The Benefits of Tea

Revered for centuries, tea is the ultimate elixir. It was so prized in ancient China that the preparation and drinking of it became a symbolic ritual for contemplating the meaning of life.

Its tiny leaves have predicted the future, built empires, and been the catalyst for revolutions. It can pick you up or calm you down. Used to soothe upset stomachs and help recover from a cold or flu, secret blends are credited with curing everything from depression to diabetes. The value of antioxidants in green and black tea for reducing cancer risk, fighting free radicals and lowering cholesterol has long been recognized by medical science.

A number of published studies demonstrate weight loss effects in response to ingesting green tea or specific tea extracts. Key components responsible for green tea's weight loss benefits are the polyphenol compounds that increase metabolic energy expenditure and therefore, calorie consumption.

Recipe of the Week: Creole Tilapia

Each week we be bring you new recipes for delicious, nutritious meals, which will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. This week's recipe:

Creole Tilapia
Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

• ½ cup brown rice
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 ribs celery, sliced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 tilapia fillets (5-6 oz. each)
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, parsley, or basil
• Seasoning salt
• Ground black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the rice according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, coat a large skillet with olive oil.
3. Over medium-high heat, cook the onion, celery, and carrot for 5 minutes, or until tender.
4. Add the tilapia and cook for 3 minutes.
5. Carefully turn the fish and add the tomatoes and herbs.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Simmer for 2 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.
8. Serve over the rice.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• 310 calories
• 31g protein
• 42g carbohydrates
• 6g fiber
• 2.5g fat
• 70mg cholesterol
• 580mg sodium

Recipe of the Week: Asparagus Fritatta

Each week we'll be bringing you new recipes for delicious, nutritious meals, which will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. This week's recipe:

Asparagus Fritatta
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp Italian dressing
• 1 bunch asparagus spears, cut in ½-inch pieces
• 8 eggs (Omega-3, Eggland’s Best)
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

1. Heat the dressing in a large nonstick ovenproof skillet. Add asparagus & cook for 5 min., stirring occasionally.
2. Beat together eggs, milk and ½ cup cheese in a medium bowl until well blended.
3. Pour the egg mixture over the asparagus & stir gently.
4. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until set.
5. Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup cheese after 20 minutes.
6. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Cut into wedges to serve.

Are Mood Swings Controlling Your Life? It Could Be Your Hormones.

Our hormones can wreak havoc on our emotions, contributing to feelings of stress, anxiety and poor self-esteem, even panic attacks and depression.

Women are twice as likely to suffer from mood disorders and be depressed as men.  But by age 65, the rates of depression between men and women are more equal. Could a major decline in hormone levels be a contributing factor?

Estrogen’s effect on mood in women is well documented. Estrogen raises serotonin, endorphin and certain neurotransmitter levels, which balances mood, promotes a feeling of calm and improves sleep. Progesterone also has a positive impact on mood and has been called a natural antidepressant. In addition, both estrogen and progesterone have a role in cognitive or brain function, which includes our ability to think, learn, focus and remember.

During perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause when hormone levels begin to fluctuate and gradually decline, many women suffer from mood swings, anxiety and panic attacks. At this time, many women also report difficulty concentrating and an overall feeling of “fuzzy” thinking.

Some medical studies, including a University of Michigan report, suggests that changes in estrogen level during perimenopause and menopause can even be a trigger for depression in some women.

But what about men? At Southwest Age Intervention Institute, we know that men are just as affected by the declining level of hormones as women. Among the many reasons for maintaining a balanced level of testosterone is the positive effect it has on mood, self-esteem and quality of life.

In midlife, men often confront a vast number of changes in the workplace, in social settings and at home. Some men find it a challenge to adjust mentally and emotionally. They may lose confidence in themselves, feel tired all the time, irritable or anxious. There is an overall loss of vitality for life.  A diminished sex drive or inability to perform sexually at the same level as when they were younger can make it even more difficult.

Traditionally, men and women who report feelings of depression, anxiety or stress will undergo treatment with antidepressants. Yet decreased sexual desire and delayed orgasm are among the most common side effects of these types of drugs. And that can simply aggravate the situation for someone who is already upset by changes in their libido and capacity for sexual pleasure.

At Southwest Age Intervention Institute, we know that a comprehensive program that addresses diet, exercise, stress management, nutritional supplements and hormone replacement can help lift the cloud of emotional upheaval without harming your sex life.

The good news is that with appropriate therapeutic intervention, the variety of side-effects that come with diminished hormones can be prevented or eliminated.

Most important of all, it is never too soon or too late to take action to bring about a greater sense of calm, balance and happiness to your life. According to a Rand Corporation report, depression results in more absenteeism than any other physical disorder. It costs U.S. employers more than $51 billion in absenteeism and lost productivity.

For anyone experiencing serious depression, it is important to know that depression is one of the most treatable illnesses. The bad news is that the majority of people experiencing depression are not being treated. And that is unfortunate. Depression is not only a serious mental health issue, but also can be a contributing factor in heart disease and a weakened immune system. Don’t delay in getting help.

The Mayo Clinic offers these warning signs of depression:
·      Feeling sad or unhappy
·      Irritable or frustrated over small matters
·      Not interested in your normal activities
·      Reduced sex drive
·      Problems sleeping
·      Change in appetite
·      Restless and agitated
·      Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
·      Trouble thinking and easily distracted
·      Tired all the time
·      Loss of confidence or major feelings of guilt
·      Crying spells
·      Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide
·      Unexplained physical problems such as back pain or headache

If you believe you have starting declining somewhat and are experiencing any of these symptoms, we can help. Call Southwest Age Intervention Institute today and make an appointment to meet with our expert age management specialists. Let’s together get you back on track and enjoying your best days ever.

Feeling Good, Feeling Great, How are you?

It’s me, Norm again, back to report more wonderful news about my life-changing program at Southwest Age Intervention Institute. At Southwest Age Intervention Institute, their motto is "Make the rest of your life the best of your life." Well, they had their work cut out for them in me. My spine tumor surgery in 2004 left me with a drop right leg. As a result my fitness and physical levels were below average. As I began my yearlong program with Southwest Age Intervention Institute on May 10, my weight had been slowly edging up. My strength and agility had slowly declined. I didn't sleep as well. I blamed it simply on theprocess of aging. However the day I walked into the Southwest Age Intervention Institute's office in Arlington, I was downright excited when I saw the plan designed specifically for me! It’s a few months later and let me tell you, the numbers are in and they are very good. 



Now the first three months have officially concluded. I've lost 24 pounds of fat. My body fat percentage has dropped seven percent. My cholesterol has plummeted from 176 to 123. The insulin levels in my body, previously very high, are now well within acceptable range. I am no longer deficient in vitamin D or DHEA. The inflammation in my body is down. I could go on and on and on because there simply is good news everywhere.

I have regularly scheduled physical workouts designed exclusively for my body’s limitations. This doesn't mean I'm even near where I want to be. Nevertheless, I'm stronger, sleep better, have better balance and to be honest, I feel younger. I love what Southwest Age Intervention Institute has done for me and look forward to seeing what they can do in the future. You will too. I am ecstatic to continue this program and promise you I will update you on my progress. Join me in making the rest of your life the best of your life by checking out this wonderful place. Call 1-800-AGE-EXPERT and be sure to tell whomever you talk to that I recommended you to call.

Stress! How Much Control Does It Have Over Your Life?

Your heart pounds.  Your muscles tighten and your stomach churns.  Your hands get clammy and you start to sweat.  Or your breathing may get so shallow you think you might pass out.  And, this is a chronic thing occurring in your life, right?

What’s going on?  These are typical responses to stress.  Your body is responding in an automatic and primitive way to a perceived danger.  Medical experts call it the fight or flight syndrome.

Here’s what happens.  Before you even have a chance to think about it, a stressful situation kicks off cascade of physiologic changes, starting with a flood of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, often called the stress hormone.  These biological and chemical messengers put the body on heightened alert and prepare us for whatever may happen next.

As a basic mechanism for survival, the fight or flight response may have been a good idea in prehistoric times.  After all, we may have had to fend off attack from a predator or run for our lives.

But it’s not so helpful today when the stressor isn’t a wild animal, but a traffic jam, pressure at work, conflict with a spouse, too many tasks on our “to do” list or an uncomfortable social situation.

Unfortunately, our body is blind to the cause of our stress.  It simply continues to respond the same way it always has.  And that’s the problem.  In prehistoric times, once the stressor was removed, our heart rate returned to normal, our blood pressure went down and our muscles relaxed.

But today, the stressors we perceive as harmful may never completely go away.  We may live under a state of chronic, low-level stress, especially if we are dealing with conflict on a daily basis or frequently feel overwhelmed with our fast-paced lives.

Some people may find their stress is caused by an inability to control difficult situations in their personal or professional lives.  Others may have a very high set of expectations for themselves and what they want to accomplish.  That can be stressful, too.

A little bit of stress can be motivating. Too much can push us over the edge.  Over time, stress can be very damaging to our physical, mental and emotional health.  Our bodies can become exhausted dealing with the constant onslaught of stress hormones and corresponding physiological responses.  When that happens, there can be serious consequences.  Chronic stress is linked to a surprising number of health issues:

• Heart disease & heart attacks
• Asthma
• Impaired immune system making you more susceptible to colds and viruses
• Depression & anxiety
• Nervous habits, including nail biting, teeth grinding or clenching
• Constant tension  & inability to relax
• Eating disorders & gastrointestinal problems
• Obesity, especially fat accumulating around the waist
• Blood sugar fluctuation and type 2 diabetes
• Sleep problems & insomnia
• Brain-related problems, such as memory issues, inability to concentrate and focus
• Stroke
• Headaches
• Back pain & unexplained muscle pain
• Some skin conditions, including psoriasis & eczema
• Lethargy & fatigue
• PREMATURE AGING!

So what can you do to prevent stress burnout?

First, it’s important to recognize what triggers your stress and to determine if there is anything you can do about it.  Stress may be part of our modern life, but there may be steps you can take to reduce its impact on your life.  If you can’t change an unpleasant situation, perhaps you can change your attitude about it.  Ask for help.  Let go of tasks that are low priority.  Take time to relax and rest.  Get enough sleep.   Learn to communicate differently.

Regular exercise can be an excellent way to reduce stress.  So can learning relaxation techniques like deep breathing, taking up Yoga, having a body massage, listening to music or being sexually intimate.  In addition, it’s important to eat well and follow your doctor’s advice on vitamins, nutritional supplements and similar recommendations.

Left unchecked, stress can end your life. This is not to be taken lightly. Don’t let stress take over your life and leave you physically damaged and mentally impaired.  For more information about how you can reduce your stress levels and boost your well being, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rosenstein and the Southwest Age Intervention Institute.

Time for new pants

I'm nearing the three-month point of my program designed specifically for me at the Southwest Age Intervention Institute. I've still got nearly nine months left in the program, but I can’t express in words how much better my life has already become. I'm sleeping SO much better. Gone are the afternoons filled with naps, because I have a lot more energy.

Now a drum roll please---I'm going pants shopping this weekend! My weight has dropped to the point where even my former "tight stuff" is too loose. I started this comprehensive program of diet, supplements and exercise with a waist measurement of (GULP!) 48! I'm now a REAL 44! I need new pants to accommodate my new energy. Hopefully a few months from now these pants will need to be taken in too. In fact, the way my lifestyle has changed, I feel certain my pants will be altered down the road. But, for right now, I need new, smaller pants. Thank you Southwest Age Intervention Institute!