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Strong relationships are crucial to living a happy and healthy life. But loneliness and social isolation are growing problems that have grim emotional, mental and physical consequences.

Nearly one-third of Americans over the age of 65 now lives alone, and half of those over 85 live on their own; and 40 percent of adults now say they are lonely, which is up from 20 percent in the 1980s. Research continues to show that loneliness and social isolation can influence sleep quality, overall health and impaired cognitive performance, and has been linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, depressive symptoms and mortality. Moreover, isolation reduces immune function and contributes to inflammation, which can lead to type 2 diabetes, arthritis and heart disease.

Individuals in poor health–especially those with disorders like anxiety–are more likely to withdraw from friends or family and are more likely to feel lonely.

When someone becomes ill a debilitating sequence of events can occur; a decline in energy accompanies the illness. This fatigue affects mobility and motivation to leave the house. Eventually, this can lead to total social isolation and eventually diminished self-worth and purpose.

Overcoming Isolation

Maintaining a rich and rewarding social life as you age is possible. Technology and social media is both a blessing and curse when it comes to forging new friendships and staying connected. It can help you keep in touch with family and friends that live far away, but it cannot replace face-to-face interactions and “old fashioned” friendships.

When faced with feelings of loneliness, it is important to acknowledge your feelings and realize that you are not really alone—everyone deserves friendship and love. When making new connections, it can feel awkward and uncomfortable at first but the more you get out there, the easier it becomes.

The best way to find a community that will provide support, friendship and help you fulfill your purpose is to follow your interests and hobbies. Whether it’s golfing, dancing, reading, arts and crafts, chess or maybe you want to learn something new, there is a group waiting to welcome you! Great places to meet new people and find local clubs include your church or place of worship and community recreation centers. Most offer events and classes for a wide range of interests, ages and skill levels.

Maintaining healthy relationships throughout your life keeps you strong, as well. All humans have an inherent desire for closeness, and it is an essential part of our development. Next time you have the opportunity to go out with a friend, attend an event in your neighborhood or even strike up a conversation with a stranger, take it! Your body and mind will thank you for it.

If you have ever had something of value stolen from you, the emotions and feelings of loss are life-changing.

I remember a few years ago when my wife and I took a vacation and checked into a well-known, nice quality hotel. We were there to celebrate life! I had just recently given my wife a new wedding ring with the stones from the first ring I gave her (pretty small) now surrounding a beautiful multiple carat stone. It held a lot of sentimental value from our wedding vows; for better or worse, for rich or poor. The ring also represented that life had been good to us and we had prospered in our life journey together.

During one of the days at the hotel, the maid service came earlier than anticipated and Susan was still doing her makeup and preparing for the day. She had forgotten she had placed the ring beside the bed. The short version of this saga, when she went to put on the ring, it was gone. The feelings of loss and violation were surprisingly overwhelming. A thief had taken something of great sentimental value.

Many of our TriVita members are in the 50-plus years of age range. At this age, you’re in the prime of your life, but beyond 50, how well you feel is determined by your physical, emotional and spiritual wellness! There is one robber, the thief of quality of life, and it is the thief known as illness. When long lasting illness is present, it robs us of quality of life. It may be caused by disease but it may not. It may be merely the feeling of fatigue of body, mind or spirit. It might be digestive issues, stress, or pain but the thief is present, and the feelings and emotions are real when the quality of life is diminished. Many people push on; living this way till the thief actually robs their life which results in premature death.

Our wellness is like the precious ring I had given to my wife with memories attached of the experiences we had enjoyed together. When the ring was on the hand, it was adored and appreciated, but when lost, its significance was more impacting than ever imagined.

Promoting and protecting your wellness is one the most important things you can do.

There are key indicators from a clinical view that indicate your present and future state of health. Here are key numbers to know and manage, especially if you are 50 years of age or older.

1. Check your blood pressure and pulse. Untreated chronic high blood pressure is an equal opportunity killer! It can kill your heart, brain, eyes, kidneys and other organs. There was a close friend of mine that would not deal with his blood pressure and died at 62 years of age. Robbed of quality of life!
2. It is crucial for your health to know your blood sugar. Untreated, it leads to diabetes (elevated blood sugar) which will long-term rob you of your health and wellness. I know medicine promotes managing it, but if pre-diabetic or type 2; you can reverse it with lifestyle choices and chase the thief out of your life! Why is this important, because diabetes leads to other issues like heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, amputations, dementia and Alzheimer’s. All robbers of quality of life!
3. Your BMI or body mass index is also a good indicator of your present and future health. As we age, our metabolism changes, and it is easy to begin to lose muscle, and it may be replaced with fat. The most serious fat gain that may not be noticed until way advanced is visceral fat in the stomach and around the organs. Elevated fat levels should be identified as a thief of your future quality of life! I am not promoting a diet here, but lifestyle choices of clean, whole foods and avoiding as much processed food as possible.
4. Women, balance your hormones levels. As a woman over 50, you have experienced many hormonal changes. Three critical hormonal areas to focus now on your life including your sex hormone levels of estrogen and progesterone, your cortisol stress hormone levels and the third is your thyroid which is your master gland of metabolism. Add to this routine breast exams and mammograms. Early detection is protecting, and it can save your life! Find an excellent integrative physician and embrace balance and energy in your life. Even if you have to fly across the country, come to the TriVita Clinic of Integrative Medicine.
5. Men, prostate health, can be protected and enhanced. If there is a thief in a man’s quality of life, it is poor prostate health. Early detection and protection are most desired, but also know that inflammation can lead to high PSA! Eat a low inflammatory diet with support from targeted nutrition with TriVita Prostate Formula along with Omega3 Prime to help support a healthy prostate! For sure, this is a lurking thief that men should identify and seek ways to promote a healthy prostate. Your annual physical is added protection against this thief.

Wellness is a beautiful thing. Out of wellness comes our vitality in supporting our life’s meaning, purpose and fulfillment. You have the power of choice. You have the power of healing within. You can experience, physical, emotional and spiritual wellness!

Bad things sometimes happen to good people. But adversity doesn’t build character, it reveals it. For Delores Moore, she had her life turned upside down after a series of debilitating car accidents.

Delores Moore has been a TriVita Member since 2011, but her journey began long before then. Delores was in her first car accident in 1988 which resulted in serious injuries to her neck and spine. The fallout from that accident and subsequent legal battle consumed her life for the next five years and shook her vitality. “For a while I thought everything was going to be okay. I was doing everything I was supposed to do. I went to physical therapy, took supplements and medication only when I really needed it. I was still going to work because I love to teach, but it just got worse.”

At the time Delores was a high school teacher in New York. “I am a natural born teacher. I have a Bachelor of Education, a Master’s in Education and another Master’s in Education Administration. I taught general and special education; I was a jack of all trades. They put me wherever they needed me.” But after returning to work, her injuries worsened. “Every time I went to the doctor, he told me it would get worse, and it did. Finally, an MRI showed me what was going on,” Delores explained.

In 2005, Delores retired as a full-time educator and moved to New Jersey where she planned to work as a substitute teacher. “They gave me a beautiful retirement party, and it’s sad that these things happened. I would never have settled after that accident if I knew it was going to be like this.”

After moving to New Jersey, Delores was involved in two more accidents that compounded her previous injuries. “The two accidents affected my spine and legs. Then everything got worse, so I just called it in. This is a horrible nightmare but I am strong. I’m strong in my faith and what God can do. I’m just grateful that I can walk.”

For over 25 years Delores has been on a journey to recover with natural products. “My doctors always wanted to put me on these pills, but that’s a horrible life. I suffered all those years, and nothing seemed to help.”

“I take it every morning at 7 AM, and it really helps. I found my routine, and I want to let people know what I’ve gone through. I give testimonies to everyone! I’ve tried products from other companies, even some with Nopal cactus, but it’s not the same. People need to understand that they need to invest in themselves. Instead of buying things you don’t need, invest in a healthy body.”

While Delores doesn’t teach in schools any longer, she has remained active in her community. She attends church, helps the children with their homework and teaches life skills.

“Thank God for the churches. I’ll always do what I can to help others. I’ll never stop teaching. I love children, and if  I can teach even once a week, I’m good. And the children need it; they need anyone that can give them any kind  of time and attention. I enjoy them  so much, and they enjoy me too. We have a lot of fun together!”

Delores will continue teaching within her church and hopes to find others that are interested in volunteering their time. “A lot of parents here want me to start a program, but I need some young people that can help me. I have the knowledge, but I need the help. If it’s God’s will, it will happen.”

Powering Through the Day

Brandon MacCartney, TriVita Member since 2017, has always been interested in health and nutrition. “I have studied nutrition since I was a senior in high school. I love learning about nutrition and how amazing God created the body! The more I learn, the more I know God created the body with amazing resilience and ability to heal itself.” Brandon graduated from Houghton College with a B.S. in Exercise Physiology and a minor in Educational Ministry. He played basketball for four years at Houghton and went on to play for various semi-pro teams in the Philippines, Central Asia and Russia with Athletes in Action (AIA). While Brandon is no longer a basketball player, he is still very active and for the last few years has been dedicating himself to an intense strength sport — powerlifting. Last year Brandon was introduced to [TVBLOGCOPY]MyoHealth[/TVBLOGCOPY][MWSBLOGCOPY]MyoHealth[/MWSBLOGCOPY], and has noticed a difference in his athletic performance and recovery. “In my travels with Family Research Council, I meet many people. I have some good friends in Maine, Carroll and Terri Conneley. I was there last year to visit with this precious couple, and Terri told me she was taking MyoHealth. She gave me a trial container to see how it worked for me.” He went on to say, “I am all-natural and want to stay that way. I supplement when I must because of my intense training, mostly because of my age. Powerlifting takes a lot out of the body and stresses the central nervous system.” Brandon describes his regular body structure as thin and lean, however in five years since he began powerlifting, and specifically in last three years since competing more seriously, his weight has fluctuated. Brandon is currently competing at 242 pounds but previously won local competitions at a weight of 235 pounds. “The older I get, the harder it is to recover and also work around injuries. During a 12-week power block gearing up for competition, by the third week out I should hit 80 percent of my max rep (MR) and it can take days for me to recover from a heavy deadlift session. I feel like I could sleep all day long!” When Brandon refers to a heavy deadlift session, he means it! He has won competitions with a 615-pound deadlift, 395-pound bench press and by squatting 565 pounds. This type of training and performance can take a serious toll on the body. Brandon explains that how he feels now is entirely different than when he was in his 20s, 30s and even early 40s. He prefers to eat his nutrition rather than supplement, but he does keep his eyes peeled for products that are natural and can support his recovery, such as MyoHealth. “After I went through the first couple of containers I noticed a difference in how I felt with regards to strength and also my recovery. But I am always skeptical about supplementation and also know there may be other factors involved, like rest, nutrition, etc. So I purchased MyoHealth again. Then my mother-in-law bought me a dozen of them for Christmas! I have been on MyoHealth since about the end of November 2017.” In early January 2018, Brandon experienced a level 2 groin injury. He had to adjust his training, but he was consistently squatting over 400 pounds. “I was in full swing of taking MyoHealth, taking three and sometimes four scoops per day. A couple of things I noticed since I’ve been on it consistently are first that I recover faster. Secondly, with regards to my groin injury, I have almost completely recovered when this type of injury can take up to a year to heal.” In February, Brandon competed with the injury and took three state records. He explains that he would have taken a fourth record, but was flagged for foot placement. “I didn’t hit my best numbers, but enough to get the win and be ranked #2 in Pennsylvania. If I had been 100 percent, I believe that I could have crushed the state record and even set the world record for my age and weight. But that is on the agenda!” “My goal this year is to set the state records again with even better numbers and the world record for the 242-pound amateur class, gain weight to compete at the 275 class and hopefully win there too! Then I’ll drop weight and compete in the 220 class.” After competing this year, Brandon says he’ll find something else to do, but his wife isn’t so convinced. “My wife says ‘yeah, right,’ but who knows as the Lord leads!”

Traditional medicine is making a comeback and adaptogens are taking center stage. Integrative medicine experts, wellness gurus and holistic nutritionists are all talking about adaptogens and their many benefits including glowing skin, more energy and less stress. Actors, Actresses and social media celebrities are at the forefront of sharing the benefits of adaptogens. But what exactly are adaptogenic herbs? Here’s everything you need to know!

What are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are stress-response modifiers that increase an organism’s nonspecific resistance to stress by increasing its ability to adapt and survive. In short, adaptogens help your body cope – or adapt – to all kinds of stress.

As originally defined, an adaptogen must meet the following criteria:

• The substance is non-toxic and does not disturb body function;
• Influences many organs or body systems (non-specific) and increases the body’s resistance to physical, chemical or biological factors;
• Has a normalizing effect on a pathologic state

Sound too good to be true? These herbs and roots have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine because they promote homeostasis. Plus, the healing powers of adaptogenic herbs are confirmed by today’s medical research.

How do Adaptogens Work?

Adaptogens specifically support your central nervous system and adrenals. Adrenal glands are endocrine glands that produce hormones which manage your response to stress. They enable cells to access more energy and help eliminate toxic byproducts and work more efficiently.

Each herb has unique properties that make it effective for specific circumstances. Here are a few commonly used adaptogens:

Rhodiola Rosea

Known as Russia’s “golden root,” Rhodiola grows in the cold, mountainous areas of Europe and Asia. This herb has been used to help physical and mental performance while reducing fatigue under stressful conditions. One study found improvements in stress symptoms within just three days of use.

Schisandra Chinesis

This super berry grows on a woody vine from China and has been traditionally used for its cardio-protective benefits. Additionally, it has been used to increase endurance, coordination, mental sharpness and work capacity.

Eleutherococcus Senticosus

Commonly referred to as Siberian ginseng, this shrub is native to Northeastern Asia. Siberian ginseng is known to reduce cardiovascular response to stress while helping with overall stress adaptation.

How Should You Take Adaptogens?

It is common for adaptogens to be added to beverages, likes teas or juices, but you don’t receive the most benefit from single uses. For better results, it is recommended that adaptogens be consumed daily over a period of several months. Additionally, liquid supplements may be the best option because they are concentrated and may offer more bioavailability over pills or tablets.

“The heart of human excellence often begins to beat when you discover a pursuit that absorbs you, frees you, challenges you or gives a sense of meaning, joy and happiness.” — Terry Orlick

Human emotional and spiritual fulfillment is designed in our hearts by our Creator to be found in the fidelity to a worthy purpose using our gifts, talents and resources. Yet at times, we behave as if we believe happiness and self –fulfillment is attained through self-gratification, only to discover its lack of fulfillment.

True happiness and fulfillment in your life are closer today than ever before. A quote I recently came upon puts finding purpose in life very simply; “The purpose of life is a life of purpose. A life of purpose is to contribute in some way in making our world better.”

Each of you has gifts, talents, resources and passions to make our world better. Take some time to reflect on how you can use yours for a better world. It is there that you will find happiness, self-fulfillment and well-being.

Aligning with our purpose in life is the optimal way of living. To determine if your actions align with your purpose, complete this ‘Purpose in Life’ test developed by Dr. Brian Burke. Take the quiz and see if you score above 50, indicating you are moving towards your purpose in life.

When Longevity Meets Vitality

Everyone wants to live a long and happy life, but what is another year without purpose, wellness and quality? Dr. Lorri Sullivan, Member since 2017, has long been living with purpose and wellness however her quality of life was less than optimal until she discovered MyoHealth. Lorri first heard about MyoHealth through a television program. “I’m a retired medical professional and I’m very selective about which products I use. I first learned of MyoHealth through an interview with Dr. Robert Wolfe. I was very impressed with his credentials, background in research and his lifelong commitment to health at any age especially for those recovering from trauma; as well as maintaining optimal quality of life throughout one’s senior years.” “I was so impressed with his background and the show that I was immediately prompted to try the product. When I received MyoHealth, I started taking it right away and took double the serving for the first thirty days because I was recovering from a total left hip replacement. Within the first four weeks, I started noticing a difference in my stamina. In the last six months, my friends and neighbors have been totally impressed with the difference they’ve observed in me. Before taking MyoHealth, I regularly needed help carrying heavy grocery bags. Several months ago I realized that I no longer needed help. I can lift and carry heavy bags of groceries into the house,” she recalls. “I visited my doctor after my hip replacement and found that my overall strength has vastly improved, as well as my stamina, muscle tone and endurance. I am so excited about this product. I take other supplements, but I’ll tell you something, this one is something I really can’t do without.” Lorri Sullivan, Ph.D., LCSW, worked in the healthcare industry for over 50 years and was keenly aware of what was healthy and what wasn’t. However, she admits that she didn’t always take care of herself. “If I’m going to be honest, when I was a busy professional working many, many hours a day, I did not always live an entirely healthy lifestyle. As most of us don’t when we are on a strict schedule, but I was cognizant of what I should be doing. I was immersed in problem-solving my patients’ needs and mine became secondary. Now that I’m able to shift gears, I can focus on my own health.”

Dancing has always been a passion for Lorri, but in recent years she was forced to slow down.

Since taking MyoHealth, Lorri has resumed line dancing and is the president of the Sun City Merry Makers. “I line dance three days a week for about two to three hours a day. I can dance twice as long as my counterparts who are half my age – they have trouble keeping up with me! I also do water aerobics. My stamina has improved and my muscle tone is excellent. Because of my improved muscle strength, I no longer have the issues I used to, and I recovered 100 percent from my total hip replacement. The only difference is that I’ve started using this product. And because of it, my musculoskeletal system is stronger!” “I’ve always been fairly active, and that’s the important thing. I get up early in the morning and walk a mile with my dog, Charlie. He keeps me active. I’m 79 years old, and this product has impacted my entire life because it has kept my weight down. When you are stronger and more active, you keep a healthier weight. But I also engage in a lot of social activity like different clubs and organizations. I’m proud to be president of the Merry Makers, as we sing and entertain at convalescent hospitals. This product gives me the foundation of strength to keep going and engage in all these quality of life activities. I’m amazed by the product and what the good Lord has done in my life. I’m healthier than I’ve been in years. I want to thank Dr. Wolfe for his work and TriVita for bringing a gift to this world. Lorri isn’t ready to slow down anytime soon. Concerning her physical goals, she says, “I want to maintain a healthy weight, live to 95 years and line dance until I’m 95! But I have a lot of other primary or spiritual goals. It all ties in together because if I’m happy, joyous and out there, then I’m able to bring light to others, to be a light to others in this world. As a Christian, that is my primary goal. I truly believe I will reach my goals!” “I’ve had health issues in the past, but that all has been overcome, and I know that with faith, positive thinking and the use of the wonderful products that God gives us that we can reach our goals. So keep believing in miracles!”

By Tammy Pon, M.D. When I reflect upon TriVita’s Essentials for Health and Wellness, the word “homeostasis” comes to mind. The goal of the Essentials is to help people “experience wellness,” which goes beyond supporting our biochemistry with nutrients and exercise.It includes emotional and spiritual health, all wrapped up together to help us stay in balance. So what does this have to do with homeostasis? A medical dictionary defines homeostasis as “a relative constancy in the internal environment of the body, naturally maintained by adaptive responses that promote healthy survival.” Many times people think this internal regulation of the body is something that is on auto-pilot and they don’t give it a second thought. For example, the body’s thermostat is set at 98.6°F (37° C) and has various mechanisms to maintain that internal temperature. These mechanisms are at work whether we are sweating bullets pulling weeds in our garden in the middle of a hot summer day, shivering trying to keep warm or trudging through a snowstorm on our way to work on a blustery winter day.

Homeostasis in action: putting on a coat

“Adaptive responses” can be automatic, like the example of the body self-regulating its temperature, but adaptive responses can also be supported—we can intentionally do something to help promote our own healthy survival. To stay with our temperature example, we can put on a coat before stepping out into frigid air to help our body maintain 98.6°. In a similar way, we can do something about what we ingest to help our body stay in balance: Essential #4, Eat Nutritiously. I’m not talking about just eating healthy foods, which is of course vital to wellness balance, but something more. Consider adaptogenic herbs, which have been used for centuries by Asian cultures to improve a person’s ability to cope with stress. In times of increased stress, these herbs normalize the physiological process of the body and help the body adapt to changes and move back toward homeostasis.

What people don’t realize is that homeostasis involves the body’s ability to adjust not only to changing conditions of the environment, but also to respond to psychological and social stressors.

We are not born with the inherent ability to know how to handle a demanding boss or strong peer pressure. These psychological and social stressors throw our bodies out of equilibrium. Our heart rate goes up. We begin to sweat. Our breathing becomes shallow. Our sleep is fitful. We crave comfort foods. Panic attacks occur. But we don’t have to be helpless victims.

True wellness, defined

Research shows we can help our bodies handle psychological and social stressors in very simple ways. An example would be practicing TriVita’s 10 Essentials for Health and Wellness. For instance, a 2014 study looking at 131 adults found that practicing Essential #7 (“Be Forgiving”) may help the heart by lowering blood pressure and improving heart function. Look at something more extreme: an organ transplant. Even in this situation, you can see more of the 10 Essentials at work: Essential #8 (“Practice Gratitude”) and Essential #9 (“Develop Acceptance”). When the body accepts the transplanted organ, the organ recipient is certainly grateful. An Australian study determined that organ transplant recipients had better outcomes when they saw themselves worthy of the organ gift and felt gratitude, wanting to “pay it forward.” Homeostasis may sound like a daunting medical word, but it really comes down to living in wellness balance. True wellness is striving for homeostasis in all areas of our lives. This article is intended for educational purposes only.

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References: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/#ref1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25195798 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25192762 Hamren K, Chungkham HS, Hyde M. Religion, spirituality, social support and quality of life: measurement and predictors CASP-12(v2) amongst older Ethiopians living in Addis Ababa. Aging Ment Health. Aug 30, 2014: 1-12. http://www.scielo.org.co/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0120-53072014000200015&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en