vv 9-23

It’s Zumba Time!
By: Mary Richard / Health Fitness
Things are pretty much back to normal after
3+ years post-COVID. By the time this
column is published, I will have traveled to my
Zumba Convention.
First one since 2019 due to pandemic and back surgery. I had
attended every one since 2008 when I became a Zumba instructor.
I’m so thrilled to meet up with old friends, meet new ones, receive
new trainings and refresh my Zumba brain! I will be energized to bring
new music and
choreography
to my classes.
So how will I
“pace” myself
during four
solid days of
dancing from
9am - 6pm and
have energy
for parties
at night? I
have learned
throughout
the years to
take time to
relax between
sessions, take
copious notes
and hydrate!
A glass of
wine with dinner also helps. LOL!
Eating nutritious foods is a must! I pack lightly, only carry-on and
one backpack for the week of trainings.
I purchase dried foods, bring energy packets, energy bars and build
up my immune system by boosting with vitamin C for about a week
prior to the trainings. Snacking on fresh fruits during the day and
then a full dinner after all the dancing during the day keeps my energy
elevated.
Fortunately, our convention is near many grocery stores to purchase
fresh goods.
At my “young” age of 78, I can keep up with all the younger Zumba
instructors. Yes, 78 is only a number and I feel so much better now than
I did in my 50s or 60s.
Amazing, isn’t it? My goal is to teach Zumba as long as I’m physically
able and continue with my healthy style of living.
In my next column, I’m sure I’ll have many stories to share with
you. Until then, be safe, stay cool in this Vegas heat and hydrate.
POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND HAPPY HEALTH TO ALL!
Mary Richard is a long term supporter of senior fitness. She
teaches Zumba, toning and dance classes throughout the Las
Vegas Valley. She can be reached at zumbaqueen@cox.net.
42
September 2023
How Stress Can
Exacerbate Diabetes
By: Kyo Mitchell / A Healthier You
Over 37 million people in the United States suffer
from diabetes, a condition where the level of
sugar in the blood is too high. Two hormones, insulin and glucagon,
work to balance the blood sugar level and keep it from becoming too
high or too low.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune
system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin so the
body cannot regulate blood sugar properly. Type 2 diabetes is a modern
disease where the cells become resistant to the effects of insulin.
Using the analogy of a key (insulin) which can open locks (cells
which allow insulin to enter), in type 1, there are not enough keys to
open the locks. In type 2, there are plenty of keys, but the locks are
broken, and the keys no longer work.
There are a number of other factors which can affect the blood sugar
level. Stress is one such factor.
When a person is stressed, the brain tells the hormonal system to
release cortisol and glucocorticoids from the adrenal glands. This is
part of the fight or flight response seen during stressed states.
The cortisol and glucocorticoids then send signals to the liver to
release sugars that have been stored there. This sugar is then dumped
into the blood stream. This process, known as gluconeogenesis, further
increases the level of sugar in the blood which further exacerbates
diabetes.
Cortisol and glucocorticoids also have another deleterious effect. The
purpose of insulin is to help send sugars into the cells where the cells
can use it as an energy source that helps them function correctly.
The cortisol and glucocorticoids decrease cells response to insulin
so that the sugars in the blood are taken into and used by the cells less
efficiently. This makes the cells of the body function less efficiently and
further raises the blood sugar level.
Dr. Kyo Mitchell served as faculty at Bastyr University in Seattle
and Wongu University in Las Vegas for over a decade. Dr. Mitchell
practices in Summerlin and can be reached at 702-481-6216 or
rkyomitchell@gmail.com.