Adequate Sleep, Nutrition & Exercise Is A Great Way To Maximize Health, Even For The Cancer Survivor

BY KERRIE PERCEY (WITH JONI LUKE) I don’t know about you, but if there is anything I do NOT have time for as a Mom, it’s being sick. And as one who has struggled with health issues, and who often works with cancer survivors, I definitely know that life doesn’t stop for us to recover, not even from chemo treatments, radiation, or surgery. We may feel fatigue, depression, and more but life continues and expectations and responsibilities never end. So many parents, especially if children are young, have additional things to think about, like homework, science projects, dance lessons, sports…the list goes on. And if you’re like me, none of those things are yours, they all belong to your kids. But if we don't find time to take care of our needs first, it makes recovery, health, healing and fighting disease that much harder. So then what can we do to stay on our toes? Prevent. What if our bodies were able to avoid being acidic – which only leads to being even susceptible to disease and illness? What if we were getting a restful sleep every night? What would it feel like to have more of the energy we need to accomplish the most important things on our list? Even with cancer and other health ailments, our bodies want to be healthy. They have amazing abilities to correct the ailments within, if the core systems of our body are in a proper alignment. I don’t just mean bones, I mean all of the systems working together to build a strong and healthy body. An alkaline environment in the body helps it be capable of resisting diseases while still being able to produce the energy and clarity we need for day to day life. One of the key ways that our bodies reach that alignment is through a healthy sleep. It’s scientifically proven that most adults do not get the amount of sleep our bodies need. It is also proven that, as a whole, women need more sleep than men.  If we are deprived of a nurturing, healthy sleep, our bodies will pay the price, no matter how badly they want to keep going. Oftentimes we don’t get into the deep sleep we need because we’re not a comfortable temperature. One foot out, then back in. Blanket up by our shoulders, then down to our waist. A proper blanket, good linens, room temperature and lighting help immensely. Some report that blankets made with Far-Infrared technology that features ceramic-reflective fibers that absorb energy from sources like the room temperature and body heat. It then reflects that energy but only within the far-infrared range of the spectrum, giving you the comfort of finally being “just right." Is this the answer to getting good sleep? Perhaps. Have you ever noticed how much better you feel when you’re outside, away from the congestion of highly populated areas? That’s because the earth has its own energy, one of which is negative ions, which are charged oxygen atoms or molecules. They are often found in high amounts in settings like forests and near waterfalls. That same energy is available in products that you can use indoors, making it like a natural environment within the walls of your home. Personally, I'm a big fan of such products and they've helped me feel better, more rested, and more able to take on life's challenges. Fatigue, though I still experience it, has waned. In my opinion, the best solution for our long term health is a natural one.  That doesn't mean that I don't believe in and use traditional medicine. I would never advocate that one forego chemo or medications. But complimenting that approach with natural options help. Good nutrition, adequate rest, exercise. It's an amazing starting point. Kerrie Percey is a mom, wife, and wellness advocate and advisor. She is passionate about health, healing and living life to its fullest. She lives near Salt Lake City with her husband, three children and step-children. Kerrie can be found at www.nikken.com/highland or kerrieleilani.com. Joni Luke is a mom to five awesome children. She loves music, sports and public speaking, but also loves a good book when she has a few quiet moments to herself. She loves being around people, and enjoys the opportunity to help recognize and achieve the potential they have within. You can learn more about her story at www.nikken.com/naturalsolutions.