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<channel><title><![CDATA[Teri Gentes - Whole-Self Lifestyle Wellness - BLOG POSTS]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts]]></link><description><![CDATA[BLOG POSTS]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 11:35:55 -0700</pubDate><generator>Weebly</generator><item><title><![CDATA[FOOD ADDITIVES - What you need to avoid!]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/food-additives-what-you-need-to-avoid]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/food-additives-what-you-need-to-avoid#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 17:29:08 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/food-additives-what-you-need-to-avoid</guid><description><![CDATA[       Why are nations sicker than ever and so many of us dealing with chronic illness? Is there something in the water? Yes, is the answer. And it's in food too.The story is often heard; clients, family, friends all around me share the familiar line... They ate well, exercised often, had great connections with family and friends, and they&nbsp; died. How does this happen?&nbsp;Well maybe we are overlooking the compromised quality of the food we consume. The info below may shock you."As Inside C [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.terigentes.com/uploads/2/0/5/3/20530382/chemicals-in-food_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><strong><font size="4">Why are nations sicker than ever and so many of us dealing with chronic illness? Is there something in the water? Yes, is the answer. And it's in food too.</font></strong><br /><br /><font size="4">The story is often heard; clients, family, friends all around me share the familiar line... <em>They ate well, exercised often, had great connections with family and friends, and they&nbsp; died. How does this happen?&nbsp;</em>Well maybe we are overlooking the compromised quality of the food we consume. <strong>The info below may shock you.</strong></font><br /><br /><font size="4">"As</font><font size="5"> <a href="mailto:https://insideclimatenews.org/">Inside Climate News </a></font><font size="4">reports, </font><strong><font size="4">more than </font><font size="5">15,000 chemicals</font><font size="4"> are used in food processing or packaging,</font></strong><font size="4"> yet researchers found major gaps in publicly available information about human exposure and safety.&nbsp; Sound familiar?</font><br /><br /><font size="4">We&rsquo;ve been talking a lot about ultra-processed foods and the GRAS loophole - a system that can allow food companies to determine certain ingredients are &ldquo;Generally Recognized as Safe&rdquo; without first going through FDA review."</font><br /><font size="2">Except from</font><font size="3">&nbsp;</font><a href="https://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Center for Food Safety.</strong><br /><br /><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="3">Many organizations are working diligently to inform us as they stand up to corruption in the food industry and governments. North America has lower standards than many other countries.&nbsp;</font></strong><strong><font color="#2a2a2a" size="3">As consumers we can make a difference with our spending dollars and our votes.&nbsp; Read on and check into the links provided for more insight into the food you are eating.</font></strong></a></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><strong><font size="4">Could this reality we deal with..</font><font size="3">.</font></strong><br /><span style="color:rgb(90, 88, 88)"><font size="5">Food additives banned in the European Union (EU) are not banned in North America.&nbsp;</font><font size="5"><strong>"</strong>The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has fewer exceptions and more fast-track options for food manufacturers"...</font></span><br /><strong><font size="3">..</font><font size="4">.be&nbsp;the reason behind the oxymoronic experience of eating and drinking more while vacationing in Europe typically not cause excess weight gain</font></strong><strong><font size="4"><strong>!</strong>&nbsp;</font><br /><font size="3">&#8203; </font></strong><br /><strong><font size="4">Our food quality is compromised at the expense of our health.</font></strong><br /><font size="4"><a href="https://www.alive.com/food/10-food-additives-to-watch-out-for/">Below is a list of some of the additives to watch out for</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alive.com/food/10-food-additives-to-watch-out-for/">Alive Magazine</a> along with a gallery of images from various food watch advocates committed to keeping you more fully informed.<br />&#8203;</font><br /><strong><font size="4">Save the list below to your phone and be sure to read labels more carefully.</font></strong><br /><font size="4">You are the one with the power to make a difference in both your own life and those you love.&nbsp;</font></div>  <div><div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div> <div id='963729905321979229-slideshow'></div> <div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div></div>  <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div> <hr class="styled-hr" style="width:100%;"></hr> <div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><strong style=""><font size="5">HERE ARE JUST SOME OF THE ADDITIVES TO AVOID:</font><br /><br /><font size="3">Titanium dioxide (E171)</font></strong><br /><font size="3">&#8203; It&rsquo;s been linked with intestinal inflammation and genotoxicity &mdash;the damaging of our DNA&mdash;and is banned in the EU. You can find titanium dioxide in processed baked goods, </font><a href="https://www.alive.com/family/candy-increases-kids-exposure-to-titanium-dioxide/" target="_blank" style="font-size: medium;">candy</a><font size="3">, and chewing gum.</font><br /><strong style="font-size: medium;">Potassium bromate (KBrO3)</strong><br /><font size="3">The FDA believes potassium bromate safely breaks down in the baking process &mdash;but it&rsquo;s classified as a possible carcinogen by the World Health Organization, labeled as toxic in the EU, and banned in Canada.</font><br /><strong style="font-size: medium;">Propylparaben</strong><br /><font size="3">To slow molds, yeasts, and other microbes that spoil food, some companies use propylparaben&mdash;a form of benzoic acid. Unfortunately, this preservative may disrupt our endocrine systems, diminish fertility in women, and could even form a carcinogen (benzene) by combining with vitamin C. Although not banned in most of the US, propylparaben has recently been banned in California, and has been banned for use in food in the EU since 2006.</font><br /><strong style="font-size: medium;">Azodicarbonamide (ADA)</strong><br /><font size="3">The is that ADA breaks down into semicarbazide and urethane&mdash;both carcinogenic&mdash;during the breadmaking process. The FDA says these substances are not present in high enough concentrations to be dangerous, but ADA is banned from food and other uses in the EU.</font><br /><strong style="font-size: medium;">Propyl gallate (E310)</strong><br /><font size="3">Propyl gallate is a white crystal powder used to prevent oxidation and stave off spoilage of fats and oils&mdash;so it&rsquo;s used as a preservative in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Some studies have linked propyl gallate with male infertility and cancer, but it isn&rsquo;t yet banned in the US or EU. Looking to ditch the propyl gallate in your cosmetics, too? Check out </font><a href="https://www.alive.com/beauty/care-for-your-cosmetics/" target="_blank" style="font-size: medium;">our article on natural cosmetics</a><font size="3">.</font><br /><strong style="font-size: medium;">Sodium benzoate (E211)</strong><br /><font size="3">Sodium benzoate can produce benzene, a known carcinogen, when exposed to vitamin C. The FDA recognizes this risk, but believes the concentrations are too small to pose a health concern&mdash;thankfully, &ldquo;sodium benzoate&rdquo; or &ldquo;E211&rdquo; must be listed in ingredient labels.</font><br /><strong style="font-size: medium;">Sodium nitrite</strong><br /><font size="3">Added to meat products to improve appearance and extend shelf life, sodium nitrate is the salt that gives cured meats their pink color. In some foods, like fried bacon, it is at risk of forming nitrosamines &mdash;a recognized carcinogen. Manufacturers have begun adding acids to prevent this carcinogen from forming, which does seem to work &mdash;but you may want to avoid foods listing &ldquo;sodium nitrite&rdquo; anyway.</font><br /><strong style="font-size: medium;">Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)</strong><br /><font size="3">BHA and BHT are preservatives that help keep fats and oils from spoiling in foods like cereal and packaged cookies. Although they may be carcinogenic, BHA and BHT are not yet banned in the EU. That said, they are much more heavily regulated in Europe, even when added to cattle feed, than they are in the US.</font><br /><strong style="font-size: medium;">Aspartame</strong><br /><font size="3">Did you know this artificial sweetener was FDA approved back in 1974? Aspartame has been controversial ever since, with health scares in the 70s, 90s, and 2000s&mdash;with reports ranging from mild indigestion to causing cancer in rats. While no countries have banned its use and the FDA even has </font><a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/aspartame-and-other-sweeteners-food" target="_blank" style="font-size: medium;">a specific page about aspartame</a><font size="3">, some people would still prefer to avoid this suspicious sweetener. If you&rsquo;re looking to avoid aspartame, try </font><a href="https://www.alive.com/food/kitchen-corner-sugar-substitutions/" target="_blank" style="font-size: medium;">natural sugar alternatives</a><font size="3"> instead!</font><br /><strong style="font-size: medium;">Color additives</strong><br /><font size="3">In January 2025, the </font><a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-revoke-authorization-use-red-no-3-food-and-ingested-drugs" target="_blank" style="font-size: medium;">FDA made headlines</a><font size="3"> by banning Red No. 3, a food dye that has been linked with cancer formation in animals and had previously been banned in California. But shortly after California banned Red No. 3, it also banned foods containing other potentially carcinogenic dyes&mdash;Red No. 40, Blue No. 1 and 2, Green No. 3, and Yellow No. 5 and 6&mdash;from being offered by public primary schools. The FDA hasn&rsquo;t followed suit yet, but you might also want to avoid these foods--</font><a href="https://www.alive.com/health/food-dyes-and-hyperactivity/" target="_blank" style="font-size: medium;">especially for your kids</a><font size="3">.</font><br /><br /><strong><font size="3">These are good organizations that provide more information - check them out.</font></strong><br /><font size="3"><a href="https://organicconsumers.org/">https://organicconsumers.org/</a> | <a href="https://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/take-action">https://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/take-action</a> | <a href="https://www.cornucopia.org/">https://www.cornucopia.org/</a>&nbsp;| <a href="http://www.ewg.org/">www.ewg.org</a> | <a href="https://www.ewg.org/">https://www.ewg.org/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nongmoproject.org/">https://www.nongmoproject.org/</a></font><br /><br /><strong><a href="https://www.terigentes.com/about.html">Teri Gentes</a></strong> - Advocating and Coaching on how to optimize health and quality of life with healhty lifestyle practices.</div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[DRY SKIN BRUSHING - Boost your immune function & detox your body.]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/dry-skin-brushing-boost-your-immune-function-detox-your-body]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/dry-skin-brushing-boost-your-immune-function-detox-your-body#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 17:36:53 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/dry-skin-brushing-boost-your-immune-function-detox-your-body</guid><description><![CDATA[       DETOXING!&nbsp;You've heard about it right? And you likely know the importance of a healthy immune system. Look to your lympathic system as an important player in your overall health.We are all subject to so many toxins and augmenting our lympathic system is something for us all to learn to practice regularly.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cultivating optimal health is a main aim of mine and knowing how to stimulate our body's largest vascular detox organ, is a must. If you run a search on just what this sy [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.terigentes.com/uploads/2/0/5/3/20530382/dry-skin-brushing_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><strong><font size="5">DETOXING!</font></strong><font size="5">&nbsp;You've heard about it right? And you likely know the importance of a healthy immune system. Look to your lympathic system as an important player in your overall health.</font><br /><br /><font size="4"><strong>We are all subject to so many toxins and augmenting our lympathic system is something for us all to learn to practice regularly.&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;Cultivating o</font><font size="4">ptimal health is a main aim of mine and knowing how to stimulate our body's largest vascular detox organ, is a must. If you<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513247/"> run a search </a>on just what this system is you will discover its a circulatory system that plays a critical role in our immune function.&nbsp;<br /><br />We've seen the many diets, pills, practices to help our body to cleanse itself of the many pollutants we encounter on a daily basis.</font><font size="5">&nbsp;</font><font size="4">In my world of whole-self, lifestyle wellness, regular implementation of a wide variety of regular self-care practices are part of my routine and I research constantly. Here I share some info from a few resources that I hope inspire you to invite these practices into your routine.&nbsp;</font><br /><br /><strong><font size="5"><a href="https://thewellthieone.com/lymphatic-drainage-massage-at-home/">LYMPHATIC MASSSAGE&nbsp;</a></font></strong><br /><br /><font size="4"><strong>"An Ayurvedic practice that has been used to boost circulation and therefore also help with lymphatic flow </strong>and the stagnant build-up of blood in the legs is dry brushing. Other benefits of dry brushing include improved nervous system function, heightened energy, and a strengthened immune response which can reduce symptoms associated with restless legs syndrome. Use the following recommendations for receiving the benefits of <a href="https://drjockers.com/dry-brushing/"><strong>dry brushing</strong></a>:"</font></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div><div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div> <div id='900041990752675562-slideshow'></div> <div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;">&#8203;<ul><li><font size="4">Using a natural bristle brush, brush skin in the direction of the heart</font></li><li><font size="4">Brush skin when dry, preferably before a warm shower to help eliminate dead skin cells and open up pores for detoxification</font></li><li><font size="4">Never dry brush before bed to avoid interference with sleep</font></li></ul> <font size="4">You may wish to follow up your dry brushing with a bath. </font><a href="https://drjockers.com/health-benefits-epsom-salt-baths/"><strong><font size="3">Epsom salt baths</font></strong></a><font size="4"> have been traditionally used to treat muscle spasms, pain, bruises, and tingling by increasing magnesium absorption into the body. Epsom salts are an alternative healing mechanism with anti-inflammatory properties due to the high rate of Epsom salt (in the form of magnesium sulfate or MgSO4) into magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen.</font><br /><br /><font size="4">Epsom salt baths are easy and affordable. Set aside 40 minutes of relaxation as your body will work to remove toxins in the first 20 minutes and secondly to absorb the minerals the 2nd half of your treatment. Consider adding a few drops your favorite essential oils to help with your symptoms. The following concentrations of Epsom salt are recommended:</font><br /><br /><strong><em><font size="4">Individuals between 60-100 lbs: Add 1 cup of salts to a standard sized bath<br />Individuals between 100-150 lbs: Add 1 1/2 cup of salts to a standard sized bath<br />Individuals between 150-200 lbs: Add 2 cups of salts to a standard sized bath<br />*For every 50lbs more: add in an additional 1/2 cup of salts."<br /><br /></font></em></strong><font size="3">Information can be so helpful when you implement the practices you learn. Click on the green links to get more info and reach out to me anytime if you have questions, comments, other resources to share. Let's make self-care something we all help one another implement daily.&nbsp;<br />This career focus of mine is merely an extension/expression of who I am. <a href="https://www.terigentes.com/about.html">Teri Gentes</a></font><br /><br /><strong><font size="3">Resources:</font></strong><font size="3">&nbsp;</font><br /><font size="3"><strong>Wellthieone</strong>:</font><font size="1">&nbsp;</font><a href="https://thewellthieone.com/lymphatic-drainage-massage-at-home/"><font size="2">https://thewellthieone.com/lymphatic-drainage-massage-at-home/</font><br /><strong><font size="3">&#8203;</font></strong></a><strong><font size="3">Dr David Jockers</font></strong><font size="3">&nbsp;</font><a href="https://drjockers.com/lymphatic-cleansing/" target="_blank">https://drjockers.com/lymphatic-cleansing/&nbsp;</a></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[ARTHRITIS - it's not just plaguing 'older' people nor a given condition with aging! Many factors trigger or tame chronic inflammation.]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/arthitis-its-not-just-plaguing-older-people-nor-a-given-condition-with-aging-many-factors-trigger-or-tame-chronic-inflammation]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/arthitis-its-not-just-plaguing-older-people-nor-a-given-condition-with-aging-many-factors-trigger-or-tame-chronic-inflammation#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/arthitis-its-not-just-plaguing-older-people-nor-a-given-condition-with-aging-many-factors-trigger-or-tame-chronic-inflammation</guid><description><![CDATA[       You may have been led to believe your body betrays you as you age.Metabolism dwindles, memory fades, muscles weaken, joints ache and skin sags.The thing is, it's not so much aging alone that causes all of this. Much of the time these issues&nbsp;are related to accumulated years of neglect and abuse.&nbsp;When it comes to most common forms or arthritis&nbsp; - aka inflammation; diet and lifestyle play a major role in the development of challenges. This means you can get out ahead of it to  [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.terigentes.com/uploads/2/0/5/3/20530382/editor/hand-cream-g266c55be9-1920.jpg?1640019290" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><strong><font size="4">You may have been led to believe your body betrays you as you age.</font></strong><br /><font size="3">Metabolism dwindles, memory fades, muscles weaken, joints ache and skin sags.</font><br /><font size="3">The thing is, it's not so much aging alone that causes all of this. Much of the time these issues&nbsp;are related to accumulated years of neglect and abuse.&nbsp;</font><br /><br /><font size="3">When it comes to most common forms or arthritis&nbsp; - aka inflammation; diet and lifestyle play a major role in the development of challenges. This means you can get out ahead of it to minimize risk, and if already dealing with the symptoms, make changes to better manage it and minimize its interference with your enjoyment of life. There are some basic habit hacks to make.</font><br /></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><strong style="font-size: large;">Diet, nutrients: your levels of vitamins, minerals and trace minerals</strong><font size="4">, as well as</font> <strong style="font-size: large;">amino acids and healthy omega 3 fatty acids</strong><font size="4"> all&nbsp;play a major role in the development of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. When I mention this to clients, family and friends I am often told.<strong>..<em style="">I eat really well.</em></strong></font><br /><font size="4">&nbsp;<br /><strong>The comment &lsquo;eat well&rsquo;&nbsp;</strong>is so subjective.&nbsp;Each of us has our own version of what this is and it's all relative. It may mean anything from 'I don't eat fast food like McDonald's and Taco Bell (yet still include regular consumption of highly processed foods like the proverbial 'perceived' healthier, lower calorie, taco wraps and whole wheat bagels); to religious consumption of a whole-foods, plant-strong diet. There is always black and white with every shade of gray in between and each of us needs a diet specific to our own current state of digestive and metabolic health, our lifestyle, age, climate...<br /><br />Numerous factors like our daily movement/exercise/sleep patterns, our hydration,&nbsp; eating timing, our stress management ability, our environment, our access to nature and fresh air;&nbsp; all play a role in the amount of inflammation we may experience.<br /> The thing is, our daily dietary choices, impact all these aspects of our lives.&nbsp;<br />Healthier eating&nbsp; habits can help us in all aspects of our lives.</font><br /><br /><strong><font size="4">Below are habits to embrace to help you to minimize chronic inflammation!</font></strong></div>  <div><div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div> <div id='813791647372889987-slideshow'></div> <div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><strong><font size="6">Diet Hacks</font><font size="5"> to help overcome chronic inflammation:</font></strong><ul><li><font size="4">avoid all refined sugars and sugar rich foods including refined flour products,</font></li><li><font size="4">avoid most all packaged / processed foods including ALL deli/processed meats,</font></li><li><font size="4">avoid glyphosate (Round-Up) sprayed crops, GMO and non-organic wheat/oats,</font></li><li><font size="4">avoid alcohol and sodas and flavored drinks,</font></li><li><font size="4">avoid&nbsp;excess consumption of all saturated fats,</font></li><li><font size="4">avoid trans fats-found in&nbsp;some animal products (and as a result of high heat cooking) as well as many packaged foods like crackers and baked goods</font></li><li><font size="4">avoid non-organic&nbsp;animal dairy and minimize consumption of all dairy,</font></li><li><font size="4">avoid cooking at really high temperatures as this changes the composition of foods creating something called D&rsquo;AGES&hellip; dietary advanced glycogen end products causing oxidative stress and heart issues (more on this in a future blog post)</font></li><li><font size="4">avoid using non-stick pans due to the toxic off gases - stick with cast iron and stainless steel</font></li><li><font size="4">avoid chemicals/preservatives/stabilizers/flavors/colors &ndash; aka processed and packaged foods</font></li></ul> <font size="4">&nbsp;<br /><strong>Trust you can do this </strong>- pick a few of the above practices, make them yours and you'll begin to see the benefits. You don't have to ace them, just aim high and get to implementing these habits regularly. Consistency is crucial to reap the rewards.<br />There is the philosophy&hellip; <strong>Part of the cure, is the wish to be cured!</strong><br /><br />So yes, it does mean some dietary and lifestyle changes need to be made yet the ROI when you take better care of yourself is priceless. See for yourself and start today. <br />It's a gift you give yourself and all of your loved ones who have a vested interest in your well-being. As a dedicated, committed and practicing health advocate, I do too.</font><br /><br /><a href="https://www.terigentes.com/about.html"><font size="3">Teri Gentes </font></a><font size="3">- certified natural nutritionist, wellness coach and fitness trainer</font><br /><font size="3">Post updated from 2021</font><br /><br /></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span><strong><font size="3">Check out my E-Book - <a href="https://www.terigentes.com/retreats-books-workshops-seminars.html">Eating to Beat Inflammation&nbsp;<br /></a></font></strong><br /><font size="3">Looking for support with implementing sustainable self-care practices?</font></span><font size="3"><br /><strong><span>Ask me about the self directed&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.terigentes.com/events--coaching.html">CLEAN LIVING FOR LIFE</a></strong><span><strong>&nbsp;program.</strong><br /><strong>You get my support at your own pace.&nbsp;</strong></span></font><br /></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[ACING FOOD LABEL SCRUTINY - What to access first and No, it's not the nutrition facts or calories, sugars, fats and protein.]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/acing-food-label-scrutiny-what-to-access-first-and-no-its-not-the-nutrition-facts-of-calories-sugars-fats-and-protein]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/acing-food-label-scrutiny-what-to-access-first-and-no-its-not-the-nutrition-facts-of-calories-sugars-fats-and-protein#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/acing-food-label-scrutiny-what-to-access-first-and-no-its-not-the-nutrition-facts-of-calories-sugars-fats-and-protein</guid><description><![CDATA[       Don't be fooled! Label reading starts on the back,&#8203;not the front of the package where advertising claims lure.  It's easy to be drawn in by all the clever eye catching advertising on the front of packaged goods.&nbsp; Advertisers ace this yet you don't have to be fooled.&nbsp;The most important info is found in the ingredients&nbsp; list.&nbsp;&#8203;&#8203;Check this out first to discern if you are buying 'real food ingredients' items and not a lab created, chemical concoction, sci [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.terigentes.com/uploads/2/0/5/3/20530382/food-label-front-and-back_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><font size="5"><strong>Don't be fooled! Label reading starts on the back,<br />&#8203;not the front of the package where advertising claims lure.</strong></font></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><font size="4"><strong>It's easy to be drawn in by all the clever eye catching advertising on the front of packaged goods.&nbsp; Advertisers ace this yet you don't have to be fooled.&nbsp;</strong><br /><strong>The most important info is found in the ingredients&nbsp; list.</strong>&nbsp;<br />&#8203;<br />&#8203;Check this out first to discern if you are buying 'real food ingredients' items and not a lab created, chemical concoction, scientifically designed to be addictive.<br />We've long thought the nutrition claims mattered most yet this is not the case.<br />Below is is a great guide on label reading that will only take a minute to read.</font></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.terigentes.com/uploads/2/0/5/3/20530382/label-nut-facts_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><font size="4"><strong>The label reading info you need!</strong><br />Are you finding it harder and harder to determine how to shop for quality items?<br />When it comes to acing your daily dietary intake, one of your most helpful skills is knowing how to read a food label and this goes far beyond the nutrition facts alone.<br /><br />When you pick up a packaged food, forgo the marketing claims such as zero fat, no added sugar, high protein... Instead, turn the package over and look at the ingredients list to determine if the item is made with unrefined, high quality real foods and minimal to no additives,&nbsp;preservatives, emulsifiers, stabilizers, colors, etc.<br />&nbsp;<br />Use that assessment to determine if its a purchase or a pass. Highly processed foods have no place in a healthy diet and this includes common items such as fortified or enriched flour. That processing is for shelf life stability rather than consumer benefit.<br /><br />Once you choose&nbsp; to buy an item, then look at the nutrition facts. Pending on what it is, access the serving size, protein content, grams of sugar, fats and fiber per serving. These all play an important role in how our body responds to what we ingest. Ideally, we want most of our food to have all of these in some quantity. Of course you won't find fiber in items such as milk, canned coconut milk, eggs, cheese etc.&nbsp; <br /><br />What I share here is a general guide. There are caveats such as organic, non-GMO, gluten-free and pastured claims on the front that can be helpful yet focus on the substance of the food ingredients first and foremost. Organic or gluten-free or keto, ultra processed food is still toxic to your health.&nbsp;<br /><br />My suggested aim is to purchase 'real' foods that are local, seasonal, ripened</font><font size="4">&nbsp;on the vine&nbsp; organic, and non-GMO as possible. If buying breads, crackers, bottled/jarred dairy or condiments, ensure they aren't made with highly processed grains, high sodium amounts, refined seed oils and various chemical&nbsp; emulsifiers, preservatives and the like. Canned goods are ideally in BPA free cans yet jars are a better choice.&nbsp;<br /><br />The well known advice to shop the periphery of the store for fresh foods over packaged is wise in my view, as is emphasizing choosing quality over inexpensive quantity. Doing so, our bodies are better nourished making it easier to be satisfied consuming only what we need. Addictions and cravings, (often related to nutrient deficiencies) abate and weight/health management becomes much easier.</font><br /><br /><font size="4">Next time you are out shopping for packaged products, ponder over the contents of the item and ask yourself, will this deposit into my healthy mind and body bank account or debit it? Looking at food choices from this perspective makes it much easier to discern healthier choices.&nbsp;</font><br /><span><font size="4">We won't always ace this yet we can aim to do our best and not sweat the rest. Stress is a toxin we all do well to minimize and well nourished bodies navigate this so much better than those over-fed and undernourished.</font></span><br /><br />Images shown here copied from&nbsp;https://foodlabelmaker.com/regulatory-hub/fda/food-labeling-packaging/&nbsp;<br /><br /></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.terigentes.com" target="_blank">Teri Gentes</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;www.terigentes.com<br /><span>Longtime whole-self lifestyle wellness educator and practitioner as intent on helping you live your healthiest life as I am to my own.&nbsp;</span><strong>&nbsp;</strong></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[EYE EXERCISES - from Epoch Health]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/eye-exercises-from-epoch-health]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/eye-exercises-from-epoch-health#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/eye-exercises-from-epoch-health</guid><description><![CDATA[       Take care of your eyes. Your vision.&nbsp; Yes, you really can!&#8203;All too often the common thinking default is adopted by most.When it comes to aging, the doom forcasting is rampant and I seek to defy it constantly. Expecting a negative outcome, defaulting to it, is rather like inviting it in. Rather than expect decline as you age, how about doing all you can, to augment your health and well-being, no matter what your age is.Below is a short, sweet and yes, still potent daily eye exer [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.terigentes.com/uploads/2/0/5/3/20530382/eye-health-exercises-epoch-times_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><strong><font size="5"><font color="#0e0e0e">Take care of your eyes. Your vision.&nbsp; Yes, you really can!</font></font></strong><br /><br /><font color="#0e0e0e" size="4">&#8203;All too often the common thinking default is adopted by most.<br />When it comes to aging, the doom forcasting is rampant and I seek to defy it constantly. Expecting a negative outcome, defaulting to it, is rather like inviting it in. Rather than expect decline as you age, how about doing all you can, to augment your health and well-being, no matter what your age is.<br /><br />Below is a short, sweet and yes, still potent daily eye exercise practice you can take on to help sustain and/or reclaim better vision and ease eye fatigue.</font><br />&#8203;<br /><font size="3"><span style="color:rgb(14, 14, 14)">&#8203;I found it in<a href="https://www.theepochtimes.com/health" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></span><strong><a href="https://www.theepochtimes.com/health" target="_blank">The Epoch Times</a>&nbsp;</strong>and include the link to the entire article below..</font></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><font size="5"><strong style="">"4 Eye Exercises to Relieve Eye Fatigue</strong><br /><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">These moderate eye exercises may help maintain eye health.</span></font><br /><br /><font size="4"><span style="font-weight:600">1. Eye Opening and Closing:</span> Close your eyes tightly for three to five seconds, then open them for three to five seconds. Repeat three to five times.<br /><span style="font-weight:600">2. Eye Rolling:</span> Look up, down, left, and right, holding each position for three to five seconds. Then slowly rotate your eyes clockwise and counterclockwise.<br /><span style="font-weight:600">3. Focus Training:</span> Focus your eyes on the tip of a pen, moving it from near to far and back again repeatedly to train the eye&rsquo;s focusing ability.<br /><span style="font-weight:600">4. Acupressure Massage:</span> Gently press acupoints around the eyes to promote blood circulation. Be careful not to press on the eyeballs."</font><br /><br /><font size="4"><span style="color: rgb(14, 14, 14);">You can read the entire piece&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/the-hidden-damage-to-your-eyes-and-4-simple-ways-to-protect-your-vision-5986229?utm_source=ref_share&amp;utm_campaign=copy" style="">here and learn much more</a></font><font size="3">&nbsp;</font><span style="color:rgb(38, 38, 38)"><font size="4">on diet and nutritional supplements to support healthy vision. Its an empowering article putting your eyesight in your own control instead of defaulting to group think.<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &#8203;______________________________<br /><a href="https://www.terigentes.com/about.html">Teri Gentes</a> - Thanks for taking time to read this. My aim is to inform, inspire and enable you to live your healthiest, most rewarding life, for life.&nbsp;</font></span></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[POWERFUL, POSITIVES PERSPECTIVES]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/powerful-positives-perspectives]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/powerful-positives-perspectives#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 19:31:38 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/powerful-positives-perspectives</guid><description><![CDATA[        What if we all made more concerted efforts to educate and empower and to inform and enable in positive ways!So many are well educated yet not so well empowered.&nbsp;Many have a plethora of information yet don't have the where-with-all to utilize that info. I've long said, "Knowledge without appropriate application is useless."We have to consistently implement the lessons we learn to truly benefit from them.&nbsp;As an information junkie, I am often overloaded with learning from endless  [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.terigentes.com/uploads/2/0/5/3/20530382/published/planet-needs.jpg?1777170094" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <span class='imgPusher' style='float:left;height:265px'></span><span style='display: table;width:auto;position:relative;float:left;max-width:100%;;clear:left;margin-top:20px;*margin-top:40px'><a><img src="https://www.terigentes.com/uploads/2/0/5/3/20530382/published/headache-1557872-340.webp?1777329231" style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; border-width:1px;padding:3px; max-width:100%" alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" /></a><span style="display: table-caption; caption-side: bottom; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;" class="wsite-caption"></span></span> <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;display:block;"><strong><font size="5">What if we all made more concerted efforts</font><font size="4"> to </font><font size="5">educate and empower</font><font size="4"> and to </font><font size="5">inform and enable in positive ways</font><font size="6">!</font></strong><br /><font size="5">So many are well educated yet not so well empowered.&nbsp;</font><br /><font size="4">Many have a plethora of information yet don't have the where-with-all to utilize that info. I've long said, "</font><strong>Knowledge without appropriate application is useless."</strong><br /><font size="4">We have to consistently implement the lessons we learn to truly benefit from them.&nbsp;</font><br /><br /><font size="4">As an information junkie, I am often overloaded with learning from endless listening to podcasts, health summits and articles and yes, I can laugh at myself when in that mode of knowing. I am not always doing. From here, I can redirect and aim to put more of the aquired knowledge into practice. It's a constant intention and I do know,&nbsp;</font><font size="3">"We teach best, what we must learn most."</font><br /><strong><br /><font size="3">&#8203;</font></strong><strong><font size="3">Follow me here and on my social media platforms</font></strong> <font size="3">for easy, encouraging messages to </font><strong><font size="3">do better,</font> </strong><font size="4">to <strong style="">shine more positively,</strong>&nbsp;to share more</font><strong> <font size="3">life enhancing messages</font></strong><font size="4"> and to&nbsp;</font><strong><font size="3">help&nbsp; bridge humanity's gaping wound caused by the current divide we're in.<br />Doing this is sure</font></strong><font size="3">&nbsp;</font><font size="4">to lessen the anger and angst and enable us to reconnect for the common good of all and I am all for this. How about you?&nbsp;</font><br /><br /><a href="https://www.terigentes.com/about.html" style="font-size: large;">Teri G</a><font size="3">&nbsp;ever focused on all things wellness.</font><br /><br /></div> <hr style="width:100%;clear:both;visibility:hidden;"></hr>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.terigentes.com/uploads/2/0/5/3/20530382/img-6238_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Train Your Body, Protect Your Brain - 'Must Know' Info to Age Well!]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/train-your-body-protect-your-brain-must-know-info-to-age-well]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/train-your-body-protect-your-brain-must-know-info-to-age-well#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/train-your-body-protect-your-brain-must-know-info-to-age-well</guid><description><![CDATA[       Sharing more from an article on Dr Mercola's website about how to age well with strength conditioning, discover how the brain is impacted.&nbsp;"Beyond the physical changes you'll feel in daily tasks, strength training produces something less visible but equally important: measurable protection for your brain.In the second half of the interview Galpin connected strength training to cognitive performance and&nbsp;brain aging, then shifted into actionable decisions that determine whether yo [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.terigentes.com/uploads/2/0/5/3/20530382/chelsea_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><strong><font size="4">Sharing more from an article on <a href="https://www.mercola.com/" target="_blank">Dr Mercola's website</a> about how to age well with strength conditioning, discover how the brain is impacted.&nbsp;</font></strong><br /><br /><font size="4"><strong>"Beyond the physical changes you'll feel in daily tasks, strength training produces something less visible but equally important: measurable protection for your brain.</strong><br /><br />In the second half of the interview Galpin connected strength training to cognitive performance and&nbsp;<a href="https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/05/24/weight-training-protects-against-dementia.aspx" target="_blank">brain aging</a>, then shifted into actionable decisions that determine whether you stay consistent &mdash; especially as life gets busier or you get older.</font><br /><strong><font size="4">Exercise is both a...</font></strong></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><font size="4"><strong>&#8203;Exercise is both a physical stimulus and a nervous system stimulus,</strong> which changes how you should think about training sessions and recovery.</font><br /><br /><font size="4"><span style="font-weight:900 !important">&bull;The brain benefits come from more than stronger muscles &mdash;</span>&nbsp;Galpin described two layers: the benefit of "physical strength itself" and the benefit of "the act of the strength training." In other words, it's not only what you build (stronger tissue), but also what you practice (your brain sending stronger, cleaner signals to your muscles). That repeated practice strengthens the "neuromuscular connection," meaning your brain and body communicate faster and more efficiently under load.</font><br /><br /><font size="4"><span style="font-weight:900 !important">&bull;Arousal was the key concept he tied to brain protection &mdash;</span>&nbsp;Galpin used "arousal" in the neurological sense &mdash; the degree to which your nervous system is activated and alert. Strength training produces a specific type of arousal: heightened focus, faster reaction time, and sharper cognitive engagement. Unlike caffeine, which creates alertness through chemical stimulation, resistance training achieves this through direct physical demand on your nervous system.</font><br /><br /><font size="4"><span style="font-weight:900 !important">&bull;Grip training is a simple, high-return activity &mdash;</span>&nbsp;Galpin noted that research is "still being unpacked" and that some findings include bias in who chooses to exercise. Even with that nuance, he gave a practical bottom line: "Go train your grip. It's a good idea." If you want a low-effort entry point, grip work, like the&nbsp;<a href="https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/03/29/dead-hang.aspx" target="_blank">dead hang exercise</a>, is easy to add.</font><br /><br /><font size="4"><span style="font-weight:900 !important">&bull;It's not "too late" to strength train if you're older &mdash;</span>&nbsp;When asked if it's ever&nbsp;<a href="https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/10/18/resistance-training-benefits.aspx" target="_blank">too late to start lifting</a>, Galpin answered, "No." He referenced training studies in adults "70 plus" and "80 plus," and stated there is "no compelling evidence" that age creates a point where progress stops. If you're older and intimidated, this gives you permission to start small and still expect results.</font><br /><font size="4">Galpin and Holmes described older participants as unusually consistent: they "never skip training," show up early, and have "very low dropout."</font><br /><br /><font size="4"><span style="font-weight:900 !important">&bull;Creatine is "not necessary" but "beneficial" &mdash;</span>&nbsp;While supplements aren't required to see benefits from strength training, Galpin described&nbsp;<a href="https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/09/17/health-benefits-of-creatine-supplements.aspx" target="_blank">creatine</a>&nbsp;as effective for strength and noted long-running research across many populations. He advised choosing creatine monohydrate and avoiding creatine gummies because many don't match their labels.</font><br /><br /><font size="4">Grass fed red meat is one of the best food sources, but supplementing 3 to 5 grams of creatine monohydrate daily is a safe and effective way to increase levels."</font><br /><br /><strong style=""><font size="3">Watch for the next post that goes into how to put together a training program known as the 3 x 5 Protocol.&nbsp; Pass this info on to anyone you know looking for ways to enhance the way they feel, think, look and yes, age.&nbsp;<br /><br /></font></strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;____________________________<br /><font size="3"><strong>My aim - mission - vision</strong>, is seeing all of us take ownership of augmenting our own health and wellness in every way we can. Let's overcome the common belief that decling as we age is a given circumstance. It doesn't have to be.&nbsp;</font><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.terigentes.com/about.html">Teri Gentes - Whole-self Lifestyle Wellness</a><br /></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[AGEING WELL ESSENTIALS - Build Strength Using the 3-by-5 Protocol]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/ageing-well-essentials-build-strength-using-the-3-by-5-protocol]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/ageing-well-essentials-build-strength-using-the-3-by-5-protocol#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 19:04:17 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/ageing-well-essentials-build-strength-using-the-3-by-5-protocol</guid><description><![CDATA[       Here is part 3 of the AGEING WELL blog series!In these excerpt from the Mercola website you will find some helpful guidance on what you can do to optimize your health and well-being. There are so many benefits to exercise as you may know yet knowledge alone is nothing without application.&nbsp; Commit to reguarlar self-care and invest regularly to reap long term, sustaining and compounding returns on your investment. This is in your hands and relative to the information below, your muscle [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.terigentes.com/uploads/2/0/5/3/20530382/published/pushups.jpg?1775322939" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><strong style=""><font size="5">Here is part 3 of the AGEING WELL<a href="https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts.html" style=""> blog series</a>!<br /></font></strong><br /><font size="4">In these <a href="https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2026/03/08/3-by-5-strength-training-protocol.aspx?ui=2aee1618489a97dfaea75fbf09a023857062b36651805215b22ad4968bdc7474&amp;sd=20230610&amp;cid_source=dnl&amp;cid_medium=email&amp;cid_content=art1HL&amp;cid=20260308&amp;foDate=false&amp;mid=DM1890921&amp;rid=519607159" target="_blank">excerpt from the Mercola website</a> you will find some helpful guidance on what you can do to optimize your health and well-being. There are so many benefits to exercise as you may know yet knowledge alone is nothing without application.&nbsp; Commit to reguarlar self-care and invest regularly to reap long term, sustaining and compounding returns on your investment. This is in your hands and relative to the information below, your muscles, bones, joints, ligaments. <br />Read on then put the info to practice.&nbsp;&nbsp;</font><br /><br /><font size="5"><strong>Build Strength </strong><strong>using the 3-by-5 Protocol</strong></font><br /><br /><font size="4">Loss of strength sits at the root of many problems people blame on aging, low energy, or declining fitness. Restoring strength in a structured way makes daily movement easier, improves confidence, and stops ordinary tasks from placing excessive stress on your body. This approach keeps training simple, repeatable, and effective instead of overwhelming.<br /></font><br /><strong><font size="3">Click below to read more.</font></strong></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-weight:900 !important"><font size="4">1.&nbsp;Build training around strength and coordination, not burnout</font><font size="3"> -</font>-</span><font size="4">&nbsp;Stop chasing sweat, soreness, or long workouts. The 3-by-5 framework eliminates decision fatigue: train three to five days per week, pick three to five exercises, perform three to five sets of three to five reps each. Every variable falls in the same range. If you're unsure, start with three of everything and add only when you're ready. Choose a weight where reps one to three feel controlled and reps four to five require genuine concentration.</font><br /><br /><strong><font size="4">You should finish thinking "I could maybe do one more,"</font></strong><font size="4"> not "I have nothing left." If you fail mid-set, the weight is too heavy for this protocol. Then rest fully before the next set. This combination strengthens your muscles and sharpens the brain-to-muscle signal at the same time. To find your starting weight for any exercise, begin with what feels almost too light and add weight in small increments.</font><br /><br /><font size="4">Stop when the fifth rep requires genuine effort but you maintain good form. That's your working weight for week one. Good form means controlling the weight through its full range of motion, without momentum, jerking, or compensation from other body parts. If you have to swing, heave, or twist to complete a rep, the weight is too heavy. When you can complete all five sets of five reps with a given weight, add the smallest increment available (often 2.5 to 5 pounds) at your next session. Expect to drop back to three to four reps initially.</font><br /><br /><font size="4"><strong>This cycle of reaching a target, adding weight, and rebuilding is how strength accumulates over months</strong>. If life gets chaotic, a single 15-minute session with three exercises is infinitely better than skipping entirely. Consistency beats perfection. </font><strong><font size="3">Protect the habit first; optimize later.</font></strong><br /><font size="4">&#8203;</font><br /><span style="font-weight:900 !important"><font size="4">2.&nbsp;Choose movements that fit your body and your current capacity -</font><font size="3">-</font></span><font size="3">&nbsp;</font><font size="4">If joint pain, old injuries, or gym anxiety are present, adjust the movement rather than quitting. Prioritize basic patterns such as pushing, pulling, hinging (bending at the hips while keeping your spine neutral), squatting, and carrying, but let the equipment vary.</font><br /><font size="4">Machines, dumbbells, bands or body-weight exercises all build strength when the effort is high enough and the movement is repeatable. Record one or two key lifts and aim for small, visible improvements such as an extra rep, slightly more weight or better control. This creates momentum without data overload. A sample beginner session could include:</font><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:900 !important"><font size="4">&#9702;Push -</font>-</span><font size="4">&nbsp;Wall push-up or machine chest press</font><br /><span style="font-weight:900 !important"><font size="4">&#9702;Pull -</font>-</span><font size="4">&nbsp;Band row or cable row</font><br /><span style="font-weight:900 !important">&#9702;<font size="4">Squat --</font></span><font size="4">&nbsp;Goblet squat or leg press</font><br /><span style="font-weight:900 !important"><font size="4">&#9702;Hinge -</font>-</span><font size="4">&nbsp;Romanian deadlift or back extension</font><br /><span style="font-weight:900 !important"><font size="4">&#9702;Carry --</font></span><font size="4">&nbsp;Farmer's walk with dumbbells</font><br /><br /></div>  <div><div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div> <div id='478010210392851088-slideshow'></div> <div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><br /><font size="3"><span style="font-weight:900 !important">3.&nbsp;Protect training frequency by keeping soreness low and adding grip work --</span>&nbsp;</font><font size="4">Progress depends on showing up again soon, not on being sore for days. Mild soreness that fades within a day or two signals appropriate load. If sitting, climbing stairs, or sleeping becomes difficult, reduce the intensity. Add short grip work &mdash; carries, hangs, or simple squeezes &mdash; to reinforce strength and coordination with minimal recovery cost.</font><br /><font size="4">Start with a dead hang from a pull-up bar: grip the bar, lift your feet, and hold as long as possible. Aim for 30 to 60 seconds. If you can't hang at all, begin with farmer's carries &mdash; hold a dumbbell in each hand and walk for 30 to 40 seconds.</font><br /><br /><font size="3"><span style="font-weight:900 !important">4.&nbsp;Support recovery with adequate protein and practical nutrition choices --</span>&nbsp;</font><font size="4">Strength gains stall when recovery falls behind. Most adults do best with about 0.8 grams of protein per pound of ideal body weight (about 1.76 grams per kilogram). Make sure roughly one-third of your protein comes from collagen-rich sources such as&nbsp;<a href="https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/04/08/benefits-of-bone-broth.aspx" target="_blank">bone broth</a>, pure gelatin powder without additives, oxtail, shanks, or grass fed ground beef that includes connective tissue.<br />&#8203;</font><br /><a href="https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/12/30/meal-fat-content-muscle-building.aspx" target="_blank"><font size="4">Low-fat protein</font></a><font size="4">&nbsp;after exercise delivers amino acids into your bloodstream faster, giving your muscles a stronger signal to repair and grow.</font><span style="color:rgb(8, 105, 189)">2</span><font size="4">&nbsp;Dietary fat slows stomach emptying. Post-workout, you want amino acids reaching your muscles quickly, so leaner protein sources are advantageous in that specific window, even if fattier sources are fine at other meals.</font><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:900 !important"><font size="4">5.&nbsp;Use KAATSU to amplify results with lighter loads when needed </font><font size="3">--</font></span><font size="4">&nbsp;<a href="https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2026/01/11/why-kaatsu-fitness-game-changer.aspx" target="_blank">KAATSU</a>&nbsp;is a specialized form of&nbsp;</font><a href="https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/09/06/bfr-training-muscle-gains-without-joint-strain.aspx" target="_blank"><font size="4">blood flow restriction training</font></a><font size="4">&nbsp;that uses automated cuffs to rhythmically inflate and deflate around your arms or legs. The rhythmic inflation and deflation creates repeated cycles of blood pooling and release, which triggers a stronger metabolic stress signal than continuous restriction.</font><br /><br /><font size="4">This pulsing action also reduces the risk of numbness or nerve compression that can occur with static bands worn too long. This cycling pressure differs from conventional static bands and produces a stronger biochemical response, including anti-inflammatory myokine signaling. Myokines are signaling molecules released by contracting muscles.</font><br /><br /><font size="4">Think of them as chemical messages your muscles send to the rest of your body during exercise &mdash; including signals that reduce inflammation and support immune function. KAATSU appears to amplify this myokine release even with lighter weights. Because KAATSU allows meaningful strength and muscle-preserving effects using light loads, it's especially useful during rehabilitation, joint pain flare-ups or periods when heavy lifting is not appropriate.</font><br /><br /><strong><font size="5">FAQs About Building Strength with the 3-by-5 Protocol</font></strong><br /><br /><font size="4"><span style="font-weight:900 !important">Q:&nbsp;What is the 3-by-5 strength protocol?</span></font><br /><span style="font-weight:900 !important">A:&nbsp;</span><font size="4">The 3-by-5 protocol is a simple strength-training framework that organizes frequency, exercise selection, sets, repetitions, and rest without complexity. It involves training three to five days per week, performing three to five exercises per session, using three to five sets of three to five repetitions, and resting long enough between sets to maintain strength and coordination.</font><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:900 !important"><font size="4">Q:&nbsp;Why does strength loss affect daily life so quickly?</font></span><br /><span style="font-weight:900 !important">A:&nbsp;</span><font size="4">When strength declines, ordinary tasks require a much higher percentage of your available capacity. This makes activities like climbing stairs, carrying groceries, or standing up from a chair feel exhausting and stressful, even if your cardiovascular fitness is adequate.</font><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:900 !important"><font size="4">Q:&nbsp;How does strength training support brain health?</font></span><br /><span style="font-weight:900 !important">A:&nbsp;</span><font size="4">Strength training challenges the connection between your brain and muscles, reinforcing motor control, coordination, and cognitive engagement. This type of effort creates a unique form of nervous system activation that supports mental sharpness and resilience, distinct from stimulants like caffeine.</font><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:900 !important"><font size="4">Q:&nbsp;Is it too late to start strength training later in life?</font></span><br /><span style="font-weight:900 !important">A:&nbsp;</span><font size="4">No. Research and training studies referenced by Galpin include adults in their 70s and 80s, with no evidence that age prevents meaningful strength gains. Older adults often show excellent consistency and adherence when training programs are appropriately scaled.</font><br /><font size="4">&#8203;</font><br /><span style="font-weight:900 !important"><font size="4">Q:&nbsp;When is KAATSU useful in a strength program?</font></span><br /><span style="font-weight:900 !important">A:&nbsp;</span><font size="4">KAATSU is especially helpful when heavy lifting is not practical, such as during rehabilitation, joint pain flare-ups, or recovery after surgery. By using automated, cycling pressure to restrict blood flow, KAATSU allows you to stimulate muscle and preserve strength with much lighter loads.<br />&#8203;</font><br /><font size="3"><strong>Want more of this article?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts.html" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;</strong>from the February &amp; March 2026 archives</font><br /><font size="4">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ___________________________</font><br /><strong style="font-size: large;">My aim - mission - vision</strong><font size="4">, is seeing all of us take ownership of augmenting our own health and wellness in every way we can. Let's overcome the common belief that decling as we age is a given circumstance. It doesn't have to be.&nbsp;</font><font size="3">Teri Gentes</font><br /><br /></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[MUSCLES MATTER! Part 2 of 3 from 'An Essential Practice in Aging Well']]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/muscles-matter-part-2-of-3-from-an-essential-practice-in-aging-well]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/muscles-matter-part-2-of-3-from-an-essential-practice-in-aging-well#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/muscles-matter-part-2-of-3-from-an-essential-practice-in-aging-well</guid><description><![CDATA[ &#8203;       This post is a follow-up to the earlier blog named...AN ESSENTIAL PRACTICE IN AGING WELL&nbsp;released February 2026.Below is another exerpt from MERCOLA.COM continuing on the importance of strength training to the quality of life we live with as we age. Read on, be informed and take action."Strength Training Reshapes How Your Body Functions""During the interview, Galpin, who trains professional athletes and conducts academic research, explained why&nbsp;strength training&nbsp;aff [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class='imgPusher' style='float:left;height:0px'></span><span style='display: table;width:auto;position:relative;float:left;max-width:100%;;clear:left;margin-top:0px;*margin-top:0px'><a><img src="https://www.terigentes.com/uploads/2/0/5/3/20530382/editor/img-e0398.jpg?1773082635" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; border-width:0; max-width:100%" alt="Picture" class="galleryImageBorder wsite-image" /></a><span style="display: table-caption; caption-side: bottom; font-size: 90%; margin-top: -10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;" class="wsite-caption"></span></span> <div class="paragraph" style="display:block;"><br /><br />&#8203;<br /></div> <hr style="width:100%;clear:both;visibility:hidden;"></hr>  <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div> <hr class="styled-hr" style="width:100%;"></hr> <div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><strong><font size="5">This post is a follow-up to the earlier blog named..</font><font size="4">.</font><br /><font color="#6cb83a"><a href="https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts.html" target="_blank"><font size="5">AN ESSENTIAL PRACTICE IN AGING WELL</font></a><font size="3">&nbsp;</font></font></strong><font size="3"><strong>released February 2026</strong>.<br /><br />Below is another exerpt from <a href="https://www.mercola.com/" target="_blank">MERCOLA.COM</a> continuing on the importance of strength training to the quality of life we live with as we age. <strong>Read on, be informed and take action.</strong></font><br /><br /><strong><font size="5">"<a href="https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2026/03/08/3-by-5-strength-training-protocol.aspx?ui=2aee1618489a97dfaea75fbf09a023857062b36651805215b22ad4968bdc7474&amp;sd=20230610&amp;cid_source=dnl&amp;cid_medium=email&amp;cid_content=art1HL&amp;cid=20260308&amp;foDate=false&amp;mid=DM1890921&amp;rid=519607159" target="_blank">Strength Training Reshapes How Your Body Functions</a>"</font></strong><br /><br /><font size="3">"During the interview, Galpin, who trains professional athletes and conducts academic research, explained why&nbsp;<a href="https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2026/01/10/weightlifting-vs-cardio-preventing-diabetes-obesity.aspx" target="_blank">strength training</a>&nbsp;affects nearly every system in your body.<span><span style="color:rgb(8, 105, 189)">1</span></span>&nbsp;The discussion focused on how structured resistance work supports longevity, brain health, immune regulation, mood stability, and daily function. Rather than framing strength as a niche fitness goal, Galpin positioned it as a core biological requirement for long-term health.</font><br /><br /><font size="3">He repeatedly emphasized that the benefits of strength training apply to beginners, older adults, and people with limited time or physical limitations. He addressed common barriers...&nbsp;</font></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><font size="3"><strong>He addressed common barriers..</strong>. such as gym anxiety, fear of injury, and confusion about programming &mdash; strength training adapts to your body, your schedule, and your starting point.</font><br /><br /><font size="3"><span style="font-weight:900 !important">&bull; The benefits extend far beyond muscle --</span>&nbsp;Galpin explained that&nbsp;<a href="https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/12/12/resistance-training-aging-nerves.aspx" target="_blank">resistance training</a>&nbsp;improves&nbsp;<a href="https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/10/27/exercises-for-bone-health.aspx" target="_blank">bone density</a>&nbsp;(especially important for women), supports immune regulation, and stabilizes mood and energy. When asked where to start, his advice was practical: "Pick something that matters to you" &mdash; mental clarity, resilience, confidence &mdash; and you'll find evidence that strength training helps.</font><br /><br /><font size="3"><span style="font-weight:900 !important">&bull; Weakness, not poor endurance, limits daily life --</span>&nbsp;Many age-related struggles stem from insufficient strength rather than low cardiovascular fitness. He described how climbing stairs becomes exhausting because each step demands near-maximal effort from weak muscles. This explains why daily tasks spike heart rate and breathlessness even in people who walk regularly.</font><br /><br /><font size="3"><span style="font-weight:900 !important">&bull; Soreness is not a marker of progress and often blocks consistency --</span>&nbsp;Muscle soreness has little relationship to strength gains. He explained that excessive soreness reduces training frequency, which undermines results. Strength adapts to repeated stimulus. Training a muscle once a week sends a weak signal; training it two to three times weekly sends a stronger one.</font><br /><font size="3">If soreness keeps you out of the gym for four days, you've lost half your potential adaptation. Strength training should feel effortful during the session but allow you to recover quickly enough to repeat it. Galpin explained that strength improves when muscles work close to their capacity for short periods, followed by adequate rest. This sends a clear signal to your body to build stronger tissue and improve coordination. Long&nbsp;<a href="https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/05/12/nailing-the-sweet-spots-for-exercise-volume.aspx" target="_blank">intense workouts</a>, extreme fatigue, and high-volume routines dilute this signal.</font><br /><br /><font size="3"><span style="font-weight:900 !important">&bull; The 3-by-5 protocol is a practical way to get started --</span>&nbsp;Galpin described the 3-by-5 approach as a way to control training frequency, volume, intensity, and rest without complexity. This framework involves:</font><br /><font size="3">&#9702;Training three to five days per week</font><br /><font size="3">&#9702;Performing three to five exercises</font><br /><font size="3">&#9702;Using three to five sets and repetitions</font><br /><font size="3">&#9702;Maintaining deliberate rest periods long enough to preserve strength and coordination between sets</font><br /><br /><font size="3">Whether you use machines, body weight, or simple movements at home, the underlying benefit remains the same: you challenge your ability to produce force. This flexibility empowers you to build strength without needing perfect conditions or elite tools.</font><br /><br /><font size="3"><span style="font-weight:900 !important">&bull; Neurological demand explains why strength training supports brain health --</span>&nbsp;Strength training requires coordinated signaling between your brain and muscles. When you lift something heavy, your brain sends electrical signals through nerves to recruit muscle fibers. The heavier the load, the more fibers your brain need to coordinate simultaneously &mdash; like a conductor bringing in more sections of an orchestra.</font><br /><br /><font size="3">This repeated practice of "loud, clear signals" strengthens the neural pathways themselves, not just the muscles. This constant demand reinforces motor control, reaction speed, and cognitive engagement.&nbsp;<a href="https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/09/19/grip-strength-brain-body-health.aspx" target="_blank">Grip strength</a>, in particular, reflects overall neurological and physical strength because your hands require precise control from your brain."<br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;_________________<br /><strong>My aim - mission - vision</strong>, is seeing all of us take ownership of augmenting our own health and wellness in every way we can. Let's overcome the common belief that decling as we age is a given circumstance. It doesn't have to be.&nbsp;</font><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.terigentes.com/about.html">Teri Gentes - Whole-self Lifestyle Wellness</a></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[AN ESSENTIAL PRACTICE in AGING WELL, ABLE & AGILE - Part 1]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/an-essential-practice-in-aging-well-able-agile-part-1]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/an-essential-practice-in-aging-well-able-agile-part-1#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/an-essential-practice-in-aging-well-able-agile-part-1</guid><description><![CDATA[           &#8203;What if aging poorly is triggered by self neglect or recklessness in every day practices, and not simply an accumulation of years and inevitable decline!&nbsp;Can I get you to contemplate this, just long enough to read this short excerpt below from a highly regarded, proactive health care doctor sharing insights from human performance scientist Andy Galpin? Take 60 seconds now. We can truly impact the way we age when we ingest good research and then implement it.&nbsp;&#8203;Di [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.terigentes.com/uploads/2/0/5/3/20530382/published/mc-glut-work-1.jpg?1773069528" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div> <hr class="styled-hr" style="width:100%;"></hr> <div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><font size="4">&#8203;<strong>What if aging poorly is triggered by self neglect or recklessness in every day practices, and not simply an accumulation of years and inevitable decline!&nbsp;</strong><br /><br />Can I get you to contemplate this, just long enough to<a href="https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2026/03/08/3-by-5-strength-training-protocol.aspx?ui=2aee1618489a97dfaea75fbf09a023857062b36651805215b22ad4968bdc7474&amp;sd=20230610&amp;cid_source=dnl&amp;cid_medium=email&amp;cid_content=art1HL&amp;cid=20260308&amp;foDate=false&amp;mid=DM1890921&amp;rid=519607159" target="_blank"><font color="#090909"> read this short excerpt below</font> <strong>from a highly regarded, proactive health care doctor</strong></a> sharing insights from human performance scientist Andy Galpin? Take 60 seconds now. We can truly impact the way we age when we ingest good research and then implement it.&nbsp;<br />&#8203;</font><strong><font size="5">Did you know?</font></strong><ul style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"><li style="color:rgb(70, 70, 70)"><font size="3">"Strength loss, not poor cardio fitness, is often why everyday tasks feel exhausting and stressful as you age, even if you stay active"</font></li><li style="color:rgb(70, 70, 70)"><font size="3">"Strength training supports far more than muscle, helping stabilize mood, sharpen thinking, protect bones, and improve how your body handles daily physical demands"</font><strong><font size="3">&#8203;</font></strong>&#8203;</li></ul></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><font size="5"><strong>"</strong><strong>Loss of strength rarely announces itself all at once."</strong></font><br /><br /><font size="4">&#8203;"It arrives quietly &mdash; in the grocery bag that feels heavier than it should, the stairs that leave you winded, the moment you realize you're bracing yourself just to stand up from the couch. What often gets blamed on aging or poor conditioning has a simpler explanation.</font><br /><br /><font size="4">Human performance scientist Andy Galpin put it directly in a recent conversation on The Line with Dr. Kristen Holmes: strength isn't a fitness goal &mdash; it's a foundational requirement for normal human function. His point was not about fitness trends or athletic performance. It was about how your body is designed to interact with the physical world &mdash; and what happens when that capacity diminishes. When strength declines, ordinary movement demands far more effort than it should.</font><br /><br /><font size="4">Despite this, strength training is still widely misunderstood. Many people associate it with aesthetics, intimidation, or extremes that feel inaccessible. That misunderstanding keeps people from addressing one of the most practical levers they have for preserving independence, mental sharpness, and physical resilience. Strength is not a niche pursuit. It's a baseline skill.</font><br /><br /><font size="4">Clarifying what strength really is &mdash; and how little it takes to rebuild it &mdash; changes the entire conversation. Once the noise and myths are stripped away, what remains is a straightforward path forward that prioritizes function, consistency, and progress over intensity for its own sake, using a simple 3-by-5 framework that removes guesswork and focuses on what actually restores strength."</font><br /><br /><strong><font size="5">Did you know?</font></strong><ul style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"><li style="color:rgb(70, 70, 70)"><strong><span><font size="3">Strength loss, not poor cardio fitness, is often why everyday tasks feel exhausting and stressful as you age, even if you stay active</font></span></strong></li><li style="color:rgb(70, 70, 70)"><strong><span><font size="3">Strength training supports far more than muscle, helping stabilize mood, sharpen thinking, protect bones, and improve how your body handles daily physical demands</font></span></strong></li></ul> <strong><span><font size="3">&#8203;&#8203;</font></span></strong><br /><font size="4"><strong>Want more of this article? <a href="https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts.html" target="_blank">Check out part 2 here</a>&nbsp;</strong>from the March 2026 archives</font><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ________________<br /><font size="3"><strong>My aim - mission - vision</strong>, is seeing all of us take ownership of augmenting our own health and wellness in every way we can. Let's overcome the common belief that decling as we age is a given circumstance.&nbsp;</font><br /><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.terigentes.com/about.html">Teri Gentes - Whole-self Lifestyle Wellness</a></strong></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[INNOCENT PRACTICIES THAT ARE HARMING YOUR HEALTH]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/innocent-practicies-that-are-harming-your-health]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/innocent-practicies-that-are-harming-your-health#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/innocent-practicies-that-are-harming-your-health</guid><description><![CDATA[       &nbsp;ARE YOU POLUTING YOUR OWN HOME? YOURSELF?This article excerpt from Consumer Reports is sure to get you looking at what you are using in your homes that are shown to be toxic to your health."What&rsquo;s Lurking in Cleaners?... cleaning companies utilize a&nbsp;galaxy of chemicals."      &#8203;"For instance, common disinfectant wipes that boast of killing &ldquo;99.9% of germs&rdquo;&nbsp;often contain&nbsp;high levels of quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as &ldquo;quats,&rd [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.terigentes.com/uploads/2/0/5/3/20530382/published/dryer-sheets.jpg?1743374245" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><strong><font size="5">&nbsp;ARE YOU POLUTING YOUR OWN HOME? YOURSELF?</font></strong><br /><br /><strong><font size="4">This article excerpt from Consumer Reports is sure to get you looking at what you are using in your homes that are shown to be toxic to your health.</font></strong><br /><br /><strong><font size="5">"What&rsquo;s Lurking in Cleaners?</font></strong><br /><font size="5">... cleaning companies utilize a&nbsp;<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4096065/" target="_blank">galaxy of chemicals</a>."</font></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><font size="4">&#8203;<strong>"</strong><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">For instance, common disinfectant wipes that boast of killing &ldquo;99.9% of germs&rdquo;&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/may/11/concern-over-increase-in-disinfectant-wipes-linked-to-health-problems" target="_blank">often contain</a><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;high levels of quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as &ldquo;quats,&rdquo; which recent research has linked to infertility, birth defects, metabolic disruption, asthma, skin disorders, and other diseases. They&nbsp;</span><a href="http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?hl=en&amp;volume=445&amp;publication_year=2023&amp;pages=130393&amp;journal=J.+Hazard.+Mater.&amp;author=S.+Mohapatra&amp;author=L.+Yutao&amp;author=S.+G.+Goh&amp;author=C.+Ng&amp;author=Y.+Luhua&amp;author=N.+H.+Tran&amp;author=K.+Y.-H.+Gin&amp;title=Quaternary+Ammonium+Compounds+of+Emerging+Concern%3A+Classification%2C+Occurrence%2C+Fate%2C+Toxicity+and+Antimicrobial+Resistance&amp;doi=10.1016%2Fj.jhazmat.2022.130393" target="_blank">may also contribute</a><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">&nbsp;to antibiotic-resistant pathogens.&nbsp;</span></font><font size="4">Using a cleaner with toxic chemicals once in a while isn&rsquo;t the worst thing you can do. What is a concern is the long-term use of these products, along with all the other chemicals we&nbsp;potentially encounter&nbsp;in&nbsp;daily life. Taking simple steps to limit exposures, like buying nontoxic cleaners, can help reduce the risk.&nbsp;</font><br /><br /><font size="4">A very easy-to-use resource for finding safer cleaners is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ewg.org/cleaners/" target="_blank">EWG&rsquo;s Guide to Healthy Cleaning</a>. It independently analyzes top cleaners&rsquo; ingredients and ranks them in an A-F grading system, while also designating the safest products with a verification seal.</font><br /><font size="4">The EWG breaks down the cleaners into categories. Among EWG-Verified&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/dishwashers/best-dishwasher-brands-of-the-year-a6257719043/">dishwasher</a>&nbsp;soaps and pods are the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ewg.org/cleaners/products/10457-BranchBasicsDishwasherTabletsFragranceFree/" target="_blank">Branch Basics fragrance-free tablets</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ewg.org/cleaners/products/7799-ATTITUDENatureDishwashingLiquidUnscented/" target="_blank">Attitude fragrance-free dishwashing soap</a>. If you&rsquo;re washing dishes by hand, try&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ewg.org/cleaners/products/6703-AspenCleanDishSoapUnscented/" target="_blank">AspenClean Dishwashing Soap</a>.&nbsp;</font><br /><font size="4">For wiping down countertops,&nbsp;<a href="https://us.amazon.com/Whole-Foods-Market-Surface-Cleaning/dp/B074H6YNHY" target="_blank">Whole Foods Market&rsquo;s Minty Fresh Wipes</a>&nbsp;received high marks, as did&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ewg.org/cleaners/products/6044-AspenCleanKitchenCleanerBergamotGrapefruit/" target="_blank">AspenClean Kitchen Cleaner&rsquo;s Bergamot and Grapefruit Cleaner</a>.&nbsp;</font><br /><font size="4">If you need a degreaser, check out&nbsp;<a href="https://trulyfreehome.com/products/heavy-duty-degreaser" target="_blank">Truly Free Home&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:800">Heavy Duty Degreaser</span></a>.</font><br /><font size="4">For your floor,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ewg.org/cleaners/products/6701-AspenCleanFloorCleaner/" target="_blank">AspenClean</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ewg.org/cleaners/products/10593-AttitudeNatureFloorSurfaceCleanerTilesWoodCitrusZest" target="_blank">Attitude</a>&nbsp;products are EWG-Verified.</font><br /><font size="4">Generally speaking, try to avoid cleaning products with fragrances. More than 3,000 chemicals are used to scent products, and about 1,200 were found to be toxic by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.womensvoices.org/fragrance-ingredients/report-unpacking-the-fragrance-industry/" target="_blank">one estimate</a>.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>Interested in the entire article?&nbsp; Read the entire report <a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/cleaning/safer-ways-to-clean-your-kitchen-a7520869240/?EXTKEY=NF53NCE4&amp;utm_source=acxiom&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign" target="_blank">here.</a></strong></font><br /></div>  <div><div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div> <div id='332508774315223522-slideshow'></div> <div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[GREAT WAYS TO NAVIATE COLD WINTER WEATHER!]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/december-22nd-2025]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/december-22nd-2025#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:48:04 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/december-22nd-2025</guid><description><![CDATA[       I'd love to say I love winter, yet this is not my reality.Sure, I aim to make the most of it, yet I'd gladly embrace 11 months of warmer temps.&nbsp; Snow for December and then back to Spring, Summer and a warm Fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;Given I do live in the varying seasonal weather of Canada, I am grateful for Tips like these from one of Ottawa's great acupuncturists Blaise Ryan.&#8203;"12 Tips for Cold Weather Health &amp; ImmunityIn Canada, nature continually reminds us that change is inevitab [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.terigentes.com/uploads/2/0/5/3/20530382/editor/img-e9506.jpg?1766437604" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><strong><font color="#0c0c0c" size="5">I'd love to say I love winter, yet this is not my reality.</font></strong><br /><font color="#0c0c0c" size="4">Sure, I aim to make the most of it, yet I'd gladly embrace 11 months of warmer temps.&nbsp; Snow for December and then back to Spring, Summer and a warm Fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />Given I do live in the varying seasonal weather of Canada, I am grateful for <strong>Tips like these</strong> from one of <a href="https://www.blaiseryan.com/" target="_blank">Ottawa's great acupuncturists Blaise Ryan.</a><br />&#8203;</font><br /><strong><font color="#0c0c0c" size="5">"12 Tips for Cold Weather Health &amp; Immunity</font></strong><br /><br /><font color="#070707"><font size="3">In Canada, nature continually reminds us that change is inevitable. Northern Asia has similar weather, being in the northern hemisphere. The study of the seasons &amp; cycles in nature was the foundation for the theory of Yin &amp; Yang in Chinese Medicine.</font><br /><font size="3">&nbsp;</font><br /><font size="3">&#65279;Ancient doctors observed how weather, seasons &amp; the external environment affect our health. They knew thousands of years ago that during the fall &amp; winter, respiratory illnesses increase if you fall out of balance with nature. But if you harmonize with nature you can experience vitality and strong health throughout the cold months.</font><br /><font size="3">&nbsp;</font><br /><font size="3">This is why Traditional Chinese Medicine has many common sense home remedies for staying healthy during different seasons. I want to share the most important ones with you, so that you can benefit from these and hopefully avert falling ill this winter.</font><br /><font size="3">&nbsp;</font><br /><strong><font size="4">Tip #1</font></strong><font size="3"> Avoid eating an excessive amount of cold and raw foods, including cold drinks, salads &amp; smoothies. The key word here is "excessive." For someone with weak Spleen Qi or too much dampness, they may not be able to tolerate more than one or two fruits a day. While someone with a more robust Spleen &amp; more heat in their system may benefit from more salads &amp; raw fruits.</font><br /><font size="4">&nbsp;</font><br /><strong><font size="4">Tip #2</font> </strong><font size="3">Eat warm, cooked foods, including soups &amp; stews.&nbsp;A little bit of spice is good, particularly ginger, garlic &amp; cinnamon. If your sinuses or head feels congested from cold, then chilli peppers &amp; spring onions can help open the sinuses &amp; disperse the cold-damp.</font></font><br /><br /></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><font size="4"><strong>Tip #3</strong>&nbsp;If you&rsquo;re prone to catching colds, keep your feet, ankles, lower back, neck &amp; ears warm &amp; protected from the wind cold.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Tip #4&nbsp;</strong>The lungs, throat &amp; sinuses don't like to get too dry. Indoor air can be dry due to heating, so invest in a humidifier at home, particularly in the room that you sleep. You may even want to get a little diffuser for your office desk. If your throat gets too dry, try honey tea or pears to help moisten it.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Tip #5</strong>&nbsp;If you catch a chill &amp; you feel it affecting your body, sweat it out in a hot bath, sauna, exercise or drink hot ginger with fresh scallion tea &amp; wrap yourself in thick blankets. Then, sweat it out until the cold is gone.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Tip #6</strong>&nbsp;Keep your neck, upper back &amp; upper chest limber &amp; massage them frequently. These areas correspond to lymphatic drainage of the head sinuses &amp; the immune system. When the neck gets tight &amp; tense, the Japanese call this "kori," which becomes a risk factor &amp; sometimes a cause for other ailments of the head, like sinus colds &amp; headaches.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Tip #7</strong>&nbsp;If your feet are always cold, take daily hot foot baths throughout the winter. You can put a few slices of ginger in the water to help the heat penetrate better.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Tip #8</strong>&nbsp;Sleep &amp; rest more. This may be the single most important &amp; overlooked tip. The body does its most effective self-healing during rest &amp; sleep. As your body is a part of nature, &amp; nature is more Yin during this season, your body craves more Yin time. If you give it more sleep &amp; rest during this time of year, it will give you more energy &amp; health when you need it.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Tip #9&nbsp;</strong>Make a plan to do some outdoor winter activities. There are so many different outdoor winter sports and activities that you can choose from. The key is to find one that seems fun or exciting to you. Get more clothes or invest in better winter gear if that helps get you outside. Then just do it! Don't overthink it or listen to your doubts. The body loves exercise &amp; fresh air.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Tip #10</strong>&nbsp;Take Vitamin D+K and zinc regularly. This may not be a Chinese Medicine tip, but it's been shown that almost 100% of Canadians are Vitamin D deficient in the winter. Since Vitamin D is important for immunity &amp; many other health functions, it's recommended that everyone take at least 1000 IU per day. Also, soak up the sun at every opportunity! You may also want to get regular red light therapy during these dark months.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Tip #11</strong>&nbsp;Use herbs to fight pathogens. You can carry some cold-fighting herbal formulas with you on hand in case you feel you are exposed to something. Ones that are usually recommended &amp; typically available over the counter are Yin Qiao San (Honey Suckle &amp; Forsythia) &amp; Immunol. Another great over the counter immune boosting mushroom formula we recommend is The Five Defenders by Real Mushrooms. **We carry all these at the clinic, so we can provide you with them.**<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Tip #12</strong>&nbsp;Here's a great immune boosting fighting tea that you can prepare for yourself if you feel you are coming down with something: 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp of honey, fresh lemon juice from half a lemon, 1/2 tsp of finely chopped ginger, &amp; three drops grapefruit seed extract in hot water.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Thank you so much for reading &amp; Happy Holidays from all of us</strong><br />&#65279;<strong>here at <a href="https://www.blaiseryan.com/" target="_blank">Blaise T. Ryan Acupuncture!</a>"<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;-------------<br />&#8203;</strong></font><br /><strong><font size="3">My thanks for this great newsletter list of tips!</font><font size="4">&nbsp; <a href="http://www.terigentes.com" target="_blank">Teri Gentes</a></font></strong></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[SOAR into 2026 - Great - Tips to do this!]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/make-your-life-great-tips-to-do-this]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/make-your-life-great-tips-to-do-this#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/make-your-life-great-tips-to-do-this</guid><description><![CDATA[       GREAT TIPS from Daily Motivation to set you on a better path!Integrate some great habits into your daily life to manifest a better everyday experience and consider spending time everyday reading blogs like this as well as signing up for newsletter like Daily Motivation.&nbsp;"As the world grows busier and more complex, finding balance in life feels more essential than ever.What do you really want for 2026?For many, the answer isn&rsquo;t just more money or career success - it&rsquo;s some [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.terigentes.com/uploads/2/0/5/3/20530382/published/eagle-hawk-leeann.jpg?1766436359" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><strong><font size="5"><font color="#0a0a0a" style="">GREAT TIPS from</font> <a href="https://www.dailymotivation.site/" target="_blank" style="">Daily Motivation</a></font> <font color="#090909" style="font-size: large;">to set you on a better path!</font></strong><br /><font color="#090909" size="4">Integrate some great habits into your daily life to manifest a better everyday experience and consider spending time everyday reading blogs like this as well as signing up for newsletter like Daily Motivation.&nbsp;</font><br /><br /><font size="4" color="#0e0d0d">"As the world grows busier and more complex, finding balance in life feels more essential than ever.</font><br /><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bolder;"><span><em>What do you really want for 2026?</em></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">For many, the answer isn&rsquo;t just more money or career success - it&rsquo;s something deeper. It&rsquo;s peace.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">A balanced life isn&rsquo;t about checking off endless to-do lists or striving for perfection.&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:bolder">It&rsquo;s about creating space for quiet, aligning with your authentic self, and embracing the power of simplicity.<br />&#8203;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">In this article, we&rsquo;ll explore practical strategies to help you cultivate balance and harmony. From quieting the noise around you to living with intention and undoing the chaos of &ldquo;busyness,&rdquo; these steps will guide you toward a life that feels more peaceful, joyful, and meaningful.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Let&rsquo;s take a deep breath and begin your journey to a more balanced and fulfilling year ahead.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight:bolder">Life in Balance: What Do You Really Want?</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I&rsquo;ve asked myself this question a lot over the years.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I usually end up saying &ldquo;more money&rdquo; or &ldquo;a successful career,&rdquo; but the last few years I&rsquo;ve been saying &ldquo;peace&rdquo;. I just want peace.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, I need to make a living and yes, I want a career I love, but first and foremost, I want peace. Those external things will not give me the peace that I desire.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight:bolder">1. Get Quiet.<br />&#8203;</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Peace means quiet. If we all want peace, why in the world is there so much commotion all the time? There&rsquo;s not only external noise, but seemingly incessant internal thoughts and noise as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">If you want peace, learn the art of getting quiet. Sitting quietly with yourself is a great way to just start listening to your own thoughts, and letting them wash over you without agenda. Many people consider this a form of meditation.&nbsp;</span><ul style="color:rgb(64, 64, 64)"><li><span style="font-weight:bolder"><span><font size="3">Basic meditation is simply you.</font></span></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:bolder"><span><font size="3">Sitting in silence.</font></span></span></li><li><span style="font-weight:bolder"><span><font size="3">Focusing on your breath.&nbsp;</font></span></span></li></ul> <font size="3"><span>It is there in that secret place that you will not only find what you want, but&nbsp;<em>who you are</em>.</span><br /><a href="https://www.dailymotivation.site/the-art-of-relaxing-into-emotions-your-path-to-inner-peace/"><em><span style="font-weight:bolder"><span>The Art of Relaxing Into Emotions: Your Path to Inner Peace</span></span></em></a><br /><span>You may discover the infinite, amazing spirit that you truly are. And, feel a peaceful river of joy and love flowing ever so smoothly through your entire being.</span><br /><span>If you want to try meditating, but don&rsquo;t know where to start, check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://studio.youtube.com/playlist/PLtdfL0yhH-0dXkcOKJT-OInf6Mf15-lM0/videos">YouTube Guided Meditation playlist</a>&nbsp;or give one of our beginner videos a try.&nbsp;</span></font><br /><br /></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><font size="3"><span><span><span style="font-weight:bolder">2. Live From the Inside Out.</span></span></span><br /><span><span>When thinking about how to live your life and asking yourself the hard questions, keep conscious of the fact that you can live your life from the inside out.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span><span>When you do, your heart and mind will align and the result can be a life full of peace and joy, despite outward circumstances.</span></span><br /><br /><span><span><span style="font-weight:bolder">If you&rsquo;re not into meditation, that&rsquo;s fine.</span>&nbsp;You can choose to find a quiet spot and simply sit in silence. Getting out into nature also helps many people get better in touch with their true selves.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><br /><span><span><em>Haven&rsquo;t you ever seen some beautiful landscape and peace just swept over you?</em>&nbsp;In those moments, you weren&rsquo;t worried about anything. You were just basking in the wonderful glory of creation.</span></span><br /><span><span>The more we can bask in those types of feelings, the more at peace we will feel.</span></span><br /><span><span>Even if you don&rsquo;t know exactly what you want out of life, if you simply know that you want to experience as much peace as possible,&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:bolder">that&rsquo;s a good start.&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><span><span>Aim to become mindful of the moments where you feel peace inside. Even if it&rsquo;s just for a few seconds while you&rsquo;re petting your cat, become mindful and offer gratitude for it.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span><span>You may be surprised at just how much more peace you feel throughout the days when you make this your practice.</span></span><br /><span>&nbsp;</span><br /><span><span><span style="font-weight:bolder">3. Go Deeper Into Your Stillness.</span></span></span><br /><span><span>From here, go deeper into your stillness.</span></span><br /><span><span><span>Take time regularly to just bask in your own quiet and calm. The toughest part about any sort of personal or</span>&nbsp;<span>spiritual growth</span><span>&nbsp;is actually taking time to&nbsp;<em>&ldquo;do the work&rdquo;</em>, even if the work means sitting in silence.<br />&#8203;</span></span></span><br /><span><span>I understand it&rsquo;s not easy and within a few minutes, you may feel super bored. I&rsquo;ve been there.</span></span><br /><span><span>However, if you&rsquo;ll keep at it, focusing on what&rsquo;s behind that blackness behind your eyes,&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:bolder">you&rsquo;ll begin getting a sense of a peaceful presence that you&rsquo;ll appreciate.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span><span>You will feel less stressed, less anxious, and you&rsquo;ll have more to offer others. We can add value to humanity as we are led by balance and pour out from a full cup.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span><span><span style="font-weight:bolder">Today, take some time to be with yourself.</span></span></span><br /><span><span>Even if it&rsquo;s just five minutes in the morning and five minutes in the evening, try it out. Be with love. Breathe slowly, relax your entire body, and bask in the stillness.</span></span><br /><span><span>Do this every day and see what happens in your life. I think you&rsquo;ll be pleasantly surprised.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span>&nbsp;</span><br /><span><span><span style="font-weight:bolder">4. Recognize the Power of&nbsp;<em>Undoing.</em></span></span></span><br /><span><span>The bigger picture for us may not be pounding the clock to get more hours of work in.</span></span><br /><span><span>Freedom and peace may not come from &ldquo;doing&rdquo; more.<span style="font-weight:bolder">&nbsp;However, it can come in the being present with stillness within.</span>&nbsp;It can come with making a decision to live a balanced life and regularly check in with yourself to be sure you&rsquo;re not too busy.</span></span><br /><br /><span><span>I don&rsquo;t just mean&nbsp;<em>physical busyness</em>&nbsp;either.&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span><span>We can be overly mentally busy too. This can keep us from getting still with our real selves and dealing with things we may be unconsciously avoiding. It can distract us and keep us from getting real and raw with ourselves and others.</span></span><br /><span><span>So, if you&rsquo;re physically or mentally overly busy, start pausing before you say or do&nbsp;<em>anything</em>.</span></span></font><ul><li><span><span><span style="font-weight:bolder"><font size="3">Tell people you&rsquo;re cutting back on your commitments.</font></span></span></span></li><li><span><span style="font-weight:bolder"><span><font size="3">Tell your ego to pipe down and stay committed to balance and the power of undoing.&nbsp;&nbsp;</font></span></span></span></li></ul><br /><font size="3"><span><span>Sometimes life gets confusing. We may feel pain. It&rsquo;s part of the journey, but let&rsquo;s not try to run from this by being super busy or by putting a band-aid on the wounds.</span></span></font><ul><li><span><span style="font-weight:bolder"><span><font size="3">What do you really want?</font></span></span></span></li><li><span><span style="font-weight:bolder"><span><font size="3">And who is the &ldquo;you&rdquo; that&rsquo;s asking?</font></span></span></span></li><li><span><span style="font-weight:bolder"><span><font size="3">Is it your ego, which basically just wants anything that will pacify its cravings for a while?</font></span></span></span></li><li><span><span style="font-weight:bolder"><span><font size="3">Or is your authentic spirit, which will always lead you to feeling more peace?&nbsp;</font></span></span></span></li></ul> <font size="3"><span><span>The real, deep part of you just wants to be.</span></span><br /><span><span>It just wants to show up in the world as is and be loved and adored for no reason. It&rsquo;s like the tree stands bold, swaying in the wind, simply being a tree. It&rsquo;s expressing itself as beauty and being content in that. We too, are part of consciousness expressing itself.</span></span><br /><br /><strong><span><span>Embracing Balance and Peace in 2025</span></span></strong><span><span>As you navigate 2025, remember that balance isn&rsquo;t about perfection -&nbsp;<em>it&rsquo;s about progress</em>.</span></span><br /><span><span>By cultivating stillness, living from the inside out, and embracing the power of undoing, you can create a life centered on peace and authenticity.</span></span><br /><br /><span><span><span style="font-weight:bolder">True balance begins with listening to your inner self,</span>&nbsp;recognizing what matters most, and letting go of the distractions that pull you away from your purpose. It&rsquo;s a journey of consistent effort, self-reflection,&nbsp;<em>and moments of quiet connection.</em></span></span><br /><br /><span><span>Take the time to pause, breathe, and realign with the person you&rsquo;re becoming. Even small daily steps, like practicing gratitude or spending a few minutes in stillness, can create profound changes over time.</span></span><br /><span><span><span style="font-weight:bolder">This year, let balance and peace guide you.</span>&nbsp;Trust in your ability to find harmony, and know that every moment of mindfulness brings you closer to the life you truly desire. Here&rsquo;s to a year of fulfillment, clarity, and so much joy!"<br />&#8203;</span></span><br /><span><em><span><span style="font-weight:bolder">DM Editor's note:</span>&nbsp;This article was originally published Dec 8, 2023 and has been updated to improve reader experience.</span></em></span></font><br /><br /></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE - The answer to heal our dying dirt!]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/regenerative-agriculture-the-answer-to-heal-our-dying-dirt]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/regenerative-agriculture-the-answer-to-heal-our-dying-dirt#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Fri, 19 Sep 2025 18:16:52 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/regenerative-agriculture-the-answer-to-heal-our-dying-dirt</guid><description><![CDATA[       Industrial farming is compromising our very food supply, harming our health and the health of the planet.&nbsp;There are solutions and this video offers them.&nbsp;      In this brilliant TED TALK given by Charles Massey, discover how we can help heal the planet and retore our very compromised food supply, health and well-being.&nbsp;Below is an excerpt of the intro and the link to listen to this fabulous talk.&#8203;"Regenerative agriculture is an ecological approach to agriculture that  [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.terigentes.com/uploads/2/0/5/3/20530382/ag-healthy-soil-vs-dirt_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><strong><font size="4">Industrial farming is compromising our very food supply, harming our health and the health of the planet.&nbsp;</font></strong><font size="4">There are solutions and this video offers them.&nbsp;</font></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><font size="3">In this brilliant TED TALK given by Charles Massey, discover how we can help heal the planet and retore our very compromised food supply, health and well-being<br />.&nbsp;<br /><strong>Below is an excerpt of the intro and the link to listen to this fabulous talk.</strong></font><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(19, 19, 19)"><font size="3">&#8203;"Regenerative agriculture is an ecological approach to agriculture that enables natural systems &amp; functions to not just be renewed, but also to do the renewing: to self-organize back to healthy function, a radical idea of empowering and not controlling nature. In this talk, Charlie Massy OA draws on his decades of farming experience and research to propose new ways of farming that don't harm the land and the planet in the way industrial agricultural practices can.<br /><br />Along the way, he shares some of his own personal journey of learning and change, and explains how he came to be the regenerative farming advocate he is today. Charles gained a BSc in Zoology at ANU (1976), before going farming and developing a prominent Merino sheep stud business (Severn Park). He still manages the family&rsquo;s grazing property in NSW while teaching at universities and consulting in the fields of Merino breeding and landscape design.<br /><br />He has chaired and served as a Director on a number of national and international review panels and boards of business, research organizations and statutory wool bodies, involving garment manufacture, wool marketing, R&amp;D, molecular genetics and genomics.<br /><br />Charlie&rsquo;s concern about land degradation and the Anthropocene crisis led to him completing a PhD in Human Ecology (ANU) in 2012. This resulted in his new book, Call of the Reed Warbler:<br />A New Agriculture &ndash; A New Earth (UQP Sept. 2017) concerning the emergence of a regenerative agriculture in Australia and cause for hope This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community."</font><br />Learn more at </span><span style="color:rgb(6, 95, 212)"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqblJ1UjVCZXRrbTF0NkVnUWRDX0MzaGhCeHRLd3xBQ3Jtc0tsZU5sX0VJcjB5b3VNMzV2d05vZHdMdEM3UG1ObThidGd6YngyTnJsOWlzeUZzTERRaS1IaGpDd2lZMXBhYlotYWY3T0FZVVltT1VPSEM2OEF1QnlBdVNjNDNxXzYtZ2VTMDZXV2ZMSHdEYzhCWXpQbw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ted.com%2Ftedx&amp;v=Et8YKBivhaE" target="_blank">https://www.ted.com/tedx<br />&#8203;</a></span><br /><strong><font size="2">Listen to the talk here:</font></strong><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/Et8YKBivhaE?si=u5StabXHXfmtcQC1"><font size="3"><strong>How Regenerative farming can help heal the planet and human health</strong>.&nbsp;</font></a></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[ALL IN A DAY - and it begins IN YOUR HEAD]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/all-in-a-day-and-begins-in-your-head]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/all-in-a-day-and-begins-in-your-head#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Fri, 20 Jun 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.terigentes.com/blog-posts/all-in-a-day-and-begins-in-your-head</guid><description><![CDATA[       Whole-self wellness. It really begins within your mind!When eating great food to support feeling great is a priority, you are investing in your most important commodity. Your health.Long ago, I learned to love great looking and amazing tasting food that is just as great for me as its looks and tastes. It's an added gift I give myself in conjunction with consistent, daily, healthy. lifestyle practices.It was love of being vibrantly healthy and fit that drew me into the health promotion, di [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.terigentes.com/uploads/2/0/5/3/20530382/published/cbbl2427.jpg?1743373819" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><strong><font size="5">Whole-self wellness. It really begins within your mind!</font><br /><font size="4">When eating great food to support feeling great is a priority, you are investing in </font></strong><font size="4"><strong>your most important commodity</strong>. <strong>Your health.</strong><br /><br />Long ago, I learned to love great looking and amazing tasting food that is just as great for me as its looks and tastes. It's an added gift I give myself in conjunction with consistent, daily, healthy. lifestyle practices.</font><br /><br /><font size="4">It was love of being vibrantly healthy and fit that drew me into the <strong>health promotion, disease prevention,</strong> <strong>vocation</strong> I carved out for myself. <br />My shift to ever improving dietary practices soon expanded to include <strong>all aspects of health and wellness.</strong></font><strong style="font-size: large;">&nbsp;</strong><font size="4">&nbsp;Life experience and formal study, taught me the importance of mindset and meaning in this approach</font><font size="3">.&nbsp;</font><font size="4">I learned</font> <font size="5">well-being is an orchestration of whole body, mind, and spirit health.</font><br /><br /><strong><font size="4">The way I see it:</font></strong></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:left;"><font color="#2a2a2a">&#8203;<br /><font size="4">What we have going on in our head, thoughts - our self-talk.., impact all that can keep us well or see us weaken. My recommendation: focus on what you want; how you want, to think, feel, look, move and age.<br /><br /><strong>Trusting this to be: clear minded, healthy, vibrant and fulfilled</strong>, this focus is more likely to inspire you to want to do what you know gets you this.<br />AKA - consciously <strong>taking great care of yourself.</strong><br /><br /><strong>The CIRCLE OF WELLNESS:&nbsp;</strong><br /><br /><strong>When you think better, you tend to make better choices</strong> of all kinds, such as better eating habits. This, then helps you with continued clear thinking and increased energy for more movement. Movement is well known to be one of the best ways to mitigate excess, chronic stress and this can help you to sleep better.<br /><br />When sleeping, our body has time to repair, recalibrate hormonal balance and cleanse/detox as needed. We awaken feeling refreshed, grateful for this happy and ready to begin the process all over again.<br /><br /><strong>Understanding the synchronicity of our mental, physical, nutritional, environmental, social and spiritual state of being is essential.&nbsp;</strong><br />We must attend to all aspects of our well-being and it all begins with comprehension of their connection.<br /><br />You may be fabulously fit, eat really well, have a super circle of family and friends, work you love... yet still find yourself struggling with lifestyle balance and carrying around chronic stress. Maybe live next to polluted land or water sites or near electric power grids, or other harmful environments.&nbsp;<br /><br />Addressing these areas as best you can and aiming for the cleanest, healthiest, most balanced living as possible helps mitigate the impacts of less-than-desirable circumstances and provides us a strong foundation to build upon.&nbsp;<br /><br /><strong>Pause a while and access your situation, your state of mind and the quality of self-talk you have going on.&nbsp;</strong></font></font><ul><li><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">Are you a supportive coach or overly critical? </font></li><li><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">Does your self-talk discourage or encourage?</font></li><li><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">Do you set yourself up for success?</font></li><li><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">Are your current daily habits conducive to optimal wellness?</font></li><li><font color="#2a2a2a" size="4">What changes can you make if not?</font></li></ul><br /><font color="#2a2a2a"><font size="4">Most of us tend to default to one of two practices.<br />We are constantly criticizing&nbsp;ourselves which is not motivating, encouraging or appealing or we become overly 'comfortable' in habits that are 'easy' justifying this and avoiding investing in better self-care practices.</font><br /><br /><font size="4">Once you have an idea of your pattern and recognize what areas need improving, choose are few practices to help you reprogram better self-health practices.</font><br /><br /><font size="4">A great place to start is with breathing practices to calm your nervous system and enable a better state of mind. In this state, begin to reprogram your self talk as needed. Zoom in on conservation that inspires you to invest more time and conscious energy in your own optimal well-being.&nbsp; Be sure to keep it doable by choosing a few practices and ace them before taking on more.</font><br /><br /><font size="4">We don't need to summit mountains to be successful - we simply need to move in the direction of our ideals. The sooner you start this, the sooner you will experience the benefits.&nbsp;</font><br /><br /><font size="4">Always wishing you well,&nbsp;</font><br /><font size="4">Teri G</font></font><br /><font size="4">&nbsp; ________________________________________________________________________________________</font><br /><font color="#626262" size="3">Helping people take better care of themselves is my life purpose. If I can help you with approaches such as this, inspirational and informational posts, blogs. follow me on social media and on this website. If you want personal or group coaching <a href="mailto:teri@terigentes.com ">reach out to me </a>and we can chat.<br />Meantime, all the time, mind your mind!&nbsp;&nbsp;</font><br /><br /><font size="2">&nbsp;terigentes.com&nbsp;</font></div>  <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div> <hr class="styled-hr" style="width:100%;"></hr> <div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.terigentes.com/uploads/2/0/5/3/20530382/meditation-2262835-1920_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">&#8203;</div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>