May
15
HBO recently aired a documentary on the obesity epidemic called Weight of the Nation. With our world becoming more and more obese, this issue cannot get enough attention.
You can watch the full film below (includes all four parts which are embedded).
Each part is dedicated to a specific topic and is approximately 1 hour.
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Part 1 – Consequences
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Part 2 – Choices
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Part 3 – Children in Crisis
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Part 4 – Challenges
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Harrison
May
14
The Brendan Gallagher boxing documentary (Passion & Struggles) first aired a few weeks ago and will soon be available as a DVD. The film highlights several fighters and trainers from the Capital Region. I’ll post another update once the DVD is released.
According to the IMDb description:
“Travel into the body, mind and soul of a professional boxer, experience the passion for the sport and the struggle for survival. Look beyond the ropes and see who a fighter really is, not what they’re made out to be. Boxing’s metaphorical power submerges us into a world of clarity and truth.”
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Harrison
May
07
A reader of the site recently posted the video below to my Facebook page. I had not heard of the individual before watching the clip. I did not know what to expect. I noticed that the clip was posted to YouTube just a week ago and has accumulated over 1.5 million views. The clip shows the inspiring journey of disabled Gulf War veteran Arthur Boorman who was told he would never walk again without assistance.
Words are not sufficient to capture this man’s story so I won’t even try…
“Man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he is.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
A big thanks to Kian for sharing this amazing story
Harrison
Apr
25
Below is a video that has been circulating the web as of late. I just came across it today. The video shows an elderly man named Henry who begins listening to his favorite music. In all honesty, it was hard to hold in my emotions as I viewed the video. It’s amazing to see the beneficial effects of music on this man’s energy, vitality, and spirit.
Some of you may be wondering why I am sharing this particular video on a blog dedicated to health and fitness. After all, what does music have to do with physical fitness? Music is not a conditioning exercise, nutritional supplement, or training protocol. Originally I had no plans to share the clip. But as I thought more about it, it made sense to share the video.
My reasons behind this decision were simple. Health is about more than just physical development. It also includes social, mental, and spiritual components. Music can help foster each of these qualities. In a past blog entry, I wrote about the significance of music to my own development. Music clearly offers benefits for a healthy body, mind, and soul.
If we can achieve health and happiness through activities such as listening to music (along with exercising and eating healthy), I am all for it.
”Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons. You will find it is to the soul what a water bath is to the body.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes
Harrison
Apr
18
When he was 18-years-old, Manuel de los Santos lost his left leg in a motorcycle accident. At the time, he was close to achieving his dream of playing professional baseball. Despite the accident his passion for competitive athletics remained strong.
Manuel began golfing after viewing a documentary on the sport. Learning the sport on two legs would be challenging by itself. On just one leg, Manuel must balance and pivot in order to drive the ball with accuracy and precision. This “handicap” has not stopped him from consistently driving the ball over 300 yards. Manuel has thrived in the sport, continuing to participate in tournaments throughout the world. This can be attributed to his genuine passion and work ethic. He clearly enjoys what he is doing. When you enjoy what you do, success is a natural byproduct.
Golfing on one leg may seem impossible to some. I’m sure Manuel had many doubters as he came up in the sport. How could anyone golf with one leg, let alone compete at the national level? As Manuel states in the clip however, when you find something you love to do, the impossible becomes possible. I enjoy this story because it demonstrates the power of passion while serving as a reminder that the vast majority of our complaints and excuses are insignificant.
I wish Manuel continued success in his life and golfing career.
“Passion is the genesis of genius.” – Anthony Robbins
Harrison
Apr
17
I have recommended local eating on this blog before (here and here). I am fortunate to live in an area (upstate New York) where it is possible to purchase locally grown foods such as meats, dairy products, and produce directly from the farmer. After researching the topic, I started buying local a few years ago and do not plan to stop anytime soon. There are many potential benefits (better taste, more nutritious, fresher, less expensive, more supportive of the local economy, healthier living conditions for animals) related to eating locally and in-season.
Below is the harvest calendar for New York State. It shows the crops grown in the state and the corresponding seasons.
http://www.prideofny.com/harvest.html
For those who do not reside in New York State, check out the link below to see what is available in your region. Harvest guides are organized by state.
http://www.fieldtoplate.com/guide.php
Buying food which is locally produced offers a FAR healthier alternative to the chemically processed junk that dominates today’s supermarkets and restaurants.
Harrison
Apr
10
I have updated a previous article on the main page entitled Fruits and Vegetables – The Missing Nutritional Links (first published in February 2011).
A brief excerpt from the introduction can be found below:
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“As youngsters and perhaps as adults, we have been reminded at some point to eat our fruits and vegetables. Yet despite this age-old advice, few actually follow it. Fruits and vegetables continue to be neglected in many nutritional plans and eating regimes. This is unfortunate as these foods can and do contribute substantially to general health, athletic performance, and overall well-being.
A lack of fruits and vegetables in your diet will likely result in nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. Poor nutrition originating from such neglect adversely impacts all body systems and functions, including recovery, nutrient utilization, and metabolism. A healthy diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Within this article, I will discuss the nutritional significance of fruits and vegetables and shed light on why these foods remain widely neglected despite the many associated benefits. I will then outline several strategies and recommendations you can use to maximize your nutrition with quality fruits and vegetables.”
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Enjoy,
Harrison
