Q. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE NAME PRESCRIPTION: HEALTH?

A. America has a long history which is deeply imbedded in traditional medicine.
The word Prescription is something society identifies as a major focus in health care.
The definition of prescribe is to lay down authoritatively a direction; to set out rules
for; to order or advise the use of. Unfortunately, many of the prescriptions given
traditionally in medicine, do not bring about optimum health in the host. Instead,
it can destroy the body's natural ability to fight disease and heal itself. By naming
my business PRESCRIPTION: HEALTH, I wanted to bring about an awareness to
the public about the efficacy of incorporating healthy lifestyles (nutrition and exercise)
as a means of preventing disease and recovering and maintaining health. There are
numerous highly respected studies that have recently shown the overall health benefits
of nutrition and exercise. It is my intention to encourage people to take upon
themselves the responsibility to help keep the cost of health care down across
America by incorporating those things known to help achieve optimum health.
In addition, I want to encourage physicians to see natural alternatives as an adjunct
or a compliment to their practices, and to rely less on treating disease symptoms and
more on preventing disease and recovering wellness through exercise and nutrition.
The prescription is in the incorporation of those things that have shown, through
research, to support optimum health in the body.

Q. HOW DID YOU DEVELOP YOUR LOGO MIND, BODY, HEALTH?

A. My logo has two distinct meanings. The first and most important is the holistic
approach to health. The mind represents the person's mental state. The body
represents the person's physical state. The mind and body together represent the
person's emotional state. The spiritual, mental, physical and emotional state of the person
is the all encompassing measure of both mind and body, all of which must be addressed
in order to achieve optimum health. I believe we cannot just treat one part of a person.
I must, as a practioner, be willing to address every aspect of a client's life
in order to achieve success in health goals.

The second reason for my logo is a result of my background in Health Psychology.
I am very interested and fascinated by the field of Psychoneuroimmunology and the
impact that mind and body exercise such as: Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates has on the body's
immune system. Research indicates that this type of exercise increases T-Helper cells
as well as NK cells which boost immunity to disease. I have taught a Pilates-based mind
and body exercise class since 1994. In my class I incorporate Progressive Muscle
Relaxation Therapy as well as Progressive Diaphragmatic Breath Training to aid in
reducing stress levels resulting in an increase in natural immunity. I am especially
interested in seeing Mind and Body exercise used in research on the survival rate of
cancer patients and I hope to be instrumental in developing Pilates-based classes for
cancer patients nationally.
For more information on PRESCRIPTION: HEALTH'S guidelines for developing
fitness programs check the What Is Fitness Heart Link.

Q. EXACTLY HOW DOES EXERCISE BENEFIT MY HEALTH?

A. Consistently engaging in exercise can result in many health benefits, all of which aid
the bodies natural resistance to disease.

Cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise 3-5 times a week for 30 minutes can:
1. Increase endorphins and enkephalins which are chemicals in the brain that produce
an analgesic effect in the body, thereby reducing the sensation of pain. (Cancer, Arthritis)

2. Decrease levels of LDL and increase levels of HDL. (Hypercholesterolemia,
High Triglycerides)

3. Decrease excess body fat. (Obesity)

4. Decrease blood pressure. (Hypertension)

5. Stabilize blood sugar levels. (Diabetes I & II)

6. Increase Natural Killer cells and T-Helper cells therefore boosting the immune system.
(AIDS, Cancer and prevention of disease)

Resistance Training 2-3 times a week for 30 minutes can:
1. Increase strength and endurance of muscle. (age-related weakness, Sarcopenia in Frailty)

2. Increase range of motion in joints. (Arthritis)

3. Increase bone mass and increase reabsorption of calcium into bones. (Osteoporosis,
Postmenopause)

4. Decrease excess body fat by increasing lean body mass which increases metabolic
rate. (Obesity)

5. Increase balance and coordination. (Neuromuscular disorders)

Flexibility training 2-3 times a week for 30 minutes can:
1. Increase balance and coordination. (Neuromuscular disorders)

2. Increase range of motion. (Arthritis, Lupus Erythematosus, Muscular Sclerosis)

3. Decrease risk of injury during daily activities such as sports, physical work, and exercise.
(Frailty, Neuromuscular disorders and prevention of injury)

Mind and Body Exercise, Deep Diaphargmatic Breathing and Relaxation Training 3-7
times a week for 20 minutes can:
1. Increase levels of Seratonin. ( a chemical in the brain) Low levels of Seratonin are
thought to be the cause of Depression. (Clinical Depression, Dysthymia -low level depression,
Cancer, Stress)

2. Decrease blood pressure. (Hypertension)

3. Increase pain threshold-helps a person overcome painful illnesses. (Cancer, Fibromyalgia)

4. Reduce respiration rate.

5. Increase Lung capacity and prevent bronchitis and pneumonia by fully aerating the entire
lobe of each lung. (Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

6. Increase NK Cells and T-Helper Cells that boost immunity.

7. Reduce lactic acid build-up which reduces soreness in the muscles.

FAQ CONTINUED