The New Human Condition

I apologize for the lack of new posts in recent days. I found out late last week that my friend Kimi had passed away. She apparently died from complications due to the Swine Flu and Pneumonia. It would have been her birthday this past Sunday. You can read about her life during college in an article from the Miami Student.

 

 

 

 

 

Kimi is really difficult to describe in words…so I won’t really try. She was a completely unique person in the world. Her spirit was one of so much joy. She loved deeply and openly, and wanted to know everyone she came into contact with. Her dreadlocks and skirts were a fixture on the Miami University campus. Kimi was awesome…that’s the best way to really describe her.   

I spent this past Saturday at her funeral service. As hard as it was to see her family and friends so terribly sad, everyone there was able to cry and laugh at the same time while remembering her…and I think Kimi would have wanted it to be like that. There were so many people at this tiny church out in the cornfields of Ohio, there was no place to sit. The church directors kept pulling out more and more chairs until there was hardly any room to walk, and even then there were not enough. Several people got up and spoke about their experiences with Kimi, and they all had the same themes. Because Kimi was such a true person, her true self shone through and everyone at the service could relate to other people’s stories of Kimi. Whether someone knew her in childhood, high school, or college, they all had the same experiences. Family members, professors, and family had the same experiences. Several themes really shown through that day:

 

Kimi was just such an honest, loving person.

 

She could see the needs in other people and could tell when they were hurting. She always tried to fill those needs.

 

She loved to laugh…and dance (whether or not anyone was around to see).

 

She always treated people with kindness.

 

Here are some entries taken off of her facebook wall after she passed away:

 

Kimi, you were the most bright, energetic, and crazy happy person I ever met. I will never forget that…

 

I looked up to your style, you didnt care what anyone thought of you. I could always expect to say hi to you uptown even when we hadnt talked about anything recently- most would just ignore someone they hadnt talked to in so long. I should of gone to colombia with you, I will go someday.

 

this earth is never going to be the same, but it was so much more beautiful when you were here. it’s up to all of us now to keep you alive in whatever we do. you are wonderfully inspiring, kimi. i hope my heart learns to love the way that you have.

 

The world will be a much sadder place without you Kimi. I don’t think I ever saw you without a smile on your face I’ll miss that. Your shining spirit is needed elsewhere now, shine as bright as you can! I’ll always love you!

 

[completely floored, just found out] I feel like I just saw you; cause I see you every time I come back to Oxford. You are one of the brightest, most upbeat, genuine, caring, fun people I have had the privilege of knowing during my collegiate decade; to find out you’ve left us so early is completely unacceptable to me. We will all have so much work to do in making up for the joy you would be spreading all over. God bless you Kimi; til next time.

 

oxygen. I have not been so unravelled in a very long time. I loved you so much, girl. You were a ray of sunshine, the fragrance of heaven (and a bit of earth; patchouli and a soul-mate cut from the same fabric in so many ways.
you loved my boys…I don’t know how I’ll tell them that you’re gone… I’ll go make some art…thinking about you for a long time…and hyperventilating until the pain turns into a dull numb-ness. you are loved.

 

My friend Harry also wrote her a letter on facebook. It made me cry all over again. It talks about how he once caught her hair on fire, how she taught him about God, and many other things. You can read the entire letter here, but I’ll also post an excerpt:

 

 

 

 

Kimi touched so many lives just by being herself and loving people. She had the craziest smile, and the most contagious positive attitude I have ever seen.

I met her when I started working at Kofenya together back in college. We spent a lot of time together working, hanging out, and sharing meals.

After college I moved down to Florida where I didn’t know anyone. After a phone conversation where I probably sounded lonely, she booked a flight and was the first of my friends to come and visit me. She never had much money and booked a flight on the old Skybus airline. We thought she was flying into Jacksonville, but ended up flying into Daytona Beach…about 3 ½ hours drive from where I lived…She had to wait several hours until I could make it down there in my old truck and pick her up. Most people would be upset or annoyed at this type of situation, but Kimi met me with a huge smile and a hug. We drove all the way back to Tallahassee, talking and listening to music the whole way.

 

During that visit, we went to the beach and talked about life, smoked hookah at a place where Kimi made new friends with the workers, and went into an art gallery. At the gallery, I was looking for items to decorate my new apartment, and I saw a painting I really liked. It was basically a large canvas painted yellow with some red splashes in it. It was really cool…and also priced at a few hundred dollars. Kimi came up behind me while I was looking at it and said “why don’t you just make it yourself”. When I told her I had never painted before, that didn’t stop her. We drove to an art supply store, stocked up on canvas, paint, and brushes. We spent the rest of the afternoon painting and drinking wine. Two years later, I am displaying three of my paintings at local gallery this Friday. Thanks Kimi, for opening up a part of me that I didn’t know I had.

The entire visit was so good. It was exactly what I needed at that time in my life…and Kimi knew that and spent her time and money to come down and visit me. That has always meant so much to me, and I wish I could see her again.

 

 

Kimi,

 

This is so hard…I will always remember how I felt when Kate told me you had gone. In a world that is so untrusting and distant, you were someone who always brought happiness to everyone, including me.  

Thanks for all the great times we have had and the memories that will stay with me forever.

Thanks for coming into my life and teaching me so much.

Thanks for being so supportive of my (sometimes) crazy ideas, and always offering to help.

Thanks for being a positive force in a world that very much needs it.

Thanks for being you.

I love you and I’ll miss you, my friend.

 

Love, Joe

 

Joe Kimi Young Kimi Young, Swine Flu

In addition to the numerous positive effects of a regular running routine, new studies have shown that vigorous exercise can also help ward off vision loss from the aging process.

 

 

 

Both men and women who run several miles a day are at less risk for cataracts and muscular degeneration due to aging. I have written previously about how to protect your eyes. Running every day is another pro-active step you can take to keep your vision.

 

Our vision is one of the most important gifts we have been given. It allows us to see the everyday happenings and beauty in the world.  

 

 

Joe Health Aging, running

I’ve just burped up fish oil for the 4^th or 5^th time today…not the best taste but it’s worth it when you consider the benefits.

 

 

 

About two weeks ago, I started taking fish oil supplements on a regular basis. I’ve always intended to do this, but so far have been reluctant (I had a roommate in college who always took too much, and it came out through his pores…yeah)

 

But, I have some problems with one of my knees (two surgeries from old sports injuries), and I often wake up really stiff and achy. For the past two weeks, I have been taking two supplement pills a day, and I honesty notice a difference in the flexibility and lack of grinding in my knee every day. Besides joint flexibility, fish oils can help your body in other ways:

 

Heart Health:

Fish oils can reduce the formation of plaque in the heart. This is HUGE for anyone who has a history of high blood pressure or cholesterol. Anything that can decrease the risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke is definitely worth it to me.

 

Memory:

Omega-3 fats are found in the nervous system, and fish oils have been shown to protect delicate cells within that system. They also support positive mood and memory functions.

 

Skin:

Research has shown that increased fish oils in the body can cure skin damage from UV rays, and can even help with eczema and psoriasis.

 

Eye Health:

Thought to keep the eyes moist and reduce inflammation, fish oils are great for eye health.

 

Immune System:

Fish oils can aid the immune system in attacking and removing free radicals from the body.   

 

 

These are all great reasons to start taking a fish oil supplement. After two weeks I am loving it. And as of today…I have not had anyone say anything about any fishy smells J

Joe Food and Nutrition, Health fish, oil

Staring at a computer screen all day at work can be brutal on your eyes. Couple that with the fact that almost everyone is also spending more and more time outside of work on the computer can really take a toll.

 

 

To prevent eyestrain from excessive computer time, try these tips:

 

Keep your screen clean and dimmed. A dirty screen can make you strain to see things, and lowering the contrast will keep your eyes from constant, bright exposure throughout the day.

 

Try to keep lights in your work area consistent. Don’t make the surrounding area too dark or too bright. Attempt to minimize glare from desk lamps and windows.

 

Take frequent breaks. Go look off into the distance, get up and stretch, or take a quick walk.

 

Blink frequently. This keeps your eyes moisturized and happy J

 

If you work on a computer daily, check with an eye doctor to see if you might benefit from an updated or specialized prescription for eyeglasses or contacts.

 

 

Most importantly, take good care of your eyes. They will deteriorate naturally as you age…don’t accelerate this by staring at a computer screen all day and night. Get outside and enjoy what life has to offer.

Joe Health Eye Strain

Having spent the majority of my life exploring the outdoors, I can say two things about insect repellants: First, none of them are 100% effective. Secondly, products that contain DEET are by far the most effective, but are also toxic.

 

 

There are some natural alternative to using DEET or other chemical sprays…and they work almost as well.  

 

Cover Up:

Wear light colors (dark colors attract black flies and mosquitoes), and cover as much of your body as possible in loose fitting clothing. This is especially true in areas where ticks thrive (high grass, overgrown scrub forest, etc). By exposing less skin, it makes it easier to protect yourself from insects.

 

Avoid Fragrances:

If you know you will be spending some time outdoors, try not to use any scented products the day leading up to your outing. This includes shampoo and soap (try baking soda instead), deodorant, and fabric softeners for your clothes. Scents attract all kinds of insects, biting and otherwise. I have been hiking in groups before, and watched as everyone was swarmed (including myself) except for those who had not used the scented shampoo in the hotel the night before.

 

Try Plant-Based Insect Sprays:

Several companies make non-toxic versions of popular bug sprays. These are typically made with Lemon, Eucalyptus, or other plant oils. Try not to spray too much of these on even though they are less toxic than their counterparts, as anything you spray on your skin gets directly absorbed into your bloodstream. Excess foreign chemicals are bad, period.

 

Watch Your Diet:

This is not substantiated by any science, but is a general belief among hikers. High levels of potassium in your blood (from eating certain foods) can be released into the air along with carbon dioxide when you perspire. Insects are supposedly attracted to this mix. Also, eating garlic is said to repel mosquitoes and ticks.

 

Although bug sprays containing DEET are very effective, they are toxic and should be used extremely sparingly. Try these natural alternatives the next time you are enjoying the outdoors, and remember that bugs and insects are an important part of the natural cycle as well. Although annoying, they have their place. 

Joe Health, Nature Insect Repellent

 

 

 

It’s not a huge secret that Americans like things big.  We like bigger houses, bigger cars, and large food portions.  Obesity is a huge crisis in America and it comes with numerous other symptoms than just a bigger pant size.  It causes hypertension, diabetes, and a variety of other diseases.  Not only are adults growing more obese but also our youth are also catching up quickly.  Everywhere you look there are ads for weight loss programs or a new fad diet.  What does it really take to lose weight?

 

It takes willpower and a want for change.  Without those two key components it is unlikely that people can succeed.  It is unlikely that any person can stick to any crazy diet that has you on limited calories or eating only fats or only vegetables.

 

Here are some key things to keep in mind when trying to change your eating habits.

 

Portion sizes at restaurants are normally too large. 

Typically, eating only half of a portion served is sufficient.  3 ounces of meat is considered a serving.  That is about the size of a deck of cards.  A cup of broccoli is about the size of a baseball and a half-cup of mashed potatoes is about the size of a regular light bulb.  Pay attention to how much you are eating.

 

Vary the foods you eat. 

Different colored fruits and vegetables provide different nutrients.  Eat a diet with varied colors.  Fruits and vegetables provide you with many of your essential water-soluble vitamins. Variety is the spice of life right?

 

Drinks other than water can provide unneeded calories.

A 16-ounce soda can provide almost 200 calories in one serving.  If you are trying to lose weight this can be a major factor in failure.  A typical American has 1-3 sodas a day… up to 600 extra calories!  It is better to save those calories for food, not drinks that provide no nutritional value.  To spice up water add lemons, cucumbers, or berries to give it a refreshing crisp taste.  If you need a “pick me up” try green tea with honey.  Eliminate unnecessary calories!

 

Just because it’s a wrap or a salad doesn’t mean it’s healthy!

Everything in the salad or wrap depends upon its ingredients.  Cheese adds extra calories as well as dressing.  It can load the salad or wrap with more calories than necessary.  Vinegars and plant oils are your best option for dressing because they provides heart healthy fats. 

 

Not all fats are created equal.     

Anything fried is best to stay away from, especially if you are trying to lose weight.  Fats are essential to the human body’s function so cutting them out completely is not a good idea.  But do try to stay away from high amounts of saturated fat and focus on unsaturated.   Unsaturated fats are found in plant sources such as avocados and olive oil. 

 

When in doubt about the nutritional values just ask.  Restaurants have to provide you with nutritional information when prompted.  If you need more nutritional advice ask your local dietitian because they are licensed and can provide you not only with information but can legally give you a meal plan to help you progress.  Change is not easy but if you want to be healthier and lose weight look at what sits on your plate.

 

Joe Food and Nutrition, Health Obesity

 

There are heavy sleepers and light sleepers. Admittedly, I am a heavy sleeper. I tend to stay in the same position I fell asleep in, and not wake up, even in the presence of noise or light. This was a definite advantage during my time in college where I lived in a small house with 5 other guys, and during some of my backpacking adventures where I slept in uncomfortable areas and/or positions. But it can also be a disadvantage when I am trying to wake up at a certain time (I usually have to set 3 alarms if I have a meeting or appointment in the morning).

 

Light sleepers tend to have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night. This can make it difficult to achieve REM sleep, the deepest stage of sleep needed for optimum regeneration and rest for the body. To help out, there are five things that I have found to work particularly well at inducing sleep, and helping people to remain sleeping throughout the night.

 

Here they are, in order of ascending extremes:

 

1. Don’t Take Naps During the Day: This is fairly obvious, but a lot of people I know take naps during the day because they are tired and then have trouble sleeping at night. It’s a rough sort of “Catch 22”. Napping interferes with natural sleep patterns. We are biologically programmed to sleep when it is dark outside.
2. Melatonin: This is a chemical hormone naturally produced by your body, but some people do not produce enough of it. You can increase your levels by taking a supplement or eating more foods where it is naturally contained. Remember that it is always a good idea to check with your doctor before taking any supplements.
3. Tea: Try Chamomile or other decaffeinated tea an hour or so before bedtime. It relaxes you and is full of healthy antioxidants and other compounds. I like “Sweet Dreams” Herbal Tea from Bigelow Teas.
4. Light Alcohol: This goes against a lot of common advice. Too much alcohol can interfere with your natural sleep cycles and make it difficult to achieve REM. But I have always found that a glass of wine or a beer an hour before going to bed relaxes me and helps me clear my mind.
5. Take an Ice Bath: This one is fairly extreme, and I actually laughed at the idea when I heard about it. But one thing is for sure…it works. This is exactly what it sounds like. Fill the bathtub with cold water and ice, then immerse yourself from anywhere to a few minutes to half an hour. At first, the shock of the cold will wake you up, but after you get out and your body warms up you will feel like you have been shot with a tranquilizer. If you have never done this, start with a cold shower first.

Joe Health Sleep