxation

Rest and relaxation are necessary to maintain health and balance. Getting enough sleep is essential for the health of your immune system. Take time to slow down and get into the activities you enjoy. It’s the perfect time of year to be outdoors, whether for nature hikes, bike rides, gardening, or whatever takes your fancy. We all need to give our bodies and minds time to recuperate from the hustle and bustle of daily responsibilities.

5. Practice Neti

The ancient yoga technique of neti, or sinus irrigation, is a proven method for reducing allergy symptoms. The concept is simple—by rinsing your sinuses with a mild saline solution once or twice a day, you remove allergens and congestion, greatly alleviating allergy symptoms.

Neti involves using a special neti pot filled with warm, slightly salted water. The nose cone is inserted into one nostril and the position of the head and pot is adjusted to allow the water to flow out of the other nostril. While the water flows through your nasal passages you breathe through your mouth. After half a pot has flowed in one direction, the water flow is reversed. When the water in the pot is finished, the nose must be properly dried.

Another simple yoga technique for reducing allergy symptoms is nasya—rubbing the inside of your nose with oil. To do nasya, first wash your hands thoroughly, then clean the inside of your nose. Use a clean, short-nailed finger to rub oil on the inside of your nostrils. The best kind of oil is raw sesame oil or pure sunflower oil. Olive oil can be used as well. The oil catches dust, pollen, and other allergens before they have the chance to irritate your respiratory tract.

Spring Yoga Pose

Easy Fish – This simple asana opens the chest (making breathing easier) and stimulates the thymus, helping to strengthen and balance your immune system.
Try the Easy Fish asana along with Wai Lana.

Wai Lana's Newsletter

Ginger

2009-04-12T02:12:00.000-07:00

I've been extra tired with all the work and traveling I've done in the past week.
Once again I'm turning to ginger to keep me well.

Ginger for Winter Ills
Ginger is well known for its spicy bite in Asian cooking, but not everyone knows it's also an effective remedy for a number of ailments, including colds and flu. Ginger is a stimulant that helps increase agni, the internal fire that regulates the digestive and circulatory systems. Low agni causes blockage and constipation, allowing toxins to accumulate, which creates a breeding ground for disease. Ginger helps by increasing the agni, which, in turn, burns away toxins and waste matter, improves digestion, and paves the way to recovery. Ginger even helps eliminate harmful bacteria and parasites.

Ginger is especially good during cold and flu season. It helps clear the sinuses, relieves congestion headaches, and reduces fever. It's also an expectorant that expels mucus from the lungs and throat. The most effective way to take it for colds and flu is ginger tea. Here's a simple recipe:

2 cups water
¼ cup diced fresh ginger
2 tsp. honey

Boil the water, then add the ginger and simmer for about 20 minutes. Strain into a cup and add 2 teaspoons of honey (or to taste). If you like, you can add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pot to increase the stimulating, heating effect. Let me forewarn you now, though: This tea is fiery! Sip it—don't gulp it down.

- Wai lana's weekly message

Natural Flea Repellent for Pets

2009-04-11T02:51:00.000-07:00

Natural ways to get rid of your pets' fleas:

Natural Flea Repellent for Pets
Treat Dogs and Cats with Garlic, Essential Oils to Repel Insects

© Victoria Anisman-Reiner
Apr 8, 2009
Natural Flea Repellents Protect Dogs and Cats, Mark Miller, morguefile.com
Essential oils and garlic offer a fool-proof natural way to control fleas and repel insects that bite and irritate dogs, cats, other furred pets, and humans.

If you have pets of any kind, chances are you've had the not-so-pleasant experience of fending off fleas, ticks, or other biting insects. Most people turn to flea control products offered by veterinarians and pet stores, but these can be toxic and even poisonous to children, adults, and even the dogs and cats themselves. There are natural, safe alternatives that will kill and repel fleas and other insects without harming people or pets.
Problems with Commercial Flea Products

Although the flea powder or flea collars offered by your local pet stores may look like the easiest solution, it's worth doing a bit of research before you buy. Chemicals present in most of the leading brands in flea control products have been linked with liver toxicity, seizures and other nervous system disorders, renal failure, and in the long run with cancer, diabetes, and other diseases.

Cats and kittens have died from overdoses of pesticides present in flea sprays. Some of these dangerous products have been withdrawn, but others remain on store shelves despite their potential to do serious harm.

Is There a Natural Option to Repel Fleas Without Poisoning Pets?

Although companies like Frontage and Advantage scoff at natural flea treatments, and even some vets dismiss their efficacy, there are a number of natural options that work wonders in eliminating fleas from pets, carpets, and homes.

The best time to use natural flea repellents is before your pet has fleas. Dosing your dog or cat with garlic or essential oils should start in early spring (in temperate areas), before flea season begins, and continue well into the fall. If you live in a region that is always warm enough to make fleas an ongoing risk, it's wise to take preventive measures to prevent fleas on an ongoing basis.
Garlic Repels Fleas and Biting Insects

One of the oldest and best natural remedies to repel fleas is garlic. Garlic can be administered fresh, ground onto pets' food, but the easiest (and less messy) way to use it is by purchasing dried or "odorless" garlic tablets from the health food store. These can be given to pets whole, or ground and fed on top of kibble or other food. Odorless garlic is coated so you won't smell it as much – but the fleas sure will, and they stay away.
Essential Oils for Flea Control

Essential oils are another tried and true, traditional way to repel fleas and biting insects. Almost any spicy or sharp essential oil will repel insects, but the best for getting rid of fleas are:

* Peppermint
* Lavender
* Spearmint
* Lemongrass
* Melaleuca

These oils and others can be applied to your pet's collar, or mixed in a spray bottle with water and misted onto your dog or cat's fur with care. Avoid citrus oils with cats; additives in non-organic citrus rind can be toxic to cats (as can additives and impurities in cheap essential oils). Essential oil quality is paramount, especially when using the oils on children or pets.
Reference

Stewart, David, Ph.D. "Essential Oils for Things That Bug You Around the House," Raindrop Messenger, 2007.

The copyright of the article Natural Flea Repellent for Pets in Herbal Medicine is owned by Victoria Anisman-Reiner. Permission to republish Natural Flea Repellent for Pets in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Natural Flea Repellents Protect Dogs and Cats, Mark Miller, morguefile.com
Natural Flea Repellents Protect Dogs and Cats

Read more: Natural Flea Repellent for Pets: Treat Dogs and Cats with Garlic, Essential Oils to Repel Insects - http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/natural_flea_repellent_for_pets#ixzz0CQ98BUIJ

Abdominal Massage Pose

2009-04-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

Abdominal Massage Pose
Click here to watch the instructional video

The movement of your breathing combined with the twist stretches, massages, and stimulates your abdominal organs in this pose. It helps relieve constipation, gas, and other abdominal problems.

1. From a sitting position, come onto your left knee and sit on your heel. Place your right foot flat on the floor and rest your hands on your knees.

2. Inhale fully and extend your right arm.

3. Gaze at your fingertips as you slowly exhale and rotate your torso to the right.

4. When you've turned as far as you can, inhale and lower your arm. Place the back of your hand on your left hip or as far to the left of your lower back as you can. Press your right shoulder back. Breathe slowly and evenly to your abdomen. As you inhale, your abdomen expands. As you exhale, it contracts. Hold the pose for 15 to 30 seconds.

5. Raise your arm to shoulder level.

6. Release the twist as you inhale and rotate back to center.

7. Lower your hand and change sides.

Hints…
Press your hand against your knee as leverage to help you twist further. Keep the underside of your chin parallel to the floor so your head is not tilted.

For Constipation…
Drink a couple of glasses of water immediately before practicing this pose to get your bowels moving.

The Eco Yoga Mat- for Kids!

2009-04-05T06:26:00.001-07:00

Well it's out! it's on sale now too. :)

New! Wai Lana's
Little Yogis™ Eco Mat

A fun, kid-sized yoga mat that’s healthier for the planet and for your little ones

* Free from phthalates, phenols, dioxins, and furans
* Cute cartoon print of Wai Lana and her Little Yogi friends
* Sticky, nonslip surface helps kids keep their footing
* Smaller, kid-sized mat to personalize their practice
* Lightweight, durable, washable and latex-free (tested by an independent laboratory)
* Measures 1/8"H x 24"W x 60"L

Yoga is a safe, challenging, and healthy activity for children, and it’s fun too! Yoga helps children develop strength, balance, flexibility, and concentration and encourages a more focused, peaceful approach to life. Your children will thank you for introducing them to yoga.

The Little Yogis Eco Mat is designed to provide children with a safe, stable foundation for building a yoga practice that will start them on a lifelong path of health and well-being.

This mat is free from phthalates, phenols, dioxins, and furans, making it safer for the planet and for the health of your children.

Creative Child Toys

2009-04-01T20:47:00.000-07:00

For $47.80 this isn't bad at all for all this:

Creative Child

Gift Basket includes:

* Little Yogis™ DVD Volume 2
* Fun Songs Activity Book
* Fun Songs CD & Lyrics Book
* Fun Songs Game Cards

Eggplanet rolatine

2009-03-31T19:43:00.000-07:00

My neighbor just came back from their farm and gave me a whole basket of eggplants. I decided to try out the following recipe:

Wai Lana's Weekly Recipe: Eggplant Rolatine

This is a very delicious and unusual dish in which large slices of steamed eggplant are rolled up around slices of fresh homemade cheese (curd) and baked with an Indian-style richly spiced tomato sauce. It's a good choice for entertaining friends or family or for a special meal.

1 recipe of Basic Curd (recipe given below)
2 1/2 Tbsp. ghee or olive oil
1 very large eggplant, at least 8x5 inches

1/2 cup onion, diced
1/2 to 1 tsp. dried chili flakes, add to taste
2 Tbsp. ground coriander
4 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
4 cups tomato, diced
1 Tbsp. fresh ginger, peeled and minced
2 tsp. salt
6 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. tamarind paste
2 cloves garlic, crushed
3 Tbsp. water chestnuts, minced
2 Tbsp. roasted almond butter
1/4 cup half-and-half (half milk, half cream)

1 large bell pepper, cut into strips
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1. Prepare the curd as directed below using the first draining method. Cut into 12 long slices. Heat 1 Tbsp. of the ghee in a large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Pan-fry the curd until golden on both sides.

2. Meanwhile, slice the eggplant into twelve 1/4-inch-thick slices lengthwise. Steam for 10-15 minutes until soft and floppy but not falling apart. You may have to steam the slices in the middle of the steaming basket a little longer. Set aside with the curd.

3. To prepare the sauce, heat 1 Tbsp. of the ghee in a large saucepan on medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until lightly browned. Add the chili flakes and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the next 5 spices and sauté for 30 seconds.

4. Add the tomatoes and the next 6 ingredients and cook on medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Mix in the almond butter and cook for 5 minutes. Add the half-and-half and mix well, then remove from the heat.

5. Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a small nonstick skillet heat the remaining 1/2 Tbsp. ghee on medium heat. Add the bell pepper and stir-fry until it begins to brown. Set aside.

6. To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of sauce in a 9x12-inch casserole dish. Dip both sides of a slice of eggplant in the remaining sauce. Place it in the dish and roll a piece of curd up in it. Place the roll seam side down.

7. Repeat with all slices of eggplant and curd. Spread the remaining sauce on top, then garnish with the bell pepper slices. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Good served with basmati rice.

Serves 12

Note: When serving this dish with rice, you can cook the rice with the whey from the curd. Combine 1 part rinsed rice with 2 parts whey. Bring to a boil, cover, and turn the heat to the lowest possible setting. Cook until the grains are soft and the liquid is completely absorbed.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:
Calories: 223, Fat 9.9g (89 cal), Carbohydrate 25.7g (102 cal), Protein 7.8g (32 cal)
Added information: Saturated Fat 4.3g, Cholesterol 24mg, Sodium 495mg, Dietary Fiber 2.5g

Basic Curd

Curd, or Paneer, is easy to make and not terribly time-consuming. Below I've given several methods of draining, each of which results in a different texture and shape. I usually use the first method, which is the quickest and produces a curd similar in texture to firm tofu. The second and third methods yield an even firmer curd comparable to extra-firm tofu.

8 cups whole milk
1 cup plain yogurt, nonfat, low-fat, or whole
2-4 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, or as needed

1. Bring the milk to a boil in a large heavy-based saucepan on medium-high heat. Separately beat the yogurt until smooth. Just as the milk begins to froth up to a boil, reduce the heat to low and stir in the yogurt until well combined.

2. Slowly pour in the lemon juice, stirring gently. Use just enough lemon juice to allow the curds to separate from the clear yellow whey. You may need more or less lemon juice depending on the acidity of your lemons.

Draining Method 1
Pour the curds and whey into a large fine metal strainer set over a saucepan or bowl to catch the whey. Reserve the whey to use in soups. Press the curds with a spoon, then let them drain for 20-30 minutes. Flip the strainer upside down, letting the curd fall onto a plate or cutting board. Cut into the desired shape.

Draining Method 2
For a firmer texture, pour the curds and whey through a muslin- or cheesecloth-lined strainer set over a large saucepan or bowl to catch the whey. Tie the corners of the muslin together and hang the curd to drain for 1 to 2 hours.

Draining Method 3
Hang the curd for 10-15 minutes only. Then, leaving the curd in the cloth, shape it into a square block and place it under a heavy weight for 1 to 2 hours. This will create a firm block of curd.

Read about the yoga diet

Release Anger Through Yoga

2009-03-31T00:53:00.000-07:00

Release Anger Through Yoga
Anger can be very destructive. It can cause physical and mental problems and can even destroy our personal relationships. But you don't have to let it.

You can learn to release your anger through yoga. Breathing exercises are particularly good for calming down immediately. Just take as many slow, deep breaths as you need to. Yoga sound meditation combined with breathing is even more effective, as the sounds themselves are calming. Yoga asanas also help release tension in both body and mind. So before you blow off steam and hurt yourself or someone else, release your anger with some yoga.

I need this totally right now. I'm going through a bad case of PMS!

Do You Really Need Your Morning Coffee?

2009-03-30T04:31:00.000-07:00

Some shocking 20 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily. It's addicting, no doubt, but do we really need it?

Do You Really Need Your Morning Coffee?

Do you drag yourself out of bed in the morning and shuffle to the kitchen half asleep to put the coffee on, knowing that you’ll be useless until after your first few gulps? There’s no question that coffee wakes you up. It’s a stimulant. But have you also noticed how it lets you down after a couple of hours?

How would you like to wake up quickly and sustain your energy level throughout the day without coffee? It’s not as hard as it seems. You feel drowsy in the morning because of low oxygen levels in the blood and because circulation is slow. So just go outside and do a few simple asanas with deep breathing. The oxygen from the fresh air will wake up and energize your body. The increased circulation will leave you feeling bright and alert. And your heart won’t suffer the negative effects of the coffee.

So instead of shuffling to the kitchen, shuffle out to your balcony, porch, or backyard and do some yoga. Even your living room will do, but open the window! You’ll wake up quickly, but steadily. When you’re done, your body will be ready for the day ahead, but you won’t face that mid-morning slump. And if you get tired again in the afternoon, just go outside, stretch, and breathe deeply for a few minutes. It works wonders!

Wai Lana's Weekly Message

Here are some beautiful pictures to look at:

Wai lana's Gem of Wisdom

2009-03-29T04:51:00.000-07:00

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something I can do.
Edward Everett Hale

Source

Stretch n Play Eco ball

2009-03-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

More equipment to help get your kids into the good habit of doing yoga!

Stretch n Play Eco ball

Coming Soon: Wai Lana's Little Yogis™
Stretch n Play Eco ball

Kids can roll, bounce, and balance on the ball to get fit, strong, and flexible

* Suitable for children aged 3 and up
* Exercising on the ball enhances strength, focus, and balance
* Fun games develop eye-hand coordination
* More than 20 exercises and 4 games on one colorful poster

Kit includes:

* Yellow kid-sized yoga ball made from phthalate-free PVC
* Easy foot pump for quick inflation
* Cute illustrated poster with exercises and games

It'll only be $24!

Eco friendly yoga mats for kids- 20% off

2009-03-26T02:01:00.000-07:00

Wai Lana has a 20% off discount for the introductory sale of this cute eco-friendly yoga mat that's sure to get kids more into their yoga practices :)

New! Wai Lana's
Little Yogis™ Eco Mat

A fun, kid-sized yoga mat that’s healthier for the planet and for your little ones

* Free from phthalates, phenols, dioxins, and furans
* Cute cartoon print of Wai Lana and her Little Yogi friends
* Sticky, nonslip surface helps kids keep their footing
* Smaller, kid-sized mat to personalize their practice
* Lightweight, durable, washable and latex-free (tested by an independent laboratory)
* Measures 1/8"H x 24"W x 60"L

Yoga is a safe, challenging, and healthy activity for children, and it’s fun too! Yoga helps children develop strength, balance, flexibility, and concentration and encourages a more focused, peaceful approach to life. Your children will thank you for introducing them to yoga.

The Little Yogis Eco Mat is designed to provide children with a safe, stable foundation for building a yoga practice that will start them on a lifelong path of health and well-being.

This mat is free from phthalates, phenols, dioxins, and furans, making it safer for the planet and for the health of your children.

Might as well take advantage of it while it's cheap! I am for sure.

More fun for Little Yogis with Wai lana

2009-03-24T19:41:00.001-07:00

Wai Lana's releasing so many more products these days. According to her website she has this adorable Eco Yoga Mat for kids coming out soon.

New! Wai Lana's
Little Yogis™ Eco Mat

A fun, kid-sized yoga mat that’s healthier for the planet and for your little ones

* Free from phthalates, phenols, dioxins, and furans
* Cute cartoon print of Wai Lana and her Little Yogi friends
* Sticky, nonslip surface helps kids keep their footing
* Smaller, kid-sized mat to personalize their practice
* Lightweight, durable, washable and latex-free (tested by an independent laboratory)
* Measures 1/8"H x 24"W x 60"L

Yoga is a safe, challenging, and healthy activity for children, and it’s fun too! Yoga helps children develop strength, balance, flexibility, and concentration and encourages a more focused, peaceful approach to life. Your children will thank you for introducing them to yoga.

The Little Yogis Eco Mat is designed to provide children with a safe, stable foundation for building a yoga practice that will start them on a lifelong path of health and well-being.

This mat is free from phthalates, phenols, dioxins, and furans, making it safer for the planet and for the health of your children.

Eco friendly gift baskets

2009-03-24T06:40:00.000-07:00

My sister was kind enough to a

Bamboo bath basket from Wai lana

for me. I LOVE it! Fantastic material, and what more, good for the earth.

Bamboo Bath

Gift Basket includes:

* Noni Soap
* Bamboo Bath Towel
* Bamboo Hand Towel
* Bamboo Wash Cloth

Inside Out Yoga

2009-03-22T01:32:00.000-07:00

Inside Out Yoga

When you do yoga asanas, don't try to force your body into an "ideal" position; instead, do them from the inside out. Move into the postures with inner awareness, noting and accepting your body's strengths and limitations. Don't worry if you can't stretch as far as someone else—yoga is about doing the poses the best you can while maintaining proper alignment. This is the safest way to practice, too. If you practice regularly and conscientiously, gently stretching your boundaries, you will advance very quickly.

Source

This week's gem of wisdom

2009-03-21T01:03:00.000-07:00

Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself.
Chinese proverb

From Wai Lana's meditation station

Channel yoga

2009-02-17T01:46:00.000-08:00

Channel yoga

The Arizona Republic
January 2009

If the idea of doing yoga in front of others has you quaking in your stretchy pants, try it in the privacy of your living room with Wai Lana, host of the long-running PBS series Wai Lana Yoga. Turn to Channel 8 (KAET) at 6 a.m. every weekday to learn how to do a sun salutation without anyone watching.

Source

Gems of Wisdom

2009-02-16T01:00:00.001-08:00

Before we set our hearts too much upon anything, let us examine how happy they are who already possess it.
Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Wai Lana's Gems of Wisdom

Go Natural this Valentines day!

2009-02-15T03:31:00.000-08:00

A message to all lovers from Wai lana:

"Go Natural this Valentine's day" - Click to Watch

A perfectly hilarious video we can all relate to!

Natural ways to keep healthy

2009-02-14T03:33:00.000-08:00

Personal Spa

Gift Basket includes:

* Yogaroma™ Bath Oil
* Yogaroma™ Bath Salts
* Yogaroma™ Massage Oil
* Yogaroma™ Body Scrub
* Yogaroma™ Soap
* Wai Lana's Rest & Relax CD
$99

Wai Lana's Yoga Shop

Three-Stage Perseverance

2009-02-08T04:22:00.000-08:00

Three-Stage Perseverance

Some yoga poses are easy for us; we like doing them and practice them regularly. Sometimes, however, we try a new pose that stretches muscles we don't often use or requires us to muster up strength. That's when our resistance kicks in.

Let's say you learned a new pose yesterday that was quite hard for you. When it comes time to do it today, you're reluctant. You know how stiff you were in that pose, how little movement you got, and it felt uncomfortable. So you're inclined to skip that one. But those are just the poses your body needs.

If you persevere, you'll go through different stages as you work with the pose. The first stage of reluctance usually lasts about a month. But as your body loosens up, you'll move into the second stage. The pose becomes tolerable and your body and mind no longer resist so much. This stage may last another six weeks or so, getting better and better. Finally, you'll get to stage three; the pose will be quite pleasant and enjoyable. At that point, when the pose becomes easy for you, it's time to find another pose that you're reluctant to do.

Wai lana's weekly message

Wai Lana's Noni Sale

2009-02-03T03:21:00.000-08:00

100% Pure Raw Aged Hawaiian Noni Juice (32 oz)

Healing, Pure & Simple
For thousands of years, noni juice has been valued throughout Polynesia, including Hawaii, as a powerful health tonic. Our 100% pure, raw noni juice is made from sun-ripened, hand-picked noni fruit grown year-round in Hawaii ’s rich volcanic soils and is aged to perfection for maximum potency.

Provides Antioxidant Power
Contains potent antioxidants, such as vitamin C and polysaccharides, to help protect your body at a cellular level from premature aging, heart disease, and many other disorders.

Improves Immune Function
Helps boost and regulate your immune system so that it functions more efficiently and you’re better able to ward off colds, flus, infections, and disease.

Enhances Digestion
Supplies a wealth of digestive enzymes that improve digestive function, letting you absorb and assimilate more nutrients and experience increased health, energy, and vitality.

Cleanses and Detoxifies
Cleanses and protects the liver and helps your body neutralize and eliminate toxins.

Eases Inflammation
Has both analgesic (painkilling) and anti-inflammatory properties.

Available in 16 oz and 32 oz bottles. Buy a case of 12, get 30% off

Vegetarian product.

Ingredients: 100% pure noni juice.

Suggested use: As a nutritional supplement, take 1 oz (2 Tbsp) daily, plain or mixed with water or fruit juice, on an empty stomach or 30 minutes before meals or as directed by your healthcare professional.

This sale ends on Feb 11, 2009

Source

Asana of the Week: Easy Bow

2009-01-31T00:32:00.000-08:00

Easy Bow

This backbending pose strengthens the lower back. Its powerful effect on the abdominal organs helps alleviate abdominal disorders. It also tones the liver and kidneys and helps purify the blood.

1. Lie on your stomach with your chin on the floor.

2. Bring your right hand in front of your shoulder, fingers pointing forward.

3. Bend your left knee and hold your foot with your left hand.

4. Inhale and press your hand into the floor as you lift your head, shoulders, and chest. Simultaneously lift your left knee and thigh. Breathe softly as you hold.

5. Inhale fully, then slowly exhale as you come down.

6. Release your left foot. Turn your head to one side and rest.

7. Repeat on the other side.

Focus in the Pose...
Move the foot you are holding back and up to increase the lift in both your thigh and your chest. One side of your body forms the shape of a bow. Imagine it is being pulled taut with an arrow, stretching the entire abdominal region.

Hints...
First use your lower back muscles to lift your torso as high as possible. Then press your right hand into the floor to increase the lift. You can either hold the pose for 5 to 10 seconds and do repetitions, or do the pose once on each side, holding it for 10 to 30 seconds.

Here's an Easier Way...
If you have a hard time lifting your thigh, you can leave it on the floor. Pressing your foot back will help you to eventually get your thigh off the ground a little.

Click here to watch the video

Eat Right and Do Yoga to Fight Colds and Flu

2009-01-30T00:31:00.000-08:00

Fight Colds and Flu Naturally with Garlic
People who take daily garlic supplements will catch fewer common colds than people who do not supplement with garlic. Studies have determined that taking a daily garlic supplement that contains allicin will reduce one's risk of contracting a cold by approximately 50 percent. Allicin is a purified component of garlic that is the active ingredient produced by the garlic plant. Garlic supplements that contain allicin have also been shown to be effective for fighting methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections.

Everyone suffers from the common cold from time to time. In fact, the common cold is the most prevalent viral infection in the world with more than 200 known variations of the viruses that cause the common cold. On average, people can expect to suffer between two and five colds every year. Recent research is now revealing that not only can garlic help prevent many colds but taking daily garlic supplements can also help to reduce the duration and severity of colds when they are contracted.

Allison has also been proven to be effective in fighting MRSA superbug infections. MRSA is a dermatological staph infection that occurs among patients in health care settings. MRSA can be widespread, is becoming resistant to many antibiotics, and can be a very serious and debilitating condition.

How to Use Garlic for Cold Prevention:

1.Use garlic as soon as the initial symptoms of a cold are felt. Garlic consumption is effective for strengthening the immune system and will even help prevent many colds. When symptoms first appear take a garlic supplement or drink garlic tea to boost the body's disease-fighting strength. Garlic tea will also soothe a sore throat and cough.

2.Try to consume between 1 and 2 whole cloves of garlic each day. Consuming more than this is fine but this amount of garlic will provide all the immune system benefits needed to fight a cold.

3.Taking a large dose of garlic supplements when cold symptoms are initially noticed may be effective for preventing, or at least reducing, a cold. Experts believe that a mega dose of garlic at the first sign of colds or the flu can reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms.

How to Prepare Garlic Tea:

1.Chop one clove of garlic finely. Fine chopping activates the allicin in garlic that is effective for fighting cold and flu viruses.

2.Add the chopped garlic to boiling water and allow to steep for several minutes.

3.Cool the tea before drinking. For best taste allow the tea to cool somewhat but don't drink it cold. The taste is best when slightly warm.

4.Drink one cup each day during the winter months or when cold and flu symptoms begin.

Source

And of course, learn Wai Lana's Lion- it's a great exercise to do to keep away colds and flu. Keep warm and cozy, do your hatha yoga and keep your immune system in tip top shape!

Channel yoga

2009-01-26T05:13:00.000-08:00

Channel yoga

The Arizona Republic
January 2009

If the idea of doing yoga in front of others has you quaking in your stretchy pants, try it in the privacy of your living room with Wai Lana, host of the long-running PBS series Wai Lana Yoga. Turn to Channel 8 (KAET) at 6 a.m. every weekday to learn how to do a sun salutation without anyone watching.

Wai Lana News

Keep the colds at bay with yoga

2009-01-24T21:05:00.000-08:00

Recently this article about daily exercise reduces your chances of getting colds or any other sickness. Well, I'd say, do your yoga everyday with Wai Lana!. You'll definitely prevent getting sick! It's worked for me, who used to be extremely overweight and unfit. I'm sure it'll work for anyone else who tries.

Healthy Food—Fast

2009-01-24T04:23:00.000-08:00

Healthy Food—Fast
Anna Montage, Health and Wellness Editor

One of the biggest obstacles to making the transition to a healthier, tastier daily menu can simply be the perceived need for a lot of time to prepare balanced, nutritious meals. However, in this month’s article we’re going to show you just how quick preparing satisfying, tasty meals can be. After all, for most of us almost every day is busy and hectic, so you need plenty of creative ways to handle those last-minute meal preparations—without sacrificing your health in the process.

Last-Minute Pasta Dinner
Last-Minute Pasta Dinner

Ingredients:
Whole wheat pasta (or your favorite pasta)
Veggie ground round (usually available in either the produce or frozen foods section of your grocery store)
Olive oil
Garlic, onion and/or mushrooms (optional)
Meatless pasta sauce (try organic!)
Salad veggies (such as baby greens, baby carrots, cucumber, etc.)
Your favorite salad dressing
Wholegrain or Italian bread (optional)

You arrive home starving—and possibly to greet starving family members as well. What to do? Here’s a quick, easy dinner sure to satisfy the palate:

First, turn a burner on high and get a pot of water going for your pasta. For the nutritional boost of whole grains, try some of the new whole wheat pastas available in most grocery stores and all health food stores.

Sauté the veggie ground round in a little olive oil and, if you like, add some garlic and onion or mushrooms. Once it’s lightly browned, add a jar of your favorite meatless pasta sauce (preferably organic) and simmer for a few minutes.

In the meantime, throw together a quick tossed salad. Prewashed baby spinach and salad greens make salad easier than ever. (It’s always a good idea to give these an extra rinse.) Throw some baby carrots on top and garnish with whatever other salad veggies you have on hand. A little cheese always adds extra zest to a simple salad. Top with your favorite dressing. A little garlic bread (optional) adds a traditional complement to this tasty meal. (Try wholegrain bread!)

The Easiest Cheese Lasagna Ever!
The Easiest Cheese Lasagna Ever!

This recipe is perfect for whenever you and your family and friends want a delicious, gourmet meal but you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This lasagna takes only about 20 minutes to prepare but about 1½ to 2 hours to cook. (If needed, you can assemble it several hours ahead of baking time.)

Ingredients:
1 package lasagna noodles
3 jars marinara pasta sauce
16 oz ricotta cheese
1 lb tofu (optional)
16 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp dried basil for garnishing (optional)
½ tsp dried oregano for garnishing (optional)

Preheat the oven to 375ºF. This recipe doesn’t require pre-boiling the lasagna noodles (it’s not necessary to buy the no-bake kind) but you use plenty of sauce to compensate. It’s important to use marinara style sauce because the higher water content helps cook the noodles.

First, pour a good bit of sauce on the bottom of the pan and spread it out. Use enough sauce so that you can’t see the bottom of the pan at all (this usually amounts to about ¾ of a jar of sauce.) Then put your first layer of dry lasagna noodles down. Spread on the ricotta cheese (about half the container) and sprinkle with a little pepper.

Tofu/ricotta option: If you like, before you put the ricotta in the lasagna, mix some ricotta and tofu together in a 50:50 mixture, crumbling the tofu with your fingers. You (or your guests) will never know the tofu’s there, but it makes the lasagna come out nice and firm and it also provides all the nutritional benefits of soy.

After you spread the first layer of ricotta or ricotta/tofu mixture over the dry lasagna noodles, sprinkle on some shredded mozzarella cheese. Add another generous layer of pasta sauce, then lay down another layer of dry lasagna noodles and repeat with more ricotta or ricotta/tofu and mozzarella and sauce. Add one more layer of dry noodles and add some extra sauce over these noodles. Cover with a layer of ricotta.

Wrap the whole casserole tightly in aluminum foil (this is a crucial step because the sauce will steam the noodles, but the casserole needs to be tightly wrapped). Bake for 1½ to 2 hours. In the last 5 or 10 minutes, remove the foil and add a final layer of mozzarella cheese for an attractive presentation. (The mozzarella will stick to the foil, so don’t put the foil back on for this step.) If you like, sprinkle a little basil and oregano on for an added garnish.

There will usually be a little sauce left that you can warm up for those who like extra sauce with their lasagna. Served with a light salad and bread, this meal is both simple and delicious.

Tip:
To make it easy, here’s a little summary of how to layer your lasagna:

1st and 2nd layers:

Sauce
Noodles
Ricotta/tofu
Mozzarella

3rd layer:

Sauce
Noodles
Sauce
Ricotta/tofu
Mozzarella (added in last 10 minutes—remove foil)

Quick and Easy Salad Meal—Not Your Ordinary Salad
Quick and Easy Salad Meal—Not Your Ordinary Salad

A hearty salad can make a delicious and satisfying meal—it’s all about including the right ingredients. There are no hard and fast rules for making a salad, but here are some suggestions. (By the way, wholegrain bread topped with a little butter makes a nice accompaniment to this nutrient-packed meal.)

Pre-washed salad greens, such as baby spinach, baby romaine, etc., make the base of your salad—these are generally easy to find organic. Throw in lots of your favorite veggies: cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, etc. For that hearty salad meal taste, add black or green olives, avocado, and/or crumbled or grated cheese. Balsamic vinegar splashed on your salad with a dash of olive oil and salt and pepper makes a great simple dressing, or choose your own favorite dressing. (Try to avoid creamy dressings or those with a lot of additives and preservatives. The idea is to get plenty of healthy fats from the salad ingredients themselves, such as the olives and avocado.)

Veggie Burgers and Fries: A Healthy Version of the American Favorite
Veggie Burgers and Fries: A Healthy Version of the American Favorite

It’s fun to serve this healthy, delicious version of an American favorite.

Ingredients:
Veggie burgers (virtually every grocery store now has these in the frozen food section)
Olive oil or butter for pan-frying
Wholegrain hamburger buns (available at your local health food store and some grocery stores)
Lettuce
Sliced tomato
Ketchup, mustard, eggless mayonnaise (available in health food stores), etc.
Deli pickles
Baby carrots
Potato options: organic frozen french fries or baked potatoes

This meal is so easy to make! Just put a little olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Use enough oil to coat the pan. Sauté the veggie burgers on each side until they are lightly browned. Serve on wholegrain hamburger buns with lettuce, tomato, and all your favorite condiments. (You can also make this same meal with “veggie dogs” in place of veggie burgers.) Baby carrots make a quick and healthy side dish.

For a potato side dish, try the healthy organic versions of frozen french fries available in health food stores. Potatoes are naturally nutritious, and these healthy fries use only high-quality oils—no hydrogenated fats. They’re an easy solution for a busy or tired cook.

Baked potatoes are also easy, but they take longer to cook. (Bake at 375ºF for 45 minutes or longer, depending on the size of the potatoes. Poke with a fork to determine when they are done.) This is a pretty light meal, so topping your potato with some butter and/or a little grated cheese is fine. If you’re trying to eat very light, try plain low-fat yogurt on your baked potato in place of sour cream. It’s surprisingly tasty!

These meals are so easy to make and so delicious that you’ll soon find healthy cooking a breeze. Bon appetit from your friends at Wai Lana Yoga!

Wai Lana's Weekly Message

Getting Vegetarian Protein Is Easy

2009-01-23T05:56:00.000-08:00

Getting Vegetarian Protein Is EasyWhen shifting to a vegetarian diet, one of the biggest concerns for some people is protein. They may worry when concerned friends ask, “Where are you going to get your protein?” But rest assured, you can always answer, “From everything I eat.” After all, when nearly all plant foods contain some protein, it’s quite simple to go vegetarian with little to no protein planning at all. I have been vegetarian since my teens. My children, now grown and lifelong athletes, have been vegetarian their entire lives, as are their children. All of us are busy, active, and energetic, and none of us has ever been protein-deficient. In fact, a well-rounded plant-based diet gives you not only ample protein, but also superior protein to animal sources.

How Much Protein Do We Eat?

Most North Americans consume more protein than they need. The US Food and Drug Administration recommends about 50 to 60 grams per day for the average adult, yet many people are consuming close to 100 grams a day—nearly double. The reason for this is overconsumption of animal foods—mainly meat, poultry, fish, and eggs—which typically contain 20% to 50% protein. The FDA recommends that only 10% of our calories come from protein.

Studies have linked prolonged protein overconsumption to common modern-day health issues such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and liver and kidney problems—to name a few. These conditions may also be the result of nutritional deficiencies since many high-protein animal foods come in poor nutritional “packages.” In other words, these foods often come hand in hand with unhealthy saturated fats and cholesterol. They also commonly lack fiber and many vitamins, minerals, and other key nutrients. So when we choose such “poor packages” to increase our protein intake, we may inadvertently contribute to a range of health problems, including an increased risk of colon cancer.

How Much Do We Really Need?

Protein is necessary for tissue growth, repair, and maintenance, but how much of it do we really need? Perhaps the greatest indicator of the human body’s protein requirements is human breast milk. Breast milk nurtures the body throughout its most concentrated stage of growth and development—for which protein is essential. Breast milk, however, is only about 7% protein—much less than the 30% comprising many Western diets. As fully grown adults, it’s unlikely that our protein needs would exceed that of an infant who more than doubles his or her body weight in one year.

The US FDA’s recommendation for protein has been cut in half over the past twenty years as scientists continue to debate how much we need. Right now, North American experts recommend 0.8 grams per 1 kilogram of body weight (1 kilogram equals approximately 2.2 pounds). For the average adult, this would translate to about 50 to 60 grams a day, or 10% of our daily caloric intake.

Protein requirements can vary somewhat according to body type, age, level of activity, stress, pregnancy or lactation, injury, or illness, but it is still very easy to meet these requirements with a well-balanced plant-based diet. In fact, it is very difficult to eat well and be deficient in protein. To be deficient in protein, you’d have to be deficient in many, many other nutrients as well.

Which Plant Foods Contain Protein?

All of them. Some plant foods contain just a trace amount while others have an abundance. Protein is comprised of amino acids, eight of which are not created by the human body. These eight “essential” amino acids, therefore, must come from our food, and they can easily be obtained from a wholesome, varied vegetarian diet. Examples include dhal with rice and veggies, nut butter on whole grain bread, muesli or cereal with milk or yogurt, cheese with healthy crackers, and black beans with tortilla and salad. Tempeh, tofu, sprouts, amaranth, quinoa, broccoli, collard greens, and shiitake and oyster mushrooms are also excellent sources, with a range of 10% to 50% protein—well over the 10% recommended by the FDA.

Variety and Nutrition

So now that your protein concerns are gone, focus on choosing foods that offer a good nutritional “package.” Protein is important, but no more important than other key nutrients. Plants are by far the most nutrient-rich foods on earth. In fact, the American Cancer Society’s top 30 foods for cancer prevention are all plants. So take advantage of the wide variety of plant foods available to you and eat different beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Some easy ways to get extra nutrition (and protein) to your diet are to add chickpeas and toasted pumpkin seeds to salads, soy veggie “ground beef” to pasta sauce, tofu or shiitakes to stir-fries, or lentils to hearty vegetable soup. Lightly steamed or sautéed dark leafy greens like collards, chard, spinach, and kale make a great side dish, packed with nutrition and protein, or add them at the last minute to stir-fries or soups. Make barbecue tofu sandwiches, portobello mushroom burgers, or TLTs (tempeh, lettuce, and tomato). Opt for whole grain bread and pasta, which contain about 50% more protein (and other nutrients) than their refined counterparts.

Remember, if you’re eating enough healthy food, you’re eating enough protein. So relax and enjoy your veggies, including this delicious, nutritious soup.

Recipe

Wasabi Green Pea Soup

The peppery flavor of wasabi, or Japanese horseradish, subtly permeates this flavorful pea soup, gently stimulating your metabolism and invigorating your lungs. Light yet sustaining, this protein-rich soup will energize you without making you feel heavy. It’s perfect for weight-watchers—though you wouldn’t know it upon tasting.

Ingredients

Tips/Variations

6 cups water

2 cups chopped parsnip (3-4 parsnips)

Oil spray

1 cup firm tofu, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

4 Tbsp Bragg Liquid Aminos or tamari

4-1/2 cups frozen peas (defrosted, 20 ounces)*

2 tsp wasabi powder or paste or to taste

1 tsp salt or to taste

*If using frozen fresh peas (not pre-cooked), add them in step 1 along with the parsnip.

Procedure

1. Place the water and parsnip in a 4-quart pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes or until tender.

2. Meanwhile, heat a medium skillet over medium heat, spray with cooking oil, and add the tofu cubes. Pan-fry for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most sides are golden. Spray more cooking oil when necessary. Add 2 tablespoons of the Braggs or tamari, stir, and cook for another minute or so until dry. Remove from heat.

3. Remove the soup from the heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons Braggs or tamari along with the peas, wasabi, and salt. Allow the peas to blanch until tender.

4. In batches, place the soup in a blender and blend until smooth. Return to the pot, add the tofu, and stir through. Ladle into bowls and serve.

Hands-on prep time: 5-10 minutes

Cook time: 10-15 minutes

Total time: About 25 minutes

Makes about 8 cups
Source

Feeling stressed? Do yoga!

2009-01-18T01:26:00.000-08:00

Ever feel so stressed you're not quite sure what to do? Or .. are you experiencing menopause or know anyone else who is? Menopause doesn't always have to be a very unpleasant time in your life. Recently that article on how hormonal balance is key to menopause came out. Yoga does just that- so .. I'd say, do join Wai lana's relaxation club or let someone else join it. It's done wonders for me and my menopausal mother.

Relaxation Club
As the epidemic of modern society, stress takes a heavy toll on our bodies, minds, and relationships. Wai Lana's Relaxation Club provides a welcome sanctuary of relief and relaxation.

Wai Lana's Asana of the Week: Easy Boat

2009-01-17T03:34:00.000-08:00

Easy Boat
Build strength and stamina as well as the core muscles that are essential to a healthy back.

1. Lie on your back with your feet together. Place your arms by your sides, palms down.

2 Inhale and raise your head and feet about 10 inches from the ground, leaving your arms on the floor. Keep your legs straight and point your toes. Retain your breath or breathe lightly as you hold for 5 to 10 seconds.

3. Exhale and come down. Relax your entire body, letting your feet fall outward. Repeat 3 to 5 times.

Focus in the Pose...
Feel your abdominal muscles working and becoming stronger. Notice how easy it is to relax after doing this pose.

Benefits...
• Energizes your whole body
• Releases nervous tension
• Strengthens your abs and thighs
• Stimulates digestion

Click here to watch the video

Surprise Yourself

2009-01-16T05:19:00.000-08:00

Surprise Yourself

One way to get better at yoga is to imagine it. While I'm not advocating pushing too hard, sometimes just imagining you can go further into a pose will get you there. It gives you the will to try just a little harder. For example, if you're doing Bow, visualize the beauty of the pose: the graceful arc formed by the arch of the back, the legs lifted high, feet moving back to open the chest. Then make your body into that shape—not violently or suddenly, but using your intelligence, your breath, and gradual movements from the inside to achieve the best pose possible.

So next time you're doing a pose you find difficult, instead of doing it halfheartedly, thinking, "I can't do this pose," try this little trick of mine. Say to yourself, "I can do it." Use your mind's eye to see yourself a little deeper in the pose and then go there.

By the way, this will also help you hold a pose longer. Summon up your willpower, take deep, even breaths, and see yourself holding it longer, a second at a time. You'll be pleasantly surprised when you see just how well you can do!

Wai Lana's weekly message

Massage

2009-01-13T18:37:00.000-08:00

Massage can do wonders for you physically- and what hatha yoga does is it actually massages your internal organs, hence the great health benefits of hatha yoga. I mean, our organs are all beat up day in and day out, so it's definitely a must to do your hatha yoga everyday - or at least thrice a week if you can.

Wailana has some jasmine massage oil now, and man- I LOVE jasmine. I'm going to go get myself some soon.

Sleeping too little raises risk of heart disease: Japanese study

2009-01-13T03:28:00.000-08:00

Get good sleep and exercise!

Sleeping too little raises risk of heart disease: Japanese study

Sleeping less than 7.5 hours a day may raise the risk of heart disease in elderly people, especially those who have elevated blood pressure at night, a study in Japan has found.

Scientists monitored sleeping patterns of 1,255 elderly people with hypertension and of an average age of 70.4, and followed them for 50 months.
Sleeping less than 7.5 hours a day may raise the risk of heart disease in elderly people, especially those who have elevated blood pressure at night, a study in Japan has found.
Sleeping less than 7.5 hours a day may raise the risk of heart disease in elderly people, especially those who have elevated blood pressure at night, a study in Japan has found.

During the followup period, the researchers recorded 99 strokes, heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths, and found more of them occurred among those who had less sleep.

"The group that had both shorter sleep duration plus the riser pattern (elevated blood pressure at night) had a 4.4 fold increase of cardiovascular disease compared with those with longer sleep duration," the researchers wrote in the latest issue of
the Archives of Internal Medicine.

People are generally sleeping less in modern societies. But getting adequate sleep is essential to preventing problems such as obesity and diabetes as well as several risk factors for cardiovascular disease including sleep-disordered breathing and night-time hypertension.

"Shorter duration of sleep is a predictor of incident cardiovascular disease in older people with hypertension particularly when it occurs with elevated night-time blood pressure," wrote the researchers, led by Kazuo Eguchi at Jichi Medical University in Japan.

They also urged that elderly people with such symptoms to be monitored more closely.
Source

Beautiful pictures to meditate on

2009-01-11T23:16:00.000-08:00

Look at these wonderful and inspiring pictures!

Wai Lana on Youtube

2009-01-10T04:54:00.000-08:00

Have you watched all of Wailana's videos on Youtube? If not, make sure to drop by here: Wai Lana on Youtube.com

Exercise During Pregnancy Benefits Mother and Child

2009-01-08T03:43:00.000-08:00

Do yoga with Wailana Yoga... prenatal care.. it'll help you keep toned during pregnancy, and lose weight afterwards.

Exercise During Pregnancy Benefits Mother and Child

One of the best ways to give children a good start at long-term heart health may be exercise during pregnancy, according to a study conducted by researchers from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and presented at the 121st annual meeting of the American Physiological Society.

"When the mom exercises during pregnancy, the unborn baby gets the same type of training effect that you would see in an adult," said researcher Linda E. May, "so you see the lower heart rate and also improved heart rate variability, which is evidence of improvements in the nervous system of the heart. Maternal exercise may be the earliest intervention to improve the heart of children and possibly the best."

Researchers used magnetocardiography, which is a magnetic, noninvasive version of the more well known electrocardiogram (ECG), to measure the heart rates and heart rate variability of fetuses between every four weeks between the 24th and 36th weeks of pregnancy. Half of the mothers studied were instructed to do 30 minutes of moderately intense aerobic exercise three times per week, while the other half were given no exercise instructions.

At every measurement between 28 and 36 weeks, the fetuses of women who exercised had lower heart rates than the fetuses of more sedentary women. At 32 weeks, these same fetuses had higher heart rate variability. The difference remained at 36 weeks, although it had lowered.

Both a lower heart rate and a higher heart rate variability are important indicators of a healthy heart.

While prior studies have conclusively demonstrated that exercise during pregnancy is important for the health of the mother, this study is one of the first to show that benefits beyond healthy birth weight may also be transmitted to the unborn child.

"This study suggests that a mother who exercises may not only be imparting health benefits to her own heart, but to her developing baby's heart as well," May said.

The researchers are planning to test their hypothesis again on a larger group of women.

Source for this story include: www.reuters.com.

Ancient Beauty Secret: Do Yoga

2009-01-06T01:37:00.000-08:00

It's amazing to see how beautiful Wai Lana is. It's as if she never ages. I'm starting to wonder if all her videos were like.. filmed from ages ago, but obviously they aren't. Here's her secret:

Ancient Yoga Secrets for Radiant Natural Beauty
Anna Montage, Health and Wellness Editor

We all want to look and feel our best—it’s only natural. The secret of yoga is this: You don’t have to spend a lot of time and money or undergo painful cosmetic procedures to exude radiant natural beauty. Here are some well-kept secrets for how to enjoy health and beauty.

Secret One: Fresh juices nourish your body from the inside out, giving you that healthy natural glow.

No beauty product can give you the natural radiance that comes from nourishing your body on the cellular level. Freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices are a powerful source of nutrition for each and every cell in your body, providing them with enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. If you juice regularly, you will experience a noticeable improvement in the texture and quality of your skin. Your energy will increase and you will begin to crave nourishing, wholesome foods. Drinking fresh juice is one of the most powerful ways to jumpstart your personal natural beauty program. Don’t be intimidated by the prospect of adding fresh juicing to your daily life; it is actually quite easy (and so delicious). Check out Wai Lana’s Favorite Juices for a tantalizing array of fresh juice recipes.

Secret Two: Yoga nourishes every gland and organ in your body, giving you youthful energy and vitality.

Yoga is a powerful exercise for enhancing your personal beauty and youthfulness in so many ways:

• Yoga balances the delicate hormones that control nearly every function in your body, enhancing the health of your skin and hair
• Yoga rejuvenates tired internal organs by improving circulation
• Inverted poses bring fresh blood to your head and face, improving skin and muscle tone
• Yoga firms and tones your muscles and helps to keep them supple and flexible
• Yoga improves your coordination and balance, leading to graceful posture and gait

Wai Lana offers a variety of yoga videos for every level: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

Secret Three: A plant-based diet is a must for any natural beauty program.

The powers of plant nutrients are proclaimed on nearly every skin and hair product, and for good reason: Plants are full of wonderful rejuvenating properties that will enhance your natural beauty and longevity. However, rather than just focusing on the power of plants from the outside, why not nourish your whole body from the inside? A plant-based diet will help keep you feeling young and beautiful for many years to come. Whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, and nuts and seeds, as well as a moderate amount of dairy products, provide all the nutrition you need for radiant natural beauty—without weighing you down. The ancient science of yoga also teaches that a vegetarian diet is more compassionate, allowing you to care for other living beings while you care for yourself.

Secret Four: Relaxation and meditation give you that inner peace that is so attractive.

A sweet smile is so alluring, whether it’s coming from a young person or an old person, a tall person or a short person—it doesn’t matter. But too much stress makes it difficult to feel relaxed and peaceful, and stress is hard to avoid in our society. Take a little time every day to cultivate your ability to relax and experience the inner peace that will help you to transcend the stress and strain of everyday life. Yoga meditation is a powerful method for inducing inner peace and relaxation. Wai Lana’s CDs—Rest and Relax, Yoga Sound and Yoga Music of the Heart—all contain the soothing sound vibrations that will make it easier for you to relax and smile every day.

Secret Five: Simple, all-natural beauty products bring the final touch to your natural beauty program.

Thankfully, there are many bath and beauty products available that contain all-natural, cruelty-free ingredients. These products are better for you and better for the environment. Many common beauty products contain chemical ingredients that are not good for you—they may even be toxic over the long term or cause allergic reactions. Read labels and stick with the brands that emphasize natural purity and safety.

Thankfully, there are many bath and beauty products available that contain all-natural, cruelty-free ingredients. These products are better for you and better for the environment. Many common beauty products contain chemical ingredients that are not good for you—they may even be toxic over the long term or cause allergic reactions. Read labels and stick with the brands that emphasize natural purity and safety.

Wai Lana's News Letter