Two new studies by researchers at Stanford find fat cells get infected directly contributing to the inflammatory and blood sugar cascades and poor outcomes.
We hear
it all the time lose weight for your health. Few people however, realize
the extent to which this is critical to their physical well-being and
ultimately their life expectancy.
In January 2003, the Journal of the American Medical Association
featured a study finding that obesity appears to lessen life expectancy,
especially among young adults. The study showed an obese 20-year-old
white male, (5’10”)178 cm and weighing (288 pounds) 130kg was estimated
to lose 13 years of his life as a result of obesity.
It is now well researched that a Western diet that leads to obesity may
actually act to stimulate the growth of cancer cells. It is never too
late to improve your health through healthful eating and adopting a more
health-giving lifestyle. Here are simple steps to follow which can make
an immediate improvement to your health and vitality.
Check to see if you are overweight or obese.
To find out your BMI you need to divide your weight (measured in
kilos) by your height (measured in metres) squared. If the result is
greater than 25, your health may be improved by losing weight.
Match your diet to your body's requirements.
If you eat and drink more calories than your body requires you will
put on weight. Learn to control calories and portion sizes, make recipes
leaner, and eat infrequently from fast food restaurants. Also learn how
to snack with healthful choices.
Colour your diet with a large variety of colorful, cancer-fighting fruit and vegetables.
There are seven different color ranges of both fruit and vegetables
and by choosing between 5 to 9 daily serves from a wide range of fruit
and vegetables, we are extending our consumption of cancer (and other
disease) fighting nutrients.
Eat lean protein with every meal.
Protein provides a powerful signal to the brain providing a longer
sense of fullness. The right source of protein is essential to
controlling your hunger with fewer calories and necessary to maintain
your lean muscle mass. Choices of protein should be flavored soy shakes
with fruit; the white meat of chicken and turkey, seafood such as
shrimps, prawns scallops and lobster and ocean fish or vegetarians may
prefer soy based meat substitutes.
Rev up your metabolism with activity.
If you want to enjoy a lifetime of well being, exercise is a key
ingredient. Thirty minutes activity each day that takes as much effort
as a brisk walk is recommended for adults. Children should be active for
an hour each day.
Get support to ensure you develop a healthful eating plan and reach your goal weight.
A study, Effects of Internet Behavioral Counseling on Weight Loss in
Adults at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes shows that participants who had the
support of weight loss coaching lost more weight than those who didn't.
The study concluded that the support of a weight loss coach can
significantly improve weight loss results.
Being overweight or obese has been identified next to smoking, as the
most preventable major risk to developing cancer. Even small weight
losses have been shown to have beneficial health effects. So its never
to late to start and you can never be too young or too old to be
concerned about your health and do something about achieving a more
healthy weight.
I know I'll get some hate mail for this post, but that's fine; it wouldn't be the first time. I get it; you work hard for your stuff and don't want anyone taking it. And I'll agree the people breaking into homes are committing a criminal act and should be held accountable. However, I'm not demanding you respond a certain way. Instead, asking you to consider the information and perspective in the post.
Okay, so here it is;
if you return home and find signs that someone broke into or is inside your unoccupied home, there are zero reasons to go inside
When a loved one is inside the home, the situation is much different.
However, that IS NOT what the scope of this article is addressing.
Go inside to investigate?
Most of the news stories we find are of home invasions. But we also see reports of people returning to an unoccupied home to find evidence of forced entry.
Yes, sometimes people go inside to ‘investigate.' Investigate seems easier than saying – search the home to potentially get into an unnecessary physical altercation, possibly leading to injury or death for you or any unwelcome visitor(s).
Being armed with your everyday carry (EDC) handgun, you may feel inclined to head inside. However, while a handgun is a terrific tool, and if you had no choice but to go in, you would want to be armed, the gun doesn't ensure you aren't hurt or killed. Take, for instance, this story where an unarmed home invasion suspect disarmed the homeowner and used that gun to kill him.
People often tell me, ‘I know my house better than the burglar, so he is at a disadvantage.'
Really? It doesn't take a tactical guru with blueprints of the home to find a blind corner or another spot from which to ambush you. It's just nearly impossible to safely clear a house by yourself, even if it is your own.
You don't know how many people are inside, whether they are armed or their intentions. Burglars rarely operate by themselves. More than one person usually heads inside because they know there is a possibility that someone may be inside or arrive home. They want the advantage of numbers to overwhelm the homeowner(s).
They may also deploy a lookout to alert them someone has come home. If the suspects choose to stay and fight, they can ambush you and have a distinct advantage.
What can you do?
The simplest and safest thing to do is get you and your family to a secure location where you can call the police. Factors like the time of day, how far away a neighbor's house is, or law enforcement's response time to where you live will determine what is best. Next, consider a position of safety that provides a view of the house. Maybe this is inside a neighbor's house, across their porch, or down the street.
While heading to your house, officers consider how to deploy the resources they have. For example, as an officer responding to a hot prowl, I would usually check to see if our air support helicopter was available and how long it would take them to get overhead. I would also see if our K9 unit could head to the call as dogs are great at flushing out suspects. I would also coordinate with responding units so everyone didn't arrive at the house but rather get officers in the area to form a perimeter and search if the suspect ran.
The dispatcher may ask you questions, but it wouldn't hurt to offer the following information even if they don't ask. Some information that responding officers will find useful is:
which door(s)/window(s) were forced open
did you see or hear anyone inside the house
is anyone supposed to be at home
could someone legally be in the house
are there animals inside or outside the home
are there firearms inside the home that the suspects may have access to
are there are vehicles or people nearby that seem out of place
are there paths or trails nearby that lead to another location
If officers get this information before they arrive, they can respond more appropriately, given the particulars of your situation. But, again, by staying on the phone with dispatch, you can provide this helpful information without placing yourself or your family at any risk.
Reduce risk:
Sure, there are plenty of stories where a homeowner finds the door breached, goes inside to find nothing. And similarly, many armed homeowners have gone inside to find an intruder and successfully defend themselves or hold the person until law enforcement arrives.
It is great that we can find stories with positive outcomes.
However, even with the happy endings, the person exposed themself to unnecessary risk. Take this story, for instance. Thank God things ended well. But how easily could the outcome have turned out very different?
I don't know how much you value your life, but there isn't anything inside my home that is more valuable than my life. And if you need further perspective, consider what is more valuable to your family. Would they want you alive and unharmed, or any item inside your home a criminal can take?
There is another reason people may feel like heading inside to investigate.
There is a natural desire to catch the person. Maybe it's the feeling that if you catch them and they don't get away with it, they won't be back. It is true, burglars do sometimes target the same house if they obtain keys, know the owner's habits, or the security posture of the home remains weak.
But, unfortunately, just because someone gets arrested for burglary doesn't mean they don't do it anymore. So next time one of these burglars gets arrested, check out their prior offenses if they are listed. You're almost guaranteed to find arrests for prior burglaries and drug offenses.
And I'll just throw this in for your consideration because it's important. If somewhere in your calculus for going in is, ‘so the criminal leaves in a body bag,' you should seriously evaluate why you carry a firearm.
You don't have to justify criminal behavior to be against wanting to kill a burglar inside your home. That isn't justice.
Not every burglar who lives to see another day will change and become a positive member of society. Most probably won't. I've known my fair share who continue a criminal lifestyle until they die or end up committing a serious enough crime that they spend their lives in prison.
However, I also know a few who turned out to be law-abiding, loving parents who are grateful a homeowner didn't shoot them for breaking into their house.
Closing:
Again the point is, don't unnecessarily risk your life to protect things. Let the police who have additional resources do the job they signed up to do.
The feeling of knowing someone broke into your home and was going through your belongings is unnerving, scary and can leave you feeling violated. It doesn't matter what kind of neighborhood we live in; there is the potential someone may want what is inside your home.
We put together a course called Complete Home Defense. In the DVD or online course, we present information to help you secure your home and your loved ones. We offer everything from physical security to responses to home invasions in the class.
Freedom
is the most precious gift given to all of us. It isn’t free, but it’s
fought for. Have you ever wondered why tears so freely come to our eyes
when we hear the Star Spangled Banner as our flag waves in the distance?
Why do we value our freedom and hold it so close to our hearts?
Our freedom was a God-given gift given to those who so valiantly
fought for this liberty. These brave patriots hungered for freedom of
choice, for their rights, and to worship according to the dictates of
their own heart. The patriots fought with every fiber of strength they
had, both bond and free.
When we pledge allegiance to our flag, what does that mean to us? Do
we take our freedom for granted? Many countries have no rights and are
not at liberty to say what they feel or to worship as they please. In
some countries, Christianity cannot be preached among the people.
Newspapers, media, and even the Internet are all government controlled.
Do we think of the freedom we possess? Have you ever thought about the
patriots who fought for the liberty that we enjoy? These brave men
desired to live in a free land, not ruled by a monarchy.
Why do we celebrate the fourth of July? On July 4, 1776, Thomas
Jefferson wrote the "Declaration of Independence." This document
inspired every patriot to fight for his liberty. As General George
Washington stood before the Continental Army with the document in his
hand, he took a look at the weary men before him in their tattered
clothes, and he realized they had not eaten a decent meal for months.
These underfed men were a sight! Washington knew his men needed to be
inspired and this document would do the trick.
As he read the declaration out loud, not a sound was heard as the men
listened. They were touched when he came to the part, "…We hold these
truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are
endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among
these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
As these patriots listened to every word, they were buoyed up,
inspired, ready to fight for their freedom against the tyranny placed
upon them. The fire inside them grew and no one could stop the need they
felt for liberty. The "Declaration of Independence" was inspired of
God.
Many of these patriots were willing to die for freedom. Nathan Hale, a
23-year-old artist and schoolteacher, felt the conviction of his
beliefs so strongly that he agreed to go on a dangerous mission for
George Washington. He was caught with sketches of British gun
emplacements and the penalty for being a spy was to be hanged. As he
marched up the steps of the gallows, he held his head high. When he
turned to face the people, he declared boldly, "I regret that I have but
one life to give for my country."
Many of these brave men were even willing to die for their liberty,
for their family, for peace and equality. The Continental Army consisted
of farmers and merchants, not learned in the way of combat. Many were
barefoot and in tattered clothes. They lacked enough food for everyone
and many times went hungry but yet they still fought for what they
believed in. The patriots knew the value of freedom and were willing to
pay the price.
When Thomas Paine saw the sad condition of the Continental Army, he
wrote, "These are the times that try men’s souls…Tyranny, like hell, is
not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the
harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too
cheap, we esteem too lightly: ‘Tis dearness only that gives everything
its value. Heaven knows how to set a proper price upon its goods; and it
would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as Freedom should
not be highly rated."
They lost many battles but won the battles that made a difference.
The crossing of the Delaware will never be forgotten. Many were sick,
fatigued, and their feet were wrapped with cloth to protect them from
freezing weather. George Washington knew the Continental Army was
outnumbered, but he was inspired to take his army across the Delaware in
a terrible blizzard. He suspected the Hessians would be drunk from the
Christmas festivities.
In the early hours of the morning, the surprise attack was a
never-forgotten battle of victory that shocked the Hessians, who were
German mercenaries, skilled fighters, paid by the British to cut down
the patriots. After a count was taken, it was discovered that not one
patriot had been killed in that battle. This victory turned the war
around.
The British were stunned at what had happened. They looked down their
noses at the Americans and considered them as untrained and uneducated
rabble. When they found the Continental Army to be so strong and
stubborn, they changed tactics. They moved a part of their forces to the
south with the idea of moving northward, capturing one state at a time.
In August of 1780 in South Carolina, a great and terrible battle took
place. The British were gaining an advantage. When all seemed lost,
General de Kalb and his men continued to valiantly fight for freedom. He
believed in the cause of liberty so much that he refused to give up
even though he knew they had lost the battle. He received eleven wounds,
both musket ball and bayonet, before he collapsed and fell to the
ground. British General Cornwallis had been watching from a distance and
when he saw the courageous General finally fall to the ground, he sent
his aides to retrieve him with a stretcher. Three days later he died in
the name of freedom. General Jean de Kalb was the most courageous and
valiant man Cornwallis had ever seen in the face of battle, fighting
until he dropped, not giving up his cause for liberty. Even though he
was the enemy, Cornwallis paid him the highest military honor at his
burial.
Most of the victories in the south came from Francis Marion and his
men because the northern armies were not familiar with the territory.
Colonial Francis Marion knew how to deal with the enemy in his own
homeland. He was known as the Swamp Fox and had the deadliest fighting
command in the whole revolution. He had trained his men to disappear
into the thick forest and swamps of South Carolina without a sound.
Hidden from sight, they would strike and then quickly move through the
woods like silent shadows, fading into the forest and undergrowth.
Francis Marion and his men tormented the British army with one ambush
after another. This frustrated the British officers because they were
helpless in the woods and swamps.
After eight long years, the patriots beat the greatest military power
in the world. Have we ever thought about the tremendous price these men
paid for our freedom? The next time we look at our flag, remember the
cost as you pledge your allegiance to the flag of the United States of
America and remember that we are "one nation under God, indivisible,
with Liberty and Justice for all." That’s what helps us stand out as a
great nation. Without God’s help, we would never have won the war.
Alexis de Toqueville, a French Statesman, visited our country in the
early 1800s. He said that he looked for the "greatness of America." It
was not until he witnessed the faith of the American people in their
churches that he found the true greatness here. He said, "America is
great because she is good. If America ever ceases to be good, America
will cease to be great."
Samuel F. Smith wrote, "My country, ‘tis of thee, sweet land of
liberty, of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died, land of the
pilgrims’ pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring! Our fathers’
God, to thee, author of liberty, to thee we sing; Long may our land be
bright with freedom’s holy light. Protect us by thy might, Great God,
our King!"
Written by Linda Weaver Clarke, author of the mystery
series The Adventures of John and Julia Evans: Anasazi Intrigue, Mayan
Intrigue, and Montezuma Intrigue. Visit www.lindaweaverclarke.com
For many of us, the thought of going through life alone isn’t pleasant. Sometimes it seems like the world is geared toward married couples, and being single can feel awkward. However, when we rely on our own efforts to jump into a relationship and find a spouse, the results can be hit-or-miss. The search can seem like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack, but putting God in the center instead of our own anxieties and fears opens the door for amazing things to happen.
God is aware of what’s in our hearts, as well as our hopes and dreams for the future. He knows the thoughts of everyone on the planet, saved and unsaved. He also knows what we need and wants to bless us abundantly, but wants us to realize the true source of all the blessings He wants to send our way. “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:32, 33, NKJV). When we seek God, first, we see supernatural results that come only from Him.
We live in a lonely world; some people hit the singles bars and dating websites or try any other method they can think of to meet someone. Sometimes these efforts end badly and the results are disappointment and discouragement. Other people become so desperate they marry the first person they can find, even if they hear God’s voice warning them against it. This is the opposite of what God wants for us. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV).
Relying on self-effort to find a life partner amounts to nothing. The way to turn things around is to trust God and simply rest in His promises to take care of us and provide for all our needs. Placing our faith in Him may not always make sense to our logical minds, but if we depend on Him, He’ll speak to our hearts while illuminating a plan of action. “Lean on, trust in,andbe confident in the Lord with all your heartandmind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize,andacknowledge Him, and He will direct andmake straight andplain your paths” (Proverbs 3:5, 6, AMPC).
Admitting that we have no idea where to look, and asking God for help, produces powerful results. It lets Him get involved in what matters deeply to us so that He can guide our search, thereby greatly increasing our chances of success. God knows much more than we do and matching up two people is a simple thing for Him. It’s something He wants to do because He loves us and wants us to be happy.
Trying too hard to find a mate can be against our best interests; however, when we rest from searching and let God take over, He goes to work on our behalf. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-ladenandoverburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve andrefresh your souls]” (Matthew 11:28, AMPC). God cares deeply about this. When His hand guides the process, our relationships will be blessed by heaven.
One of the most interesting sessions at the C.O.O.L. Clinic was presented by Pro Football Focus. In a segment of the presentation, the effect of play action was covered and Steve Palazzolo emphasized it by saying “Play Action is a Cheat Code.” He shared some key numbers that prove that statement.
The impact that play action has on pass production is undeniable. It alleviates pressure rate. It adds to expected points added per play as well as yards per attempt, and done on early downs it creates a massive advantage.
This week's Gridiron extravaganza is powered by CoachTube.
Check out Onside Kick Every Time with Coach Kevin Kelley on this week's video.
#1 Regardless of your pass concept create the “Sell”
Tennessee Titans Offensive Line Coach Keith Carter explained exactly how the Titans create a powerful play action game with the offensive line. As he explains in the video, these coaching points create the look, feel and sound of run:
#2 Post and Cross
DePauw Head Coach Brett Dietz has created a high powered offense at D3 DePauw University. In this video he explains one of his favorite concepts which he utilizes off of the inside zone:
#3 Vertical Switch
Olentangy HS head coach Mark Solis has had success wherever he’s been, and play action has been a big part of their offense. Here he explains how they create big play opportunity off of sweep action:
#4 Post Dig
Union College Head Coach Jeff Behrman likes utilizing the Post-Dig concept to find voids in the defense for big chunks of yardage. Here is Poker-Dagger off of a Mid Zone action.
#5 Three Level Flood
Shawn Liotta likes to create a three level stretch to stress the defense. Off of jet sweep action, defenders are stressed in having run fit responsibilities on the perimeter thus leaving them short in defending the pass. He illustrates it here.
In watching how offense has evolved, play action seems to have taken a back seat to RPO, but an offense can exist with both. As PPF illustrates, having play action can provide the cheat code for your offense, so be sure to take advantage of it!
US Sports Network News! Having fun and helping the peeps'. Using Sports as a platform to Inform, Educate, Inspire, While Entertaining you with the best of sports, talk, music, and fun. Be on the lookout for our frequent 'Teachable Moments' This will be a sports and media experience like you never expected. We always welcome your feedback. If you like us or even if you don't, we are always going to love you! Thanks for stopping by!
