Feeling Like Some Mick's Up

So, it's been YEARS!  Really, literally, it's been years since I wrote anything on this blog.

I gave in.

I gave in to the hum-drum and the lackadaisical nature of those around me.

We have not lived as a Maximized Living family for quite some time.  I've gained all the weight back, and even more.  I feel like a failure.  I'm not happy with myself.

I'm ashamed.

So, instead of giving in more, and giving up totally, I'm going back to the basics.

What is it Inigo Montoya says in The Princess Bride?  "Go back to the beginning!"

I need a proper mindset.  Even if the family is not on board, and wants to wallow in its own misery, I will trudge forward with what I know to be right.

I need proper chiropractic care.  We have continued with adjustments over these years, but with no Maximized Living doctor nearby, we settled for less than the best.  We thought we found someone special, but the doctor has dwindled in effectiveness and focus.  So, I will seek out someone closer to the Maximized Living intensity.

I need proper nutrition.  Yes, the sweet tooth is difficult for me to tame, and it's even more so when there is a baker in the house who uses regular sugar and flour most of the time.  It's time to take charge of my own eating habits, whether or not anyone else in the house wants to join me.

I need proper oxygen and exercise.  I have tried to keep up an exercise routine, but with different issues (or excuses), I am not as intense nor as focused as I once was.  It's time to change that and revisit what worked.

I need proper avoidance of toxins.  That is one thing that I have been really good at doing, but I'm sure there are some things that can improve, and so I must re-evaluate.

Is it time for you to "go back to the beginning," too?

Come on!  Join me!

"In the beginning..."

Genesis 1:1

What's the Mick's up?

After having written 100 posts, it seems time to revisit the mission of this Mick's up Life, lest we lose focus. (It's also a great opportunity to introduce new readers to the info that can be found in a Mick's up Life.)

So, I welcome you to join us on the path to a Mick's up Life! (Click on the links throughout, for fun adventures into the variety of Mick's up topics.)

Why did I bring my family on this ride?

Because the results of our new lifestyle got my hubby pain-free and all of us medicine-free, we feel we have to share what knowledge we have on the subject. Too many people suffer!  Since Jay-hubby has first-hand experience with FMS, we both know it is a disease people are in desperate need of getting out from under.  We see Fibromyalgia so commonly diagnosed these days, but that doesn't mean doctors know what to do about it. There really are no answers for it, and those victims in the midst of it are at the end of their rope, feeling like nobody understands, nobody cares, and like there's no end.  We want them to know that's not the way it has to be!

Just saying you need to eat healthy and exercise isn't getting us anywhere.  There are many versions of healthy living, but from what I have seen, they all fall short... except one... the one we were blessed to find 2+ years ago... the lifestyle we chose.  The one that saved us is the one which follows what are called the 5 Essentials of Maximized Living.  The info I gleaned while working in a Max Liv office covers all the bases, and bringing that information into every day life for readers is my mission, in order to encourage individuals and families to make healthy decisions for the long term.

So many people have said to us, in their own way, "Yes, we're so happy it helped you... but that's you... and I'm me.  I don't have the same reasons you do for changing the way I live, so I'll just keep doing what I've been doing, since I'm healthy enough, and I'll stay in my little comfort zone."

I'm sorry to hear that.  I really am!  Do I spread this information for my own benefit?  No! Why would I?  Why would I do this, other than to open people's eyes to improve their own lives?  Every person is precious, created by the One True God, and deserves to live life to the fullest.  Isn't that reason enough?

OK.  Fine.  For those of you who think I must have some selfish reason for writing, I'll go ahead and admit it.  I want everyone around me to be healthy... so they can be productive... and happy.  It will make my world... and the future world of my kidderz... much nicer and safer.  There.  I said it.  Selfish of me, isn't it?

Well, I'm not sorry... and sharing this Mick's up Life of ours is one way for us to get the word out and try to get the world a little bit healthier.

Where do we start? Inflammation and toxicity are two of the biggest enemies we all have, causing sicknesses (even minor ones), pain, and chronic disease.  Just a few simple tweeks in our daily living, and we can keep them at bay.  With this guide to a Mick's up Life, find some of the "whys" for handling stress, improving the nervous system, saying "yes" to some surprising foods and "no" to others, increasing exercise, and decreasing toxins.

I'm no expert.  I'm simply a mom, who found what works and what doesn't... and instead of making you do the research and trial-and-error, I want to give you a head start.  As they say, "Why reinvent the wheel?"

This is good for me and my family, too!  We constantly need it in front of us, so we don't forget why we do what we do.  Of course, the painful joints, stuffy sinuses, and grumpy attitudes we encounter in the days following a splurge with sugar and/or wheat are cruel reminders... but it would be nice to save ourselves the suffering.  So, we are reading right along with you, in order to keep us on the right path. 

Thanks for taking this journey with us!  I hope you find it's well worth the trip.

"I instruct you in the way of wisdom

    and lead you along straight paths."

Proverbs 4:11 (NIV)

~

Mick’s up on Fuel

Sticking to this week’s focus on sugar addiction, let’s see if carbs (aka sugars) are good fuel for exercise.

You’ve probably heard a coach or health source recommend loading up on carbs before a big game or workout.  The reason for that is to have enough energy stored up to get you through the event.  After looking further into this, you might decide it’s not as great an idea as it used to seem.


In a Maximized Living Webinar on Nutrition for Peak Performance, Dr. Fred Roberto points out “for all athletes:  The fact of the matter is food does matter.  It is critically important.  Food is your fuel, and food runs the human engine, and so we have to take and convert this quality food into fuel that can then get transferred into an energy source, and that's what really runs human performance.  We want optimum performance.  The human engine is amazing.  It's a high-performance engine.  It needs to run on high-octane fuel.  You simply don't put diesel fuel inside a race car.  It just gunks up the engine.  Your body requires high-octane, quality food just the same....  It's not really a game of calories in versus calories out, as most people would think.  There's so much more to the story.  You've got to put good, quality calories inside of your body.  When you put in the food that is designed for your body to run on, your body can run so much more efficiently and effectively.”

In that same webinar, Dr. BJ Hardick warns us to “only use carbohydrates that our body is actually going to utilize.  Don't overdo it on carbohydrates, if our body is not going to utilize them.”

Dr. Roberto explains that what we want are Medium Chain Fatty Acids, like coconut oil, because they “are an excellent source of energy (used immediately for energy)... and provide the energy without all the negative effects sugar has in the body.”

He points out that consuming sugar triggers insulin, and insulin has an adverse affect on HGH (Human Growth Hormone), which is a hormone we like to spike because with exercise... for increasing lean muscle.

Dr. Roberto continues: “Foods containing processed carbs and sugars...  are anti-nutrients... The body still needs the elements, and so pulls from its stores... not to mention... these greatly reduce your PH and make your body more acidic.  Having a proper PH balance is critical for sports performance and recovery time.... That's where performance happens: at the cellular level.”

So, what is recommended is:  low-glycemic, high-fiber carbs = veggies = high energy

Instead of sports drinks, reach for some coconut water. It is a great source of electrolytes (15x more potassium than other sports drinks).  It might still have sugar, but it’s alkaline!  Dr. Hardick warns us that the glycemic index is not the only thing to look at.  We need to know whether or not what we’re taking in is causing inflammation and whether or not it causes our body to be acidic.  Remember, alkaline is better for our cells, which is where performance really happens.

Dr. Hardick clarifies that only really long duration exercise benefits from a good helping of healthy grains the day before (ie Ezekiel Bread).  Then during exercise, concentrate on low-glycemic, easily absorbable and digestable things like coconut water.

Now that you're fueled up, go for it!

...my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—

the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Acts 20:24 (NIV)

~

Mick’s up Moms

This is dedicated to all the moms out there!

Being that this blog from a mom’s perspective has the goal to help families live healthier, and because it’s my mother-in-law’s birthday, today’s post is dedicated to moms.

I asked some friends of mine (who in the recent past have discovered a new lifestyle including running) for some words of wisdom, from a healthy mom’s perspective.  Enjoy!

Jenny writes:

♪♫ Happy birthday, Mom W!♫♪

“My experience with healthy family life really evolved out of my own up and down weight.  I did not start out teaching my girls healthy habits.  I admit they have eaten their share of frozen chicken nuggets and fries.  I was not much of a cook early in their lives.  As I learned more about how I needed to eat to feel better and maintain a healthy weight, I also learned how to cook.  This is not always greeted with enthusiasm by my kids, but they have learned to try new things and even grown very fond of many great healthy dishes.  Lets face it, cooking at home is so much better and cheaper.  Oh and letting my kids help in the kitchen has increased their awareness of what they eat and gotten them more excited about it. I also was very aware, as a mother of girls, that I needed to lead by example.  There are frightening statistics on teen and preteen girls and eating disorders.  So I wanted to lead by example.  I cook healthy, eat regular meals, and work out at least a few days a week.  I also discovered that a one month membership to the Y was cheaper than one evening out to dinner and a movie with my family.  As a family, we discovered the beautiful area in which we live and do some hiking.  I won't say we never eat out or enjoy a less than healthy treat but we do so in moderation.”

Stay tuned for Shannon's writing:
“[Shannon's awesomeness entered here!]”

---

Some quick ideas for healthier nutrition for the family can be found in the resource I have used for the past year to get my family to our current improved state of health, which is the Maximized Living Nutrition Plan book by B. Lerner, BJ Hardick and K. Roberto.  It has similarities to the Paleo Diet or Raw Diet or Primal Diet… but it is less raw, much better, yummier, easier to follow, and more family-friendly.  Have fun exploring!

---

A fellow blogger Carla Gardiner of CarlaJGardiner.com posted an article that fits well with today’s Mick’s up Life:  Why Do People Sabotage My Health Plan?  Enjoy… and become inspired! 

Attribution Statement: This article (Why Do People Sabotage My Health Plan?) was first published at CarlaJGardiner.com.  To receive your own FREE "Secret to Turning Back the Clock" video, go to CarlaJGardiner.com and claim your free video NOW!

Carla J Gardiner is an ex-banker turned entrepreneur who built an auto transport brokerage and dispatch center from the ground up. With half a days training and little else Carla learned the business inside and out the hard way…by doing it. Her passion and purpose lies with the people she works with daily; the client, dispatcher, broker and truck driver. Her frustration within the industry has birthed a new division of her company; a part-time business to to properly train, encourage and mentor others in turning back the clock and regaining youthful health.

---

“A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life…. 
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
‘Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.’
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

Proverbs 31:10-12, 26-31 (NIV)

~

Mick’s in the Oxygen

What’s your stage of life?  What’s your fitness level?  Are you Mom or Dad, and you have a few extra pounds that you still blame on the kidderz, even if they’re in Middle School?  Maybe you’re a grandparent, feeling as though exercise is for the younger generations.  Oh… do you fit in the category of a younger generation, and you haven’t reached the magical age of 30 yet, which means you don’t know the feeling of everything changing for the worse (no snap, crackle, and pop when you crawl out of bed in the morning…  no pounds sticking around, despite your efforts)?

No matter where you are in life, exercise is important, if you want your body to be healthy.  You’ve heard this before, but do you know the science behind it?

Check this out!  “The most important element you need to survive at your max, or to even survive at all, is oxygen.  Low levels of oxygen enable the accumulation of toxins in your body which can lead to disease.  Exercise increases your oxygen intake and produces lean muscle.” – Maximized Living  (We’ll be getting to the lean muscle part in a post later this week!)

Alkalize for Health states:  "When the oxygen saturation of blood falls, conditions become ripe for the creation of cancer.” (See The Terrible Two: Cancer and Circulation).  “All normal cells have an absolute requirement for oxygen, but cancer cells can live without oxygen - a rule without exception." (Dr. Otto Warburg, quoted in Philpott)

Be sure to get oxygen!

“Deprive a cell 60% of its oxygen and it will turn cancerous (McCabe, page 192).  Deprive a cell 35% of its oxygen for 48 hours and it may become cancerous.” - Dr. Otto Warburg. Read Dr. Warburg's papers in the Library: Lecture 1, Lecture 2.

Mick’s sum up:
  Exercise = oxygen = healthy cells! 

“The best method for intake, usage and storage of oxygen is through movement and the best method for movement is exercise!  Oxygen is one of the most essential elements that you need to intake for survival.  If you take in low levels of oxygen, you enable your body to accumulate toxins, develop disease, and possibly cause early cell death.  Are you starting to understand how all of these 5 Essentials work together?” – Maximized Living

Take it from a mom who has been there.  I’ve blamed the extra pounds on the kidderz.  I’ve kept too busy with life, wishing it was enough to get me fit, and just hoping it was enough to be considered healthy.  Face reality.  It’s not enough.  If you’re not truly exercising, taking specific time in your day to focus on increasing your oxygen intake, then you’re not at your healthiest, and there’s room for improvement… but… I’ll let you in on a little secret!  It’s not as difficult as you might think.  It doesn’t have to be time-consuming.  In fact, lengthy exercise might be counterproductive.  Curious?  I tell you more about it in my next post: Mick's up Exercising!

Are you seeing how the 5 Essentials work together?  It’s not a mistake that these 5 things are packaged together so conveniently to get you information on being the healthiest you.  They are essential!  You need all 5.  Think them through, and they all make sense.  They’re simple enough to follow.  Most likely you’re already incorporating them… at least some of them… into your life.  If so, it won’t take much to improve on them and add in the essentials you’re missing, and then you’re on the road to the healthiest you’ve ever been.

“Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground

and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life,

and the man became a living being.” 

Genesis 2:7 (NIV)

~

What’s the Mick’s up with Artificial Sweeteners?

“Artificial sweeteners can be found on nearly every restaurant table in America.  Sales of Sweet N Low, Splenda, Equal, and many other artificial sweeteners have sky-rocketed in recent years.  Everywhere we look, the multi-colored sugar substitutes enter our food and drinks by the packet.  Most claim to be “natural” and “low calorie.”  As consumers attempt to make smart choices on how to sweeten their foods and drinks, the dangers of these chemical sugars continue to be uncovered. ” - Dr. Aaron Sparks - Maximized Living: "The Yellow Blue and Pink Packets Could Be Killing You"

What are artificial sweeteners?  I don’t necessarily agree with everything said by the clinic, but here’s the Mayo Clinic definition:

“Artificial sweeteners are synthetic sugar substitutes but may be derived from naturally occurring substances, including herbs or sugar itself. Artificial sweeteners are also known as intense sweeteners because they are many times sweeter than regular sugar.

“Artificial sweeteners currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are:

• Acesulfame potassium (Sunett, Sweet One)
  
• Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet)
  
• Neotame
  
• Saccharin (SugarTwin, Sweet'N Low)
  
• Sucralose (Splenda)

“Approved sugar alcohols and novel sweeteners include:

• Erythritol
  
• Hydrogenated starch hydrolysates
  
• Isomalt
  
• Lactitol
  
• Maltitol
  
• Mannitol
  
• Sorbitol
  
• Xylitol
  
• Stevia preparations that are highly refined (Pure Via, Truvia)”

You can find a comparison of some of these sweeteners at WebMD.

The artificial sweeteners are chemicals, which have serious affects on children and their brains.  For example:  Aspartame has a known carcinogen, methyl alcohol, which in this product doesn’t have the pectin to bind it to be safe like it does in fruit.  Also, Splenda contains chlorine, bringing another carcinogen into our foods.  These sweeteners are in 6000+ products, so beware, especially if you have a child with challenges.  Check out this information at the Maximized Living Vlog with Dr. Ashly Ochsner, as well as in the article “Artificial Sweeteners: The Only Thing You Won't Lose is Weight” and the webinar: Know the Facts About Diet Drinks and Artificial Sweeteners (aired: 2011-04-19) (Scroll down to almost the bottom of the page, and find the title to click on.)

The choice has always been easy for me.  I hate the taste of artificial sweeteners, so I’ve always steered clear of them, and now I’m glad I did.  However, I know there are many people out there who are hooked on the stuff.  It’ll be difficult to break that, but it’ll be worth it in the long run, when there is less brain fog, more energy, and a healthier and more fit body.  Reaching that point will allow you to fully do what God has in store for you!

If you don’t do it for yourself, at least do it for your kidderz.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Don’t be like everyone else, and fall into the “diet” and “sugar-free” trend of artificial sweeteners.

Make the safest choices you can.

Do the research, and become empowered!

So, if we stay away from sugar, as in Mick's Scoop on Sugar, because of its affect on our Immune System, as we read in Mick's up on Your Immune System, among other things, then what?


I'm glad you asked!
A couple of safer options are described in Mick's up with Sweeteners.

~

Mick's in the D3

OK.  Are you ready?  Get those mouse buttons prepped for clicking.  I told you I'd get Vitamin D3 information to you, and today's the day!

A source solely dedicated to getting us information about Vitamin D3 is the Vitamin D3 Blog.  The posts there tell about Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Myriad Diseases as well as Vitamin D3 and Influenza, among other very important topics.  It is mentioned in the "Influenza" post that the recommended daily allowance of D3 is much lower than we truly honestly need, and so a higher dose for maintenance is suggested, as well as a higher dose for giving your immune system a boost.  I've heard it suggested that at the sign of a sniffle or cough, increasing your daily D3 intake to be 1000 IUs per pound of body weight will help in the fight.  It can be summed up at this page about Vitamin D Therapy Protocol.  Personally, in our household we take 5000 - 40,000 IUs for daily maintenance (since we have a variety of ages and sizes), and then we follow the 1000 IU/lb protocol when necessary.  (As you can figure from yesterday's post Mick's Scoop on Sugar, this has been one of those protocol weeks.)

"VitaminD reduced flu by 50% vs 8% reduction using antiviral drugs."  This statement is from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, and it is also sited in an article by Maximized Living and The Times.

Would you rather watch a video and listen to the information?  Check out what Maximized Living has to say about it.

We cannot get D3 from food.  It's best to get it from sunshine.  However, as I sit here indoors, typing on my computer, and you sit reading this, most likely indoors, also, we are not getting our daily dose of sunshine.  The sources I like to use for getting Vitamin D3 to my family are Maximized Living (with probiotics) and Vitamin Shoppe (liquid form is handy).  Wherever you shop, be sure to pay attention to the type of Vitamin D (needs to be D3), the number of units per dose, and what's in the ingredients.

Please leave any comments and/or additional information in the section at the bottom of this post.  Also, remember to mix it up with the poll in the left margin.


Until tomorrow...
Enjoy the "shimmering heat in the sunshine" Isaiah 18:4 (NIV) and be "like a well-watered plant in the sunshine." Job 8:16  (NIV) 

Well, OK, maybe not just like the descriptions in those verses when read in context... but a least get out and enjoy some sunshine!

~

Mick's Signals

OK, so...
As a mom or dad or aunt or uncle or grandparent, what do you prefer for your children... or even for yourself:  sickness  or  health ??

"I'm no good to my family if I'm sick or dead."
- Pastor Leon Fontaine senior pastor for Springs Church, Winnipeg, Canada

I think we all know the answer.  What are we going to do about it?

Did you know that the first system to develop in the body, while the baby is being formed in the womb, is the Central Nervous System?! 

"For you created
my inmost being;
you knit me together
in my mother’s womb."
Psalm 139:13 (NIV)

"Your baby's brain and spinal cord are visible through his translucent skin."  Inside pregnancy: Weeks 1 to 9 on BabyCenter.com

"Neural tube forms - It will develop into the nervous system (Brain, spinal cord, hair, and skin). Already your baby has the foundation for thought, senses, feeling, and more!"  Weeks 1-4  Pregnancy.org 

Since that's true, we can combine it with information about the Immune System we also now know from yesterday's blog post Mick's up on Your Immune System: 
"Basically what they were saying is that the nervous system has a direct effect on the immune system due to the nerve supply to the important immune system organs."  Murray DR, Irwin M, Reardon CA, et al. "Sympathetic and immune interactions during dynamic exercise. Mediation via a beta 2 - adrenergic-dependent mechanism." Circulation 1992 86(1): 203 

The Central Nervous System has to communicate at 100% with the Immune System for the Immune System to work at its 100%.  It needs to get the signals through to make it work (through the "nerve supply").  Right?  Just like you need to get a message across to your kidderz, so they can be at their 100%.

So… we need to…

Get rid of interference!  Just like you need to get rid of interference and distractions, when you're talking to your kidderz but they're not listening.  Check out what Maximized Living says about it?

What's your next step… for you… for your children?


"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."  Psalm 139:14  (NIV)

~

Mick's up on Your Immune System

Is the weather turning colder where you are?  Are you fearing the unknown, as the kidderz are all being bombarded by the vast array of sicknesses at school, and as we enter the infamous cold and flu season? 

Click on the picture for
great information from
EnCognitive.com on
how the immune system works!

 
Have no fear!  Here is some useful information to help you combat what's flying around out there.  Can you imagine getting through this winter with no illness?  Take time to check out these links! 

Function of the Immune System:  "During an immune response, the brain and the immune system 'talk to each other' and this process is essential for maintaining homeostasis or balance in the body.  If the Nervous System is not functioning properly, then the Immune System cannot function at 100%, thus the body becomes fertile ground for bacteria, viruses, and illness."  http://www.immunesystemremedies.com/benefits-of-chiropractic-care.html

Is your immune system stronger than the bugs?  This article from Maximized Living will give you the answer! 

Check out more information on BOOSTING YOUR IMMUNITY THROUGH CHIROPRACTIC. 

Watch this Maximized Living video to see how to avoid the impact of flu season.  It states that immune systems are 200% stronger in chiropractic patients who have been under care for 3 years or more.  *See Pero research link below.  It also states that studies show a 48% increase in the immune system's T-cell counts.  This study was performed at the Sid E. Williams Research Center of Life Chiropractic University: (Source) Selano JL, Hightower BC, Pfleger B, Feeley-Collins K, Grostic JD. "The Effects of Specific Upper Cervical Adjustments on the CD4 Counts of HIV Positive Patients." The Chiro Research Journal; 3(1); 1994. 


*Pero study sited:  The chiropractic patients also had 200% greater immune competence than those who had not received chiropractic care, and 400% greater immune competence than those with cancer or other serious diseases.  Despite a wide range of ages in this study, immune competence did not show any decline with age; it was uniform for the entire group.  Pero concluded that "chiropractic may optimize whatever genetic abilities you have" so that you can fully resist serious disease.  "I'm very excited to see that without chemical intervention... this particular group of patients under chiropractic care did show a very improved response," he told CBSRF.  "These changes occur from chiropractic treatment."  Source: East West Health Magazine, November, 1989. 

Would you rather watch a video about how you can boost your immune system by 200%?  Click on this link. 

Drs. Murray, Irwin, and Reardon:  Sympathetic activity has been shown to release immune regulatory cells into the blood circulation, which alters immune function.  This was reported by Drs. Murray, Irwin, and Reardon.  The authors stated:  “Growing evidence suggests that immune function is regulated in part by the sympathetic nervous system.  Sympathetic nerve endings densely innervate lymphoid tissue such as the spleen, lymph nodes, and the thymus, and lymphoid cells have beta 2 adrenergic receptors.”  Murray DR, Irwin M, Reardon CA, et al.  "Sympathetic and immune interactions during dynamic exercise.  Mediation via a beta 2 - adrenergic-dependent mechanism."  Circulation 1992 86(1): 203 

"This is one of the most exciting areas of chiropractic.  More and more research is pointing to an immune system enhancement effect of the spinal adjustment."  The effects of chiropractic on the immune system: a review of the literature.  Allen JM, Chiropractic Journal of Australia, 1993; 23:132-135.  

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."  Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV) 

~

Mick's Maxed

Max this.  Max that.  What is all this Maximized Living stuff?  What do I know about it?  I have experienced it and seen with my own eyes the  amazing  transformations that have resulted!

Imagine being sick and in pain for 15+ years, being told it's all in your head... but you know it's all too real.  Getting out of bed is one of the hardest things to do, not to mention having to focus on work to keep your job and support your family.  Oh… family… you feel as though you can barely function, so how can you possibly be a dad to your kids?  It's a struggle.  Trying everything you can think of only gives minor temporary relief.  You feel like a 95-year-old in a 45-year-old body.  

or…

Imagine as a child you're being told your body is not perfect and there is no definitive solution.  You're told all the bad things that might happen to you, and you're basically told there is no hope.

Now…

Imagine there is hope!  Someone is obedient to God's direction, and they share with you some amazing yet simple information.  You grab on, and it changes your life!

In October of 2010, I first heard about Maximized Living after noticing the Family Chiropractic sign moved to a different section of our local plaza, which led to stopping in out of curiosity and a need for a nearby chiropractor.  (At the time, the drive to and from the chiropractor's office hurt my back worse than anything, and so I really wanted to have an office within walking distance.  Yay!  God gave us one!)

At age 9, I was diagnosed with scoliosis, as well as some other spine issues.  Following the recommendations, my parents got me in to see specialists, who simply “monitored” the situation and prescribed exercises to try to train my muscles to straighten my spine (or at least not let it get worse), with the threat of a brace or even surgery if I did not keep up with my exercises.  My parents were also told to sign me up for karate, swimming, or gymnastics to strengthen my back.  Gymnastics was already my preferred hobby, so I continued in that.  (I have now learned that gymnastics might have actually caused more damage to my spine!)

Through the years, I dealt with headaches, back pain, knee pain, foot pain, and eventually saw several different chiropractors over a span of 20 years, even being told by one chiropractor that I would most likely have severe issues from carrying a baby to childbirth, possibly even leading to paralysis.

Finding Dr. Eric was a God-send for my family and me.  He provides the most up-to-date corrective techniques, and the 5 Essentials of Maximized Living that he talks about are just that: 5 Essential items to live life to the max!

My  BIG “Why” to get me revved up with the mindset to succeed with my new healthy lifestyle is to teach my children (by words and actions) how to take care of the temple God gave them, so they can live long, healthy lives to bring glory to His name.  I do not want them suffering from sickness or disease, or dying from heart disease or cancer at any time in their lives, whether young or old.

"Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple..." 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV)

My personal “Why” is to be fit (and have a flat tummy), no matter my age or maternal status.  In other words, I don’t want to look like a 40+ year-old mom with two young children. 

The result:

After jumping in to the 5 Essentials with both feet in November 2010 with the entire family, I lost 20 pounds… and this was after thinking I was doomed… just because I had 2 kids… to stay the same weight … am more fit than I’ve ever been… can actually see a 6-pack of abs!  Woohoo!… wear the smallest size I’ve ever worn, fight off colds faster than usual, and am overall healthier and more energetic than at any time in my past.  Plus, my family is healthier. Not only can my kidderz kick high fevers in one day and hardly be sick from month to month, but my husband has an amazing testimony as well, getting off pain meds, allergy meds, cold meds, sleep meds, and being a healthier and more energetic husband than the one I married 15 years ago!  Who is this guy?!  I like him!

Not only do we have the mindset to do what it takes to be the healthiest we can be, but we also are seeing correction in our spines because of Dr. Eric’s care.  The nutrition of the Advanced Plan is simply our lifestyle now, and we maximize our oxygen and lean muscle through the MaxT3 workouts.  Plus, living as toxin-free as possible (with our food, soap, shampoo, deodorant, detergent, etc.) and staying off meds and on  Daily Detox is a must!

I am thankful that God introduced me to chiropractic care long ago, especially so that my children would have the blessing of having chiropractic adjustments since first coming home from the hospital as newborns, which has made it a lifestyle to them.  They “get it!”  They understand that healing comes from the inside out.

Remember:
God made you perfect! There are no mistakes.  If you are dealing with issues of pain and/or dis-ease, it is simply due to interference.  Live the 5 Essentials to get the interferences out and live life to the max!

Have you taken the survey here on Mick's up Life?  It's up there, in the left margin.  Go ahead... we're all curious to know! 

Mick's up on the Race

Am  I  winning  my  race ?   Are you winning your race?  We're not racing against each other.  This isn't the rat race I'm referring to.

We each are here… not to take up space and drift through life… but… to glorify God.  Can you look at your day and confidently say that is what you've accomplished?  Let's do our best to live life to the max, for the sake of our Lord God.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.  Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

There is an approach to life that my family and I were blessed to find out really works!  Living something called The 5 Essentials is that approach. 

So far, these Mick's-up posts have been focusing on the Maximized Mind:  Wisdom, Dreams, Goals, Stress and Anger Management, Relationships.  The list goes on.   Each post builds on one of these 5 Essentials.  Imagine how your life can change for the better with these little nuggets of information!

You can be winning your race.  How badly do you want to win?  If you really want it badly enough, you will look into these 5 Essentials even further.  Maximized Living doctors around the country are holding events called Winning My Race to give you just such information!  Find a Winning My Race event nearest you.  Until then, read up on the 5 Essentials of Maximized Living.

"When he was talking about these 5 Essentials, it was like he was talking about the Gospel.  He was talking the truth!" - John - Winning My Race promo video from Health From Within


August 2011 Winning My Race Promo
from HEALTH FROM WITHIN on Vimeo.

"Where there's health, there's hope.  Where there's hope, there's everything.  Thank God there's Maximized Living. I thank God for the 5 Essentials." - John - Winning My Race promo video from Health From Within

Excerpt from Winning My Race website:

Winning My Race is your invitation to embrace God’s “Big Why” for your life and your roadmap to complete it! Winning My Race is more than a nutrition and fitness book. It is a comprehensive guide to the health strategies, nutrition tips, and exercise routine that will give you the energy to finish your race—and win it! This is more than just a “how to” book that’s packed with the practical information on the spiritual, mental, and physical aspects of winning your race. It’s a “why to” book that will inspire you to be your very best for the God who has saved you, the family who loves you, and those around you who depend on you. The pain of work and discipline is nothing to compare to the pain of disease and regret of never reaching your God-given potential. Start today on the pathway to outrageous health, incredible joy and happiness!

Mick's up Grandparents

"Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children." Proverbs 17:6 (NIV)

Yesterday was Grandparents' Day!  Did you let anyone in your life know how much you appreciate them as grandparents, whether natural or adopted?

There are such fond memories in our family.  Grandparents have always been an important factor on both sides.  Christmases at the Lanning house were always special, as all of us 15+ cousins reconnected.  Long summer days spent on the Johnson Farm with the horses, kittens, dogs, and cows, were filled with activity.  Grammy never let us be idle.  My brother learned some of his best baking and gardening skills there.  Somehow, those traits missed my genetic makeup. 

Grammy sledding at age 85 with my children

When it comes to grandparents, my dad and father-in-law have something in common.  They didn't know theirs, because the grandparents died either before they were born or soon after.  Realizing what they missed is what makes the grandparents in our lives and the lives of our kidderz so much more important.

My husband and I were blessed with grandparents all during our growing-up years, and even into the adult years.  My great-grandparents were around long enough for me to remember family gatherings at their house.  My husband and I see how blessed our kidderz are to have all four of their natural grandparents alive to spoil them and watch them grow.  It's even more special that our kidderz have great-grandparents to love on them.

The last of my husband's grandparents passed away in Ohio one month before we started dating, so I never met them.  I was looking forward to getting to know Grandpa and Grandma, but their opportunity to meet Jesus in heaven definitely takes the cake!  So, that left Jay with no grandparents to spoil him… but the Johnson clan was ready for the task!   A wonderful bond developed between them, and Jay has been proud to call them his Pappap and Grammy, too, for the past 16 years.

It is so comforting to know we have parents praying for us every day.  Who doesn't need someone to pray for them?  Remembering that, I pray every day for our parents and grandparents.  I look forward to many more winters of watching my Grammy slide down the snowy Pennsylvania hill on cardboard with the kidderz, as well as a bazillion New York summers full of kidderz and activities with our parents.

Listen now to the stories your grandparents and parents have to tell.  Take all the advice you can from them, while they are here.  They are full of wisdom!  Make a recording, if you can.  We never know when the last story will be told.

Go ahead!  Make some memories!

Remember:  There are always grandparent-types nearby, if you need to adopt a grandparent!

Celebrate grandparents throughout the year with these ideas:
Cool Mom Picks

Links describing the History of Grandparents' Day:
National Grandparents Day
Legacy Project
National Grandparents Day History
Grandparents.com
Wikipedia

"The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old." Proverbs 20:29 (NIV)

"Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness."  Proverbs 16:31 (NIV)

Have you noticed grandparents seem younger these days?  You can be one of those young grandparents by keeping your health!  Try making 80 the new 40!

Mick's up Conversation

Frozen Berries mixed with Changed Lives!

Growing up as a shy child, and then never wanting to be in the spotlight, whether on stage or in a group, conversation has never been one of my best characteristics.  I am working to improve, though!  My husband saw a big change in me, during my years as circuit coach at our local Curves club.  My next calling at a Maximized Living Health Center took me a step... or eight... or nine... or ten... further.

There is a concept (I was just reminded of today in a Facebook post) that always deserves repeating: The more you let someone talk about themselves, the more they enjoy your conversation.  That is something I need to tell myself over and over again.  My Max Liv boss would remind me often to make it about the other person, and he was great at pointing out how what I thought was about the other person was really about me.  Ugh!  How I hated that, but oh how I loved it at the same time, because not only did it help me to grow, but it also helped to make others feel as special as they truly are.  I have to consciously tell myself how to make conversation with someone, but it feels so good to succeed at it! 

Coming out of the store with a cart full of groceries this morning, I ran into someone God put right in front of me.  That's the only explanation.  There is no reason for our paths to cross.  I knew her when I worked at Curves and she was a member there.  When seeing someone in situations like that, my instinct is to run and hide, but I make myself go out of my way to get the person's attention and let her know she's special enough to be recognized and remembered.  I'm so glad I did!  A life might be saved because of  this obedience!

We had a great conversation, as I initially avoided conversation about me, and instead listened as she talked about her kidderz.  The conversation eventually lead to giving her information about Maximized Living!!  Giving my husband's testimonial about how Maximized Living helped do away with his fibromyalgia then turned the conversation to her sister-in-law.  I am now praying it changes the life of her fibromyalgia-victimized sister-in-law in Florida!  God is amazing, bringing people together to change lives around the world.  May it be so, Lord!

Sixteen years ago, at the Nazarene International Laymen's Conference in Orlando, Florida, a speaker (Alan Nelson, if my memory serves me correctly) reminded us that God places us where we are for a reason, so make the most of it.  For example, since it's not a mistake that we live next to our neighbor, make it count.  Talk to them.  Get to know them.  God has work for us to do while we're here in this location.  As the speaker at the workshop said, what we do affects those around us, even if we don't think so.  "It's all ripples in the pond."

In other words, God works in all of our situations.  We know that.  The Bible tells us that:  "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:27-29 New International Version  Even in the little things, like running into someone from the past, God makes use of every situation.

Here are two inspirational quotes from a Maximized Living doctor's Facebook page today:

"Wow, 1 year ago today I celebrated my birthday at Northwestern hospital, diagnosed with stage 4 bonemarrow/blood cancer, metastatic that spread to my brain, this time last year they gave me a few months or weeks to live...they were right...so I left there, got to the cause and this year I'm celebrating my birthday with my wife and children...'There is nothing you can't do! It's not over till it's over!!!'

"These doctors need to see it's possible...How many people have died, given up, because they lost hope!!!" - Dr. Charles Majors

That's right.  How many people have given up hope and died, because we did not take the time to stop and talk to them (or their loved one) to tell them about the hope we know?  My frozen berries might have thawed, while I stood outside in the morning sunshine talking to Debbie today, but it is well worth it, since a precious lady several hundreds of miles away will get her life back… will get the healing she deserves… and will live life to the max!

View this video from that same Maximized Living doctor, Dr. Charles Majors: