Here we are at the end of the first week of the New Year and many of us have already broken our resolutions. Statistically the most common resolution is to improve one's health by losing weight and exercising. I can't tell you how many times I've broken that one over the years. This year I've made a personal commitment to do the best job that I can with what I like to call the "Seven Essentials".
Many of you may already be familiar with the seven essentials from some of the shows that I've done on the subject or the information that is available online at AskDrRon.com. For those of you who are not familiar with the Seven Essentials or would like a quick recap here it is. (Audio recordings entitled the Seven Essentials for Natural Holistic Healthcare are available online on the bottom of the left-hand column of every page. Here is a link that will get you there:
http://cherubhealth.com/health_center )
Step Number One:
Air
This may seem like an overly simple first step since it is quite obvious that everyone needs to breathe in order to survive. However, I'm not just talking about breathing, but rather the quality of the air that you are taking into your lungs.
A certain amount of air pollution is unavoidable but there are ways to improve the quality of the air you breathe especially in your home and workplace. In my last blog I talked about indoor air pollution and the need for a house to "breathe". Proper ventilation and air purification can make a huge change in the quality of the air in your home.
Also, once you're sure that you are breathing a high quality of clean air the next step is to engage in deep breathing exercises.
Deep Breathing Exercises:
1. While sitting on the side of the bed, hands resting on your thighs, breathe in through your mouth comfortably filling your lungs.
2. Next, let the air out comfortably through your nose.
Repeat this 6 times
Step Number Two: Water
Pure clean water in the amount of 6 to 8, 8 ounce glasses, minimum each and every day that you breathe is vital for your health. I don't know how much more adamantly I can state this fact but it cannot be overstated.
Now I know that there aren't conflicting points of view about taking in water, but if you look at the source of the "anti-drinking water people" you'll find them to be fairly retrogressive allopathic types that have an extremely poor understanding of the intelligent nature of the human body. Even if you look at the body from a strictly chemical standpoint and forget all of the wonderful discoveries we've made about energy, it takes water to carry out the hundreds of thousands of chemical reactions that we conduct every hour of every day.
In the nearly 3 decades that I have been in private practice I have seen remarkable health improvements with the simple addition of pure water each and every day. Here is a wonderful book that I highly recommend on the subject:
Your Body's Many Cries for Water by F. Batmanghelidj, M.D.
Step Number Three: Sleep
Eight or more hours of sleep each and every night is important in order for your body to repair and replenish itself. Your body does a tremendous amount of work while you sleep. The average human body contains 50 trillion cells, each of which requires adequate sleep every 24 hour's.
Sleeping is even important when a person is trying to lose weight. I like to say that sleep is the secret weight loss weapon. It can also help with chronic anxiety and depression and provides support for the other six essentials.
Step Number Four: Nutrients
The body requires nearly 100 different types of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Make sure that you are getting them in your diet and supplementation. 50 trillion cells need a lot of nutrition and it's your job to supply it.
It's been my contention for years that it is simply not possible to get proper nutrition with food alone. Unless you somehow have access to a rich organic food supply that has been grown on soil containing high levels vital nutrients, you'll need to take quality supplements. Here is a link to the five essential nutrients we recommend to our patients here at the Cherubino Health Center.
http://www.cherubhealth.com/essential_nutrients
If you're already taking supplements other than the Five Essential Nutrients then by all means take Dr. Ron's Vitamin Challenge.
http://www.cherubhealth.com/vitamin_challenge
Step Number Five: Holistic Treatment
Holistic medicine can be divided into two categories, self-help and professional help. Growing numbers of people in America and even greater numbers of people around the world are starting to catch on to the value living your life from a holistic perspective. When it comes to their health millions upon millions of people are now taking supplements, eating better food and looking for nonchemical ways of treating their conditions and diseases. This all fits into the self-help category and it's a great step forward in world history.
On the other hand, professional help is sorely underutilized. Whenever I am out and about in my community, I never fail to notice people that are obviously suffering from a variety of conditions and diseases. In the vast majority of cases these people have not sought the help of a holistic practitioner. There are many reasons why this is the case including ignorance and prejudice. It's a sad fact that I am convinced will change in time but one that doesn't have to be for those people that are willing to take the time and energy to get connected with a holistic practitioner in their area.
Step Number Six: A Peaceful Mind
Many people are living lives that are far too stressful. In some cases it's unnecessary but in many instances it's unavoidable to some degree. Stress management, relaxation therapy, down time and times of prayer and meditation are all very effective antidotes to the negative effects of life's stresses.
Online at www.AskDrRon.com you will find a free audio file called Body Awareness Technique (BAT) which is a great introduction to relaxation therapy for those that are interested. Here's a link:
http://www.cherubhealth.com/rmf_bat
Step Number Seven: Helping Others
I once heard it said that everybody needs to be needed. I firmly believe that in the body, mind and spirit of each individual there is a need to help others. I believe it to be the defining step on the road to health and I encourage everyone to get involved and help where ever and whenever you can. If this is not currently a part of your life then I am positive that you will find it beyond rewarding.
Online we have a web page of charities that we have found to be worthwhile places to support with your resources and your time. Here is the link:
http://www.cherubhealth.com/chp_non_profit
Following these seven steps will provide people with a rock-solid base on which to construct any further changes they may want to make. Often times many of the things that we want to achieve in our lives are directly dependent on the state of our overall health. I am always bothered when I see how many people are trying to achieve great things without paying attention to the basics first.
Inch by inch health is a cinch – yard by yard health just doesn't happen!
Blessings,
Dr. Ron Cherubino
