Chasing Health

In contemplating New Year's resolutions, imagine asking a polar bear about its aspirations for the coming year. The resounding response might be a simple yet profound goal: "to survive." At the close of 2023, a timely encounter with the "The Great Polar Bear Feast" documentary left a lasting impression. This captivating film unveils the extraordinary gathering of 80 polar bears on the shores of Barter Island, near Kaktovik, Alaska. This unexpected congregation defies the norm of solitary creatures competing fiercely for limited food sources in harsh conditions. Contrary to their typical behavior, these formidable creatures set aside their differences and united with a singular purpose — not for social impressions or familial pride, but simply to satiate their hunger. This unique event underscores the challenges polar bears face due to climate change, prompting them to adapt and seek sustenance in unconventional ways, such as feasting on whale remains shared by l...

"... these places I have seen clubbed my mind, they are so poor and depressing. I don't know what we can do to help these people, but we have to do something." "When I know our scientific facts are right, I am going to play that card, and play it hard" These phrases revealed to me one of the greatest humanitarians of the modern world, Norman Borlaug, also known as the father of the Green Revolution and the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. How did I come across Dr. Borlaug? It was in the historic year of 2020—the Covid-19 pandemic—when I embarked on cultivating 'Chasing Health,' my lifestyle project as a community health worker and health educator. While seeking inspiration from quotes by humanitarian figures, I stumbled upon this comment: 'The destiny of world civilization depends upon providing a decent standard of living for all mankind" recalled by a businessman in a conversation with Dr. Norman Borlaug. Since then, I have adopted these words...

What is your main concern about food during the holidays? Some may answer, 'Gaining weight!' or 'Enjoy now and worry later.' Well, I am one of those people on both sides, until last year when my biggest accomplishment was not gaining a pound. This year, I am also planning not to gain weight while enjoying food. But how, when the last months of the year have the most celebrations? It starts with 'Trick or Treat' and Halloween parties, followed by Thanksgiving, then Christmas, and finally, New Year's Eve. In addition to that, although there should be just one day to celebrate each, each happens to have more than one! Whether it's celebrations at work, school, family gatherings, or with friends—you name it! What a challenge to sacrifice the richness of the food for healthy versions! To achieve my goal, I will have simple strategies to stay focused. A little planning for what to eat during normal days and doing moderate physical activ...

I became a baseball fan because of my husband Ray's contagious excitement. After that, the first thing that caught my attention was the diversity of the players in the major leagues: not all players speak English; the age range has varied from (1) "the youngest at 15 to the oldest over 40; heights can be as low as 5.6" and as high as 6.11";" different type of bodies, and the list goes on. However, amidst these differences, they share common goals, rules, and a collective spirit. In the end, baseball is a beautiful blend of talents. (1) https://www.mlb.com/cut4/today-in-baseball-history-joe-nuxhall-becomes-youngest-player-in-mlb-history-c16 Even though I am still learning about baseball, here is how I perceive this sport. Starting with the word "game," often associated with children, baseball transcends age. It's a game that revolves around the right throw, hit, and catch of a magic ball. Yes, baseball is for everyone, where two teams co...

While walking along paths lined with trees, whether in the city, a park, or a remote country road, you might wonder about the origins of these trees, but the planter may remain a mystery. For each tree, many seeds were sown, yet not all survived the test of nature's elements. Similar to these seeds, life is about planting new ventures, embarking on fresh opportunities, and championing noble causes. Not all these adventures may blossom as envisioned, but don't be disheartened. What’s sprouting within you is invaluable experience. In life, numerous factors are beyond our control, but fret not. Keep sowing the seeds of your aspirations, for among them, some will indeed grow into magnificent trees, offering their comforting shade ------ Al caminar por senderos bordeados de árboles, ya sea en la ciudad, en un parque o en un camino rural remoto, uno podría preguntarse sobre el origen de estos árboles, pero el jardinero puede seguir siendo un misterio. Por cada árbol se se...