Sometimes we get information overload and are confused about the “right way” and the “wrong way” of living a healthy and empowered life.

In truth, the wellness landscape is constantly changing.  This is the very reason we should research and study to be informed. If there are regimens you wish to adopt but do not hear about from your doctor, you have the right to be proactive about your health.

Go ahead, have a discussion with your physician. Chances are, if he/she is progressive, your interest should arouse curiosity, if not praise.

Here are answers to your many questions. I hope you will keep an open mind.

Getting up every morning is such a struggle for me.  I am a woman in my early 50s, and I have lost my appetite for life.  What’s eating me? Help!

Perhaps the answer lies in your question. What seems to be bothering you? Emotions, especially negative and painful ones, can affect you physically.  Your feelings can either become good or bad medicine. If an honest acceptance of your situation leads you to enlightenment, you are holding the key to opening the door to self-awareness.

However, it won’t hurt to have some professional talk therapy with a psychiatrist or therapist. Seek advice from your parish priest or pastor.

Let’s consider your body. At 50, you are seeing the decline of your hormone levels. See an endocrinologist or your OB-gyne.  A simple blood test will reveal  how much estrogen, testosterone, thyroid, progesterone, etc.  you will need.

You could also have nutritional deficiency. How mindful are you about eating healthy? Maybe you don’t exercise. Consider this: Jump on a trampoline/rebounder and you will feel 10 years younger. The golden rule is, no exercise, no energy.  So, get your act together—now.

Skin rescue

You can never get me away from the sun because I enjoy the outdoors. However, my skin condition is worsening with age. What can I do about the problem?

Sunshine has its pros and cons. It seems you are not intimidated by the downside of sun exposure. Be that as it may, you need a rescue plan. 

First, could you, for now, lessen your hours of sunbathing? Try to stay indoors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Is this possible?  Summertime is the most dangerous time for exposure. You have options:

1) Decrease direct sunlight.

2) Wear UV protection more frequently.

3) If you decide on a total body acid peeling, it will have to be done in stages. So, this means zero sunbathing for you.

There is a mild and gentle version offered at Zen Institute (www.thezeninstitute.com), the glycolic acid peel. During the peeling, consider taking a supplement like GLOWW, which can restore your skin’s radiance.

Internally, you need to fix damaged collagen. Repair work can happen only if you increase vitamin C consumption (up to 3,000 milligrams daily). While it creates a skin defense from within, you can take in the sun in healthy doses.

Skin repair can be guaranteed only with the right food regimen. Eat food high in omega-3, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A.  Also eat cocoa, green tea, kidney beans, oatmeal, peppers, pomegranates, sunflower seeds, soy, walnuts and yogurt.

At 48, male and living an active lifestyle, I shouldn’t be having an irregular heartbeat. What is causing this?

According to cardiologists, there are many symptoms related to heart disease, like skipping or irregular heartbeat; fluttering; shortness of breath; headaches; dizziness; mild to severe chest pain; pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back; and pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in your legs or arms if the blood vessels in those parts of your body are narrowed.

However, many people walk around with silent ischemia.  Test yourself; try to walk up three flights of stairs. If you are gasping for breath and experiencing mild chest pain, immediately see your doctor. It is also possible that you may be overworking your body through overexertion in the gym or sports activities.

Remember that balance, not going to extremes, should be your goal. Just right is better than too much.

Consider taking supplements like L-arginine, CoQ10 and omega-3.

This week’s affirmation: “I tap the limitless in me.”

Love and light!

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