Responsiblity and Us

My husband and I watched Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution on television last night. It was an eye opener to say the least. It wasn't so much of an eye opener into the obesity rates, convenience of heating ready made food, and the overall health of our nation, as much as an eye opener into the lack of motivation we adults have into promoting responsibility of sustaining a healthy population of humans on this earth. The lack of concern over responsibility to care for oneself and lack of motivation is shocking! The lunch ladies at the local appalachian school seemed annoyed that he wanted to have them actually cook food rather than reheating it, even though one lady was completely upset when he called her a lunch lady and she scoffed "I'm a cook". I think Jamie will prove he can set up a food menu within the school districts' budget and constraints but it is lack of knowledge and motivation, on the part of the adults in charge, that will continue to be the downfall for the school kids he seeks to help!

There are many issues that contribute to unhealthy eating habits, especially amongst appalachian people. Many people in the area are illiterate, or have not completed enough education to read past an elementary level. Access to health promotion and care is limited. There is also cost associated with eating healthy that many in that area simply cannot afford. Fresh food and vegetables are more costly than food in the frozen section. Many of those people are living off of limited income or resources and have to find ways to stretch a dollar. But all that said, I still feel that motivation is a key factor to change and promoting health that will sustain us as people on this earth. It doesn't cost a thing to take a walk and go play in the park for 20 minutes a day. With a little creativity, there can be some positive change to eating habits on a limited budget. We need to just find the motivation to get off of our bottoms and jump into improving our health.

Jamie has a wonderful opportunity to save lives and educate people. However, he needs to do so with an awareness of the factors that contribute to obesity. You cannot fix something unless you find the root analysis cause to the problem. You can continue to patch up the ceiling that appears to have a leak, but until you find the leak and patch the hole, the problem will continue.

Great article with links for more information

http://longevity.about.com/od/longevitystatsandnumbers/a/le_declines.htm

From the CDC, you can download and read the executive summary on health statistics in the US. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus.htm

Unplugging and reconnecting

I have to admit that between my husband and myself, precious hours of our lives are spent surfing the web, watching you-tube videos, and texting/face booking/tweeting. We easily get lost in technology and disconnect from one another, even though we may be sitting on the same couch or in the same room. I phones have changed our lives, but I have to wonder, if for the better.

Growing up I was a social butterfly, my husband more of a recluse. It surprises me that I am spending more time these days connecting with friends via text/email or aimlessly surfing the Internet. Occasionally I will get a phone call from a friend and you know what, I miss that. I miss being able to connect with our voices or face to face with others. We are all so busy these days that it is a miracle we can stay in touch so texting and email has made life convenient.

I worry though, about the upcoming generations in the world. The 30 plus crowd grew up without cell phones, computers in our houses, and social networking sites. We learned how to connect with people and build friendships. We also learned that reading, crafting, taking the bike for a ride, walking on the beach, going for a hike, and grabbing a cup of coffee with one another were enjoyable activities. The next generation is learning to spend their free time on the Internet or texting rather than having face to face interactions with others. This social disconnect that is being created within modern society may have detrimental effects. Science has proven that being social may keep Alzheimer's and dementia away. It has also proven that not being social and engaging in physical activities has increased incidence of obesity.

I challenge everyone reading this, myself, my husband, and my step daughter to put the phone away one day a week and turn off the computer. Reconnect with each other and build relationships, get to know your neighbor, help one another out, get healthy, and find new hobbies. Afterall, you only have this one life on earth and do you want to look back at it on your deathbed and realize all the things you could have done!

Trip to the east end

My Husband and I took a trip to the east end of long island and I grabbed my camera, we found love lane and walked around, enjoy some shots from the day!

Lyrics that speak to my heart

Run away from money
Quit your job and climb a tree
One with hearts instead of leaves
Build a sandcastle big enough for us to sleep
Paint it golden with the sunrise

Cause we are
Like a wingless bird
Crashing down
To the helpless earth
And if somethin's gonna break it
See it all around you
Feel it in your body
You'll be hiding in the shadows
Where love is still alive
'Til all of it is burning

Through a field we're walkin
Empty as the open sky
We escape from all the troubles
Found a waterfall and
Took a dive to cool our skin
Finally we found this feelin'

Run away from money
Quit your job and climb a tree
One with hearts instead of leaves

by Jason Reeves and Colbie Caillat

wisdom

Wisdom not only comes from the mind, but also from the heart. The heart provides a way of knowing that fills in the gaps of the mind. Our intellect only takes us so far. The ability to know the heart and listen to it, requires contemplative silence within and being able to be present with ourselves. If we would all allow the heart to speak in congruence with the mind, we would have more peace in our lives. Peace within us can translate into peace within the world. Listen to the wisdom of the heart.