The great news is that now less than 2 out of 10 adults smoke. The number of American adults who smoke has dropped below 20 percent for the first time in our nation’s history. The bad news is health officials said this week that cigarettes kill almost a half-million people a year.
This year on November 19th, the Great American Smokeout will celebrate its 33nd anniversary. The event has remarkably changed America’s health. Millions stop smoking for a day, but many people successfully quit for good. It has helped keep young people from starting smoking and protected nonsmokers from the dangers of second-hand smoke.
Have you been feeling tired and run down? Ready to say good-bye to your stress? Learn how to put more energy into your body naturally with Chinese Qigong. (pronounced “chee gung”) This is an ancient Chinese healing art that combines the use of your mind, body, and breathing to strengthen your vital energy. Qigong uses special movement exercises and visualizations that can benefit people of all ages and physical conditions.
Studies have shown that Qigong can lower blood pressure, help balance (prevent falls for seniors), reduce incidence of stroke, increase bone density and increase longevity.
Studies of the brain waves of meditators show that they are apparently healthier. Neuroscientists found that meditators transfer their brain activity from one area of the cortex to another. Their brain waves in the stress inclined right frontal cortex moved to the calmer left frontal cortex. This indicates that they are calmer and happier than before. There was also less activity in the part of the brain that processes fear.
Steven Sonmore, LAc is a licensed acupuncturist in Minneapolis, Minnesota with over 20 years experience of health care and pain management.