Ever heard of "Time Urgency Impatience (TUI)"? This is a new medical term that doctors relate to a chronic sense of anxiety or pressure. It has nothing to do with actual time being wasted but rather a sense of imbalance because as a culture we have become conditioned to being in motion and doing something at all waking moments. The age of technology, originally touted to help make our lives more productive and easier, has instead created an incredible sense of constant urgency through nearly limitless stimulation.

I was thinking about this the other day while I was driving. I was stopped at a large intersection and had just caught the red light. I glanced over at the driver on my right because the rate of declaration they used to actually stop 3000 lbs of glass, steel and plastic would have snapped the neck of a lesser man. I was surprised not to see a parachute deployed behind his car. In fact, he loaded so much tension on the front springs of their car I expected to see a trench of freshly piled asphalt underneath! The driver, now fully aware he was going to be stuck for about two minutes did what any sane person would do...yep, pounded on the dashboard while screaming at nothing in particular. I'm going to assume this person was healthy because that blood pressure check never blew a gasket even though the veins present on their neck and forehead looked like some kind of alien worms trying to burst through the skin.

I then glanced to my left to see a pedestrian who really looked out of sorts. Her body was filled with muscular tension and she was pushing the walk button, over and over and over...you get the picture. Last time I checked, the signal box does not actually give a shit how many times you push the button. With every push I could see her tension and restlessness increasing over something she desperately, yet hopelessly wanted to control.

Then I saw a UPS truck slam to a quick stop in front of a business across from where I had stopped and double park. The driver exited, ran to the back of the truck, tossed open the door, jumped into the truck, removed several boxes, closed the door and was on his way to the business door in less than 7 seconds! Hire that dude for a NASCAR pit team baby!

To my immediate left was a transient standing in the middle of the roadway island with a sign. The sign read "Please help, I want some money for beer and, no, I won't work for it". I loved the honesty so I rolled down the window and asked him how he was doing. My alcoholic, unemployed, temporary acquaintance told me, with a look of true satisfaction; "I'm doing great because it's beautiful outside and I'm betting your gonna buy me a beer!" Which I did!

Now, I'm not recommending everyone chuck their day job to hold a sign and pour poison down your throat in an attempt to slow down. But I believe our culture has reached a critical breaking point. Carl Honore, author of "In Praise of Slowness" said; "We have a deeply neurotic and dysfunctional relationship with time". We are so pressed, often because we have overcommitted to what we can reasonably accomplish, that we are caught in a constant state of hyperactivity. Simply stated, as a culture we have forgotten how to slow down.

So, what's the big deal? If you can't find a way off of this time train, you have to be willing to then pay the price with your health. TUI has been associated with a nearly twofold increase in hyper-tension, a primary risk factor in heart disease. According to the Journal of American Medical Association, about 42% of young adults suffer from high levels of TUI. The health costs alone for this frantic lifestyle will be a staggering blow to our already existing health care crisis if we can't learn to slow down and take better care.

So, how was I doing in my little red light moment? Really great frankly. I'd left ample time to make my appointment, had relaxing music playing on the stereo and was practicing my autogenic breathing control while reciting my monthly mantra "I am at peace with myself and fully relaxed". I simply waited for my light to change and observed the world around me with serene detachment. Keep in mind this was not always the case in my past. I've been the pounding the dashboard driver, button pushing pedestrian and frantic UPS guy all rolled into one person. But I learned long ago that the quality of my life is infinitely better when I relax and focus on what I really can control, my reaction to life's events.

So, are there techniques you can use to slow down? Yes, many effective techniques that are simple to learn can really help with this problem. If you are interested in learning more give me a call to find out how we can set up a training program to attack the issues of stress. In addition, stay tuned to this newsletter as we will bring you additional techniques in future issues.

What's the best form of exercise?

As a professional fitness trainer at our local police academy I get this question all the time. I hope you are ready for this answer, because this is based on decades of self-abuse where I literally tried every form of fitness you can imagine. Only someone of sage status can render opinions like this, so hang on cause here it comes;

IT DOES NOT MATTER: GET OUT AND MOVE DOING SOMETHING YOU LOVE!

No, I'm not kidding. Find something that you love to do, preferably outside in fresh air, and go do it. Exercise involves movement and some effort and it does not have to be "traditional" for the benefits to be realized. A good afternoon of landscaping the backyard is excellent exercise. A brisk walk with the dog for 20 minutes will do it too. Honestly, as long as you are doing something that gets you moving you are heading in the right direction.

I know this is not sexy, new or complicated...exactly my point. That means you really don't have a good excuse to miss getting daily exercise! Now, off your biscuits and get moving!

Give Yourself the Gift of Good Health! By Lynn Ravazzini - Owner, Nutrition Within. (707) 292-1284

Did you get everything on your wish list this year? How about a new...you? Far more valuable and rewarding than anything a store can offer, good health is truly "the gift that keeps on giving." So if you want to feel better, look better, and achieve a longer life to celebrate many more seasons, why not take advantage of the New Year and resolve to start fresh with a healthier lifestyle? It's easier than you think-especially if you want to get started right now!

Get Started with a Simple and Effective Nutrition Plan. To help you achieve your resolutions, my office is pleased to offer a comprehensive plan to make lasting health a reality. The foundation of this plan includes a healthy eating plan, regular exercise, and a supply of a clinically tested medical food to address specific health issues. Please read below for more information on these exciting components of a new healthy eating plan!

Clinically Tested Medical Food. To nutritionally manage conditions associated with metabolic syndrome, such as altered body composition, central obesity, and insulin resistance, I typically recommend a special high-protein medical food beverage. Unlike typical over-the-counter products-such as extremely sweet drinks or bars lacking in essential nutrients-medical foods are scientifically designed to support specific health concerns.

A variety of delicious flavors of medical foods are available at my office, and each package includes a comprehensive program guide with dietary guidelines, meal plans, recipes, and frequently asked questions.

Satiety Support Supplement. To help manage feelings of hunger, I'm also pleased to offer an innovative supplement containing potato protein extract. All-natural and tested safe, this supplement can help you feel full faster and for a longer period of time, and is available in a delicious chocolate chewable.

Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids. The omega-3 essential fatty acids-EPA and DHA-are vital to cell maintenance in the body. They help fight inflammation and improve cardiovascular health, and supplementation helps balance the overabundance of omega-6s in the typical diet. Even if you eat fish twice a week, you're probably not getting enough EPA and DHA in your diet.

Proper Nutrition is Vital. Although you may not realize it, your everyday lifestyle choices-such as the types of food you eat-can greatly influence your overall health. Unfortunately, the typical Western diet is high in refined carbohydrates, sodium, and artery-clogging fats, while deficient in several health-promoting ingredients. The good news is that you have the power to include healthier options in your diet, starting TODAY! And if you've overindulged over the winter season, like most people, there's no better time than now to get back on track.

Putting the Focus on a Healthy Body Composition. This year, don't aim only to look your best-strive for good health, too. That means more than just losing weight. It means losing fat. The composition of your body-the ratio of fat to lean body mass-can have great implications on your health. Unfortunately, over 60% of Americans have an unhealthy body composition (too much fat), which can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, hormonal conditions, and heart disease.

And here's something that everyone should also know: you can be within a normal weight range and still have an unhealthy body composition. So even if you look good on the outside, you may be storing excess fat on the inside. It's important to get a measure of your body composition to help you decide the best course of action.

"I am at peace with myself and fully relaxed"

It is critical that you concentrate on really letting go as you repeat this mantra. Deep, rhythmic breathing with some relaxing music will help set the mood to let the tension and anxiety flow out of the body.

Now, sit or lie back comfortably. Take three deep breaths, pausing after you inhale and then exhale fully and completely. After you have taken your first three breaths, just breathe normally. Close your eyes and let any tension you may be holding in your muscles just begin to melt away. After you get centered and you feel your breath begin to quite down, repeat the mantra; "Peace and good will to all" to yourself for the next five minutes. Say this mantra with conviction and visualize a world that practices this philosophy!

As many times as you can throughout your day, stop what you are doing, take one deep breath and repeat this mantra. You can do this when the phone rings, or when you look at your watch, or anytime you feel the need to just slow down for a brief moment and focus. The power of setting a positive intention throughout your day should not be underestimated. It can literally change your life. Make this short time commitment everyday and begin on the path of empowerment.

Well, that's all for now. May the Warrior Spirit guide and protect you always.

Rodger.