Spice It Up

Pass the salt. Add a dash here, sprinkle a bit there. Just a pinch. The problem with these age old traditions, is the people of today are not the same as the people who created these habits. The salt and pepper shaker posted in the center of dining room tables, transported to restaurant tops and in arms reach of chefs everywhere has created new traditions of high blood pressure, dehydration, fatigue and hypertension.

Using salt to add flavor and preserve canned foods has cut the shelf life of us. Unless we all start to examine just how much sodium we are consuming on a daily basis, the unhealthy side effects of salt intake will continue to live up to its tradition- a heart attack waiting to happen. I firmly believe most Americans just do not know how much salt they really are consuming. Our taste buds have become immune to the excess taste of salt. The quickness of popping in a frozen dinner, eating out excessively, cutting down on preparation time for every meal and repeatedly placing orders through a speaker is normal. The economy does not help and neither does the reality television hype. Top Chef's do it, why shouldn't I?

Well here's something to taste. Excess salt consumption has been proved to be the cause of 92,000 deaths annually due to heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Ninety percent of adults develop high blood pressure which leads to a whole lot of problems. Toss in the lack of water intake, couch potato lifestyles and dependency upon Pepsi, no wonder the pharmaceutical industry is booming.

Think you're in good health. If you eat out daily, you are well over the recommended sodium allowance. Eighty percent of the daily maximum is consumed in one meal. This doesn't include beverages, snacks and the other two meals. It was a New Years resolution to stop eating out so much, lose weight, lead a healthier lifestyle, pack a lunch, stop drinking soda...this can all be acheived by keeping track of how much sodium you consume. It's not you you're worried about, well what about your children, your spouse, your family?

Manufacturers help create entire generations who crave salt. I even know people who add salt to their salad. By cutting back on salt, it can reverse the chances of you dropping dead before you get a chance to see your first grandchild or finish your bucket list. Research proves that blood pressure is down 60% in just six weeks of eliminating excess salt.

I started monitoring my daily salt intake 3 years ago. I practically can smell salt now. I don't crave it, I don't feel bloated and I drink water to hydrate. I don't know about you, but this is simply not good enough. My father, sister, loved ones all need to be brainwashed into believing that salt may be the death of them.

The Danger Zone

• Lunch Meat
• Baked Goods
• Breads, Crackers
  
• Canned Foods
• Salad Dressing
• Sauces
  
• Cheese
• Soda!!!Soda!!!

Easy Fixes

• Read Labels
• Ask Waiters for dressing and sauces to be on the side
• Choose grilled over breaded or fried
• Season with lemon juice, garlic, fresh herbs
• Increase potassium
• Drink more water
  

These easy fixes can be done by anyone. Your waiter is not going to tell you no, their tip depends on it. Many packaged foods can be found in low, less or no sodium versions. Potassium is a natural substance that will only aid to your healthy lifestyle. Increased water consumption will help rid your body of toxins and excess pounds. Now who doesn't want that!

Just Run

It's no surprise, I love to run. The benefits are numerous, stellar and achievable each and every time I go. No matter how far, how fast or how long there is a sense of accomplishment after. This accomplishment is mine, solely mine, mine alone. No one else helped me, well maybe my iPod, but the soundtrack was still mine.

Now, I am a firm believer in team sports. The benefits of belonging to a team, forming life-long bonds, pulling together to defeat, feeling as if you play a vital role in the success, learning, teaching, leading.... As with everything in life, there needs to be a balance. So if I am blessed to partake in both team and individual sports in my life, why should I not? Who I am today is so much because of the relationships I've made as a member of a team and the running community.

Whether you're having a bad day, need to unwind, just broke up with your boyfriend, had a fight with your mom, can't make a decision if your life depended on it, have too much free time, need to feel like you're in control, suffer from OCD or need to loose a few pounds, running can be that cure. The power of running is exponential.

Once call yourself a runner, you are not alone. There is a bond. You may be all alone running your chosen path, but as another crosses your path this complete stranger shares a connection with you that only fellow runners can. Even when you're not the one kicking up dust, you connect. When I see a runner and it's not me out there, I'm pissed. Pissed because I wish I was running. Pissed because they may be going faster or farther than I. Pissed because they are escaping. I may be pissed, but I still smile. Smile because I will be them. Smile because I have the power to go as far, fast and long as I want to. Smile because I am blessed with the ability to feel. If only I could lead others to this victory, this high.

This individual sport is far larger than any team. Membership is only up to you. You choose.

The Art of A Twenty-Something

A article published in the New York Times this week has left me quite perplexed. This article titled, "What Is It About 20-Somethings?", goes into great length to try and discover the reason why the 20-someones are failing to travel the traditional cycle paved by generations before.

"The traditional cycle seems to have gone off course, as young people remain un­tethered to romantic partners or to permanent homes, going back to school for lack of better options, traveling, avoiding commitments, competing ferociously for unpaid internships or temporary (and often grueling) Teach for America jobs, forestalling the beginning of adult life."

I am no doctor or even a genius, but could this lack of following tradition be just the renaissance this country needs. Where has this holier than though tradition led us? The divorce rate is over 50%, unemployment rates are higher than ever, we are STILL at war, the housing market is failing, the automotive industry is bankrupt, youth education is suffering budget cuts and the government has handed out checks to stimulate the economy while simultaneously extended the time allowance for benefiting from not working. Oh and we're fat.

"Sociologists traditionally define the “transition to adulthood” as marked by five milestones: completing school, leaving home, becoming financially independent, marrying and having a child. In 1960, 77 percent of women and 65 percent of men had, by the time they reached 30, passed all five milestones."

I may be missing something, but the tradition needs to be updated. What is wrong with gaining higher education? Since when did supporting the ones you love become shunned? What is the rush to achieve these profound milestones by the age of 30? What happens then? All the happy couples suffocated by their jobs, without time to raise their children, go on vacation, read a book, learn new things? This is not 1960.

The article prefixed with two examples of syndicated television debuts this fall is more irritating than the authors lack of providing relevancy. If the tradition was working the television industry would not be capitalizing off of this new era of so-called inadequacy in life development. Anyone else pissed they aren't considered an adult because they haven't succumbed to the perennial march from step 1-5.

Dream on 20-Somethings. Continue to decline to settle for the mindless job that keeps you away from finding the relationship that breeds love, time to actually raise your children and opportunity to better the world we all live in. Happy people equals healthy, stable and productive people. Right now we're all fat, lazy, unemployed and on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I don't know about you, but any cycle "they" say I'm suppose to follow needs to be rerouted.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/magazine/22Adulthood-t.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss

Hard Knocking Controversy

Mr. Rex Ryan is stirring up the pot. Jets fans should be loving it, even if his momma is not.

Yeah, yeah, preseason.... blah blah. Monday nights game will not be played like every other preseason game. A rivalry is a rivalry. No matter how much downplaying both sides do, emotion and bragging rights are going to propel this match-up. The New York Jets will host the New York Giants in the preseason game held at Meadowlands Stadium August 16th.

Jets fans have more relevancy to their debate on the who's who of the NFL in the city of lights. This season marks the first in which both teams equally share their playing field. Previously Giants Stadium, aka Giants home, aka New York's football team as is argued the Yankees are New Yorks baseball team, was demolished on June 28, 2010.

Despite Giants coach Tom Coughlin's statements regarding his lack of awareness of HBO's "Hard Knocks", the media is fueling the fire. Contract controversy, a new stadium, a new television show and a coaches foul mouth give plenty to talk about.

Everyone likes a good old fashion fight for the right to claim King. Green just may be the new fall color. New season, new stadium. Did I mention the Jets are the home team, just sayin.

They're a Gang of Em'

I continue to vocalize the belief that one individual a team does not make.

All together now, "There's no I in team." This belief, I am happy to say, is not of mine alone.

Reports today stated statistical facts crediting the idea that the Jets can still be relish in championship status minus the proclaimed superstar cornerback. Now that the negotiations are being conducted behind that glass door, experts now have the opportunity to weigh in on the issue.

Statistics don't lie. Revis led the league in 2009 with an average under 4 yards allowed per game. Three of the Jets cornerbacks made the top 20 according to ProFootball Focus. Thus although Revis over-achievements last season shot him to list topping status, his fellow teammates are clearly capable of pulling their own weight.

Hey if Lebron couldn't grab a ring for Cleveland, what makes Revis think it is his involvement that will make or break the gang. Ryan's playing this smart and the organization is making the right choice. It may not be the immediate gratification, but for the love of the Jets, the players and the fans, it is the way to keep the future bright.

No Media Allowed

Almost as a slap in the face, today, 12 days after Revis opted out of training with his teammates in Cortland, both sides have decided to handle the sensitive matter behind closed doors. These doors are made of glass. Although we are not truly sure what is being said inside, we know the problem. At this point running back through an open door were information has come and gone so profoundly, it gives the media, fans and know-it-all's plenty more to speculate. The debut of the Hard Knocks on HBO last night, the level of knowledge on this battle has skyrocketed. Closing the door know is only opening another to draw negative attention to the Jets organization and Revis himself. With previous comments backing the star cornerback up, we can only assume what those who know nothing about the game or the players will spew. Is this solving the problem? NO. NO. NO.

I refer to my post yesterday, Revis is part of a team. This is not a one man show. I don't care what market value is perceived to be at. Since when do persons establish market value. Rex Ryan's idea to bring the team together to have a "sit down" with Revis has its pros and cons. I believe this is a battle between the athlete and the organization. However, Revis's actions affect more than himself. There are consequences that need to be addressed when failing to be a part of the team you are paid to be a part of. I don't care how much money is being shelled out.

His teammates have expressed their issues with Revis's decision to exclude himself. Edwards responded to Revis's media attention has making one member of the team bigger than the rest.

Let me make myself clear. I relate to the argument that one should be rewarded for hard work and proof of excelling at the job they were hired to do. In my opinion, all professional athletes have been rewarded by simply being drafted, achieving recognition, sought for endorsement deals and negotioning salaries well above pay grades. At what point does morals and values get shoved under the rug to please an athlete who may or may not continue to be an over achiever. This cornerback did not establish the NFL or the New York Jets. Revis needs to remember that somewhere out there there is another stellar athlete waiting to sink his island.

By missing the Tuesday night deadline to secure another year of accrued service toward free agency Revis is making it clear he is willing to give up a year of play to prove a point. The point, money talks. Point two, in a year athletes will be lined up to take his place.

The Great Debate

What will come of the Gang of Green storming Meadowland Stadium this NFL season? I predict good, no great things. I have to admit franchises have made some pretty surprising moves during this off-season, welcome T.O and Ocho Cinco to the Bengals, but the boldest move to effect those dear to me, the vacancy on Revis Island. I personally want to thank Rex Ryan for any part he played in letting "Show me the money" Revis think about trying to find a new home. This may be a small part in the responsibility sports has to act as a positive role model for society as a whole. Since when is it ok to bargain for millions when billions go hungry? I realize it is not the problem of one man, one team, one business, or one billionaire. However, I believe as a athlete you have a standard to uphold.

Arguably the best cornerback in the NFL, an argument I am not against, Revis feels he should be the highest paid in the league. Actions taken on and off the field show an athletes true colors, commitment, loyalty and values regarding their god-given talent and undying persistence to maintain this ability. The almighty Revis is showing his true colors by pushing the envelope. His lack of devotion to his fellow teammates and the game in general shed light on his unwillingness to play for tangible assets. I question ones ability to survive without a salary over one million dollars. Absurd, I know. Just ask Mr. Darrelle Revis.

To the Jets: Ryan will coach you to victory, because it is not one player that makes a champion, it is a team that brings the trophy and triumph home.

To the Jets Fans: Please do not let the actions of one athlete play a role in your dedication to the rest of the teams potential to excel, entertain and prove their commitment to their community.

Come February 2011, Revis Island will have floated into an abyss, engulfed in a much bigger sea than one small mass can over power. Looking down from above, a mere spec in the larger picture. Either that or we'll see him on reality t.v.