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While we are putting so much time and effort into the care of our horses, we are neglecting one very important element in the equine-human equation: us.
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Realize that a healthy human
is more capable of creating a better and healthier life for the horse.
Don't neglect yourself in the midst of all your horsing around.
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Recommended Links
American
Cancer Society:
Antioxidants
Michigan
State University
Family
Care Research Program:
Diet
and Cancer
Prevention
Menopause
Online:
Chamomile
Ginseng
Green
Tea
St.
Johns Wort
Vitamin
C
Vitamin
E
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It is very important that antioxidants
are consumed to fight against cancer.
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Healthy as a Horse
A major part of a horse's life are the people who interact with it through daily activities such as stall cleaning, feeding, riding, etc. These people take great care in planning a proper diet for the horse, making sure that the horse is getting the proper grain to roughage ratio and clean water. Stalls and pastures are carefully maintained to prevent diseases and conditions caused by poisonous plants, dust particles, parasites, and ammonia caused by urine. Veterinary technology is getting more and more advanced, and veterinarians are often referred to when questions arise regarding the care of horses.
Unfortunately, while we are putting so much time and effort into the care of our horses, we are neglecting one very important element in the equine-human equation: us. We often hear about new findings concerning heart disease and cancer, and we usually listen with a close ear. However, after the newscast is over, we often dismiss the news and tend to our other business.
Recently, I made another lifestyle change. I had talked with a friend about taking up running, but it never happened. We were going to do it together, but we never had the time. Our schedules often conflicted. I finally decided to go out and buy some good running shoes in an attempt to prevent shin splints, which I had suffered from before. I started a running program, gradually building up to twenty minutes of steady running. Why? Because I realized, at the age of 21, that my body was slowly falling apart just like everyone else's. I didn't want that. I didn't want heart disease and I certainly didn't want cancer. I was also falling victim to the depression engulfing the lives of many in today's society. Life was stressful with my busy schedule and I was finding that I couldn't cope. I was turning into a very negative person.
So I made an effort to concentrate on running and horseback riding. I already had the horses and the equipment and the know how, so I turned to running to help me to gain more endurance and to gain strength and lose fat, which would greatly aid my skills as a rider.
I found myself looking at an issue of Runner's World in "Barnes & Noble," where I often go to search for information about my favorite activities. Oddly enough, this particular issue was focused primarily on the beginner and had a section called the "Complete Beginning Runner Guide." Not only did this issue contain lots of great information about running, but it also had articles about important nutrients and such. I quickly bought the next issue and found even more information. A lot of this information not only taught me about what I needed to gain energy for running, but how to fight against cancer.
So I took up running for a stronger, healthier heart. I had effortlessly started eating healthier due to the focus I had on my running performance and my goals for the future. However, it was time to look at what was in these foods to see if I was getting enough antioxidants. I knew I wasn't. I wasn't eating the recommended servings of the various food groups. I decided that food supplements would be very beneficial.
A while back, I had started drinking herbal tea for the warmth during the cold days and the health benefits. I chose chamomile and green tea. Chamomile is known to promote a feeling of calmness and to aid in sleep. Green tea contains antioxidants which fight against cancer causing cells.
I also chose to take herbal supplements. St. Johns Wort is beneficial in controlling stress and may ease mild depression. Ginseng has not been proven to promote better mental and physical performance. However, it is believed to be very beneficial.
It is very important that antioxidants are consumed to fight against cancer. According to an article written in the May 1999 issue of Runner's World by Liz Applegate, Ph.D.,"[Oxygen] turns into and promotes the growth of ... free radicals. These molecules are missing an electron, making them unstable. To stabilize themselves, free radicals pillage electrons from nearby proteins, genetic material and protective cell structures. ... Free radicals create even more free radicals and damage just about every tissue they touch." Sometimes these free radicals go a step further causing a cancerous tumor.
Antioxidants help control free radicals by preventing the problem before it starts. According to Dr. Applegate, copper, manganese and zinc are necessary to strengthen the body's natural antioxidant enzymes. The easiest thing you can do to help prevent cancer is to take vitamin C and vitamin E supplements.
Another supplement to consider is Pycnogenol. It provides you with antioxidants and may promote better performance. It is considered to be very effective.
Realize that a healthy human is more capable of creating a better and healthier life for the horse. Don't neglect yourself in the midst of all your horsing around.