The Great Outdoors - Exhale Foundation

With the new year came a reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of life. At present officials estimate that approximately 150,000 people died as a result of the earthquakes and tsunamis in South Asia. In the meantime, millions of people in the region are suffering acutely right now in a myriad of ways, because of loved ones lost forever, because of all personal property being destroyed, and most basically, because of medical problems related to the disaster.

All the news organizations report a tremendous outpouring of support for the affected areas. People are contributing money, medicine, clothing, and everything they can. It reminds me of the response to 9/11 here in the states; nations in Africa that had literally zero money to give sent cows to the U.S., because that was their way of helping. In times like these, times of "now, more than ever..." it is extremely gratifying to see people helping each other in whatever ways they can.

At the same time, what strikes me is that for whatever reason it is much easier for the majority of people to respond to something after an absolute disaster or dire crisis occurs, rather than to prevent such a thing from happening.

The same thing could occur on the east coast in the world of medicine; with California about to spend billions of dollars on stem cell research, stellar scientists, doctors, and researchers aren't going to want to stick around on the east coast, where their research endeavors might not be funded at all. Lots of doctors are expressing interest in going to the west coast in order to do the work that is needed right now in the field of medicine. Others still are talking about moving abroad where stem cell research is encouraged and even heralded as a way to save lives, rather than talked about in terms of religion.

In our personal lives, too, we can't wait for disaster to strike to take control. Many of us make New Year's resolutions to get into shape; I encourage you to take the bull by the horns and really do it this year. Asthmatic or not, we can all do better. Here are some tips to stay healthy and take control of something that is at least within our control, even if other things are not.

You may be tempted to skip it, but it will give you energy for the day, and if you skip it, it will actually slow down your metabolism. Have some whole grains, some low-fat milk, some fresh fruit. Skip sugary items.

2. Exercise for 30 minutes a day.

This doesn't mean you have to jet off to the gym. Exercise can come in the form of your 10 block walk to the subway twice a day, your gardening, taking the stairs at work...etc.

3. Drink lots of water.

Eight glasses a day is ideal. Get a water bottle and take it with you. You can even add lemon to make things a little crazy.

4. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables every day.

Bar none, these are the best for you. Regardless of fad diets, fresh fruits and vegetables have been proven for years to prevent cancer, heart disease, and a myriad of other bad things. So go for it!

It might be tempting to stay inside, especially during these winter months, but get outside, get some fresh air.