Healthy living with Easy Stretch Video and Health Tips

Colonoscopy - It ain't so bad!

2009-11-06T10:22:00.000-08:00

Here it is the day after my colonoscopy and I tell you I'm a happy camper. Came through with flying colors, my colon is clean as a new born baby, no polyps, no strange growths, just one healthy colon.

I tell you after the day before and drinking the Moviprep, fasting for a day and a half and pooping my guts out, the colonoscopy was a piece of cake.

I arrived at 10am to fill out the necessary forms, signing my life away and allowing the doctor to use any means at his disposal to save me if need be.
Of course nothing like that ever happens, right. After all forms are signed I'm taken into a small room and told strip down to my socks, given a gown with no back and cape to hang over my shoulders to hide my tush. I'm then take into the operating room and have my blood pressure taken and an IV put in my arm.
The anatheologist arrives and tells me the names of three different drugs he is going to give, sorry I can't remember their names. What hell, I can't remember anything of the colonoscopy procedure. The last thing I remember is being asked to turn over on my left side.

Twenty minutes or so later I open my eyes and the doctor says all done. I didn't feel anything, remember anything and I can tell you I'm not even sure they did anything, sure I was a little woosy so I know I got the drugs.

Oh what the hell, guess I just have to some faith in the system and trust in my doctor. I can tell you I'm glad to know I don't have colon cancer or the polyps that could become cancer.

One thing my wife noticed, as she was waiting to drive me home, is that other than myself, there were only women having their colon checked, so guys I know having someone stick something up your butt isn't your idea of a fun time, the fact is more men than women die from colon cancer. There is no time like the present for a little prevention.

Check out my post on Moviprep.

yours in health....stretchguy

Moviprep-cleaning up your act.

2009-11-05T07:30:00.000-08:00

Well, this is chapter 2 of the colonoscopy experience.

I spent the better part of the afternoon and evening yesterday wondering if I should move my butt off the toilet or not.

I drank my first 32oz of Moviprep solution starting at 4pm, 8 ounces per 15min intervals. As I recall I drank 2 glasses before I made my first trip to the toilet. I don't know if I should get graphic here but I gotta tell that Moviprep really works. I drank the next 32oz starting at 8pm, thats 1/2 gallon I'm flushing through my system and it really flushes, OK forget the graphics but over the next 8 hours I became quite familiar with the walls of my bathroom.

So here I sit the next morning all nice and clean and hungry. Oh I forgot to mention, I am not allowed to eat anything from midnight Tuesday til the procedure...so yeah I'm hungry and a little spaced out.

The procedure takes place at 11am today, Thursday, so the next chapter will be about the colonoscopy itself....stay tuned.
If you haven't seen it yet check out Colonoscopy by the Numbers

Yours in health....stretchguy

Colonoscopy by the numbers!

2009-11-02T08:23:00.000-08:00

Did you know that one of the symptoms of colon cancer is back pain?
A friend of mine has just been diagnosed with colon cancer is starting chemo therapy this week, I hope they found it in time to irradicate it.
This was a wake up call for me. I have put off having a colonoscopy for a long time, I figured I poop on a regular basis, don't have any constipation and eat all the right foods. Sure I drink a little alcohol but never the hard stuff except when we are in Mexico once a year and then its just a little of the juice of the agave plant, very natural.
So I decided to have my colon checked out and made an appointment for the procedure, which is this coming Thursday. I got this stuff called Moviprep, nice name for something that gets everything moving through you. I've heard from friend that taking this stuff is the worse part of the procedure, guess I'll find out on Wednesday. If you want to know more tune back in on 9/4/09, I start the prep at 4pm pst. Wish me luck......stretchguy

Skin and Eye protection as you age!

2009-06-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

Your skin and eyes change as you age. But the sun's harmful effects remain the same. The following safe-sun guidelines can help prevent wrinkles, dryness and other age related problems.

Stay in the shade. Steer clear of sun exposure between 10am and 4pm. That's when the U.V. rays are the strongest.

Wear sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher. Hit all the areas where the sun shines, including any balding spots on the head or wear a hat.

Cover up. Choose hats and clothing that shield your skin and eyes. These include wide-brimmed hats - not baseball caps - along with long-sleeved , tightly woven shirts and long pants.

Save your sight. Sunglasses protect your eyes from cataracts. Check the label, shades should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Choose large or wraparound frames for protection from all angles.

Check out my previous post on the importance of friends in our lives.

Yours in health....stretchguy

Carrots and emails are not always what they seem!

2009-05-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

My previous post on the life of baby carrots seems to contain some misinformation according to a Snopes article. Read the complete article on baby carrots and how they come to be by clicking this link . Sorry about posting that email without checking it out..

yours in health...stretchguy

Baby Carrots are not really babies!

2009-05-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

The following info was sent to me by email and I'am passing it on in its orginal form.

The following is information from a farmer who grows and packages carrots for Safeway, A & P, COSTCO, IGA, METRO, LOBLAWS, etc. and all USA producers do EXACTLY the same.

The small cocktail (baby) carrots you buy in small plastic bags are made using the larger crooked or deformed carrots which are put through a machine which cuts and shapes them into cocktail carrots; most people probably know this already.

What you may not know and should know is the following:
Once the carrots are cut and shaped into cocktail carrots they are dipped in a solution of water and chlorine in order to preserve them (this is the same chlorine used in your pool) since they do not have their skin or natural protective covering, they give them a higher dose of chlorine.You will notice that once you keep these carrots in your refrigerator for a few days, a white covering will form on the carrots; this is the chlorine which resurfaces.

At what cost do we put our health at risk to have esthetically pleasing vegetables which are practically plastic? Washing these carrots thoroughly DOES NOT get rid of the Chlorine which is absorbed and already inside the carrots. Chlorine is a very well known carcinogen. This is the reason Cities are now cutting out the use of Chlorine for purifying drinking water and turning to Ultra Violet Light which is clean and totally affective.

Buy the Carrots you often find with the tops on them in your produce department instead, and take them home and place in your own container.

Check out my previous post on water.

Yours in health...stretchguy

WATER - A vanishing resource.

2009-05-07T11:46:00.000-07:00

Water covers the Earth, yet using it efficiently is more important than ever. Following these simple tips you'll avoid wasting it.

Check your toilet. Toilet leaks can waste a ridiculous amount of water. Place a few drop of food coloring in your tank, then check the bowl a half-hour later. If you see any color, you've got a leak that should be fixed.

Shut off your hose. When watering your lawn or washing your car, use a nozzle you can shut off when you don't need it. Better yet, fill a bucket of water instead of running the hose constantly and you'll use less water.

Keep a pitcher of water in your fridge. Don't run the faucet when you need a drink. A pitcher or bottle of water in the fridge will ensure that less water goes down the drain. If possible, try to use the same glass or cup all day long to cut down on the number of dishes that need washing.

Shorten your showers. The average eight-minute shower can use up to 17 gallons of water. Trim your shower time to three of four minutes and save up to 150 gallons of water per month.

Running your washing maching only when it's full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons of water per month

Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway.

Check out my post on how much water we need to drink.

Yours in health....stretchguy

Ulcers - Time to chill out!

2009-04-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

Too much stress, over a long period of time that can not be worked off can lead to stomach ulcers. These painful sores in the stomach or first part of the small intestine are called peptic ulcers. They occur when stomach acid eats through the lining of these organs. A dull stomachache two to three hours after eating is the common symptom.

Helicobacter pylori bacteria(sometimes called H.pylori) cause most cases, which can be cured with antibiotics. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can cause ulcers, too.
Comlications, such as bleeding, can be serious. If you have symptoms see your doctor or health care professional.

Check out my post on stress .

Yours in health....stretchguy

Keep an eye on that upset stomach!

2009-04-23T12:27:00.000-07:00

Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when stomach contents back up into the esophagus. There, stomach acid causes the discomfort we call heartburn. If you regularly have reflux twice a week or more, you might have gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you have symptoms of GERD and have been using antacids for more than two weeks. Long term untreated reflux can damage the esophageal lining and lead to cancer. Certain foods can cause an upset stomach. check out my post about coffee.
Yours in health....stretchguy

Live a happier, healthier life with Easy Stretch daily stretching

2009-04-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

I developed Easy Stretch Video in 1992 in response to the needs of the senior citizens of Waimea, who I had been teaching a stretching class with the Easy Stretch routine for some years. These were people who all their lives worked hard on a ranch or farm and needed to stretch and relieve tightness in their joints and backs.

Now 17 years later and just turning 70 years young myself, I attribute my good health and pain free body to regular stretching, physical exercise and a healthy diet. You might say "Yeah, but you have been stretching all those years!" Well, I say you are never too old to start.

Your body did not tighten up over night and you won't loosen up over night, but with the Easy Stretch program, you will experience a gradual increase in range of motion, a decrease of pain in your muscles and tendons and an improvement in balance and feeling of well-being. This is not a pill you can take. Easy Stretch is a commitment to a lifestyle change!

You will love the NEW 'Easy Stretch DVD Body Mind Relaxation' design. DVD technology offers a menu for stretchers to choose from Introduction, Stretching or/and Guided Relaxation.

I am happy to share with you a short video clip from my Stretch DVD, so you have an idea what Easy Stretch DVD is all about and of course, what your stretch guide looks like. Youtube does not offer best video quality but the Stretch DVD will.

So, you want to live a happier, healthier life, order 'Easy Stretch DVD - Body Mind Relaxation' NOW at our NEW AFFORDABLE Economy Slowdown rate of $18.50 + Free Shipping! Easy Stretch DVD will be in your hands within 2 -3 days. Most of all, I and Easy Stretch blog visitors would like to hear from you how your body and mind benefit from 'Easy Stretch'.
Yours in health, Stretchguy
p.s.

The benefit of chewing - Gum that is!

2009-04-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. I've just returned from a month on the Big Island of Hawaii and now I'm writing about reducing stress by chewing gum. Oh well, its cheaper than going to Hawaii, maybe not as much fun.

Researchers have found that chewing gum can reduce stress and improve performance, it has also been associated with relieving anxiety.

During mildly stressful activity, chewing gum was found to reduce anxiety by 17% over non-gum chewers. During moderately stressful activities the reduction was 10%.

Increased alertness. During mild stress activities, gum-chewers were 19% more alert than non-gum-chewers and 8% more alert the non-gum-chewers.

Reduced stress. Salivary corisol( a physiological stress marker) levels were 16% lower in gum-chewers during mildly stressful activities; during moderately stressful activities the difference was 12 %

Improved performance. Gum-chewers improved mean performance by 109% during mildly stressful activities, and 67% during moderately stressful activities, when compared to non-gum-chewers.

If you are going to chew gum I recommend a sugar free gum. To go one step further I recommend a gum sweetened with Xylitol. I will give further information on Xylitol in an upcoming post.

A post revisited-the benefits of walking.

Yours in health....stretchguy

Dentures and How to care for them

2009-02-25T07:02:00.000-08:00

The first step in healthy digestion is chewing your food well. If you wear dentures, a good fit is essential. See your dentist regularly so they can check the health of your gums. As you age, the bone in your oral cavity can shrink and your denture may need adjustments. Talk with your dentist about how your dentures are fitting. A few other tips:

* Remove and brush your denture daily, using a brush designed for cleaning dentures. Avoid harsh abrasive cleansers.

*Avoid sterilizing your denture in boiling water; it can warp the base of the denture.

*Remove your denture before going to sleep at night. This allows gum tissue to rest and promotes long-term gum health.

If you don't have dentures and want to keep from having to get them read my previous post on Healthy Teeth and Gums.

Yours in health....stretchguy

Foot Health for all ages.

2009-02-24T11:45:00.000-08:00

The foot has as many moving parts as a complicated machine-and it works just as hard. An average day of walking delivers hundreds of tons of pressure to your feet. The following tips on foot care are a step in the right direction.

* Wear comfortable, well fitting shoes. Shop for your shoes in the evening when you feet are the largest.

*Put your feet up while sitting, to keep blood moving to them. Massage your feet with a soothing foot cream.

* Keep your feet dry and clean to prevent fungal infections. Wash daily, especially between the toes, with mild soap and lukewarm water. Dry thoroughly.

*Trim toenails straight across.

*If you have diabetes, nerve damage can lessen feeling in your feet. Proper care and daily foot checks for cuts, sores, or any other problems are vital. Have your health care provider check your feet at each office visit.

Check out my previous post on healthy feet.
Yours in health....stretchguy

Good News about Starches

2009-02-19T11:22:00.000-08:00

Potatoes have been given a bad rap when it comes to weight loss, they have always associated with gaining weight, especially the french fried kind. No, I'm telling you to go out and super size the fries but some boiled spuds won't hurt, in fact recent discoveries indicate they may be the latest weight loss buzz.

It has been discovered that potatoes, along with corn, rice and beans contain something called "resistant starch". Though you probably haven't heard of resistant starch before its been a part of your diet for years.

Resistant starch promotes weight loss because as it cools it resists digestion thus filling you up and reduces overall hunger. Its health benefits are truly impressive as well. Studies show it improves blood sugar control, boosts immunity and may even reduce your cancer risk.

Check out my other post on healthy fruits.

For more detailed info on resistant starch http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resistant_starch

your in health....stretchguy

Playing games to stay young.

2009-02-04T18:25:00.000-08:00

You know what I like ? I like to play games, mind games, physical games, most any kind of games. Why would I like games you might ask.

Well, games are meant to be played and as we grow older we sometimes forget how to play and have fun.

The game I enjoy the most is tennis. It gets me out in the open air, running around and competing with others. Now I know some of you might say how can competing be fun. Its all a frame of mind, if you think about improving yourself and your game then your real competition is with yourself and your game improves thus you have fun knowing that you are getting better at the game, the opponent is just there to help you improve. Of course if you win the game there is a certain satisfaction achieved.

Check out my blog on exercise and aging http://easystretch.blogspot.com/2008/03/exercise-and-anti-agingare-connected.html

Yours in health....stretchguy

Strength Training - Start slow!

2008-12-23T16:21:00.000-08:00

I just discovered something I would like to pass on to all those out there who I convinced to begin doing some strength training.

I found that I can add more weight to routines I do on a regular basis with no problem, so long as I don't add too much.

Yesterday, however I started a new exercise using different muscles in a different way. I mistakenly started out using weights I used in my other routines and I was able to complete the routine with no problem.

But today is a new day and the muscles I used in the new routine are yelling at me sending pain messages every time I move wrong.

The lesson here if you haven't already figured it out is: WHEN STARTING A NEW ROUTINE START SLOW - LESS WEIGHT - LESS REPS!

Give your muscles a chance to get used to being used and they will be much happier.

Check out my post on weight training.
Enjoy your Holidays !

Yours in health.....stretchguy

Almonds - Revisited

2008-12-17T09:37:00.000-08:00

Well its been awhile since I've posted. How come you ask, where are all those healthy posts?

I must admit I've been out in that unhealthy SUN in sunny Mexico but now I'm back in SNOW covered Sequim,WA, sitting at my computer sifting through a multitude of emails and writing this post.
Last January I wrote a post about the benefits of nuts and I thought it needed to be revisited. Here goes........

Shelling out for a bag of almonds might not be a bad idea if you need to lower your cholesterol. Almonds are recognized as a cholesterol-lowering food; studies also show that they can reduce the risk of heart disease.

One ounce of almonds-about 25 nuts-contains 164 calories and 1.10 grams of saturated fat. That same ounce is also a good source of protein, potassium, vitamin E, and magnesium- and has no cholesterol.

Almonds are considered to be the worlds first "to-go" snack It is said that ancient desert nomads combined almonds with chopped dates, bits of pistachios, sesame oil, and breadcrumbs and rolled them into balls. They traveled quite well.

You can also check out my previous post on almonds

Yours in health...stretchguy

Cinnamon good for more than your buns

2008-10-23T17:33:00.000-07:00

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but half a teaspoon of cinnamon can have remarkable effects, too.
Government researcher report that cinnamon improves insulin activity, which in turn improves blood sugar concentrations. According to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, consuming as little as about a half teaspoon of cinnamon a day can lead to dramatic improvement in blood sugar for people with Type 2 diabetes. Those who have elevated glucose, triglycerides, high LDL cholesterol may benefit from the daily inclusion of cinnamon as well, researchers say.

Consuming this amount of cinnamon is safe and users should not experience any ill effects, the researchers say. I tried it on my cereal and noticed it upset my stomach, maybe I had too much
start out with smaller amounts and build up to half teaspoon.
Shake a little in your coffee, or make a tea with ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks. The good news the active ingredients are not destroyed by heat

If you have sensitive stomach like me check my post on coffee.

Yours in health......stretchguy

Compounding your savings!

2008-08-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

I know its been a while since I've posted on my blog...got no excuses...just been lazy and the weather here on the Olympic Peninsula has been beautiful. Except today the fog rolled in and hasn't rolled out yet, so here I am at the computer wondering what to write.

I've been mostly posting articles on ways to stay healthy and if you are going to stay healthy you will want to be wealthy at the same time. So lets talk about savings...something not enough of us do.

If you use the old rule of 72 you can determine how long an investment will take to double based on a fixed annual rate of return. Lets say you $10,000 in the bank at 6% interest. Divide 72 by the interest rate (6%). The result is the number of years it will take your investment to double. In this case, it will take 12 years. Your $10,000 will be worth $20,000 in 12 years and $40,000 in 24 years and $80,000 in 36 years.

That's working with a fixed amount however if your keep adding to the balance year after year you will end up with much more. So start now by paying yourself first and you will end up at retirement age being both healthy and wealthy.
Check out my previous post of seniors and strength training

yours in health....stretchguy

Seniors and Strength Training

2008-06-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

As a massage therapist for 25 years I worked hard using my upper body and legs while giving a massage. I also had a large yard in Hawaii filled with all sorts of tropical plants which also required using my body in gardening and harvesting.

I retired from massage and sold my place in Hawaii 4 years ago. I didn't realize it immediately but I needed something to replace the strength training I got naturally through work and gardening.

When we moved to Sequim I acquired a position at our Sequim Aquatic Center, teaching stretching, I was also given a membership. They have a complete work out room with free weights and machines. In the past two years I've taken advantage of the weight training to increase my muscle mass and reduce my body fat.

In the same way that taking a once-a-day vitamin is beneficial, lifting weights and other kinds of strength training provide multiple benefits, according to the findings of many studies over the past several years. Here are the 3 reasons to get started on a resistance strength-training program of 3 times a week:

To build muscle strength. Adults lose between five and seven pounds of muscle every decade after age 20. Only strength training prevents muscle loss.

To improve functional strength and flexibility. This is important because it can help keep you safe in your daily activities and make you less vulnerable to falls or other injuries.

To increase bone mass and density. Weight-bearing and resistance exercises can help protect against osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break.

You are never to old to begin a program of weight training and you will be amazed at the results.
Check out my other post on exercise and anti-aging

Yours in health....stretchguy

Coffee and indigestion!

2008-06-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

The one thing I really enjoyed was making a cup of fresh ground coffee in the morning, the smell of newly ground beans and the aroma of the brewing of the coffee just seemed to start my day. I would have two cups with a breakfast of granola and fruit and that was all the food I would eat til lunch.

I can't remember when I began eating antacids, probably around six years ago.
I began having an upset stomach, just a little extra acid in there that gave me an uncomfortable feeling. I would pop two or three antacids and go about my day.
Then about 6 months ago I began having to take more antacids and more often to eleviate the acid condition, that's when I decided to try giving up coffee.

I remember the day well as it was my birthday and as it turned out it changed my life, or at least part of it. That day I began drinking green tea instead of coffee and that day I quit taking antacids.

I tell you it was like day and night. No coffee/No upset stomach. I kicked my coffee habit and am healthier because of it. Now I'm not saying if you are popping antacids that quitting coffee is the solution to your upset stomach but quitting for a short time may make a difference.

Check out my previous post on friends.

Yours in health....stretchguy

My Best Friend!

2008-06-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

My best friend is the person I choose to live with - my wife, Heidemarie. We can't all be so lucky to be married to our best friend. If you find yourself spending more and more time alone as you get older then its time to find a friend or buddy. Someone you can talk to or listen to, maybe take walks with on a daily basis.

It has been found that older people, compared with their social peers, had higher blood pressure, lower levels of "good' cholesterol and higher levels of the "fight or flight" hormone epinephrine.
There is growing evidence linking social isolation to problems dealing with stress, poor sleep, lowered immunity, heart disease, Alzheimer's and suicide. Whew--now thats a bunch of problems. I'm not saying that all of the above problems can come from loneliness or isolation but just one or two can't be good.

How do we find new friends? First thing is to get out of the house and start doing things, like join a church or social group, a senior center or health club. Find something you enjoy doing and search in your area for like minded people. Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with a stranger, who knows they may become your best friend. As I say," nothing ventured, nothing gained". Remember change in your life begins with that First Step.

Having a friend can mean more laughing, check out my post on it.
Yours in health....stretchguy

Stress at work can KILL !!!

2008-05-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

There are many factors that cause stress at work, long working hours, a disagreeable boss, unfriendly co-workers, long commute times and not being appriecated just to name a few.
In a British study of workers ages 35 to 55 tracked since 1985 those who reported high levels of stress had a 68 percent higher risk of developing heart conditions than those reporting less stress. It was found pressure at work led to higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, changes in heartbeat, heart disease and even death. Male and female workers under age 50 showed the strongest connection between stress and heart conditions.
Check out my blog on living longer.
Yours in health....stretchguy

Fruits with high antioxidant levels.

2008-04-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

Regional treats such as figs and dates are top sources of fiber and potassium, a mineral that plays a key role in blood pressure control. And since their antioxidant content is up to 50 times higher than that of other fruit, they are an absolute feast for the eyes: eating three or more servings of high-antioxidant fruit a day lowers the risk of sight-robbing ARM (age-related maculopathy) by 36 percent in people 50 and up, a harvard study showed.

Besides all of the above they taste great and are easy to carry around and snack on when you get hungry between meals, instead of processed snacks.

Another great fruit is the avocado, check out my previous post.

Your in health......stretchguy

Is there a best time to have a colonoscopy?

2008-03-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

Some might ask, what is a colonoscopy? Its simply a means of viewing the colon and checking out what is going on inside. Why you might ask should I care what my colon looks like? Everything seems to be working alright. The problem is colon cancer is a growing problem and finding it early can save a lot of lives.

So you have decided to have your colon checked, whats the best time of day to do it if you have a choice? In the morning is best as you will be less likely to need a repeat than if its done in the afternoon.

Researchers at Mayo Clinic think the time lag between a nightime pretest purge and an afternoon exam may be what causes poorer views for doctors-and the need for retesting.
To reduce your odds of having to repeat the uncomfortable prep, schedule a morning test if possible. If you must have an afternoon test ask your doctor about purging in the morning.

I've just a made a new post linking to some of my more popular ones

Yours in health.....stretchguy