Tag Archives: Personal growth

Belly fat may hinder personal growth plan for optimal health

Leave a reply

Excess fat around the midsection has been linked to a number of conditions, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Now, researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology believe that belly fat may also increase a person's chances of developing asthma.

In a study, a team of scientists found that people with a large waist circumference, also known as central obesity, were 1.81 times more likely to have asthma, compared to people of normal weight. Individuals who were overall obese, but not centrally obese, had asthma at 1.44 times the rate of their slimmer counterparts.

"Asthma can affect people of all sizes, but our study has highlighted both the individual and combined effect of central obesity and overall obesity on asthma development. Both these measures have an individual impact on asthma and an additive effect when they are combined," said researcher Ben Brumpton.

In order to reach their conclusions, the researchers examined the health data of 23,245 people aged 18 to 55 over the course of 11 years. The volunteers were all part of a second installment of the Norwegian Nord-Trondelag Health Study (HUNT).

Author and trailblazer Ilchi Lee believes that personal growth and development can only be achieved when a person is able to attain optimal physical, mental and spiritual health. Results of this study add further weight to theories that illness in one aspect of a person's well-being may lead to poor health in another.

Lee says that a personal growth plan for enlightenment and fulfillment is an effort worth taking, though these journeys are not typically easy. However, difficult endeavors are often the ones that matter the most.

Related items

Personal growth plans for smoking cessation shown to improve memory

Leave a reply

It's well-known that quitting smoking can vastly improve an individual's lung health and reduce their risk of several forms of cancer. But what about memory?

In a study, researchers from Northumbria University found that while smoking can have a significant impact on a person's memory, cessation may be able to reverse this brain-damaging effect.

A team of scientists found that just 59 percent of smokers were able to remember a set of assigned tasks, compared to 81 percent of people who had never smoked and 74 percent of volunteers who were successful in adopting a personal growth plan to kick their habit.

"We already know that giving up smoking has huge health benefits for the body, but this study also shows how stopping smoking can have knock-on benefits for cognitive function too," said researcher Tom Heffernan. "Given that there are up to 10 million smokers in the UK and as many as 45 million in the United States, it's important to understand the effects smoking has on everyday cognitive function – of which prospective memory is an excellent example."

Personal growth and happiness are often dependent upon physical, mental and spiritual health, according to trailblazer and flutist Ilchi Lee. Smoking tobacco can be a major detriment to all three of these aspects, as the substance has been shown to be extremely toxic to the mind and body.

As a result, smoking cessation is a great first step in any journey toward betterment and fulfillment. It's not an easy feat to achieve, but nothing worth doing is ever simple. In fact, the more difficult jobs you will accomplish in your life will likely be the most important, and also the ones you are most proud of in the end.

Related items

Personal Growth Plan

Personal growth plans should include more socialization

Leave a reply

Brown fat is a substance in the human body, found abundantly in babies, that burns energy, keeping individuals warm while burning excess calories. By contrast, white fat stores calories and can be detrimental to a person's health.

In a study on mice, researchers at Ohio State University found that socialization helps convert white fat into brown fat, leading to a healthier body weight and brain function in the rodents.

"It's usually hard to induce the switch from white to brown fat," said co-author Matthew During. "It takes months of cold – you really have to push – and it doesn't induce brown fat to the same degree as what on the surface appears to be a relatively mild change in physical and social environments."

In order to test their theories, researchers compared the health of mice that were placed in an environment with plenty of playmates and space to move with rodents in a traditional cage, given ample food but few other mice with whom to socialize. They discovered that animals in a socially enriched atmosphere had lower levels of belly fat than those in the control group.

Additionally, mice that were socially stimulated had higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a chemical known to enhance learning and memory ability.

The results of this study suggest that having a supportive network of friends and family is an important part of a personal growth plan to lose weight.

Author and philosopher Ilchi Lee says that personal growth and happiness are a matter of personal responsibility, but it never hurts to have other people around who can serve as inspirations.

Related items

Sedona Arizona Attractions

Ilchi Lee launches book about Sedona, Arizona attractions and more

1 Reply

On Aug. 20, author and philosopher Ilchi Lee spoke in front of an audience about his new book, The Call of Sedona: Journey of the Heart. The well-attended gathering included individuals from several states who wanted to learn more about the beauty and power of Sedona, Arizona attractions.

During the event, speakers, musicians and entertainers from all over the city regaled the audience with readings and performances. Additionally, Lee himself concluded the celebration with a speech and a flute recital.

Lee said that he authored his new book in an effort to spread the beauty of Sedona to all who wish to experience it.

"Many people are drawn to Sedona by its magnificent beauty, but don't have enough opportunities to experience Sedona at a deeper level," Lee said.

Lee talked about the first impressions that the majestic city made on him, and how living in Sedona has made his life richer, assisting him in his personal growth plan.

The trailblazer announced that he plans to donate 30 percent of the proceeds from The Call of Sedona to local charities. Additionally, in an effort to make visiting the city a more peaceful and enriching experience for everyone, he said he will sponsor the launch of a nonprofit organization to be named the Sedona Meditation Center.

"Sedona's nurturing and restorative environment inspired much of Ilchi Lee's art and philosophy and he wants to give back to the larger Sedona community that he considers his home," said Jiyoung Oh, spokesperson for Best Life Media, the publisher of Lee's new book.

The Call of Sedona: Journey of the Heart is available at bestlifemedia.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

Related items

personal growth for women

SANDF provides opportunity for personal growth for women

1 Reply

For too long, women have underestimated themselves and their ability to serve in military peace-keeping forces, especially in developing nations. This all may be changing in South Africa, as the country's defense force reports an increase in females serving.

South Africa's Defense and Military Veterans Minister Lindiwe Sisulu recently reported that about 21 percent of soldiers who are currently serving in peace-keeping missions are women, a fact that was recognized at the South Africa National Defense Force's (SANDF) Women's Day Parade.

"We salute our women for the sterling contribution they have made and continue to make to ensure the realization of peace and stability in our country, region and continent," said Sisulu. "Young women are joining the SANDF with the realization that the protection of our country's sovereignty is no longer a male preserve."

Sisulu said that the female soldiers will be an integral part of maintaining peace in the nation, as their duties will include reaching out to citizens who are vulnerable to becoming casualties of violence.

Author and philosopher Ilchi Lee believes that personal growth for women is important to building a unified society. While the efforts happening in South Africa are one small step, there is still much work to be done.

Personal growth plans will differ from person to person. Not everyone will gain fulfillment by engaging in military efforts. In fact, most people will not. As a result, individuals should explore their goals and desires to help determine for themselves the best ways to lead a happy, enlightened life. Volunteering in the community or simply spending time with an elderly neighbor are great first steps toward growth and development.

Related items