Step #10 - Low Amounts of Chronic Stress

Stressed? If you are, just how much and how often are you stressed? Is it something that occurs once in a while when a "situation" arises (acute), or something you deal with on a daily basis (chronic)? We can't avoid stress altogether, but there are things we CAN do to avoid letting stress negatively affect our overall health.

Acute stress (i.e. short-term, in the moment stress) isn't necessarily all bad. The physiological changes our body goes through when acute stress occurs can even be beneficial. Acute short-term stress is kind of like a workout - it makes our body more robust and actually helps strengthen our body. In the fight-flight scenario, stress produces what our bodies need to either deal with the situation or to get away from the situation. In either case, this type of stress reaction can be helpful.

Chronic stress, on the other hand, has both immediate and long-term effects. The problem comes when the short-term acute stress becomes chronic stress which affects your immune system, which leads to inflammation, which leads to disease, which causes stress.... well, you get the idea. Kind of an endless cycle. The good news is, it's one that can be broken.

We all need successful ways to prevent acute stress from turning into chronic stress and if we deal with chronic stress, successful ways to combat it. 

People living in blue zones purposefully and methodically address their stress. They are known to have a glass of healthy wine with family or friends, take a slow walk in nature, or meditate on their core beliefs to adjust their mental attitude. In other words, they learn to go with the flow. Sounds like good advice!

There are many methods to release stress, and it should be a vital part of your healthcare routine. Take a hot/cold contrast shower (20 seconds really cold, 10 seconds hot, repeated 10 times), do some high-intensity training, stretching, yoga or meditation.

The number one method I use for stress relief is breath work, which triggers your parasympathetic nervous system and stimulates the vagus nerve to calm you. What I like most about breath work is you don't need anything other than YOU. Air is free. As long as you can breathe, you can use this method for stress relief, anywhere, at any time. There are many different types of breath work, and I don't necessarily consider one over another. But I do consider breath work the BEST method for stress relief, instead of resorting to a prescription drug or supplement.

The bottom line: You can't avoid stress entirely, so take the time to develop your arsenal of weapons to combat it. It can be as simple as breathing. ;) 

Enjoy the video, and as always, feel free to pass this along!

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or another healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or another healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.

Information provided in this article and the use of any products or services related to this article by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO. or any other physician featured in this article. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Step #9 - Belief in a Higher Power

We all have our own spiritual beliefs. Religion or spirituality may be a controversial subject, but that's not my point here. My intention is to offer some insight into the connection between faith and longevity, without the controversy. So here goes....

Studies have shown that people with some kind of belief in a Higher Power tend to live longer. In fact, church attendance or adherence to a spiritual practice at least 4 times per month can add as much as 4 to 14 years of life expectancy. That's significant. That's a better result than many treatment protocols. That's pretty hard to ignore.

What are some benefits of having faith in a Higher Power, or at the very least, a higher purpose? There are many. Here are just a few:

• Improved blood pressure
• Improved LDL levels
• Decreased cardiovascular risk
  
• Decreased suicide risk
• Decreased depression
• Lower chronic stress
• Healthier immune system
• Overall healthier treatment outcomes

Dan Buettner is a journalist and author who has conducted interviews with blue zone centenarians. In his research, he found that out of the 263 centenarians interviewed, all but 5 belonged to a faith-based community. Taking notice of this kind of connection is just common sense. I certainly want to learn from their experience, and I encourage you to do the same. Belonging to a community, doing breath work, enjoying solitude, incorporating fasting are all beneficial things to do, but adding faith in a higher power increases their effect on our overall health, and in the long run, adds to our longevity.

Food for Thought: If you believe in a Higher Power, that's great. It's been proven to add years to your life. If you choose not to believe in a Higher Power, that's okay too, but I encourage you to at least consider putting your faith in a higher purpose. Think of the benefits to be gained. And then there's the question - What do you have to lose (except the increased longevity)?

Enjoy the video, and as always, please feel free to pass this along!

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or another healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or another healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.

Information provided in this article and the use of any products or services related to this article by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO. or any other physician featured in this article. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Step #8 - Prioritize Social Engagement & Relationships

Connection. What does that word mean to you? Is it the time you spend on a computer online and on social media? Or is it the time you spend with other people having one-on-one time, face-to-face, in-person contact? Both meanings are correct. However, one can seem impersonal and can often be anonymous, while the other requires real effort and personal involvement. Now don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with being active online and on social media. The key is prioritization. We can all enjoy technology while still setting aside the time to cultivate our personal relationships.

Being connected online seems to be the way many people choose to interact with others these days, but it frequently doesn't actually involve human contact. Making a personal connection with someone takes much more effort than a simple click to get online or a tap on your phone to "share" something on social media. Sadly, many of the most "connected" people on social media deal with loneliness. Loneliness caused by such impersonal social engagement can actually be detrimental to our overall health and well-being. As human beings, we are designed to create and develop relationships with other human beings. We aren't meant to spend the majority of our time engrossed in technology. In actuality, giving too much priority to our online connection can isolate us from the very people we are trying to connect with on a personal level.

Studies have shown that most people living in blue zones are surrounded by family and friends and have spent a lifetime prioritizing personal relationships. Personal interaction with another person brings a genuine connection that you just can't get from a computer or phone app. You get a sense of that person's energy, their knowledge, and their experience, and it is totally reciprocal. They get to know you too. Just think of the wealth of wisdom that the older generation has to offer. If we don't take the time to connect and develop relationships with our elders, we run the risk of losing out on all of that. Grandma's secret recipe? Most likely, the only way to get that is from Grandma, not online.

An excellent way to boost your social engagement is by volunteering, and the health benefits are tremendous. Quite often those who volunteer admit that they get as much, if not more, out of their service to others as the people they are serving. A sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, fulfillment, and joy are all by-products of volunteering. I encourage you to consider it!

The value you place on your personal relationships and being socially engaged does have an impact on your overall health. It's not good to spend too much time with your face buried in your phone or computer screen, so if you tend to lose track of time when online, disconnect and take a break. Purposely set a time limit on the amount of time you spend online. Then make it a priority to spend some quality time with family and friends. You'll reap all of the health benefits that come with it, including increased longevity.

Enjoy the video, and as always, please feel free to pass this along!

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or another healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or another healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.

Information provided in this article and the use of any products or services related to this article by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO. or any other physician featured in this article. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Step #7 - Know and Live Your Life Purpose

Have you ever wondered: What is my life purpose? Why do I exist? What is my reason for living? 

Think of it this way - we are all here for a reason, and there are benefits that come with pinpointing what that reason is. It influences our thoughts, our actions, our outlook on life, and can even affect our body's ability to heal itself. Studies have shown that people who have a strong sense of purpose, a clear "reason to live," do actually live longer and heal faster when dealing with sickness and disease.

The belief that we have a purpose in life, that we are here for a reason, can be a powerful thing. What we believe, especially about ourselves, affects the actions we take and, in turn, can have a direct correlation to our overall well-being.

While it isn't necessarily a topic for discussion on a daily basis, defining our life purpose is something that consistently affects our lives in many areas. When we are consciously aware of why we exist, we tend to live our lives with that purpose in mind. On the other hand, people who don't have that sense of purpose can sometimes subconsciously neglect their health and overall well-being. Knowing your purpose in life is definitely a major motivating factor in taking care of yourself.

If you don't know your life purpose, or you have never verbalized it or even written it down, then I encourage you to do some self-reflection. What's your passion in life? What one thing can occupy your attention to the exclusion of everything else? What do you really love to do? What makes you lose track of time? Complete this statement: My life purpose is _________________.

Take some time. Think about it. Write it down. A sticky note on your mirror is good. :) It doesn't have to be long (a couple of sentences will do), and it isn't something written in stone. You can change it as it becomes more clear to you.

Here's some homework: Discover and then remind yourself on a regular basis what your purpose in life is. You'll be amazed at the positive effect it has on you, in every area of life.


Enjoy the video, and as always, please feel free to pass this along!

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or another healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or another healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.

Information provided in this article and the use of any products or services related to this article by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO. or any other physician featured in this article. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Raphaology + Stem Cells + Exosomes

I hope you are planning to join us for our March FREE Community Events! Seats are limited, so don't wait - sign up now!

You Are What You Digest:
An Introduction to Raphaology
Monday, March 11th at 6:00 pm

Joan Randolph, Doctor of Raphaology Medicine, presents "You Are What You Digest." Healing begins with digestion. High enzyme, nutrient dense, organic foods contain the daily medicine that provides your body with the necessary nutrition for boosting and maintaining health, vitality, creativity and joy. Raphaology combines 4 elements for natural health - herbs, foods, colors and ID Therapy. It is back-to-nature health: a hands-on approach that reveals a unique way for your body to activate its inherent ability to repair damage, balance hormones, boost function and regenerate your health, immunity, youth, strength and longevity. We hope you will join us as we take a deeper dive into Raphaology and it's unique system of healing. Watch the video below to learn more. RSVP here or call the office at (818) 957-6909. 

Stem Cells & Exosomes
to Change Your Life with Dr. Anne Kuo
Monday, March 18th at 6 pm

Oasis Family Medicine offers stem cell therapy as a treatment option for a number of conditions – including, but not limited to, orthopedic issues, athletic injuries, lung diseases (COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, etc.), neurological conditions (Parkinson’s, Alzheimers, Dementia, Brain injury, etc.), among many others. Join Dr. Anne Kuo on Monday, March 18th at 6pm for an info session and Q&A where you can ask the questions you've always wanted to ask about stem cells. Dr. Kuo will also be talking about exosomes. Haven't heard that term before? Then this is your chance to find out more about exosomes - what they are, how they function, how they fit into regenerative medicine, and how they can potentially change your life. RSVP here or call the office at (818) 957-6909.

Have a great week, and as always, please feel free to pass this along!

Medical Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The information is a result of years of practice and experience by Yoshi Rahm, DO. However, this information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or another healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.

Do not use the information provided in this article for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or another healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read in this email.

Information provided in this article and the use of any products or services related to this article by you DOES NOT create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Yoshi Rahm, DO. or any other physician featured in this article. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.