Is Sitting Still Making Us Sick?

Human movement is crucial to wellness and may boost the immune system, according to recent studies.  

According to results recently released by Health.gov.au 150 mins of moderate movement a day provides considerable health benefits, including reduced risk of CVD, type 2 diabetes, psychosocial and musculoskeletal problems.

Faye Kendall of Geelong based clinic Holistic Osteopathy says “Human movement is a fundamental component of a healthy lifestyle regime. Dedicated time should be given to make sure we are moving functionally, and include movement as a part of our routine. The modern desk based workforce, our seated classrooms and the influence of electronic equipment have reduced movement in so many ways over the years. Movement is crucial, not just for the obvious things like weight gain, but for our immune system as well. The body is a system!”

 

She’s not the only one. According to recent studies by Harvard University “The immune system is precisely that — a system, not a single entity. To function well, it requires balance and harmony. Movement promotes good circulation, which allows the cells and substances of the immune system to move through the body freely and do their job efficiently. Some scientists are trying to take the next step to determine whether exercise directly affects a person’s susceptibility to infection.”

 

Faye says “it is incredibly important to make sure you have balance in your day to day life, in all facets but particularly human movement. People ask us all the time, how can I maintain health or help my aches and pains?  For example, how the body copes with stress and friction, illness or increased function can be impacted by how we move and our physical response mechanisms. Muscle, tissue, tendon, bone- are all connected, and all systemically impact each other. Like a car or any other machine, the parts need to be working in cohesion with each other to avoid breakage, inflammation and to maintain longevity. Minimising sedentary behavior and breaking up long periods of sitting can assist in this.”

 

For more information about these studies or Osteopathy contact Holistic Osteopathy.

 

About Faye:

Faye Kendall is passionate about wellbeing and health.  Her lifetime studies encompass the ideology of a whole body approach to healthcare. The dedicated Osteopath’s focus is on restorative practices and the understanding that good health is the result of balance and alignment of the body’s systems.  Her extensive training in Australia, Europe and the USA in the fields of Biodynamic Cranial Osteopathy, and Biodynamic Cranial Osteopathy for children has helped forge a career that is dynamic and growth-centric. Faye is a talented motivator, keynote speaker, and promoter of wellness.

 

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Australian Seasonal Eating Saves Lives

Health food concept

Seasonal eating is an ideology present for centuries

However, in the Western world, it is a concept often unrecognized. Eating food grown in our current season is primed for what the body needs, and we aren’t doing enough of it says Geelong Naturopath Susan Byrne.

The AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing) released 2018 statistics for what is the recommended serving of fruit and vegetables a day. Under the NHMRC (2013) guidelines, the recommended serves of fruit per day are:

1 for ages 2-3

1 ½ for ages 4-8,

2 for ages 9 and over.

The AIHW 2018 guidelines show a recommended higher intake in vegetables for total health and nutrition. The minimum recommended serves of vegetables per day is:

2 ½ for Ages 2-3

1 ½ for Ages 9-11

5 for Ages 9-11

5 for females age 12 and over

5 ½ for Males aged 12-18, 51-70

6 for males ages 19-50

ABS figures in 2014-2015 show that only 5% of adults had sufficient intake of fruit and vegetables, with women more likely to eat fruit and vegetables (8%)  than men (3%).

HealthPost natural supplements and skincare

For example, if we were living in a completely natural state from the land apples would only grow at certain times of the year when we require small amounts of sugar

Says Susan. “There is nothing comparable in nutrient than fresh flavorsome seasonal food, says Susan, richer in content than long stored or sugary preservative foods packed with additives Susan says foods have coolness and heat to them. Cooling fresh foods such as salads, fruit, cucumber, and sprouted grains will help cool the system in the Australian Summer heat and fruits such as apples, lemon, limes, and watermelon will assist with this also. “Fuel your body and mind with energetically rich and nutrient-packed sources provided,” says Susan.

“What better way to kick off the new year than eat deliciously unspoiled and non-processed food right from the tree and ground- we are spoiled for choice in Australia,” says Susan.  

The popular Bellarine Peninsula Naturopath is an advocate for homegrown organic foods amongst a portfolio of well-publicized events aimed at health education for women in the Geelong region.

ABOUT SUSAN

Susan Byrne is a qualified naturopath and health professional. Susan has over 20 years experience in the health field, with in-depth qualifications in Nutritional Health, Herbal Medicine, Supplementation and Flower Essences. Susan has a Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy, Diplomas in Herbal Medicine and Nutrition, and is a member of the NHAA  National Herbalist Association of Australia. Susan is not only qualified but genuinely passionate about helping others through their healthy journey.

Susan Byrne Your Naturopath

Australian Mental Health Support

The Salvos 

https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/belconnen/community-programs/salvos-connect/

The Salvation Army provides “emergency relief” to those in need of our assistance.To request emergency assistance, please call the Salvos Assessment Line (SAL) on 1300 371 288 (open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm). Your needs will be assessed and you’ll be connected to the nearest Salvation Army Connect site.


Headspace

https://headspace.org.au

You can get support for your mental health by creating a headspace account. Here, you can access group chats, online communities, and 1:1 direct support with eheadspace professionals.


Better Help

https://www.betterhelp.com

Tap into the world’s largest network of licensed, accredited, and experienced therapists who can help you with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, relationships, trauma, grief, and more. With our therapists, you get the same professionalism and quality you would expect from an in-office therapist, but with the ability to communicate when and how you want.


Pride Counseling?

https://www.pridecounseling.com

Whether you are struggling with mental health issues, your identity, or just need someone to talk to, we believe help should be accessible to everyone. We noticed that individuals in the LGBTQ community suffer from mental health issues at a disproportionately high rate and we wanted to help. By providing online counseling to the LGBTQ community, we make help accessible and accepting of everyone. We provide a platform for people to get the help they need discreetly, affordably, and conveniently. Message your counselor whenever an issue arises. Schedule sessions that work with your schedule.


Mentemia

https://www.mentemia.com/au/home

Online mental health free app for workplaces


Head to Health- The Government Hub for mental health online services and help 

https://www.headtohealth.gov.au

Head to Health can help you find digital mental health services from some of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations. Provided by the Australian Department of Health, Head to Health brings together apps, online programs, online forums, and phone services, as well as a range of digital information resources.

Whether you are trying to improve your own sense of wellbeing, looking for help with something that is bothering you, or helping someone you care about—Head to Health is a good place to start.


Mental Health Online

https://www.mentalhealthonline.org.au

The Generalised Anxiety (GAD) Program is designed to help you understand the nature of anxiety and worry and to learn the skills and strategies that help manage anxiety and improve overall mental health and wellbeing.


Beyond Blue

https://www.beyondblue.org.auBeyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.