Today, with an increasing older population and inadequate health system, there is an accompanying interest in complementary and alternative therapies.

One of the goals of The Healthy People 2010 Report is to increase the quality of life and years of life of all individuals. I am assuming that “years of life” refers to “longevity” or life expectancy. The United States rank # 19 with a life expectancy of 78.9 years   and Japan ranks #1 with a life expectancy of 82.9 years for women. Men in the U.S. rank #25/ 72.5 years and Japan rank #1/76.4 years.

The focus areas of the report include, among others, health communication, heart disease & stroke, and nutrition & overweight. All these focus areas are included as risk factor for the Metabolic Syndrome. A poor nutritional status and obesity are risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Health illiteracy is a risk factor for a sundry of medical conditions and chronic diseases. Where is the quality of life if there is increased longevity and a decrease in the numbers of health care providers, access to health care and the quality of service?

Simply stated, age is a factor for most chronic diseases. The number of people who use CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) is increasing among adults and older adults do not discuss their use of CAM with their providers. This is one reason why communication/dialogue is important between the primary care provider and the patient. This does not happen in a fifteen minute session. As a result, patients seek other therapies such as CAM.

CAM can be useful in the management of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes; in addition to its usefulness in the prevention of disease and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

Food For Thought

The Holiday Season is not always a happy time of the year. Many of the chronic disease symptoms are manifested during this time. the depression rate increases, people eat foods that are not good for their bodies and blood sugar becomes elevated far above the normal level. Other people may have severe chest pains or nausea and have a resultant heart attack.   while others may decorate their homes with toxic scented candles or use toxic nail polish removers.

In a study published in 1993 in The Journal of the American Medical Association, researches concluded that the predominate causes of death in the United States were linked to non-genetic factors. In other words, lifestyle choices. These factors include eating too much of the foods that contributes to disease and death. It is well known that chronic diseases are not, simply a part of the aging process. Our lifestyle and our behavioral choices can prevent many chronic diseases.

What choices are you going to make for a healthier lifestyle? Let me know your thoughts on this subject. Twitter me and leave your comments below.

People Living In Your Head

To be successful in business and life, the coach and client focuses on the journey while keeping the goal in mind.

In the process of coaching clients toward success in work and life, I’ve learned there are usually several conversations going on in their heads. As a result, I become curious and explore their varied conversations in order to forward the clients actions toward the goals they desire and their success. Goals are always fluid and changing.In the following article Roy Klien gives us a humorous look at the people living in our heads.

“One is a conservative, boring adult, like that of your critical parent. The other is irresponsible and impulsive -you as a little kid.Something like this has probably happened to you: You’re doing your weekly grocery shopping, about to pick up your usual breakfast cereal - shredded wheat. Out of the corner of your (continue reading)