Cheeseburgers and French fries might seem like the staple of the American diet, but in Korea where I am from, it is a popular fermented cabbage dish called Kimchi. Usually served as a side dish but also often integrated with entrees, Kimchi has been served in Korean cultures for centuries. Its consumption dates back anywhere from 2600 to 3000 years ago, and unlike the staple foods of other cultures, Kimchi is loaded with probiotics. It was even thought to prevent the spread of Avian Bird Flu back in 2003!

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Imagine a surfboard on wheels. It’s a bit like skateboarding right? Now imagine incorporating the upper body work out from a sport like canoeing, and you’ve got an activity done by people all over Hawaii and even out here in the streets of Los Angeles—land paddling.

Land paddling is classified as a “board sport” like surfing or stand-up paddling, invented by Hawaiians thousands of years ago. Like stand-up paddling in the ocean, land paddling requires the same form and technique, except you’re on dry land propelling yourself forward with a big stick, commonly known by long paddlers as the Big Kahuna Stick. The Big Kahuna Stick is 1.5 to 1.95 meters long made of either bamboo or wood, with a layer of fiber fiberglass wrapped around it and a carbon rubber grip.

The great thing about land paddling is that you can get an intense core and upper-body cardiovascular workout, and do it almost anywhere there is flat land. Skate parks, out on the street, or in regular parks near bike trails are great places to land paddle. Especially trails with mini-dips, so you can get up some good speed!

While it is helpful to have some experience in skate boarding, it is something people of all ages can take up, and is definitely a more enjoyable work out than the average trip to the gym. I can guarantee after about forty minutes, you will definitely start feeling the burn!

Check out the video below for a breakdown of how land paddling works, and as the land paddlers of Hawaii say, carry a big stick!


References:

http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/news/local/Carrying_a_big_stick_98741989.html

http://www.kahunacreations.com/

Robert Redford, the dashing, 1970’s heart throb of Sundance fame has turned more than a few heads in his time. While the actor and director has received numerous awards of achievement for his contribution to the arts, not many people are aware of his gallant philanthropic efforts for environmental advocacy, wildlife and nature conservation.

Before actors like Leo DiCaprio or Daryl Hannah ever stepped foot in the green political spotlight, Redford has been a dedicated liberal and environmentalist for nearly forty years, contributing to one of the largest public interest groups in the country, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). To date, the group has over a million members and activists nationwide. The NRDC’s mission ultimately is to “safeguard the Earth: its people its plants and animals and the natural systems of which all life depends”, which include efforts in controlling energy efficiency, protecting endangered species, preserving marine life, curbing global warming, preventing pollution, and creating a clean energy future.

Over the years Redford has teamed up with NRDC to lobby for environmental legislation, block oil drilling in the Arctic, host a U.S. to Soviet Union global warming summit and most recently, recorded a new NRDC video in support of the “Clean Energy Legislation”. In 2003, The NRDC opened their Santa Monica headquarters and building and dedicated it to Mr. Redford. NRDC received the highest certification available for green building design, a Platinum rating from the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program. Aptly named the “Robert Redford Building”, it uses sixty percent less energy than a typical office building with no carbon dioxide emissions, with non-toxic furniture and flooring.

The next time you are in Santa Monica, please take a peek at NRDC’s green building on 2nd Street. Frequently known to pop in now and then, you just might catch a glimpse of Mr. Sundance himself!

Address:

Robert Redford Building

1314 2nd Street

Santa Monica, CA 90401

References:

http://www.nrdc.org/media/pressreleases/031113.asp

http://www.ecorazzi.com/2010/05/21/robert-redford-records-new-nrdc-video-supporting-clean-energy-legislation/

http://eponline.com/articles/2005/11/01/has-the-nrdc-gone-hollywood.aspx

Purglo

Did you know that your body’s largest organ is your skin? Looking young and feeling good are all things that we want and can obtain. In order to achieve this, we need a holistic approach that includes proper rest, eating well, keeping an active lifestyle, thinking positively and looking good! Yes, looking good plays a significant role in your health, emotional, physical and overall well being and it all starts with the skin.

For my first beauty and skincare feature, I would like to introduce you to the PURGLO Skin Care System by PURIGENEX. I created this skin care system as a natural alternative to invasive surgery, injections and harsh chemical applications.

Watch the video below to find out more about this wonderful product line and check out the www.purglo.com website for more info. Here’s looking at you, Kid!

Purigenex Featured on Good Day LA with Jillian Barberie!

By now many of us frequent “beachgoers” have all seen the guys and gals standing up on surf boards in the middle of the ocean saying to ourselves “Wow, that look like so much fun…man, I wish I could do that.” Well you can and you will! Not only is Standup Paddle Board surfing one of the fastest growing water sport activities, it’s easy to learn, provides a great core workout and a perfect vantage point for appreciating aquatic life. Check out this simple instructional video we found on the web for some of the basics and fundamentals on how to SUP.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-7rDavdJGs

I am an avid SUP surfer and ocean advocate. I highly suggest it to all who can swim and are physically active. Next time you’re in Malibu, stop by the Mailbu Surf Shack and tell the boys that Dr. B sent you and you may receive a discount on your rental or purchase and maybe a few tips from the pro’s. Cowabunga!

Malibu Surf Shack
22935 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265-4934
(310) 456-8508
http://www.malibusurfshack.com

sleep insomniaFrom time to time, many of us have trouble falling to sleep. For some, the problem can be chronic and can effect all aspects of our health and wellness, In order to correct this, we have put together a short list of tips and changes for your nighttime regiment to help put an end to those sleepless nights:

  1. Dim your lights at sundown.
    Our natural circadian rhythms are affected by artificial light sources and keep the brain active telling us to “stay awake.”
  2. Turn off the TV.
    Television, the computer and games (video, crossword puzzles, board games, cards, etc.) keep you stimulated and don’t allow you to relax and unwind.
  3. Exercise in the morning.
    This tip will jump start your day, boost your metabolism and energize you for anything that comes your way. On the flip side, working out at night would also give you energy, thus not allowing you to fall asleep easily due to the increase of cortisol production stimulated by vigorous physical activity.
  4. Eliminate any external light and sound sources
    Ambient light, street sounds and lights, loud clocks, electronic devices (tivo, etc.) can emit some form of light and sound that does not allow our bodies to be at rest. Purchase blackout shades for your windows, a mask for your eyes and plugs for your ears. You will get plenty of REM sleep and wake up refreshed and renewed.
  5. Do not consume stimulants after 3pm.
    Avoid alcohol, sugar, coffee, caffeinated beverages, chocolate, etc. These food items are loaded with stimulants and will keep you up and awake. Also, try to avoid eating large meals before bedtime.

Give these tips a try and let us know your results. Please leave a comment at the post below. Sweet dreams and nighty night!