Environmentally Responsible Water Filtration

“Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends, have become global garbage cans.”

— Jacques Cousteau

Global Concern

One of mine and many others concern is plastic pollution not only for our planet but also for our bodies.

Last October the European Parliament overwhelmingly approved a ban on single-use plastics such as straws, plates, cutlery and cotton-swab sticks in Europe by 2021, joining a global shift as environmentalists emphasize the urgency of halting the use of materials that are detrimental to the planet. Single-use plastic items such as plates, cutlery, straws, balloon sticks or cotton buds, will be banned in the EU. These products, which constitute over 70% of marine litter, will be banned from the EU market from 2021, under draft plans approved by Parliament.

While plastic has many valuable uses, we have become addicted to single-use or disposable plastic with severe environmental consequences. Up to 5 trillion single-use plastic bags are used worldwide every year. There are over 100 million plastic bottles used each day globally and nearly 80% of these end up in our landfills. This means that only 20% are recycled. Approximately 1500 bottles end up in landfills and the ocean every second accounting for 2 million tons of plastic bottles that are landfilled each year.  It takes 700 years before plastic bottles start to decompose and can take up to 1000 years to fully decompose. Plastic waste is now so ubiquitous in the natural environment that scientists have even suggested it could serve as a geological indicator of the Anthropocene era.

In lieu of legislation, there are simple things we all can do to help with this problem.

Five Easy ways to reduce your plastic waste.

1. Bring your own shopping bags.

2. Bring your own thermos to the coffee shop.

3. Say no to straws.

4. Choose cardboard over plastic bags and bottles for packaged items.

5. Stop buying bottled water.

Many people are aware of the negative health and environmental impacts associated with plastic bottled water and we have blogged about this before.

When we consume bottled water, we pay far too much for it in terms of expense to our health and the health of our planet. Skipping the bottle is one step toward Being Healthy by Choice.

One thing that I have always appreciated about what we do in Nikken is to make people aware of a problem and then offer them a solution.

The Solution that is a Healthy Choice for our Bodies and our Planet.

Nikken water products are the perfect solution for this problem. Many times, when demonstrating the Nikken Waterfall or Sports bottle the person, I am meeting with, points out that our products have plastics. Yes, they do but they are of very different composition to those used in most bottled waters and other products.

Nikken considered fundamental aspects for its water systems including application of the types of plastics used for water filtration and storage to provide clean healthy water free of pollutants found in bottled water and many other types of water filtration units. Equally important to our mission and philosophy is to reduce pollution by contributing to the reduction of consumption of plastic bottles in the world.

Nikken water products contain safe, environmentally responsible materials. The PiMag Waterfall is environmentally responsible. It is manufactured using recyclable biodegradable materials, including a polymer that contains no bisphenols or phthalates and does not leach chemicals into water. These materials include:

PiMag Waterfall from Nikken

SAN - Styrene Acryl Nitrile

SAN is used for the filling and storage tanks of the Nikken PiMag® Waterfall. These kinds of plastics are stable and don't leach toxins.  They are used to make a variety of dinnerware and unlike polycarbonate, these plastics are, and always have been, BPA-free.

ABS - Acrylic Nitrile Butadiene Styrene

ABS is the plastic used for the base and caps of Pi Water, PiMag® Waterfall. An Eco-friendly plastic, ABS is a recycled plastic compound that is itself entirely recyclable. ABS is commonly considered to be a more durable, longer lasting, and an easily recyclable plastic.

Resin K

Is used in the filter cartridges of Nikken water systems. It is a thermoplastic polymer based on styrene and butadiene. It stands out for its transparency and hardness. Its development is the result of efforts to find a material that was not toxic.

When we consume bottled water, we pay far too much for it in terms of expense to our health and the health of our planet.

Be Heatlthy by Choice

How Can I Filter Chlorine Out of Tap Water?

Jump In the Waters Fine

Welcome to another Self Care Byte, where clean, pure water meets innovative technology! In today's video, Dr. Gary Lindner, physiologist, removes the chlorine in our tap water using the state-of-the-art Nikken PiMag Waterfall water filtration system designed to transform your tap water into a refreshing, chlorine-free, alkaline, ionized water. 

Nikken PiMag Waterfall chlorine test.

Key Features:

✅ Chlorine-Free Water: Our advanced filtration system effectively eliminates chlorine from tap water, ensuring your water tastes, and smells better. Eliminating the need for bottled water.

✅ Healthier Lifestyle: Say goodbye to the potential health risks associated with chlorine exposure. Enjoy water that’s safe for you and your family, promoting a healthier lifestyle.

✅No Installation: The Nikken PiMag Waterfall is a countertop system that requires no plumbing or electricity making it designed for convenience and efficiency.

✅ Environmentally Friendly: The Nikken PiMag Waterfall is biodegradable and by reducing the need for bottled water, you're not only saving money but also contributing to a greener planet. Join us in the journey towards a sustainable future.

Why Choose Our Filtration System?

At Nikken, we prioritize your well-being and convenience. Nikken has meticulously crafted this filtration system to cater to you and your family whether you're an eco-conscious individual, a health enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys a refreshing glass of water.

Be Healthy by Choice.

Nikken PiMag Waterfall the Best Water Filtration System?

Stay Calm and Drink Better Water

In this week’s The Impetus, Dr. Gary Lindner explores what is needed in a water filtration system. Find out if the Nikken PiMag Waterfall checks all of the boxes. If you like this video please hit the Like button and Subscribe.

Be Healthy By Choice

Does water really matter to your overall well-being?

“When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.”

— Benjamin Franklin

Does water really matter to your overall well-being? Are water filtration systems really worth it? Dr. Gary Lindner, physiologist, and wellness expert, helps answer these questions, dispels some common water myths, and talks about some water solutions that are great for your body, the planet, and your wallet.

If you like this video please like and subscribe.

Be Healthy by Choice.

How Can I Balance Meals the Healthy Way?

Not only did I FALL OFF the Diet Wagon, I DRAGGED it into the Woods, SET it on FIRE, and used the insurance money to buy cupcakes.

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Eating healthy, balanced meals is a daily struggle. In this “The Impetus” vlog we talk about some ways you can supplement your diet with Whole Food, kosher, vegan, and organic nutrition. We introduce what we call Kenzen Wellness Core nutrition. We also talk about how you can save some money and time.

Take a look at the product labels here:

Kenzen Vital Balance Meal Replacement Mix label:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dqL-r13J-j0LdI_cxjFU9O7XaZQDM00V/view?usp=sharing

Kenzen Jade GreenZymes label: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lbwN9EgtjgbNswo8QOWoAJ0A05A1S704/view?usp=sharing

Kenzen Super Ciaga label:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UlsIT0CmYxUOhbJuE1r5pkGKAoEmpW9h/view?usp=sharing

Kenzen Omega Green + DHA label:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wqP9UStlUUx8PT0S_0xSUiwnu1Z0fPcu/view?usp=sharing

Be Healthy by Choice, Not by Chance!

Everyone Needs a Wellness Home

H O M E:

(HOM) noun

A place where you are always welcome and surrounded by those who love you.

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If you follow the news you know that “Climate Change” is a hot topic and is usually coupled with the toxins industrial nations have been polluting our planet with for decades. There is good news. We are more aware and education regarding the subject of environmental toxins is more comprehensive and readily available. There is a growing global movement to “clean up” and go green but what can you do to safeguard yourself and your loved ones?

Dr. Gary Lindner addresses the 5 vital elements necessary for human life and how we can keep these 5 vital elements healthy in our own homes.

Be Healthy by Choice, Not by Chance!

The Science Behind the Kenko Naturest Makura

“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.”

— Lin Yutang

Welcome to the new “The Impetus!” We are evolving our weekly blog to a vlog (video log.) We hope you enjoy this new format. Please don’t forget to like & share the video. : )

Additional Material

Read more on the “Active Wellness Blog” from Nikken. Click here to read A Revolutionary Revelation in Sleep Technology.

Click here to download a copy of the Makura datasheet.

Be Healthy by Choice, Not by Chance!

My Nikken Journey, Part 2

“If you are not willing to learn no one can help you. If you are determined to learn no one can stop you. ”

— Zig Ziglar

Close One Door, Open Another.

For the last 24 years, I have been an advocate for the Nikken Wellness Home and the Nikken business. It took some time, research, product evaluation, and understanding the Nikken business model before I fully engaged. 

My first experience was a product experience that dramatically improved a neck condition that had bothered me for over 3 years. I had never entertained the idea of a business opportunity with Nikken until the distributor that I had purchased products from asked if I might have an interest in the Nikken business. My immediate response was no and that I didn’t have time for another business. The fact was, that I really didn’t have time for much else other than my embryo transfer business, and that had been the case for myself and my business partner for nearly 20 years. Don’t get me wrong, we loved our business but the more successful our business became, the busier we got. It seemed that although we loved the company that we had founded, it didn’t seem to love us back. Time freedom was the key issue that plagued us both.  I remembered Jerry's invitation to join Nikken as a distributor and this prompted me to complete due diligence on Nikken as a possible business option.

As I was researching Nikken, I was impressed with the diversity of the product line and they seemed to fill the increasing need for those looking for natural health solutions. The company held a very high Dun and Bradstreet rating had been in business for 24 years and had expanded into international markets since its inception in Japan in 1975. By all measures, Nikken appeared to be a very stable company with a great future ahead of them. 

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My first experience was a product experience that dramatically improved a neck condition that had bothered me for over 3 years. I had never entertained the idea of a business opportunity.

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As part of my due diligence, I traveled 400 miles from Lodi to Irvine, California to visit the corporate headquarters. I entered a beautiful building spoke to a receptionist and told her that I was considering joining Nikken as a distributor and that I would like to speak to a corporate officer about the possibility. She asked if I was interested in a tour of the facility while she set an appointment for me with the vice-president of Nikken. The tour of the headquarters was impressive and during it, I asked others on the tour questions. Some were Nikken distributors that were excited about the Nikken business and product line. I also interviewed many of the employees at Nikken. Everyone I talked to was very happy with their jobs. This included department heads to people answering phones and those working in the shipping department. This impressed me and every employee told me that working for Nikken was the best job they ever had. When I asked why they responded that Nikken was a company that was based on the 5 Pillars of Wellness. Namely, a healthy mind, healthy body, healthy family, healthy society, and healthy finances this philosophy was especially important to provide a healthy work environment for their employees. 

After the tour, I was escorted to the office of the vice president. I was impressed with the fact that just showing up with no scheduled appointment the VP of this big, successful company would take the time to talk with me. The meeting with him was enlightening and he asked me as many questions as I asked him. He displayed a sincere interest in finding out what I was looking for from a possible Nikken business. I explained to him that my current career was time-consuming and involved a lot of travel away from my family. I wanted to create time freedom for more balance in my life. He explained that Nikken offered a personal development program, Humans Being More, that explored the opportunity to create and set goals for more balance in our lives. He suggested that I attend the program to learn more. Wow, this blew me away, a personal development program to create balance in my life. I have to admit that at this point in my life this was a novel and exciting possibility. 

While researching the Nikken technologies I had come across a scientific organization that was cited in many of the papers that I had reviewed, the organization was the North American Academy of Magnetic Therapy. They were holding their annual conference that week in Los Angeles and I decided to register and attend. The proceedings were very informative and I met many researchers in the field. I was a bit surprised to also meet a number of Nikken distributors at the conference. I was impressed that leaders in the field were also very interested in expanding their personal education regarding technologies that Nikken incorporated in their products. 

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Nikken offered a personal development program, Humans Being More, that explored the opportunity to create and set goals for more balance in our lives.

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I was informed that many leaders in the field conducted weekly Wellness Previews that presented the Nikken products and business for guests with an interest in either or both. I knew from the previous interaction with the physical therapist that I mentioned in Part 1 of My Nikken Journey that there was a Wellness Preview in Eugene, Oregon. Since I traveled a lot, I started scheduling my business trips to coincide with the Wellness Previews that were being conducted in or near the cities that I traveled to. I attended many of these meetings and was impressed with the information and professionalism of those involved. The meetings were well attended, educational and fun. There was never any high pressure to join or buy and they concluded with a simple call to action to get fully informed before making a decision. Good advice and that was exactly what I was doing. Of course, all this investigation took time, and I have to admit much more time than usually expected, but it did give me the information that I needed to make a decision and join Nikken as a consultant and share it with others. I really didn’t get the big picture at the time but soon came to realize that with its products, philosophy of the 5 pillars of Wellness, and its business opportunity, what Nikken was offering was a healthy lifestyle. A Life in Balance is what I was looking for. 

From my due diligence what I learned was that Nikken was a 24-year-old, stable company with products inspired by nature to improve health. It started in Japan and had expanded globally. The products were in demand, relevant, patented, and unique to Nikken. The corporate leadership and leadership in the field displayed professionalism, integrity, and high regard in service to others. Nikken as an opportunity was passing all the criteria that I would expect if I were to join them as a business partner. 

One more aspect of Nikken needed to be explored and evaluated. Nikken’s business model was Network Marketing. Once again, here was an instance where I had an opinion on something that I had no knowledge or experience with. In fact, I had never been approached about a network marketing opportunity, but I did have an opinion and it was not very favorable. Here was another instance where I had to ask myself, why did I have an opinion about an industry that I had no knowledge or experience in? 

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A Life in Balance is what I was looking for. 

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Was it possible to create a lifestyle that would allow me the freedom to work around my life rather than planning my life around my work? This epiphany came to me while on an extended business trip my son was giving me the play-by-play account of his little league game on the phone. Why was it that I had worked so hard for so long and still couldn’t be there for my son’s games? This elicited some real soul searching and evaluation as to what it was I really wanted. Was Nikken and Network Marketing the answer?

This set up my next course of study to learn and evaluate Network Marketing and Nikken’s business model and more importantly, was it a business that I could learn and be proud to represent.

What I learned from that investigation will be the subject for next week's Impetus. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter below and get healthy choices in your inbox.

Be Healthy by Choice 

My Nikken Journey, Part 1

“Life is like looking for your phone. Most of the time it is in your hand.”

— Anonymous

So having a P.h.D doesn’t mean I know it all?

For nearly 47 years, Nikken has encouraged well-being and collaborative entrepreneurship. Nikken’s Wellness Home and its products and technologies nurture our nature so that we all can be Healthy by Choice. The Nikken business model provides an opportunity to share the same with others. 

For over 24 years Nikken has been my second career, what I often refer to as my “encore career”. 

My first introduction to Nikken was for products that could improve a neck issue that I had been dealing with for over three years. Short of neck surgery, my health care professional’s advice was to live with it. At the time, I was in my late 40’s and neck surgery was the last thing that I wanted, so my decision for the time was to live with it. 

And I run, run so far away

Following a week-long business trip to China, I was invited to relax at a client's health spa in Taipei the day before I was heading home to California. At the spa, a physical therapist noticed my neck issue and recommended a few magnetic products from a company he represented, Nikken. As a physiologist, to say the least, I was extremely skeptical that I could benefit from using the products and my opinion was this must be a lot of marketing hype. I had never heard of using magnetic products like he was showing me for health. He let me know that using magnetics for health was very common in Japan and the rest of Asia. I politely (or maybe not so politely), let him know that I had no experience or knowledge of the types of products he was talking about and couldn’t imagine how they might benefit my condition. 

Upon returning home from this business trip, I was checking my son’s little league scores for the games I had missed while traveling. Adjacent to the box scores was a quarter-page article on a Japanese company helping people all over the world with magnetic products. How strange, the company mentioned was the same company that the physical therapist in China recommended, Nikken. This all occurred in a 24 hour period and made me realize that I had formed an opinion on the products and technologies without any experience or information. This is not an open-minded approach, and as I thought about it, I had to ask myself, why did I have an opinion on something that I had no experience or knowledge about? 

One week later I was in Eugene, Oregon on a business trip and was meeting with clients. As I was walking through the hotel lobby a young man approached me and introduced himself. He was a physical therapist and said that he noticed that it looked like I had a neck injury from the way I was walking. He mentioned that he was a Nikken distributor and invited me to attend a meeting, a Wellness Preview, that they were having at the hotel at 7 pm. He suggested I attend to learn more about some products the company had to help my condition. Since I was already scheduled for dinner with clients I declined, but it really got me curious. Here were three exposures to Nikken in about a week's time. A company I had never heard of being brought to my attention. It was apparent that the Universe was calling out to me to check Nikken out. We don’t know, what we don’t know, right?

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For over 24 years Nikken has been my second career, what I often refer to as my “encore career”. 

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Since my only options were to either live with the problem or invasive neck surgery that may or may not help my condition I decided to set myself on a path to research the use of magnetic and natural energy products for health. I conducted a literature search on the subject and was amazed to find a large body of peer-reviewed papers on the subject. The main theme throughout the research was that these products were safe, easy to use,.inexpensive, and in most cases very effective. I was impressed that a large percentage of the studies were published in veterinary medical journals. This was quite impressive to me as animals do not exhibit placebo effects as do human beings. 

The results of my studies prompted me to find a Nikken distributor that lived close to me. I contacted him and we made an appointment to meet at his house. This individual was informative, caring and told me that he had benefited from Nikken products for years. His name is Jerry and to this day, we remain in contact and are very good friends. I bought a few products from Jerry and within a very short period of time, I noticed dramatic improvements in my condition. 

It is all about timing

One day while talking with Jerry he asked if I had an interest in the Nikken business opportunity. My immediate reply was no and that I didn’t have time for another business. My business was very time-consuming and involved extensive travel, both domestically and internationally. 

One afternoon while reflecting on the successful business that my partner and I had built over the previous 20 years, we both started asking if this is what we wanted to do for the rest of our careers. The lack of time freedom for us both was the main issue. We both had families and it was rare that we could devote the time we wanted to for healthy family life. Up until then, neither of us had entertained other options. It seemed as though the bigger and more successful our company became, the busier we both became. This was a very candid conversation and it became apparent to us both that although we loved the work and the company we had created, it appeared as though it didn’t love us back. We mutually agreed that we would take a look at some options that may provide us the time freedom we didn’t have but wanted. 

 I had been benefiting from the Nikken product line for some time as a customer but hadn’t looked at it as a real business opportunity. I remembered Jerry's invitation to join Nikken as a distributor and this prompted me to do complete due diligence on Nikken as a possible business option. I was impressed to find out that Nikken had been in business since 1975. It was started in Japan by a gentleman named Isamu Masuda. Mr. Masuda’s philosophy for himself and Nikken was that one could only achieve true health and happiness with balance in 5 key areas. He called this the 5 Pillars of Wellness. Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Family, Healthy Society, and Healthy Finances. The key was to have balance in all of these 5 areas. This caught my attention I have to say it appeared as a very novel concept to me. At that time, I can honestly say healthy finances were the only healthy pillar in my life. I loved the products and was impressed that Nikken was constantly evolving, expanding into new global markets, and adding new products and technologies. What if I could create balance in my life by leveraging the existing business model that Nikken provided?

What if?

 “What if?”, is a good question to ask and it is important that we do so to keep growing. I think we all hit a point in our life when we ask questions, is this all there is, and will it be this way for the rest of my career? What if…..? 

Next week, part 2 of my Nikken Journey continues highlighting the Nikken business model. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter below and get healthy choices in your inbox.

Be Healthy by Choice.

New Year Resolution Solution

Solutions for the New Year

Happy New Year. Heather and I wish you the best for a happy and healthy 2022.  If you're looking to turn over a new leaf in 2022, you're not alone. In a recent survey from YouGov, the online polling firm, nearly 50% of people said they were making New Year's resolutions to set themselves new goals for the coming 12 months.  As to what resolutions Americans are making, losing weight or improving their health top the list, followed by improving their finances.  For nearly 47 years Nikken has been founded on living a balanced life and promoting and inspiring well-being and entrepreneurship.

Just recently I had the honor of speaking to a group of entrepreneurs that asked me to talk about being healthy by choice. My topic was centered on what our bodies require for life. Let’s keep this conversation simple and straightforward and start with the basics.

As a physiologist, I have always appreciated how amazing our bodies are. For example, we have 50,000,000,000 cells, that is 50 trillion cells, in our body. Of these 10 trillion are what we call somatic cells or the cells that comprise our body. The other 40 trillion make up our body’s microbiome.

We all start as one cell, and as we develop these cells multiply, differentiate, and form tissues that organize into organs that in turn make up physiological systems that need to work in harmony with each other.  Our body’s process of cellular renewal is continual. We replace 6 billion cells a day. In the time I just wrote this, we all replaced nearly 50 million cells. We replace our largest organ, our skin every 27 days, our entire skeletal system every 10 years, or about 7 to 8 times in our lifetime. Our liver tissue and lung lining are renewed every 6 weeks and our intestinal lining in just 7 days. In order to accomplish this, our bodies have certain vital requirements. Let’s talk about them in order of importance for life.

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If we choose to be healthy, we want these vital requirements the way

nature intended them to be.

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Air

We all breathe approximately 20,000 times a day and for good reason, we can survive for only three minutes without oxygen.

Water

We are nearly 70% water and water is vital for every physiological process and our survival is limited to three days without water.

Sleep

Like breathing and drinking water, sleep is a fundamental human requirement. It has even been said that one could survive for three times as long without food as one could without sleep. It is physically impossible to stay awake for days at a time because your brain will essentially force you to fall asleep. Severe physical, mental incapacities happen in just a day or two and hallucinations shortly after.

Food

We need to fuel our bodies with nutritious foods. We can survive for two to three months without food if we stay well hydrated.  

Natural Energies

Our bodies require the natural energies of the earth, the sun, and the wind. You are probably thinking, this all sounds simple and straightforward. But there is a problem.

The Problem

To understand the problem, we need to ask the question, how do these vital requirements exist in our modern world? Our air and water are polluted and contaminated with chemicals and toxins. We average 6.5 hours of sleep each night, well below the required 8 hours per night. Over processed, high caloric under-nourishing food with excess sugar, chemicals and preservatives are prevalent in our food choices.

We need the energy of the earth, the sun, and the wind. These are natural energies that we often do not get enough of due to being blocked by our modern world and technologies. I suggest looking at Dave Balzer’s presentation on “Principles of Nature and Nikken Technologies” to further elucidate the importance and efficacy of these natural energies.

The Solution

If we choose to be healthy, we want these vital requirements the way nature intended them to be. Clean, healthy air and water. Quality, restful, and rejuvenating sleep. Nutritious whole food and the vital energies of the earth, sun, and wind. These are the foundations for the Nikken Wellness Home.

Nikken is best known for using science and technology to replicate nature. A principle is known as biomimicry. We use this approach in the active wellness products and technologies in the Nikken Wellness Home. We have many blogs and recorded classes on this website for healthy air, healthy water, quality sleep, whole food nutrition, and the natural energies of the earth, sun, and wind. The Nikken Wellness Home has been described as a greenhouse for humans to provide our bodies with the vital elements we require the way nature intended, not just to survive, but to thrive. For more information on this, you can access our recent recording on the Wellness Home.

Nikken is a successful and recognized brand in the field of wellness. not by mere chance but because many of us have chosen it to be part of our lives and have shared its benefits with hundreds of thousands of people.

As outlined by our Global President and CEO, Mr. Luis Kasuga, Nikken’s Vision 2025 is founded on three principles.

1.     Society Welfare- the good or well-being of a group of people, accomplished by providing accurate information and creating awareness to improve the general well-being of a community.

2.     Economic Viability- an overall positive net economic contribution to individuals founded on the ability to generate income and create sources for a collaborative economy while having a positive impact on Society and Nature.

3.     Being in Harmony with Nature- a global commitment for the sustainability of the environment of our lives and Planet Earth.  Mother nature knows best, and we need our planet to be healthy by choice too. That’s our responsibility. To this end, we are all proud to say that Nikken is a proactive participant, using renewable resources for its products and packaging and developing and using polymers instead of plastics that pollute our planet.

The goal of Vision 2025 is to create 10 million new Wellness Homes in our global marketplace. For the entrepreneurial-minded, this creates an unprecedented opportunity to be part of Nikken’s Global Wellness Community and Vision 2025. For those looking to improve their health, the Nikken Wellness Home is an answer to many of our problems. If you are like many others wanting to improve their finances for 2022 the Nikken business may have the answer you are searching for.

Heather and I wish you and your family a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. A great way to start is to subscribe to our newsletter and get healthy choices in your inbox.

Two Simple Self Care Activities for Better Health

“What price can you place on your own health?”

— Gary Lindner

Two Your Health

In a recent interview, I was asked, “What are the two most important things a person can do to improve their health?”. The interviewer was shocked at my answer after I gave it, and responded that she thought that diet and exercise would have been my response. For decades we have been taught that the keys to good health are diet and exercise. These are important but in comparison to other self-care modalities, their importance becomes less significant.

My advice to someone wanting to improve their health is to stay well hydrated and get a good quality night’s sleep.

Water Matters

Water is not just a beverage choice, it is an essential nutrient. We have been saying this for years and the reason why is we tend to choose just about everything else to drink other than water. That is the main reason why over 75% of us walk around dehydrated every day. Water is quantitatively our most important nutrient. In the past, scientific interest regarding water metabolism was mainly directed toward the extremes of severe dehydration and water intoxication. There is increasing evidence, however, that mild dehydration may also account for many morbidities.

We lose 10 cups a day of water through normal physiological processes, such as respiration, excretion, and perspiration. Failure to drink sufficient water has been linked to fatigue, joint problems, weight gain, type2 diabetes, headaches, ulcers, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.

Gina Bria, cultural anthropologist states, “Dehydration is the mother of all epidemics and is the first step we need to take in addressing chronic disease”.

My recommendation is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. Keep water with you as you go through your day and sip frequently. When we experience thirst, we are already dehydrated. Good hydration is the first step to good health. Also, everything else we do in our self-care regimen is more effective if we are well hydrated.

Sleep Matters

When we think of what we need for survival and good health, our first responses would be air, water, and food. However, sleep, like food, water, and the air is essential for survival and good health. We have known about the importance of sleep for a long time and have also become aware of health ramifications when we don’t receive optimal sleep. Poor quality or lack of sleep has been linked to many conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep problems and poor sleep health resulting in sleep deprivation, which has a high correlation to depression, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, neurocognitive disease, and even cancer. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has pointed to a “global epidemic of sleeplessness” with roughly two-thirds of adults sleeping less than 8 hours a night.

Sleep is often considered an unproductive part of our day and we often forgo sleep in favor of other activities. According to the World Health Organization, you are likely part of the “sleep loss epidemic”. There has been a global rise in sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea, but also, those who have the capacity to sleep well just aren't sleeping enough.

Sleep is the single activity that we spend the most time doing in our lifetimes. We spend one-third of our lives asleep and for good reason. William C. Dement, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University, is one of the world's leading authorities on sleep. He is sometimes referred to as the father of sleep medicine. To quote Dr. Dement, “Healthy sleep has been empirically proven to be the most single important determinant on predicting longevity, more important than diet, exercise, and heredity.”

My advice is to make sleep a priority, schedule it as you would any other important activity in your day, and get eight hours of quality sleep per night. We have blogged about tips for a better night’s sleep and links can be found at Selfcarehub.com. Sleep Matters discusses the health ramifications of poor or inadequate sleep and offers tips for a healthy, rejuvenating quality sleep.

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“Dehydration is the mother of all epidemics and is the first step we need to take in addressing chronic disease”.

- Gina Bria, cultural anthropologist

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The Nikken Wellness Home

Quality Sleep

A Wellness Home is the healthiest and safest place for you and your family. It utilizes Nikken Active Wellness products and technologies that address specific areas of concern.

 We need sleep to be healthy, happy, and productive. Without it, we suffer consequences both physically and mentally. Sleep is the most important determinant to being healthy by choice, so, choose to get enough quality sleep.

Sleep is not only about how many hours we sleep, but more importantly about the quality of sleep that we are receiving. A significant component of sleep quality is dependent on our sleep environment. For that reason, the foundation of the Nikken Wellness Home and our personal choice is the Nikken Kenko Naturest Fit Sleep System. It uses natural materials and simple principles to create Adaptive Sleep Technology. This includes self-regulating temperature control, advanced magnetic technology, and passive massage to provide a natural, relaxing sleep environment for a deeply restful, rejuvenating sleep. For an excellent review of the Nikken Kenko Naturest Fit visit The Nikken Kenko Naturest Fit, Nurture Your Nature.

Healthy Water

One of the most important aspects of the Wellness Home is to provide ourselves and our families with clean, healthy water. This has been discussed frequently and more information can be accessed at Water Matters.

Filtering our tap water is convenient, cost-effective, and the best way to provide ourselves and our families with healthy water. Our personal choice for water filtration is the Nikken PiMag Waterfall. Imagine if we could create fresh spring water in our own home or office? This is the strategy behind the Nikken Waterfall.  The Nikken Waterfall System is an advanced, technically sophisticated, well-designed countertop home filtration system that converts tap water into fresh spring-like water. Using a multi-stage filtration process that cleans, alkalizes, mineralizes, ionizes, energizes, and oxygenates the water, the Waterfall produces a light, velvety fresh-tasting water which is highly absorbable and healthy.

Put simply, the Waterfall produces water the way nature intended water to be. Free of contaminants but maintaining an alkaline pH with minerals that are added back after the filtration process. The water is run through a magnetic field that provides a water structure as it occurs in nature.

The PiMag Waterfall has a modern, compact profile and fits conveniently into most kitchen environments. All Nikken water products are designed to the highest standards, using recyclable non-leaching polymers, and free of BPA and other estrogenic chemicals.

As a self-care advocate and a proponent of the Nikken Wellness Home for nearly 24 years, I recommend Nikken’s PiMag Waterfall and the Nikken Naturest KenkoFit sleep system. Stay well hydrated and get at least eight hours of quality sleep per night and

BE HEALTHY BY CHOICE, NOT BY CHANCE.

What are Antioxidants and why are they important?

“If cauliflower can become pizza then you, my friend, can do anything!”

— Anoymous

What is an Antioxidant?

"Antioxidant" is a general term for any compound that can counteract unstable molecules called free radicals that damage DNA, cell membranes, and other parts of cells. Because free radicals lack a full complement of electrons, they steal electrons from other molecules and damage those molecules in the process.

Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures. They are sometimes called “free-radical scavengers.”

Free radicals are waste substances produced by cellular metabolism. If the body cannot process and remove free radicals efficiently, oxidative stress can result. This can harm cells and body function. Free radicals are also known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Factors that increase the production of free radicals in the body can be internal, such as inflammation, or external, for example, pollution, UV exposure, and cigarette smoke.

Oxidative stress has been linked to heart disease, cancer, arthritis, stroke, respiratory diseases, immune deficiency, emphysema, Parkinson’s disease, and other inflammatory or ischemic conditions.

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by giving up some of their own electrons and acting as a natural "off" switch for the free radicals. This helps break a chain reaction that can affect other molecules in the cell and other cells in the body. It is important to recognize that the term "antioxidant" reflects a chemical property rather than a specific nutritional property. 

History of Antioxidants

It’s not really known who first “discovered” antioxidants. Antioxidants have been dated in medical literature to the early 19th and 20th centuries, but researchers and health experts have been discussing them for much longer. Each antioxidant has its own unique history of discovery. Some, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, were first researched by doctors, such as Henry A. Mattill during the 1920s–1950s, and was an explanation as to why animals fed whole foods lived longer and remained healthier. 

Joe McCord is credited with discovering the function of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, mostly by mistake, and noting how all organisms held these beneficial compounds inside their bodies but less so as they aged. 

Antioxidants came to public attention in the 1990s when scientists began to understand that free radical damage was involved in the early stages of artery-clogging atherosclerosis. It was also linked to cancer, vision loss, and a host of other chronic conditions.

 The body produces antioxidants, known as endogenous antioxidants. Antioxidants that come from outside the body are called exogenous. The sources of antioxidants can be natural or artificial. Certain plant-based foods are thought to be rich in antioxidants. Plant-based antioxidants are a kind of phytonutrient or plant-based nutrient.

Antioxidants are found primarily in plants and when consumed protect us from damaging free radicals and oxidative stress. Decades of research suggest a diet full of antioxidant-rich foods protects us from disease. Food sources rich in vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene, selenium, and phytochemicals provide us with antioxidants. A simple strategy to increase your antioxidants is to eat an abundance of colorful plants every day.

Five tips that can help increase your antioxidant intake:

1. Include a fruit or a vegetable every time you eat, meals and snacks included.

2. Have a cup of green or matcha tea every day.

3. Look at the colors on your plate. If your food is mostly brown or beige, the antioxidant levels are likely to be low. Add in foods with rich colors, such as kale, beets, and berries.

4. Use turmeric, cumin, oregano, ginger, clove, and cinnamon to spice up the flavor and antioxidant content of your meals.

5. Snack on nuts, seeds, especially Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, and dried fruit, but choose those with no added sugar or salt.

ORAC Value

The level of antioxidants in any substance or food is evaluated with an ORAC score, which stands for “oxygen radical absorption capacity”. ORAC refers to the power of a particular antioxidant or food to absorb and eliminate free radicals. These measurements were developed by the National Institute of Aging and are based on 100 grams of each food or herb. The higher the score, the more powerful the food is an antioxidant. There is no “official” daily recommended intake of ORAC units, various researchers suggest an optimal intake to be 3000-5000 ORAC units per day, and the USDA recommends a suggested intake of 5000 ORAC units per day.

Most common fruits, vegetables, and herbs in a healthy diet contain antioxidants such as vitamin E, lutein, vitamin C, beta-carotene, flavonoids, and lycopene. While there is currently no official recommended daily allowance for antioxidants or antioxidant foods, generally speaking, the more you consume each day from real foods in your diet the better.

Given our fast-paced lives, maintaining a healthy diet can be very difficult. According to a recent American Family Physicians report, 60% of children don’t eat enough fruit and 93% don’t eat enough vegetables to satisfy daily recommendations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report only one in ten adults get enough fruits and vegetables in their daily diet. Our daily self-care routine in our home to fill in our nutritional gaps is to supplement our diets with whole food nutritional supplements such as Nikken’s Jade Greenzymes, Kenzen Ciaga, and Kenzen Total Vegan Drink Mix to ensure that we are getting enough fruits and vegetables daily.

Kenzen Jade Greenzymes

Kenzen Jade Greenzymes

Called "nature's perfect food," barley grass is said to have more nutrition than an equal serving of any other vegetable. Nikken’s organic Jade Greenzymes are rich in functional ingredients, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), flavonoids, saponarin, lutonarin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), tryptophan, chlorophyll, dietary fiber, polysaccharide, alkaloid, metallothioneins, polyphenols, and eight essential amino acids. Barley Grass Juice powder has been shown to strengthen the immune system, alkalinize the body, increase energy, aid digestion, relieve constipation, and improve the health of skin, hair, and nails.

Kenzen Super Ciaga

Kenzen Super Ciaga

Kenzen Super Ciaga Powder is a delicious, convenient, and cost-effective way for us to get our daily fruit requirements. Kenzen Super Ciaga has only 10 calories per serving. This advanced formula is made with a select group of superfruits chosen for their nutrient-density and immune-boosting characteristics. It combines an organic superfruit mix of elderberry, maqui berry, blackberry, and blueberry for their anthocyanins and high antioxidant content, with an ORAC value of 5,000. This superfruit antioxidant mix is naturally sweetened with organic monk fruit which is super sweet and has no calories.

Kenzen Total Vegan Drink Mix

Kenzen Total Vegan Drink Mix

Kenzen Total Vegan Drink Mix (KTVDM) ranks a perfect 10 on the balanced nutrition scale. Each serving of KTVDM contains 3 servings of the daily recommendation for vegetables and 1 serving of the daily recommendation for fruit. Eating vegetables provides many health benefits. People who eat more vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Vegetables provide nutrients vital for the health and maintenance of your body. KTVDM helps to fill in our nutritional gaps at only 20 calories per serving, less than $2 a day per serving, with a great chocolaty taste.

Hydrogen is a tasteless, colorless, and odorless gas. When added to water, it becomes hydrogen water, hydrogenated water, or hydrogenized water. Regardless of which naming convention is used, studies have shown that hydrogen water supports cellular energy production and provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

PiMag® PiDrogen Hydrogen Generator

Another recent way to get antioxidant effects is to drink hydrogenated water. Hydrogen water has been popular for several years in Japan and many researchers have reported positive effects on health. Many of these studies and others have been cited at the Molecular Hydrogen Institute.

Nikken recently introduced a new product. The PiMag® PiDrogen Hydrogen Generator. It is a mini generator accompanied by its own 16 oz / 475 ml glass bottle. The PiMag® PiDrogen supplies an abundance of antioxidants in order to assist in relieving oxidative stress and to help bring the body back into balance, supporting the maintenance of Active Wellness.   More on the PiMag® PiDrogen Hydrogen Generator later.

A healthy diet rich in antioxidants or whole food supplementation like the products mentioned above can help you be Be Healthy by Choice.

Then and Now; A Self-Care Journey

““One does not simply walk away from wellness.””

— H. Abbott

Journeys Begin

In a recent interview with a prominent selfcare supporter and podcast host she asked me why I became such a passionate advocate for selfcare. There are certain moments in each person’s life that can lead to a transformational process. I vividly remember the impetus for my self care advocacy and the subsequent creation of the Selfcarehub.com. 

Here is what transpired and the story I related to her. I was preparing a presentation that I was to give at 8am the next morning at a health conference. As I was getting ready to review my presentation, I overheard an advertisement on the television. The advertisement started with this statement, “there are 26 million Americans with diabetes, and 74 million are at risk, don’t worry, we can treat and manage your diabetes, so you can lead a normal productive life”. I almost fell out of my chair when I first heard this commercial. “Don’t worry”, that proportion represents nearly a third of our population and to me that is more than enough to worry about. This is brainwashing, inferring that type 2 diabetes (chronic disease) is a normal part of life. It is not!

Welcome to The Matrix

Many people believe that chronic disease or issues that impact our quality of life are normal. Let me unequivocally state, chronic disease is not a normal part of life. How many times have we heard someone say, “That’s just part of getting older”, as if the headaches, joint/back problems, weight gain, blood sugar problems, memory problems (and the list can go on and on) are just a “normal part” of life.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease control (CDC) estimate that as high as 80% of our world’s biggest killers can be prevented. I concur and am of the belief that just a few simple self care principles can lead to a vibrant heathy life and prevent many chronic issues.

The Red Pill

The Self Care Awakening series was designed to bring back common sense and some sanity to what I consider to be an insane notion that chronic disease is a normal part of life. It's not, but if we look at it statistically most of our population has chronic health issues.

For decades we have been taught that the key to a healthy life is primarily based on two modalities, diet and exercise. Of course, what we eat and our level of physical activity are important factors, however, we ignore or don’t pay enough attention to four basic principles.

We think being healthy is difficult when it's uncomplicated if we make the right choices. Our health, good or bad, is about our personal choices.  Knowing this, I think it’s safe to say that we would all prefer to be healthy. Our tag line, Be Healthy by Choice, Not by Chance is a simple but empowering statement.

Within the Self Care Awakening, we look at four vital areas that lead to a healthier life. Here are a few links to previous posts and video recordings of recent Healthy by Choice Masterclasses.

1. Water Matters discusses the importance of hydration and what happens if we don’t drink enough water. Proper hydration is essential to a healthy life. Water comprises over two-thirds of our body weight and is one of the most essential elements to maintaining well-being. The fact is that most of us live our lives in a state of chronic dehydration. Water Matters discusses the importance of hydration and provides simple everyday solutions for you and your family’s hydration needs that are healthy, cost-effective, and eco-friendly.

1. Sleep Matters addresses the fact that many of us walk around every day sleep-deprived. Sleep is considered by many of us to be an unproductive endeavor when it is our most productive physiological activity. The average adult gets less than 7 hours of sleep each night. To quote Dr. William C. Dement, considered to be the father of sleep medicine, “Healthy sleep has been empirically proven to be the most single important determinant on predicting longevity, more important than diet, exercise, and heredity.” Sleep Matters discusses the health ramifications of poor or inadequate sleep and offers tips for a healthy, rejuvenating quality sleep.

1. Weight Matters concerns itself with one of our biggest health challenges. This video discusses why we have the problem and what we can do to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. To achieve a goal, it is important to become aware of all the factors that may affect your outcome. When trying to achieve a healthy weight keep in mind that more is involved than just what we eat and physical activity. Weight Matters discusses self-care principles and offers simple solutions that go far beyond diet and exercise that can help us achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

1. Environmental toxicity and our body burden “the pollution in people” and what we can do personally to limit our toxic exposures and reduce our body burden of toxic chemicals. There is no such thing as a pristine environment. Toxins are in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat and represent a major health challenge. The term body burden was first coined in the early 2000s. Although we as individuals may not have a big say in the chemicals in our environment, we do have control over those which we may ingest, breathe, or absorb. Body Burden Matters gives insight into ways we can reduce the pollution in our bodies and what we can do to turn our personal environments into wellness environments.

These four concepts are easy to understand but are vital for our health. Self Care is a practical and simple way of Being Healthy by Choice and not leaving our Health to Chance. The reality is, if we leave our health to chance, chances are that we are not going to be healthy. The major impetus for the Self Care Awakening is to bring this and other aspects of good health to light. 

Be Healthy by Choice

What Is Sleep Hygiene?

“I finally got 8 hours of sleep. Took me 4 days, but whatever. ”

— Anonymous

Counting Sheep?

Can you remember the last time you had a really good night’s rest without being completely exhausted or using sleep medications? If you can what were you doing before you went to bed? If you can or can’t this may be the blog for you. For each of us finding that unique way that we unwind and transition from a state of accomplishing the day’s tasks to a state of relaxation can be elusive but there are universal steps, we can all take to develop healthy sleep hygiene. 

Most of us now understand how the lack of quality sleep can negatively impact our day’s activities and our overall wellness but achieving a healthy natural sleep can still be just a dream. One of the keys to making this dream a reality may lie in developing a healthy bedtime routine or good sleep hygiene.  A healthy bedtime routine signals the brain and the body that it is now time to relax which allows you to begin to feel sleepy. I would like to share some of my tips for good sleep hygiene that help to facilitate a natural, restful sleep no matter where I am. 

Is There An End to This Day?

A good way to start your routine is to schedule a time when you turn off the electronic devices.  Blue light inhibits your body’s production of melatonin, the hormone in your body that plays a role in sleep.  Many devices allow you to set this up in advance as a “routine or a focus.” For example, my iPhone has a “sleep focus.” Sleep Focus filters out notifications and phone calls, and it signals to others that you're not available. You can also schedule a wind-down period. By scheduling this ahead of time you make a habit of winding down. Scheduling also makes it harder to ignore the clock and continue with tasks that may be preventing a peaceful night’s sleep.  Schedule a time at least an hour before your scheduled bedtime to turn off all of your devices or put them on sleep mode and begin the task of unwinding. 

Minding Your Business

Is planning, worrying, role-playing, the next day keeping you awake? While restful sleep is a key to top-level productivity it also helps curb chronic stress. I end my workday by scheduling the next day or making tomorrow’s to-do list. This helps to declutter my mind and give it a cue that I am done for the day. This works for many people as a cue that you can rest easy knowing tomorrow is already organized, 

Does your mind kick it into “high gear” as soon as your head hits the pillow? You just can’t get your brain to shut off and chill out. It is important to find what works for you when clearing your mind and releasing tension but here are some suggestions. I like to take a nice warm shower/bath while listening to an audiobook, usually fiction or biographical. The point is to listen and not be thinking too hard.  I then lay on the bed, cooling off and running a “systems check.” I check in with my body starting at my toes and work my way up to my mind. This is a meditation for me and it focuses my mind to create that state of being and not doing. If there is any tension in any area of my body I take a moment to concentrate on releasing that tension. “Cooling down” both the temperature on my skin and the room temperature helps to put me in a relaxed state. 

Bedroom vs. Multi-Purpose Room

Is your bedroom your sleep sanctuary? Answer that question truthfully because your bedroom plays a very significant role in healthy sleep. Make sure your bedroom is decluttered and a device-free oasis, if possible, if not make sure your devices are not light-emitting or turned off. Optimally, your bedding should be made of natural, hypoallergenic fibers that help to release heat and maintain a comfortable body temperature. If you are turning and tossing at night an elevated body temperature may be to blame. An elevation in temperature causes you to wake and shift to a cool portion of the bed or flip the pillow over.  A pillow and pillowcase that incorporates ceramic reflective technology to help keep your head a couple of degrees cooler than the rest of your body can help alleviate this nighttime disruption. I recommend you take a look at the Kenko Naturest Custom Pillowcase and Custom Pillow. Both are a natural, breathable cotton blend. Woven into the pillowcase are ceramic polyester and chitosan these are special fibers that help regulate temperatures and are antimicrobial. Inside the Kenko Naturest® Custom Pillow is a special filler of rolled natural latex. The filling is designed to allow you to subtract or replace filler to achieve the desired degree of firmness. 

Natural Napping Solutions

An affordable alternative to a new mattress is the Kenko Naturest® Fit. I love my Fit not just because a restful, uninterrupted night is now my new normal but also because of the sustainable construction and responsible packaging. This thin mattress topper with 800 gauss magnets comes in twin, full, queen, and king sizes and fits like a fitted sheet. The topper is made with Rubberthane and natural latex nodules for massaging effects (most folks with a latex allergy are not allergic to natural latex.) Woven into the topper are reflective and breathable fibers that help regulate body temperature and support ventilation. One of my favorite features is the tourmaline incorporated in the Kenko Naturest® Fit. Tourmaline when exposed to pressure, heat, or motion, gives off electrons which can help create a calming effect. Nikken has a whole bedroom of Wellness Home products that promote natural, effective sleep. I encourage you to check them out. 

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Yoko and her Kenko Naturest® Fit.

After I bathe, I get on my bed with FIT topper and Naturest Pillow on my back so I can cool & balance
my temperature. I feel the soothed and the stress begins to release. I love to run my feet on the tiny, relaxing
nodules on the topper. When it is time to start the sleep process my Dream Comforter goes on top to help me prepare to sleep.
On many cold mornings, I return to bed to start my day in a warm, energetic, comfy place. My bed is one of my favorite places along with my PiMag water system!!

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“Sleep is the single most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body health each day -- Mother Nature's best effort yet at contra-death.” Matthew Walker, Ph.D., and director of the Center for Human Sleep Science. 

Try incorporating some of these ideas into your sleep hygiene routine and then refine, tweak, make a routine that is unique to you. Maintaining a sleep journal may help you create the optimal bedtime routine. Having a bedroom environment and daily routines that promote consistent, uninterrupted sleep is key to healthy sleep hygiene, a healthy immune system, and an overall sense of well-being. 

Be Healthy by Choice.

About Heather N. Abbott:

Heather is the COO at “Self Care Awakening.” Heather is an IIN Certified Health Coach. "I create a sacred space for you to become your best self."

Use the Contact/Book an Appointment page to schedule a free consult.

Heather is a founding member of Ladies Leading Ladies a group dedicated to training and empowering current and future Wellness business leaders.

I am a Wellness Business Builder. I work with a team of consultants. I nurture client relationships. I love building new relationships. Let’s connect. I enjoy working from home and gaming with my family.

Let's Socialize: @LadySelfCare

Creating Your Sleep Sanctuary

““Healthy Sleep has been empirically proven to be the single most important determinant in predicting longevity. More important than diet, exercise, or heredity”.”

— William C. Dement

Creating a conducive sleep environment.

Adequate, restful sleep is one of the most, if not the most important aspect of self-care for a healthy life. Dr. William C. Dement, the father of sleep medicine, explains, “Healthy Sleep has been empirically proven to be the single most important determinant in predicting longevity. More important than diet, exercise, or heredity”.

Sleep loss impairs task performance and post-physical activity recovery, cognitive performance, and mood heightens fatigue, decreases vigor, and impairs decision-making. Lack of sleep has also been associated as a major risk factor for many chronic diseases such as heart disease, weight gain, diabetes, anxiety, stroke, kidney disease, and cancer.  

We each need seven and a half to eight hours of deep restful sleep each night. Creating a bedroom environment that is conducive for falling asleep and staying asleep is a key part of sleep quality. Cultivating a relaxing ambiance for sleep involves both visual design and practical setup, including lighting, sound, and smell.

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Creating a bedroom environment that is conducive for FALLING ASLEEP and STAYING ASLEEP is a KEY PART of sleep quality.

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Studies have shown people sleep better when their bedroom is optimized for light and noise levels, temperature, and comfort. Given that sleep quality and duration are directly related to other aspects of human health, a bedroom environment that promotes sleep can also improve how you feel while you're awake. The ideal sleep environment is cool, quiet, and dark. Even shift workers can maintain such an environment with enough effort. Avoid light from computers or televisions close to bedtime and a 30- to 60-minute "wind-down" period may also enhance sleep.

Let There be Dark

Light is the most important environmental factor affecting sleep. Our bodies follow circadian rhythms, which signal waking hours (when it’s light) and sleep time (when it’s dark). When ambient light is bright, melatonin levels are minimal, and you stay more alert. Darkness triggers the brain to slow down and promotes melatonin, a crucial hormone for sleep.

To enhance darkness, use dimmer switches in your bedroom or nightlights. If you need to get up in the middle of the night, avoid turning on any lights because your brain will think daytime has arrived. A nightlight in the bathroom is a great way to avoid having to turn on your main light.

What color light helps you sleep? Warm light is better for sleep because the eyes are less sensitive to the longer wavelengths in warm light. Light bulbs with a yellow or red hue and are best for bedside lamps. Blue light, on the other hand, is the worst for sleep, which is why reading on electronic devices and TV should be avoided while going through your pre-sleep routine. Limit televisions and other digital devices, which bring unwanted light to the bedroom. Charge your phone in another room and use blue light–blocking filters on devices to limit your exposure in the evening. If you usually use your phone to set an alarm, buying an alarm clock can be a great alternative.

You can use a sleep mask or consider blackout curtains to block out bright light. Remember, even a small sliver of light shining through can interfere with your sleep. 

 Mama Bear Had It Just Right

The temperature of your bedroom can make a significant difference to your sleep quality. A National Sleep Foundation poll found that cool room temperature was one of the most important factors in getting a good night’s sleep, with as many as four out of five respondents saying this was important to them. The best bedroom temperature for sleep is approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius). This may vary by a few degrees from person to person, but most health professionals recommend keeping the thermostat set between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 19.4 degrees Celsius) for the most comfortable sleep.

Skin temperature, rapid temperature change, and sweating during sleep can significantly reduce sleep quality. Hence, the thermal properties of bedding and sleepwear are important factors.

The ideal sleep environment varies with the individual. Obviously, it should be comfortable. Each person should determine his or her sleeping environment considering the temperature.

Tune Out

It is no surprise that a quieter bedroom is better for sleep than a louder one. Loud noise disturbances can cause severe sleep fragmentation and disruption, which in turn can have negative impacts on your physical and mental health. Research suggests that noise, even at low levels can cause you to shift to a lighter sleep stage or wake up intermittently.

You should strive to keep your bedroom as quiet as possible by blocking outside noises. The whir of a fan or a soothing white noise machine can effectively mask other sounds and help you fall asleep. Some people also enjoy listening to music when they go to bed. Ambient sounds or soothing music, which may also alleviate anxiety and ease discomfort. Noise-blocking curtains are also widely available. The use of earplugs has helped many blocks out sleep disruptive noises.

Keep It Cozy

Your bedroom can play a very significant role in healthy sleep. Make sure your bedroom is decluttered and a place of sanctuary in your house. Your bedding should also cocoon you in natural fibers that help to release heat and maintain a comfortable temperature. A pillow and pillowcase that incorporates ceramic reflective technology to help keep your head a couple of degrees cooler than the rest of your body is essential for a good night’s sleep. Our favorite mattress topper is Nikken’s Kenko Naturest® Fit. The Naturest combines advanced scientific technology and natural materials, in a design that does the work for you in promoting healthy and refreshing sleep. The Naturest features advanced sleep innovations — including a radical new design in magnetic technology, bio-ceramic reflective materials for temperature regulation, and renewable materials that are not only environmentally responsible but help you sleep soundly and wake to feel relaxed and energized.

We need sleep to be healthy, happy, and productive. Without it, we suffer consequences both physically and mentally. Sleep is the most important determinant to being healthy by choice, so, choose to get enough quality sleep. Sleep Matters. 

Be Healthy by Choice.

Bone and Joint Matters, Part 3

“Nothing looks as good as healthy feels. ”

— Unknown

This Joint is Jumpin’

The past few weeks we have discussed bone health.  This week we will focus on joint health, specifically musculoskeletal conditions that impact approximately 1.71 billion people worldwide.

Musculoskeletal diseases affect more than one out of every two persons in the United States age 18 and over, and nearly three out of four age 65 and over. Trauma, back pain, and arthritis are the three most common musculoskeletal conditions reported, and for which health care visits to physicians’ offices, emergency departments, and hospitals occur each year. 

Musculoskeletal conditions comprise more than 150 conditions that affect the locomotor system of individuals. They range from those that arise suddenly and are short-lived, such as fractures, sprains, and strains, to lifelong conditions associated with ongoing functioning limitations and disability. Although the prevalence of major musculoskeletal conditions increases with age, they are not just conditions of older age. Regional pain conditions, low back and neck pain, musculoskeletal injury sequelae and inflammatory arthritides commonly affect children, adolescents, and middle-aged people. 

Musculoskeletal conditions are typically characterized by pain (often persistent) and limitations in mobility, dexterity, and overall level of functioning, reducing people’s ability to work. Musculoskeletal conditions include conditions that affect:

• joints, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis (a type of chronic, inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine). 

• bones, such as osteoporosis, osteopenia, and associated fragility fractures, traumatic fractures.

• muscles, such as sarcopenia (the loss of muscle mass and strength that occurs with aging).

• the spine, such as back and neck pain.

• multiple body areas or systems, such as regional and widespread pain disorders and inflammatory diseases such as connective tissue diseases and vasculitis that have musculoskeletal manifestations, for example, systemic lupus erythematosus.

The cost of treating major musculoskeletal diseases often includes long-term pain and disability, is greater than for treatment of many other common health conditions. Yet research dollars to identify causes, create new treatments, and reduce pain and disability remain much lower than that of other health conditions. With the aging of the US population, musculoskeletal diseases are becoming a greater burden every year. 

Musculoskeletal conditions are also the highest contributor to the global need for rehabilitation. They are among the largest contributors to the need for rehabilitation services among children and account for approximately two-thirds of all adults in need of rehabilitation.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder. OA occurs when the cartilage between two joints wears down, so the bones rub together, resulting in swelling and stiffness.

Natural Solutions for Joint Problems

Many natural products have purported anti-inflammatory properties, and some have a long history of use for treating inflammation and the pain that is associated with musculoskeletal inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and tendinitis. One compound cetyl myristoleate (CM) researched by Dr. Harry Diehl, has been the subject of several clinical trials.

The story behind Dr. Diehl’s discovery is an interesting one. Harry W. Diehl, Ph.D. is best known for his research into arthritis pain relief, during which he discovered the chemical compound, Cetyl Myristoleate (CM). 

Dr. Diehl worked for the prestigious, National Institutes of Health (NIH) for over 40 years. During this tenure, he became concerned about a neighbor’s pain and disability from rheumatoid arthritis. Diehl was a deeply religious man whose feelings overwhelmed him as his friend’s condition worsened. Harry thought, “Here I am working for the US Government at the National Institutes of Health, and I have never seen anything that was good for curing arthritis.” He decided to take the initiative to embark on a search for something to relieve the pain and disability of his neighbor and the millions of people who suffer from arthritis.

As a researcher, Diehl knew that finding an answer for arthritis first meant experimentally inducing the disease in research animals. He started with mice and quickly realized that he was unable to induce arthritis in the animals. Diehl tried every way he could to give mice arthritis, however, they would not display arthritic changes. He contacted a fellow researcher in California who wrote to him, “If you or anyone else can give mice arthritis, I want to know about it, because mice are 100% immune to arthritis.” At that moment, Diehl’s research and scientific instincts told him that what he wanted was already somewhere in those mice.

Utilizing thin layer chromatography to analyze the compounds present in mouse joints, Diehl noticed a mysterious compound. It was a long, tedious job, but Diehl finally found, isolated, and identified the extract. It was cetyl myristoleate (CM) – and it protected mice from arthritis. Now having isolated the compound, Dr. Diehl went about molecular recreation of it. Harry had learned to make it in the laboratory. Cetyl Myristoleate could be made synthetically by chemically combining cetyl alcohol, with myristollic acid and he found that this synthesized form of Cetyl Myristoleate was just as effective in providing rats immunity to experimentally induced arthritis as the naturally occurring form (extracted from mice).

WHAT DOES CETYL MYRISTOLEATE DO?

Through clinical studies, CM has been found to have no fewer than four main beneficial properties:

1) Joint Lubrication – Consistent use of CM appears to stimulate lubrication of the joints. One of the most noted effects of CM treatment is a loss of/decrease in morning stiffness.

2) Anti-Inflammatory – With as little as two to three weeks of treatment with CM, patients have experienced a lessening of the swelling in their hands and feet.

3) Immunomodulator – CM functions as an immunomodulator. Simply put, it can help regulate or stabilize hyper-immune responses. In addition to people suffering from joint conditions, those with autoimmune diseases may experience relief when CM is included in their treatment.

4) Discomfort Relief – CM’s effect on reducing discomfort appears to go together with its anti-inflammatory qualities. A decrease in inflammation will lead to a decrease in associated discomfort.

THE REAL DIEHL

Nikken is proud to offer two products containing cetyl myristoleate. Nikken Kenzen® Joint formula and CM Complex Cream for relief from joint issues that are endorsed by the estate of Dr. Harry Diehl.  

Kenzen® Joint 

The High Potency CM Complex in Kenzen®  Joint is an advanced formulation that nutritionally supports collagen, bone, and connective tissue repair. This formula has a high concentration of cetyl myristoleate and combines this with glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane, and compounds from the Boswellia plant, which has long been used in Ayurvedic and other complementary practices. * Cetyl myristoleate possesses natural surfactant and lubricant properties, in support of the smooth joint movement.*

HOW TO USE
Take 3 soft gels daily, preferably one with each meal. If desired, increase the daily dose to 3 soft gels twice daily until desired effects have been achieved, then reduce to 3 soft gels daily.

CM Complex Cream 

Relief from surface soreness is essential for good health as well as comfort. It allows for greater mobility and can help improve the quality of life at any age. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just a weekend warrior, Nikken CM Complex Cream can help soothe the discomfort that comes from living an active life. CM Complex is endorsed by the estate of Dr. H. W. Diehl, the National Institutes of Health researcher who discovered cetyl myristoleate.

How to Use

Apply as needed. For external use only. As plant-derived materials, these compounds offer a natural alternative to synthetic chemical preparations. The formulation has a pleasant, greaseless feel, without strong odor or staining on application.
The 4-ounce tube provides a generous supply of CM cream. This is also excellent for many other uses such as burns, bug bites, especially mosquito bites, and any inflammation that a topical cream is indicated. 

Healthy bones and joints are important to an Active Wellness lifestyle. Nikken has solutions to help us all Be Healthy by Choice. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Bone and Joints Matter, part 2

“All interest in disease and death is only another expression of interest in life. ”

— Thomas Mann

Osteoporosis, The Silent Disease

Osteoporosis is often called a “silent disease” because you cannot feel your bones getting weaker. Most people are unaware that they have osteoporosis until after they have broken a bone. The most common breaks occur in the spine, hip, wrist, and forearm and can be life-changing. Our first recommendation is to determine if you have a bone loss problem.  Consult your health provider for a sonographic bone scan or DEXA scan to get a baseline on your bone health.  For a more detailed description of bone scan results see last week’s Impetus.

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Osteoporosis is a serious, even deadly disease. 

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A woman’s risk of fracture is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. A man is more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than he is to get prostate cancer. Twenty-four percent of hip fracture patients aged 50 and over die in the year following the fracture.  Six months after a hip fracture, only 15 percent of patients can walk across a room unaided.  Every year, of nearly 300,000 hip fracture patients, one-quarter end up in nursing homes and half never regain the previous function.

Natural ways to help your bones and joints:

• Exercise, particularly anything that uses your body's weight to move, can help build strong bones. I suggest walking, jogging or dancing.

• Get some sunshine, at least 20 minutes a day for Vitamin D

• Eat the right foods. Green leafy vegetables are calcium-rich and alkalizing. Greens give you calcium but are also good sources of vitamin k, potassium, and other minerals and nutrients needed for healthy bones.

• Avoid sodas and carbonated beverages. Limit caffeinated beverages and alcohol.

• Drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. Bones are 25% water. Being hydrated is one of the best things you can do for bone joint health.

• Supplementation 

We need to supplement our bodies with minerals, we do not make them. However, no matter how much calcium we consume from calcium-rich foods such as yogurt, milk, and green leafy vegetables, or by nutritional supplements, the most important aspects are absorption and utilization. If the body doesn’t absorb calcium, the bones cannot utilize it and be fortified. As we age our ability to absorb and utilize calcium decreases. So, the need for supplementation to solve the problem of decreased absorption and utilization is paramount. 

Nikken Bone Buddies for Healthy Bones. 

The Kenzen® Bone Health Pack is designed to help maintain strong bones. The key element is calcium; however, because calcium is not easily absorbed by the body, Kenzen BDZ™ serves as the ideal complement. Formulated to maximize the body’s ability to absorb and utilize the necessary calcium that keeps bones strong and to help prevent the onset of osteoporosis, Kenzen BDZ is crucial for a well-rounded bone health regimen.

Kenzen BDZ™ provides a unique and scientifically validated formula for calcium and other nutrients that are required for maintaining healthy bone structure, bone density, and calcium absorption, by combining three patented blends of nutrients.

1. Aquamin® is derived from marine algae found in the pristine waters of Iceland. The minerals that makeup Aquamin® provide a combination of benefits, not just for bones, but research shows that it helps support the health of our digestive system as well. This is important once again because absorption is key. 

• Marine-derived multi-mineral complex with 72 trace minerals.

• Rich source of minerals essential to life and critical biochemical pathways.

• Research shows benefits: helps preserve bone structure and strength, helps prevent loss of bone mineral density, helps the mineralization and maturation of bone cells, helps reduce stiffness in those suffering from osteoarthritis.*

To date, they are over 32 peer-reviewed publications for joint and bone health for Aquamin®.

2. ParActin® is the result of 20 arduous years of research and development with more than 20 studies, including in vitro, animal models, and clinical studies in humans.

ParActin® is an innovation of world-renowned field researcher and scientific investigator Dr. Juan Hancke. His recently published study on 103 subjects with osteoarthritis showed a reduction in discomfort, stiffness, and fatigue while helping to improve physical function and Quality of Life scores with consistent intake of patented ParActin. *

ParActin® increases osteoblast activity and has a mineralizing effect on the bones with the increase of calcium deposits.

3. Vitamin K2 as MK7 from MenaQ7®:  For decades calcium has been the most obvious choice of dietary supplement for improving bone health. However, several studies show that supplementing with calcium exclusively is not enough.  Our bodies need to optimize the use of calcium because excess calcium will accumulate in the blood vessel walls, making them stiff and less elastic. MenaQ7® is the optimal solution to utilize calcium in the body by binding calcium to the bones. A new 3-year study with MenaQ7® and 244 healthy women demonstrated for the first time clinically statistically significant protection of the vertebrae and the hip (femoral neck) from bone loss. 

This action supports healthy bone metabolism:

            • Helps regulate calcium levels in bones and arteries.

            • Vitamin K2 as MK-7 has the highest bioavailability and bioactivity of all Vitamin K vitamins.

            • Helps support the maintenance of healthy bones and cardiovascular health.

            • Helps maintain bone mineral density within normal ranges.

Kenzen BDZ™ is the partner product to Kenzen® Calcium Complex. Formulated specifically to help the body absorb and utilize calcium for healthier bones and joints. This combination of products helps support the body's ability to preserve bone density and assists in the preservation of joints and cartilage. 

Benefits of KENZEN® Bone Health Pack (Kenzen BDZ™ and Kenzen® Calcium Complex)

• Helps stimulate bone growth.*

• Helps increase bone mass and strength.*

• Helps increase bone mineral density.*

• Helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis.*

• Supports an increase in flexibility and mobility.*

• Supports healthy cartilage function.*

• Supports healthy skeletal muscle strength.*

Make healthy bones part of your self-care routine with Kenzen BDZ™ and  Kenzen® Calcium Complex and

Be Healthy by Choice. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Bone and Joint Matters, Part 1

“You don’t stop laughing because you grow older. You grow older because you stop laughing.”

— Maurice Chevalier

Bone and Joint Matters, Part 1

It has been a while since we have discussed the importance of healthy bones and joints. For the next few weeks, we will be writing about bone health and how we can maintain healthy bones and joints.

Bone Matters

One aspect of health that is often misunderstood or ignored is bone health. The skeletal system is the body’s second-largest organ consisting of 206 bones in adults. Many people perceive our bones as a static, rigid structure when the exact opposite is true. Our bones are a dynamic organ that is in a state of constant renewal and rebuilding. This is called bone remodeling and through this process, we replace our entire skeletal structure every 10 years or about seven to eight times in our lifetime.

The skeleton serves many physical and physiological functions. It provides structural support, movement, and protective armor for our vital organs. The bones are the site for the production of red blood cells to deliver oxygen to our cells and produce white blood cells for a healthy immune system.  Recent advances point to the skeleton as an endocrine organ that modulates glucose tolerance and testosterone production by secretion of a bone-specific protein, osteocalcin.

Our bones are the mineral bank for our entire body. All vital organs and tissues require minerals to be released from the bones daily. Our body’s organs receive calcium from the bones.  For example, the heart needs 100 mg of bone calcium a day for steady beats. The brain needs 150 mg of bone calcium to keep sharp and our intestines require 600 to 900 mg of bone calcium daily.

Through the process of bone, remodeling minerals are released from old bone by specialized cells called osteoclasts, and new bone is replaced by bone builder cells, osteoblasts. Good bone health is a balance of this resorption of older bone and the formation of new bone for stable and strong bones. Healthy bones are vital to our joints and our whole body.

Regardless of age, we all need to keep our bones healthy. Children continue to build bone mass as they grow.  Bone mineral density peaks between the ages of 20 and 30. Up to the age of 30, the body makes new bone faster than it breaks down old bone, so bone mass increases. After that, the pace of healthy bone formation slows down so that more bone is lost than formed. This decrease in bone density results in weaker bones that are more susceptible to fracture. Maintaining bone health becomes more challenging and critical as we grow older for a variety of reasons.

The main issue in this decrease in bone density is directly correlated with calcium and the body’s ability to absorb and utilize dietary calcium which diminishes with age.

Societal Issues

Bone and joint health are major problems in our society. The Surgeon General of the United States reported that astounding numbers of Americans have bone and joint issues. Twelve million have osteoporosis with 40 million having low bone mass (osteopenia) and 66 million with joint problems such as arthritis, cartilage loss and calcium deposits. That represents nearly 1/3rd of the population.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation states that 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass. Studies suggest that one in two women and one in four men aged 50 or older will break a bone due to osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a Global Disease

In December 2012, a study on the Global Burden of Disease and the worldwide impact of all diseases and risk factors found musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis and back pain affect more than 1.7 billion people worldwide, are the second greatest cause of disability, and have the 4th greatest impact on the overall health of the world population when considering both death and disability. Bone and joint disorders account for more than one-half of all chronic conditions in people older than 50 years of age in developed countries and are the most common cause of severe, long-term pain and disability.

According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture. In fact, a bone will break every 3 seconds because of this disease. This has an enormous human and socio-economic impact. Many people don’t know they have osteoporosis until their first fracture, which is why it’s called the ‘silent disease’. Osteoporosis is estimated to affect 200 million people globally, with 55% of people over 50 currently at increased risk of fracture due to low bone mass.

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You will not fall and break your bone

You will break your bone ...and fall

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Osteoporosis is a silent disease because we do not perceive our bones as weakening. In fact, very few of us even think about the health of our bones. Breaking a bone is often the first sign of loss of bone density or osteoporosis.  Osteoporotic bone breaks are most likely to occur in the hip, spine, or wrist, but other bones can break too. Twenty percent of seniors who break a hip die within one year from complications related to the broken bone or the surgery to repair it. Many require long-term nursing home care.

While our bones naturally age as we do, there are things you can do to prevent osteoporosis and joint problems regardless of age. This will be the subject of next week’s Impetus for our series on bone health.

Be Healthy by Choice.

The Nikken Kenko Naturest Fit, Nurture Your Nature

How can I sleep better, healthier, non-toxic?

The average adult gets less than 7 hours of sleep each night. How much sleep do you get? To quote Dr. William C. Dement, considered to be the father of sleep medicine, “Healthy sleep has been empirically proven to be the most single important determinant on predicting longevity, more important than diet, exercise, and heredity.”

How do you feel after a good night's rest? How long has it been since you have had a good night's rest? If you have been around Nikken for a while you know that healthy, natural, sleep is something Nikken constantly innovates to bring you a great night's sleep.

I am so very pleased to introduce you to the very latest Nikken sleep innovation and it is truly my favorite, the Nikken Kenko Naturest Fit. I have waited to share this product with you because I wanted to experience it first. I have slept on the Kenko Fit for 7 days and it honestly feels like I am floating. The massage nodules are divine and I sleep through the night without getting up to go to the restroom.

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“I’m sleeping better than ever with the new fit!”

- Sherri D.

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Nikken Kenko Naturest Fit

What's new? The Kenko Naturest Fit is a mattress pad that fits easily over your mattress. This makes it affordable, portable, and you don't have to worry about firmness. You can watch an unboxing video here: https://youtu.be/n0dcXqJhpes
The Kenko Naturest Fit contains 800 gauss magnets, ceramic reflective fibers for temperature control, and tourmaline which when exposed to pressure, heat, or motion gives off electrons which can help create a calming effect. The materials used in construction are Rubberthane and natural latex (folks allergic to latex are normally allergic to synthetic latex.)

Here is what folks are saying:

“Our first set of guests slept on the bed with the Kenko Fit pad. They slept 👍great.
The first day they slept till 9 am! Kathy was shocked.
Mark only got up once to go to the potty...usually 3-4 times.”

-Pam B.

“Had my first night on my Kenko Fit ... OMG‼️ Do yourself a favor - get it ASAP.”

- Mike D.

I am sleeping very soundly and wake up with a lot less stiffness in my shoulders and upper back. It just feels soooo good!

-Sue G.

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The Kenko Naturest Fit slips easily over your current mattress. Place the tag at the foot of your bed. The Kenko Naturest Fit is easy to clean. Use a damp sponge or cloth in circular motions with a solution of 5% soap and 95% water.

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Just the Facts Ma’am

Download the datasheet for the Kenko Naturest Fit here. Kenko Naturest Fit Datasheet

Presenting the Kenko Naturest Fit

Kenko Naturest Fit unboxing video I filmed.

The Results Are In

After sleeping on the Kenko Naturest Fit for 10 days I still sleep really well. I don’t get up at night and I wake up more alert and ready for my day. This product has been such an overwhelming success the Kenko Naturest Fit twin and queen sizes are already on backorder but soon to be back in inventory. Before you invest in a new mattress I suggest you take a look at the Kenko Naturest Fit.

Be Healthy by Choice

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About Heather N. Abbott:

Heather is the COO at “Self Care Awakening.” Heather is an IIN Certified Health Coach. "I create a sacred space for you to become your best self."

Use the Contact/Book an Appointment page to schedule a free consult.

Heather is a founding member of Ladies Leading Ladies a group dedicated to training and empowering current and future Wellness business leaders.

I am a Wellness Business Builder. I work with a team of consultants. I nurture client relationships. I love building new relationships. Let’s connect. I enjoy working from home and gaming with my family.

Let's Socialize: @LadySelfCare

Why is an Air Purification System Important?

“I’ve got to keep breathing it will be my worst business mistake if I don’t.”

— Steve Martin

To Breathe is to live!

Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations. People who are often most susceptible to the adverse effects of pollution (e.g., the very young, older adults, the infirm, and people with the cardiovascular or respiratory disease) tend to spend even more time indoors.

Indoor air pollution has increased in recent decades due to various factors. These include an increase in the use of synthetic building materials and furnishings, and the proliferation of chemically-based personal care products, pesticides, and household cleaners. Airborne allergies can affect people all year round and are particularly prevalent in spring and summer, when there is an influx of pollen in the air, but also in autumn with an increase in dampness and molds, and in the winter when we spend the most time indoors in housing which is well-sealed for energy efficiency, reducing ventilation.

Health effects associated with indoor air pollutants include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer. Tobacco smoke, insect droppings, dust mites, mold, pet dander, artificial fragrances, carpeting fumes, and more can cause serious health problems. Respiratory ailments can range from sneezing to full-on asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and COPD.

“Cleaning up the air we breathe prevents non-communicable diseases as well as reduces disease risks among women and vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly...”, says Dr. Flavia Bustreo, WHO Assistant Director-General Family, Women, and Children’s Health.

Air as nature intended.

Air in natural settings such as forests, waterfalls, and the ocean has a soothing, relaxing sensation. In forests, the Japanese call this ‘Shinrin-yoku’ or “forest bathing”. This feeling in part is caused by the abundant negative ions found in natural environments. Negative ions are particles in the air that carry a net negative electrical charge. Research suggests that negative ions contribute to the sense of well-being that we get from breathing fresh, clean air.

Better for you, better for our environment.

Nikken offers high-quality HEPA air filtration with the KenkoAir Purifier® as part of our Wellness Home strategy. The KenkoAir Purifier® is portable and exceptionally quiet and exceeds the measured efficiency of capturing up to 99.97% of 0.3-micron particles in the air. It is Energy Star qualified, which means it is 35% more efficient than standard models and saves a minimum of 215 kilowatt-hours per year. In addition to replaceable filters, its pre-filter is re-usable, and the unit is made with recyclable materials to further reduce its carbon footprint. 

Unlike typical air filters, this advanced system helps generate negative ions like those found in natural environments, such as in forests, waterfalls, or the beach. The KenkoAir® Purifier has built-in ozone fee Negative Ion Technology and releases 2 million negative ions per second. The negative ion generator does not produce ozone as seen with many other air filtration systems on the market.

In a 2010 study, scientists observed the effect of negative ions on physiological and psychological stress during a two-hour computer operation. When monitoring heartbeat during the experiment they found that, where the participants were exposed to negative ions, there was an improved change in heart rate from before and after exposure. There was also a significant reduction in computer-orientated stress and psychological stresses. On the other two test groups – a control group and a placebo group – they did not record any significant change in the parameters tested.

May is National Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month, and Nikken wants to help the Global Wellness Community spread the importance of breathing clean air.

To help clean up indoor air, Nikken is offering the KenkoAir® Purifier at a huge 30% discount from May 3 through 31, 2021.

KenkoAir® Purifier, Item #1441, regular price $685

Special May Promotion price $487.94 plus free shipping.

Nikken KenkoAIR

We breathe without even thinking, (approximately 23,000 times a day) as such, air wellness is a simple solution for a huge problem that fits into and compliments the Nikken Wellness Home, allowing us to enjoy a more natural, pollutant-free environment.

Breathing cleaner air is one way we all can be Healthy by Choice. This topic will be discussed in our next Healthy by Choice Master Class. The class will cover the problem of indoor air pollution, the solution, and what and why some choices are healthier than others.

Please join us and invite guests for Air Matters on Tuesday, May 18th at 9 pm Eastern, 6 pm Pacific. Together we can all help anyone Be Healthy by Choice. To join the class, click this link, and follow the prompts, Self Care Awakening Virtual Classroom. You will need to use the password Nikken1 to join the class.

Be Healthy by Choice