Author Archives: Tom Leonard

15 Best Rated Tree Climbing Gear Items Available In the Market

Source: http://thesmartlad.com/tree-climbing-equipment/

Tree climbing has recently become a trend and people of all ages, but youth in particular, has started to show great interest in it. Whether you are a hunter or a tree chopper, and climbing tree is a part of your profession or you are just passionate about climbing, one thing you cannot simply skip on and takes up the most time is selecting the suitable tree climbing equipment for it.

Though even the thought of tree climbing can send chills down your spine and rush your blood, because it is an extreme fun activity that can also play a vital part in keeping you physically fit and maintained, the dangers and challenges that you might face can not be neglected and overlooked as well.

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How do you create your personal health strategy?

Facebook Live Broadcasts

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

I do regular videos around this time of day – 8 am in California

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Talk about healthy living

2017 is a new year

I am absolutely going to achieve 3 things:

  • A healthier life – including losing weight (sound familiar this time of year?) Incredibly important. And never too late to start!
  • Master my time – to get the most out of what I am given
  • Meet my business goals – right up on the wall here to remind me

20 questions for the topics for these broadcasts. Check out the link to the personalized health assessment if you want to see all of the questions – and get your own results. See how you measure up going into 2017!

How do you create your personal health strategy?

Did you know that the ACA (Affordable Care Act) created The National Prevention Council? The heads of 17 Federal agencies and chaired by the Surgeon General. The goal of the Council is to promote prevention and lifestyle changes as a way to help reduce chronic disease and the cost associated with chronic disease.

Why did they do this? Easy. We need it. Prevention is so much better than the cure.

50 percent of adults have at least one chronic condition, and 7 out of 10 deaths each year are caused by these largely preventable conditions.

Now what can you include in your own personal health strategy?

GET PREVENTIVE SCREENINGS. Visit a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings. Important screenings for men and women are often included in an annual physical exam. And remember that genetics plays a role in health. Discuss your family history with your physicians.

STAY ACTIVE. Along with reduced calorie intake, regular activity is one of the most effective strategies for maintaining a healthy weight. Exercise also helps with mood, and can help reduce your risk of cognitive decline. Try walking, running, biking, or swimming; even golf or tennis is a great way to get your daily exercise.

Aim for being active at least 30 minutes every day during the week and at least an hour on the weekend.

EAT HEALTHY. Eating healthy isn’t really that difficult—and the health payoff is incredible. To reduce your risk of diet-related health issues:

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, eat whole grains, choose lean proteins, cook primarily with monounsaturated fats, limit saturated and trans-fats, cholesterol, sodium, and excess sugars

GET ENOUGH SLEEP AND MANAGE STRESS. Try to get a good night’s rest every night. Adequate sleep (7–8 hours per night) makes you more productive and energetic. Recognize the signs of stress and take action when you notice them. Focus on controlling what you can, and let the rest of it go.

Meditation is a great stress reduction technique!

SUPPLEMENT WISELY. Since it’s impossible to eat perfectly every day and our produce is less nutritious than it used to be, it is prudent to take a basic array of supplements starting with a multivitamin, additional omega-3s and added Vitamin D.

AVOID UNHEALTHY BEHAVIORS. Smoking, texting while driving, and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet are all unsafe habits and not part of a healthy and safe life.

The key to preventing chronic conditions is becoming an active participant in your own health. Your lifestyle choices offer you the best chance you have to take control of your current and future health.

Conclusion:

I hope this made some sense for you

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Check out the health assessment to see how you are doing!

See you next time.

What are the 6 building blocks to a healthy diet?

Facebook Live Broadcasts

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

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I do regular videos around this time of day – 8 am in California

  • Gets me up and moving for the day

Please Like/share/comment – helps build the audience

  • I like the interaction – otherwise it could be a YouTube video, right?

Talk about healthy living

2017 is a new year

I am absolutely going to achieve 3 things:

  • A healthier life – including losing weight (sound familiar this time of year?) Incredibly important. And never too late to start!
  • Master my time – to get the most out of what I am given
  • Meet my business goals – right up on the wall here to remind me

20 questions for the topics for these broadcasts. Check out the link to the personalized health assessment if you want to see all of the questions – and get your own results. See how you measure up going into 2017!

What are the 6 building blocks to a healthy diet?

Not surprisingly, diet is the most important foundation upon which to build your “healthy house.” But just what is a healthy diet? That question has been around for many years.

There is, however, good nutritional advice that everyone can follow.

We can sometimes go too high on calories and not enough on nutritional value.

Here’s where to focus:

  • Fruits and Vegetables: Most of us do not eat enough. They contain many of the nutrients (such as antioxidants) we need to combat aging and chronic diseases.Try to include colorful and, organic, and seasonal fruits and vegetables at every meal (including breakfast).
  • Whole Grains: Non-white grains (you know, oatmeal, whole wheat, brown rice). They provide not only fiber, but much-needed nutrients (including B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and selenium).And many whole grain choices are non-GMO. If organically grown, are less likely to have pesticides than conventionally grown grains, so choose organic when possible.
  • Dairy: Adults need about 1000 mg of calcium per day. Older individuals should increase that total to at least 1200 mg per day.It takes 4 servings of dairy products, such as milk or yogurt, to reach 1200 mg of calcium per day.
  • Protein: This should include all three meals. Plant proteins are good too: such as beans, lentils and other legumes, and soy foods such as tofu. Choose lean protein options including fish, skinless poultry, lean red meats, eggs, and nuts.
  • Fats: Wait? Fats are good? Of course. In moderation. But use monounsaturated fats such as olive oil. Not saturated and trans fats.Most people’s diets are lacking in the omega-3 fatty acids ALA, EPA and DHA. You can include flaxseed oil, avocado, chia seeds, and walnuts in your diet. Eat fish 2-3 times a week and/or supplement with fish oil when you are not eating enough fish or if you are concerned about contaminants in fish.
  • Avoid processed foods and any food that is high in sugar, salt, and fat. Drink alcohol in moderation.

Our health and well-being requires the integration of nutrition, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices throughout our lives. Build healthy habits one day at a time.

Conclusion:

I hope this made some sense for you

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Check out the health assessment to see how you are doing!

See you next time.

How would you describe your weekly exercise? – Facebook Live Video

Facebook Live Broadcasts

Monday, January 16, 2017

Thanks for joining

I do regular videos around this time of day – 8 am in California

  • Gets me up and moving for the day

Please Like/share/comment – helps build the audience

  • I like the interaction – otherwise it could be a YouTube video, right?

Talk about healthy living

2017 is a new year

I am absolutely going to achieve 3 things:

  • A healthier life – including losing weight (sound familiar this time of year?) Incredibly important. And never too late to start!
  • Master my time – to get the most out of what I am given
  • Meet my business goals – right up on the wall here to remind me

20 questions for the topics for these broadcasts. Check out the link to the personalized health assessment if you want to see all of the questions – and get your own results. See how you measure up going into 2017!

But today I am going to be talking about something a little different:

How would you describe your weekly exercise?

  • Light (walking, some stretching, etc.)
  • Mostly cardio (jogging, elliptical machine, etc.)
  • Moderate balance of cardio and weight training
  • Intense (interval training, weight lifting, training for marathons, etc.)


There is no right answer!

Your exercise routine depends on:

  1. Your age.Don’t go off the deep end. If you haven’t been doing much exercise, then don’t jump right into marathon training. At least right away. Your body needs to adjust to new things.

    If you are younger you can probably being doing more strenuous exercise. And that is a good thing. As we age our bodies tend to not heal themselves as quickly. So be careful.

  2. Your current physical condition.If you have been spending more time on the coach than in the gym it is going to take more time to get in shape.

    Start slowly and consistently. Build up to where you want to be.

  3. Your goals.What do you want to accomplish with your exercise program? Get fit? Bulk up? Lose Weight? Reduce stress?

    Your exercise program needs to be tailored to fit your goals. The best way to do this is to talk to a professional. A fitness trainer. You can find them at your gym. Or online.

Break it up – have some variety. Don’t continually do the exact same routine. Walk different routes. Use different equipment at the gym. Go for cardio then weights.

Push yourself – test your limits. Now don’t overdo it. But don’t be afraid to push yourself. Of course you need to consult your doctor for this part. You will get results. And feed a sense of accomplishment.

Listen to your body. It will tell you when it is too much. It will also tell you when it is not enough. Become an expert on reading your own body.

Don’t be afraid to take a break. Consistency is important to get results. But sometimes you need to take a break. Don’t take too long of a break. But in the long run it can be the best thing to maximize your overall progress.

Ask your doctor before jumping in.

Conclusion:

I hope this made some sense for you

Like/Share/Comment

Check out the health assessment to see how you are doing!

See you next time.

5 Things You Can Start Doing Today To Become Healthier In This Uncertain World – Facebook Live Video

Facebook Live Broadcasts

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Introduction:

Thanks for joining

I do regular videos around this time of day – 8 am in California

  • Gets me up and moving for the day

Please Like/share/comment – helps build the audience

  • I like the interaction – otherwise it could be a YouTube video, right?

Talk about healthy living

2017 is a new year

I am absolutely going to achieve 3 things:

  • A healthier life – including losing weight (sound familiar this time of year?) Incredibly important. And never too late to start!
  • Master my time – to get the most out of what I am given
  • Meet my business goals – right up on the wall here to remind me

20 questions for the topics for these broadcasts. Check out the link to the personalized health assessment if you want to see all of the questions – and get your own results. See how you measure up going into 2017!

But today I am going to be talking about something a little different:

What are the 5 things you can start doing today to become healthier in this uncertain world?

  • Lose weight
  • Eat right
  • Go to bed
  • Exercise
  • Reduce stress
  • All of the above

Health Assessment Tool: http://bit.ly/2hah2vc

If you are paying attention to the news and what is happening in our country – and you should – there are daily stories about what is happening to our healthcare system in the United States.

Some are serious discussions. Others are even fake news (the keyword of our society today). But no matter what happens it will impact us all. In one way or another.

This is not a political discussion. This is a quality of life discussion. The only thing certain is uncertainty. And that adds to all of our stress.

No matter where things end up – and no one knows where that will be – there are things that each of us can do to minimize the impact of these changes in the long run.

The good news here is that we can take charge of our lives right now – today – and it will impact our health. The health of our families. Our friends. Our community. And our country.

But it starts with each of us making a decision to take charge of our lives. No one else can do it.

All of the things mentioned above – losing weight, eating right, going to bed on time, exercising, and reducing stress – are not easy things to tackle. Otherwise we would already be doing it right?

I won’t go into each of these topics here. I have covered or will cover them in more detail. I wanted to give you a push, a nudge, to get started. Today

The best and most lasting impact will come from making small incremental changes each day. Being consistent. And not falling out when we have a lapse or two. It is going to happen. I know from experience.

But one of the best pieces of advice I heard is that when doing something constructive – like losing weight – is to focus on the long term. Change your habits gradually. And if you “accidentally” drive through Krispy-Kreme don’t beat yourself up. Just get back on track. Sort of like a GPS system for your life.

Take control of your health. It is too important to let others decide.

Conclusion:

I hope this made some sense for you

Like/Share/Comment

Check out the health assessment to see how you are doing!

See you next time.

What Do You Eat For Breakfast? Facebook Live Video

Facebook Live Broadcasts

Monday, January 9, 2017

Introduction:

Thanks for joining

I do regular videos around this time of day – 8 am in California

  • Gets me up and moving for the day

Please Like/share/comment – helps build the audience

  • I like the interaction – otherwise it could be a YouTube video, right?

Talk about healthy living

2017 is a new year

I am absolutely going to achieve 3 things:

  • A healthier life – including losing weight (sound familiar this time of year?) Incredibly important. And never too late to start!
  • Master my time – to get the most out of what I am given
  • Meet my business goals – right up on the wall here to remind me

20 questions for the topics for these broadcasts. Check out the link to the personalized health assessment if you want to see all of the questions – and get your own results. See how you measure up going into 2017!

Today’s question is:

What do you typically eat for breakfast?

  • I rarely eat breakfast
  • I tend to eat things like toast, bagels, muffins, cereal, and oatmeal
  • I like a classic American breakfast (bacon, eggs, hash browns, etc.)
  • I opt for lighter options like yogurt and fruit
  • I get a mix of protein, fruit, and/or veggies from shakes and smoothies, or look for other sources of lean protein like eggs or egg-whites


Now is a good time to start making a healthy breakfast a part of your daily routine.

Improving your diet isn’t just about what you don’t eat but also what you do eat. Breakfast is a very important meal of the day, and missing it can lead to obesity and other chronic conditions.

With so many choices it can be hard to know what’s the best when it comes to breakfast. Research confirms that the healthiest breakfast is composed of a good source of protein along with a good source of micronutrients to power your day.

A protein-rich breakfast helps keep blood sugar steady through the morning, which may improve cognitive performance, support weight management, boost your energy until lunchtime, help children with their attentiveness in school, and lead to better health.

Examples of a healthy breakfast include non-fat yogurt topped with organic berries or a shake made with protein powder mixed with fruits/vegetables.

Conclusion:

I hope this made some sense for you

Like/Share/Comment

Check out the health assessment to see how you are doing!

See you next time.

How many times per week do you eat omega-3-rich fish? Facebook Live Video

Facebook Live Broadcasts

Friday, January 6, 2017

Introduction:

Thanks for joining

I do regular videos around this time of day – 8 am in California

  • Gets me up and moving for the day

Please Like/share/comment – helps build the audience

  • I like the interaction – otherwise it could be a YouTube video, right?

Talk about healthy living

2017 is a new year

I am absolutely going to achieve 3 things:

  • A healthier life – including losing weight (sound familiar this time of year?) Incredibly important. And never too late to start!
  • Master my time – to get the most out of what I am given
  • Meet my business goals – right up on the wall here to remind me

20 questions for the topics for these broadcasts. Check out the link to the personalized health assessment if you want to see all of the questions – and get your own results. See how you measure up going into 2017!

Today’s question is:

How many times per week do you eat omega-3-rich fish, such as salmon?

  • None
  • Rarely
  • About once a week
  • Two times or more per week

 

Fish can be an important part of a healthy diet.

Fish is a good source of protein and certain fish like salmon and anchovies are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. When selecting fish, be sure to choose low-mercury fish such as salmon, anchovies, sardines, and pollock, preferably wild-caught. Unfortunately, “wild-caught” fish sold in the United States is often actually farm-raised, and when it truly is wild-caught, it may have originated from an endangered fishery.

And always avoid large ocean fish such as sea bass, swordfish, and albacore tuna as they may contain high levels of mercury. A great way to achieve optimal levels of omega-3 intake is to consume a purified fish oil supplement. Note that omega-3 from plant sources such as avocado and flax seed is in the form of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), while fish oil provides mostly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). All three of these omega-3 fatty acids are useful but play different roles.

Omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil add an important nutritional component to your diet. Some of the benefits of getting omega-3 fatty acids in your diet include reduced risk of heart disease, healthier mood, and better cognitive function in the offspring of women who consume omega-3 during pregnancy, and healthy brain, eyes, joints, and skin.

The American Heart Association recommends eating omega-3-rich fish at least twice a week to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. The body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids so they must be obtained from diet or supplements.

Conclusion:

I hope this made some sense for you

Like/Share/Comment

Check out the health assessment to see how you are doing!

See you next time.

How many times per week do you eat dairy? Facebook Live Video

Facebook Live Broadcasts

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Introduction:

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I do regular videos around this time of day – 8 am in California

  • Gets me up and moving for the day

Please Like/share/comment – helps build the audience

  • I like the interaction – otherwise it could be a YouTube video, right?

Talk about healthy living

2017 is a new year

I am absolutely going to achieve 3 things:

  • A healthier life – including losing weight (sound familiar this time of year?) Incredibly important. And never too late to start!
  • Master my time – to get the most out of what I am given
  • Meet my business goals – right up on the wall here to remind me

20 questions for the topics for these broadcasts. Check out the link to the personalized health assessment if you want to see all of the questions – and get your own results. See how you measure up going into 2017!

Today’s question is:

How many times per week do you eat dairy?

  • Less than 7 times
  • 7–13 times
  • 14–20 times
  • More than 20 times

In order to satisfy nutrient needs, you need three servings of dairy, dairy alternatives, or targeted supplements every day.

Dairy foods can be a good source of calcium, vitamin D (if fortified), protein, and other essential nutrients, including phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and B12.

These all contribute to helping you maintain bone mass and retain normal blood pressure.

We suggest hormone- and antibiotic-free dairy foods.

Prefer to avoid dairy? No problem, good alternatives include fortified soy or hemp milk and fortified protein powders.

Fortified almond milk is also an option if your protein needs are being otherwise addressed.

Certain supplements can also provide the micronutrients found in dairy with far fewer calories and no cholesterol or animal protein.

Conclusion:

I hope this made some sense for you

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Check out the health assessment to see how you are doing!

See you next time.

How many times per week do you eat unhealthy snacks or fast food? Facebook Live Video

Facebook Live Broadcasts

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Introduction:

Thanks for joining

I do regular videos around this time of day – 8 am in California

  • Gets me up and moving for the day

Please Like/share/comment – helps build the audience

  • I like the interaction – otherwise it could be a YouTube video, right?

Talk about healthy living

2017 is a new year

I am absolutely going to achieve 3 things:

  • A healthier life – including losing weight (sound familiar this time of year?) Incredibly important. And never too late to start!
  • Master my time – to get the most out of what I am given
  • Meet my business goals – right up on the wall here to remind me

20 questions for the topics for these broadcasts. Check out the link to the personalized health assessment if you want to see all of the questions – and get your own results. See how you measure up going into 2017!

Today’s question is:

How many times per week do you eat unhealthy snacks or fast food?

  • Less than 2 times
  • 2–6 times
  • 7–13 times
  • More than 13 times


Improving your diet starts by making room for better choices.

It looks like you’re interested in making some changes to your diet and reducing your intake of unhealthy snacks and fast food is something you can start right away.

These foods are highly processed and high in sugar and saturated fat, which can lead to inflammation—a precursor to a myriad of chronic health issues.

And processed foods also tend to be high in sodium which can affect blood pressure and kidney function.

Looking for ways to cut down on unhealthy snacking?

Try to shop in the outer aisles of the grocery store where you will find produce, meats and seafood, and other healthy choices. Avoid inner aisles where chips, candy, sodas, and other unhealthy foods reside. And drive past the drive-thru!

As you replace unhealthy choices with healthier ones, you may actually find yourself craving more of the good stuff, and that is a good thing!

How many times per week do you consume sugary drinks (soda, juices, etc.)?

 

Conclusion:

I hope this made some sense for you

Like/Share/Comment

Check out the health assessment to see how you are doing!

See you next time.

How many times per week do you consume sugary drinks (soda, juices, etc.)? Facebook Live Video

Facebook Live Broadcasts

Monday, January 2, 2017

Introduction:

Thanks for joining

I do regular videos around this time of day – 8 am in California

  • Gets me up and moving for the day

Please Like/share/comment – helps build the audience

  • I like the interaction – otherwise it could be a YouTube video, right?

Talk about healthy living

2017 is a new year

I am absolutely going to achieve 3 things:

  • A healthier life – including losing weight (sound familiar this time of year?) Incredibly important. And never too late to start!
  • Master my time – to get the most out of what I am given
  • Meet my business goals – right up on the wall here to remind me

20 questions for the topics for these broadcasts. Check out the link to the personalized health assessment if you want to see all of the questions – and get your own results. See how you measure up going into 2017!

Today’s question is:

How many times per week do you consume sugary drinks (soda, juices, etc.)?

  • Rarely
  • 1–2 times
  • 3–6 times
  • More than 6 times


Time to make a big change!

We know they taste good, but sugary drinks or soft drinks are major contributors to obesity.

Consider this: Did you know an average can of sugar-sweetened soda or fruit punch contains about 150 calories mainly from sugar? That’s about 8 teaspoons of table sugar.

Just one 20-ounce bottle of a sugary beverage per day can result in gaining 25 extra pounds per year—25 pounds!

And based on the amount you’re consuming on a weekly basis, that number could be higher for you.

And that doesn’t include how these kinds of drinks contribute to the development of diabetes and heart diseases.

It’s definitely time to make a big change!

You’re ready to make some healthier choices, right?

As a part of what you’re doing, look to reduce or eliminate sugary drinks from your diet. Start by cutting your intake in half and then go from there.

If you want to lose weight or maintain your current weight, this one step may help you control weight gain. And you will also reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A definite win-win.

Conclusion:

I hope this made some sense for you

Like/Share/Comment

Check out the health assessment to see how you are doing!

See you next time.