Category Archives: Health is Wealth

Gratitude is Powerful

Posted on by

Gratitude is a powerful emotion and mindset that can have a profound impact on your life.

When you feel grateful, you are acknowledging all the good and blessings in your life. You’re acknowledging all the peace and abundance that surrounds you.

Gratitude opens your heart and mind to receive even more good.

Gratitude is also a mindset and attitude of optimism and positive thinking.

When you are grateful for what you have, you are also showing your unwavering belief and confidence in yourself and your abilities. You are telling yourself that you are worthy of good things  You are telling yourself that you are worthy of peace, happiness and abundance.

Practicing gratitude is one of the best ways to improve your health and increase your overall sense of well-being. It can help you attract more positive experiences and circumstances into your life. It can help you feel happier and more fulfilled with life.

Cayenne Pepper Health Benefits

Posted on by

Cayenne pepper offers several health benefits for men, thanks to its active ingredient, capsaicin.

Capsaicin is the active component in chili peppers that gives them their characteristic heat. It has a variety of health benefits and uses that include:

  • Pain Relief: Capsaicin is commonly used in topical creams and patches to relieve pain from conditions like arthritis, muscle pain, and nerve pain.
  • Weight Loss: It can boost metabolism and help reduce appetite, which may aid in weight management.
  • Heart Health: Capsaicin has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and improving blood flow.
  • Digestive Health: It stimulates the digestive tract, increasing the production of digestive enzymes and gastric juices.

Here are some key Cayenne Pepper benefits:

  1. Improves Blood Circulation: Capsaicin helps dilate blood vessels, promoting better blood flow throughout the body, which is essential for overall cardiovascular health.
  2. Boosts Metabolism: It can increase metabolic rate, aiding in weight management and energy levels.
  3. Reduces Pain and Inflammation: Cayenne pepper has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate pain from conditions like arthritis.
  4. Supports Digestive Health: It stimulates the digestive tract, increasing the flow of enzyme production and gastric juices, which aids in digestion.
  5. Enhances Immune Function: Rich in vitamins A and C, cayenne pepper can help strengthen the immune system.
  6. Potential Sexual Health Benefits: Improved blood circulation can also benefit sexual health by promoting healthy blood flow, which is crucial for erectile function.

Incorporating cayenne pepper into your diet can be as simple as adding a pinch to your meals or making a spicy tea. Have you tried using cayenne pepper in your cooking before?

 

 

 

Moringa Benefits and Risks

Posted on by

Moringa, often referred to as the “miracle tree,” offers a wide range of health benefits due to its rich nutritional profile and medicinal properties. Here are some of the key benefits:

Moringa leaves and seeds are rich in glucosinolates, which are linked to the plant’s beneficial effects on prostate health in rodents and which may have anticancer properties.

Test-tube studies have demonstrated that the glucosinolates from the plant’s seeds may inhibit the growth of human prostate cancer cells

It’s also believed that moringa could help prevent benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). This condition typically becomes more common as men age and is characterized by enlargement of the prostate, which can make urination difficult .

In one study, mice received moringa leaf extract before being administered testosterone daily for 4 weeks to induce BPH. The extract was found to significantly reduce prostate weight .

What’s more, the extract also reduced levels of prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate gland. High levels of this antigen may be a sign of prostate cancer

Lastly, the study also demonstrated that the plant decreased testosterone levels in the treated mice. In humans, low testosterone levels can reduce sex drive and erectile function, lead to a loss of lean muscle mass, and cause depression.

Researchers have yet to determine whether these same benefits occur in humans.

Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/moringa-benefits-for-men#1.-May-promote-prostate-health

Health is Wealth

Posted on by

Your physical and mental health are investable assets, not a costly liability!

The adage “health is wealth” is a paraphrase of the Roman poet Virgil’s famous comment that “the greatest wealth is health.” The adage presents the idea that your physical and mental well-being are arguably your most valuable asset.

At its core, “health is wealth” means that your physical and mental well-being are far more intrinsically important than financial wealth in the realm of life satisfaction.

It’s saying, “Yes, money is great. It can solve many problems and lead to a fantastic quality of life. But in the absence of good health, money and financial assets mean very little.”

In other words, don’t pursue wealth to the detriment of your health and well-being! After all, you can’t enjoy the financial fruits of your labor if you’re in constant pain, unable to move, struggling to breathe, going to the hospital every few months, or worrying about your health…or dead.

Only if you’re well and feel well can you take full advantage of your wealth. Moreover , staying healthy is also crucial to reaching your full financial personal and professional potential.

It’s hard to be happy when you’re unwell! Thus, chasing wealth at the expense of well-being can often backfire – especially when you realize happiness also tends to make people wealthier.

“Health is wealth” is a proverb and truism that most of us could benefit from being reminded of every now and again.

After all, it’s too easy to fall into the trap of pursuing money at all costs – forgetting that, without our physical and mental health, life really isn’t that pleasant! Furthermore, by prioritizing your health, you stand to accrue even more money in the long run (and to actually be able to enjoy it without pain, discomfort, or a lack of energy getting in the way).

Health Is Wealth: What It Means and Why It’s True

References:

  1. Danny Newman, Health Is Wealth: What It Means and Why It’s True, Wealth Tender,
    https://wealthtender.com/insights/health-is-wealth/

Gratitude Makes You Wealthy

Posted on by

“Learn to be thankful for what you already have, while you pursue all that you want.” —Jim Rohn

Gratitude makes you feel good and there are concrete benefits to being grateful that translate into real-world prosperity and well-being. And, habits that cultivate gratitude benefit everyone.

Pam Grout, author of Thank and Grow Rich: A 30-Day Experiment in Shameless Gratitude and Unabashed Joy says that “Gratitude is causative energy. It plants seeds that grow into unlimited abundance.” She points out that being thankful can increase many different kinds of capital: financial, spiritual, social, creative, even adventure capital!

Gratitude opens the door for good results in every area of life. Not only can gratitude can increase your financial wealth, it increases your well-being spiritually, mentally, socially, and physically. This equates to wealth and makes for a truly rich life!

Successful business owner May McCarthy describes in her book, The Path to Wealth, how her own gratitude practice has led to increased spiritual connection, prosperity, and a well-honed intuition.

A growing body of research suggests that maintaining an attitude of gratitude can improve psychological, emotional and physical well-being.

Adults who frequently feel grateful have more energy, more optimism, more social connections and more happiness than those who do not, according to studies conducted over the past decade, writes Melinda Beck in the Wall Street Journal.

Research over the last several years has shown overwhelming benefits. The Wall Street Journal reports that an attitude of gratitude can help people experience more energy, greater optimism, more social connections, and more happiness.

In Berkeley’s Greater Good Magazine, gratitude researcher Robert Emmons says that those who practice gratitude consistently:

  • are more helpful, generous and compassionate
  • are more forgiving of others
  • experience greater joy and pleasure
  • are more outgoing and less likely to feel lonely or isolated
  • have stronger immune systems
  • experience fewer aches and pains
  • report lower blood pressure and
  • sleep more soundly.

References:

Thank and Grow Rich: 7 Ways Gratitude Makes You Wealthy

 

  1. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704243904575630541486290052

John D. Rockfeller and The Rockfeller Foundation

Posted on by

John D. Rockefeller was the richest person in American history, with an estimated net worth of $340 billion in today’s dollars.

John D. Rockfeller (July 8, 1839–May 23, 1937), the founder of Standard Oil, was once the richest man in the world. He was the world’s first billionaire.

“He amassed a net worth of at least $1 billion in 1916. When Rockefeller died in 1937, his net worth was estimated to be approximately $340 billion in today’s dollars.”

By the age of 25, he had one of the largest oil refineries in the United States. He was 31 when he became the world’s largest oil refiner. At 38, he controlled 90% of the oil refined in the United States. At fifty, John was America’s richest man. As a young man, every action, attitude, and connection was crafted to establish his wealth.

But at the age of 53, he fell unwell. His entire body became wracked with pain, and he lost all his hair. In total anguish, the world’s lone millionaire could buy anything he wanted but could only eat soup and crackers.

According to an associate, “He couldn’t sleep, wouldn’t smile, and nothing in life meant anything to him”. His personal, highly trained physicians indicated that he would die within the year. That year passed painfully slowly. As he approached death, he awoke one morning with the faint understanding that he would not be able to bring any of his fortune with him to the next world.

The man who could dominate the commercial world suddenly realised he had no control over his personal life. He informed his solicitors, accountants, and management that he intended to devote his assets to hospitals, research, and charity work. John D. Rockefeller started his foundation.

The Rockefeller Foundation financed Howard Florey and his colleague Norman Heatley’s penicillin research in 1941. But arguably the most astounding aspect of Rockefeller’s narrative is that when he began to give back a fraction of all he had gained, his body’s chemistry changed dramatically, and he recovered.

He was expected to die at the age of 53, but he survived to reach 98 years old. Rockefeller learnt gratitude and returned the great bulk of his money. This made him whole. It’s one thing to be healed. It is another to become fit. He was a devout Baptist who attended the Euclid Avenue Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio.

Before he died, he wrote in his diary: “God taught me that everything belongs to Him, and I am merely a conduit to carry out His will. My life has been one long, happy holiday since then; full of work and play, I let go of my worries along the road, and God was wonderful to me every day.

“Who is the poorest man in the world? I tell you, the poorest man I know of is the man who has nothing but money.” ~ John D Rockefeller

10 tips to increase your fluid intake

Posted on by

July 10, 2024
Kathryn Szklany
Registered Dietitian, Syracuse VA

Summer has arrived, and that means hot days and more time outside. As we spend more time outside, it’s easy to forget about keeping your body hydrated. Hydration is important for controlling body temperature, supporting brain health and can even help with reducing joint pain.

Adults 60 years and older are at increased risk for dehydrationrelated to a drop in thirst levels and lower muscle mass. Fluid needs vary from person to person based on many different factors. Generally, healthy women need about 9 cups of water per day and healthy men need about 13 cups per day.

An easy way to tell if you are getting enough water is by checking the color of your urine. If you are drinking enough water, your urine will be a pale-yellow color (like lemonade). Anything darker means you should increase your fluid intake. Dehydration is the lack of water in the body and even mild dehydration can decrease your energy levels and make you feel tired.

If you don’t enjoy drinking water, then milk, juice, sports drinks, herbal teas and coffee can all contribute to your total water intake. It’s important to remember that some of these beverages do contain added sugars.

10 tips to increase your fluid intake:

  1. Carry a refillable water bottle.
  2. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty, drink water throughout the day.
  3. Drink water when you first wake up.
  4. Drink water at all your meals.
  5. Eat foods that are high in water content, such as juicy fruits and vegetables (Grapes, melon, cucumbers, lettuce, celery, pineapples).
  6. If you struggle to drink water, alternate your drinks. If you drink juice or soda, challenge yourself to have a cup of water as your next beverage.
  7. Add fruit to your water to jazz it up. Slices of lemon or oranges can be a fun way to add a little flavor to your water.
  8. Dilute juice with water or use club soda.
  9. Set a timer on your phone or watch to remind yourself to hydrate throughout the day.
  10. Set a goal on how much fluid you’re going to drink in the day.

To learn more about hydration or another nutrition-related topic, contact your local VA to speak with a registered dietitian.

References:

  1. https://news.va.gov/132742/summer-is-here-stay-hydrated/

The Greatest Wealth is Health

Posted on by

“The greatest wealth is health.”

Your physical and mental well-being are arguably the most valuable assets of all.

What Does “Health Is Wealth” Mean?

At its core, “health is wealth” means that your physical and mental well-being is far more important than wealth in the realm of life satisfaction and happiness.

It’s saying, “Yes, money is a great tool. It can solve many basic problems and lead to a fantastic quality of life. But in the absence of good health, it means very little.”

In other words, don’t pursue wealth to the detriment of well-being!

After all, you can’t enjoy the financial fruits of your labor if you’re in constant pain, unable to move, struggling to breathe, going to the hospital every few months, or worrying about your health…or dead.

Only if you’re well can you take full advantage of your wealth. What’s more, staying healthy is also crucial to reaching your full financial potential.

The Financial Importance of Physical and Mental Health

“Health is wealth” reminds us that these two vital components of a happy life are interconnected. Indeed, numerous studies have shown that higher socioeconomic status usually leads to improved health prospects. But the opposite is also true. If your health suffers, then so do your finances. Here’s how:

Being Sick Is Expensive – It doesn’t matter whether you’re suffering from a broken leg or a bad bout of depression. Being sick has costs attached.

For example, you might not be able to work, and you only have so many paid sick days to take (unless you’re self-employed, in which case you might not have any). You may even have to quit your job. Either way, your income suffers, which can lead to a host of additional money problems. You might be unable to save, for instance, and/or forced to take on high-interest debt to cover your outgoings.

Mental illness has close links with financial difficulties, as well. You may have no energy or feel too anxious to work. Or perhaps you enter a manic episode and start making unwise purchases. Whatever the case, debt can follow. Indeed, National Debtline reports that 50% of adults with debt also have mental health problems.

Oh, and what if you die from a preventable illness? All those years of stress and hard work to ascend the corporate ladder, earn a high salary and squirrel away a sizable retirement nest egg could be for nothing.

Being Healthy Is Lucrative – Put yourself in an employer’s shoes. At a job interview, one candidate is smiling, full of energy, and has a CV full of relevant experience. A second candidate seems pale, lethargic, and weary. And the third didn’t come because they had the flu.

You’d hire #1, right? It’d be the same if you were choosing someone to get a raise or promotion. And that’s just one example of how being fit and healthy can benefit someone financially. You need energy to work hard, be proactive, contribute to a team, and show up how you need to – qualities often rewarded with higher pay.

And let’s not forget that being healthy almost always means you live longer. As a result, you can (among other things):

  • Earn a salary for longer before retiring
  • Reap the benefits of employment for longer
  • Have more opportunities to climb the career ladder
  • Have longer for the value of your investments to compound

Source:  https://wealthtender.com/insights/health-is-wealth/

Be Healthier and Live Longer by Eating Less

Posted on by

Researchers at the Longevity Institute of the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California have been able to predict the significant risk reduction and life-extending power of periodically mimicking a fasting diet.

According to their study, published in the scientific journal Nature, the potential health benefits gained from moderate, intermittent near-fasting are quite impressive. By periodically following a fast-mimicking diet, they say, it’s possible to delay the biological or physical aging process and have an extended disease-free period of life.

The fast-mimicking diet is a five-day (per month), plant-based diet low in calories and protein, followed by a normal diet supporting new or more functional cell growth. The fast-mimicking diet for study participants included vegetable-based soups, energy bars and drinks, chip snacks, tea, and a high-level vitamin, mineral, and essential fatty acid supplement.

Study participants included 100 men and women ages 18 to 70 and excluded anyone with major physical health conditions or mental illness.

The researchers found that just three monthly cycles of the fast-mimicking diet reduced biological aging by an average of two and a half years. Study participants also experienced weight loss, total body fat loss, reduced abdominal and liver fat, lower blood pressure, reduced triglycerides and cholesterol, lower fasting glucose levels, and reduced insulin resistance, especially in those with higher rates of these risk factors at the beginning of the study.

While ongoing calorie restriction alone can help reduce weight and control disease risk factors, it’s well-documented how difficult it is for most people to maintain a low- to very low-calorie diet for any significant time. For many, a periodic fast-mimicking plan may provide the same, if not more, risk-reducing benefits while less burdening the individual.

References:

  1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/cravings/202403/be-healthier-and-live-longer-by-occasionally-eating-less

Humana TRICARE and Medicare

Posted on by

Tricare for Life coverage will be effective when your Medicare is effective. Medicare Part A is free for eligible beneficiaries, but there will be a premium for Medicare Part B. The premium amount varies yearly and may be based on your income.

Humana TRICARE and Medicare are two programs that play crucial roles in providing health coverage to different groups of individuals. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. TRICARE and Medicare Interaction:
    • TRICARE is the health care program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. It provides comprehensive coverage for medical services, prescriptions, and more.
    • Medicare, on the other hand, is a federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific medical conditions.
  2. Becoming Medicare-Eligible:
    • At Age 65:
      • If you’re age 65 and entitled to Medicare, you are automatically covered by TRICARE For Life (TFL). TFL acts as a wraparound coverage, paying your out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare for TRICARE-covered services.
      • You are not eligible to enroll in other TRICARE health plans.
    • Under Age 65:
      • If you’re under age 65 and Medicare-eligible, you have options:
        • Enroll in a TRICARE Prime option or use TRICARE For Life.
        • TRICARE-eligible family members under 65 can also enroll in different TRICARE health plans.
        • Request enrollment changes within 90 days of the Medicare-eligible family member’s Medicare effective date.
  3. Medicare Basics:
    • Original Medicare (Parts A and B):
      • Part A: Hospital insurance (financed by payroll deductions during working years).
      • Part B: Medical insurance (primarily covers outpatient services; you pay a premium based on income).
    • Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap):
      • Optional coverage that pays out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare.
    • Medicare Advantage (Part C):
      • Offered by private companies, it provides all Part A and Part B services, often with Part D pharmacy coverage.
    • TRICARE For Life:
      • Coordinates with Medicare, eliminating the need for you to file claims.
  4. Important Considerations:
    • Medicare Part B Requirement:
      • To maintain TRICARE coverage, you must have Medicare Part B, even if you live overseas.
      • Failure to have Part B may result in losing TRICARE coverage.
      • Sign up for Part B during your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period.
    • Veterans and Medicare Advantage Plans:
      • Humana Medicare Advantage (MA) plans complement VA coverage.
      • They offer additional benefits, affordable costs, and options for care closer to home.

Medicare Part B

For 2024, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $174.70, which is an increase of $9.80 from the 2023 premium of $164.901. Additionally, the annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $240 in 2024, up from $226 in 20231.

If your income is above a certain threshold, you may be subject to an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), which is an additional charge on top of the standard monthly premium. The IRMAA affects individuals with an income of more than $103,000, or couples filing jointly with an income above $206,0002. The exact amount of the IRMAA depends on your income level.

Please note that these figures are based on the information available as of now and could be subject to change. It’s always a good idea to check the latest details from the official Medicare website or contact Medicare directly for the most current information.

Understanding the intricacies of TRICARE and Medicare is essential!