Enjoy Life Magazine

How much do you know about diabetes? Is it even a matter of concern for you? You eat whatever you want - pretty slim, and you work out, so you don’t have to worry about diabetes – right? Or, maybe you feel that it’s a disease that only affects that elderly- right? Maybe just maybe, diabetes is a disease that mostly affects black people, so you’re safe – right? Are these facts or misconceptions? By far, they are misconceptions and the wrong way to think about diabetes.

According to the American Diabetes Association, in 2012, 29.1 million Americans, or 9.3 percent of the population, had diabetes; approximately 1.25 million American children and adults have type 1 diabetes.  Of the 29.1 million, 21 million were diagnosed, and 8 million were undiagnosed. -Statistics About Diabetes. (2016, December 12). Retrieved March 15, 2017, from http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics/

We have so much access to information, yet so many people are still misinformed and under-educated about diabetes, what causes it, and how to reverse the affects of this pandemic. Fortunately, we have Celebrity Chef and Diabetes Advocate Charles Mattocks to thank for being an innovator and risk taker. He came up with the idea to produce “Reversed” a reality show that documents the journey of people with diabetes. "Reversed" is the first reality show ever that focuses on educating the public while implementing a program for diabetics. Each participant has committed to changing bad habits with a goal of leaving with improved health. In the docu-series trailer, they are called contestants, but Charles said this is not a competition at all.

No matter the goal reality shows typically have negative connotations associated with them. People usually assume that everything is fixed or scripted. When asked, why a reality show? Charles said, “It may be my fault for putting it out there as a reality show." "This is more of a docu-series.” He went on to say, “Reversed” is going to feature people who actually have diabetes. It’s not a weight lost challenge, but more of a documentation of their journey.

Without giving away too much of the show, Charles said the participants have seven days on the show. He acknowledged that the time frame is concentrated, but he stated that anyone who is serious about making a change would know that they are ready early on.

The show will feature five individuals with diabetes along with an Endocrinologist, Cardiologist, Nutritionists, Yoga and Meditation Specialist, Fitness Expert, and others in their respective areas. You can also look forward to some celebrity guest appearances. Charles said that he wants to grab the attention of the youth in a hip way. He’s really on fire about the show, and Reversed Magazine which will debut on magazine stands very soon. As the interview continued, Charles made it very clear what his intentions are.

Lakesha: What is your overall hope for the participants?

Charles Mattocks: “To change the way they see their future with diabetes. This is about behavior and be it type 1 or type 2 some are making choices that can affect the way their health plays out. I have family members of type 1 that say they would love to be on the show because they are still drinking liquor and smoking. Some have type 1 and dealing with amputations and still not making the series of changes that are needed. So this is about giving them the tools that the viewer at home can see first hand and make those changes, be it in diet or knowing the right team that can help them in this journey.”

Lakesha: What does it mean to reverse diabetes?

Charles Mattocks: “This is not about Reversing diabetes, the definition means to slow down the forward progress, or stop the forward movement. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious issues and death. We want to help slow or stop that by helping them see that they don’t have to go down that road. With lifestyle changes, medicines, diet changes, and exercise they can increase their chances of slowing this down and living a very healthy life. We all I feel, need something like this show in our lives, be it weight loss to smoking. We have to start in our own lives or look in that mirror and make the changes to be our best”

Lakesha: When can we expect to see the show premier on television?

Charles Mattocks: “July at 7 pm with a re-air on Sunday on Discovery Life”

In a press release dated March 8, 2017, it was announced that MandKind Corporation has agreed to sponsor Reversed. Michael Castagna, Chief Commercial Officer of MannKind Corporation, added, “MannKind is continually seeking platforms to increase awareness around the challenges, opportunities and success people living with diabetes encounter on a daily basis. Mr. Mattock’s educational platforms, which have been featured on CNN, Dr. Oz and The Today Show, showcase the strength and determination of people fighting to make their lives better as they fight diabetes. We are excited to be associated with Mr. Mattock’s continuing efforts to educate the public.” Source: Webb, C. (2017, March 8). MannKind and Charles Mattocks Announce “REVERSED”, America’s First Docu-Series Tackling Diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mannkind-charles-mattocks-announce-reversed-americas-first-cyrus-webb

For more information about the show “Reversed” and Reversed Magazine visit http://www.reversedyourhealth.com/.

Yes, it is possible to over-exercise! 

Although exercising is a “good” habit, over-exercising can easily become a “bad” habit.

If you are one of the countless individuals who have decided to live a healthier life by getting into shape, then you really need to understand that exercising too much can be very harmful to your body. 

LaKisha Collins, owner of YourWay2Wellness, LLC, is a personal fitness trainer who understands how important it is for individuals to consistently exercise to increase their chances of living a much happier as well as a much healthier life.  It is important to exercise because it helps to control diseases, increase mobility and keep your heart healthy, she says. 

Although Collins knows the health benefits of exercising, she also knows how dangerous it is to over-exercise and identifies some of the short-term and long-term symptoms that one should be aware of in order to recognize if they are over-exercising; some of the short-term symptoms are having the inability to sleep, having excessive muscle tenderness that lasts for days or even weeks, having a weaker immune system, feeling soreness in your joints, and suffering from mood swings.  In addition, some of the long-term symptoms of over-exercising include damaging your muscles, metabolism, skin, hair and your bones

Collins is also aware of how common it is for an individual to over-exercise.  “It’s more common to over-exercise in athletes than it is in everyday individuals”, says Collins.  Most coaches are trained well enough to know when an athlete is over training, however, if the athlete is exercising outside of the training sessions with their coach, then doing this could possibly lead to them over-exercising, she says.

So, how much time should you spend exercising?

In order to figure out how much time you should spend exercising actually depends upon several things including your body assessment, the medications you are taking as well as if you are a weekend warrior or an athlete, says Collins.  She continued to say that there are different factors that come into play when it comes to mapping out the right exercise program for each individual. 

There are various different types of exercises, which are cardio endurance, stretching and strength training, says Collins.  The type of exercise that you are engaging in will determine how long and how often you should exercise.  For example, one could engage in yoga flexibility up to five days per week.  Collins encourages individuals to stretch even if they stretch at night before they go to sleep or when they wake up in the morning because doing this will help with the aging process.  “A lot of times people focus on resistance and focus on the endurance cardio but they forget flexibility stretching is very important.”

It is best to warm up your body before you begin to exercise in order to help prevent any injuries and prepare the heart and muscles for the workout; warming up your body can include a light jog or even a brief walk, Collins says.  She went on to say that once you get your heart rate up to 110 you are then ready to begin your workout. 

Whether you are exercising in order to improve your overall health, relieve some stress or just to have some fun, you should be careful not to over-exercise since the affects can have negative effects on your body.  It is great to exercise, but you just have to know your limits and recognize different over training syndromes, says Collins. 

To learn more about Iris and her writing services visit her website at www.hunterfreelanceservices.com.

By: Leanne Holcomb

Herbal teas, as well as being pleasurable to drink, can be used as a preventative measure. If drunk regularly, they can help to tone and balance the body. The transition to herbal tea (from your regular caffeinated tea or coffee) can be gradual. Lemon balm, lemon thyme, lemon verbena, apple mint, and peppermint all make incredibly delicious teas and also add lovely flavor to otherwise less than pleasant herbal preparations. Try to drink 3 cups of herbal tea every day, after meals (to prevent interference with gastric juices and hinder proper digestion). Sweeten your herbal tea with honey or sugar if you like. A slice of lemon or orange is another tasty addition. Here are a few common herbs for tea preparations, with associated indications.

Catch Reversed on Discovery Life,

7 pm ; July 7th.