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Who's Got the Summertime Blues?
There's an old adage that goes: "Nothing is constant except change." And while this is certainly true we must remember there is a difference between change and improvement. As the song goes, "The young become the old and mysteries do unfold, because that's the way of time; no one and nothing goes unchanged." So we have to ask ourselves: are we getting just getting older, or are we getting better? Let me remind you that it's never too late to make a change. Even small changes can have a profound effect over time. As an acupuncturist my goal is to help people get healthier by making positive changes. I encourage people to take more control of the factors in their lives that either improve or detract from their health. I see my job as being a coach and a cheerleader, to help my patients go the distance and change their lives for the better. Whether it's helping them overcome pain, treating their allergies, strengthening their immune system or relieving stress, it's a constant source of satisfaction to see improvement in the quality of my patients' lives.
One of the things I like to remind folks is that life is like riding a bicycle: when you stop pedaling the only direction you can go is downhill. To move forward we need to be doing things that tip the scales of health in our favor and reduce the factors that diminish our health. Quitting smoking and keeping alcohol and coffee consumption at a moderate level are ways to reduce harm to our body's fragile "ecosystem." Walking more, drinking more water and taking time to relax and reflect all enhance our well–being and protect our health. Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference.
Now that the summer season is upon us it reminds me that according to Chinese medical philosophy, summer represents the zenith of the year. The days are longer and hopefully warmer. It is the time when the crops ripen and we enjoy the bounty of nature. It's a great time to make sure we are eating those eight to ten servings of fresh fruits and vegetables that help to keep us healthy! In a larger sense, it is the season of maturity, a time to bring our plans to fruition and to fulfill our dreams. It's never to late to make a dream come true. So whether you are young or old or at your peak, now is always the best time to do the things that increase your health and happiness and ensure your well–being for many summers to come.
© 2002 Larry Forsberg. All rights reserved.
Articles posted on this Web site are for personal use only and remain the property of Larry Forsberg, L.Ac.
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