Race for the Cure!

This morning, I received an email form my sister, Raula, that she was participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Houston, TX on October 4, 2008. On the heels of the devastation of Hurricane Ike, she and her sister-in-law, Tracie, turned their attention to a cause bigger than themselves during a time when they could be more concerned about power loss and storm damage. I was certainly touched but not surprised by this gesture. Aside from the fact that they are indeed family, they share a connection. As young women they both lost their mothers to cancer: our mom to lung cancer in 2005, and Tracie's (Tige's)mom to breast cancer about 18 months later. Words can't begin to explain the effect that losing a mother has on their daughters in particular. But, you can certainly credit their mothers for rearing two awesome young women--the product of two terrific ladies--which didn't occur by accident or coincidence.

Let me encourage you to support this cause by making a donation to the Susan G. Komen Foundation by clicking on the following links:
Raula's link
http://www.komen-houston.org/site/TR/Race/General?px=1452023&pg=personal&fr_id=1050&et=cZIx9CJNsYkcTB-75wOzOA..&s_tafId=26220

or, Tracie's link http://www.komen-houston.org/site/TR/Race/General?px=1446063&pg=personal&fr_id=1050

Restoring Balance to Your Life

In my current course of study on the components of wellness, I am getting a better understanding of how fitness and wellness are interrelated. To be considered "well", one must strive for balance in every area of his/her life. In addition to proper diet, exercise, and rest, it is important to achieve mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. I am learning to value my contributions to the society-at-large through my work, charity, sacrifice, and environmental awareness.

Fitness is a complement to my endeavors. It allows me to exist in my body rather than be a slave to it. If I am sick or overweight (a form of sickness), most of my energies shift toward correcting that condition. Many of the balls that I juggle will drop and my recovery time will be spent playing catch-up (which is stressful for me!). It is important to take care of myself all of the time.

My approach to doing chores, studying, family time, "me" time, etc. has changed. I used to complete tasks in "batches" like an assembly line--focusing on one thing at a time until I'm finished. Now, I am more flexible to my circumstances with a clearer list of priorities. I know what I need to do, so I look for more creative ways to get them done without disrupting my daily routine.

As a Muslim, the month of Ramadan is a wonderful opportunity to restore balance and recharge my batteries. Fasting (no food or drink) during the daylight hours makes exercise a challenge, so I do short, intense workouts at 6:00 am. Then I read and hydrate until dawn. I can complete some chores, clear my email, and plan my day before my daughter stirs from her sleep. Constant prayer and meditation keeps me calm and focused. I feel more connected in my spirit. I have started purging my closets and donating old clothes and household items to charity. This improves the energy in my home and unclutters my mind while making someone else's life better. At the end of the day, we look forward to a good healthy meal so, cooking becomes a creative outlet as opposed to a chore. On the whole, this 30-day period allows me to make some new habits and break some old ones.

Take this opportunity to renew your spirit and get "well". Look closely at your life and decide to try a new approach toward improving yourself. You might be surprised and a bit happier! Hope this helps! More next time...

Vegetarian, Vegan, Pescatarian: Diet Options for Better Health

If you suffer from high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity, or high blood pressure, then you have probably been told by your doctor to make some changes in your diet. Some common recommendations are eliminating table salt, pork, and red meat while increasing whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. So is it a coincidence that shifting toward a more vegetarian diet will help cure these ills? Hey, what would likely happen if you ate that way all of the time?

To help you make the transition, take a closer look at your options. Pescatarians limit their meat intake to seafood. Vegetarians eliminate all meat from their diets whether it be land or sea animals. The most "radical" vegetarians are vegans who consume solely plant-based foods. In an article entitled "Just What Is a Vegan?" by Perrin Braun (published on http://www.mindbodysanctuary.com), the author explains veganism as a lifestyle:

"...Someone who practices veganism avoids all products made of animals. Aside from the obvious meat and fish, vegans don’t eat eggs, cheese, milk, butter, and honey. The really hard-core vegans avoid purchasing leather products and other non-food items that have not been tested on animals...In their choice to avoid all animal products, vegans demonstrate their respect for life. The majority of the people who adopt a vegan diet feel strongly about the ethical treatment of animals and the negative effects that the meat-packing industry has on the planet...While animal products are associated with heart disease and cancers, people who follow a vegetarian diet report fewer incidents of obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and lung cancer..." FULL ARTICLE

Those of us who partake in the traditional American fare may equate this type of lifestyle with deprivation. Well, I don't mind being deprived of a heart attack or a stroke, insulin shots or amputation, sickness or lifelong (expensive) medications.

A very wise man once said that our kitchens are our medicine chests--more on that next time (smile!).