Book Overview: 8 Weeks to Optimum Health by Dr. Andrew Weil

I began reading 8 Weeks to Optimum Health, by Dr. Andrew Weil, months ago. I reached about Week Four and couldn’t move forward. I kept getting distracted by life but I really liked his approach. So what I’ve done is skipped to all the good parts in the book and compiled a list of the objectives for each of the weeks. So here is a brief review of what his program looks like. The book is laid out in a format under which each week tackles something new. So that by the end of the 8 weeks, you end up with new habits that have you accumulated little by little over the 8 weeks. Each week addresses these categories:

1. Projects
2. Diet
3. Supplements
4. Exercise
5. Mental/Spiritual

 

Breast Cancer Advancements: Then and Now

The following article is taken from everydayhealth.com. You’ll read about the survival rate and treatments that were available 35 years ago compared to where medical science is today and plans to be in the future.

Thirty-Five Years Ago

 

 

• Approximately 75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer survived their disease at least 5 years.
• Mastectomy was the only accepted surgical option for breast cancer treatment.

 

Follow Up: Weight Loss Goal 20 lbs in 10 Weeks

In a challenge to lose 20 pounds in 10 weeks, my competitor has already reportedly lost 9 pounds! I, on the other hand, have managed to gain 4 pounds! With two weeks passed since we began our little challenge, I felt as though I was doing everything right. Reading a new book I received, YOU on a Diet by Dr. Oz, I’ve followed all the instruction therein. Eating a high fiber breakfast, a health snack mid-morning, a balanced lunch and dinner as well as hitting the gym at least 5 times a week.

I found noteworthy that the book mentioned that those who eat at least one meal the same everyday will lose 6 pounds more than their counterparts who eat equally healthy but varying meals.

 

Buying Organic Produce, 11 Items you can Skip

The best way to reap the health benefits of fruits and vegetables without exposing yourself to potentially harmful pesticides is to choose organic produce whenever possible, especially those varieties which are more likely to be contaminated. But if organic produce is cutting into your budget, it’s okay to buy non-organic varieties of the fruits and vegetables listed below, which tend to contain the least amount of pesticides. However, make it a habit to wash them thoroughly before eating or cooking, to remove dirt and bacteria.

1. Asparagus
2. Avocados

 

Breast Cancer Prevention: Six Tips

With October as national Breast Cancer Awareness month, I plan on focusing most my health related topics this month to breast cancer. My mother, my aunt and paternal grandmother all survived breast cancer. While there are no cures or any sure causes of this disease ,it has been found that prevention is the best protector in reducing your risk. Here are 6 tips for prevention from Dr. Andrew Weil to incorporate in your daily routine,

1. Get active. Regular physical activity (at least 30 minutes on most days) has been shown to be protective against breast cancer.
2. Maintain your health care. Early detection is key: in addition to monthly self examinations, women between ages 20 and 39 should have a clinical breast exam performed by a health care professional at least every three years; women 40 years of age or older should have annual breast exams and mammograms.
3. Supplement wisely. Folic acid, vitamin D and antioxidants all may help decrease risk.