Implementing Healthy Habits During Vacation
BY: Mike Manning

When you go on vacation, it might be easy for you give up your healthy living routine because you may not feel like dieting or exercising. The problem that a lot of people have is that they forget that their vacations come to an end. Because of this, you will have to face unhealthy decisions that you made during your vacation. This could be overeating or gorging when dining out or it could simply mean avoiding exercise. By researching your hotel’s accommodations and knowing how to stay on track, you can have an enjoyable and healthy vacation.

One thing you need to do is to research the hotel and area that you will be staying. Most hotels do have gyms and pools available, but not all of them do. On a recent trip to San Francisco I did my due diligence by researching the area’s hotels on a reviews site. This site allowed me to look at a list of all the hotels in San Francisco in order of rank. From there I was able to click on any of them and see what amenities they offered, the price, and reviews from people who have stayed there before. This helped maximize the potential of my trip. More and more hotels are now offering yoga and exercise classes to their paying guests so that you can get in a thorough workout before heading out for the day.

If you’re traveling by plane, another thing you might want to think about doing is finding out if the airport you’re flying into has a zen, yoga or workout room available. Most airports are beginning to incorporate these rooms into their facility. For instance, the San Francisco International Airport has a zen and yoga room for individuals who want to exercise even when they’re traveling for business or pleasure. Establishing a routine while you’re on vacation can definitely help you to stay on track. There is no need to give up exercise when it can help to prevent excess weight gain during vacation.

Another issue that many people deal with is overeating while they’re on vacation. It can be a little too easy to gorge when dining out or to grab something quick while you’re on the run in the morning. The key is to make healthier choices for yourself so that you do not wind up overeating while traveling. This could actually be more simple than you think since most restaurants now have light menus available to individuals who are trying to cut calories and watch what they are eating in order to stay trim and lean.

Life happens everyday; relationships, children, work…the responsibilities add up, and one thing you can lose sight of is yourself.  You must always find time for YOU.   To do this, you must set boundaries with family and friends, schedule times that you can spend time alone and learn to listen to YOUR needs.  I find exercise and healthy eating is a great way to get back to you.  It’s your little gift to yourself and  your health.  You’ll never hear someone saying, “I need to start eating worse”, or “I’m concerned I’m becoming too healthy”. Taking care of yourself requires effort, it takes discipline, and a lot of love and nurturing, but its so completely worth it.  Today, do one thing just for YOU.  Schedule a date with yourself, that means an hour or so where you do something you enjoy; something fun and easy.  Turn off your phone and go for a walk, put on your favorite song, do the things that you used to do when it was you against the world, when it was just you and time was yours alone. Don’t worry, the rest of your life and all your responsibilities will still be there waiting for you.  Let us know what you did for YOU today.

Physical Fitness: Creating a Better Life for Those with Cancer

By: Melanie Bowen

In the past, patients that have been diagnosed with chronic and life-threatening ailments are often told to rest as much as possible to reduce the strain on their body.  While some illnesses may make it difficult to carry out any strenuous activity, many specialists are now exploring just how much physical exercise affects those that have been diagnosed with cancer.  Here is a look at exactly how maintaining a certain level of fitness could reduce one’s risk of developing cancer, having their cancer spread, or experiencing a relapse of cancer after remission.

Many studies funded by the National Cancer Institute are directed at two unique components of one’s life.  The first is the cancer patient’s overall survival period and the second is their quality of life. In order to determine exactly how fit the individual is the researchers have taken an extensive look at the patient’s weight, bones, muscles, joints, blood pressure, heart, and even their psychological wellbeing. In these studies, those that engage in regular physical activity can reduce many of the risks associated with cancer by 20 to 60 percent.

For those that would like to start their own training regime, it is important to understand exactly how their body will be affected, and this often includes careful consideration about the form of cancer that they have been diagnosed with.   Many of these studies have been conducted on patients with breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer, each with varying degrees of impact from physical exertion. However, that does not mean all cancer patients cannot benefit from exercise in some way. It is important to speak with your doctor and see which type of physical activity is right for you. For some patients light activity may help reduce the side effects of their treatment, while others might recover faster in remission.

In the National Cancer Institute’s studies, physical activity is defined by 30 to 60 minutes of activity for at least 6 days of the week.  This physical activity can be anything, as long as the patient’s heart rate is up.  For those that are in a healthier condition, running and strenuous sports may be the perfect option.  People of all ages are sure to find some sort of activity that suits their lifestyle such as swimming, bicycling, walking, or yoga. There are all kinds of activities out there so talk to your doctor and find an enjoyable and beneficial one.

Not only will this physical activity improve one’s health, it will also improve their quality of life and their outlook on the future. Whether you are battling breast cancer, mesothelioma or even melanoma, physical activity can help brighten your perspective and kick your cancer into remission. By adding a mild to strenuous training regime to their daily tasks, cancer patients may find themselves with the best chance at enjoying a longer and more satisfying life.

I love a good inspirational story: seeing someone overcome an obstacle, step up to something much bigger than them and succeed.  This feeds my soul, reminds me that I can change and no problem is too big or too dark for the light to get in.  This happens everyday, sometimes in a big way, and other times in a very subtle unnoticed way.  Each time, no matter how big or how small the battle is, it’s a victory, and each time, the person’s wings grow a little bigger and a little stronger.  We are faced with these challenges everyday, but some of us look elsewhere, for others to step in, to solve the problem, because us facing it would be too painful or take too much effort.  Imagine if YOU were the inspiration in your life, you were the one who won the battles.  It’s exciting to see others achieve and overcome, but it’s also hollow without action. At some point YOU have to be the one willing to face whatever it is head-on.  When we feel overwhelmed, know that within yourself is a higher wisdom, that sees beyond the current circumstances.  Tap into this higher power and you will see just how wise you are.  I’ve been a part of many others transformations, I’ve seen how strong we as humans can be, but I have also had the privilege of looking inside of myself and finding the strength to overcome my own challenges.  I’ve been inspired by my own battles and I’ve been given the chance to help others do the same.  Today, do 3 things you are afraid of doing, but do them because they are good for you.  DO them because they will make your wings grow.  Be the inspiration.

Here is some motivation to work hard, but also a reminder to enjoy.  Here’s to your infamous day!