My goal is to present an education for holistic health to increase longevity and quality of life (heathspan), that brings awareness to these time-proven methods. With an intent to de-mystify and simplify explanations, hopefully, more people can come to realize that we are all accountable for our own well-being.
I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, physical fitness, stress management, human behavior, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage (acupressure), Daoyin (yoga), qigong, tai chi, and baguazhang.
Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.
I look forward to further sharing more of my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses, and individuals who see the value in building a stronger nation through building a healthier population.
I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:
My classes and discussions go way beyond the teaching of tai chi and qigong alone. My last public discussion at the University Club of Winter Park covered many topics, such as:
– types of stress
– strategic trauma
– parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems
– general adaption syndrome (GAS)
– coping mechanisms
– types of headaches
– herbs for managing sinus headaches
– methods to manage specific types of headaches
– the 12 primary energy meridians
– various acupressure techniques for managing stress and headaches
My 1-hour discussion can be viewed at:
My goal is to present an education for holistic health to increase longevity and quality of life (heathspan), that brings awareness to these time-proven methods. With an intent to de-mystify and simplify explanations, hopefully, more people can come to realize that we are all accountable for our own well-being.
I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, physical fitness, stress management, human behavior, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage (acupressure), Daoyin (yoga), qigong, tai chi, and baguazhang.
Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.
I look forward to further sharing more of my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses, and individuals who see the value in building a stronger nation through building a healthier population.
I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:
Glutamate – the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in your brain plays a major role in shaping learning and memory.
Glutamate, also known as glutamic acid, is an amino acid and is a major excitatory neurotransmitter. Excitatory neurons release neurotransmitters that initiate an action potential into postsynaptic neurons. Glutamate originates from glucose and is found in the central nervous system (CNS) including the brain and spinal cord. Glutamate is thought to be an important component of long-term potentiation, which is the process of neuronal functioning that changes and regulates some types of learning and memory. Recent research shows that learning and memory formation can be improved by pharmaceuticals that assist in glutamate activity. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) which is often used as a food additive for flavoring, contains glutamate. Consuming foods containing large amounts of MSG may induce dizziness and numbness, while possibly inhibiting learning and memory. These symptoms are likely due to the overexciting of glutamate neurons with excessive amounts of glutamate (Ettinger, 2018).
(Happiest Health, 2023)
Glutamate can over-excite neurons until they commit suicide, in what is called excitotoxicity. This glutamate imbalance is thought to be involved in some degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease). Excessive brain glutamate levels may cause numerous symptoms, including hyperalgesia (pain amplification), anxiety, restlessness, and ADHD-like symptoms such as inability to focus. A glutamate deficiency in the brain is thought to cause symptoms such as insomnia, concentration problems, mental exhaustion and low energy (Role of GABA and Glutamate in Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS, 2022).
I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, physical fitness, stress management, human behavior, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage (acupressure), Daoyin (yoga), qigong, tai chi, and baguazhang.
Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.
I look forward to further sharing more of my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses, and individuals who see the value in building a stronger nation through building a healthier population.
I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:
Americans do love their sports, as do many other nations and their populations across the world. America has about 29% of the population considered as avid fans and 46% as casual fans (Statista, 2023). Another source reports that Americans consider themselves sports fans in general at 63% versus Europeans at 69% (YPulse, 2023). I surmise that there are many other studies and reports on this topic that will sway far and wide depending upon the researchers and intent for the studies. I think this is important to note due to the question of separation between sports and religion. Additionally, I do think that many Americans feel that they do not have to have an affiliation to sports or religion, where the two can very much be mutually exclusive of each other. Or, where either of these two elements of American culture are related in ways that would make the others incompatible or null to the other. Many do not want to see their own involvement in sports, on any level to be labeled as a religious relationship. However, when analyzed for specific similarities in components of various religions, such as rituals, initiations, use of symbols, conformity to the group and groupthink, superstitions, adherence to uniforms/clothing/hairstyle, and particular jargon, sports fans often have all these boxes checked. So do many branches of the military in the US and worldwide. Many of these facets exist in liminal groups of particular sects and brotherhoods (Kottak, 2019). Ironically, these components are often the same criteria that are evaluated in labeling particular groups as cults or cult-like. “Culture” is often used for more positive contexts. “Cult” is a word that gathers a much more negative response. Being labeled as a cult can have significant consequences for any religious institution, sports team/group, or various other groups and their members, even in countries that are openly committed to religious freedom and freedom of speech (Peretz, et al., 2021).
This topic of recreational activities and religions strikes a nerve with me as I have had firsthand experience and knowledge, in participation within various groups that have received the “cult” label. Church groups (Christianity, Taoism, Scientology), sports teams/groups/fans (baseball, football, cheerleading, rowing), and fitness trends (martial arts, yoga, Falun gong) have all been labeled to outsiders of these groups as cults on some levels large and small. Consequently, I have come to understand that one person’s culture is another person’s cult. Similarly, one person’s sport may be seen as religious to others not in that group.
I do think that a benefit and disadvantage of modern society is the need to assign a label to every single thing, big and small, animate and inanimate, real or imagined, etc. While striving to have clear definitions for all things, we often fail in the realization that not everything is either black or white, or absolute. Rather, all things are in a constant state of flux and/or change, relative to their unique set of circumstances at a given time and place. People in Salem were labeled as witches and burned to death a few hundred years ago. Religious groups worldwide still to this day kill one another to prove who is more righteous. While the US does have its many problems, fortunately, we do have these sometimes-considered pesky little words of the 1st amendment that allow us the right to express ourselves rather in speech, freedom to worship, or freedom to be fanatical in sports and recreation activities as long as it does not infringe upon another’s rights.
Someone may enjoy watching or participating in sports activities but does not necessarily need to be a fan(atic). Similarly again, not all religions need to be labeled as cults, nor are all cults religious. Much grey area as everyone is free to have their own perspectives on these issues here in the US, for now at least. Some places elsewhere in the world cannot even openly engage in this conversation. Sports and religion, despite their similarities, serve different roles in society and culture. Therefore, I agree that religion and recreation can be separated.
Kottak, C. P. (2019). Mirror for Humanity: A Concise Introduction to Cultural Anthropology.
Peretz, E., & Fox, J. A. (2021). Religious Discrimination against Groups Perceived as Cults in Europe and the West. Politics, Religion & Ideology, volume 22, no. 3-4, pages 415–435. https://doi.org/10.1080/21567689.2021.1969921
Here are some summaries of factors that are leading the US younger population to be experiencing major health issues of obesity, diabetes, anxiety, depression, suicide, and other issues, typically considered as adult issues in years past:
Obesity
Childhood obesity is a serious and growing problem in the United States. It affects almost 20% of children and teens ages 2 to 19.
Increased consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks: The rise of fast food, sugary drinks, and processed snacks has contributed to a significant increase in calorie intake and a decrease in nutrient intake among young people.
Decreased physical activity: The increased prevalence of sedentary lifestyles, due to factors such as television, video games, and computer use, has led to a decrease in physical activity among young people.
Marketing of unhealthy foods: Children and adolescents are bombarded with advertisements for unhealthy foods, which can influence their dietary choices.
(Joyner, 2023)
Diabetes
Genetic predisposition: Type 2 diabetes has a strong genetic component, and a family history of the disease increases the risk of developing it.
Obesity: Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Unhealthy diet: A diet that is high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and red meat can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Lack of physical activity: Physical activity helps to control blood sugar levels and can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Anxiety and depression
Increased academic pressure: Young people today face a lot of pressure to succeed in school, which can lead to stress and anxiety.
Social media: Social media can be a source of both positive and negative social interactions. For some young people, social media can lead to feelings of isolation, inadequacy, and anxiety.
Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is a growing problem that can have a serious impact on the mental health of young people.
Fear of violence: Young people today are more likely to be exposed to violence, both in their communities and in the media. This exposure can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, and stress.
Suicide
Mental health disorders: Mental health disorders are a major risk factor for suicide.
Substance abuse: Substance abuse is another major risk factor for suicide.
Exposure to violence: Young people who are exposed to violence are more likely to attempt suicide.
Lack of access to mental health care: Many young people who need mental health care do not receive it, which can increase their risk of suicide.
Other issues
Sleep deprivation: Young people today are more likely to be sleep deprived, which can lead to a variety of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, anxiety, and depression.
Exposure to environmental toxins: Young people are more likely to be exposed to environmental toxins, such as lead and air pollution, which can have a negative impact on their health.
Lack of access to healthy food: Many young people do not have access to healthy food, which can lead to a variety of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
These are just some of the factors that are leading the US younger population to be experiencing major health issues. It is important to address these issues to promote the health and well-being of young people. I think that we are way past thinking and talking about these issues as maybe being a concern, and rather look at them as a harbinger of what is soon to come. More doing and less pondering. Just below is the link to my YouTube video, introducing a strategy to help address this issue of combating youth mental and physical decline:
Covert, D., & Fraire, M. G. (2019). The role of anxiety for youth experiencing suicide-related behaviors. Children’s Health Care, 48(4), 351–371. https://doi.org/10.1080/02739615.2019.1630284
Chen, M., Padmapriya, N., Chua, X. H., Escobosa, L. L. T., Tay, A. E., Tai, B. C., Petrunoff, N., & Müller-Riemenschneider, F. (2024). Screen viewing patterns and their association with mental wellbeing and psychological distress: a cross-sectional study amongst university students. BMC Public Health, 24(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-19608-1
Dalton, E. D., Hammen, C. L., Brennan, P. A., & Najman, J. M. (2016). Pathways maintaining physical health problems from childhood to young adulthood: The role of stress and mood. Psychology & health, 31(11), 1255–1271. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2016.1204448
Jones, L. C., Mrug, S., Elliott, M. N., Toomey, S. L., Tortolero, S., & Schuster, M. A. (2017). Chronic Physical Health Conditions and Emotional Problems From Early Adolescence Through Midadolescence. Academic pediatrics, 17(6), 649–655. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acap.2017.02.002
Scheiner, C., Grashoff, J., Kleindienst, N., & Buerger, A. (2022). Mental disorders at the beginning of adolescence: Prevalence estimates in a sample aged 11-14 years. Public health in practice (Oxford, England), 4, 100348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2022.100348
I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, physical fitness, stress management, human behavior, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage (acupressure), Daoyin (yoga), qigong, tai chi, and baguazhang.
Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.
I look forward to further sharing more of my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses, and individuals who see the value in building a stronger nation through building a healthier population.
I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:
United Martial Arts Association 