Bounce

I recently pulled down from my bookshelf a book called “Bounce” by Keith McFarland. It has been about a year since I've read it and I was amazed at how much I got out of it the second time reading it! So I want to share with you a few thoughts directly from the book. As a small business owner, I found this book to be inspirational and helpful. It reminded me that when times are tough for everybody that the successful businesses and happy owners will be the ones that can BOUNCE with the changing times.

"Bounce" by Keith McFarland

Chapter One : The Fundamental Rule: Be Willing to Change

“You’re here to have The Good Life. That’s why we’re all here. That’s the reason we have careers and build families and try so hard….I’m going to introduce you to the 8 rules for The Good Life.

1) The willingness to change. Recognizing the need to adapt to what’s going on around you. Nothing changes until you change. Once you change, everything changes.

2) The willingness to learn. A step-by-step guide to expanding your knowledge base. Nothing new in, nothing new out.

3) Getting to the why in life: the EAT plan. Training yourself to see new opportunities and understanding how to find the inspiration behind them.

4) The diminishing intent key: getting to why. Learning to act decisively on the important things. Those that focus on the how in life always end up working for those who focus on the why.

5) Choosing to be faithful. Appreciating what you have before you lose it.

6) Creating new habits. Breaking the cycle of bad habits and replacing them with good ones.

7) Sharing knowledge. Become an effective leader in your life. You are a leader if someone is depending one you.

8) Streamlining your life. Learning how to say no. You can’t grow in life until you learn to say no.”

Enjoy BOUNCING into change. Share with me any other books you find helpful in business or life.

Turn That Frown Upside Down

"Turn that frown upside down" has a whole new meaning. You've likely been told that it takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown and there are quite a few numbers that get tossed around when this line is used. Some claim it takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile but I am comfortable saying it takes far fewer muscles and less energy to smile and it is better for your soul.

It is also proven that forcing a smile when you don't feel happy does not actually lift your spirits. Research shows that people who fake a smile tend to worsen their mood. Trying to suppress something negative causes you to fixate on what is actually upsetting you. If you are not feeling happy, try to work on what is bothering you then grin intentionally, use fewer muscles and go on your merry way!

Our smile has no cultural barriers and is universally known as a sign of friendliness, especially when greeting someone. Frowns are generally recognized as indicating sadness or disapproval.

Humor is healthy and contagious! The sound of someones genuine laughter is far more contagious than a cold or stomach bug. When laughter is shared, it holds people together and increases happiness. Laughter has also been proven to trigger healthy changes in your body. Humor and laughter boost energy, reduce pain and strengthen your immune system. Best of all, this cure is fun, free and easy to use!

Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain and conflict. Nothing works quicker to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens and keeps you connected with others. So live well, laugh often and showcase your pearly whites to improve your overall health and well-being.

Pucker Up (Or Maybe Don't!)

The next time you lean in to give your spouse, significant other or child a kiss, you may want to consider the following. As much as 85 percent of the adult population has some level of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the most common chronic infection known to man. It is considered a transmissible, infectious disease and is easily spread through kissing and sharing food or drinks. (All three things that most of us do daily!)

Early detection is key as the longer a person has gum disease, the more aggressive the bacteria becomes. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, if one person in the family is diagnosed with periodontal disease, the entire family should be evaluated. Keep in mind this is a highly contagious disease. No need to stop smooching those you love most, just be responsible and proactive!

Gum disease is an inflammatory disease, which is why it is so destructive to every organ and cell in your body. Controlling your gum disease is imperative for not only keeping your teeth but equally as important for your overall health. The bacteria that cause gum disease can spread from your mouth to the rest of your body. Research has shown direct links between gum disease and premature birth, heart attacks, strokes and lung and kidney disease. This disease may also be a factor in multiple cancers and even Alzheimer's disease. Periodontal disease can worsen diabetes and diabetes can worsen periodontal disease. This life threatening disease is often referred to as a silent disease until symptoms appear usually in its mid to late stages.

According to dental research, one-third of the population has a genetic marker for the disease. Anyone at any age can easily be tested for the genetic marker for periodontal disease through a simple DNA-PCR salivary test. Just because you are positive for the genetic marker does not mean you have to lose your teeth. It simply means you are at a higher risk for gum disease and might have to work a little harder from preventing it.

If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, another important thing to test is the specific bacteria which are causing your disease. This can be tested through the bacterial DNA salivary test. By knowing which specific bacteria is contaminating your mouth and infects your bloodstream, the disease can be better managed, healing is accelerated and long-term complications are minimized.

Proper nutrition along with the proper nutritional supplements help boost the entire immune system and nourish the oral soft tissues when necessary. Soft tissue in the mouth is the most vulnerable tissue in the body and any periodontal bacteria living in the mouth are some of the most aggressive of anywhere in the body.

Along with a medical consultation, simple testing and nutritional support, proper gum therapy removes calcified debris on root surfaces. This treatment helps reduce inflammation and the depth of pockets between the teeth and gums.

Once you have been diagnosed with gum disease you will always be at risk for reoccurring. However, with the proper testing, treatment and maintenance- you will remain kissable, healthy and safe to those who love you the most!

Sneeze = Heart Disease?

Every time you cough, sneeze or even share a drink or kiss with someone, you are at risk for salivary transmission. The exchange of periodontal pathogens between family members has now been proven. Vertical transmission from parents to children and horizontal transmission between spouses occurs in up to 75 % of cases. (Depending on the specific pathogen)

The presence of periodontal pathogens and disease can be an indicator of heart disease. Yes, you read correctly! Disease detected in your mouth by your dentist can be a sign of disease in your heart. Your mouth truly is the window into the rest of your body and many people find it hard to make the connection with bacteria, infection or disease in your mouth equally being sick.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with periodontal disease are twice as likely to have coronary artery disease (heart disease). And one study found that the presence of common problems in the mouth, including gum disease (gingivitis), cavities and missing teeth, were as good as predicting heart disease as cholesterol levels.

So the next time you sneeze or cough, remember to cover your nose and/or mouth. You could literally be saving the lives of those around you.

Sleep Like A Fairytale Princess

Julian lived a fairytale life. She was married to her Prince Charming, lived in a modest castle, had a little prince and princess, and a fulfilling career running her empire. She was only missing one thing: a good night’s sleep. She longed to sleep like she had been put under a spell, to wake up feeling fantastic, rested and ready to face the world. Can you relate to Julian? Are you one of many that cannot even remember the last time you experienced a full night of sound sleep?

Trouble with sleep is one of the most common symptoms of a person who has an incomplete “Circle of Health.” When one organ or gland is not functioning properly, other glands have to act as a backup, especially the adrenal glands. After a while, the body begins to shut down if it cannot get what it needs. Your body will try very hard to naturally heal itself. The only way you have a chance to heal is to sleep. So, if your sleep pattern is off, you cannot maintain optimal health.

A good night's sleep is often the best way to help you cope with stress, solve problems or recover from illness. Identify your sleep patterns by taking a look at some well-known icons that also had difficulties with their sleep cycles.


WHICH FAIRYTALE DESCRIBES YOUR SLEEPING?

Sleeping Beauty enjoys 8 to 10 hours of sound, uninterrupted sleep each night, like a spell has been placed on her. She experiences ideal, deep, and restful sleep, while dreaming about wonderful moments to come. She wakes up feeling refreshed and ready for the beautiful day ahead.

Sleeping Beauty has a complete “Circle of Health.” Her body heals and rebuilds itself as she sleeps. She maintains good health by practicing nutritional habits and moderate daily exercise.

A balanced lifestyle will help Sleeping Beauty achieve more out of life with prince charming and decrease the effects of natural aging. She will be well-prepared and rested for unexpected stress!

The Princess and the Pea sleeps very lightly. Any little noise awakens her. She can’t get comfortable, feels that pea underneath her mattress, and every ache and pain associated with it. She can’t seem to get into a deeper sleep pattern. She’s at her wit’s end.

The Princess and the Pea has symptoms of adrenal fatigue from an over-stressed life. For example, a new mother, or a caretaker of an elderly or sick family member can have some of these same issues. Adrenal glands will be exhausted from the stress of daily activities, and sex hormones (estrogen and/or progesterone) are usually deficient in some manner. This makes sense since the adrenal glands, which provide our stress hormones, cannot back them up. Her “Circle of Health” has a couple of missing pieces that need to be corrected. She may be making poor nutritional choices and getting little to no exercise to help combat stress.

This princess would benefit from lifestyle changes, along with nutritional supplementation such as B & C vitamins and minerals. Testing for hormone levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol and DHEA would identify deficiencies and supplementation with bio-identical hormones can replenish the deficiencies. With the right supplements, she could return to a life of peaceful slumber with her prince in a short period of time.

Cinderella before the ball is so excited she can hardly stand it. She is very anxious about all the details keeping her mind so busy and full of thoughts. She may not want to fall asleep because of all the excitement. She may fall asleep for a couple of hours, and then at the stroke of midnight awaken and spend the rest of the night tossing and turning while thinking…thinking…thinking about all the details dancing around in her head.

Cinderella is experiencing adrenal fatigue because of extended periods of anxiety and excitement about her busy life. This causes her sleep to be restless and dissatisfying. Her body and mind need sleep to heal and process thoughts properly. She worries about the details that she might be forgetting and is desperate for the sleep that she cannot attain. Her “Circle of Health” needs attention in key areas of imbalance.

Lifestyle changes such as making her bedtime routine more relaxing, foregoing the alcoholic nightcap and replacing it with a relaxing bath, creating a quiet, darkened environment and removing distractions such a television could all be beneficial. Hormone levels such as estrogen and progesterone should be tested, along with neurotransmitter levels such as dopamine, epinephrine and serotonin. Any deficiencies should be replaced along with good nutritional support, B vitamins and minerals. Some herbal relaxants like valerian root may help Cinderella feel drowsy. Having energy to go shopping for those glass slippers is right around the corner with proper testing and supplements, along with a few lifestyle changes.

Snow White and the poisoned apple are knocked out with medication because she has no other option. She is dependent on a sleep aid to fall asleep. She sleeps for 8-10 hours in what appears to be deep sleep but awakens feeling tired, unmotivated towards the day. She has no extra energy to take care of herself much less hardworking family and friends.

Snow White may be suffering from adrenal fatigue (too much stress), hormonal deficiencies (menopause), neurotransmitter imbalance, poor nutrition, and toxicities. There are numerous possibilities of what might be her underlying cause of insomnia. Appropriate testing is a must to find the exact answer of what will bring Snow White back to reality. More than likely she has a combination of hormone deficiencies intensified by adrenal gland exhaustion. Her endocrine system is the first place to look for testing, correction and support.

Snow White can barely get through life because she has no circadian rhythm or natural sleep pattern left. She has completely altered her body’s ability to achieve rest. She must make a huge lifestyle change to slowly get off her medications that are inhibiting her natural sleep patterns and must strive to find the reason she is not sleeping on her own. This could be stress, hormone deficiencies, nutritional or toxicity issues. She must work towards finding out what her real issues are regarding her “Circle of Health.” She is attacking her symptom of sleep disturbance with sleep aids, but not finding out the true cause of her problems. Consider an alternative sleep aid like melatonin. It may help reach the deeper layers of sleep without feeling drowsy. Achieving balance both mentally and physically will help restore Snow White to feeling like singing “High Ho,” and going off to work once again.

There are four main contributing factors of Sleep Disorders: lifestyle, health complications, medication side effects and clinical disorders.

Lifestyle contributors when dealing with sleep disorders are the late night use of caffeine or alcohol. Sporadic or late night bed times can disrupt your normal circadian rhythms. Health Complications can influence poor sleep like pregnancy, illness, or sleep apnea. It is hard to get sound-sleep while enduring these types of health changes. Medications both prescription and over the counter, can have the side effect of insomnia. Ironically, sleep medications can often exacerbate the exact problem they are designed to help. Clinical Disorders can represent asthmatics that have difficulty breathing, substance abusers, and depressed or highly stressed individuals.

In order to get a good night’s sleep, you need to look into your overall health and wellness. There is an underlying dysfunction that is contributing to your disrupted circadian rhythm. Sleepless nights can be a nightmare. If you dig deeper into your health, you can regain the life of your dreams.

About the Authors
Jill Wade, DDS, MAGD and Kelly Martin DC are committed to helping men and women find a natural approach to wellness. Dr. Martin and Dr. Wade explore the synergy between the entire body and the mouth being a window to wellness and alignment. Co-Founding Relevance Health was a combined effort to help men and women lead healthier, better lives. To learn more about a healthy “Circle of Health” visit www.relevancehealth.com.

Increase Your Potential by Improving Your Perception

John was accustomed to having Super Hero status with his family, friends and business colleagues. He was handsome, strong, witty, fun-loving, and had been a motivated executive in his company for many years. Recently, as he was leaving a long day at work, he caught a glimpse of his reflection and was shocked at what he saw. He was unable to recognize the defeated, unhappy, overweight, and tired version of “Super Hero” John. He felt the weight of the world on his shoulders but was completely unmotivated to do anything about it. So he began to wonder … Is PERCEPTION the REFLECTION of what is going on inside of you?

Are you aware of how others perceive you? Are you reflecting health, vitality, strength, and mental sharpness? The message you may be sending out to the world may not be the one you would like. Your mind, body, and spirit are intricately connected and when well balanced, you are at your best. These days so many productive, hardworking business people are feeling the effects of long term stress such as, weight gain, lack of motivation, less energy, more irritation, less loving, and less tolerance.

Remember you only have one chance to make a great impression and sometimes perception is everything. You are your best asset and you may need to take time to focus on the Super Hero in you.

Which super hero are you reflecting?

Super Man – The ultimate hero is sharp, clear thinking, loving, energetic, fit and ready to help others. Success seems to come easy to both in his career and home-life. His stress and sex hormones are in balance; he exercises regularly and practices great nutritional habits. Superman sleeps deep and sound, waking up refreshed and ready to save the world. He is able to balance his drive and motivation with kindness and patience.

The Hulk- This hero is juiced up on steroids. He experiences “roid rage” at the smallest things, flying off the handle at work and at home. He works out consistently but doesn’t have the advantage of a balanced endocrine system. His nutrition is better than most; however, heavily weighted towards putting on muscle and keeping his protein intake adequate. Sometimes sleeping is a challenge if he is wired and his mind is racing. His stress glands (adrenals) are taking a beating by having to stay in fight or flight mode most of the time, this puts him at risk for decreased immunity and increased recovery time after hard workouts.

Homer Simpson-As lovable as Homer can be, he is definitely lacking some Super Hero qualities. He is over-weight, a heavy drinker, makes poor nutritional choices, is a couch potato, and unmotivated to set the world on fire at work. He has a pot-belly, abrasive personality, and is losing his hair! Good thing Marge loves him. At mid-life, Homer’s sex hormones are starting to decline, decreasing his libido, contributing to weight gain, making him grumpy, and unmotivated to get off the couch. His stress glands (adrenals) are probably fatigued due to poor nutrition, drinking, lack of exercise, and living with his son Bart.

Austin Powers-He is a shagadelic example of someone who has it going on internally, but his outer appearance is somewhat misleading. His libido is great; he is sharp, witty, brave, and for the most part physically fit. His hormones are balanced and he manages the stress in his life with flair. He makes decent food choices and doesn’t over-indulge in alcohol. He sleeps well with whomever he entices into bed with him. The only thing Austin needs is a power smile, haircut and a stylist! Others would perceive him as healthy and successful that much sooner with a few surface improvements.

So….how are you being perceived? Are you reflecting your health or the lack thereof? You can control your reflection for a while, until age or poor health take over. It is important to put your best foot forward in this world …. perception can be critical in a job hire, promotion, sale or deal. You can still be the Super Hero you were destined to be by taking a few crucial steps toward health.

Balancing your Circle of Health consists of four key components: hormones, nutrition, nervous system, and purification.

Hormones – As men age, hormones like testosterone and growth hormone start to naturally decline. If these imbalances are corrected, men may have the advantage of an increased libido, maintaining leanness and muscle mass, staying sharp and focused, and maintaining their edge at work.

Nutrition—Because every cellular activity in your body requires the proper nutrients, it is very important to feed yourself healthy food and quality supplements. You have to have the appropriate fuel, to operate as a super hero. For example, B vitamins are important for energy and the production of hormones; whereas, vitamin D3 is important for immunity and fighting cancer.

Nervous System—Proper levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine will keep moods even, tempers in check, creativity alive, and those around you happy. Proper amounts of amino acids are essential for neurotransmitter production. Supplements such as 5-HTP and amino acids, along with moderate exercise can improve your neurotransmitter levels.

Purification – A superhero’s world is full of toxicities. Preservatives in foods, pollution in air, lead in paint, aluminum in deodorant are examples of toxicities in all areas of life. Alcohol and prescription/non-prescription drugs can also be considered toxins. To perform at the highest level, purification of cleansing organs like the liver and kidneys is very beneficial.
Bring the super hero back…he is inside you, just waiting to bust out…who knows, someone may mistake you for Clark Kent!!!

About the Authors
Jill Wade, DDS, MAGD and Kelly Martin DC are committed to helping men and women find a natural approach to wellness. Dr. Martin and Dr. Wade explore the synergy between the entire body and the mouth being a window to wellness and alignment. Co-Founding Relevance Health was a combined effort to help men and women lead healthier, better lives. To learn more about a healthy “Circle of Health” visit www.relevancehealth.com.

reMODEL Smile

A smile should exude confidence, health, and happiness. Perception of your emotional and physical health is influenced by your smile. What does your smile say? If a smile is worth a thousand words, make sure it tells the message you want. Your mouth is the window to your body and it gives many subtle hints to your age, stress level, and overall health. That is why maintaining your smile or enhancing your smile is critical. Looking and feeling your best comes from within. A reMODEL smile illuminates you in the best light. In Hollywood, a succesful career can be made with a better smile. In business, you want people to listen to what is coming out of your mouth. A powerful smile exudes confidence and makes people listen. In sales or healthcare professionals, your knowledge is proportionally based on the esthetics of your smile. If you want to be more successful, then your smile has to represent success. Cosmetic dentistry is an amazing way to lift your face value. The goal of a reMODEL Smile is to excude confidence, reflecting to your audience happiness and health.