Author:Vancouver Health Coach

Inflammation and Chronic Degenerative Diseases

Numerous articles in print and media have identified inflammation as the common denominator in today’s chronic degenerative diseases, ranging from cancer, to osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. For example, the February 23, 2004 cover of Time magazine was entitled “The Secret Killer – The Surprising Link Between Inflammation and Heart Attacks, Cancer [and] Alzheimer’s”. Furthermore, numerous articles from respected scientific journals have reported a link between chronic inflammatory processes and cardiovascular diseases like atherothrombosis (whereby fatty plaques dislodged from blood vessels increase the risk of strokes or heart attacks), endometriosis, bone loss in post-menopausal women, rheumatoid arthritis and peridontitis to name a...

Strength of a Warrior: Warrior II Yoga Pose, Virabhadrasana

Embody the power of Shiva in Warrior II (Virabhadrasana), and meet conflicts in life with the confidence to persevere. Warrior II is a standing, strengthening yoga pose that works the muscles of your lower body while sharpening the will of your mind. While relying upon a strong base in this position, it’s easy to succumb to doubt arising in the mind concerning your own capabilities. This position becomes uncomfortable – and that’s where the real practice starts. Like a warrior, you need to believe fully in the right of your cause (you), and the capabilities of your army (you), so you’re...

Organic Versus Local Food: Which is Best?

There’s always been debate around the nutritional value of organic food.  In recent months, some studies have come out suggesting that organic food is no better than that which is conventionally grown.  But there’s also plenty of information suggesting organic food is superior to conventional grown crops.  So who do we believe? What is the truth? When it comes to ‘organic’ I think it’s important that we remember what this term really means.  Although I am a huge supporter for organic food, organic does not mean the food will be higher in nutrients.  In order to be certified organic, the food...

What’s the Deal With Neural Therapy?

Neural therapy is a gentle healing technique that was originally developed in Germany over 100 years ago. It involves the injection of local anesthetics into autonomic ganglia, peripheral nerves, scars, glands, acupuncture points, trigger points and other tissues. Neural therapy is based on the scientific understanding that injury and illness results in long-lasting dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system controls and regulates most metabolic, immunological, healing, digestive, hormonal, and many other systemic functions. It controls such diverse issues as blood flow, pancreatic enzyme and insulin production, and metabolic activity of the liver. An irregularity in the nervous system...

Getting Results: Workout with Focus and Intention

Stay focused and present for results! In my last post I talked about the importance of having goals and a driving purpose behind those goals. Today I want to talk about being focused and present during your workout sessions in order to get the greatest results from your effort. Day in and day out I see people workout without focus or intention. They’ve been told to do 10 reps so they pound through 10 reps at light speed without thinking about what they are working or trying to achieve. It’s for this reason that most people go to the gym day after...

Avoid Injuries in Tennis: Fire Up the Warm-Up (Core & Legs)

Warming up the lower core and legs is important to allow good tennis court mobility and minimize the chance of injury. Dynamic warm up is the activity of choice before playing as it allows you to gradually warm up the bodies tissues in preparation for on court activities. Whether you're training hard or just out for some fun doubles, following the advice below will help you stay Fit to Play™. This is part 2 of a 3 part series. Part 1 outlined Upper core and arm warm-up and part 3 will outline on court warm-up strategies and tennis post play stretching...

Is Juice Cleansing Right For You?

I’m getting back in to the swing of life in Vancouver after spending the last two weeks in the quaint, adorable town of San Miguel de Allende in Guanuajuato, Mexico. Let me tell you friends- my adrenals and liver have never been so happy! I felt right at home eating tons of fresh tropical fruit each day (covered in lime juice and chilli – incredibly yum) while absorbing much needed vitamin D and also managing to get cardio in by walking up and down cobblestone hills daily. No walk, no fresh fruit. Based on what I ate while I was in...

Acidophilus Pearls vs Bio-K Probiotics

You may have already read the article on the 4 Superstar Supplements where it is mentioned that without a doubt, probiotics is one the four "must have" supplements. Among other findings, the most encouraging evidence supporting probiotic is its ability to prevent infections of the urinary system, eczema in children as well as for anyone who has ever taken a broad range of antibiotics, as these destroy the natural healthy bacterial flora that resides in our stomachs and intestines. When choosing a probiotic supplement two of our top choices are:   Acidophilus Pearls™ Acidophilus Pearls contain 1 billion Probiotic Organisms in the maximum suggested daily serving The patented capsule ensures live cultures...

What is the HCG Diet?

You may have already heard of this controversial diet that includes Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) injections with a low calorie diet to acheive rapid and lasting weight loss.  The HCG diet is getting a lot of hype with its dramatic effects, and health care practitioners and patients are wondering – is it safe? and will it be effective in controlling the ever growing obesity epidemic? HCG, are you kidding me?! For those who already know what HCG is, you may have concerns about injecting yourself with pregnancy hormone and hoping for weight loss.  HCG is a hormone produced in large amounts during...

Michael George on Keeping Fit in an Unfit Economy

Michael George is transforming the health and fitness industry with his innovative training philosophies and inspirational voice. As one of Hollywood’s most sought after Celebrity Trainers & Fitness Experts, his intention is to strengthen the spirit along with the body. He is the author of, Body Express Makeover: Trim and Sculpt Your Body in Less Than Six Weeks and the creator of the Revolutionary 2-IN-1 Training System. Body Express Makeover is a complete coach in and among itself and focuses on Core strength and balance, motivation techniques and commitment, while highlighting his unique 2-in-1 total body exercise programs that can...