Fitness By Marilyn: October 2005

Sunday, October 23, 2005

Footprints....A New Version

Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road together.

For much of the way, the Lord's footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the
pace.

But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures, and returns.

For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line
with the Lord's, soon paralleling His consistently.

You and Jesus are walking as true friends!

This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens:
Your footprints that once etched the sand next to Jesus' are now walking precisely in His steps.

Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones, you and Jesus are becoming one.

This goes on for many miles, but gradually
you notice another change.

The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger. Eventually they disappear altogether.

There is only one set of footprints, they have become one. This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back.

This time it seems even worse! Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts. Gashes in the sand. A variable mess of prints. You are amazed and shocked. Your dream ends. Now you pray:

Lord, I understand the first scene, with zigzags and fits. I was a new Christian; I was just learning. But You walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with You.

"That is correct."

And when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning to walk in Your steps, following You very closely.

"Very good. You have understood everything so far."

When the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours, I supposed that I was becoming like You in every way.

"Precisely."

So, Lord, was there a regression or something?
The footprints separated, and this time it was worse than at first.

There is a pause as the Lord answers, with a smile in His voice. "You didn't know? It was then that we danced!"

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to weep, a time to laugh,
A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
Ecclesiastics 3:1,4.

It's not WHAT you have in your life,
but WHOM you have in your life
that counts....
Think about that!

I ASKED GOD

I asked for a flower,
He gave me a garden.
I asked for a tree, He gave me a forest.
I asked for a river, He gave me an ocean.
I asked for a friend, He gave me "YOU."

May God Bless You and Guide Your Footprints!!

Fitness By Marilyn
Independent AIM Member - Marilyn Wilson Price

Saturday, October 22, 2005

Katrina Disaster

This is the best coverage of this that I have seen!

http://gmagic.com/katrina/
http://www.fitnessbymarilyn.com
Independent AIM Member - Marilyn Wilson Price

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

60 Minutes To A Healthier Heart

Practical Prevention: 60 minutes to a Healthier Heart
by Elizabeth S. Smoots, MD

What would you say to 60 minutes of physical activity a week?

Many studies have revealed the health value of exercise. Now, new research has defined the minimal amount of physical activity it takes to see heart benefits in women—60 minutes per week. Would you be willing to commit to that amount of time? Since this decision is so important to your long-term health, before answering, consider why women even need to worry about their hearts.

Heart Disease is Common in Women

Heart disease is the number one killer of women in our country today. Nearly 400,000 women die from cardiac causes in the U.S. each year—this is ten times the number of women that die from breast cancer. Yet, according to a Gallup poll, four-out-of-five women are not even aware that they are at risk for heart disease.

It is true that estrogen produced by a woman's body helps prevent heart disease while we're young, but this advantage is lost after we pass through menopause. By age 65, one in four women—the same proportion as in men—ends up with coronary heart disease. So we need something more to keep our hearts healthy.

Studying Physical Activity in Women

Encouraging news from a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) indicates that even light exercise is associated with a lower rate of coronary heart disease in women. The study followed 39,000 healthy women aged 45 and older for an average of five years. At the end of the study, researchers found that women who walked at least one hour a week, regardless of pace, had half the rate of heart disease as women who did not walk regularly.

Vigorous activities also reduced heart disease risk. But the results suggest that time spent exercising and calories burned were more important than intensity for the women enrolled in this study.

Researchers noted exercise's beneficial effects extended to women at high-risk for heart disease. Those who smoked, were overweight, or had elevated cholesterol levels had similar improvements in their heart disease rate when they exercised as did low-risk women. For women with high blood pressure, however, the scientists said their findings indicate that more than mild exercise may be harmful.

Adding More Exercise To Your Life

How can you get the heart-benefits of exercise—including better cardiovascular function, lower blood sugar and cholesterol, and reduced weight and stress—even if you have cardiac risk factors or are not accustomed to exercising? Heed this heart-healthy advice:

Get your health care provider's okay before starting physical activities. This is especially critical for women with chronic illness or risk factors for heart disease.

Choose several activities you think you would enjoy. For most women a blend of exercise types is usually best.

These may include:

Aerobic activities like walking—the most popular leisure activity among women—and dancing, aerobics classes, swimming, or biking

Stretching exercises

Strengthening exercises such as using weights or body bands

For each activity, gradually increase your pace and time. Learn to listen to your body. If you don't feel right, stop and make adjustments, or see your doctor.

Building Protection For Your Heart

Over the years numerous studies have concluded that physically active people have a lower rate of heart disease than those who are inactive. For heart health, most experts recommend that women aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. This equates to expending about 1,000 calories a week through exercise.

I encourage women who are physically fit to continue vigorous activities for the added health value. Even if you're sedentary, though, the latest findings suggest that light exercise for as little as 60 minutes a week can dramatically benefit your heart.

Now I ask you, do you think you can commit to giving your heart that much time?

Resources

American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/

American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org

"Physical activity and coronary heart disease in women: is ‘no pain, no gain' passé?" by I-Min Lee, MBBS, ScD, et al. Journal of the American Medical Association, March 21, 2001, Volume 285, pp. 1447-54.

"Coronary artery disease prevention: what's different for women?" by Joan Bedinghaus, MD. American Family Physician, April 1, 2001, Volume 63, pp. 1393-1406.

"One for 2001: take lifestyle to heart," Women's Health Watch, Harvard Medical School, January 2001, p.1.

"Benefits of physical activity for the heart." Journal of the American Medical Association, March 21, 2001, Volume 285, p.1536.

Fitness By Marilyn
Independent AIM Member - Marilyn Wilson Price

Monday, October 17, 2005

Health And Fitness Resources

Sunday, October 16, 2005

Dr. Michael Greger Newsletter Fall 2005

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Fall 2005 issue of Dr. Michael Greger's quarterly newsletter

*******************************************************

CONTENTS (online at http://www.DrGreger.org/newsletters.html )

I. Latest Updates in Human Nutrition

A. Ornish Takes on Cancer
B. Peppermint Oil for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
C. Atkins Diet: Dead Meat
D. Arteries--Open Sesame!
E. Childhood Brain Tumors and Maternal Diet

II. Personal Update

III. Mad Cow Update: FDA gutless, brainless;
Our food and cosmetic supply should be so lucky

IV. Bird Flu Update:
On a Wing and a Prayer

V. Mailbag: ""What sources do you use to write the newsletter?"

*******************************************************

I. LATEST UPDATES IN HUMAN NUTRITION

*******************************************************

A. Ornish Takes on Cancer

Until Dean Ornish published his landmark study in 1990, most
cardiologists saw heart disease as an inexorable part of old age and
treated it largely palliatively, going to great lengths--even open
heart surgery--to alleviate the pain and disability. What Dr. Ornish
showed was that heart disease could be not only slowed down, but
actually reversed with a plant-based diet and other lifestyle
changes.[1] People learned they could quite literally take their life
in their own hands and cure themselves of a debilitating
life-threatening disease once thought incurable. The broader
implication, of course, was that a plant-based diet could potentially
prevent heart disease in the first place.

Largely ignoring the evidence Ornish presented, physicians of today,
however, continue to talk of merely decreasing the risk of heart
disease. As Dr. William Roberts, editor of the American Journal of
Cardiology, points out "Pediatricians do not focus on decreasing the
risk of mumps, measles, pertussis, or rheumatic fever. They focus on
preventing these illnesses entirely. The same concept needs to be
applied to atherosclerotic events."[2] Having demonstrated we could
prevent and cure our number one killer without drugs and surgery,
Ornish has now decided to take on killer number two, cancer.
[To
continue reading please go to http://www.drgreger.org/fall2005.html]

******************************************************

B. Peppermint Oil for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects millions of Americans with
painful abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, and bouts of diarrhea and
constipation. Eliminating dairy and caffeine often takes care of the
problem, but if not I often put patients on peppermint oil--and there
is finally now solid evidence to support this centuries-old
practice.[9]
[To continue reading please go to
http://www.drgreger.org/fall2005.html]

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C. The Atkins Diet: Dead Meat

My latest book, "Carbophobia: The Scary Truth Behind America's Low
Carb Craze": published February 1st, 2005. The multibillion dollar
Atkins corporation: files for bankruptcy August 1st.[10] Six months.
Not bad (though I was hoping to topple them in four :). Seriously,
though, all the I-told-them-so satisfaction is lost upon reflection
of the thousands of families shattered by pork-rind and egg-yolk
fueled heart attacks spawned by these high-fat frauds. Americans are
now fattening at a rate never before seen, with a recent report
showing rising obesity rates across 48 states. Right now two thirds
of Americans are overweight. By 2008 the number is predicted to
approach 75%.[11] And just when we thought we couldn't get any fatter
comes the follow-up to the Framingham Heart Study published last week
in the Annals of Internal Medicine, suggesting that over the long
haul as many as 9 out of 10 men are likely to become overweight.[12]
The answer, according to two new studies piling onto the mountain of
evidence, is a plant-based diet.
[To continue reading please go to
http://www.drgreger.org/fall2005.html]

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D. Arteries--Open Sesame!

People who have lived with me know about my "magic powder." I
sprinkle it on almost everything. It's a combination of ground flax
seed, dulse flakes, vitamin B12-fortified nutritional yeast and
toasted and ground sesame seeds. The flax is for my Omega 3 fatty
acids (although as little nutritional powerhouses they are much much
more); the dulse is for iodine since I don't use salt (I've always
wanted to include sea vegetables in my diet, because I knew they were
so amazing trace mineral-wise, but I never liked the taste. Dulse is
a gorgeous purple seaweed with but a mild flavor); and the
nutritional yeast is for my B12 (although again there's so much other
nutrition in this stuff it turns your pee yellow :). But the toasted
sesame seeds (just spread a layer of raw sesame seeds in a toaster
oven tray and toast until golden brown) are just to make the whole
thing edible. Sesame seeds are the first recorded seasoning ever,
dating back over 5000 years and no wonder--the rich sweet nutty
flavor and fragrance of freshly toasted sesame seeds is out of this
world. Little did I know that all this time they were helping to keep
my arteries clean. And I love hearing good news about my good habits.
[To continue reading please go to
http://www.drgreger.org/fall2005.html]

******************************************************

E. Childhood Brain Tumors and Maternal Diet

Cancer is second only to accidents as a leading cause of death for
our children these days. Brain tumors are the most common solid form
of pediatric cancer. The development of childhood brain tumors is a
chief reason why pregnant women no longer get X-rayed. Evidence has
been building, though, that the mother's diet during pregnancy also
plays a significant role.
[To continue reading please go to
http://www.drgreger.org/fall2005.html]

*******************************************************

II. PERSONAL UPDATE

Alas, what was once monthly is now sadly only quarterly. As much as I
really enjoy working on this newsletter it takes me at least a week
to research and write, and now with a more than full time job, on top
of the writing, and traveling, and speaking I just can no longer
afford to spend a quarter of my month on it. So, I'm now sadly down
to the seasons. You can expect the Winter issue this January
(hopefully with tellings of the hatching of my new bird flu book!).
I'll put a Spring issue out every April, a Summer issue out in July
and a Fall every October. It kills me to have to pass over so many
important juicy articles I see every month, and I miss the feeling of
more frequently reaching out to everyone that has reached out to me
over the years, entrusting me with a piece of their family's health.
I hope you can understand. [To continue reading please go to
http://www.drgreger.org/fall2005.html]

*******************************************************

III. MAD COW UPDATE:

FDA gutless and brainless; our food and cosmetic supply should be so lucky

Early last month, while all eyes were on Katrina, the FDA quietly
announced that it was even backtracking on the few rules it had
already put in place. You may remember my April 2004 mad cow update (
http://www.drgreger.org/april2004.html ) in which I encouraged
everyone to put pressure on the FDA to follow the European example
and exclude not only small intestine from the human food and
cosmetics supply, but all cow/calf colons and rectums as well. Not
only did they refuse to ban these potentially risky tissues, but the
exclusion of all smaller intestines was evidently so costly to the
sausage industry that they've decided to allow them back in, forcing
producers just to cut off the last few feet.[21] As one public health
commentator commentated: "So while the FDA may be gutless, your food
and cosmetics won't be."[22]
[To continue reading please go to
http://www.drgreger.org/fall2005.html]

*******************************************************

IV. BIRD FLU UPDATE:

On a Wing and a Prayer

Two weeks ago a Dr. "Frist" wrote an op-ed in the Washington Times
warning that the bird flu virus "poses an immense potential threat to
American civilization."[33] A threat to civilization? Who is this
guy? This "guy" is Bill Frist, M.D., Majority Leader of the United
States Senate. [To continue reading please go to
http://www.drgreger.org/fall2005.html]

*******************************************************

V. MAILBAG: "What sources do you use to write the newsletter?"

I love libraries. I grew up in libraries. I would actually skip class
in high school so I could spend more time in a basement--the science
library at the local state university. Let's just say I was an
uber-nerd.
[To continue reading please go to
http://www.drgreger.org/fall2005.html]

*******************************************************

REFERENCES at http://www.drgreger.org/fall2005.html

If anyone missed previous months, check out my newsletter archive at
http://www.DrGreger.org/newsletters.html

Until (hopefully) next month,
-Michael

(206) 312-8640
425 North Frederick Ave. #4A
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2431

http://www.DrGreger.org
http://www.AtkinsExposed.org
http://www.organicconsumers.org/madcow.htm

HEART FAILURE: Diary of a Third Year Medical Student
(full text now available free): http://www.upalumni.org/medschool

My latest book:
CARBOPHOBIA: The Scary Truth Behind America's Low Carb Craze
http://www.lanternbooks.com/detail.html?session=a2bc38f2856ef73e88f55552a47cc4f8&id=1590560868

To subscribe to my free quarterly nutrition newsletter
send a blank email to: drgregersnewsletter-subscribe@lists.riseup.netg

Fitness By Marilyn
Independent AIM Member - Marilyn Wilson Price

Monday, October 03, 2005

Award Winner

A TOUGH OLD COWBOY ONCE COUNSELED HIS GRANDSON THAT IF HE WANTED TO LIVE A LONG LIFE, THE SECRET WAS TO SPRINKLE A PINCH OF GUNPOWDER ON HIS OATMEAL EVERY MORNING. THE GRANDSON DID THIS RELIGIOUSLY AND LIVED TO THE AGE OF 110. HE LEFT 4 CHILDREN, 20 GRANDCHILDREN, 30 GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN, 10 GREAT-GREAT GRANDCHILDREN AND A FIFTY FOOT HOLE WHERE THE CREMATORIUM USED TO BE.

Independent AIM Member - Marilyn Wilson Price

Sunday, October 02, 2005

Texans FOR Marriage NOV 8

We NEED your help. Vote Nov 8 FOR the Marriage Amendment to the Texas Constitution
- Please help get the word out!
(There are a total of 9 proposed amendments - see sample ballot.)

Sample Ballot - http:////:www.texansformarriage.org/SampleBallot.pdf

Analyses of the 9 Constitutional Amendments http://www.tlc.state.tx.us/pubsconamend/pubsconamend.html

Best Website - http://www.texansformarriage.org

Register to Vote - http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqvr.shtml

Free Voters' Guides - http://www.freemarket.org/portal/index.php?option=displaypage&Itemid=165&op=page&SubMenu=
To reserve your copy of the Voters' Guides for the 2005 Constitutional Amendments or request a bulk shipment for your church, please call 972-423-8889 x104 or e-mail: programs@freemarket.org

Justice at the Gate

Building strategic partnerships to mobilize Christians
to pray effectively and to vote righteously
PO Box 681148
San Antonio, Texas 78268
Alice Patterson, President
(210) 677-8214
http://www.justiceathegate.org
JusticeAtTheGate@aol.com

September 27, 2005

SPECIAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 8, 2005

In May both houses of the Texas Legislature passed HJR6 stating that "that marriage in this state consists only of the union of one man and one woman and prohibiting this state or a political subdivision of this state from creating or recognizing any legal status identical or similar to marriage." Although our state had passed a "Defense of Marriage Act" a couple of years ago, our legislators understood that it was necessary to make marriage between one man and one woman a part of our state constitution so that it would be beyond the reach of activist judges who have struck down similar statutes in different states across the nation. The next step is for registered voters in Texas to approve the amendment, now known as PROPOSITION 2, in the Special Election on November 8, so that it can become a part of our constitution.

HOW DOES A HOMOSEXUAL COUPLE GETTING MARRIED AFFECT ME?

That's a question many pastors are asking. Intercessors Network of Sweden (Intercessors.Network@Comhem.se) reports the following:

"CANADIANS OPPOSED TO HOMOSEXUALITY FACE HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNALS

With the passage of legislation legalizing same-sex marriage in Canada and the inclusion of sexual orientation in the â€œhate propagandaâ€ sections of the Criminal Code of Canada, assurances were made by the federal government that those opposed to the legislation on religious grounds would not face recrimination. This assurance was questioned by many and this questioning appears to be justified with recent human rights complaints.

When same-sex marriage was legalized, marriage commissioners across the country raised questions about their obligations under the new legislation. The province of Saskatchewan has taken a particularly harsh stance, stating that all commissioners must either be willing to perform same-sex marriages or resign. Instead, Orville Nichols and two other commissioners filed a human rights complaint against the province. Nichols likewise faces a human rights complaint after he refused to marry a same-sex couple in May.

An Alberta pastor, Stephen Boissoin, also faces a complaint filed by an assistant professor of the University of Calgary and gay-rights advocate, Darren Lund. The complaint centers on Boissoinâ€™s letter to the editor published in the Red Deer Advocate in June 2002. The initial complaint was dismissed by the Alberta Human Rights Commission, but it has been appealed. The date of the hearing has not been set but is expected shortly.

Bishop Fred Henry from Calgary also faced similar action for a pastoral letter sent to his Catholic constituency, protesting the same-sex marriage legislation. This complaint was dropped in late August when the complainant, Norm Greenfield, admitted that his complaints were intended primarily to attract media attention.

Pray that Christians in Canada will be free to voice their position on ethical issues without the threat of legal action.
Pray that the federal and provincial governments will pass and enforce legislation protecting religious rights.
Pray for these and others facing complaints for raising their voice on ethical issues."

If same-sex marriage is legalized in Texas it would remove the "teeth" from the battle that many pro-family leaders and parents are engaged in concerning public schools teaching that "alternate lifestyles" are acceptable.

Supporting Proposition 2 and agreeing with God's righteous standard as the law of the land doesn't mean that our churches and our hearts are closed to homosexuals who need God's grace and ministry. We can stand for righteous laws and have a heart of compassion and open doors to any person trapped in sin in our congregations.

What does God say about it?

After the Lord commends the Church at Thyatira for her works, charity, service, faith and patience, He says this in Revelation 2:20, "Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow (tolerate, permit) that woman Jezebelâ€¦to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immoralityâ€¦" We are not only judged for our compassion but for what we tolerate.

The church must weigh in on this election to insure that God's standard for marriage is the law of the land.

Will you do three things over the next five weeks?

1. Register Voters in your church through October 9?

Some tips about Voter Registration.

You must be a citizen, not just a legal resident to register to vote.

Individuals who will be 18 by November 8 can register to vote now.

Anyone who has moved, even in the same precinct must register to vote again.

In Texas a member of the immediate family can register members of their immediate households. So you can register your wife, husband and children.

It's not necessary to be deputized to register voters in your church. Just have your folks fill out the Voter Registration Cards, collect them in a box marked MAIL and DROP THEM IN THE MAILBOX. DO NOT DELIVER them to the Elections Office.

Don't be confused by the pocket on the new cards. It's not necessary to include a copy of your identification to register. You'll be asked to show ID the first time you vote in a federal election.

For your voter registration to be valid for the November 8 election, the Voter Registration Cards must be postmarked by October 11.

You may pick up Voter Registration Cards at your county elections office or call the Secretary of State's office at 1-800-252-8683 and they will mail them to you.

Visit http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqvr.shtml to print a Voter Registration Card that requires postage to mail or to request a postage-free card be sent to you personally. You must call for bulk mailings.

Early Voting is October 24 â€“ November 4.

2. Deliver Voter Guides for Distribution in Churches October 23-November 6

One of the most important things you can do for the election is to distribute Voter Guides. Although Proposition 2 is the only moral issue on the ballot, there are 9 Constitutional Amendments on the ballot.

Free Market Foundation will print and distribute 3 million voter guides before the election. The Voter Guides give the PROS and CONS of Proposition 2 as well as the other 8 constitutional amendments that will be on the ballot.

Estimate one voter guide per household for those who attend on Sunday morning and order the number of VOTER GUIDES you need at the bottom of the attached form. Let us know the number you need in ENGLISH and the number of Spanish voter guides you need. The Voter Guides will be mailed by the beginning of Early Voting October 24.

Consider being a distribution point for churches in your city or county. Order enough voter guides for your area and send teenagers to deliver them to the churches right up until Election Day.

3. Get the word out to other pastors in your denomination, city and county

Most Texas pastors support marriage between one man and one woman. They just don't know there's an election in November.

Please get the word out to other pastors to:

Register voters

Distribute VOTER GUIDES

VOTE

YOU ARE FREE SO SPEAK ABOUT THIS FROM THE PULPIT, RADIO AND TV

Preach about it from your pulpit.
Announce it on your radio and TV program.
Write about it in your bulletin and church newsletter.
Unlike elections where candidates and political parties are involved, this election is legal for pastors and churches to ENDORSE Proposition 2 and GET OUT THE VOTE for marriage.
The restrictions that apply to elections where candidates and political parties are involved DO NOT APPLY to this election. Speak out about it.

A vote FOR Proposition 2 is a vote for God's righteous standard of marriage between one man and one woman.

Will you commit NOW to do MORE than just educate your own congregation? Get the word out to your sphere of influence, your denominational leader and other pastors in your city and county.

Passion is on the side of the opposition. We must overcome passivity to see a God's righteous standard as the law in Texas.

The outcome of this election may very well depend on YOU!

WEBSITE WITH EXCELLENT INFORMATION ABOUT THE NOVEMBER 8 ELECTION

Several pro-family leaders and groups, including Kelly Shackelford of Free Market Foundation, have collaborated together to give you accurate information and resources relating to the November 8 Special Election. It is http://www.texansformarriage.org. Several things of interest are:

Pastor Freedoms
Pastor Helps
Recent Studies
Scripture References
Sample Ballot

Fitness By Marilyn
Independent AIM Member - Marilyn Wilson Price