susancatherineketer.com

HEALTHWISE BULLETIN

Be Informed. Stay Healthy

No: 01 Vol. 02; Monday Oct 25 2024

Dear Readers,

Welcome to another edition of HealthWise Bulletin! The enthusiasm for our start-up issue was incredible, and your feedback inspires us to keep delivering valuable health insights every week. We encourage you to share this bulletin with family, friends, and colleagues. Together, we can build a healthier community through knowledge.

In this issue, we’ve highlighted essential topics to empower your health journey, including:

• Fighting Healthcare Ignorance: Understanding the root causes of illnesses and effective ways to manage them.

• Weight Loss as a Journey: Sustainable weight loss is a process, not a quick fix.

• Wellness Transformation: The inspiring story of one woman who eased her knee pain by changing daily habits.

• Medicine Awareness: Why reading the leaflet matters—understanding side effects and instructions is key.

• Smart Use of Drugs and Supplements: Avoid overusing medications, supplements, and specific foods when looking for a cure. Sometimes, moderation and a balanced approach are more effective.

Welcome to this week’s HealthWise. Enjoy your reading!

Warm regards,
The HealthWise Team

Unfortunately, the real challenge lies in knowledge. Too often, we rely solely on what we hear from others or overlook key information that could be vital to our health journey.

Don’t accept that your health condition is a permanent sentence. You can do a lot to slow down, improve, and even reverse certain health conditions. 

Most lifestyle diseases start from seemingly minor habits - like poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, use of some personal care products that end up introducing toxins in the body, or inadequate sleep - that gradually build up negative effects on the body. 

Addressing these factors early on can make a big difference. So remember, the first step toward a healthier you is recognizing and changing those habits that may be compromising your health.

At HealthWise, we’re committed to empowering you to take charge of your well-being. Health is your responsibility, and it’s within your reach to make informed choices for a healthier future. Ignorance, in many ways, is more dangerous than the disease itself. By understanding the root causes of illnesses and the factors that trigger them, we can all work toward preventing and managing health conditions more effectively.

Consider the above image: a man fishing in a glass tub devoid of fish, while a vast sea full of potential lies behind him. It’s a simple, yet powerful metaphor for how we often approach health - focusing on what’s immediately in front of us while missing the broader, richer landscape of possibilities. 

Let’s broaden our perspectives and explore the wealth of knowledge that can lead us to healthier, happier, more fulfilling lives.

Thank you for joining us on this journey toward wellness. Together, let’s transform and redefine what it means to live well. Let’s refuse to settle for less!

Warm regards,
The HealthWise Team

Our Health and Fitness Programme, however, emphasizes a balanced, realistic approach: one that includes diet management, regular exercise, and - most importantly - consistency.

One crucial point to remember is patience. Many of us gain weight over the years, often due to small, unhelpful habits that compound over time. Expecting to reverse that in a few short weeks isn’t realistic.

Sustainable change typically takes consistent effort over several months to a year. The goal here isn’t just quick results; it’s about building a healthy foundation that supports lasting transformation.

Let’s highlight a few success stories: one client recently shared that she had lost 3 kilos in under one month, thrilled to see the impact of her new lifestyle. Another, seeing rapid weight loss, asked how to safely slow down, recognizing that this journey is as much about balance as it is about results.

I, too, have walked this path. Through a year of gradual, steady progress—losing 2 to 3 kilos monthly—I finally reached my target weight. My journey didn’t end there, though. After achieving my goal, my weight naturally stabilized, even though I maintained the same healthy habits. This is a normal part of long-term weight management, showing that the body adapts once it’s reached a healthier balance.

Consistency is the cornerstone of long-term health and well-being. The journey may require patience, but with commitment and trust in the process, you’ll find yourself on a steady path to a healthier life. We’re here to guide and support you every step of the way, sharing insights and practical tips to help you succeed.

Stay empowered!

A Wellness Story: She Transformed Her Painful Knees by Changing Her Habits

There’s nothing more challenging than living with weak, painful knees and a sore back. You can’t bend or move without grimacing in pain. Sleep becomes a battle, and simple tasks like walking turn into a daunting duty.

A little while ago, I met a lady in the market where I usually buy vegetables. In our markets, vegetables are often displayed on the ground, which forces you to bend low to pick what you want. 

I noticed she was struggling with every movement, clearly in discomfort. When it came time to walk and cross a small trench, she had great difficulty, moving slowly and painfully like a toddler navigating stairs - one leg down, followed by the other, step by step.

I struck up a conversation with her, and she told me she was undergoing treatment for painful knees and a sore back. As always, my instinct to help kicked in, and I asked her a few questions about her diet - specifically, what kind of oil she used for cooking.

“The usual salad oil, the healthy one,” she replied.

“Have you ever tried using animal fat?” I asked.

“No, no, I’ve been strongly advised against it. They said it would clog my arteries,” she said, pausing before adding, “but my husband uses it. I cook his food with animal fat.”

“And how is his health? Does he have the same pains as you?”

“No, he’s perfectly fine,” she said. “But the doctor has advised me not to use it.”

“And since you’ve been using the salad oils, have your knees or back improved?”

“Not yet, but I’m still hoping they will soon,” she said.

I gently told her that her problem might be linked to the oils she used in cooking and warned her that the pain might continue or even worsen if she didn’t reconsider her approach. She looked at me like I was predicting doom.

We spoke a few more times over the coming weeks, but she insisted on sticking with the salad oils because of the doctor's advice. Then one day, to my surprise, I saw her walking briskly through the market, effortlessly crossing the same trench that had once caused her so much trouble.

Newfound Agility

When I commented on her newfound agility, she smiled and said, “Yes, I changed my cooking oil. Now my husband and I are both using animal fat, and my back and knees have improved significantly. Can’t you see how I walk and bend now?”

I could indeed see the difference. Her transformation reminded me of the power of information and how small changes can make a huge difference in someone’s life. If she continues to build on the lessons she has learned, I’m confident her health will continue to improve.

As for me, I’ve been using animal fat to cook my food for over a year now and walking at least five kilometers a day. The knee pains that used to bother me have gradually disappeared. 

May this story inspire you to re-examine how you prepare your meals and how small changes might bring relief. If you have questions or need more guidance, subscribe to this Bulletin or contact our team via email, or WhatsApp.

HEALTH TIP 02: Carefully read the leaflets that accompany your Medications

When it comes to managing health, understanding the details of your medications is key. Many people take medication without knowing what they are or their potential side effects. It is not unusual to come across people who don’t even know the name of the medication they take. They simply collect the pills during regular medical check-ups. 

Always carefully read through the leaflet included with your medication package, as it contains crucial information about how to safely use the product, warnings, contraindications, and much more. If you receive medications without a leaflet, such as those dispensed in small quantities, make it a priority to research the drug online or consult your pharmacist. Manufacturers of medications provide the information freely. All you need to do is to search for it. 

Surprisingly, some health issues patients face - like unexplained weight gain or new symptoms - are sometimes side effects of the very medications they’re using. Following the information provided by the manufacturers can reduce the side effects and make your health journey smoother.

Simply following the doctor's prescription without carefully reading through the information provided by the manufacturer can be risky, so never overlook the fine print. Your doctor might not ask questions about what else you consume while on treatment to identify what could be causing you unnecessary reactions. In transformational life coaching, we open your eyes to things you may be overlooking. 

Do not settle for less. Always read and understand what you're taking. Ask your doctor or pharmacist questions if you have concerns or if something is not clear. Do not accept herbal concoctions without clear information about what they consist of. Demand information about the ingredients, how they are prepared, and whatever other information you find to be necessary to understand.

Don’t Over-Medicate: Let Your Body Lead the Way

In today’s fast-paced world, reaching for a pill to ease every ache or discomfort has become second nature for many. Yet, constantly turning to medication, especially over-the-counter options, can take a toll on your body, affecting vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver. 

Not every discomfort needs a quick-fix remedy. Often, these aches and pains are your body’s way of saying it’s time to improve your habits—whether that means eating better, getting more exercise, or improving your sleep routine.

Even with natural herbs and supplements, caution is key. Just because they’re “natural” doesn’t mean they’re harmless. Many contain active ingredients similar to those in prescription medications, and overuse can overload your system. Take potassium, for instance. It’s found in medication, supplements, and diverse foods and drinks. Overdoing it can lead to unwanted health complications, and even mess up your treatment.

The truth is, there’s no magic pill for perfect health. A balanced, holistic approach that nourishes your body naturally often reduces the need for medication in the long run. By staying informed and making mindful choices, you can take charge of your health and reduce dependence on medication.

Be proactive, stay patient, and trust your body to lead the way.

One major factor behind fungal overgrowth is the misuse or overuse of antibiotics. Our bodies naturally host a balance of bacteria and fungi, coexisting harmoniously. Antibiotics, however,- especially the broad-spectrum antibiotics - don’t discriminate: they wipe out good bacteria along with the harmful ones, disrupting the natural balance.

This creates an opportunity for fungi to grow unchecked, which can lead to infections. Side effects of frequent antibiotic use can include weakened immunity, digestive issues, and the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 

After taking antibiotics, it’s essential to restore good bacteria in the body. You can achieve this through practices such as avoiding foods that feed bad bacteria such as high sugar foods, consumption of fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, or cultured milk and fasting or at least reducing the frequency of taking meals in order to give your digestive system adequate rest.

In my own experience, I saw the impact of antibiotics when my second child was prescribed them frequently during her first year due to early health complications. The effects on her immune system were clear - she struggled with recurring issues like constipation, ringworm, and boils, while other children around her didn’t. At the time, I didn’t understand how important it was to rebalance her gut health after each antibiotic course.

Treatments for fungal infections can have side effects too, depending on the medication. Oral antifungals, for instance, can sometimes cause liver strain, digestive discomfort, and, in some cases, even skin conditions. This highlights the importance of using antifungal treatments carefully and under medical guidance. Do not overuse or misuse them.

A weakened immune system can also increase vulnerability to fungal infections. This is why individuals dealing with chronic health conditions may experience these issues more frequently. When the body is functioning well, it maintains a balance, naturally keeping fungi and bacteria in check.

To help prevent fungal infections, avoid unnecessary antibiotics, support your immune health, and consider rebalancing your body’s healthy bacteria after antibiotic treatment. Taking proactive steps in these areas can make a significant difference in staying infection-free.

📢 We're launching a weekly health news bulletin called "HealthWise" and a quarterly health and wellness newsletter, "NourishandFlourish.Live" to keep you informed and motivated.

🌟 New subscriptions are now available for those who want regular access to our expert information and ongoing support.

Thank you for your continued support to us at SusanCatherineKeter.com so we can support YOU in your health and fitness journey! 🌱

Get in touch: [email protected] or via our WhatsApp (+254724378980).

💬 Let’s thrive together!

To register for the free HealthWise Bulletin, follow this link: www.susancatherineketer.com
To subscribe to the NourishandFlourish.Live newsletter: www.NourishandFlourish.Live

#HealthAndWellness #NourishAndFlourish #FitnessJourney #StayInformed

Our coaching programs remain open, so if you need personalized support for your health journey, don’t hesitate to reach out.

You can email me at [email protected] or chat with me on WhatsApp using this number +254 724 378980.

Stay informed and healthy!