Episode 22: 5 Holiday Spices You Need To Help You This Holiday Season

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Oh boy! We're into the holiday week- and LOTS of time with the family! Take some time to listen to this podcast and find out how adding a few spices can help promote good mood and health while celebrating the holiday season!

!!!!GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!

Jaya Jaya Myra is giving away 1 copy of her book! Tune in to learn how you can enter to win.

Episode 19: Jacqueline Keuchler-Calveric - Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund

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Jacqueline, Elizabeth, and Carol M. Baldwin
Photo credit: Jacqueline Keuchler-Calveric

Jacqueline Keuchler-Calveric is the granddaughter of Carol M. Baldwin, the founder of the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund. Jacqueline also serves as the organization's Associate Director and spokesperson. Alongside her grandmother and mom Elizabeth, Jacqueline works to raise critical funds to support breast cancer services.

Jacqueline didn't always know this was her path and she hopes her winding tale can provide comfort to others as they discover their passion. Take a listen to part 1 of our conversation where she talks being a member of the famous Baldwin family, health scares and moving back home.

Episode 17: Cecilia Thomas

After losing her grandmother and mother to breast cancer Cecilia was devastated to learn she had an aggressive form of it as well. A terrible turn of events with her husband left her with no family to turn to. Cecilia's story is one of survival and how a positive state of mind can help determine one's fate.


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Know the Facts- Care About Your Health

1 in 4 people infected with HIV is female.

Only 1/2 of women living with HIV get care.

I talked with a Planned Parenthood expert today on set and she reminded me that women have the unique concern that they can transmit the virus to a child if she is pregnant. There are many medications that can help someone manage the disease but the worse thing you can do is not do anything. The fact that many women do not get the care they need is alarming.

In order to be your most successful version of yourself you need to care for your body and mind. Knowledge is key. Know your status. 

For more information please click on WomensHealth.org Please share this information to help save lives.

Pressure to be Thin

Two time U.S. National Champion Gracie Gold recently placed 5th place in Skate America. That is a huge accomplishment in its own right! But Gracie was disappointed. Her reason?

“You don’t often see — there aren’t that many — you just don’t see overweight figure skaters for a reason. It’s just something I’ve struggled with this whole year and in previous seasons."

It really hurts my heart that the 21-year-old considers herself overweight. To the regular person's eye she looks slender and fit. In her mind's eye- she is overweight.

While I say that, I also understand we all need to feel comfortable in our own skin.

A while back when I was feeling really good about myself I was told by several people- "don't get any skinnier". Was that about their vision of me or was I really looking too thin? I had been in great shape but actually on the high end of government standards. On the flipside- I've been told that same exact comment when I have felt I was "overweight" and was considered so on that same set of government standards.

So, how do we deal with this? I guess I'd say live your life! If you feel that you need to lose some weight- work toward making you- your best self. If you are happy with where you are- keep taking steps to honor your body. But, whatever your path- do it for you. Try not to do it to respond to a perceived standard that you need to live up to. And- don't forget to lift up your beautiful friends! Help them find their inner goddess too!

I believe Gracie has a promising future even if she doesn't competitive skate. I hope she sees that value in herself as well.

If you'd like to read more about Gracie and her candid comments about weight. Click HERE.

 

The Countdown To The JK Challenge Continues

You: Set one health goal to focus on for 3 weeks. Start thinking about what you want to do now.

I: Will tell you the steps you can take to achieve that goal.

I will offer 3 weeks worth of health and wellness tips to take to prepare for spring. We will talk about a variety of topics- from benefits of water..... to exercise.... to food journaling.... to how to stay motivated.

THIS STARTS MONDAY.

JK Challenge Countdown!

The JK Challenge starts on MONDAY! Join in on the fun. I will spend the last 3 weeks leading up to the first day of spring March 20th talking about healthy steps you can take to feel good. Want to lose a couple pounds? Want to increase your water intake? Want to lift your mood? Want to learn how to eat healthy on the go? You set your own goal and I will help you by talking about many different steps you can take to improve your mental and physical well being and therefore achieve your goal.

This will be your own goal- but I will be here to support you!

Are you up for the challenge? I'm so excited many of you have reached out and said YES already! I feel so blessed to have such amazing friends in my life- you mean the world to me! Let's do this together!

Join The JK Challenge

Fighting A Cold

I've been feeling great this winter- rock star status.... until Friday night. I started feeling run down- but shouldn't I feel that way? Heck it was a long week. I took some Emergen-c and went to bed. Woke up Saturday pretty stuffed up, but powered through a 2 hour workout. By Saturday night I couldn't breathe. Yep- I got the cold.

So, I'm home today trying to feel better. I found this New York Times article. The doctor said “The best remedy for the cold remains effective prevention,”- well, yeahhhh!

After I got over his statement that rubs me wrong- as I sit here trying desperately to relieve the pressure in my head- I actually learned something from it. It said to get rest- which I'm doing and get 60 to 80 oz of fluid.

The doctor also dispelled some myths. He said orange juice isn't going to help you if you have the cold! WHAT? You might be surprised there are other remedies that we swear by that the doctor says don't work. To find out some other myths- click HERE.

Viral Video: Gym Stereotypes

This video cracked me up!

If you spend anytime at the gym... you can name a person for each of these stereotypes! In fact- I ran into the water drinker coming down the stairs yesterday and just about fell out laughing thinking of this video! This is the time of year were a ton on people are signing up for the gym, ready to make a change, ready to get in shape!

My gym was crowded the other day and I actually had to wait for a treadmill... gasp.. a whole 5 minutes!

In a hot split second I started to get irritated- but then I stopped myself. Here's the thing- maybe, just maybe someone who is taking that first step in my gym, right now, on the treadmill that I want to get on--- is making A REAL CHANGE! And in that realization I felt so excited for all these new people- because I used to be an on-again off-again gym goer and seemed to always start back at the first of the year! Now I'm working on year three of steady visits to the gym and I love it!

Hey- maybe I can meet a new friend.. who likes protein shakes or doesn't quite know how to use the machine right or a screamer! Watch the video and you'll understand why I'd love to meet any of those people!

Anyways they say in order to make fitness a lifestyle change- you have to do something you love and it helps to have a buddy- so the next time you see that Gallon Water Drinker at the gym strike up a conversation! You can start by asking him if it's truly bottled or just filled with tap water!

Mental Realignment

I'm constantly going. ALL... THE... TIME. I wake up in the middle of the night and don't go back to sleep until I only have a few hours before I have to get back up and do it again. It drives me nuts when my husband tells me he's made it to a new level of Candy Crush or about a new show he's "addicted" to... because I don't even know the shows on tv. So, when my husband said he was taking me away for the weekend- I kinda freaked.

 

We have 3 children... the oldest of which is 11... and we've NEVER taken a vacation without them. "Who's going to watch the kids? Well, we need to be home early to do A, B and C. I really need to clean... X, Y and Z." Yeah... I'm that kind of person. He said he took care of it all and just to enjoy not being in control for once. It was hard.... but this weekend I did.

We spent the weekend in a cabin on a lake. We slept in to a whopping 8am (because we it was as late as our bodies would let us). We leisurely sipped morning coffee on the deck. We went shopping... and spent way too much money. We got massages and we had a wonderful dinner. I took a deep breath and exhaled. I found a peace that I just don't seem to find very often. I thought a lot about writing because lately I believed I lost my voice. I hadn't worked on my book or written many blog posts in the last month. I still question whether anyone really needs to hear what I have to say- but heck, I think I should simply talk because talking is fun and if some people listen- that's a bonus.

 

This weekend did so much for the soul. It helped me mentally realign and feel good. It helped me recharge and prioritize. My husband and I finally got some much needed alone time. Finishing a complete conversation was kinda nice. We still talked about the kids... a lot... but it was a good thing.

 

I love that my hubby planned this little get away. He did good. Can you relate to my too busy lifestyle? How do you find balance? I'd love to hear your tips for fitting it all in.

The Pine Bush Triathlon Is Coming

Register for the Pine Bush Tri at Active.com or if you'd like to volunteer please call the YMCA. If you'd like to come out and see us compete- be sure to say hi if you see me huffing and puffing my way to the finish line.

You Must Tri

 Adrenaline is the equalizer. I have trained 6 weeks for the YMCA Indoor Triathlon. They teach you how to improve your swimming, cycling and running. You can't be taught how to deal with nerves.

I did my first triathlon this past Sunday. Got there an hour early, set up my items and paced excitedly until they said it was my turn to get in the water. Adrenaline kicked in- I jumped into the water (a first because I'm usually a wimp to the cold water). I did some bobs to get my whole body wet. Then it was time to go!

This tri was a little different than most. It was just 15 minutes in the water, 15 on a stationary bike and 15 on a treadmill. Just see how far you can go in that time. It's a great intro into the world of triathlons.

My breath was ragged and I just couldn't calm. I started out free stroke, mostly did breast stroke because it's my strongest, did a length side stroke, quite a few back stroke lengths. I was sure I only swam a 1/4 of what I was physically capable of doing but in the end was shocked to learn I actually swam 575 yards- 23 lengths of the pool. Not bad for someone who was majorly freaking out.

 It was on to a quick change into my sneakers and onto the stationary bike. The music was pumping and I was pedaling... fast. I felt best here. I wanted to push. I was doing my best to challenge my husband (behind me in the green shirt) and kept checking in (to make sure I was ahead of him hehe).

At one point I almost started to cry. I looked over at my son taking pictures of me and my two daughters who had poked their heads out from child care and they were rooting me on. I just felt so proud to show them that hard work pays off. I was doing it!

I got off the bike and was satisfied with 7.6 miles in 15 minutes.

One of my tri trainers told me that's about how fast he goes! I'm not so sure I'd go that fast on the roadways- but it's cool to know he thought I did really well!

Up to the treadmill. As soon as I started to run I was sure I was going to throw up. I spent the whole 15 minutes trying to convince myself that I wasn't going to. As much as I wanted to push the pace and try to get as close to 2 miles in 15 minutes as possible my stomach just wasn't letting me do it. I took it minute by minute. I would increase the pace but a wave of nausea would come over and I'd pull back and try to breathe. I tried not to think about that steak dinner from the night before and the fact that I should have eaten much lighter. I got through it with a measly 1.36 miles. I could have done better there. I have to keep reminding myself- this time last year I wouldn't have been able to run 5 minutes- let alone 15- I need to stop being so hard on myself.

My stomach was still unsettled for the rest of the day- so I really think it just was not my day to get a good run in.

Then I beat myself up for not being able to settle my stomach... as if I had control over it. But we waited around for the results just for fun. I was shocked to learn I came in first overall for the female cycling! I knew I felt good- and probably could have gone faster. There were just a handful of men faster than me too! Wow.

I am already signed up for a training class that will prepare me for a distance based triathlon. I have only one expectation for that race- to finish. This whole fitness thing has been so fun. I am discovering my athletic ability and it is rewarding to learn the harder you work for something the stronger you get.

I am so thankful to all my trainers. My beginning running and swimming coaches laid the ground work for me to believe in myself. My body pump and shred trainer is helping me discover my muscles and she inspires me with her perfect deary ear. My triathlon coaches are teaching me how to interweave swimming, cycling and running. It has taken a village for me to get here- and it feels so great.

Do you have a fitness goal? Why not make 2013 the year you make it happen?

Fitness Goals 2013

Last year at this time I was not at a healthy weight and I had just taken the brave step of joining a Couch to 5K class. I can't tell you how life changing that step was. I was scared. I didn't think I could run a minute... let alone 3.1 miles. I'm even feeling a little nervous just sharing that little bit of information with you- but I am because maybe, just maybe someone is out there like me- thinking.... "What if".

Well, one year later, I'm here to tell you-- don't be afraid to answer that question with action. You will never know what if- if you don't just try. Hey- you may fail to achieve your goal- the first time or maybe even the second- but its the simple act of trying to achieve it and focusing on it that is the true reward. You will find you are stronger than you think. You will find that hard work trumps dreaming about it. You will find some days you are stronger than others... and those are the days that give you the strength to get through the weak ones.  

I ran that 5K. One day I will tell you more about that story- but spoiler: It was the most amazingly scary and exhilarating experience ever and created a snowball effect to today's post.

I am training for a triathlon. EEEK! In fact- my first toe dip into the water takes place next Sunday! I have been taking a triathlon training course for almost 2 months. I've been learning how to swim strong then get dressed and go bike and run. Next week's tri is just a little warm up. It's 15 minutes in the pool, 15 minutes on the stationary bike and 15 minutes of running on a treadmill. It's all indoors and neat and timed. But it is preparing us all for the outdoor tris that will begin shortly... and yes, I'm going to do one of those this year!

A tri training course starts in April that will prepare my body to swim 325 yards, bike 11.5 miles and then run a 5K. If you asked me last year if I would be doing a triathlon this year I would have laughed. This was never on my radar but somewhere along the way to health I found my inner athlete. Am I scared? You bet yah! But I'm willing to put in the work to get myself to the starting line... and barring any injuries- I will get to the finish line too!

Have you had a secret goal that you've kept buried deep down inside? When are you going to take the step to achieve it? My advice- is take that first step today!

How Old Is Too Old?

67-year-old Comedian Steve Martin and his 41-year-old wife Anne Stringfield are reportedly celebrating the arrival of a new bundle of joy. No word if it's a boy or a girl. In fact- no word if this is actually true- but that's what reports are saying. So now I suspect the paparazzi will be busy trying to get the first baby pictures.

How he's managed to keep it a secret is any ones guess- but you've gotta give it to him. In an age of 24-hour attention grabbing headlines- that's pretty impressive.

So, let's talk about the question that I'm sure many of us are asking (silently in our brains, of course)--- How old is too old to have a baby? Let's be frank... he's able to collect social security, he could sit back and enjoy life as a retiree- and he's traded all that in for diapers and middle of the night baby calls? Okay- Okay- he's a rich celebrity and probably won't be doing any of that- but come on, I have to have an illusion that he's going to go through a little of the work raising his child.

Then there's also the question--- Is it fair to the child? There is a possibility that her/his dad may not have the health and energy to keep up with her/him. These are legitimate questions.

But alas- I can also see the other side of the coin. Older people are wiser. Seriously- think back to your 20 something brain--- yeahhhh- see I'm right aren't I? Also- when you're older you are able to prioritize in a more meaningful way and plan for the future with more understanding.

Also, AARP reports 2.5 million grandparents are responsible for raising in their home more than 5.8 million grandchildren. So, obviously they are more than capable.

So, I leave it to you to weigh in-- how old is too old? Speak up.

Body Pump+Shred= SORE

Seriously- this guy makes it look easy and slow- my class was neither! So, Saturday I decided to get up with my girls and go to their workout class. They've been raving about it for a while now. I've also heard how sore they were- but that they loved it and kept going back for more- religiously. I finally had no excuse to pass up another Saturday morning with them- so I said count me in!

I got there and the 8am class was PACKED- I mean no room to walk packed. This must be good right? I saw step boards and dumb bells and various size weights along with hand weights piled up near each person. I was intimidated.

Thank goodness I had my girls! They make anything fun. The music started to pump and I thanked god the instructor played the BEST music. Tori also had one of those bodies you envy- so I knew she put her money where her mouth was.

15 minutes into Bodypump I was having a full fledged internal conversation about how sore I would be. I knew it was coming. I kept going. By 30 minutes in- I was dripping, my muscles were quivering.

I made it through the first class and said a little prayer. "God- please don't let me be too sore. I have my triathlon class tomorrow and basically I'd like to walk, Amen-JoDee."

Just as I was done with my prayer- Tori- the same instructor said "Are you ready for more?" with a devilish laugh. Man this girl was good!

Time for shred class. This was an hour of basically step class- but to the max. Oh yeah, and she added in rubber bands. Whoa lawdy.  I was dripping sweat.

Tori not only instructed both classes- she did every single exercise while laughing, motivating, singing and screaming! I wanted to bow at her feet after my class- well that, and basically I couldn't get up off the floor.

I knew I was going to be sore so I bought a protein shake and gulped it down. I took a potassium supplement and drank a ton of water- all the while stretching my muscles and praying for the best.

As the day wore on- the soreness set in. By the time I went to bed I was in pain. Oh- did I tell you I was coming down with a cold? So there I was congested, my head hurt and my body hurt- and I really wasn't sure what was sickness and what was workout soreness.

When I woke up Sunday I could barely walk. I medicated myself and dressed for my tri class. I was lackluster at best- running my sore and congested self around the track and then doing an ab workout- because that's the only body part that didn't hurt. I rowed for 5 minutes then walked for 15.

I sat on the couch the remainder of my Sunday. Being sick isn't fun. Being sick and sore from a workout is awful.

Would I go back? Yes. I'm sure next Saturday I'll be there.
Hopefully I won't be fighting a cold.
Would I recommend the classes? Despite my major complaining- yes! That instructor's body has inspired me to move past the pain and experience the benefits.

I know- I'm crazy.

Go Red For Women

Today is the 10th annual National Wear Red Day to mark the start of American Heart Month. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in America. More women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined.

 

For more information click HERE. 

Flu Emergency

SYMPTOMS

 Governor Cuomo has declared a health emergency in New York State. This gives pharmacists the authorization to provide the flu shot to more people. Have you gotten your flu shot? It can prevent you from getting the flu- which is NO JOKE this year people!

Almost 20-THOUSAND people have reported getting it in New York so far this year.

The CDC says there are 3 steps you can take to FIGHT THE FLU:

1. Get the flu vaccine!
2. Take everyday prevention steps
3. If you get it... take antiviral prescription medications

For more detailed reasons how each of those three steps helps click HERE.


For more information on the Flu Emergency in New York State please click HERE.

Please GET YOUR FLU SHOT

Does Your Doctor Ask This?

Does your doctor ask if you exercise? I can't remember if mine does. Hmmm. I want to say no but something in me tells me at my last physical they noticed my weight loss and might have been prompted by that- but I don't think it's routine. Sadly my doctor is also dangerously way out of the healthy weight category and I suspect as a physician he may not make it much of a focus that I'm taking healthy steps--- if he's not.

Well, apparently doctors in one of the nation's largest health insurance plans are being encouraged to do that. Kaiser Permanente is asking it's doctors to ask patients if they exercise. Their reasoning is that if a patients vital signs are not in the healthy category they can suggest they get some exercise, lower their weight and cut down on the need for health services that unhealthy people need.

Do you think this is a good idea? A part of me thinks so. Then I also think about what they are doing with that information. Are they soon going to come up with a penalty or higher premium for people who don't exercise? What do you think? Weigh in.

Biggest Loser Is Back

The Biggest Loser is back! I have to admit- I'm really excited about it. I have always loved how inspiring this show is. It transcends a message bigger than just losing weight for me. It's about breaking down walls, persistence, acceptance, forgiveness, strength, weakness and empowerment. I think it takes courage for these people to put themselves out there in such a vulnerable way.

Yes- some of them are looking for fame- but along the way the gain so much more- and if they use that fame to help others it's all worth it in the end.

Did you know the number 1 resolution is to lose weight? Last year I set the "Goal" to lose some weight. I was ready. I was tired of being tired and an insomniac and wanted to go back to a time where I felt good about myself. I also wanted to be a healthy role model to my children who are crazy active and athletic. How can mom not be just like them?

I remember watching this show and transforming along with the cast. I thanked goodness I didn't need to lose as much as the people on the show but I also knew I would face some of the same challenges as they would about losing and keeping the weight off. Now here I am a year later, still down at my goal I'm ready to watch a season- looking for inspiration to keep it off. Losing it is easy peeps- it's keeping it off that's hard! I'll be looking for inspiration once again from the cast and crew.

It airs Sunday nights on NBC.

Do you watch this show too? Is is your goal to lose weight and get healthy this year? Or do you want to take your physical fitness up a notch? I'd love to hear from you.