Pole Walking and Good Health!

Nordic (pole) walking is a great way to increase the benefits from a walking program. Pole walking increases cardio workout by about 20%, and calorie burn by 22-45% depending on the individual. It also decreases the stress on the lower extremities and low back by about 25%. In regular walking a person uses about 40% of their muscles but with pole walking they use 90% and it strengthens the arms and core and improves posture. 30 minutes of pole walking is equivalent to 50 minutes of regular walking. It is a great form of exercise for those who can no longer jog due to old knee injuries. If done regularly it can help with weight loss. One lady who took it up dropped 190 lbs. in 3 yrs. When done properly the wrist resting in the pole strap is slightly higher than the elbow with the arm at the side and then the poles are angled slightly back and you push when you walk (the tip of the pole is not placed out in front of your feet, but slightly behind). You plant the pole as you step with the opposite foot-so R. pole with L. foot and L. pole with R. foot. After practicing it for a while it becomes a rhythmic motion which propels you forward. I would highly recommend it for anyone who likes to walk but would like to "kick it up a notch".

— Jerry Fessler

Forgiveness and Health

Many studies over the last two decades have shown that resentment and bitterness may have a profound negative impact upon the mental, physical, and spiritual health of an individual.

The anger that arises from such bitterness and resentment and an unwillingness to forgive, according to Redmond and Virginia Williams in their book, Anger Kills, may lead to a number of serious health problems. Dr. Don Colbert in his book, Deadly Emotions, tells how the hormone cortisol which is increased when there is chronic anger, may also increase the chances of being affected by a number of diseases.

What is the answer to such bitterness, resentment, and anger? A large part of the answer is to be found in the word "forgiveness." A basic principle which God's Word shares with us is this: If we know that we have been forgiven by our Savior, then we are free to forgive others. Hence, if I am struggling with forgiving someone else, perhaps I need to take a look and see if I really believe that I have been forgiven. There is a freedom in forgiveness. It is because this is such an important topic that the Apostle Paul makes the following suggestion: Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)

This is the way to a healthy, hope-filled life! 

— Wayne Young