Physical Activity Offers Cancer Patients Enhanced Recovery

Cancer treatment and recovery can alter activity levels dramatically. Physical exercise may be reduced or abandoned because of symptoms. Apathy can take hold. There may also be a reluctance to participate in previous activities because of the belief that one is sick and therefore should rest. In many cases this is understandable, especially if the patient is undergoing treatments that cause severe side effects like nausea, dizziness or weakness. Surprisingly, increased activity may actually reduce many of these common obstacles. Evidence from recent studies has suggested that the health effects of exercise during and after cancer treatment dramatically improve both mental and physical health. Not only does exercise combat depression and keep the body stronger, it may even increase survival rates and lower the risk of progression and re-occurrence of certain cancers. This goes for patients with all types of cancers whether it is breast cancer, lung cancer or papillary mesothelioma. Measurable benefits of exercise during and after treatment include: increased muscle mass, improved immune function, better mobility and balance, increased stamina, decreased nausea and vomiting, improved range of motion, better sleep and improved mood and self esteem. Stretching exercises and balance training can diminish weakness or instability caused by surgeries and side effects of drugs. Targeted strength and stabilization exercises can restore the range of motion and reduce pain in affected areas. Professionally guided rehabilitation programs allow the patient to increase their activity and ability levels incrementally. In some cases, exercise can begin during chemotherapy or radiation. This must be evaluated on a case by case basis by the patient’s medical team. Not all patients can jump into a vigorous exercise program right away, but this does not mean they have to wait to begin moderate exercise. Even modest activities like brief walks and gentle swimming can be effective. Gardening, housework, and active hobbies are encouraged when the patient is strong enough to participate. When people are doing something that they enjoy, it shifts their focus to positivity. Reduction of stress and promotion of positive emotions has been shown to enhance physical health in patients with all types of diseases, and cancer patients are no different. Staying motivated to continue an exercise routine while undergoing cancer treatment or transitioning into post-cancer life can be challenging, especially if symptoms are interfering with endurance and comfort. Listening to the body carefully and taking a day off when necessary is not only perfectly acceptable but is also an important safety measure. Recovery can be a long process with stops and starts, but as long as the patient is taking steps forward, the efforts will pay off. A healthier body and lifestyle through exercise is something every cancer patient and survivor should invest in. Attaining the highest possible level of fitness during and after treatment can both improve life and extend it. Liz Davies is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer especially interested in health and wellness. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives because she sees how cancer has devastated so many people in this world. Liz also likes running, playing lacrosse, reading and playing with her dog, April.

10 Reasons to Eat Organically - and Locally

10 Reasons to Eat Organically—and Locally

By Steve Edwards

"Think globally, act locally" isn't just for bumper stickers anymore. This grassroots politics–type slogan has become an important way of thinking about where your next meal should come from. But the implications here are far more than political. Buying local—as well as organic—foods allows you to protect your family by feeding them in the safest way possible. Here are 10 reasons to add "visit the local farmers' market" to the top of your to-do list each week.

1. Local foods are safer. Or at least you can find out if they are. Organic food standards are high, but there are still companies out there attempting to cloud the rules. When you buy locally, it's easier to check out what you're buying, and you won't have to hireMagnum, P.I. to do it. The great thing about local media is that they love to cover this stuff. If for any reason a local farm is mixed up in nefarious activities, there's a good chance your paper has a reporter dreaming of a gig at The New York Times who'll be on the job for you. Even if this isn't the case, you can be inquisitive at the farmers' markets—you'll be surprised how quickly you can get up to date on the local scoop. Farmers who adhere to a strict code of ethics love to talk about others who do, and those who don't.
2. Organic foods are safer. Organic certification standards are the public's assurance that their food and products have been grown and handled according to sustainable procedures, without toxic, synthetic, irradiated, or genetically modified elements, including chemical fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, and other additives. At least that's what the law says. But even though many companies still cheat the system, most of them play by the rules. These rules are in place to help both soil longevity and the health and safety of the consumer. Many Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Now, the EPA considers 60 percent of all herbicides, 90 percent of all fungicides, and 30 percent of all insecticides, none of which meet organic criteria, to potentially cause cancer. You can't always be certain you're getting safe food, but eating organic foods stacks the odds in your favor.
3. Organic food tastes better. Many people would be amazed to taste the difference between garden-grown fruits and vegetables (and wild meat) and the offerings you find down at your local mega-grocery-mart. The main reason for this disparity has to do with something called trophic levels, which is determined by where plants and animals fall on the food chain. When food—even natural food—is manufactured, as when plants are grown in poor soil with some added nutrients, or animals are raised using drugs and a non-native diet, their physiological chemistry is altered. This doesn't just change their nutrient content—it changes the way they taste.
4. 1. Organic food is more nutritious—which stands to reason, based on the whole trophic levels thing. When soils are depleted and then fertilized, only certain nutrients are added with fertilizers. This results in the loss of many of the plants' original phytonutrients. While these lost phytonutrients aren't necessarily a major component of any individual plant, they add up in your diet and become a major component of who you are. This lack of phytonutrients in the plants in our diets has a lot to do with many modern-day maladies. With regard to meat, it's basically the same story. Animals that are fed a poor diet are, as you might imagine, less healthy to eat, because they're also missing out on essential nutrients thanks to the trophic level paradigm—just like you are.
   2. You won't have to eat genetically modified organisms (GMOs). A GMO is a plant, animal, or microorganism whose genetic sequence has been modified to introduce genes from another species. Because the long-term impact of GMOs on our health isn't known yet, they're forbidden by the Soil Association Standards for Organic Food and Farming. Furthermore, in order to qualify as organic, animals can't be fed GMOs, nor can they be fed antibiotics, added hormones, or other drugs. It is not currently required, however, that GMOs be mentioned on food labels, so it's very likely that anything not certified organic contains some GMO ingredients.
   3. Your drinking water will be safer. The EPA estimates that pesticides contaminate groundwater in 38 states, polluting the primary source of drinking water for more than half the country's population. Because organic farmers practice water conservation and don't use toxic chemicals that leach into your groundwater, organic farming leads to less waste intrusion into our aquifers, which helps keep your drinking water healthier.
   4. Your kids will be healthier. The toxicity of pesticide residue is determined not only by the chemicals used, but by our body weight in relation to how much we consume. This means that your children are even more at risk than you are. It's estimated that the average child receives four times more exposure than the average adult to at least eight widely used cancer-causing pesticides in food. To try and minimize this risk, buy organic, but also make sure that your family eats a wide variety of foods.
   5. 1. To help farmers and farm communities. It's estimated that the U.S. has lost more than 650,000 family farms since 1990. The USDA estimates that half of the U.S. farm production comes from only 1 percent of farms. Organic farming may be one of the few survival tactics left for the family farm and rural communities. The majority of organic farms are still small-scale operations, generally on fewer than 100 acres, and using an average of 70 percent less energy. Small farms use far more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices than large-scale farms do. For example, small farms use manure to fertilize soil, naturally recycling it to keep the land productive. 
         
         Industrial farms produce so much manure that it's a human health risk. The overspill of manure has contaminated water wells with E. coli and other pathogens. This brings up another subject: Industrial farms still—though now illegally—feed animals the ground-up remnants of other animals that aren't naturally part of their diet. This has led to pathogens like E. coli getting into our foods in the first place.
         
         Furthermore, farm workers are much safer on small farms. A National Cancer Institute study found that farmers exposed to herbicides had six times more risk of contracting cancer than nonfarmers did. Due to their direct exposure, field workers on conventional farms are the most vulnerable to illness as a result of pesticide use. Organic farms eliminate that risk by eliminating harmful pesticides and other chemical inputs from their practices.
      2. For more humane treatment of animals. Factory farms treat animals like commodities. They are usually kept in tightly confined pens or cages and often never move more than a few feet for their entire lives. They are also fed the cheapest foods available, no matter how it affects their—and then our—health. Besides the fact that a host of illnesses have entered our world as a direct result of this practice, it's also just not nice. Animals on organic farms are far likelier to be raised without cruelty. They are also fed a diet much closer to what they would eat naturally, and studies tell us—surprise!—that these animals tend to be significantly healthier than their factory-raised counterparts.
      3. To promote a vibrant economy. Organic products only seem more expensive because people base their cost on their sticker price alone. However, retail price represents a mere fraction of their true cost. Market prices for conventionally grown foods don't reflect the costs of federal subsidies to conventional agriculture, the cost of contaminated drinking water, loss of wildlife habitat and soil erosion, or the cost of the disposal and cleanup of hazardous wastes generated by the manufacturing of pesticides. Compared to local farms, there's also transportation—and the pollutants that result from it—to consider. All of this means that essentially, you can pay now or pay later—just remember that you're going to be charged interest, mainly in the form of a socially and ecologically diminished world to live in.
      What if you can't find organic food? One of our members, who lives in a rural area, went to her local market and requested healthier options. Now the store owner can't keep them on the shelf. You can, with a little initiative, make a difference. After all, retail stores are in business to serve you. If this doesn't work, hit the Internet. Since "organic" is the current buzzword of the food industry, there will be options. And of course there's always your local farmers' market.
      For more information on organic and local produce, check out the Web site for the Organic Trade Association, or type "Community Supported Agriculture" into your favorite search engine.
      
      
      If you have a question or would like to learn how you can speak with Steve Edward's in person, learn from him in a group setting or use the incredible $3a week, web based meal planner, nutrition guide, calorie counter, shopping list creator - that takes all the guess work out of eating right - sign up on the form in the side bar.

Get A Victory...Be A Champion!

I am so very pleased and honored to be among the founding architects of this program.  The response from physicians and parents has been overwhelming.  Seem's this program has been in great demand.  We plan on making a major impact on the lives of millions of children, parents, families and this Nation.  The Campion's Program is a registered 501C(3) - we need sponsors and donors - we need coaches and coordinators to continue our growth.  Message me through here or at My Health Coach on Facebook  

He started training at 61 and climbed Everest at 65 after a hip replacement

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Silverman 70.3 in the bag

Sunday November 8th 2009 went down in the record book as one of the warmest calmest bestest days ever in southern Nevada.  The morning was cool and calm the afternoon warm with a slight breeze the evening brisk and still.  It was a day when 900 athletes put their fortitude and athleticism on display on the Silverman Triathlon course.  I was there in the 70.3 wave of 500 age group athletes that surged off the Hemenway Harbor boat ramp at 830am.  It was a great day and a great race.
I must be honest and report that my season ends with a big fat "Needs Improvement".  Which is to say I am not happy with my 6:44 5th of 13 finish.  I offer no excuses, I just didn't have what I needed to achieve my goal of 6:05.  I had a great swim in perfect water.  I exited the water in 37min feeling strong.  (I love swimming in open water)  My bike was a solid 3:26 on an incredibly challenging course.  I can't begin to explain how poorly I felt on the run.  Just blah - in pain - no oomph.  I actually considered quitting (something I never do).  I stuck it out and let my positive inner voice soothe my sniveling ego.  By mile 6 I started to feel better and actually negative split the 2nd half.  Still, I could not manage a 2 hr half marathon to save my race.
Maybe starting  new job or my son being hospitalized all in the month prior to the race played a role.  I don't know - I don't really care - I expect better of myself.  Thing is...I know I can do better.
I have some work to do.  I'm looking forward to next year :-)

Cycling Rites Of Passage - How many have you had?

Bicycling.com is a great site with great articles advice and tips.  I read it, you should too.  This blog posting is really funny if your a cyclist.  I can't say I've done all of these rites but more than half.

Cycling Rites Of Passage

Jon Berghoff; The 400milerun

Lactate Threshold Work Outs - The Keys To Success

We're 7 weeks out from Silverman Triathlon www.slivermannv.com.  I've been doing significantly more running this season than I have in past seasons.  The reason being, my run sucks I have a squatty body with tree stump legs better suited to rugby than distance running.  Triathlon is a swim, bike, run race not a swim bike race.  That said, I want to improve my PR's (and run splits) therefore I need to attack my weaknesses.
To that end I start a 6 week series of lactate threshold track workouts this week.  I learned this from my coach Frank Lowery www.lowerymultisports.com.  These are painful (brutal really) sprint work outs that - moaning and groaning aside - are the key to success in terms of improving run times, efficiency & strength.
If your in Henderson NV on Thursday mornings between now and October 22nd - drop by the track at Green Valley HS and join me.
Here's what the work outs look like.
Each session begins and ends with 1.5mi warm up / 1.5mi cool down + stretching
3 x 50 yd strides + 2 x 100 yd strides - these start slow and build to sprint pace and help transition the body into fast run mode
Main set. - these are run at 90% to 95% of max effort.  The key is constancy - 1st lap as fast as last lap, focus is on form and pace - creating muscle memory and mental toughness. Rest interval is half the distance run (run 200 cool down 100 and so on)
Week 1. 2 x 100 6 x 200, 1 x 400 (1800)
Week 2. 2 x 200, 3 x 400  2 x 200 (2000)
Week 3. 1 x 200, 1 x 400, 1 x 600, 1 x 600, 1 x 400, 1 x 200 (2400)
Week 4.  1 x 400, 2 x 800,  2 x 400 (2800)
Week 5.   1 x 400, 1 x 800, 1 x 1200,  1 x 800, 1 x 400 (3600)
Week 6   3 x 1600 (4800)  
These are my work outs - yours may vary of course.
Last spring I used this series to set PR's in my 5k, 10K & 1/2 marathon races.
For the last two years I've taken 3rd place in my division at Silverman  (last year I shaved 44 min of my overall time and still I took 3rd).  In 2009 I'm looking for redemption.

The Silverman Triathlon - Follow me as I train to race the most challenging course in America

Silverman Trailer from Momentum Advertising/Production on Vimeo.

The Slim Pantry: 5 Weight Loss Products You Already Own

Weight Loss Products!
By Ben Kallen

When you're trying to lose excess fat, every advantage helps. Of course, your main tools are an effective exercise program, a proper food plan, and supplements that fit your lifestyle. But beyond those basics, anything that can boost your results is a plus.

Luckily, you probably have some safe, effective, and inexpensive fat burners in your kitchen already. Include the following items in your diet plan, and you can start losing more weight right now—without even making an extra trip to the store.

1. 
   
   Apple cider vinegar. While cider vinegar may not be the magic remedy your great-grandmother thought it was, there is increasing evidence showing that it can help you eat less and reduce the effect that carbs have on your body. The active ingredient, acetic acid, appears to improve insulin sensitivity and slow the absorption of carbohydrates, helping prevent blood-sugar spikes and excess fat storage. It can also make you feel fuller with less food.
   In a recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, mice on a high-fat diet gained up to 10 percent less fat if they were given acetic acid than if they were given only water.
   Uses
   1. Mix vinegar with extra virgin olive oil and your favorite spices for a simple, healthful, and delicious salad dressing. In a Penn State University study, women who ate large, low-calorie salads before lunch ended up consuming 100 fewer calories during the meal itself . . . and they loaded up on extra nutrients as well.
   2. Combine vinegar with oil and herbs to make a tenderizing meat marinade.
   3. Add a splash of vinegar to top off soups or stews; this will brighten up the flavors.
   4. Add a tablespoon of vinegar before boiling, steaming, or stir-frying vegetables to bring out their fresh tastes and help them hold their colors.
2. 
   
   Cinnamon. This common spice has been found in several studies to help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar, so it helps prevent the spikes and dips that can cause food cravings. This effect may be due to healthful antioxidant chemicals known as polyphenols.
   Keep in mind that most grocery-store brands of "cinnamon" are actually cassia bark, a close-tasting relative of the cinnamon plant. (If you want the real thing, look for "true" or Ceylon cinnamon on the label.) Both varieties seem to have health benefits, but be careful about using cassia in large amounts—it contains coumarin, which acts as a blood thinner and may cause liver problems when taken in high doses.
   Uses
   1. Add powdered cinnamon to hot or cold cereal, fruit, sweet foods, and even savory dishes such as curry or chili.
   2. For cinnamon-flavored coffee, mix a little into your grounds before brewing.
   3. Heat a cinnamon stick in water, apple cider, or even red wine for a spicy hot drink.
3. 
   
   Hot sauce and red pepper flakes. The active ingredient in hot peppers, capsaicin, creates thermogenesis; that is, it temporarily turns up your body's thermostat. Studies have shown that people who eat pepper-laced food get a small metabolic boost, and burn more fat, for up to half an hour afterward. Hot food also makes you feel full more quickly, so you're likely to eat less.
   Hot sauce and red pepper flakes are great flavor boosters, too, adding zest to meals with few extra calories. You don't need to ladle it on till there are flames coming out of your ears. A little bit will go a long way.
   Uses
   1. Add a few drops of pepper sauce to anything that needs spicing up, including eggs, soups, seafood, and even frozen dinners. (These sauces can be high in sodium, so go easy on the shaker.)
   2. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on pizza, pasta, or sandwiches, or add to sauces or salad dressing.
4. 
   
   Curry powder. This complex spice mixture, which contains such ingredients as turmeric, ginger, cumin, and coriander, was created as a shortcut for preparing Indian food. While each of the spices can provide a small metabolic boost on its own, they may burn fat even better when used together. Turmeric itself has a variety of healthful properties, and shows promise as a potent anti-inflammatory agent that can help relieve joint pain and post-exercise muscle soreness.
   Uses
   1. Add as needed to flavor Indian and South Asian dishes.
   2. Mix with ground beef to spice up burgers or meatloaf.
   3. Add to soups and stews.
   4. Mix with a little olive oil or light mayo as a dressing for chicken or tuna salad.
5. 
   
   Ice. Really? Well, yes. Regular old frozen water has several properties that can help you in your fight against excess fat:
   1. When you blend ice into a fruit smoothie or protein shake, you get a thick, creamy consistency with no added fat or calories. And you're likely to drink it more slowly, if only to avoid brain freeze.
   2. Making your beverages more refreshing encourages you to drink more, which is important when trying to lose weight.
   3. When you drink an ice-cold beverage, your body actually has to expend calories to warm itself up to a normal temperature. Nobody agrees on exactly how much of a calorie-burning effect this has, and it's probably pretty slight. But every bit helps.
   Uses
   1. Blend ice cubes or crushed ice with other ingredients to make thick and creamy protein shakes, fruit smoothies, orShakeology®. (Check your blender's instructions to make sure it's powerful enough to chop ice.)
   2. Add lemon or fresh mint to water, and freeze it in an ice-cube tray. Whenever you want a cold glass of fresh, calorie-free flavored water, just add a few of the cubes
   3. Don't keep your water ice cold while you're working out. When it's time for fast hydration, you'll want a slightly cool or room-temperature beverage that goes down easy.
   Get more tips and advice on how to get in the best shape of your life

Join The Discussion - What Are We Doing To Our Kids?

Climb to Kaiser

I had to dig deep on this one friends. A 155+ mile round trip journey from Clovis Ca. (500ft elevation) to the top of Kaiser Pass at the top of the Sierra's (9100+ft elevation) the "Climb to Kaiser" includes 14,000ft of climbing, panoramic vista's and multiple climate zones.

Most of the climbing is done in the first 83 miles of the ride. It is brutal, grinding, relentless uphill pedaling. From flat and fast to a grueling 18% incline, mile after mile after mile of uphill push. This ride is truly an extreme endurance event but, it attracts all ages and skill levels.

In it's 33rd year the "CTK" is an annual right of passage for those of us who believe "seeing what we're made of" is both challenge and fulfilment.

A new record was set this year; 8:04 destroying the previous best of 8:23. By contrast my effort took 16:10. I thought I missed the (5pm) cutoff at Kaiser Pass but was very relieved to learn I made it with nearly 30 min to spare. I make no excuses for my time. I achieved my goal - I finished.

The ride back was something I won't soon forget. 73+ miles of downhill. It was late afternoon by the time I hit Hwy168. Traffic was nearly non-existent and I let my trusty black Cervelo stretch it's legs. Tucked in aero position I bested 45+ mph in spots. My Garmin 205 finally petered out at 10:02 at 103 miles. After dutifully displaying my single digit pace for much of the ride it just couldn't go on.

Once we'd cleared the final mandatory check point at the top of Auberry Rd, 3 of us grouped up and flew the 25 miles alternately passing and being passed to the Millerton Store water stop. Rarely does one get to go so fast, smile so much and feel so free.

The Coup d'grace was the welcoming committee cheering and ringing cowbells as we pulled into the finish area. I was overwhelmed by relief and success. I must admit I nearly cried. I love riding my bike but, I was so glad to get off just then.

Want to see more? Take a look at a slide show of riders

Still want more? Get a break down of the route

Want to know if you have what it takes? I'll see you there next year.

Insanity is coming...Insanity is coming...insanity is...

OK Peep's. Insanity is coming. This is a hyper intense 60 day challenge. I'm looking for 100 hard core fitness types to join me. The release date is unknown as of today - sometime this summer. Follow me on twitter.com/tritroy for updates.

Dick & Ricky Hoyt - The Most Inspirational Team Ever!

These guys were on my mind on a recent long run. If you have never seen them and heard their story - take a few minutes and be inspired.

I am continuosly inspired by the courage of others

Why be a Coach? (help others while you help yourself)

Helping someone transform their health and their life is a powerful and profound experience. Getting paid to do it is icing on the cake. This is an opportunity for everyone. You don't need expensive or time consuming certificates.

My friend Heather

My friend and fellow TBB Coach Heather. Catch her teaching spin or kick boxing at a health club in Vegas. You see her too cute son Mason at the Cirque production of "LOVE" at the Mirage. Ask her for yourself; "if I change my body will I really change my life"

You can get paid to be fit? Sign me up!

We're inundated with gory details of "FINANCIAL MELTDOWN" but BeachBody coaches are thriving. Create and control your personal economy. Get fit and get paid to look and feel your best - then help others do it too.

Silverman Full & Half Distance Triathlon 2008

Here is an overview of the 2008 Silverman Triathlon from 6am until midnight Nov 9th. We had a huge storm front move thru at the swim start and gale force winds all afternoon. Look for Ian from UK, Chezie being helped out of the water after 2.4 grueling miles, the warriors who did this course on prosthetics and hand cycles and all the awesome volunteers who make this event possible.
I finished my 1.2 mi swim, 56 mi bike and 13.1 mi run in 6:36, 44 min faster than last year, 3rd in my age group.
Thank You Frank & Meg Lowery for the love of the sport and your attention to details. Silverman is the Gold Standard of triathlon events. Forget the Iron go for Silver!

Running Extends Your Life Span - Fitness is Life!!