Healthiest Life 4 Me

Today I was able to call the pediatric cardiologist that we were referred to in order to make an appointment for my son.  The first available appointment they had was February 1st.  FEBRUARY 1ST!!! What?? This is my 9 year old and his doctor said his heart had a problem and he can’t play sports.  It sounds too serious to me and scares me to wait that long…I explained to the poor receptionist.  She assured me that the doctor would go over all of my son’s information and they would call me to get me in sooner if he thought it was necessary.  So, I went back to work and tried to keep my mind off of it.  Then my phone rang and about gave me a heart attack since the number was the same as the doctor’s I had just called.   I couldn’t answer because I was teaching, but they left me a message.  They said that the doctor reviewed my son’s information and he would be okay to wait until the 1st to be seen.  I guess that should be good news, but it sure left me unsettled. 

I appreciate all my prayer warriors, GOD IS GOOD!! And he answered my prayer…later this afternoon I got another phone call from the doctor’s office to tell me that they had two cancellations and that they could see my son Monday or Tuesday afternoon.  We took the Tuesday appointment since it’s an early day for the kids and my husband has a game on Monday.  What is one day when I get a week that I didn’t have earlier? 

So, we were told we still have to honor the pediatrician’s recommendations to abstain from athletic activities until we are cleared by the cardiologist.  Otherwise, he should be okay until his appointment on Tuesday. 

Please keep your prayers going.  GOD IS LISTENING and I know he has a plan for my son and our family.  I pray the plan is to see that all our faith can’t be in medicine and must be in him and there be NOTHING at all wrong.  A mom can pray ya know!  AND I PLAN ON DOING MORE OF IT!!  And I hope you will too!

Immune System Support
. Flu Protection
. Anti-Inflammatory
. Support for Auto-Immune
Dysfunction
. Protect against Disease

Cardio-Vascular Support
. Lower high blood pressure
. Lower bad cholesterol
. Raise good cholesterol
. Increases pliability of arteries
and veins
. Improve circulation
. Energize the heart muscle

Cancer Protection
. Kills cancer cells (aptosis)
. Repairs DNA
. Powerful antioxidant
. Supports body during
chemotherapy
. Inhibits growth of tumors

Obesity
. Reverses inflammation
causing insulin resistance
. Reduces excess fat cells
. Mobilizes stored fat

Biblical Herbal Infusion
. Benefits of cold infused
process
. Phyto-nutrients of over 20
herbs

Joint Support
. Reduces Inflammation
. Improves Circulation

Anti-Aging
. Reduces damaging inflammation
. Repairs DNA
. Improves Skin quality
. Lustrous hair
. Strong nails
. Fights Alzheimer’s disease

Lung Function
. Helps control asthma
. Fight COPD (chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease)
. Reduces hay fever symptoms

Organ Support
. Inhibits macular degeneration
. Prevents gum disease
. Supports liver function
. Maintains kidney function
. Improves digestion and relieves
stomach problems

Other
. Boosts energy
. Reduces headaches
. Anti-biotic = fights fungus
. Anti-depressant
. Sexual enhancement
. Diabetic support
. Tastes great!

Now with X’Tranol-24T!
. Provides the key nutrients found
in red wine without the water or
alcohol
. Provides your body with 24 hour
protection from cell damage,
inflammation, free radicals, DNA
damage, protein oxidation and
more.

For more information or to order contact me at lisasurvillas@healthiestlife4me.com!  Look forward to helping you LIVE WELL.LONGER!!!

In this new to me world of twitter, blogging, and social networking I have met a TON of wonderful people who have influenced my life in more ways than one, people who have given me hope, people who have given me support, and people who are introducing me to new ways of thinking.just to name a few.  I have talked about some of these people in previous blogs, but new to this blog is Dr. Scott Olson ND.  He and I met via twitter and let me tell you, he is worth having around!!

Dr. Olson is a Naturopathic Doctor and the author of a book on sugar addiction called Sugarettes. He offered a challenge up to go 30 days without sugar or foods that act like sugar. This challenge is going for the month of January.  It sounded interesting so I asked some questions, got a copy of his book and joined the cause. 

I started reading his book and it was extremely hard to put down.but of course, I had to because people in this house still expected to eat and all!! LOL  Anyhow.it took me a few weeks because of work and all, but I finally got through the whole book.  And am amazed about the horrible things that sugar does to our bodies. 

My favorite part of the book is an analogy about a girl in the store begging her mom for a toy and to shut her up the mom hands her a cigarette.  I gasped when I read it at the very thought that it could happen.  Of course, upon reading further the point was that that story is how we treat our kids every day when we bribe them to behave by giving them candy. 

This book points out the many ways that sugar is KILLING each one of us.  Dr. Olson’s claim is that the medical community overlooks much of the damage done to our bodies due to sugar.  Besides just diabetes, sugar is responsible for all kinds of diseases and preventable health problems including high blood pressure and clogged arteries. 

His book lays out a plan on how to get rid of sugar from your diet to not only LOSE WEIGHT but to improve your health for LIFE!!  If you are interested in losing weight or just looking to improve your health and that of your family, then his book is for you! 

You can grab yourself a copy at www.amazon.com or just click on the book title Sugarettes.  I have never before read a “self help” type book that I’ve enjoyed this much.  Not only is it packed full of GREAT information, its easy to read and interesting.  The analogies are amusing and keep you interested in all the science smashed between them!   This is a MUST READ for anyone interested in health and nutrition, fitness, body building, etc.  Check it out!!

More and more children are being diagnosed with ADD and ADHD.  Many doctors and teachers disagree on the diagnosis and treatments of children suspected of having these disorders.  As a parent, it is very hard to hear from a teacher that he/she suspects that your child has this problem.  Well for those of you moms in CA there are 1 problems with this:  teachers are NOT allowed to make medical diagnosis’ SO don’t let them.  But if you have suspicions about whether or not your child does have this disorder, even in the smallest way consider seeing a natural doctor instead of your pediatrician.   There are many natural doctors out there that believe that poor nutrition is to blame from many things including these disorders. 

My son’s second grade teacher was convinced that he had ADD and we took him to the doctor and asked the school to do some testing, but nobody but that teacher believed it was in the best interest of the child.  One thing I have done though is started giving him a product by Symmetry Direct called Future Star.  In fact this product is responsible for me becoming a partner with the company.  Too many fabulous stories from moms about how much it has helped their children.  So I started with the company and also started supplementing my son with it.  I can say I noticed a huge difference in his personality. 

Let me back up.my son’s only issue seems to be that he is shy and doesn’t ask for help.  He struggles with writing and language analysis.  He thinks it’s boring and nobody has sparked his interest in it.  And how could they.it is just constant worksheets and no one on one teaching if needed.  It has been a frustrating few years.  But Future Star (2 times a day-with breakfast and dinner) has made a huge difference in his ability to pay attention.but he still hates those subjects and therefore doesn’t try to do them well. 

A very well known chiropractor in Southern California, Dr. Howard Cohn wrote an article called “The COHN (Compelling Original Health News) Report” about ADD and ADHD treatments in children.  He talks about the medical treatments and the reasons to stay away from them.  Besides just Symmetry’s Future Star, there are some other products that can be used in conjunction to add to the positive effect you are looking for without using synthetic drugs. 

He also has a practice in Newport Beach, CA that offers a once weekly FREE workshop that not only offers you the chance to hear about health the natural way, but also includes a FREE vegan dinner from Mother’s Market.  Please see his site by clicking HERE for more information. 

I understand how difficult these decisions can be, but please know that this information is just meant to help you make informed decisions with the best intentions of your child in mind. 

Future Star is not only used for ADD and ADHD, it is a Phenomenal multi-vitamin for any child or student wanting extra brain food’s helping their brain function!  Check it out by clicking on the link: Live Better With Symmetry on the right side of the page.  Feel free to contact me at lisasurvillas@healthiestlife4me.com for more information.

The most important part of our diet’s in order to build lean muscle is PROTEIN.  Now that the holiday eating season is upon us, we need to pay attention to how to make sure we are getting enough.  Lean muscle controls our metabolism.  The more muscle mass you have, the more fat you will burn at rest.  During the holiday season, our meals usually have more carbs and starches on the tables to tempt us.  In order to stay on target, it is important to understand where we can get the lean protein from to feed our muscles. 

The holiday staple for both Thanksgiving and Christmas is TURKEY.  And what a great staple it is.  Turkey is a great source of lean protein. 

Here is a table that explains how much protein is in different cuts of turkey:

What this table from the University of Illinois show us is that the  best cut of meat is the breast without skin.  It provides the highest amount of protein with the lowest amount of fat and calories.  If you are not a fan of white meat, then the cut of dark meat without skin is the next best choice, although it has twice the amount of fat as the breast. 

In addition to Turkey being a great source of protein, the University of Illinois says that turkey “is an inexpensive source of iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium and B vitamins.” 

Potassium is used to “maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.” according to Wikipedia.  Translated.potassium will keep you from dehydrating and from storing excess water weight.  Besides turkey, a great source of potassium is an avocado.  Bananas and potatoes also have potassium, but are foods that act like sugar in the body. 

Check out the story, “Ultra Vitality-What and Why” to see what the other vitamins included in turkey are good for! 

Of course, adding things to your turkey like gravy and cranberry sauce add to the levels of sugars, carbs, and fats (not the good ones) and only defeat all your hard work. 

If you are choosing to have side dishes, limit the simple carbs and stick with green, crunchy veggies.  If you can choose a carb like a yam.it is the best choice you can make.  This is a low-glycemic index carb and will not act like sugar in your body. 

Hope you have a happy holiday season with your families and that your fitness goals stay on track!  (PS.I hope I can stay on track too!)

Last weekend was Zack’s last game of the fall season.  And of course, the next season starts right up.  This time he is playing NJB basketball.  He is in Division 3, which is 3rd and 4th graders.  He was so excited to start this season.  Last time he played was in 1st grade and it was considered Rookie Division, which is basically an hour of learning drills.  He thought it was boring and didn’t get much actual time with the ball or getting instruction as an individual.  So he chose not to play his 2nd grade year because it would have been the same thing again.  When he remembered that he would be able to play on a team and have games, he was ready to play again.

We’ve had about 4 practices with a great dad as coach.  He is so good with the kids.  But you never know how you’ll match up when the games start because after all, you’ve only seen yourselves.  And while we’ve seen improvement in 4 practices, what does that really mean? 

We got to see how we stacked against another team today.it was our First game of the season.  We played a team of what seemed to be mostly 4th graders.  But it didn’t really matter because only 3 of the players really touched the ball.  And while those 3 players were really good, how sad for the other 7 kids.  What I was most impressed with is that our coach really taught the kids to pass the ball around and make sure that everybody had chances to touch it.  After all, isn’t that what each kid is playing for.  They want to play.not just be a body on the court filling up space.  It’s a lot of running up and down, up and down, up and down, to barely ever touch the ball. 

As a parent of a kid who just loves to play and be a part of a team.I APPRECIATE the coach we were given.  He has the right idea.   And I know you are wondering.we lost 17-35 (i think that was the score.because it really doesn’t matter to me).  I am most excited about what the coach said to the kids after the game.”I am proud of you guys.  You passed the ball the way I asked.  You played a good game.  Now we are just going to work on playing harder in the game.”  Thanks Coach Powers (not that he’ll be reading this, but just in case.) I want you to know that I am very happy that we got a coach like you.lead us through a great season! 

Let’s GO CELTICS!! 

Here are some pictures of Zack during his first game!  He is number 11 (funny story: I picked up the uniforms for the coach on Fri night.  He told me I could pick one for Zack and bring him dressed.  When I went through the uniforms, there were 5 youth mediums - which was the smallest - so Zack wanted to be 11 since he is always 2 or 3 because he is always one of the smallest.  So Zack is 11 and kids bigger than him are 3, 5, and 10.  I think it’s really cute):

What a great game Celtics!! Let’s have a great season!

While hanging out on Twitter one night, I saw a blurb about being able to do push-ups.  My curiosity took over and I asked why she was so focused on the amount of push-ups she could do and how many weeks she had to do it in.  @Kelownagurl responded to me with a website with this 100 Push-up Challenge. 

I have become quite impressed with my strength in the past few months.  And although I am struggling with my diet again, I am fully focused on my training.  So, I inquired at 100 Push-up Challenge to see what all this fuss was about.  And now have committed to this challenge.  The program can be as long as 6 weeks depending upon how many push-ups you can currently do. 

Here is how the program works:

1. Take an assessment of how many pushups you can do in one sitting.  Do the push-ups correctly and don’t cheat if you want the program to work. 

2.  Go to the website 100 Push-up Challenge and email Steve and let him know that you are taking the challenge and he will add you to the list.  Admitting to someone that you are taking the challenge will keep you accountable.  Recruit a physical partner if you’d like to report to someone physically each week.  Feel free to comment here each week if you want to have encouragement from me.

3.  Print up each week and follow the directions.  You do push-ups 3 times a week and depending upon the week you are told to start in and the amount you are capable of will determine how your workout will look each day.

4.  Follow each week without cheating.

5.  When you complete week 6, you will rest for 2 days and then you will try to do a set of 100 push-ups!

It may seem weird to have the need to do 100 push-ups, but the push-up is the most comprehensive upper body exercise that you can do.  And most importantly.it can be done ANYWHERE!!  You don’t need any special equipment or special facilities to do it in.  When executing a  regular push-up you are pushing 60% of your body weight.  When you elevate your feet and do decline push-ups you push 80% of your body weight.  Talk about upper body strength training. 

So let’s get started on this journey together.  And just because I am starting my program next week, doesn’t mean you can’t start yours anytime.  You will be so proud of yourself for the accomplishment and even with the way your arms take shape!

Genesis is a delicious combination of highly standardized fruit juices and whole fruit extracts, infused with a proprietary blend of herbs and other powerful foods.  The renowned antioxidant properties of whole fruit pomegranate and whole fruit   red grape combine with the healing and restorative nature of whole fruit apple,   olive leaf and Aloe Vera for a heavenly-tasting 100% juice product.

Symmetry has chosen to use the slow but powerful infusion process with Genesis to create the greatest concentration of protective anthropalexins (literally, "protector of humankind"), age-fighting antioxidants and powerful phytonutrients imaginable.

Infusion is the lost art and science of coaxing maximum benefits from botanical materials without adding damaging heat or nasty chemicals. Infusion has been practiced for thousands of years and has been the basis for nearly all medications.

Here is the list of ingredients in Genesis and how each one of the ingredients will benefit your body!! 

Juice Blend:  The PhytoPureT blend consists of four traditional, well-known foods.This process ensures that the optimum nutritional value from each whole fruit is infused in GenesisT.

 GRAPE:  Studies now focus on the significant health benefits linked with fresh grapes and grape compounds, and their ability to slow the build up of deposits in arteries as well as fight common, age-related diseases. Some are calling the resveratrol found in this sweet tasting fruit “the miracle of our time.”
Benefits
. Fights different types of cancer, heart disease, degenerative nerve disease & other ailments
. Support immune function, weight loss, prostate, cardiovascular, respiratory, uterine & gastrointestinal health
. Strengthen blood vessels, improve blood circulation & lower cholesterol levels

POMEGRANATE:  A primary source of ellagitins, which have cancer researchers optimistic about future studies. Pomegranates are one of the earliest cultivated fruits, dating back to 3000BC. They have now become the new “superfood”. One pomegranate delivers 40% of an adult’s daily vitamin C requirement.
Benefits
. Boost DNA health, protects against cancer, heart disease, & other age-related diseases
. May support healthy skin, prostate & immune function

ALOE VERA:  Aloe Vera is known to have medicinal properties, often referred to as “a pharmacy in a    plant”; traditionally, it is used externally to relieve    skin discomforts and damage, and internally as a laxative. Aloe is also used orally to treat a number of conditions such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy and osteoarthritis.
Benefits
. Soothe skin, ease pain, reduce inflammation & helps speed up the healing recovery process
. May support gastrointestinal health & immune function
**Note: The outer leaf of the aloe plant contains phytochemicals that are often purgative in nature. While these ingredients are valuable in detoxification, pregnant & lactating women should avoid them. For this reason, Symmetry uses only the inner gel in obtaining the aloe juice, which has no purgative properties.

APPLE:  Like most other fruits, apples contain Vitamin C and a host of other antioxidant compounds, and the fiber in the fruit helps keep the bowel healthy. It’s a good idea to eat apples with their skin as almost half the Vitamin C content is underneath the skin.

Benefits
. Can reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease & high cholesterol
. Could protect the brain from diseases such as Alzheimer’s & Parkinsonism
. Can help GI, kidney & joint function, gall bladder, weight loss & healthy teeth

Herbal Fusion:  infused with the world’s most potent herbs in a process where they are steeped without heat in the juice blend; this coaxes maximum benefits from the botanicals without damaging the delicate, active ingredients.

BARLEY GRASS:  Barley Grass is the only vegetation on the earth that can supply sole nutritional support from birth to old age, and dates back to 7000 BC when Roman gladiators ate barley for strength and stamina. It’s the closest thing to the “perfect food” on this planet.
Benefits
. Control stomach disorders & pancreatitis
. Reduce cholesterol levels
. May support GI & urinary tract health, & detoxification

CINNAMON:  Cinnamon once had a reputation as a cure for colds, coughs, hoarseness, sore throats, toothaches, bad breath, and has been used to treat digestive problems such as diarrhea. Cinnamon has also been reported to have remarkable pharmacological effects in the treatment of Type II Diabetes.
Benefits
. May help control blood sugar levels, joint health & menstrual regularity
. Can treat common colds, coughs & digestive problems

CORIANDER LEAF & SEED:  Coriander, commonly called cilantro, has been used as a folk medicine for the relief of anxiety and insomnia, and its essential oil has been demonstrated to exhibit antibacterial action against E. Coli.
Benefits
. Sustain liver & gall bladder
. Leaf can support gastrointestinal health & seed can support blood sugar regulation.

CUCUMBER:  Although cucumbers are less nutritious than most fruit, the fresh cucumber is  still a very good source of vitamins and minerals,  and also provides some dietary fiber.
Benefits
. Can be used for skin problems (cools & cleanses)
. Helps to control/heal heartburn, gout, eczema & arthritis

FIG:  The fig has been cultivated for thousands of years and offers a powerhouse of nutrition. Figs have the highest overall mineral content of all common fruits; a 1/4-cup (40g) serving provides 244mg of potassium
(7% Daily Value), 53mg of calcium (6% DV) and
1.2 mg o f iron (6% DV).
Benefits
. May support cardiovascular health including lipids
. Can be used as a mild laxative & sustain gastrointestinal function

GARLIC:  Garlic has long been deemed as the “wonder drug”as it was used for treating everything from the common colds to the plague. It’s used extensively as herbal medicine either in supplemental form or raw.  When crushed or finely chopped, it yields allicin, a powerful antibiotic and anti-fungal compound (phytoncide), which can result in more medicinal value.
Benefits
. Can be used to treat intestinal worms
. Can combat bacteria, support normal blood pressure, cholesterol, cardiovascular system & the liver

JUNIPER BERRY:  Juniper is an exclusive food plant; the berry is used for indigestion and digestive disorders such as belching, heartburn and bloating as well as menstrual problems and diabetes.
Benefits
. Useful aid for kidney stones & urinary infections
. Good for gastrointestinal health, muscle function & lower blood pressure

LEEK:  Leeks are generally considered to have a finer flavor than the common onion, but must be consumed in larger quantities for similar, positive effects of onions.
Benefits
. Can improve the immune system, lower bad cholesterol levels & fight cancer
. May support blood vessel health

LENTIL:  Lentils are used to prepare nutritious soup in many parts of the world; they posses very similar nutritional and health benefits of common beans. With 25% protein, it is the vegetable with the highest level of protein other than soybeans - a very important part of the diet.

Benefits
. Effective in lowering cholesterol & managing blood sugar disorders
. May support bowel regularity, the liver & GI function

MULBERRY FRUIT:  The mulberry fruit is classified as a blood tonic.  Traditionally, mulberry fruit has been utilized as a medicinal agent to nourish blood and kidneys, treat weakness, fatigue, anemia and premature gray hair.
Benefits
. Can be used for kidney function, sexual health, urinary health & blood pressure
. May treat fatigue, dizziness, anemia & constipation

OLIVE LEAF:  Olive leaves have been used for centuries to cure certain sicknesses such as malaria. Natural compounds derived from the olive leaf with over 95 different ingredients, offer potential medicinal effects for a range of common ailments.

Benefits
. Can lower blood pressure, healthy cholesterol levels, reduce fats & blood sugar
. Combats pathogens to improve immune function

ONION:  Onions were one of the earliest and most important crops during the Middle Ages. Athletes in Greece ate large quantities of onions because it would lighten the balance of blood, and doctors were known to prescribe onions for headaches, snakebites and hair loss. Onions appear to be somewhat effective
against colds, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and other diseases.
Benefits
. Can improve lung function & stimulate the immune system
. May support blood vessel health & inhibit tumor growth

SWEET ALMOND:  During the early 20th century, the oil from the kernel of the sweet almond was used internally in medicine. The nut of the tree has also been used as a preventative for alcohol intoxication.

Benefits
. May support healthy blood fat levels & cardiovascular health
. Nutritive for the brain, nervous system & vision

WHEAT GRASS: 
Wheatgrass has been linked to helping with blood flow, digestion and general detoxification of the body. It is alleged that over 5000 years ago, ancient Egyptians prized the wheat grass for their positive effect on their health and vitality.
Benefits
. May support vision health, cardiovascular function, and immune stimulation & defense
. Helps neutralize acids & toxins while cleansing the blood, increasing energy & stimulating metabolism

If you are interested in more info about this product or would like information on how to order it, you can contact me at lisasurvillas@healthiestlife4me.com or you can click here: LIVE BETTER WITH SYMMETRY and it will take you to my company page.  This product is safe for kids and pregnant women unlike other antioxidant drinks on the market. 

Symmetry Direct is part of the rapidly expanding $100 billion wellness industry.  It’s nutritional supplements are designed to cleanse, nourish and protect the body.  They come with a 100% money back guarantee due to the guaranteed results.  The company prides itself in the fact that the potency and purity of its products exceed industry standards.  The manufacturing facilities are FDA inspected and are considered to be state of the art. 

“All of our products undergo the most advanced techniques under strict guidelines.  We assure that they are the freshest, purest and best quality possible on the market.”

Symmetry’s Products Include:

Nutritionals: supplements to strengthen, protect and energize

Botanicals: plant-based and herbal supplements to cleanse and support

Nutraceuticals/Targeted Bio-Support: to balance and nourish

Weight Management: to burn calories and help block fat and carbohydrates

Performance Technology: for energy and endurance

Water System: sparkling clean and free of harmful impurities

Skin/Personal Care: naturally balanced and radiantly beautiful

Symmetry Direct has something for everyone!

Check out all that Symmetry has to offer by clicking on the link: Live Better With Symmetry.  And feel free to contact me with any questions. 

What drew me to Symmetry was the fact that the company employed doctors to develop products who truly believe that nutrition can heal and have been a part of the lives of those who have been healed with nutritional supplements.  They dedicated their life to helping others live a healthier, happier life without the interference of large pharmaceutical companies and the lure of unnecessary treatments to make money.