Joanne E. O’Day is founder and director of Basic Health Sense.
She is a graduate of The Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York City, a Certified Health Counselor and member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Joanne is also a licensed social worker and nursing home administrator.
“The seeds for my interest in health counseling began long ago. Being a nursing home administrator and social worker for over thirty years gave me the unique opportunity to learn from the many elders who shared their life story with me. I consider myself extremely blessed to have experienced the “wisdom of the ages”. The elders have shown me by example that life truly is what we make it. The controls for the life we desire are in our hands. At the end of our days when we look back on life, it is how we have lived our life that is most important. It’s up to us to experience our life to the fullest and of course, good health is key.”
Say it isn’t so.
Today, more than two thirds of adults and one third of children in our country are obese or overweight. Researchers have concluded that by 2015, eight short years from now, three fourths of adults and over forty per cent of children will be overweight or obese. Unfortunately, being overweight or obese puts us at risk for serious health problems including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. For the first time in history, the current generation of children may die at a younger age than their parents.
Say it isn’t so.
Today, more than two thirds of adults and one third of children in our country are obese or overweight. Researchers have concluded that by 2015, eight short years from now, three fourths of adults and over forty per cent of children will be overweight or obese. Unfortunately, being overweight or obese puts us at risk for serious health problems including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. For the first time in history, the current generation of children may die at a younger age than their parents.
How can this be possible? Well, you could say a “perfect nutritional storm” has been brewing for the past thirty years, conspiring to make us both overweight and unhealthy.
“The perfect nutritional storm”
In the 1970’s, hydrogenated oils (Trans fats) were added to many, many processed foods to increase their shelf life. Trans fats clog arteries.
In the 1980’s high fructose corn syrup became a popular and inexpensive way to enhance the flavor of foods. High fructose corn syrup is an addictive sugar that has no nutritional value. As a result, many of us developed cravings for foods high in sugar.
During the 1990’s, stress levels jumped as technology and fierce competition put continuous pressure on the American worker to produce more. At the same time our physical activity was decreasing. This new lifestyle meant “mindless eating” became a way of life for many of us.
Finally, there is portion size. In 1960, the largest adult-size soda you could buy in a fast food restaurant was 8 ounces and today a child-size soda is 12 ounces and the largest adult-size soda is 64 ounces!!! Need I say more?
Artery-clogging fats, addicting sweets, huge portions of nutritionally void foods, stress and lack of exercise - it is enough to make you sick!
“The calm”
Welcome. Here is where you learn to live and eat in harmony with Nature. “The calm” includes enjoying natural, whole foods including fruits and vegetables. It is about drinking water. This is not about diets, will power or acquiring self-discipline. This is about taking the first simple steps to change your health and your life. It is about slowing down and listening to what your body is trying to tell you. It is about discovering the foods that truly nourish you. It is about reaching your ideal weight, eliminating cravings, reducing stress and exercising regularly. It’s about being healthy.
You are the only person who can make the decision to take charge of your health.
Your health counselor
As your health counselor, I meet with you for two one-hour sessions each month for six months. We develop an effective, individualized program that supports your health and life goals through food, nutrition and lifestyle changes. You’ll receive several handouts, recipes, and foods as well as having access to my library of books, tapes and CD’s. The approach is holistic recognizing that your relationships, physical activity, career and spirituality are as vital to your good health as the foods we eat.
I welcome you to contact me for a complimentary consultation and to hear more about the program.