Oscar Wilde is noted for saying: "Each man kills the thing he loves."
In terms of living to one's own capabilities I concur. Why limit yourself when you have been created to be more than successful.
Whatever your dreams and aspirations might be, silence those voices of defeat and prove those (and even yourself) wrong.
More to come...
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Meaning equals Value
Does meaning equate to value? Depends on who you ask.
What about the man or woman impacted by the most recent recession? Do they see value with themselves after unsuccessfully looking for gainful employment for 3 or more years and continue to come up empty handed? Perhaps the senior vice president of a large firm who was just a few years away from retirement is now sweeping hospital floors just to rebuild their retirement. Maybe the woman who was self-sufficient for years now relies on federal aide just to make sure there is breakfast on the table for her family. I would wager that no matter how optimistic these individuals are, at times, their faith and will are tested and they may even begin to question their self worth.
My friends, The Kuwa Branch advocates for good health and wellness, however, physical good health begins with stable mental and psychological health. Who am I to tell families struggling to "stay prayed up" or "your blessing is one prayer away." I am one who believes that even though I might not face the same struggles as another that to "stay prayed up" and to continue to KNOW that "your blessing is one prayer away" is true.
No one on this earth is meaningless regardless of your circumstance. Everyone has value. For those struggling right now, you will experience a change if you just continue to stay faithful to God and do His will. Take the time to help someone and try to take the focus off yourself. You will be surprised how your life will begin to shift and how much value you truly have.
Good health is more than just eating right and staying fit. Find your inner balance and recognize where your true strength comes from.
Stay tuned...
What about the man or woman impacted by the most recent recession? Do they see value with themselves after unsuccessfully looking for gainful employment for 3 or more years and continue to come up empty handed? Perhaps the senior vice president of a large firm who was just a few years away from retirement is now sweeping hospital floors just to rebuild their retirement. Maybe the woman who was self-sufficient for years now relies on federal aide just to make sure there is breakfast on the table for her family. I would wager that no matter how optimistic these individuals are, at times, their faith and will are tested and they may even begin to question their self worth.
My friends, The Kuwa Branch advocates for good health and wellness, however, physical good health begins with stable mental and psychological health. Who am I to tell families struggling to "stay prayed up" or "your blessing is one prayer away." I am one who believes that even though I might not face the same struggles as another that to "stay prayed up" and to continue to KNOW that "your blessing is one prayer away" is true.
No one on this earth is meaningless regardless of your circumstance. Everyone has value. For those struggling right now, you will experience a change if you just continue to stay faithful to God and do His will. Take the time to help someone and try to take the focus off yourself. You will be surprised how your life will begin to shift and how much value you truly have.
Good health is more than just eating right and staying fit. Find your inner balance and recognize where your true strength comes from.
Stay tuned...
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
It takes a village...
It has been highly publicized that those who are having children or who currently have kids up to the tender age of seventeen could possibly out live their children. This is not due to war or lack of essential resources but attributed to childhood obesity.
According to Employee Benefits News (EBN) in the November 2011 publication in an article entitled Kids in Crisis, fifteen percent of children and adolescents are overweight and sixteen percent are obese, which amounts to twenty four million children in the United States. As a matter of fact, this number has tripled within the last thirty years!
Let alone the negative impacts that childhood obesity has on children, in the wake of Health Care Reform, such an epidemic puts a severe dent within claims experience. Average per-capita insurance claims costs range from $2907 for an obese child and $10,789 for a child with Type II diabetes. (EBN 11/2011)
Who or what is the major contributing factor to national problem? Many blame the evolution of home-based technological advancements which make individuals more complacent and sedentary. Others may point the finger at environmental constrictions such as crime or unbearable climate change. Let's not forget the convenience of fast food as well which has been an issue for the longest time.
All the above are credible reasons (along with a plethora of other reasons), but I believe that in order to change the trend all hands must be on deck. The shift in behavior must occur with all of us individually.
Referencing the article entitled Kids in Crisis, the corporate approach to tackling childhood obesity is to start with the actual employee (or parent). The believe is that is the parent changes their unhealthy habits, the child is to follow the example.
This certainly is one approach to consider, but being a former camp counselor, high school teacher and coach, as a teenager continues to grow they tend to consider their parents suggestions less and less. Therefore, auntie, uncle, neighbor, cousin and friend need to be there for the child in high gear. Encourage your friend/relative to go to overnight summer camp with you. Go hiking on the weekend or play four square together. When my wife and I first moved into our neighborhood in 2007 we were quickly dubbed the "cool parents" because we were outside playing neighborhood games with our daughter and her friends just about everyday. Even though Tamika and I don't participate as much as we use to, we still find the children using our side of the cul-de-sac to play with expectations that we might come out (and we do from time to time). More importantly the kids have continued to play without us and are healthier for continuing to do so.
Don't get me wrong, parents most definitely should incorporate their kids in their fitness and health living activities (sometime at the child's displeasure). Joe Miller who is the managing director at CHC Wellness was quoted saying, "Parents decisions and habits affect their children." If we look at the other side of the spectrum, children might not know what healthy behaviors are because they don't see best practices executed on a regular basis. To start, parents should incorporate their kids in at least cooking one meal a week together. This demonstrates to children that wellness should be a family activity and will eventually be branded into their DNA that such practices should come as second nature.
Another practice that should be engaged in to tackle childhood obesity are team sports. Studies have shown that children who are active in team sports are better decision makers and work well with others. Not only will engaging children in team sports lead them to healthier lifestyles, but such activities will prepare them for the hills and valleys they will experience in their professional careers.
When H.I.V. was the ever repeating trend in health discussion during the mid-nineties, my father use to mutter under his breath "I ain't burying any of my children" while we would watch the news together. Of course he would then open up into discussion making sure I knew what H.I.V. was from a high level, however, the "not burying them" mentality should be considered for our own children. As responsible Americans it is incumbent upon us all to lead by healthy example.
Stay tuned...
According to Employee Benefits News (EBN) in the November 2011 publication in an article entitled Kids in Crisis, fifteen percent of children and adolescents are overweight and sixteen percent are obese, which amounts to twenty four million children in the United States. As a matter of fact, this number has tripled within the last thirty years!
Let alone the negative impacts that childhood obesity has on children, in the wake of Health Care Reform, such an epidemic puts a severe dent within claims experience. Average per-capita insurance claims costs range from $2907 for an obese child and $10,789 for a child with Type II diabetes. (EBN 11/2011)
Who or what is the major contributing factor to national problem? Many blame the evolution of home-based technological advancements which make individuals more complacent and sedentary. Others may point the finger at environmental constrictions such as crime or unbearable climate change. Let's not forget the convenience of fast food as well which has been an issue for the longest time.
All the above are credible reasons (along with a plethora of other reasons), but I believe that in order to change the trend all hands must be on deck. The shift in behavior must occur with all of us individually.
Referencing the article entitled Kids in Crisis, the corporate approach to tackling childhood obesity is to start with the actual employee (or parent). The believe is that is the parent changes their unhealthy habits, the child is to follow the example.
This certainly is one approach to consider, but being a former camp counselor, high school teacher and coach, as a teenager continues to grow they tend to consider their parents suggestions less and less. Therefore, auntie, uncle, neighbor, cousin and friend need to be there for the child in high gear. Encourage your friend/relative to go to overnight summer camp with you. Go hiking on the weekend or play four square together. When my wife and I first moved into our neighborhood in 2007 we were quickly dubbed the "cool parents" because we were outside playing neighborhood games with our daughter and her friends just about everyday. Even though Tamika and I don't participate as much as we use to, we still find the children using our side of the cul-de-sac to play with expectations that we might come out (and we do from time to time). More importantly the kids have continued to play without us and are healthier for continuing to do so.
Don't get me wrong, parents most definitely should incorporate their kids in their fitness and health living activities (sometime at the child's displeasure). Joe Miller who is the managing director at CHC Wellness was quoted saying, "Parents decisions and habits affect their children." If we look at the other side of the spectrum, children might not know what healthy behaviors are because they don't see best practices executed on a regular basis. To start, parents should incorporate their kids in at least cooking one meal a week together. This demonstrates to children that wellness should be a family activity and will eventually be branded into their DNA that such practices should come as second nature.
Another practice that should be engaged in to tackle childhood obesity are team sports. Studies have shown that children who are active in team sports are better decision makers and work well with others. Not only will engaging children in team sports lead them to healthier lifestyles, but such activities will prepare them for the hills and valleys they will experience in their professional careers.
When H.I.V. was the ever repeating trend in health discussion during the mid-nineties, my father use to mutter under his breath "I ain't burying any of my children" while we would watch the news together. Of course he would then open up into discussion making sure I knew what H.I.V. was from a high level, however, the "not burying them" mentality should be considered for our own children. As responsible Americans it is incumbent upon us all to lead by healthy example.
Stay tuned...
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
What do you think?
My business partner, Shaun Cooper, is a pretty deep dude. His perspective on how powerful the mind is tends to be a reminder on how one's thoughts, dictates a number of occurrences that have happened or will happen.
During one of our lunch break discussions, Shaun insisted that I read the book As a Man Thinketh, by James Allen. Just from Shaun's summary of the book, I quickly purchased and read the book in it's entirety in one sitting (don't be impressed, the book is about 40 pages or so).
For the sake of discussion, I will refer to the chapter dedicated to thoughts and fitness. Within this particular section one quote that is so simple, but profound at the same time states "The body is the servant of the mind." As simple as this quote is, how many people truly embody the aforementioned and adopt it within their fitness routine?
During my undergraduate years at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, I was a Sports Management major for about a three seconds, however, during one of my theory classes, a discussion was had on the mind of an athlete. Professional athletes, of course, are physically dominating compared to amateurs, but another characteristic that sets them apart is their ability to visualize success. Take for instances a wide receiver. A successful wide receive can visualize catching a forty-five yard pass while in double coverage. The receiver understands that the chance of him not catching the ball verses him actually making the completion are high, however, that is not an obstacle nor a deterrent. The successful wide receiver visualizes completing the pass, regardless. Can the average working person say that a majority of the time we visualize the victory? As much as we might not want to get out of bed when it is 32 degrees Fahrenheit, are we perceiving the victory of getting in the shape that we want to be in?
Becoming mentally fit is a true precursor to becoming physically fit. So how does the average Jane or Joe prepare themselves mentally to reach individual fitness goals? From personal experience and literature, here are some pointers that might help:
1. Moments of Silence - Whether praying, meditating or just staring aimlessly, experts agree that spending thirty minutes a day in silence is great for helping achieve your fitness goals. At times (especially mothers) this is easier said than done. Consider your commute to work as an opportunity. Turn off the morning radio show and just get in your zone, but while driving, keep your eyes open!
2. Visualize your success - Rather than beating yourself up prior or during a workout, compliment yourself on each accomplishment. A former colleague of mine and I use to work for a Fortune 500 company. He was managing the assets of the companies retirees, working on his MBA and he and his wife were expecting the arrival of their second child. Needless to say, he had a lot on his plate. One time I asked him, how do you handle all the things you are doing and continue to stay driven? Simply, he replied, "I just keep my eye on the prize." This individual had a an end line and refused to quit until he got their. Not surprising, but this same individual is a top executive managing over 300 people at a company based out of New Orleans. If the same drive was demonstrated with individual workout routines, just think how fit we could possibly be!
3. Prepare in advance - I try hard (but not always successful) to get seven to eight hours of sleep a night in order to have a great morning workout. To assist with my goal of working out in the morning without having to rush, I put my workout clothes out the night before, I place the particular DVD I will use in the player and have my water bottle ready prior to putting head to pillow. This mitigates rushing in the morning to and subsides my anxiety.
Ultimately, recognizing that your mind is your most important muscle is the first step to reaching your fitness goals. If your "No's" turn into "Yes'" much more can and will be accomplished.
Stay tuned.
During one of our lunch break discussions, Shaun insisted that I read the book As a Man Thinketh, by James Allen. Just from Shaun's summary of the book, I quickly purchased and read the book in it's entirety in one sitting (don't be impressed, the book is about 40 pages or so).
For the sake of discussion, I will refer to the chapter dedicated to thoughts and fitness. Within this particular section one quote that is so simple, but profound at the same time states "The body is the servant of the mind." As simple as this quote is, how many people truly embody the aforementioned and adopt it within their fitness routine?
During my undergraduate years at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, I was a Sports Management major for about a three seconds, however, during one of my theory classes, a discussion was had on the mind of an athlete. Professional athletes, of course, are physically dominating compared to amateurs, but another characteristic that sets them apart is their ability to visualize success. Take for instances a wide receiver. A successful wide receive can visualize catching a forty-five yard pass while in double coverage. The receiver understands that the chance of him not catching the ball verses him actually making the completion are high, however, that is not an obstacle nor a deterrent. The successful wide receiver visualizes completing the pass, regardless. Can the average working person say that a majority of the time we visualize the victory? As much as we might not want to get out of bed when it is 32 degrees Fahrenheit, are we perceiving the victory of getting in the shape that we want to be in?
Becoming mentally fit is a true precursor to becoming physically fit. So how does the average Jane or Joe prepare themselves mentally to reach individual fitness goals? From personal experience and literature, here are some pointers that might help:
1. Moments of Silence - Whether praying, meditating or just staring aimlessly, experts agree that spending thirty minutes a day in silence is great for helping achieve your fitness goals. At times (especially mothers) this is easier said than done. Consider your commute to work as an opportunity. Turn off the morning radio show and just get in your zone, but while driving, keep your eyes open!
2. Visualize your success - Rather than beating yourself up prior or during a workout, compliment yourself on each accomplishment. A former colleague of mine and I use to work for a Fortune 500 company. He was managing the assets of the companies retirees, working on his MBA and he and his wife were expecting the arrival of their second child. Needless to say, he had a lot on his plate. One time I asked him, how do you handle all the things you are doing and continue to stay driven? Simply, he replied, "I just keep my eye on the prize." This individual had a an end line and refused to quit until he got their. Not surprising, but this same individual is a top executive managing over 300 people at a company based out of New Orleans. If the same drive was demonstrated with individual workout routines, just think how fit we could possibly be!
3. Prepare in advance - I try hard (but not always successful) to get seven to eight hours of sleep a night in order to have a great morning workout. To assist with my goal of working out in the morning without having to rush, I put my workout clothes out the night before, I place the particular DVD I will use in the player and have my water bottle ready prior to putting head to pillow. This mitigates rushing in the morning to and subsides my anxiety.
Ultimately, recognizing that your mind is your most important muscle is the first step to reaching your fitness goals. If your "No's" turn into "Yes'" much more can and will be accomplished.
Stay tuned.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Who am I and why am I important?
Who am I and why am I important?
I'm important because I am either a direct hit to the U.S. economy's bottom line or I am an asset to potential health insurance pooling rates.
Now change the "I" to "We."
As an advocate for better living and good health, it's time for a non-physician, non-fitness professional to address the needs of having an active lifestyle and expressing the need to live life to the fullest.
A couple of weeks ago, my family and I made our pilgrimage to Connecticut to spend Thanksgiving with my father and mother. Dually, we surprised both of them with a party commemorating their fortieth wedding anniversary. Towards the end of the evening, my parents slow danced which was pleasantly surprising (if you know my father you probably have a confused look on your face), but also allowed for a time of reflection.
You see, both of my parents are cancer survivors. My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer and my mother with breast cancer. Not too many people (myself and siblings included) knew of either diagnosis because my parents chose to discreetly address their issues, figure out a way to deal with the conditions and continue to live life with no interruption.
A lesson can be learned from my parents attitudes towards (there now) beaten conditions. Many of us are defeated too quickly. Let's be honest, choosing to live a healthy life is 90% mental 10% physical. If we treat our health as a tangible, priceless object we will be able to improve a number of different aspects in our respective lives. Rather than being in denial and just "waiting on the Lord" my parents stayed positive, sought treatment early, followed the orders of their physicians and continued to live life!
It is incumbent upon us to embrace life. The good times, challenges, defeat and victories; love it all! Like my parents, I encourage you all to confront your obstacles, create an action plan and hold on for the ride!
Be inspired and treat your health as your number one commodity. I hate to say it, but no matter how much legislation is debated or enacted, Health Reform starts with you!
Stay tuned...
I'm important because I am either a direct hit to the U.S. economy's bottom line or I am an asset to potential health insurance pooling rates.
Now change the "I" to "We."
As an advocate for better living and good health, it's time for a non-physician, non-fitness professional to address the needs of having an active lifestyle and expressing the need to live life to the fullest.
A couple of weeks ago, my family and I made our pilgrimage to Connecticut to spend Thanksgiving with my father and mother. Dually, we surprised both of them with a party commemorating their fortieth wedding anniversary. Towards the end of the evening, my parents slow danced which was pleasantly surprising (if you know my father you probably have a confused look on your face), but also allowed for a time of reflection.
You see, both of my parents are cancer survivors. My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer and my mother with breast cancer. Not too many people (myself and siblings included) knew of either diagnosis because my parents chose to discreetly address their issues, figure out a way to deal with the conditions and continue to live life with no interruption.
A lesson can be learned from my parents attitudes towards (there now) beaten conditions. Many of us are defeated too quickly. Let's be honest, choosing to live a healthy life is 90% mental 10% physical. If we treat our health as a tangible, priceless object we will be able to improve a number of different aspects in our respective lives. Rather than being in denial and just "waiting on the Lord" my parents stayed positive, sought treatment early, followed the orders of their physicians and continued to live life!
It is incumbent upon us to embrace life. The good times, challenges, defeat and victories; love it all! Like my parents, I encourage you all to confront your obstacles, create an action plan and hold on for the ride!
Be inspired and treat your health as your number one commodity. I hate to say it, but no matter how much legislation is debated or enacted, Health Reform starts with you!
Stay tuned...
Sunday, November 13, 2011
What is the Kuwa Branch
What in the world is a Kuwa Branch?
An initial, educated guess might lead one to think that it is some sort of Central American tree branch found somewhere in the Amazon. Well, not quite. A Kuwa branch is actually a decorative accent piece used in traditional and contemporary settings. You've seen them plenty of times in furniture stores, office settings and hotel lobbies.
So why name a health and wellness advocacy blog after a decorative accent? The design is what garnered the appeal of the name. By definition a Kuwa branch is described as a, "relatively thick branch and are known to have a dramatically contorted form, making it a popular and versatile accent. Similar to design like the Kuwa branch, this blog is to provide opinion to generate discussion from all angles about certain items impacting the field of fitness, health and wellness.
My business partner and I are not only vested in taking stock in our own healthy lifestyles, but what motivates us to generate active and lively discussions about industry trends, lifestyle change suggestions and anything else tied to wellness is the fact that there are a lot of "smokin mirrors" and very little visibility on how the consumer feels.
Being a fitness aficionado and being involved with healthcare in multiple capacities professionally, when it is all said and done, I am for the people. I am pro consumers wanting to make a difference in their lifestyle without having to have the constant bombardment of wondering if a pill will truly make them look better.
Finding a solution that works for you is what is important to me. There are a dime a dozen of fitness experts and fitness advertisements swearing that the "latest and greatest" will help you achieve your fitness goals. It's time to get the opinions of the actual consumers and to hear what the "average Jane or Joe" has to say. This blog is the "occupy fitness"movement.
My friends, this blog only survives on commentary and back and forth. Feel free to say "Your opinion is completely off base" or "Wow, that makes total sense." Check in frequently. The whole idea behind this platform is to hear from you, the consumer and to empower those who want to improve their lifestyles.
Happy Reading!
An initial, educated guess might lead one to think that it is some sort of Central American tree branch found somewhere in the Amazon. Well, not quite. A Kuwa branch is actually a decorative accent piece used in traditional and contemporary settings. You've seen them plenty of times in furniture stores, office settings and hotel lobbies.
So why name a health and wellness advocacy blog after a decorative accent? The design is what garnered the appeal of the name. By definition a Kuwa branch is described as a, "relatively thick branch and are known to have a dramatically contorted form, making it a popular and versatile accent. Similar to design like the Kuwa branch, this blog is to provide opinion to generate discussion from all angles about certain items impacting the field of fitness, health and wellness.
My business partner and I are not only vested in taking stock in our own healthy lifestyles, but what motivates us to generate active and lively discussions about industry trends, lifestyle change suggestions and anything else tied to wellness is the fact that there are a lot of "smokin mirrors" and very little visibility on how the consumer feels.
Being a fitness aficionado and being involved with healthcare in multiple capacities professionally, when it is all said and done, I am for the people. I am pro consumers wanting to make a difference in their lifestyle without having to have the constant bombardment of wondering if a pill will truly make them look better.
Finding a solution that works for you is what is important to me. There are a dime a dozen of fitness experts and fitness advertisements swearing that the "latest and greatest" will help you achieve your fitness goals. It's time to get the opinions of the actual consumers and to hear what the "average Jane or Joe" has to say. This blog is the "occupy fitness"movement.
My friends, this blog only survives on commentary and back and forth. Feel free to say "Your opinion is completely off base" or "Wow, that makes total sense." Check in frequently. The whole idea behind this platform is to hear from you, the consumer and to empower those who want to improve their lifestyles.
Happy Reading!
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