18 minute read
here’s to health
from gemWOMAN Vol.1 No.3
Staying
by Tony Akinyemi Young
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It is everyone’s desire to live long, but living healthy is another matter. Without the effect of growth hormones, food processing, refining and additives on the food we eat daily, physical maturity comes naturally, with greater prospects for the future.
The book of Genesis establishes the limit of man’s age at 120 years while David (Ps 90:10), laments about man’s inability to live a good life beyond seventy to eighty years, depending on how cautious we have dealt with ourselves. You only need to look around to see the truth of it.
How many 70-year-olds do you know who are without health complications or free from arthritis, hypertension, prostate disorders, cancer, diabetes, strokes and heart conditions?
It is my firm belief that with a good lifestyle, proper diet, a dynamic relationship with God and faith in His promises, we can have a good, healthy, and productive life right up to age 100 and more. It is only a matter of choice. Dr Margaret Drickamer, Director of Integrated Model of Aging and Geriatric Education at Yale University School of Medicine says, “there is a difference between those who live to be 100 and those who survive to be 100.”
Old age is not toxic nor is it in itself a disease. Apart from hereditary cases, common diseases that are often blamed on aging turn out to be either caused by poor lifestyle or poor diet- the first a problem of over indulgence and the other a life condition.
When a person takes the wrong kinds of food and drinks, sooner or later, the consequences become evident. Pay-day is always sure.
I cannot agree more with Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, who admonishes that we ‘mind in the beginning, the things that matter in the end.’
The fact that a person is old does not say he should be in poor health. Our heavenly Father expresses His
desire for us in 3 John 2, ‘I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health even as thy soul prospereth.’ Living up to a ripe age, makes prosperity worthwhile.
Is it possible to live long without getting old? Yes! Health comes from healthy living, based on healthy choices or habits.
Stress
Stress in whatever form, makes people age faster than they should. Chronically stressed people become almost 10 years older than their age. Stress can disrupt the body’s digestive system and inhibit the body’s ability to absorb vital nutrients, thus inducing diseases and overage. Young folks in their 30s and early 40s who go through enormous stress develop grey hair and wrinkles prematurely. This may be why some young men prefer ‘skin cut’ nowadays.
Stress is linked to 6 of the leading causes of death in the Western world: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide.
Sedentary Living
An inactive life leads to rapid aging. Our muscles and bones firm up and grow stronger with constant use and when we ignore exercise, they atrophy or deteriorate. Six months of exercise can reverse decline in physical condition according to recent study. Exercise enhances aging as every hour of exercise is said to add 2 or 3 hours to our lifespan.
Nutrition
When the body signals that cell repair or replacement is needed, growth hormones accomplish this with available nutrients, such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, water, vitamins, minerals and enzymes to build healthy cells. Where there are not enough nutrients to facilitate this replacement, one of two things happens; the cell is unable to replace itself causing “poverty of flesh” or, the cell is replaced without critical elements needed to keep it healthy.
The body replaces millions of cells each day, it is therefore, critical for you to have all of the required nutrients. If you cannot take a balanced diet, take multiple vitamins or mineral supplement every day as a foundation for building healthy cells.
Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which are the best scientific evidence for healthy aging.
Functions of Vitamins
Vitamin A - This helps to prevent night blindness and other eye problems. It is essential to a healthy skin, strengthens the immune system, helps to heal gastrointestinal ulcers, and protects against cancer, cold, flu, kidney and bladder infections and infections
of the lungs and mucous membrane. Vitamin A helps in bone and teeth formation and storage of fats.
Vitamin A essentially helps to slow down the aging process. It is estimated that we need 2,500 Units of vitamin A daily for good health.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): This helps to convert blood sugar into energy and prevent fatigue. It keeps the nerves in sound health, and promotes easy reproduction. It is also essential to maintaining a healthy heart. Thiamine helps control diabetes, assists in blood formation, carbohydrate metabolism, and production of hydrochloric acid needed in food digestion and good appetite. It also protects the body against degenerating effects associated with aging. A deficiency in this vitamin could result in heart failure. Vitamin B-12: Many people lose the ability to fully absorb Vitamin B-12 as they age. B-12 is very difficult for mature adults to metabolize. A sublingual B-12 supplement containing, Vitamin B-12, B-6, & Folic Acid, is recommended as it bypasses the digestive system and goes directly to the bloodstream.
Homocysteine: This has been recognized as a major indicator for common medical conditions especially in aging persons such as heart attack, stroke, cancer, diabetes digestive disorders, neurological and higher likelihood of developing dementia later on in life. Homocysteine is an amino acid, which the body makes from another amino acid called methionine and when the body does not efficiently convert ho-
mocysteine into SAMe and glutathione, which help to prevent depression, arthritis, and liver damage, it increases in the blood, damaging the arteries. Ask your doctor to write up a requisition for homocysteine. Sublingual supplements vitamins containing B12, B-6, & Folic Acid helps to reduce homocysteine levels in the blood.
Vitamin C: This is a special antioxidant for healthy aging. A Daily in take of Vitamin C extends the lifespan of other antioxidants in the body. It works with other vitamins, minerals, enzymes, protein and collagen to help keep you young and healthy. Sweetened vitamin C is not the same as natural fruits such as oranges, lemon, lime, grapefruit, tangerine, guava etc.
pebbles pebbles by Kehinde Adollo by Kehinde Adollo
LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD
1. Identify Positive Attributes that Reflect Your Age
The more you think about the positives associated with your age, and can demonstrate these, the more it will help you to believe and sell a strong, confident and upbeat image - young or old. As Henry Ford once said, “Whether you believe you can or you believe you can’t - you’re right.”
Ponder on the positive attributes that can accompany your age, and focus on the strengths in it and not your weaknesses. For example age bestows maturity and wisdom, a seasoned personality, focused energy and drive that comes with a much cherished inner peace.
2. Never say you are too young or to old to take certain challenges
David was king at age 16yr, Moses led the Israelites at age 77, these are challenging roles and tasks.
3. Never pass judgmental statements on your age
Comments like, you know age is not on my side, you know you are still young so you can enjoy life, God has given you life, sound mind and good spirit, to rise and live about ,do not let your age limit your your destiny.
4. Interact with both older and younger people
It gives you an idea of different generations, most young people stick with their age groups and older ones vice versa…. Have a diverse mix of age groups as friends. You get a lot of wisdom from the older generation and a lot of energy from the younger generation.
5. Enjoy your age
It’s only a number, not a determination of how far you will go.
Advice about age
• Avoid conversations on age, when you meet people especially for the first time, some may take it personal • Never make unfair remarks about another person’s age • Never make people pity your age • Never let your age determine how far you can go in life • Never look down at people’s ages, especially if you have accomplished a lot at your age. • Every age you reach in life has a purpose, declare good things over your age • Compliment people on their age, especially if they look nice or have done well for their age. • Read books on both the older and younger generation, don’t be stuck in one age generation, it allows you to be conversant with what people go through at different stages in life Final note: The world sees you by what you do, and not by your age
Age Factor
The age factor indeed has become a major actor
For some, age is meant to be celebrated For others, it is often deliberated
Ageless creams fill our world Detox, botox, have become popular words Hmmm….The age factor
The rage to be ageless With skin so flawless And a figure as of a goddess Hmmm… the age factor
What is the age motto? It’s an impeccable look lingering on every photo With a great feeling, like you just won the lotto Hmmm.. the age factor
Children dance The men stand and glance And we wonder - does our age stand a chance Hmm...The age factor
I feel good But sometimes I am in a mood For this age seems to limit my intake of food Hmmm.. the age factor
Low cuts, Tight lots Trendy tops, Diet pops Seem to be in the fashion front How do I get fit without being gaunt? Hmmm… the age factor
You are ageless! Think of yourself as timeless Encrusted as priceless Because you were created to be God’s wonder for the world to see. Hmmm…My definition of the ageless factor
pebblespebbles by Kehinde Adolloby Kehinde Adollo
To Be or not to be
When I was born, my parents hoped that I will become a doctor, lawyer or an engineer, but never bothered to ask God what He called me to be… I ask, to be or not to be?
Growing up, I discovered I had a penchant for speech and writing, but was told this is not a lucrative job. I had an option to join the Yahoo! clique and become an instant millionaire…I ask, to
be or not to be?
I earn a meager salary, and yet acquired possessions that are over and above my income. I am heavily indebted as result and that give me sleepless nights… I ask, to be or not to be?
I joined a clique of nouveau riche girls who drive posh cars, carry expensive bags, and speak Queens English like they were personally trained by the Queen. They discuss fashion trends and the next show in Milan but hardly a word about Christ or things that are godly and noble. I plan to save up to buy some shares and do worthwhile things - can I keep up? … I ask, to be or not to be?
I am big and busty, and know for sure that tight-fitting tops don’t suit me, since they make me look like a cake that is about to explode from the baking pan. Brandishing cleavages is hot on the fashion scene; I buy an array of wonder bras to reveal my good gifts…I ask, to
be or not to be?
I can’t get my temper into a cooler, I raise my voice at my nannies and drivers, but become a different person in church or and around my boss or others depending on their status…I ask, to be
or not to be?
acceptance with those who matter; deep down I am just a simple natured girl who really desires to maintain her own personality... I ask, to be or not to
be?
I am nice and caring towards certain kinds of people, and would readily go out of my way to call or visit them when I know I should be looking the way of real people who truly deserve my kindness… I ask, to be or not to be?
I do cruel things quietly to get money to maintain my lifestyle, forgetting my moral upbringing; how do I tell anyone that I can’t afford to keep up my reputation as a big chic…To be or not to be?
I miss the good old days, when we didn’t have to make up for two hours in order to look so…o perfect, like front page models- a little touch up here and there was just fine no matter what’s up...
To be or not to be?
I miss the good old days, when we didn’t have to select friends based on material possession or what we can get from each other; just for the sake of friendship and never with an ulterior motive …To be or not to be?
I miss the good old days when shopping was so enjoyable, and not so rigorous. Now I take the whole day buying half of what I might never get to use …To be or
not to be?
Where do I find real people with real hearts, with whom I can discuss real issues and get workable solutions; I yearn for those who will love me when I am rough, sad, happy, and even when I don’t look it - Because they love what I am inside!
How unfulfilling not living to realise what you were created to be. It is even more unfulfilling to live fulfilling other people’s expectations of you.
So, be original
Be you!
Be what makes you happy
Be different
Be what you were born to be …
The Creator, made us all for a reason and even if it was just to make people laugh…Hmm! That’s a million dollar profession...Think about it!
Enjoy being you, life is so short!
MAN MAN
by Tunji Adeyinka
My Fellow Kings, Leaders of the Clan, the Future of Humanity and Hope for Tomorrow, I hail o! By the time you are reading through this magazine, we should be in the month of July or August depending on the time you grab a copy or get to read from someone who has bought the magazine.
We have done over four months in the year already and I am sure you are beginning to feel some little fatigue, especially, if you have been working flat out from the beginning of the year like some of us.
Remember, no matter what they tell you, every man needs a rest. Forget all those stories about Superman; it exists only in cartoons and movies, not in the real world. Even the once handsome Christopher Reeves, famous for the Superman series, got done in after a fall during a polo game. You are not a Superman!
Authors, Steve and Mary Farrar in their book Overcoming Overloads say, everyone needs a Sabbath, a sanctuary, sustenance, supplication, need to simplify, a sovereign and a Savior. Everyone needs a time out. Take a quick rest and recharge. When you do take that rest, please go away with your Gem and rekindle that fire again.
Yes, my Fellow Kings, nothing keeps a relationship warm like a bit of sunshine- a bit of fire. No matter how old the relationship is, every woman loves that ‘get-away time’. When you want to present it to your Gem, check out her schedule and make it a surprise. When you do go on the vacation, please ensure that you do not take your laptop with you or it will soon become another business trip.
No woman likes to share her time with a piece of metal and plastic. Do not be like the typical African man who takes a leave and spends the whole time running after per-
sonal business. Talking about vacations, can you give me an answer to this small puzzle?
Why didn’t King Solomon ever manage to go for a vacation? Of course, he could not make up his mind on which of the 1,000 women to take along. Ha. Ha. Ha!
Think about the life of Solomon, he got wisdom from the Almighty and he forgot to apply that wisdom to his relationship with women. You may argue that only such divine wisdom could have helped through such an historic experience of dealing with 1,000 women in a single life time. No wonder, at the end of the day, the poor man concluded, ‘vanity upon vanity, all is vanity!’
A key lesson from the life of Solomon: One man one woman is not only Biblical it is pragmatic.
Look at the life of Abraham, who remained faithful to his wife Sarah till the grey age of 75 in spite of not having a child until he took in the maid Hagar, by whom he fathered his son, Ishmael.
A few years down the line, Sarah became angry at Hagar’s seeming ‘shakara’ (display of arrogance). The only way to restore peace to her was for Hagar and her child Ishmael to leave the house. Old man Abraham must have been really confused.
‘But Sarah, you persuaded me to have a child through Hagar!’ Abraham must have exclaimed. A key lesson from the life of Abraham: You can never really fully understand women. When you think you know them, then you suddenly realize you really don’t.
You must have heard this story before, but I will tell you again. One day at an event, all the men were asked to stand up while their wives watched. The announcer asked that every man who believes he is in full control of his home or was sure that he makes all the decisions in the home, should please step forward. A certain man stepped forward while all others remained where they were.
The announcer stepped towards the lone man and asked why he stepped forward. Guess what his answer was;
‘My wife told me to step forward’.
Lesson: The man did not make the woman, so he cannot fully know her. He named her, so they do have a long-standing relationship but he will never fully understand her.
My Fellow Kings, the lesson in this story is very simple. The only way to fully understand your wife is to ask from the manufacturer Himself. I have learnt that it is no use shouting, ranting and complaining about your wife when things are not heading the right way. All you need to do is go down on your knees and ask God to take control. I have seen men make all the noise about being the head of the home and shouting at the top of their voices to make themselves heard.
‘I am in charge. I am the head of this home. Are you contesting my headship with me?’ They say. Think about it, if you are really in charge, do you need to shout about it? Trust me, by the time you shout ‘I am in charge’, fifty times, the value of your charge is diminished. A General does not have to scream out his rank each time he has an argument.
Final lesson: Ask God to give you everything that you need to be a real man and to have a successful relationship with your wife. Stop trying so hard to exert control, hand it over to the one who made everything and watch him sort it out.
One more thing; give your Gem some space to shine - it can only get better with the years.
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UnbUrdening agonies with aUnt kk UCHe IBUkUN More than just a dream OHIMAI
running a financially Balanced home 10 healthy ways to lose weight
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