Keeping a Balanced and Healthy Lifestyle - Guest Blog by Eric Stevenson

Hello fellow bloggers! I know it has been a while, and today I wouldn't have known what to write about for you all. Luckily, a great guy named Eric Stevenson decided to volunteer as a guest blogger and write an awesome article about keeping a healthy and balanced lifestyle (thus, the title). This article also includes hyperlinks to learn more about the symptoms of mesothelioma, antioxidant-rich foods, and the importance of releasing endorphins to relieve pain. So make sure to check out all the great links! Please read and enjoy!


In today’s world, balancing a healthy lifestyle is becoming more and more complicated. Preventing and coping with chronic illnesses like epilepsy, mesothelioma, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is never simple. But with a few simple tips on what to avoid and what to pursue, staying and feeling healthy may be just a bit easier.

Location is up first. Whether most of your times is spent at school, in the studio, at the gym, or at home, your environment needs to be free of any environmental toxins. To avoid cancers like mesothelioma, make sure that the buildings you frequent are asbestos free. Asbestos is used in some building materials and, when inhaled over an extended period of time, can cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath and chest heaviness. If you suspect that you’ve been exposed to asbestos, don’t wait for symptoms. They often take 20-50 years to show up. Instead, ask your doctor about a cancer screening.

Next is your diet. There are certain foods that not only help to prevent cancers like mesothelioma, but that work against fatigue, energy loss, and heart disease. Foods like berries, raisins, and yes, chocolate, are full of antioxidants. The term “antioxidant” gets thrown around a lot, and although eating antioxidant rich food may seem like a fad, it actually has its benefits.

Through normal cellular processes, your body’s cells give off waste called free radicals, or oxidants. These oxidants work against your body in a process similar to the rusting of metal. This process, called oxidation, causes cancer, heart disease, fatigue, and aging. When you eat foods like berries and apples, antioxidants find and neutralize the harmful oxidants. So eating fruits and veggies can give you energy, keep you looking and feeling young, and can prevent cancer and heart illness.

Finally, avoid stress. If you already have a chronic illness like cancer, epilepsy, or CFS, coping and recovering can be facilitated through alternative therapies. Alternative therapies that reduce stress include massages, yoga, reiki, acupuncture, and even prayer. Also, enjoyable activities like playing sports, painting, singing, or writing can relieve stress and allow the body to heal. Stress weakens the immune system and, adversely, positivity releases endorphins that can ease pain and even increase appetite.

Of course, it’s important to consult with your doctor before making any alterations to your diet or level of activity. These tips by no means should interfere with your doctor’s advice. With a combination of good judgment and enthusiasm, pursuing a healthier, happier life doesn’t have to be too hard. Make sure your home is free of toxins, talk to your doctor about mesothelioma symptoms, eat foods that promote wellness, and find time to do what you love!

--------------------------------------

A warm thanks to Eric Stevenson for writing this great article! Please feel free to write again for me sometime!

Sincerely,
Mandy Krzywonski