Consistency Killed the Swine

Even with the onset of summer the H1N1 virus is still claiming lives and spreading fear through our televisions and newspapers. Our very own VP told us that he wouldn’t take public transportation in fear of being coughed on and catching the flu, even though millions of Americans rely on subways, buses and trains to commute to work daily. The media has missed a major point that needs to be addressed. You cannot “catch” the flu (swine, bird, or even the common cold) unless your body’s immune system is weakened. So what can we do to boost our immunity which is responsible for fighting off viruses, bacteria, and even cancerous cells? A mini lesson in immune anatomy is probably a good first step. So here goes:

Lymph What?
The lymphatic system makes up 1/6th of our entire body. There is more lymph in our body than blood. Lymph is the fluid that sits in between our cells and acts as the sewage system collecting waste and debris. It moves through the lymphatic vessels to the lymph nodes where it is filtered. Exercise, massage and a healthy alkaline diet help move lymph through the body efficiently.

Thymus Who?
Thymus sits below your thyroid and above your heart and is the mediator of the whole immune system. The thymus produces T lymphocytes which are white blood cells that are responsible for cell mediated immunity which helps resist infections by bacteria, yeast, fungi, parasites and viruses.

The Mean Spleen
The spleen's functions include: producing white blood cells; engulfing and destroying bacteria and cellular debris; and destroying worn-out red blood cells and platelets.

There is no single magic bullet to boost your immune system. This system works only holistically to combat its relentless attackers. It’s fuel must combine all of the following: a healthy diet, lifestyle, mindset, exercise program, and nutritional supplementation when needed. Can you guess what the most important ingredient of this wellness soup is?....... CONSISTENCY.

In order to be successful at anything in life you have to be consistent. Your state of health and the immune system are no exception to this universal rule. Lance Armstrong didn’t win his races and beat cancer from skipping workouts and eating junk food. Bruce Lee wasn’t one of the greatest fighters because he sat on his couch and watched reality TV. Champions train every day. In general, we need to take greater responsibility for our health and not look to vaccines or pills to do the job for us. We need to train our bodies every day and nourish them with the proper fuels to do so. And lastly, we need to train our minds and spirits to deal with life’s challenges as if we were all champions.

Tiger Balm: A Stress Reliever

Once in a while I like to post a blog about one of my favorite things. I haven't done it in a while but I have come across a new favorite product for people with similar lifestyles to mine; busy, athletic, active, and trying to find balance and peace to promote health and wellness.

I have come across Tiger Balm's new product which is a neck and shoulder rub. I have been using it on my neck and shoulders, where I hold tension (and I'm sure I'm not the only one). My mother has even been using it on her hands to relieve pain in her joints.

I have been a long time fan of tiger balm as a martial artist when you could only find it in obscure places like in Chinatown pharmacies. So, now that you can find it in Duane Reade I just had to let you know. Enjoy that icy, hot feeling after a long, hard workout or a stressful day at work.

Health and the City’s Immune Boosting Smoothie

This delicious smoothie is the perfect way to start your day (I have it almost every morning!). It contains enough nutrients and calories to be a whole meal which will help stabilize your blood sugar for hours. It is packed with antioxidant powerhouses to help boost your immune system and help your body fight off bacteria and viruses while helping you build muscle and repair the wear and tear of our daily lives on our state of health and wellness.

½ to 1 whole banana: (high in potassium,
1 cup of mixed frozen berries (blue, ras, black, straw, acai’) packed with antioxidants that help fight diseases like cancer.
1 tbsp of natural almond or peanut butter: to help stabilize blood sugar
1 tbsp flax seed: adds fiber to help cleanse your GI tract and omega 3’s to reduce inflammation in the body
1 tbsp of protein powder: brown rice protein powder is a clean option that usually does not contain any other ingredients. Whey protein is another option but read ingredients and try not to use a product that contains added sugars and other fillers. The added protein makes your smoothie a complete meal of carbohydrates, healthy fats and clean protein.
2-3 oz. POM pomegranate juice: for additional antioxidant support
Optional liquids: almond milk, rice milk, soy milk, coconut water or just plain water.

Amount depends on the consistency that you want your smoothie to have. Place all ingredients into a blender.

Blend for 30 seconds. And there you have it. The perfect breakfast in under 5 minutes.

Extreme Stiletto Seminar

There was such an overwhelmingly positive response for the first Stilettos and Self Defense workshop that we just have to do another! The next Extreme Stilettos Workshop will cover more in-depth self defense techniques like how to get out of grabs and off the floor!

SPECIAL BONUS SEGMENT:

You will also learn how to train your body with a modern warrior workout to get strong, lean and fit for summer without the cost of a personal trainer. Learn how to design a complete 20 minute workout that you can take with you on the road or use without having to leave your home. No equipment, no gimmicks, no bull.

Location: World Martial Arts Center
69 w. 14th St., 4th floor
Corner of 6th Ave.
212-941-8771

When: Saturday, April 25th
Time: 10:30am to 12pm

RSVP to Jennifer@healthandthecity.net

Cost: $40 (Just $60 for both the Detox and Stiletto Seminar)

Sorry guys, women only. But make sure to invite all of the women in your life that you care about; sisters, mothers, daughters and loved ones.

Glamour in the City!

Join me as I host the Haute Pink luncheon during National Women’s Health Awareness week to benefit GlamourGals. GlamourGals is a nonprofit organization (www.glamourgals.org) dedicated to organizing teen volunteers to visit elderly women in senior homes and provide companionship and their signature program of complimentary facials and makeovers.

The Haute Pink Luncheon will feature a keynote from Neeta Shah, M.D, an interactive panel on “reducing stress and staying fashionable” as well as special guest Lauren Routolo, Director Entertainment Promotions, Hearst Corporation. Did I mention you can win a $15,000 platinum, diamond ring?! Tickets are on sale and start at $50 (gift bags are worth over $500) and can by a dual ticket for the luncheon and evening cocktail party!

Two Events, two chances to donate to a great charity while connecting with like-minded people.

Date: Friday May 15th
Location: Open House Gallery, 201 Mulberry Street, Nolita

To read more and register:
http://www.glamourgals.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=54&Itemid=114

Another Chance to Urban Detox

Get sexy for summer with the Urban Detox!


The best way to do this from the INSIDE is through the gentle, food-based Urban Detox for your liver and the rest of your body. A healthy liver will be able to rid the body of harmful toxins from the environment, heavy or processed foods, and the excess of your body's own hormones. The result? You are left with more energy, clear skin, less GI disturbances, more restful sleep, less stress, and more confidence from the shape your body will be in.

The Urban Detox workshop will educate you on how to safely detox while you are still able to carry on with your hectic daily life. With the program you will receive:

- 7 Day Meal Plan
- Shopping List
- Email Support

This program usually costs $245 if done privately. Join the group and not only safe money but gain support in numbers.

Friday, April 24th, 6pm to 7:30

Location: World Martial Arts Center

Cost: $40 (Just $60 for both the Detox and Stiletto Seminar)

Open to All!

Red Pepper Pasta with Kale Puttanesca

Kale is a super green food that contains compounds that activate detoxifying enzymes in the liver that help fight off cancer-causing agents. A cup of kale supplies 93.6 mg of calcium (9.4% of the daily value for this mineral) for only 36.4 calories. In contrast, a cup of 2% cow's milk provides 296.7 mg of calcium, but the cost is high: 121.2 calories and 14.6% of the day's suggested limit on saturated fat. So more calcium for less calories. If you aren't ready to eat batches of kale, start slow by throwing chopped kale into stir fries, soups or pasta dishes like this one below:

1/2 (16 ounce) package whole-wheat pasta (your favorite shape)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 large onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon drained capers
1 (2 ounce) can anchovy fillets, drained and quartered (Optional)
1 cup canned diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cups coarsely chopped kale
1 (4 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste

Directions:
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook and stir until the onion has softened and begun to turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in capers, anchovy fillets, and diced tomatoes, and bring to a simmer. Stir in kale, and simmer over medium-low heat until wilted and tender, about 10 minutes.

Once the pasta has cooked and been drained, stir into the puttanesca along with the black olives. Toss and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.