WELLNESS MATTERS 

Self Care – Inside Out and Outside In

How many of you here feel like your cup has run dry?

Yes, so many of us are running on empty.  We all have multiple roles of some sort, many which are running simultaneously. Right here, right now, I hope to help you refill your cup with some self care.

Let’s begin with three deep relaxing breaths. 

We all have heard the basics of self care and yet they often elude us in our busyness. Yes, exercise, get enough sleep, eat healthy and hydrate. So, how can we bring those healthy habits into our daily routine?

Exercise – No, I’m not talking about going to the gym – unless that is what suits you best. Just 10 minutes a day has great potential benefits. 

Sleep – did you know that unless you are regularly getting more than 6 hours of sleep you are operating at the same capacity as a drunk driver? Do you have a routine to wind down at the end of the day?

Nutrition – this goes a long way in supporting your wellness inside and out. Eliminate processed and sugary foods, eat more fruits and vegetables, and hydrate. Our bodies are made up of more that 70% water. Every organ, including our skin, needs to be kept hydrated. 

Let’s start with these simple steps – just three check-in times a day.

How do you start your day? Morning routine

How can you reset mid-day? Stretch and hydrate

How do you bring your day to a close? Gratitude journal of three things.

Now, did you know, your skin is your first line of defense?

Because May is Skin Cancer Awareness month we are going to look at how we can protect and nourish our largest organ, our skin. It is the first line of defense to our immune system.

Here are some “Fun Facts” about our skin…

SURPRISING SKIN FACT #1: 

IT ACTUALLY HAS MORE THAN THREE LAYERS 

Perhaps you’re thinking of the primary layers, of which you have three—the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer (subcutis – the visible version of this is the cuticles where your skin connects to your nails… I just looked too). However, there are numerous layers within both the epidermis and dermis. When you get down beneath the surface there are actually up to 37 layers.

SURPRISING SKIN FACT #2: 

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF SKIN 

It is quite easy to see that the body has two types of skin; hairy and glabrous skin. Hairy skin contains hair follicles that help regulate body temperature and facilitate perspiration. The vast majority of the body is covered by hairy skin. Glabrous skin is hairless and found in areas like the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

SURPRISING SKIN FACT #3: 

90% OF THE SKIN’S THICKNESS IS IN THE DERMIS 

The middle portion of the skin is the dermis. Even though it’s only 1.5–4mm thick, it is by far the thickest layer of skin. This is where the skin carries out most of its essential functions, such as storing water, and transporting nutrients. 

SURPRISING SKIN FACT #4: 

THERE ARE MILES OF BLOOD VESSELS IN THE SKIN 

One of the primary functions of the skin is to circulate blood so that nutrients like vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) can be transported to the rest of the body. This is done through blood vessels and capillaries in the dermis layer of the skin. The extensive network includes about 11 miles of blood vessels. 

SURPRISING SKIN FACT #5: 

THERE’S OVER ONE TRILLION BACTERIA ON THE SKIN 

The body is a breeding ground for bacteria, many of which are quite beneficial. Being the largest organ that’s exposed to the outside world, it’s only natural that the skin would have a large number of bacteria. However, many people are surprised to learn that the number can exceed one trillion (similarly to learning about the recent stimulus incentive. In total there are over 1,000 bacteria species on the skin at any given time. 

SURPRISING SKIN FACT #6: 

EVERYONE HAS THE SAME NUMBER OF MELANIN-PRODUCING MELANOCYTE CELLS 

Skin color is a byproduct of melanin production in the skin. Melanin is produced by skin cells called melanocytes. Every person has roughly the same number of melanocytes, which equates to about 7% of all skin cells. Melanin is the body’s way of protecting skin from burning. Darker-skinned people tan more deeply than lighter-skinned people because their melanocytes produce more melanin. But just because a person doesn’t burn does not mean that they’re equivocally protected against skin cancer and other problems. Always remember to wear sunscreen.

Speaking of which –

SURPRISING SKIN FACT #7: 

20% OF AMERICANS WILL HAVE SKIN CANCER AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIVES 

The American Academy of Dermatology notes that  one in five Americans will get skin cancer during their lifetime. Every year there are over one million new cases of skin cancer. Almost every hour of every day, one person dies from melanoma. 

Please, all jokes aside, wear your sunscreen.

SURPRISING SKIN FACT #8: 

SKIN IS WATERPROOF 

One of the many ways skin protects our insides from the outside world is by keeping liquids from penetrating through the epidermis. Skin cells are surrounded by fatty acids, lipids, and ceramides that make them hydrophobic. This unique structure also keeps water from evaporating out of the body. Just as oil doesn’t mix with water, the oil on our skin (hydrophobic by nature) keeps outside water out, and inside water in.

Wow! That’s a lot of work for an organ we take for granted!

Our skin is fighting off all kinds of stressors every day. In the food we eat, the water we drink, the technology we work and play with, from medications we put on and in our bodies. Those stressors are also known as free radicals and what they cause is known as oxidative stress which can be the cause of over 250 diseases. 

This is what it looks like – your body, your skin is the nice ripe, firm apple. Once it is exposed to air (and free radicals) it begins the oxidation process and without any protection leads to decay.

We have all heard of antioxidants in food and supplements, but that only fights the free radicals on a 1:1 ratio. You would have to consume over 11 pounds of blueberries just to fight off one day’s worth of oxidative stress. A better way to combat the free radicals is with antioxidants that your body is already designed to produce. And with this patented herbal blend, Protandim Nrf2, you can activate the cellular pathway to regulate your cells and reduce the oxidative stress in your system by 40% in 30 days. There are over 30 scientific peer review studies from independent health organizations and institutions that support that fact. Also, working from the inside out is our liquid collagen. Combined with Protandim Nrf2, it provides a cellular powerhouse for activation.

The science of activation is the foundation of all the LifeVantage products, from immune health to gut health, from eye health to hair care to pet health, and of course skin care. Our facial skin care line has four components that can be used as a whole system or individually and now includes an easy to use sunscreen.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

You are now on your way to a healthier, activated year!

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MINDSET MATTERS 

Cultivating Creativity and Finding Joy

Lately I have been drawn to the subject of creativity – perhaps because I need to re- insert some into my life – so this month we are going to explore what creativity might look like. 

No doubt you might be one of those individuals who has the notion that only a few select people in the world are creative or artistic. That only those exceptionally talented individuals have the permission to step outside the box in their creative pursuits. Or perhaps you are one that believes that like intelligence, creativity can be measured on a standardized test. 

Research has shown that each of us possess at least seven measurable intelligences, ranging from mathematical to linguistic to musical to interpersonal. Research also has found that intelligence is not only located in the brain but distributed throughout the cells in the body. Your capacity for creativity is much greater than you ever imagined.

So how do we tap into our unlimited creative power and unleash its full potential? One of the first steps is to figure out what you were created for, to determine your life purpose. Each of us were created with a unique package of gifts – your talents, your personality, your dreams. No one else can bring them to life the way your Creator intended. You may have to dabble in a few things until you find the one that fits. While I have little talent for drawing or painting, I have found that I really seem to connect with writing and facilitating or training. Once your curiosity and passion come together you will see progress begin.

So, how and where do we begin? Start here…

Name three things, three places, and three people that bring you joy. What is it about them that creates that feeling of joy for you? 

And, I was recently introduced to the idea of “joyspotting”. 

Have a look – https://aestheticsofjoy.com/joyspotting-101/  

Where will you begin?

You can find an additional resources, at https://alakaiassociates.com/resources/

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THE ALAKA’I BOOKSHELF

My first book, published in 2023, is Under a Full Moon and a Guiding Star. 

Here’s an excerpt that focuses on The Path to Wellness…

“…As I look back on my journey as an adult, and my opportunities to care for others, I have always had a basic understanding of what it meant to be healthy – eat fresh foods, exercise, get enough sleep – but in the midst of that crazy “doing” life of a caregiver, with a husband and four kids, health and self care often took a back seat. And over time, that stress compounded into health problems like migraines and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) which would sometimes have me in the emergency room. I would have times where I would bring wellness back into focus, but at one point, in a toxic work environment, I became keenly aware that my health had to come first. I had to repair and refill my cup before I had any more to share with others. This is where I learned the value of daily habits of self care and stress management and began to implement them in my life. 

That personal development led me to envision having my own wellness business where I could share those lessons with others and that is where Alaka’i Associates was reborn, with a mission to help others lead activated lives in abundance, to bring health and wellness and wealth to my family and the world. I want to continue to deepen my awareness of my spirituality and connect it with all that I endeavor. I want to share that connection with others with love and acceptance. And, I want to give thanks for the abundance it brings to my life.” 

And in recent months, I have begun to write my second book so stay tuned…

https://alakaiassociates.com/book/ 

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YOUR HEALTH MATTERS

10 Simple Ways to Protect Your Skin Outdoors 

While you may enjoy soaking up the sun – your skin may not be quite as enthusiastic. It’s especially important to protect your skin.

Here’s 10 simple ways to protect your skin, not just for the summer but everyday.

https://lanialmanza.lifevantage.com/us-en/blog/10-simple-ways-to-protect-your-skin-outdoors 

https://lanialmanza.lifevantage.com/us-en/shop/categories/skin-care 

First-time orders will receive an additional thank you gift once the order is confirmed.

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Subscribers ONLY

Two lucky winners will receive the Subscriber Giveaway to help you on your wellness journey! In addition, any current subscriber who refers a new subscriber will receive an additional gift!

You can also contact me to schedule a free one-on-one Discovery Call to make a plan for your wellness.

#LiveAlohaLiveWell