Whenever I get a chance, I love reading classic science fiction novels. They are not usually cheerful, but always philosophical and though-provoking. In many of these books, the authors portray a bleak future for life on this planet. Unfortunately, it seems that reality is turning out to be stranger than fiction. More and more evidence is showing that the world is slowly changing because of decisions we make as a society. Unfortunately, the most significant change is to our atmosphere, and it's not for the better. For instance, the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii has been measuring the rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere for over 60 years. This year, these levels have increased to levels never seen since the age of dinosaurs, long before humans even existed. Just yesterday, newspapers reported irreversible melting of glaciers in the antarctic. Global warming is happening slowly but surely. While we are all busy in our lives, there are many ways that we could at least slow down global warming. The best way to decrease our impact on our environment is by avoiding consumption of animal products, since the meat and dairy industry directly and indirectly create more greenhouse gases than the entire transport industry. Contrary to what we've been led to believe, meat, milk, eggs and cheese are not essential for a healthy diet. In fact, many studies continue to show that by avoiding these you will be healthier, happier, and even live longer. Much of this information has been known for a long time. As part of our nutrition course during my chiropractic studies about 20 years ago, we were required to read the book "Diet for a New America" by John Robbins, which convinced me to stop eating meat 4 years later. For convenience sake, I continued to consume some dairy until last week, when I finally decided to eliminate all forms of animal products from my diet. Frankly, I don't know why it took me 16 years to give up dairy as well, but it's been a conscience-clearing decision. It will be inconvenient, but as I told my wife, doing the right thing is not always convenient. I have no doubt in my mind that by eating only a plant-based diet, the world will be a better place, not just for us, but for all life on Earth. As Albert Einstein once said, "Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet."
Long before we became civilized, the squat was the ideal way to sit. Today, most people spend over 9 hours a day in a chair. As a result, many have lost the ability to sit the way in which we are meant to. Before relying on chairs, a person would go down into and up from the squatting position many times during the course of the day. In modern life, however, most peoplenever squat, because there's no need for it. I believe this is one of the reasons that back problems have also reached epidemic proportions. The movement required to squat is essential for the strength and mobility of your pelvis, hips, and lower spine, thus providing a strong and stable foundation for your entire spinal column. The health benefits apparently go even further, including improvements in bowel function, among others. Since modern living does not require us to squat, the bodyweight squat is an essential exercise that everyone should do at least 3 times per week. If you are not able to do this simple exercise, you should consult with a professional fitness instructor, such as a biokineticist, personal trainer, Pilates instructor, or yoga instructor, to re-learn this very important movement and sitting position. So keep squatting while you still can, and your whole body will reward you.
Since sugar is harmful to your health, the chemical industry has come up with artificial versions of sugar, which are probably even more harmful. While there is some controversy regarding the safety of aspartame and other artificial sweeteners, many independent studies have shown these sugar substitutes to be harmful, especially in the long term. One recent study of almost 60,000 woman found a 50% increased death risk from the regular consumption of aspartame, which can be considered a neurotoxin (harmful to your nervous system). So instead of waiting for studies to prove its safety or danger, remember that your body will not like any unnatural substance. We actually do not require sugar in our diet, so it goes without saying that we simply do not need fake sugar, either.
