March 8, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Secrets to a ‘Long and Happy Life’

Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit

‘Fukuju’ in Japanese means ‘Long Life and Happiness.’

The Longest Living Woman in the World Just Celebrated Her 117th Birthday! http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/03/04/worlds-oldest-person-117-birthday-japan/24362311/

Misao Ōkawa (大川ミサヲ) Born March 5th, 1898 is the oldest living woman. She currently resides in a nursing home in Osaka, Japan. (See link above for more of her story.)

When asked her advice on ‘longevity,’ Misao-san answered

“Eat and Sleep Well.” Misao-san reports sleeping 8 hours a day, and eating sushi. mackerel (‘Saba’) being her favorite. (Hey Joey, More ‘Good News’ for Gloucester Fisherman!)

SUSHI

Benefits Sushi is high in natural Omega-3 fatty acids which has been reported to help decrease inflammation. Information on Omega-3 and health benefits from Mayo Clinic – http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/omega-3/art-20045614 Over the past few years we have seen an increase in Sushi offerings on Cape Ann: Latitude 43, The Rudder, Madfish, the Franklin, Midori, and the Studio are some of the Cape Ann Restaurants offering Sushi.

Risks Sushi also has some risks involved if the fish is not properly stored and prepared. Raw (and even cooked) seafood is not meant for daily consumption due to levels of mercury. For more information on mercury in fish and shellfish – http://water.epa.gov/…/fishshellf…/outreach/advice_index.cfm Note: Woman who are pregnant or nursing, young children, and people on chemotherapy or otherwise immunosuppressed are advised to avoid raw/uncooked fish and meat. Check with your doctor for advice.

For more on healthy vs. unhealthy sushi – http://www.askmen.com/sports/foodcourt_250/259_healthiest-and-unhealthiest-sushi.html Note: FDA recommends women who are pregnant only eat fish and other seafood that has been cooked thoroughly. Also, it is recommended to avoid raw seafood or meat if you are on chemotherapy or otherwise immunosuppressed. For information on what is safe to eat when on chemotherapy – .http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000061.htm

Many studies on inflammation and fish use fish oil supplements to increase intake of omega-3. **Check with your doctor first if you are considering fish-oil supplements, especially if you are taking blood thinners! When in doubt, check it out and ask your doctor’s advice!

“Learn how to Relax” was Misao-san’s other advice. Though the article does not mention specific relaxation techniques, meditation is practiced daily in the Japanese culture in many forms. One common form is through ‘Sei Shin Toitsu’ – ‘mind-concentration.’ (More on Meditation, Reiki, Sei Shin Toitsu and other relaxation techniques in upcoming posts.)

A Relaxing Reiki Session

I wonder if Misao Ōkawa knows about ‘Reiki Ryoho?’ The Japanese Healing Method/Art for mind-body improvement. Founded by Mikao Usui Sensei (August 15, 1865-March 9, 1926.) Daily practice of ‘Reiki Ryoho’ in the form of self-Reiki is said to invite ‘Health and Happiness.’

Reflecting twice daily on the Reiki ‘Gokai’ or Precepts, also known as ‘Reiki (Kyogi) Principles,’ as part of Reiki practice helps create feelings of ‘inner peace and calm.’ A wonderful way to begin the day with ‘positive affirmations!’ ‘Work diligently’ refers to ‘working on self for self-improvement’ and greater levels of health. Inner peace has a way of ‘rippling out’ to others. May you enjoy peace and calm today!

Join me for a cup of tea! TODAY there is a Fund Raiser for the Continued Reconstruction Efforts in Japan held at Showa Institute in Boston. If you are unable to attend but would like to contribute, contact Kyoko Wada – http://spouses.mit.edu/mit-events/event/15955591

Powered Macha

To Learn Simple Relaxation Techniques for Stress Reduction and Increased Calm Contact me – www.dreamtimewellness.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

Next Reiki Training Shoden (1st Degree/Beginning Level): Sunday. March 22nd in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA. Reiki Ryoho Shoden Level focuses on ‘Self-Reiki.’ Only 12 More Days Until Spring!! Celebrate Spring by spending the day in peaceful relaxation and harmony as you learn simple techniques for Relaxation and Self-Care.

~ May You Enjoy a Long and Happy Life! – Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N.

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other health care worker. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the authors are affiliated.

February 14, 2015 by Karen Pischke BSN, RN

Celebrating Valentines’s Day and Heart Month

Happy Valentine’s Day!

“Loving Others Begins With Loving Your Self. Self-Love Begins with Self-Care.”

February is ‘Heart Month’ and Valentine’s Day is a great time to remind everyone to take good care of themselves. This month Dreamtime Wellness™ is focused on ‘Heart Health’ because heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. (http://www.cdc.gov)

YOU CAN Control Some of the Risk Factors, Such as –

High Blood Pressure; when uncontrolled is the #1 Cause for Heart Disease
- THE GOOD NEWS- You can better control blood pressure through diet, exercise, healthy weight, relaxation and when needed, medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Tobacco Use; Smokers are at 2-4 x the Risk for Developing Heart Disease (www.aha.org)
- THE GOOD NEWS – Within minutes of stopping smoking you experience health benefits! Contact us with advice on how to stop.

High Cholesterol – levels are affected by affected by age, gender, heredity and diet. Recent news reports remind us that a diet high in saturated and trans fats that raises the unhealthy LDL cholesterol. (Good News for our local fishermen and lobstermen!)
- THE GOOD NEWS – You can help control your cholesterol levels through exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding saturated and trans fats.

Obesity – People with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher are considered obese. (www.aha.org)
- THE GOOD NEWS – By losing even 10% from your current weight, you can lower your risk of heart disease.

Inactivity – Studies show that 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every week will reduce your risk of heart disease by about 30%.(www.world-heart-federation.org)
- THE GOOD NEWS – Regular, moderate physical activity helps prevent heart and blood vessel disease.

Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, If you have diabetes, it’s especially important to work with your healthcare provider to manage it and control any other risk factors you can.
- THE GOOD NEWS – The risks are lessened through healthy diet, healthy weight, exercise, relaxation and when needed, medication as prescribe by your doctor.

Notice, ALL of these risk factors helped through EXERCISE! On Cape Ann there are plenty of places to enjoy indoor and outdoor activity. We’ll be sharing more health tips on GMG in the coming days, weeks, and months. And local CSA’s help provide ‘farm to table’ fresh food. The Farmer’s Markets and http://www.farmfresh.org/food/farm are great resources for local healthy food.