Fit For Youhttp://www.phyt4u.com/sNews15/Copyright Fit For YousNewsHope is oxygen for the soul. It’s essential for survival. It provides the energy that carries us through the tough times of living with chronic illness. For many hope is fleeting when it comes to the harsh realities of living with a disease without a known cure. Tremors, rigidity and stiffness, slowness of movement, impaired balance and coordination are among some of the most pronounced symptoms of a disease once thought of as signs of old age. We now know that these symptoms are more commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease. While the exact cause of this disease is uncertain it seems to strike men and women in almost equal numbers and it has no prejudice in regards to social, economic or geographic boundaries. Parkinson’s usually hits those who are over the age of 50 with the average age of onset being at 60 years of age. There are two major roles that everyone associated with this condition falls into, sufferer of the disease or caregiver. When women are the caregiver Ironic that those living with sufferers of this disease are usually called caregivers, exactly what women have traditionally been to the families of our nation. The role of the caregiver in this case can be extremely demanding both physically and emotionally. The caregiver in many cases assumes new roles and responsibilities in light of the circumstances this condition presents. The dynamics of the imposition the disease presents are evident. Assuming tasks such as making household repairs, maintenance issues around the house and the like could be among some of the extra duties incurred depending upon the severity of the disease. Handling delicate issues of pride and lowered self-esteem of their partner is equally as challenging to deal with on a daily basis. It is very important for the caregiver to establish and maintain an outlet. Among several tips to help relieve stress there are three that I always recommend to women who are caregivers in this situation. 1) Understand the role of taking care of yourself as well, your health is equally as important, 2) Learn how to face and cope with your partner’s physical challenges and 3) Encourage activities that involve something both of you can share in and enjoy. When women suffer from this disease Sufferers of the disease feel a dramatic change in their role. Diminished capacities and shortened levels of energy are just a few of the major changes realized. The impact is usually noticeable and requires a pro-active approach something that most women seem to feel readily at ease with accepting. By pro-active I mean participating in finding solutions to help remedy the difficulty of their situation. In general women seem to have a positive approach towards participating in the improvement of their health in dealing with Parkinson’s. The challenges are daily and never seem to go away. Women appear to have a vantage point both physically and emotionally in most cases when it comes to coping with this illness. Physically women are usually more flexible to begin with, a real plus in improving circulation, flexibility, mobility and overall mental well being. Pro-active health care involves implementing healthier eating habits, stretching, regular exercise and a concentration of making the best use of the body’s own natural resource, energy. Wellness-Women’s Health Prescription While medical prescriptions are necessary alternative-wellness measures are being sought out more and more. As an in-home personal fitness coach who specializes in working with special populations in-home, I see women taking a very active role in this approach. Living well involves getting in touch with what the body needs, something women are interested in and in touch with. In my opinion exercise and wellness programs seem to be the non-prescription universal medicine for so many things however it is often put on the back shelf of the minds of many. The value and importance of such an approach to self-health care is given little recognition however the benefits are nothing short of fantastic. This is truly the new millenniums recipe for chicken soup of the soul, body and mind. Joe Green is an in-home fitness expert who provides his valuable services and programs to clients in the privacy of their own home. For more information you may visit his website at www.phyt4u.com or write to him at: Joe Green PO Box 60322, Harrisburg, PA 17106. Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:46:05 +0000http://www.phyt4u.com/sNews15/parkinsons/wellness-the-nonprescribed-medicine/http://www.phyt4u.com/sNews15/parkinsons/wellness-the-nonprescribed-medicine/1 cup chopped fresh green beans, ends trimmed 2 chicken breast baked and chopped into bite size pieces 1 can fat free cream of chicken (or cream of mushroom soup) 1/2 cup fat free milk Nonstick cooking spray Coat a large skillet with nonstick spray. Spray a dash or two and use paper towel to wipe and coat entire pan. Cook green beans on medium heat, stirring occasionally until green beans soften. Stir in baked chicken, soup, and milk. Combine and continue to heat through.Thu, 10 Apr 2008 23:13:05 +0000http://www.phyt4u.com/sNews15/joes-favorite-recipes/chicken-green-bean-casserole/http://www.phyt4u.com/sNews15/joes-favorite-recipes/chicken-green-bean-casserole/1 tsp olive oil 1/2 cup chopped broccoli 1/2 medium onion, chopped 3 egg whites 2 whole eggs 4 oz cured ham, chopped Use your broiler, heat it up. Meanwhile, pour extra virgin olive oil into large skillet and place over medium heat. Add broccoli and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until veggies begin to soften. Meanwhile, beat egg whites and eggs in a medium bowl. Add ham to broccoli-onion mix and heat for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Add eggs to skillet and let cook without stirring until set around the edges. Remove skillet from stove and place under the broiler until eggs are entirely set. (If your skillet is not oven proof then wrap it in aluminum foil first.)Thu, 10 Apr 2008 23:07:44 +0000http://www.phyt4u.com/sNews15/joes-favorite-recipes/ham-broccoli-frittata/http://www.phyt4u.com/sNews15/joes-favorite-recipes/ham-broccoli-frittata/Did you miss the handouts from this week's seminar? Download this pdf. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's newest food pyramid guide, called My Pyramid, encourages consumers to make healthier food choices and to get regular exercise. Unlike the older model, food groups are arranged in vertical bands, instead of horizontal ones. Band width indicates portion size. The wider the band, the more food from that group you should eat. How to Apply Healthy Supportive Eating To Your Life... To view the rest of this article, download this pdf.Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:38:00 +0000http://www.phyt4u.com/sNews15/healthy-eating/healthy-supportive-eating-by-joe/http://www.phyt4u.com/sNews15/healthy-eating/healthy-supportive-eating-by-joe/Did you miss the handout from this week's seminar? Download this pdf Chances are you already know about the value and importance of exercise and you’re probably even aware of most of the benefits – the important ones anyway. So what’s holding you back, is it motivation, is it joining the right gym, is it the cost of the membership? You may have answered yes to one or all of those I just mentioned but the one that kills even the best of intentions is time. This is really where it all begins because so many of us are so pressed for time. We have schedules that keep us on the run, so much so that it seems to make the number one priority (you) fall to the way side. Many will shake their heads thinking how they can relate to what I’m saying and others will mutter – Joe you don’t know the half of it. Actually I do. When I meet with a client for the first time inevitably we wind up talking about the time commitment that will be necessary to make their quest for much improved health and fitness work this time around. Sure I could preach about time or give time management tips but we both know that won’t stick. So I cut to the chase and get right down to the bottom line... To view the rest of this article, Download this pdfTue, 25 Mar 2008 21:30:00 +0000http://www.phyt4u.com/sNews15/exercise/unlocked-the-absolute-truth-about-exercise/http://www.phyt4u.com/sNews15/exercise/unlocked-the-absolute-truth-about-exercise/