exercise – MyWellness Network

Dance

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A SCIENCE LESSON

Dancing offers a wide range of benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Here are some of the key advantages of dancing:

Physical Fitness: Dancing is a fun and enjoyable way to stay physically active. It provides a full-body workout that can improve cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and endurance. Different dance styles target various muscle groups, helping to tone and sculpt the body.
Weight Management: Regular dancing can help burn calories and support weight loss or weight management goals. It offers a dynamic and engaging form of exercise that can increase metabolism and energy expenditure.
Coordination and Balance: Dancing requires coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. Practicing dance movements can improve proprioception and motor skills, enhancing agility, balance, and coordination over time.
Stress Reduction: Engaging in dancing can help reduce stress and tension by promoting relaxation and releasing endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. It offers a creative outlet for expressing emotions and relieving mental strain.
Mood Enhancement: Dancing has been shown to boost mood and uplift spirits. The rhythmic movements, music, and social interaction involved in dancing can elevate mood, increase happiness, and decrease feelings of anxiety or depression.
Cognitive Function: Dancing involves learning and memorizing choreography, which can stimulate cognitive function and improve brain health. It challenges the mind and encourages mental agility, memory recall, and problem-solving skills.
Social Connection: Dancing provides opportunities for social interaction and community engagement. Whether participating in group dance classes, social dance events, or performances, dancing fosters connections with others and promotes a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Self-Expression: Dancing is a form of artistic expression that allows individuals to convey emotions, stories, and ideas through movement. It offers a creative outlet for self-expression, exploration, and personal growth.
Confidence Building: Mastering dance skills and performing in front of others can boost self-confidence and self-esteem. Overcoming challenges, achieving goals, and receiving positive feedback from peers and instructors can enhance self-belief and self-worth.
Enjoyment and Fun: Above all, dancing is enjoyable and fun! It provides a joyful and uplifting experience that brings pleasure and fulfillment to people of all ages and backgrounds.

In summary, dancing offers a multitude of physical, mental, and emotional benefits, making it a valuable and rewarding activity for individuals looking to improve their overall well-being. Whether dancing for exercise, stress relief, social connection, or pure enjoyment, the positive effects of dancing are undeniable.

[Intro]
[Instrumental]
[Female Vocals]
[Break]
Souls’ lance
[Break]
Dance
[Break]
Leave prone alone
n’ Shake and rattle your bones
Come on and dance
[Break]
Souls’ lance
[Break]
Dance
[Break]
Da, Da, Da, Dance
[Bridge]
And, keep on singing, saying
We’ll never grow old
Da, Da, Da, Dance

Listen to the Music

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Listening to music offers a wide range of benefits for both mental and physical well-being. Here are some reasons why listening to music is good for you:

Reduces Stress: Music has the power to evoke emotions and elicit relaxation responses, reducing levels of stress hormones like cortisol. Listening to calming music can promote relaxation and alleviate feelings of tension and anxiety.
Improves Mood: Music has the ability to influence mood and emotions. Upbeat and uplifting music can boost mood, increase feelings of happiness, and provide a sense of comfort and enjoyment, especially during challenging times.
Enhances Cognitive Function: Listening to music can stimulate various areas of the brain involved in memory, attention, and cognitive processing. Music has been shown to improve concentration, enhance focus, and facilitate mental clarity, making it beneficial for tasks that require cognitive engagement.
Promotes Physical Health: Music can have physiological effects on the body, such as reducing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and promoting relaxation. Certain types of music, such as classical or ambient music, have been shown to have therapeutic effects on cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
Boosts Exercise Performance: Music has the power to motivate and energize during physical activity. Listening to upbeat music while exercising can increase endurance, improve performance, and enhance enjoyment of the workout experience.
Facilitates Social Connection: Music has a unique ability to bring people together and foster social connection. Shared musical experiences, such as attending concerts or singing in groups, can strengthen bonds, promote empathy, and enhance feelings of belonging and camaraderie.
Acts as a Form of Self-Expression: Music provides an outlet for self-expression and creativity. Whether through listening to music that resonates with personal experiences or creating music through singing or playing instruments, music can be a means of processing emotions and expressing oneself artistically.
Provides Comfort and Support: Music has a comforting and soothing effect during times of grief, sadness, or loneliness. Certain songs or genres can serve as sources of solace, offering emotional support and validation of feelings.
Enhances Sleep Quality: Listening to calming music before bedtime can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Music has been shown to reduce insomnia, decrease nighttime awakenings, and enhance overall sleep duration and quality.
Fosters Cultural Understanding: Exposure to diverse musical styles and traditions can promote cultural awareness, appreciation, and understanding. Listening to music from different cultures can broaden perspectives, stimulate curiosity, and foster a sense of global interconnectedness.

In summary, listening to music offers a multitude of benefits for mental, emotional, and physical well-being, making it a valuable and enjoyable activity for people of all ages and backgrounds.

From The Book Of Daniel: What to Consider and What to Do

[Instrumental]
[Guitar Solo]
[Intro]
Quick! Listen to the music
Music!

[Verse 1]
When the world weighs heavy on your soul, (taking its toll)
And you need to find a way to feel whole, (whole soul)
Just close your eyes and let the rhythm flow, (Go!)
Let the music take control. (Rock n’ Roll!)

[Chorus]
Rock n’ roll can save your soul
Listen to the music, let it heal your mind,
Every note and melody, a treasure you’ll find.
Reduced stress test, let loose, boost your mood,
There’s nothing quite like music’s soothing groove.

[Break]
Quick!
[Break]
Listen to the music
[Break]
Music!

[Verse 2]
When your heart is heavy, and you’re feeling low,
Music’s there to lift you up and help you know.
It’s a friend in times of joy and pain,
A source of comfort through the violent rain.

[Break]
Quick!
[Break]
Listen to the music
[Break]
Music!

[Bridge]
It enhances our minds, sparks creativity,
Curiosity, fostering unity.
From the gym to the concert hall,
Music’s power touches us all.

[Verse 3]
So when life’s struggles seem too much to bear,
And you need a moment to escape and share,
Just turn up the volume, let the music play,
And let its magic wash your worries away.

Long-COVID Update

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by Daniel Brouse

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has left an indelible mark on global health, demonstrating not only its immediate threat but also the potential for enduring consequences. This article explores the profound and lasting impact of COVID-19, delving into the virus’s role in chronic conditions and its ability to leave a lasting imprint on various aspects of health.

Long-Term Complications and Excess Deaths

A COVID-19 infection often leads to persistent complications that significantly diminish both the quality of life and life expectancy. Shockingly, 10% of excess deaths can be directly attributed to COVID itself, while the remaining 90% are attributed to what can be considered COVID’s silent killers. Individuals who have experienced COVID may face a diminished quality of life and an increased risk of premature death. Dr. Rob Wust underscores this by stating, “There is something inside the body going wrong with the disease.”

Long-COVID: A Looming Reality

For those who have contracted COVID, the probability of developing chronic conditions, known as Long-COVID, is a staggering 99%. This alarming statistic underscores the pervasive and lasting impact of the virus on an individual’s health.

Key Insights into COVID-19’s Long-Term Effects

Direct Impact on Organs:
- COVID-19 has been responsible for millions of deaths and has caused long-term damage to vital organs, leaving many survivors permanently disabled.
Persistent Viral Presence:
- SARS-CoV-2 can persist in the body for months or even years, causing chronic infections and leaving behind viral proteins associated with Long-COVID. This persistence is comparable to other viruses like Chicken Pox leading to Shingles or Epstein-Barr virus contributing to Mononucleosis and Multiple Sclerosis.
Compromised Immune System and Autoimmune Risks:
- Post-COVID individuals often experience a compromised immune system and an increased risk of autoimmune diseases. Local immune responses may be disturbed by both mental and physical exertion in long-COVID patients.
Genetic and Epigenetic Changes:
- SARS-CoV-2 induces genetic and epigenetic alterations to DNA, resulting in a compromised immune system, elevated risks of diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and damage to neurological, circulatory, and cardiovascular systems. Predisposed conditions are likely to escalate to more advanced stages.
Complexity of Long-COVID:
- Long-COVID is likely a multifaceted condition involving persistent virus presence, residual viral proteins, and lasting epigenetic and genetic changes, potentially lasting indefinitely.
Increased Risks with Reinfection:
- Reinfection with COVID amplifies the risks of death, hospitalization, and multi-organ damage, exacerbating underlying conditions across various bodily systems.

Understanding the epigenetic changes induced by COVID, including the downregulation of NAD+ and the impact on tryptophan, sheds light on the physical and mental health challenges faced by individuals. The deficiency in niacin, zinc, and vitamin D is a common consequence. It is crucial to recognize that COVID’s epigenetic changes may vary widely based on an individual’s genetic makeup, requiring tailored treatments for optimal outcomes.

COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2 / Novel Coronavirus

How to Protect Yourself From Air Pollution

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By Daniel Brouse

Climate change is a primarily caused by air pollution.

Air pollution is a primary cause of death.

The health impacts of air pollution are both cumulative and irreversible. The more polluted the air, the more severe the effects. The more polluted air you breathe over time, the more severe the effects. That is to say breathing “Moderate” quality air for 3 days might be similar to breathing “Unhealthy for Sensitive Group” quality air for 1 day. In both cases, your respiratory, circulatory, neurological, and immune systems have been damaged.

You can (and should) check your local air quality several times a day at AirNow.gov. The air quality index (AQI) goes from 0 to 500. An AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, while an AQI value over 300 represents hazardous air quality.

Particulate Matter (PM)

The EPA defines particulate matter (also called particle pollution): the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected using an electron microscope.

Particle pollution is similar to smoking cigarettes. The more you inhale, the worse it is for you. Also, the more particles in the air you breath, the worse it is for you. Breathing air on a day with an AQI that is unhealthy is similar to smoking a half-pack of cigarettes. If you go running instead of walking, it might be equivalent to smoking 2 packs of cigarettes.

The more particulate matter you breathe in over time, the greater the cumulative effect. The impact on your health will depend on your predisposition. In all cases your risk increases for nasal and upper respiratory tract health problems, heart attacks, strokes, asthma, and bronchitis, as well as premature death from heart ailments, lung disease, and cancer. Studies show that exposure can impair brain development in children and are significantly associated with the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Some of the impacts of particle pollution may be reversed overtime if further exposure to particle pollution is eliminated. After five years of quitting smoking, the risk of developing complications decreases by up to 50%.

The best lifestyle is to avoid particulate matter. Exercise outside only on days with a “Good” AQI under 50. If you must go out on days with an AQI over 50, wear an N95 mask. Indoors build and run a Corsi-Rosenthal Box filter.

Ground-level Ozone

Tropospheric ozone is low level ozone caused by humans. Tropospheric ozone is “bad ozone” that causes health problems in humans, plants to die and other destructive results. (Stratospheric ozone, the good ozone, is the ozone layer in the stratosphere that keeps 95-99% of the suns ultraviolet radiation from striking the earth.)

“Tropospheric ozone is formed by the interaction of sunlight, particularly ultraviolet light, with hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, which are emitted by automobiles, gasoline vapors, fossil fuel power plants, refineries, and certain other industries.” — National Center for Atmospheric Research

Ozone primarily affects the respiratory and immune systems. The damage is permanent, untreatable and often results in death. The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District reports, “Roughly one out of three people in the U.S. is at risk of experiencing ozone-related health effects.”

The best lifestyle is to avoid ozone exposure. Since heat and ultraviolet light are needed to create ozone, staying indoors offers the best protection. Neither masks nor air purifiers protect from ozone exposure. (Ozone is O3 and almost the same size as Oxygen O2)

REFERENCES
Death by Ozone
COVID-19 and Air Pollution
Ozone Know Zone
Air Pollution Kills
Indoor Air Pollution: How to Purify the Air, Aromatic Plants, and Phytoncides
Corsi-Rosenthal Box filter
The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

Natural Air Purifiers, Aromatic Plants, and Phytoncides

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By Daniel Brouse

Air pollution is: a leading cause of death worldwide, the leading cause of climate change, and the greatest threat to humankind. There is not much an individual can do about the outdoor air quality; however, there is a lot one can do to improve their individual air quality. The EPA reports, risks from long-term exposure to indoor pollution “include some respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer, can be severely debilitating or fatal. It is prudent to try to improve the indoor air quality in your home even if symptoms are not noticeable.” In the Spring of 2023, wildfires in Canada made the symptoms noticeable to many residents in the United States. Outdoor air quality measured hazardous for days in a row. When people could see and smell the air quality, it became obvious. Their indoor air quality also became noticeably poor.

With extreme weather events increasingly impacting both outdoor and indoor air quality, a long-term breathing experiment is underway.

No matter where your virgin air comes from, most likely the best way to purify the air is with plants.

The most famous study was conducted by NASA to remove formaldehyde from the air and found spider plants removed 95 percent of the toxic substance from a sealed Plexiglas chamber in 24 hours.

As part of the long-term breathing experiment we have cultivated multiple generations of spider plants. They are a great place for a novice to get started. Spider plants thrive in bright to moderate light. In the spring and summer, once-a-week watering is sufficient. During the winter, the soil should dry between waterings. (Spider plants are almost as easy to care for as cacti.) Snake plants are also easy to grow in all kinds of lighting situations, require little watering, and are one of the best air purifying plants.

Aromatic Plants and Phytoncides
Almost all plants are good for air purification. The spider plant and snake plants are great for taking pollutants out of the air, as well as optimize sustainability. The long-term breathing experiment is also looking at adding to the air quality.

Aromatherapy and Forest Bathing are easy to implement in your natural air purification experiment. Many plants can help take contaminants out of the air while adding medicinal properties to the air. Rosemary, mints, basil, sage, and most other herbs can add anti-bacterial, anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, stress, pain relief and other beneficial properties to air quality.

During the Air Quality Crisis of 2023, the long-term breathing experiment collided with the Tree Extinction Experiment. As part of the tree experiment, we grow a small nursery of trees in containers. Their main purpose is usually outside to act as a windblock for the structure to help reduce heating and cooling energy needs. Luckily, during the hazardous air quality days we were able to bring some (spruce and oak) inside to help purify the air and add phytoncides. The US Department of Agriculture reports, “These chemicals are natural oils that plants use to defend themselves against unwanted pests such as insects, bacteria or fungi. Phytoncides improve the human immune system by increasing natural killer cell activity. These cells respond rapidly to virus-infected cells and tumor formation. Studies show that increased natural cell activity can last for more than 30 days after a trip to a forest, suggesting that a trip once a month would enable individuals to maintain a higher level of natural killer cell activity. Other benefits from phytoncides include an increase in anti-cancer proteins; a reduction in blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormones; reduced test scores for anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion; and increased scores for vigor.”

Trees known to produce especially high levels of phytoncides include the evergreen trees (Cedars, Spruces, Conifers and Pine) and Oak trees.

Read the full article.

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