Original Motivational Articles, Issue 14:

WEBMASTERS & EZINE OWNERS: These articles were written by June McHardy, editor of the Surging Ahead for Success Blog, dedicated to maximizing success in our lives with lots of great inspirational stories, guest articles and success strategies.  If you use this articles for content in your ezine or Blog, please use it unchanged, including the resource box, correctly hyperlinked.    

                          Thanks,     June       

                                                 

 Original Motivational Article: Yes, You CAN help control Emphysema.

 

 

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Yes, You CAN help control Emphysema!

Copyright 2006 June McHardy
 

Twenty years ago, my husband was diagnosed with emphysema. He had been smoking heavily for 30 years and it was taking its toll. His cough was getting progressively more prevalent and stress reduced his capacity even further. As a nurse, I was extremely concerned. Since there is no known cure, I fought to find some kind of a remedy that would keep it from getting any worse. He immediately stopped smoking, but that was short-lived. He tried many times over the next ten years unsuccessfully,  gaining a little weight each time. The herbal remedy that he used during that time at least kept his disease from getting much worse.

Finally, he was able to kick the smoking habit 10 years ago. There was an immediate improvement in his breathing, but over time, more weight gain and stress brought more symptoms. Now,  at 5'9" and 250 pounds, walking any distance was getting harder. Nights were particularly bad with coughing spasms and difficulty in clearing his airway. He knew that he had to make some changes, but how?

Last year, after watching "The Biggest Loser" on TV, he realized that losing some weight would be beneficial, and that he could probably do some mild exercising as well. In the past he had done some weight training and he still had some free weights on hand at home. Starting with 5 pound weights and reps of five, he began mild arm and chest exercises at home. At the same time, he went on the Atkins Diet and lost some weight. He immediately started feeling better. Gradually increasing his weight training, results started to follow.

Last November, at 236 pounds, with greatly improved breathing function he made a serious decision to get down to his target weight of 185 pounds by November 2006. Following his diet, no alcohol, and a now daily exercise regimen he was on his way!

In January, at 231 pounds, and a little disappointed with the slow weight loss, he made a change in diet. First a 2-week Restart Diet plan dropped 12 quick pounds. Then, following a low fat, low calorie diet, and tracking all his nutrition and his fitness program on a wonderful FREE website, SparksPeople.com, his progress was phenomenal!

Every week his weight dropped. Every week, his measurements changed. Every week he was walking farther and easier, and yes, every week his emphysema symptoms were disappearing!

He passed his first target goal of 185 pounds a few weeks ago. With a new target goal of 175 in sight we now work out at gym 3 times a week and walk about a mile most days. He's healthy and energetic. A different person! A Miracle? Perhaps!

Napoleon Hill says, "Anything the mind can believe, it can achieve. Maybe that's what it's all about after all. There's no doubt that it took a great deal of personal courage, effort and perseverance to follow through with his plan. I personally believe that when you make the decision to improve yourself, commit to it and take action, you're inviting all the forces in the universe to come to your aid, making almost anything a possibility.

Can emphysema be cured? Probably not, but the next best thing is to have it so well controlled that you forget you have it. In any case, trying to improve your health is vital. Without it, it's hard to enjoy life.

June McHardy publishes a Health Blog  online.  She's also a nurse who is very interested in spirituality and in the ability of each one of us to take contol of our minds, and therefore have more control over our own health and our lives.  Health Blog:  http://www.vigorandvim.com/blog/

Health-related Websites:  http://www.vigorandvim.com and http://www.valuerxmeds.com

 

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  Original Motivational Article: Yes, You CAN help control Emphysema