Health Issues

What's going on; everyone I know is having some kind of health issue. My immediate family members are either suffering with the stomach bug or the flu. Personally I still have this niggling cough, which as been persistent now, on and off, since October.

My dear mother who is 85 has been suffering with DVT (blood clot) in her leg. So I've been looking after her, acting as her nurse by giving her regular injections, as well as several trips to the local hospital for blood tests etc. I'm grateful that she's now on the mend.

I know that it's February and it's the usual time to pick up any virus that's floating around, however I'm beginning to notice that everyone I talk to seems to be suffering from some kind of ailment.

Thankfully the Snowdrops are starting to emerge from the ground, which usually means that Spring is just around the corner.

This particular winter, for me, has seemed really long, really cold and really miserable, or maybe it's just the way I've been viewing it. Never mind I just can't wait for those warm sunny days to be upon us again.

Roll-on the Spring!

KICKSTART - Session Three

Have just completed session three of the KICKSTART Health & Fitness Programme. Performed it with my son Jason who described as a 'near death experience'. Have to admit that it was another gruelling session.

KICKSTART - SESSION TWO

I've jus personally completed the second session of the KICKSTART programme and have improved my overall score quite considerably from last week. My only concern is that next week it will be even harder for me to beat this weeks total.

After completing the various different exercise routines I laid on the floor completely exhausted, again feeling shaky and lightheaded. I know that when exercising correctly it doesn't have to be this way.

My biggest problem has always been, not being over competitive against other people, but being over competitive against myself. I have always liked pushing myself physically and mentally to the limit and today was no exception, hence the after-effects.

Oh well "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" has always been my mantra.

Men's Health Week 2010

It's the start of National Men's Health Week, which is all about bringing increased awareness to all issues concerning male health and fitness.

From my own perspective I realise that it is so important for men of my own particular age (and younger) to look after themselves in the way of regular exercise and following a balanced diet.

It is a known fact that so many illnesses and diseases could be avoided by just paying a little more attention to these particular aspects, as well as a reduction in smoking and alcohol intake.

In my youth I have to admit, mainly due to ignorance and lifestyle I did eat a lot of junk food, as well as smoking and drinking alcohol excessively. I always felt pretty crap to say the least until I took up the martial arts. So I do know what it's like to experience what I like to call the "dark-side."

Today, personally I don't take my own health for granted, it's something that I believe you have to keep in check constantly, as it's easy to slide down the scale again. Good health does require self-discipline, but it's well worth it in the long term.

The benefits of exercise etc. certainly 'out-weigh' the misery and suffering caused by ill-health and it's not to late to start - for further information take a look at the following website; www.malehealth.co.uk

I just thought I'd mention, it's exactly one month to go until my 50th birthday! In case you're still wondering - I am very much still 'Fighting Fit' and today I'm planning to do some cycling and a little jogging myself, just to practice what I preach.

Have a good Health Week!!

Big Lungs!

Being an underwater swimmer I'd always thought of myself as having a good set of lungs. But I've recently discovered on MSN News, that a world record has just been made for someone holding their breath underwater for over 19 minutes -

Wow that's an awesome set of Lungs. However I also just read that he was officially allowed to breath in pure oxygen for ten minutes before attempting to break the world record.

I'm just pleased that I can swim 25 metres underwater without coming up for air!

Talking of 'Lungs' I really love Florence and The Machines CD Album (called -'Lung's' who incidentally won a Brit Award last night for 'best album) - My wife bought it for me for Christmas - just though I'd mention that in passing while Im practising holding my breath.........





P.S. Just to inform you that's not me in the above picture.

Use It Or Lose It!!

The snow has gone and life is now getting back to normal.

It's amazing that just over a week ago the majority of the country came to a hault because of the bad weather. Many people like myself had been stuck indoors for several days or more.

I wasn't able to exercise to the extent that I usually do and my body soon became very stiff. I suppose it just goes to show how quickly the body can become less pliable without consistent movement.

I have a little saying that I use to remind myself as I grow older, 'Use it or lose it!' Just like the village post office - our bodies needs movement.

For me personally it's very important to exercise, stretch, and eat healthy on a regular basis. If I do divert from my usual regime even just for a few days my body soon lets me know.

For whatever reason, if I ignore the tell-tale signs and symptoms, then these messages become stronger in the way of pain and sickness.

This morning I'm about to set off and do some martial art training, which includes stretching kicking and practicing my pre-set forms. This should last for approx. 1-2 hours and will incorporate a total body workout and a great way for me to stay in condition.


P.S. Still no alcohol for this year.

An Honest Update On How I'm Doing!

Hi there,

I'm just giving those of you who might be just remotely interested an update on my health & fitness regime.

Well, as I am an honest type of guy, I have to unfortunately admit that at present it's not good news.

Since my last reported weigh-in during the late summer, I've gained 6 - 7 pounds and my overall weight is now standing at 13stone 5lbs.

Although I'm not particularly concerned about my actual weight-gain, I am worried about the way I've been feeling just lately. Yes I'm back to being tired, sluggish and irritable, which I really, really detest.

So what's caused this downturn in my health regime? It's a question that I've recently been pondering over myself?

After returning home from Italy I've been craving 'high' carb food and alcohol, especially white wine and although I believe that one or two classes of wine and few slices of bread might not do an enormous amount of harm, it does stop me from wanting to exercise regularly.

So starting tomorrow I'm hoping to return to a more alkaline eating regime - like I did in the summer - (re-read post on alkalising) and I've also started running on the treadmill again.

Yes - I want to feel good!

Big Daddy !

One year ago I had the above picture taken.

It was a photograph that I wanted no one to see. At the time I was weighing in at 13stone 12lbs.

I recall feeling sluggish, heavy, and mightly depressed. This picture was one of the main reasons in me writing this blog and doing something postive concerning my own health & fitness.

I named myself 'Big Daddy' and then used it as a motivation tool to get myself into shape

Coming soon - One year later!

Watch this space................

Deep Breathing Exercises

Every morning I awake about 7am and the first thing that I do (after visiting the bathroom) is to perform my breathing exercises.

These are specific breathing patterns that are performed in combination with holding certain positions.

These exercises have derived from the Buddhist aspect of Kuk Sool Won and have been practiced for thousands of years by monks and martial artists.

There are many benefits that arise from making deep breathing a part of your daily routine, most of which are due to the fact that deep, cleansing breaths also give your lymph system a helping hand in clearing out the toxins from your body.

By breathing we can encourage the flow of the energy (ki) throughout the body. Deep breathing does not only stimulate and regulate this flow of energy, but it also has a powerful cleansing effect on the entire body.

Of course it is only after a continued period of practice that the benefits can be recognised, these benefits include increased strength and vitality and an overall feeling of well-being.

Lost Pounds

One of the by-products, so to speak, of doing the Alkalising course is weight-loss and although many people have said that they didn't think that I needed to lose weight, I knew in myself that I was carrying a few extra pounds. More than a few in fact.

I've just completed week nine of the course and the results of my of Alkalising, apart from myself feeling outstandingly good, it has also allowed me to lose 10lbs in weight. I am now weighing in at under 13 stone, in fact to be precise I'm 12stone 13lbs. (A big round of applause, thank you)

Last Sunday I treated myself into buying a brand new suit for my 25th Wedding Anniversary. I was really pleased to have the option of purchasing a really expensive one that I liked, however the best thing, the suit had also lost some pounds - the price had been dramatically slashed in the sales

Apart from the streamline price, it was also the perfect fit, 34" waist 40" chest, however what makes these measurements quite interesting is this....... they are very similar to the measurements that I had when I bought my suit to get married in almost twenty-five years ago.

Well of course I came away from the shop feeling amazingly pleased with myself and it just goes to show that following a moderate alkalising diet can really help turn back time.

Aerobic Vs Anaerobic Exercise

Part of maintaining a healthy-living regime is focusing on a correct diet, the other half of course is exercising correctly.

For many years I used to train like a Trojan (no pain- no gain type of attitude) without any particular understanding what it was doing to my body.

Unfortunately as mentioned in some of my previous postings I often suffered with burn-out. Thankfully I'm now beginning to understand the reason why.

Here's what I've recently discovered.

Aerobic exercise basically describes any type of activity that is performed at a moderate level, that increases the heart rate for an extended period of time. (Aerobic literally means 'with oxygen'.)

This type of exercise helps to remove toxins and acids from the body and rabidly burns stored fat, while helping to regulate the metabolism and is primary used for building stamina.

Of course there are many ways to exercise aerobically, my own preferred methods are, walking, running, cycling, swimming, and martial art 'forms' practice.

My 'general rule of thumb' is that if I'm able to hold a conversation with someone while performing an activity, means that I'm doing the exercise correctly.

Anaerobic training, which is exercise performed at a more rapid heart rate can often lead to more acid build-up in the body (lactic acid).

When the heart beats over a certain rate of BPM (beats per minute) the body begins to burn sugar instead of fat, this is where the change from aerobic to anaerobic occurs.

When this shift occurs the body switches from using stored fat as energy to the use of carbohydrate (sugar) as the primary source of energy.

There are of course benefits in exercising anerobically such as an increase in strength and speed, but for me personally my own training is specifically geared for endurance, strength, stamina and fleixbility.

Back To Exercising

After re-charging my batteries over the Easter holiday I now really feel like exercising again.

I have been running two miles a day since last Sunday on my treadmill, which always helps to increase my energy levels and makes me feel good.

I am eating healthy and have adopted a new eating regime, which I'll go into more detail at a later date. I want to make sure that it works for me first then I'll spread the news.

Over the cold winter months my weight increased to 13stone 9lbs and I have a goal to loose the 9lbs if possible - That would bring me near-enough in-line with my ideal weight for my age.

With my 25th Wedding Anniversary approaching in July I intend to be really fighting fit for that special occasion as well as for the trip to Italy in September.

Burn-out

Yesterday was my last class of the year at Kuk Sool and I'm feeling totally burnt-out and exhausted. This however is quite normal for me to feel like this just before Christmas.

This morning I didn't wake up until 10.00am and I'm usually up out-of-bed around 7 - 7.30am. So I must have really needed the rest.

I now have two weeks off to recuperate and I'm looking forward to relaxing and taking life a little easier.

I don't know about 'fighting fit' Ive really felt like being 'fit-to-drop' or to put it bluntly - absolutely KNACKERED

Im Back (almost)

Well once again I'm back in the 'land of the living' after my recent cold. As you may recall from my last post I was not 'fighting fit' for the most of last week.

At the weekend I had to attend the UK Kuk Sool Championships in Birmingham and it was a case of 'fake-it-till-you-make it' for me.

After performing in the Masters' Exhibition I can not recall a time that I felt so exhausted afterwards- I was completely Knackered.

Now this is not a case of not being at the top of my game, just a sign for me to look after myself a little better throughout the winter months, especially with diet and rest. (I just work to hard - that's it!)

For anyone suffering with flu - you have my sympathy. Get well soon.

PEAK FLOW CHART

Having had my health-check results returned last week I was interested to discover that my Peak Flow rate was exceptionally high indeed for my age, so much so that Dr. Paul wants to carry out some further advanced tests on me.

During my examination, I was asked to exhale quickly in to a tube-like device that is used to measure how well your lungs are functioning and is often used in cases like asthma.

As I've already mentioned, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that my particular reading was 790, which if you look at the chart above you can see that my measurement is not even on the scale.

I believe that without a shadow of a doubt my extended lung capacity is specifically down to my martial art training and the special breathing exercises that I have done within Kuk Sool over the past thirty years.

So if anyone wants conclusive evidence - here it is.

Martial arts can seriously improve your health.

MSG INTOLERANT?

In my younger days I used to love eating Chinese food, unfortunately I have come to realise that most of this delicious tasting food contains an additive called MSG, which certainly does not agree with me.

In fact I have experienced some very bad reactions after eating out at Chinese restaurants, but with all fairness the problem doesn't just exist in these type of restaurants alone.

I've also discovered that eating in many high-class restaurants and hotels give me a similar reaction as well.

So what exactly is MSG or Monosodium Glutamate? Well basically as I have already mentioned it’s a food additive used as a flavouring enhancer (E621).

MSG is not only discovered in Chinese food but can also be found in a variety of processed foods including cheese, meat, soups, and sauces and is often used to improve texture and taste.

Experts claim that MSG is absolutely harmless to the majority of the population. Certain evidence suggests that consuming normal amounts of glutamate causes no-ill effects, however my own personal reaction say’s otherwise.

There are many reported symptoms of MSG intolerance, but here’s what happens to me every time I eat-out at a place that dishes it up.

The first thing that I notice, apart from the very distinctive taste, is that after about half-an-hour I become very thirsty and the inside of my mouth really starts to burn.

Next, I start to become very hyperactive (almost childlike) and my concentration starts to wander, which is often followed on by a very mild headache.

This is usually just the beginning and happens while I’m still in the restaurant. The next phase is at home.

My thirst increases to an even greater degree and my headache worsens. After drinking gallons of water and feeling rather tired I generally then go to bed.

I am usually able to get sleep quite easily but I always awake at around 4.00am. I call this my ‘monosodium time’ and I usually have to get out of bed and go do something.

To be honest - it’s not always a negative reaction, because during this time some of my best ideas and inspirational moments have come to me.

Maybe it’s because my brain is so stimulated? I have to admit I often feel like Einstein or Thomas Edison having a eureka moment.

Of course with every high there is also a low period too. After returning back to bed after one-or two hours, I awake the next day feeling like ----, similar to having a hangover.

I feel moody, miserable and depressed and almost unbearable to live with. (I suppose it’s the price you have to pay in becoming a temporary genius).

So that’s my experience when consuming MSG.

Please let me know if you are also affected in any similar way. I’ll be interested in hearing about your reactions.

Also check out the following website. It will scare you!

www.msgtruth.org

Green Tea

I've just read on the MSN Health & Fitness website that drinking Green Tea is great way of not only boosting your metabolism but also providing you with antioxidants to help prevent cancer. It also contains other specific properties that help reduce cholesterol and protect against heart disease.

That's really good news because I'm currently sitting here writing this particular post with a cup of green tea sitting next to me.

In fact I'm addicted to the stuff, I even take my own tea bags with me when I go out visiting family and friends just in case I'm offered ordinary tea or coffee.

Several years ago I was drinking a lot of normal tea and was suffering with lots of headaches, the amount of caffeine was the problem. Instead of switching to de-caf tea I just decided to try out Green Tea instead and have kept with it ever since.

Yes there is caffeine contained within green tea but the amounts are significantly less than coffee or ordinary tea and I can drink approximately 8-10 cups a day without the hint of a headache.

Results Of Health Check

Well here they are - the results of my health check.

Height = 180cm (5ft 11ins)

Weight = 87.2 Kg (13stone 10lbs)

Waist = 98cm (35")

BMI = 26.9 (25 Norm)

Pulse Rate = 60 (normal 70- 80 bpm)

Blood pressure 118/80 (Normal for my age approx 140/90)

Peak Flow = 790 (Norm for my age approx 655)

Urine = No protein, glucose or blood

Cholesterol = Low

Iron = 103

So what does this basically tell me? - Well after looking at these results it seems, thankfully I'm healthier than I thought I was for my age, however I could do with losing a little weight, maybe about 7 - 8lbs to bring my BMI down a little.

So thats my goal for the near future.

Keep watching regular updates to see how I'm doing!

My Metabolism

I have heard many people say, the older you become the more your metabolism slows down, haven’t you heard that or maybe said it yourself?

There are many scientific explanations to describe what metabolism actually does, however the simplest and easiest to understand particularly from a health and fitness perspective is this; metabolism is the rate at which the body turns calories into energy. (Well I did say it was the simplified version.)

So what actually causes your metabolism to slow down? I was pleasantly surprised to read somewhere, that metabolism does not significantly slow down directly because of the aging process itself, it actually slows down due to a decrease in muscle tissue.

As I understand it, we are burning calories all the time even when asleep and not just when we exercise. Therefore the more lean muscles we have the more calories we burn, regardless of our age. The problem however does seem that the older we become the less physical strain we put on ourselves and muscle tissue significantly decreases.

So what’s the solution? Well there are several things that I’m personally going to try out for myself. First I am going to decrease the amount of calories that I digest. I’m not going to exclude meals or go on a crash diet or anything crazy like that. But it does seem pointless starting up an exercise programme if I am eating more than I burn-up and of course any excess calories are usually stored as fat.

For the last four weeks I have been running on my treadmill, at least three times a week for thirty minutes each time, but my weight hasn't decreased at all. I now realise that I now need to look carefully at what I’m eating. I need to balance my eating habits with my activity levels and the key is to give my body the energy it needs, but only the correct amount.

So I personally feel in order to boost my own metabolism it's important for me to do the following; always eat a good breakfast, consume smaller meals throughout the day, take different types of regular exercise, cut down on sugar, and drink plenty of water.

Start The Day - The Yoga Way

To start this morning I'm up early performing some Yoga routines.

I have practiced yoga previously a year or so back, but never this early in the morning.

My daughter does her yoga set religiously every morning before going to work. I suppose like anything else you have to keep doing it on a regular basis to gain the benefits.

Never-the-less I still maintain my flexibility by performing a body conditioning routine in my martial art classes that I teach most evenings.

Yes I can still touch my hands flat on the ground while keeping my legs straight, bending from the waist. Once again my daughter bends over backwards like a rubber band. (Like you can see by the picture above.)