Seasons Change, People Get Sick – Connect the Dots

More people have been staying inside for much of the last 3 years, to avoid Covid19. As a consequence, people may now be suffering more from vitamin D3 deficiency (metabolism & bone issues), seasonal affective disorder (SAD) (depression), drug & alcohol overuse and overdoses, and many other issues relative to sitting far more than previously. These issues were already at record high levels before the pandemic, and now have continued to rise and will continue to contribute to the US’s losing rank of being a healthy nation, trailing many other industrialized nations.

Vitamin D Deficiency at Epidemic Levels

The US, and many of the world, have been facing an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency for many years, especially in areas lacking consistent daily sunlight such as the northern states of US. This trend is also seen in areas with much sunlight where people cover up their whole bodies from sun exposure. Now exacerbated by pandemic lock-downs and less outside physical activity over the last few years. Most people are unaware or care to ignore how vital vitamin D is to the immune system and overall health.

What can you do to prevent vitamin D deficiency – become educated, be more aware of your own health, get outside during the morning or late afternoon when sunlight is less intense, and get your body moving to engage your muscles and bones to tell your nervous system that you are still alive and need your body to maintain homeostasis through good health and lifestyle practices.

Get started with these three simple steps:

Consult with your doctor to manage your vitamin D levels twice a year — at the end of winter and again at the end of summer. Ask for a simple blood test called the 25(OH)D (25-hydroxy vitamin D) test. (Optimal blood levels are between 50 and 75 nanomoles/Liter.)
Commit to being in the sun 15 minutes a day without sunscreen. When planning on being outside longer, add some protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.
Consume foods high in vitamin D and/or supplement with 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily. This dose in a convenient, highly-absorbable liquid form together with the potent marine carotenoid, astaxanthin, for added benefits (Micozzi, 2018).

References:

Lin, S. (2018b, September 22). Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms. Dr Steven Lin. https://www.drstevenlin.com/vitamin-d-deficiency-symptoms/

Lopez, M. A. (2018, August 23). UV RADIATION: The Importance of the Forecast That We Ignore. https://www.2020mag.com/article/uv-radiation-the-importance-of-the-forecast-that-we-ignore

Micozzi. (2018a, June 21). Six reasons why you’re still vitamin D deficient. Dr. Marc Micozzi. https://drmicozzi.com/six-reasons-why-youre-still-vitamin-d-deficient

He, C. S., Aw Yong, X. H., Walsh, N. P., & Gleeson, M. (2016). Is there an optimal vitamin D status for immunity in athletes and military personnel?. Exercise immunology review, 22, 42–64.

Sun Safety Monthly Average UV Index. (2022, February 23). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/sun-safety-monthly-average-uv-index

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Be more active, eat healthier, sleep better, stress less these are the key components to maintaining a strong immune system.

I am currently offering lectures and classes for group, small group & private instruction in Wekiva, Longwood and Winter Park.Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

Herbs vs. Pharmaceuticals – Treatments for Covid-19

I think one of the most relative and current issue facing the American “sickcare” system, is the use of herbs and/or pharmaceuticals, and their relative efficacy of various products used as treatment for Covid-19. From my research, most of the available studies on Covid-19 treatments coming from the US are regarding vaccines and other pharmaceuticals and not so much for herbs or products with natural ingredients. However, I have found several studies from countries other than the US regarding the usage of herbs to prevent or treat Covid-19.

An article posted in June of 2021 from Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences G. Microbiolog, details research of invertebrates such as earthworms and many marine natural products (MNPs) and subcategories of mollusks and crustaceans all having various medicinal advantages for improving human health. Invertebrate-isolated MNPs have demonstrated therapeutic properties anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immune modulator, antihypertensive, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and other health benefits. Other ancient herbs such as curcumin, licorice and Andrographis are antiviral agents used for prevention and treatment of viral infections including respiratory viral infections. Covid-19 management is based upon enhancement of the immune system to control viral replication or reduce the harmfulness (virulence) of the virus and reduce relative symptoms. This article reinforces the use of natural extracts as available options to produce new therapeutic drugs against COVID-19 (Abd El-Aziz et al., 2021).

Another article of July 2020 from the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine reviewed 43 papers through a PubMed search, relative to the use of herbs and natural compounds to treat or prevent SARS-COV and related viruses. Roughly more than 450 herbs and natural compounds reviewed demonstrated their activity as antiviral substances against SARS-CoV and related viruses with numerous ones showing the ability to inhibit the coronavirus-host protein pathways and disrupt the different stages of the coronavirus life cycle. Data encourages hope that these herbs and natural compounds may play a bigger role in potential therapeutic treatment options supporting future SARS-CoV treatment protocols (Fuzimoto & Isidoro, 2020)

Results from a 2021 study reported that here are numerous herbs used in the decoction of “Ma Xing Shi Gan” which include Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizome, Ephedrae herba, Armeniacae semen amarum, and Gypsum fibrosum, which demonstrated potential activity in every stage of the Covid-19 cycle (Ang et al., 2021).

Pfizer pharmaceuticals recently reported record profits from this 1^st quarter of 2022 of $25.7 billion, an increase of 61% from past expectations (Pfizer, 2022) One might inquire as to why other less costly or controversial alternatives to Covid-19 prevention or treatment are not being researched? Or if relative data is available, being made accessible for public review? Is the US medical industry even looking into other options? It is fairly common knowledge that the profit from the pharmaceutical companies dwarfs that of herbal companies and are often bought out by big pharma companies. For example, German owned Bayer purchased Germany’s Steigerwald Arzneimittelwerk in 2013, a privately held company specializing in herbal medicines (Ladda, 2013) and Australia’s Creso-pharma having bought out Colorado-based Sierra Sage Herbs in 2022 (Herbs, 2022).

While the global herbal medicine market looks to possibly become a $550 billion industry by 2030 (insightSLICE, 2021), my concern is that these herbs and other natural compounds will be researched, studied and promoted for use based upon profit forecasts of corporations rather than actual implementation of such herbs to help the world population. I have not heard much through mainstream media or other resources, regarding the use of herbs in the US over the last 2 years as preventative nor post-infection of Covid-19.

References:

Abd El-Aziz, F. E.-Z. A., Mustafa Kasem, S., Ali, M. F., Mohamed, S. M., & El Shehaby, D. M. (2021). Rational of Invertebrates and Herbs Extracts for Protection and Management of Coronavirus (COVID 19). Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences, G, Microbiology, 13(1), 29–47. https://doi-org.northernvermont.idm.oclc.org/10.21608/EAJBSG.2021.172883

Pfizer. (2022, May). PFIZER REPORTS FIRST-QUARTER 2022 RESULTS. https://s28.q4cdn.com/781576035/files/doc_financials/2022/q1/Q1-2022-PFE-Earnings-Release.pdf

Ladda, N. (2013, May 19). Bayer acquires herbal medicines manufacturer. Pharmaceutical Technology. https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/uncategorised/newsbayer-acquires-herbal-medicines-manufacturer/

Herbs, S. S. (2022, February 7). Sierra Sage Herbs Acquired By Creso Pharma. PR Newwire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sierra-sage-herbs-acquired-by-creso-pharma-301475970.html

Fuzimoto, A. D., & Isidoro, C. (2020). The antiviral and coronavirus-host protein pathways inhibiting properties of herbs and natural compounds – Additional weapons in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic?. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 10(4), 405–419. https://doi-org.northernvermont.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.05.003

Ang, L., Lee, H. W., Kim, A., Choi, J.-Y., & Lee, M. S. (2021). Network Analysis of Herbs Recommended for the Treatment of COVID-19. Infection and Drug Resistance, 14, 1833+. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A673853575/AONE?u=vol_l99n&sid=ebsco&xid=0b0d5d20

insightSLICE. (2021, February 16). Herbal Medicine Market Global Sales Are Expected To Reach US$ 550 Billion by 2030, as stated by insightSLICE. GlobeNewswire News Room. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/02/16/2176036/0/en/Herbal-Medicine-Market-Global-Sales-Are-Expected-To-Reach-US-550-Billion-by-2030-as-stated-by-insightSLICE.html

Healthcare – Who Receives vs. Who Deserves

When discussing public healthcare, the same issue seems to come about how much money is needed versus how much money is wasted? I have a difficult time believing that more money is needed for whatever cause, when there are so many reports of resources being spent on trivial endeavors or corrupt activities. The US government seems to be able to print and distribute millions-billions of $$$$ when they feels it fits the agenda.

I mentioned in other posts about the frivolous expenditures like those reported by Forbes such as taxpayers funding Hookers for Jesus ($530,190), space alien detection ($7 million), a social media war on tanning beds ($3.3 million), webcast-live streamed eclipses ($3.7 million), and subsidizing the airport on Martha’s Vineyard ($12 million). The Forbes article goes on to report that US governmental agencies receiving the highest amount of funding for 2017-2019 was the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) having received $1.5 trillion in grants. Again, I think the government should be held more accountable for these enormous amounts of money that is possibly being spent on inconsequential projects that do not help US citizens as a whole. Our government leaders waste so many resources on these types of projects that the truly important ones get no attention.

So who stands on the moral ground to decide who should receive free healthcare or even paid healthcare? Do drug addicts deserve free help and/or counseling? Does an alcoholic qualify for a liver replacement? Do we not treat the person who gets hit by a car because they weren’t looking or tripped into traffic? Do un-vaccinated, but insurance-paying people still receive coverage? Do football players injured during a game, get refused medical care because they knowingly accept that they may be injured?

As for anyone thinking that “someone ought to know better” is such an ignorant statement as many healthcare issues come about due to socioeconomic as well as psychological issues that often result in them making poor decisions. Our duty as informed citizens would be to support legislation that helps provide for those who cannot, not those who choose not to or will not provide for themselves. Many public health issues are global where eventually all people, animal and plant life and environments of the whole world are affected. Therefore, I feel it is somewhat shortsighted to think that what is happening in other parts of the world won’t eventually come knocking on our door. This is exactly what happened in the early days of COVID-19 being discovered in China, where we might have thought that it was their problem and not ours, until it was.

References:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamandrzejewski/2020/09/30/wheres-the-pork-us-taxpayers-funded-a-lot-of-wasteful-spending-2017-2019/?sh=79aae41d3dc0

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Be more active, eat healthier, sleep better, stress less these are the key components to maintaining a strong immune system.

I am currently offering lectures and classes for group, small group & private instruction in Wekiva, Longwood and Winter Park.Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

A Neglected Mind And Body Recognizes No Amount of Wealth Nor Fame

Happy New Year!

Here we are again, making it through a full year of ups and downs – we call this life. Hopefully, we all experienced more ups than downs. After a few years of confusion, chaos and struggles, it has to be even more obvious that we need to take responsibility and accountability for our own life and whatever direction we choose to pursue. Life can end in a split second, whether from one’s own actions or circumstances sometimes beyond one’s control. However on the other hand, mental and physical health is usually not determined in a split-second, but rather over time of either nurturing or neglect.

A Neglected Mind And Body Recognizes No Amount of Wealth Nor Fame.

Start a new tradition, by stopping the usual New Year’s resolution shenanigans, which usually are seldom kept or maybe at best last a day, a week or maybe a month until they are revisited another year later. Instead of another face value New Year’s Resolution, this year seriously consider making a REAL promise or commitment to yourself to improve or maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat healthier, be more active, sleep better, be more positive than negative in your outlook – live a purposeful life without fear.

If we are not striving to grow as a human being every day, we are consequently dying a little bit every day. Nature and our world within it, are constantly changing, evolving and moving forward. If we are not moving forward within this flow, we are not just stuck in place but rather falling behind.

While it may seem selfish to put your own health and well-being first, it is actually the most giving of oneself to be a living vessel of love, compassion and knowledge to those around you, for as long as possible.

My understanding is that you can only give out, what you yourself have an abundance of.

Tai chi, qigong, wellness classes and lectures might be options in your future. My classes offer a diverse knowledge base covering the following aspects:

Anatomy and physiology
Body mechanics
Wellness concepts
Learning concepts
Stress management
Chronic pain management
Physical rehabilitation
Functionally specific exercise sets
Self-awareness
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Eastern philosophy
Sound Therapy
Various meditation methods

Be more active, eat healthier, sleep better, stress less these are the key components to maintaining a strong immune system.

I am currently offering lectures and classes for group, small group & private instruction in Wekiva, Longwood and Winter Park.Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

The Kinetic Chain – How Referred Pain Comes About

If not having disease nor illness is our goal, we need to focus on being fit, well & healthy. Good health usually comes at a cost of time, effort, sacrifice and resources, or a combination of the prior. Most people don’t care to make the investment into taking care of themselves until after they are injured. even then, most people with health issues often choose pain medicines or sometimes surgery over exercise or lifestyle changes that can improve their situation. Traumatic injuries are often best treated with emergency surgery and that is really not the topic of this post.

What is kinetic linking?
The kinetic link principle describes how the human body can be considered in terms of a series of interrelated links or segments. Movement of one segment affects segments both proximal and distal to the first segment.

Like a machine, it’s made up of otherwise fixed segments given mobility by joints. A kinetic chain is the notion that these joints and segments have an effect on one another during movement. When one is in motion, it creates a chain of events that affects the movement of neighboring joints and segments.

“When one part moves, all parts move”

“When one part is affected, all parts are affected”

Instinctively, as humans we try to center our head directly above our physical center of gravity. Poor posture, short leg
syndrome, injuries or habitual body movements can cause remodeling of the muscular, skeletal and nervous system.
These root problems can be the cause of many chronic ailments. A difference in leg length by 7mm or 0.275″ can be enough to throw an individual’s spine out of “calibration”.

Shoulder pain can occur when ones side of the body is higher or lower than the opposite side.

Neck pain and headaches can occur when one side of the neck has more tension than the opposite.

Knee, hip and iliotibial band pain can occur when ones body weight is unevenly distributed between the two legs.

Knee pain can occur when ones body weight is unevenly distributed between the two legs.

Ankle pain can occur when ones side of the body is favored due to chronic pain

In 2019, 20.4% of adults had chronic pain and 7.4% of adults had chronic pain that frequently limited life or work activities (referred to as high impact chronic pain) in the past 3 months.

Chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain both increased with age and were highest among adults aged 65 and over.

Non-Hispanic white adults (23.6%) were more likely to have chronic pain compared with non-Hispanic black (19.3%), Hispanic (13.0%), and non-Hispanic Asian (6.8%) adults.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db390.htm

From my experience of over 40 years of martial arts, fitness and wellness training and teaching, I have seen some amazing benefits coming from qigong (yoga), tai chi any many other methods that are considered as “alternative”. For those in fairly good shape, one can develop an amazing amount of strength through out the whole body, but in particular the wrists, forearms, shoulders, lower back and the legs. I have also trained individuals that have had more serious issues such as cerebral palsy, knee injuries, severe trauma to the spine and hip and other ailments that have shown great improvement.

Kinetic linking is a widely known concept, not only relative to health and injuries but also for sports, athletics, martial arts and others. When a cowboy cracks a whip, kinetic linking is what makes the whip crack. Kinetic linking is what allows a baseball pitcher to deliver a 90 mph pitch, where kinetic linking allows the batter to hit the ball out of the park. In martial arts, it is this concept that lets a much smaller and seemingly weaker individual to defend themselves effectively against a much stronger opponent. An example of this would be in hitting someone in the nose with an open hand, while sitting at a table, versus the same person standing up and taking two steps forward while winding up their arm. Then stepping forward while extending their arm, like that whip to the aggressors nose.

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Be more active, eat healthier, sleep better, stress less these are the key components to maintaining a strong immune system.

I am currently offering lectures and classes for group, small group & private instruction in Wekiva, Longwood and Winter Park.Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures and seminars available on my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119