Health

Oprah’s Committed To Weight Watchers, In Spite Of Criticism

Published

7 years ago

January 15, 2017

Oprah Winfrey has been open about her efforts to lose weight. She even made a video that she posted on her website about what her weight-loss journey has been like thus far.

“I am one of those people who has dieted and gained and dieted and gained, and since I’ve started dieting I’ve gained 70 pounds,” the former talk show host and OWN founder said in a video clip from 1985. “It’s been the battle of my life,” Winfrey said in a voiceover for the video. “It is a battle that I’m still fighting every waking moment of my life.”

Now, she says in a new interview that it’s understandable people may not think her current 42-pound weight loss is for real. “People who say, ‘She’ll put the weight back on’—they’re right,” Winfrey told People. “I will if I don’t manage it. It’s not like I’m home free.”

Winfrey joined Weight Watchers more than a year ago after she purchased stake in the company, and she says she’s finally on a plan that she enjoys. “This has been the easiest process that I’ve ever experienced,” she says.

Fatima Cody Stanford, M.D., M.P.H., M.P.A., instructor of medicine and pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and obesity medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, tells SELF the weight-loss rollercoaster that Winfrey has experienced is “extremely common.”

Part of the reason people have such a hard time losing weight is because there are so many misconceptions about what weight loss is really about. It’s a wildly different process for each person, which is why following a specific eating plan or workout regimen may boost someone’s results while not making a difference for another person. (For some people, such as those who have or are recovering from eating disorders, strict plans aren’t appropriate or healthy.) It also involves much more than just eating and exercise, though those are important components. Losing weight is also dependent on stress, sleep, hormones, and any health conditions that may not even be under your control.

Another reason this often happens is that people typically have a general set point for weight that their body likes to maintain, Stanford explains. “In the efforts to lose weight, their body is going to do what it can to defend its set point,” she says. That’s why someone can lose weight but may struggle to keep it off.

Alissa Rumsey, M.S., R.D., spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, tells SELF that many people who struggle with weight loss also do so because the way they originally lost the weight wasn’t sustainable. “Once they go back to their ‘regular’ eating, they regain the weight,” she says. “This cycle of yo-yo dieting is very common.”

The mental aspect of weight loss can also be a challenge, and Jessica Cording, a New York-based R.D., tells SELF that this topic comes up a lot for her clients. “Something I hear a lot from people who have struggled to keep weight off is, ‘I know what to do—it’s doing it that’s the hard part,’” she says. “The mental and emotional components to weight loss are so important—I consider them at least as important as the physical.” Cording points out that she can tell people what to eat, but the real work often involves identifying what a person’s barriers are to reaching their weight-loss goals and how they can work through those challenges to establish a stable eating pattern that leads to weight loss that stays off.

Stanford agrees. “The mental aspect is important, and it’s important not to give up,” she says. “In order for this to be continuously successful, people need to continue their efforts.” People often get to a certain point of weight loss and then think their efforts are done, but Stanford says the healthy habits need to be “lifelong.” And, if you find that one method of weight loss isn’t working for you or isn’t sustainable, she says that it’s important to find another.

For most people, baby steps are key for weight loss instead of drastic measures, which are often difficult to maintain. “Focus on small, simple changes to start, and you’re less likely to get overwhelmed and more likely to continue those changes for the long term,” Rumsey says.

Cording says it’s also crucial to have a plan for keeping the weight off in addition to getting it off in the first place. “Knowing what your barriers and problem areas are and planning ahead for how to address those can help you avoid falling into the same old traps,” she says.

If you’ve struggled with weight loss in the past and have people in your life who aren’t convinced that you can win this battle, Stanford says it’s important to shut out the criticism and surround yourself with those who will support you. “Having a group of individuals that support you, that’s going to help you eat healthy,” she says. “Surround yourself with those people and drown out all the naysayers.”

Finally, be mindful of what works for you—which may be totally different from what works for a friend. “I’ve worked with plenty of people who eat bread and dairy and drink wine and still lose weight and keep it off successfully,” Cording says. “You don’t have to go all or nothing.”

Health

3 Asbestos Risks to Know About Before Tackling a DIY Home Reno

Published

12 hours ago

April 23, 2024

Adam T

While warm weather seasons might be a good time to tackle DIY home improvement projects, you must consider more than the scope of the renovation and the anticipated expense.

Depending on the age of your home, there are potential health risks to be mindful of before getting behind walls, handling insulation, ripping out floor tiles, or doing other things.

Asbestos risks are real. While there wasn’t a total asbestos ban until recently, the Environmental Protection Agency prohibited asbestos use in some new products after 1989. So, a home built before then might have materials containing asbestos. And if the asbestos fibers get into the air and are inhaled by you, your family, or visitors, the long-term consequences could be severe.

For example, asbestos exposure can lead to a severe form of cancer known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is rare and aggressive. By the time it’s diagnosed — it can take decades before it develops and causes problems — the cancer is typically at an advanced stage.

So, it makes sense to hire a professional contractor if your home may contain asbestos.

Consider these three things you must know about asbestos. You’ll see why caution is vital when contemplating a DIY home renovation project.

1. All Asbestos Is Dangerous

While some believe that some asbestos is less harmful than others, it’s best to treat all asbestos as detrimental to one’s well-being. And the more asbestos fibers you breathe in, the higher your odds of getting asbestos-related ailments. The problem with undertaking DIY home renovations is that products containing asbestos can, if the products are removed carelessly, release asbestos fibers into the air. So, if you’re ripping out flooring tiles with asbestos and damage the tiles in the process, that’s all it’ll take to potentially release asbestos fibers.

2. You Won’t Immediately Know You’ve Been Exposed

One of the problems with asbestos exposure is that you won’t necessarily know you have been exposed. If working in an environment with materials containing asbestos, you might suspect possible exposure. But if you breathe in asbestos fibers, you won’t experience tell-tale signs. So, your lungs won’t feel irritated, your throat won’t itch, and you won’t cough.

Asbestos fibers are too small to see with the naked eye, which means you won’t see it in the air.

Considering that it can take decades between exposure and symptoms, you can appreciate why people with asbestos-related ailments are often surprised by a diagnosis later in life.

If you renovate your basement, bathroom, or some other space without taking proper precautions to prevent asbestos fibers from getting into the air, you could endanger the health of anyone in your home. It’s just that they may not know it until decades later if they get mesothelioma.

3. Asbestos Exposure Can Lead to Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, and Other Diseases

Lung cancer and asbestosis, a chronic lung ailment caused by breathing in asbestos fibers, are known as dose-related ailments. This means the more asbestos fibers you inhale, the more probable you’ll get one of these two diseases.

What makes mesothelioma different from lung cancer and asbestosis is that even a relatively small exposure can cause mesothelioma. And exposure can come in different ways. If your loved one works in an environment with asbestos, you might breathe in the fibers if they come home after work and have asbestos fibers on their clothes. So, second-hand exposure is possible.

These are three things to know about asbestos exposure before tackling any home improvement project. While you likely have nothing to worry about if your home was built after 1989, you should exercise caution if you have an older home. It’s a good idea to contact a professional who can give your home a once-over to let you know if there are any asbestos risks.

Health

Navigating Holistic Wellness: A Journey as an RN Health Coach

Published

7 days ago

April 17, 2024

Adam T

Embarking on the path of an RN Health Coach sets forth an expedition brimming with discovery, connection, and cultural immersion. From traversing distant lands to fostering wellness in remote communities, this journey intertwines travel with the pursuit of holistic well-being. Let’s explore the captivating voyage of an RN Health Coach, navigating diverse landscapes while promoting vitality and global health advocacy.

Exploring Cultural Health Traditions

As an RN Health Coach, venturing into different corners of the world unveils a tapestry of diverse cultural health practices. From the tranquil temples of Thailand to the vibrant markets of Morocco, each destination offers a unique insight into ancient healing modalities deeply entrenched in wellness traditions. In these experiences, we embrace practices like Thai massage in Thailand and forest bathing in Japan, witnessing firsthand their rejuvenating effects on both body and mind.

Empowering Remote Communities

Beyond exotic wellness practices, the role of an RN Health Coach extends to remote communities where healthcare access may be scarce. Trekking through rugged terrains and expansive landscapes, we collaborate with local healers and community leaders to address prevalent health challenges. In rural Himalayan villages, education initiatives and preventive care programs empower individuals to take charge of their health. Similarly, our work in the Amazon rainforest bridges modern medical knowledge with indigenous healing practices, fostering holistic wellness that respects tradition and innovation.

Curating Wellness Retreats

RN Health Coaches curate immersive wellness retreats, blending travel with transformative experiences. From secluded yoga retreats in Costa Rica to mindfulness workshops in Bali, these sanctuaries offer a space for self-discovery and renewal. Surrounded by lush tropical landscapes, participants embark on a journey of introspection guided by expert practitioners. Through yoga, meditation, and nutritious cuisine, guests rejuvenate their bodies, minds, and spirits, emerging with a renewed sense of vitality.

Advocating for Global Health

The journey of an RN Health Coach transcends individual wellness pursuits, encompassing a mission of global health advocacy. Whether advocating for clean water access or promoting vaccination initiatives, we strive to create positive change on a global scale. Through partnerships with local organizations and international aid agencies, we address pressing health issues, advocating for equitable healthcare systems and promoting health literacy worldwide.

Joining The Nurse Coach Collective

For those aspiring to embark on a transformative journey into holistic nurse coaching, The Nurse Coach Collective offers a comprehensive Transformative Nurse Coach 7-month Program. Join a community dedicated to fostering wellness, transcending borders, and embracing the transformative power of travel and holistic health.

In conclusion, the journey of an RN Health Coach is a dynamic odyssey fueled by purpose and passion. From exploring ancient healing traditions to empowering communities with vital healthcare resources, every step of this journey contributes to a healthier, more resilient world. Let us inspire others to embark on their own journey towards optimal health and well-being, embracing the transformative adventure that awaits on the path to wellness.

Health

Amino Acid-based Oral Rehydration Solution

Published

7 days ago

April 17, 2024

Adam T

Amino Acid-based Oral Rehydration Solution (AAORS) represents a significant advancement in medical science, especially in the realm of hydration and nutrient replenishment. These solutions, enriched with amino acids, offer therapeutic benefits that go beyond simple hydration, aiding in faster recovery and improved metabolic functions.

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks for proteins, which are crucial for countless bodily functions. They play key roles in the process of building muscles, repairing tissue, and producing enzymes and neurotransmitters. When included in ORS solutions, Amino Acids can provide essential or conditionally essential nutrients directly to the body’s bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and ensuring rapid and efficient absorption.

One of the primary advantages of AAORS products is their ability to improve hydration efficiency. Conventional ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) products mainly address the electrolyte balance in the body. However, Amino Acid-based ORS products enhance this by not only replenishing fluids and electrolytes but also providing nutrients that support cellular health and recovery.

For patients who are unable to consume sufficient nutrients orally due to illness, surgery, or digestive complications, AAORS products such as IV2 can be lifesaving. The amino acids in the product help maintain muscle mass and prevent protein-energy malnutrition. It is particularly beneficial in clinical settings involving critical care, postoperative recovery, and cancer treatment, where patients might have elevated nutrient requirements or limited capacity to consume or absorb nutrients.

The hydration provided by Amino Acid-based IV2 is also more sustainable compared to typical ORS products. The presence of amino acids can enhance the body’s ability to retain water, thus providing a longer-lasting hydrating effect. This is particularly important in conditions that require prolonged hydration, such as chronic illnesses, extreme physical activities, or exposure to high temperatures.

IV2 is a zero-sugar, amino acid-based electrolyte developed by military doctors in South Korea. Well known for muscle recovery and energy boost, Amino Acids take up 40% in a single packet of IV2, calling it the Amino Acid-based ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution). This precise ratio of Amino Acids and essential ingredients of the AAA Formula™ effectively hydrates and replenishes without the use of sugar.

In conclusion, AAORS products such as IV2 mark a profound shift in how hydration and nutrition are approached in clinical settings. By delivering both essential fluids and nutrients directly into the bloodstream, these solutions ensure rapid absorption, improve cellular function, and enhance overall performance.