Can sex prevent the H1N1 virus?

Probably not, but having more sex is one of the many things you can do can help boost your overall immunity. Read on....

I've decided that unless someone comes across evidence that guarantees that the H1N1 vaccine is 100% safe my family will instead take a slightly different pro-active approach to our seasonal health. In addition to our usual cocktail of vitamins and supplements we are also adding daily cups of immunity boosting teas and herbs to the regimen.

I'm quickly learning there are other changes we need to make to ensure that we stay healthy or at the very least strong enough to fight whatever nasty little bug comes a knockin'. For example:

Sleep: Experts recommend that you get at least seven to eight hours of sleep during flu season to boost immunity. Lack of adequate sleep wears down immune protection by preventing the body from repairing cells necessary for fighting off infections.

Sex: It has been proven that having sex gives immunity a healthy boost of IGA (a protein from the immune system that helps fight infections), which plays a critical role in keeping pathogens from entering your body -- and capturing those that do sneak in.

Exercise: At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like walking (or sex, just sayin') 3-4 times a week has been shown to boost immunity. But be careful, over training and working out too much have the opposite effect.

Music: In a study conducted by Dr. Carl J. Charnetski of Wilkes University on a group of Pennsylvania newspaper reporters, it was discovered that music can also help increase levels of IGA. Just 30 minutes of your favorite music has the potential to boost your immunity even after the music stops.

Soap & Water: It's common knowledge that good ol' soap and warm water does wonders for killing germs and helping keep the number of "nasties" (pardon my "technical term") to a minimum.(source)


Let me know what are you doing to stay healthy during the flu season? shawna@cocoaom.com

Got Yoga?

Yoga Can Improve Test Scores

25 years ago my physical education teacher laid us out on our mats for what would become a weekly ritual. Yoga. The class was nothing more than a few simple stretches, breathing exercises and guided relaxation. I can't speak for anyone else, but that class stuck with me and is part of the reason I became a Yoga instructor. Kudos to those who despite the dwindling number of schools offering P.E. and the pressure from people who refuse to listen, are spreading the word that offering yoga to students will benefit them in so many different ways. If you're interested in learning more about how yoga can help your child, check out this book and then drop me a line, perhaps I can direct you to a children's yoga instructor in your area.

Never thought I'd be quoting Ashley Simpson but....

“Your body is changing, and it’s such an amazing time to feel that connection. I did prenatal yoga, which was a nice way to mellow down and focus on me and Bronx. Being pregnant was the healthiest I’ve ever been in my life. Except for the cupcakes!” (Source)

She's right, there's nothing like yoga to help a mom-to-be make peace with her changing body. Not only that, the breathing exercises are perfect for controlling those killer mood swings that come with pregnancy as well as helping manage those killer contractions that come later. I encourage every budding mama to check with her doctor to see if pre-natal yoga is an option. Even if you can't practice the asanas, meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises) are sure to do you and the little one some good. Once the baby arrives I recommend you continue your practice, because trust me you'll need it. I always say, if you're looking for a teacher, look for one that's a mother, cause that's one lady that is sure to be LIVING her yoga. Don't I know it.

Shawna Renee on BAP Living Radio

In honor of National Yoga Month, I'll be joining Ananda Leeke for tonight's episode of BAP Living Radio. I am excited and honored to be sitting down with Ananda once again to discuss my journey as a yoga student, teacher and entrepreneur as well as unveiling my latest project designed to bring the Cocoa Om experience direct to you. Tune in tonight (Sept 13) at 7:00pm ET. Log on to BAP Living Radio for the details.

See you on the radio.

Encouraging News for Corporate Wellness Programs

The World Economic Forum Touts Wellness Programs:

“Employers, for example, should put less focus on approaching health care tactically with programs that address health issues as they arise, and begin thinking strategically by promoting healthy behaviors. For example, they should provide practical incentives for employees to engage in physical activity, subsidize healthy eating options in workplace dining facilities and vending machines, and ensure that working practices and environments are conducive to long-term health.

Many employers, of course, have taken steps in those directions, although the report clearly implies that more should be done.” (Read full story - source)

It should be no surprise that I am a huge supporter of corporate wellness programs. With all the attention being given to health care reform, it is surprising that we don't hear more discussion about the benefits of wellness programs as a step in the direction of preventive care. Some of the most well-intentioned corporations are still hesitant to fund workforce wellness programs out of fear that the return on their investment will come too late to make a real difference in this economy. When in fact, this is the perfect time to look into into implementing a program. It doesn't take a lot of money, just time, creativity and dedication to creating healthy and happy workforce.

For example, corporate yoga is a growing trend in the high stress world of finance. Folks are trading suits and ties for t-shirts and shorts as they bend, breathe and stretch their way to a happier and healthier existence at work and at home. Other companies are taking the first step to improving the eating habits of employees by filling vending machines with healthy food options that help keep weight low and energy high. Those with a slightly larger budget are opting to reward employees who make a commitment to better health by proving on-site massage and spa treatments. The possibilities are endless and the outcome immeasurable. From fewer sick days taken to decreased turnover, business owners would do well to look beyond next quarter's bottom line and recognize that an investment in the health and well-being of one's workforce has the potential to pay incredible dividends for many years to come.

Yoga is...

"Evolution is the only form of perfection I've ever encountered"

Welcome to National Yoga Month. All this month yogis around the country will be celebrating this practice and the spirit that has called us each to make yoga a part of our lives. Hopefully during this time many of you who've been afraid to try yoga will uncover your courage and take at least one class. As I prepare myself for what I HOPE will be a month of interesting, entertaining and enlightening blogs on yoga, health and wellness, I can't help but to reflect on my own journey, one that started just about a year ago when I made the commitment to deepen my practice by becoming a yoga teacher. Rather than write an entire essay on the way yoga has changed my life, I will share with you my thoughts on what I believe Yoga is....

Yoga is evolution
Yoga is freedom
Yoga is light
Yoga is love
Yoga is balance
Yoga is peace
Yoga is purpose
Yoga is beauty
Yoga is strength
Yoga is family
Yoga is community
Yoga is what I do, what I teach and what I aspire to achieve.

Namaste.

Dream Boards..

I love Dream Boards! I have three hanging in my office now. They keep me on track, not to mention creating a dream board is a perfect way for those of us who are "artistically challenged" to create something beautiful without having to draw a line. Now, as much as I love creating them, I hate cutting up my magazines to do so. Thanks to Oprah online you can now create your own dream board without having to touch a pair of scissors using their new software which allows you use images stored on your computer or their collection of images courtesy of Getty Images. I created one this morning and as soon as I wrap up this post I'm going back to do another. If you haven't already, check it out and see what you can come up with. Feel free to share when you're done.

You can find the link here.

Happy Dreaming!

Namaste.