HEALTH VS FITNESS IS IT THE SAME THING? GET THE FACTS

Hello, all it's your Your Health and Social  Advocate here,  I would like to have a candid discussion  about fitness vs Health. I  appreciate all of  my readers and I wanted to say thank you  for reading my blog.  

Health literacy has been defined as:

“The ability to access, understand, evaluate and communicate information as a way to promote, maintain and improve health in a variety of settings across the life-course” (Rootman & Gordon-El-Bihbety, 2008, p. 11).

Lower health literacy leads to the ineffective use of services, poorer health due to lack of understanding of health problems and treatment, and increased frequency of hospitalization 


As your health care advocate, it is important for me to take the lead in providing health information,   Family Health and Literacy is emerging as a growing concern throughout the world, but of course with my 15 years of Nursing experience, this is becoming more evident than ever.

For many, accessing and understanding health information and services can be difficult. It can be especially difficult for someone feeling ill, anxious or in pain. Being able to access and understand information can make a difference to your health and well-being.

Health is relevant  to everyone, but even more so for families with young children, and aging parents, because they are constantly faced with scheduling doctor’s visits, managing illness and trying to keep their family healthy.

Fitness  is always a great wellness initiative,  but how can that help your sick family members or even a sick child? Ask yourself that question. Navigating this maze is what I am here to teach you.

Many people keep interchanging the notion that fitness, wellness, and health mean the  same thing. Contrary to popular belief, fitness does not imply health. We often consider  the two to be synonymous; if we become fit, we become healthier. Actually, while fitness certainly contributes to a person’s overall health, it does not guarantee that that person will be healthy. In a  perfect world,  if  fitness and wellness enthusiasts  decided to give their clients the opportunity to be more knowledgeable about their real healthcare,  my life would be a lot easier.  In a perfect world everyone, I came across would eventually learn how to navigate this health care system, giving individuals the opportunity to the richness of knowledge.  Until then I will continue to my  mission for a community that receives the right information needed to be in total control of their health. 

Fitness refers to a person’s ability to perform physical activity. This can be any physical activity from walking, running, lifting weights or simply playing a game of  basketball.  The common question patients ask me is WHY  AM I IN THE HOSPITAL when all I do is go to the GYM?   One can exercise regularly and be incredibly fit, yet he can still have problems with his heart, lungs, or other parts of his or her  body that can  keep them  from being healthy.
As your health care advocate my goal is to make sure that you are health literate. Sounds fancy!  but it is the one thing  that causes our healthcare system to fail. The literacy of the individuals that use it.

 When using a healthcare advocate, it increases your ability to understand your care; become just a knowledgeable as your health care provider.   Somehow we  have concluded that activity equaled being healthy, and inactivity equaled not being healthy. Unfortunately, this concept is not only false, it is dangerously misleading.  

Let me give you a scenario: If you hurt your back at work and needed to be inactive due to injury, but was health literate and understood that your overall health would include regular visits to the right doctors, eating the right intake comparable to your inactivity would you say this person is healthy?

I have often stated that  health involves a way of life which also could include the barriers to knowledge  Health, on the other hand, involves EVERY system of your body,  along with a  lifestyle that supports your  health. 

For instance, if a patient of mine tells me that they have neglected to  eat properly, ignoring the fat and sugar  content of food  and hasn't made many efforts to be seen by a Doctor, all the exercise in the world couldn't possibly correct the damage done from such a lifestyle. Exercise can't replace  the RIGHT medical information.  Only sound knowledge can support good health.  Our health is mainly the result  of knowledge towards what it means as individuals to be healthy.

We make our future with what we do every day of our lives with the right knowledge, and the desire to see it through, you can certainly accomplish a great deal. 

 
Health and fitness research  is growing by day. For those who have access to the Internet, you can find loads of information in the area of health. If you have a web browser, you can use one of the search engines to isolate specific topics you are interested in. While  on the net go to www.janursingservices.com  learn more about  fitness vs healthcare vs wellness We are living in the best era for achieving health and fitness  literacy.  By simply educating yourself, you provide yourself with the POWER to make significant changes in your health and life.

Great news, I can help you because I believe that knowledge is the best medicine.

Health literacy is not just about individuals and communities. Health professionals who provide clear, reliable information are essential to helping people manage their health and play an essential role in improving health literacy skills.   The next time you are curious about your health  take a moment  to  visit my   Ask The Expert page. Lack of knowledge is a disease that I am here to help cure.

Where do you fit in ?

How health literate are you?

This has been watching out for your health with Michelle Smith your Health and Social advocate  Remember it's time to let your friends know about what you're reading. Thanks for sharing Please feel free to leave a comment 

CHARLIE SHEEN ADMITS TO HAVING HIV

Hey it's your girl JA Nursing here,  As your health care advocate I certainly had to weigh in on this topic  Especially with  World Aids Day Coming up December 1 2015 . Last week  The former star of sitcom Two And A Half Men appeared on NBC's Today show, ending days of intense media speculation. 

 

"I have to put a stop to this onslaught, this barrage of attacks and of sub-truths," he said, adding he was diagnosed four years ago.  Lets not forget the many other celebrities  who came out but have since passed. Like Easy E. Freddie Mercury. Sheen has now joined the ranks of Magic  Johnson    who   confirmed  his diagnosis publicly back in 1991,  then  a 32 year old Johnson , shocked the world when he announced that he was HIV-positive,

  

We know now that Anyone can be infected with HIV, no matter...

• your age
• your sex
• your race or ethnic origin
• who you have sex with 

.  In August Basketball legend and business mogul Magic Johnson turned  56, Giving hope that you can live longer  with the right treatment.
In a  article cited by writer  @jamilahking

 It's a message that Johnson himself has helped promote in the black community since his diagnosis. "I'm the blessing because people were talking about it, they ran out and got tested at that time," Johnson told CNN in 2013. "Then I'm the curse, because people now say, 'Oh well, HIV is nothing, because if I get it, I can be like Magic. He's doing good, and I can do the same thing he's doing or take the same medicine he's taking and I'll be okay.' But what they don't understand, in 22 years, millions of people have died."
 

DID YOU KNOW That  more than   75%  of HIV  diagnoses  in  Ontario's  Black Community are  attributed to heterosexual transmission? from our friends over at Black C.A.P

More than 75% of HIV diagnoses in Ontario’s Black community are attributed to heterosexual transmission. HIV incidence has been stable or increasing in Canadians exposed to HIV through heterosexual sex since 2008. According to 2011 national HIV estimates, 34% of HIV-positive people whose infection is attributable to a heterosexual exposure remain undiagnosed. That is why it is so important that you get tested, know your status and always use protection – even for heterosexual sex. - See more at: http://www.blackcap.ca/page.php?u=/hiv-aids-awareness/heterosexual-fact-sheets-%E2%80%93-hiv-and-stis#sthash.pfjN5g5y.dpuf

More than 75% of HIV diagnoses in Ontario’s Black community are attributed to heterosexual transmission. HIV incidence has been stable or increasing in Canadians exposed to HIV through heterosexual sex since 2008 - See more at: http://www.blackcap.ca/page.php?u=/hiv-aids-awareness/heterosexual-fact-sheets-%E2%80%93-hiv-and-stis#sthash.pfjN5g5y.dpuf

More than 75% of HIV diagnoses in Ontario’s Black community are attributed to heterosexual transmission. HIV incidence has been stable or increasing in Canadians exposed to HIV through heterosexual sex since 2008. According to 2011 national HIV estimates, 34% of HIV-positive people whose infection is attributable to a heterosexual exposure remain undiagnosed. That is why it is so important that you get tested, know your status and always use protection – even for heterosexual sex. - See more at: http://www.blackcap.ca/page.php?u=/hiv-aids-awareness/heterosexual-fact-sheets-%E2%80%93-hiv-and-stis#sthash.pfjN5g5y.dpuf

More than 75% of HIV diagnoses in Ontario’s Black community are attributed to heterosexual transmission. HIV incidence has been stable or increasing in Canadians exposed to HIV through heterosexual sex since 2008. According to 2011 national HIV estimates, 34% of HIV-positive people whose infection is attributable to a heterosexual exposure remain undiagnosed. That is why it is so important that you get tested, know your status and always use protection – even for heterosexual sex. - See more at: http://www.blackcap.ca/page.php?u=/hiv-aids-awareness/heterosexual-fact-sheets-%E2%80%93-hiv-and-stis#sthash.pfjN5g5y.dpuf

It  has been  a little over a week since Charlie Sheen has admitted to being HIV positive new headlines state that

Charlie Sheen could be sued by 700 ex-lovers over 'HIV sex' as his confession sparks Hollywood panic.

'Bad decision'

"I think I release myself from this prison today," he said.
He admitted that his use of drink and drugs was a "bad decision" but said it was "impossible" that he would have passed HIV on to anyone else.
The actor said he does not know how he contracted the virus but stressed he does not feel any stigma attached to the illness.

 It's a hard three letters to absorb."
Sheen appeared with his doctor, Robert Huizenga, who said his daily medication has suppressed the virus and he is "absolutely healthy".
"Charlie has an undetectable level of the virus in his blood," he said.
When asked to respond to rumours Sheen has Aids, Dr Huizenga said: "Charlie does not have Aids - that's when the virus suppresses the immune system. He is healthy."

Like many........

Sheen said his "personal disbelief and shame and anger" at the initial diagnosis "led to a descent into substance abuse and fathomless drinking".
But now he feels he has "the responsibility to better myself and help a lot of other people. With what we're doing today, others may come up and say, 'Thanks Charlie, thanks for kicking the door open'."


Now lets get back to the reality in our city. The 6ix. Tdot,  With World Aids day approaching  on  December 1 I had to resurrect this blog ordinarily posted  Dec 1 2014- with updated information.  The news and blogs  can be quite entertaining to the issues that he is facing. But the bigger reality is that right here in my city their is someone going through this health crisis as I am writing this blog.

---

Thank you to our friends over at Catie for this Information.  As your  Health care advocate my Mission is to help you navigate to the right information.Working in health care for the last 15 years has brought about a reality that  common  reasons for re  admissions  patients is due to lack of knowledge and lack of  complete literacy regarding their current health conditions.

HIV is a virus that can make you sick.
HIV (or Human Immunodeficiency Virus) weakens your immune system, your body’s built-in defence against disease and illness.
Anyone can be infected with HIV. You can have HIV without knowing it. You may not look or feel sick for years, but you can still pass the virus on to other people.
Without HIV treatment, your immune system can become too weak to fight off serious illnesses. HIV can also damage other parts of your body. Eventually, you can become sick with life-threatening infections. This is the most serious stage of HIV infection, called AIDS (or Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome).
There is no vaccine to prevent HIV.
There is no cure for HIV… but there is treatment.
There is no cure for HIV, but with proper care and treatment, most people with HIV can avoid getting AIDS and can stay healthy for a long time.
Anti-HIV drugs have to be taken every day. They cannot get rid of HIV but they can keep it under control.

DID YOU KNOW? That Only five body fluids can contain enough HIV to infect someone: blood, semen (including pre-cum), rectal fluid, vaginal fluid and breast milk.
HIV can only get passed when one of these fluids from a person with HIV gets into the bloodstream of another person—through broken skin, the opening of the penis or the wet linings of the body, such as the vagina, rectum or foreskin.
HIV cannot pass through healthy, unbroken skin.
The two main ways that HIV can get passed between you and someone else are:

• through unprotected sex (anal or vaginal sex without a condom)
• by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs (including steroids)

HIV can also be passed:

• by sharing needles or ink to get a tattoo
• by sharing needles or jewellery to get a body piercing
• by sharing acupuncture needles
• to a fetus or baby during pregnancy, birth or breast-feeding

HIV cannot be passed by:

• talking, shaking hands, working or eating with someone who has HIV
• hugs or kisses
• coughs or sneezes
• swimming pools
• toilet seats or water fountains
• bed sheets or towels
• forks, spoons, cups or food
• insects or animals

For more on how HIV is transmitted, please visit CATIE’s How transmission occurs page.

HIV can be passed during unprotected sex.
This means:

• vaginal or anal sex without a condom
• oral sex without a condom or dental dam (a piece of latex used to cover the vulva or anus)
• sharing sex toys

Oral sex is not as risky as vaginal or anal sex, but it’s not completely safe.

Protect yourself and your partner(s) from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

You can have sex with little or no risk of passing on or getting HIV. This is called safer sex.
Safer sex also helps protect you and your partner(s) from other STIs, such as gonorrhea and syphilis.
People can have HIV or other STIs without knowing it because these infections often do not cause symptoms. You could have HIV or another STI and not know it. Also, don’t assume that your partner know(s) whether they have HIV or any other STI. The only way to know for sure is to be tested.

To practise safer sex…

• Use a latex or polyurethane condom correctly every time you have vaginal or anal sex.
• Use only water-based or silicone-based lubricants. (Oil-based lubricants can make latex condoms break.)
• Get tested for STIs regularly. Having an STI increases your risk of getting and passing on HIV.
• Avoid sharing sex toys, and if you do, cover each one with a new condom before each use. It is also important to clean your toys between vaginal and anal use.
• Use a condom or dental dam every time you have oral sex.
• Choose forms of sexual stimulation that pose little or no risk for HIV, like masturbation or sensual massage.

Thank you to our Friends at Casey House for this snap shot of Toronto.

A Snapshot Of HIV/AIDS In Toronto

• Every day, two Torontonians are newly infected with HIV
• More than 1 in 4 new HIV diagnoses in Toronto are among young people under 30
• 65% of new infections in Toronto occur in men who have sex with men
• Women represent 1 in 5 new HIV diagnoses in Toronto

More people live with HIV today than ever before—not just around the world but right here in #Toronto.

The message is clear 

With the  winter months bringing about loneliness and poor choices for some, we must remember that theses facts are real. This has been watching out for Health with Michelle Smith Your Health and Social Advocate. This is a message for all Wrap it Up, Get Tested and be knowledgeable about your risks and your health. If you are reading this blog and would like more information on how you can help some one today We want to hear from you becasue WE CARE

http://www.blackcap.ca/

Buy a ticket here

http://www.black-cap.com/page.php?u=/about/2015-joyful-giving-tickets

https://aso411.ca/
http://www.caseyhouse.com/about-casey-house/contact/










Resources 

 http://www.blackcap.ca/


http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/celebrities-hiv-positive-aids-article-1.2436964

https://aso411.ca/

• Entertainment Live: Charlie Sheen reaction

 http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-34845630

 http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/charlie-sheen-could-sued-700-6877314

http://mic.com/articles/123904/magic-johnson-turns-55-after-23-years-with-hiv#.71iimvIth

 http://www.actoronto.ca/home.nsf/pages/services


 http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-34845630


 http://www.worldaidsday.org/about

A Health Care Coach Makes You A Winner Join In !

Hi Its your Health Advocate Michelle Smith here,  With the launch of  my new program Health  Care Shield , I just wanted to welcome you to this  wonderful journey that you will be embarking on. I will  explore what most health-care providers and fitness coaches will  overlook (like self-love, environmental influences, social determinants, and  medical factual knowledge. 

If you are still wondering Why  you should use a Health Coach/Advocate . Let me start off by letting you know that  we work in conjunction with  your trainer, health care provider  to help mold habits that will stay. We will  teach you how to achieve your optimal health goals for not only yourself but this is knowledge that will suite the needs of your whole family.  We give you the power through knowledge to be in charge of your health. We believe in teamwork for wellness.

The words Health and wellness are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings. Health is a "State of complete physical, mental, and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

Wellness, on the other hand, is defined as the overall process of maintaining a general state of good health. Wellness involves conscious decisions on the part of the individual In modern usage, however, the combined phrase "health and wellness" has come to mean the pursuit of overall physical, mental, and emotional health. This term is used frequently in various contexts, all aimed at promoting a better lifestyle.

We Offer workshops to groups  all ages providing the knowledge  needed to succeed through all milestones of life. We Work with the community to teach our youths  how to be health  and socially literate; which will encourage and foster the best life style practices.  

When working with our team you are guaranteed to be a winner. We strive on giving you all the knowledge you need to be at your best with life time knowledge. For the Record many will claim that they are health coaches by using exercise as a tool to gester knowledge. FALSE   Here is  some tips for helping you pick the right Coach for YOU

 
It's up to you to decide if you're comfortable with the level of training and experience of the coach you intend to hire.

If you have a specific illness or medical concern, ask their experience working with individuals like you. Are they licensed to treat people with medical issues? Are they aware of specific needs you may have or certain limitations? 

In some cases, it may be important to find someone who is both a licensed health care provider and a holistic health coach (there are a few of us out there!). We're trained to handle any medical issues that may come up and facilitate healthy changes in the safest and most effective way.We are your navigation specialist that take you and your family one step further by being able to be your Voice
 

As complex human beings, our health is a combination of our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. When striving to make health changes it's important to be mindful of all areas of our well-being.

Many coaches are trained in one thing: nutrition, personal training, spiritual guidance, behavior change or weight loss.

Not all coaches  are equipped to handle all aspects of your health that's OK!  but always make sure that you Understand your needs properly........

Your  initial assessment at the gym can really make you feel as if you are making BiG changes! Yes you are,   But always remember  to ask how the tools that you need to spend more money on  how it will be a  real life changer.


Always remember that your Doctor is the only person you will know for your entire life:  because  he or she is the loony one who can sign your Birth and Death certificate. So know what is needed for you to stay current with your health. After all we  all are  predisposed to something regardless of age.




A coach should be aware of the importance of treating people holistically and have the tools — or a good referral network — to help you in key areas during your quest for better health. 

For this reason Our programs works with You, your fitness trainer, your Doctor to give you the results. 

 

 Is LACK OF KNOWLEDGE A DISEASE? 

Just a Quick Reminder be sure to ask your Coach What tools  they  have to help you get  Unstuck ?

Most people seek the help of a fitness trainer,health coach  when they're stuck. They've tried to make changes but have found blocks, resistance and challenges.
Usually when clients come to me "stuck," it's because they have reached a road block with their health care provider along with requiring  some time to explore  the mental, emotional or spiritual factors that affect their health. 


Exploring these areas can be intimidating and scary. A coach should be able to sit in this space with you and feel comfortable with the uncomfortable stuff that comes up. They also have the tools and training to do this with you in a safe, healing environment.

It is important for you to be able to advocate for your self  always ask you fitness guru  When would you refer me to a licensed health care provider?

It's very important to be clear with your coach what their scope of practice is. Many coaches are not medically trained and are not licensed to diagnose, assist, or understand symptoms that you may or may not tell them.
Just because a coach has worked with people with a certain disease doesn't mean they're certified or qualified to give you the right information to help you get the right  treatment.

 
A good  and confident coach will know their limitations and will  be willing to discuss them with you. They should be comfortable admitting, "I don't know how to help you with this" or saying, "I think a more thorough work-up by a health care provider is needed."


Lastly another question that you should always ask yourself when starting a new health journey is  will I still be in control of my health?
Lasting health changes only occur when a client takes ownership of her own healing. We're unique, intricate beings with different personalities, motivations and challenges.
It takes time for me to intimately understand my clients and guide them toward the best methods and approaches for them. One size does not fit all!


I love when people say to me, "that won't work for me" because we get to come up with lots of ideas on how to make health work better for them. In fact, when something doesn't work it usually helps us more specifically find what does ... and this is how we create success in our health!
Hiring a health coach can be a great addition to your health care team. Asking the right questions will help guide you in finding the best fit for your needs.



most valuable gifts I have ever given myself.”  — Illana Burk

HEALTH COACHING WITH ME IS AVAILABLE IN A THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED PROGRAM TO MEET YOU EXACTLY WHERE YOU’RE READY

JA Nursing is a community division of J.A Smith Consulting and Nursing Services  we will produce results that you can evaluate.  We are Social and Health advocates striving for change. 

Every age comes with a concern, let us help you today to get the right answers.  We work with various platforms throughout the community to establish the reputation needed to set  this as a much needed service.

This has been watching  out for your health with Michelle Smith your health and social advocate. Contact us to learn how a healthcare advocate will help you or your organization achieve best practices. We specialize in your overall health   for  more information visit Us www.janursingservcies.com

Don't forget to follow us on on twitter

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