LifeNuts
LifeNuts
ISBN: Hardcover: 978-1-4691-9930-6
Softcover: 978-1-4691-9929-0
Ebook: 978-1-4691-9931-3
Library of Congress: 2012907266
Pages: 178
Graphics: One photo and several tables and form
Binding: Perfect. Four-color cover and dust jacket.
Published in 2012
Highlights:
The Problems: Massive health care crisis, the obesity epidemic, cities’ financial distress
• We spend more per capita on health care than any other developed country
• Yet, USA ranks 34th in world in longevity (78.3) vs #1 Japan (82.3)
• USA longevity will decrease, due to the obesity epidemic.
• Over 75% of Americans are obese or overweight.
Conventional Approaches: Essentially not working
• Medical care – most advanced, yet highest per capita cost in world
• Wellness programs abound: yet childhood obesity continues to increase
• Diets don’t work: new ones appear each month. But lifestyles do work (LifeNuts)
What is LifeNuts?
• A free program designed to improve the health of participants and save city dollars
• Designed to be run by volunteers. Thousands of Boomers retire each day
• Measures each participant annually: BMI, waistline, life expectancy
• LifeNuts seminar given by local experts in your community
• An entire community effort: families, schools, city council, employers, restaurants, hospitals, grocery stores, neighborhoods, and all media
• Grassroots: completely voluntary for residents.
• Employers save health care costs and reduce absenteeism with LifeNuts
• Annual measurements are the key: accountability
• Grant money is available: AARP, local hospitals, health insurers
• Explained in detail at www.lifenuts.org
• Also available in book form at Amazon and Xlibris.com
Please Note: If you (or if you find someone in your town who is interested in this), please look at our website – www.lifenuts.org and decide if you want to take the program to your city hall. If the mayor or city manager becomes PASSIONATE about starting the LifeNuts program, let us know. You can reach us via the LifeNuts website contact form.
Synopsis: LifeNuts involves the entire community, although only those who sign up for it will benefit. It blends the following into a lifestyle that predictably will allow people to enjoy old age, not dread it: stress and its management, psychoneuroimmunology, the relaxation response, the faith factor, managing relationships, physical fitness, nutritional management, assertiveness, time management, transitioning, goal setting, financial management.
After unsuccessfully trying to lure the Blue Zones to his local community (they work in only a few cities each year), the author developed a similar vitality program, which is virtually free for any city to implement. In 2009 the Blue Zones had excellent results in their first city, Albert Lea, Minnesota. The 3,400 adults who participated lost weight (the average American gains weight each year) and gained over three years of longevity. City employees (and those of local participating employers) had over 20% less absenteeism and reduced health care costs. The city’s health care costs (all city employees participated) dropped by 49%. That was 2009.
Today in Albert Lea, they no longer run the Blue Zone program in the community but some employers who continue to use the program are still seeing good results: lower health care costs and reduced absenteeism. They reward participating employees with reduced health care premiums. Albert Lea’s development director recently told me that he has noticed markedly less obesity in high school students, though not much of a difference in adult obesity. So, three years later, this city continues to see positive health effects from the Blue Zones.
On the other hand, the LifeNuts program is designed to be run by the community (not by an outside agency that comes and leaves) – to save city budget dollars by putting volunteers in charge and reducing absenteeism and health care costs and to reduce BMI and waistlines of individuals, thereby improving longevity of all who participate. This program is designed to be an ongoing annual program.
But, you wonder, why do I want to grow old and wind up in a wheelchair or a nursing home? Yes, this is the current picture of old age in America. But it doesn’t have to be. The “poster child” for LifeNuts and the early inspiration for this program is a 93-year-old man, Mike Fremont, a Cincinnatian who likes to compete in canoe races, run marathons (the 26.2 mile variety), and who started a foundation to clean up Ohio rivers. When he’s not racing canoes or running, Mike is passionate about changing the American diet and fighting global warming. He’s not in a nursing home and he contributes voluntarily to the well being of his fellow man. Most 20-somethings would have trouble keeping up with him. Please look at his YouTube video on our site and share it with your friends. Old age can be a blessing to society, not a burden!
Reviews:
“Dr. Bob knows what he's talking about. Everything he writes rings true. There is something in this book for everyone - he expounds on varied topics and gives advice as to how to live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Who doesn't want that? Just hard to do sometimes unless you are really committed, but if you want it badly enough, you'll do it. He gives motivation and encouragement. A recommended read, for sure. Just do it!!” Amazon reviewer, 2012
“One of the best starting points for your path to take control of your own health. Robert covers all the important factors to being healthy.” Amazon reviewer, 2012
Excerpt: From Chapter 11: Financial Stress Management: To include a chapter on finances and investing in a book on health and longevity may appear odd. Pundits may object, but they can’t ignore the distress of all the homeowners who faced foreclosure from 2008 to 2012. Many of these people received loans they didn’t deserve and couldn’t pay for once their mortgage payments ballooned. Others saw opportunities and set up mom-and-pop loan companies. Some, perhaps many, are serving prison time for the mortgage fraud they committed. Financial mismanagement and greed often lead to worry, anger, frustration, jealousy, all of which depress the immune system. Yes, many studies link poverty with disease, both in children and adults. Au contraire, LifeNuts live within their means, understand the value of a budget, know how to invest wisely, and plan to achieve financial independence. This chapter details how they do that.
Financial Independence
Every LifeNut has written goals, one of which aims for financial independence. For those under 55, social security will be different from what it is now. People in their 20s and 30s don’t even count on it, although it will likely still be around, though not as robust as it is in 2012. So how does a LifeNut plan for financial independence?
Two college professors, Thomas Stanley and William Danko, studied habits of affluent Americans for over 20 years and in 1996 they published their work in The Millionaire Next Door. However, with the devaluation of the greenback, a millionaire in 2012 is not quite the same as one in 1990. That said, a million dollars still represents a nice nest egg and a good financial goal.
After interviewing hundreds of millionaires, the professors found many interesting statistics. Eighty percent of America’s millionaires are self-made – no inheritance. They have common characteristics:
• Live below their means
• Use their time and money efficiently to accumulate wealth
• Most are small business owners
• Most paid for their own education
• Have the belief that financial independence is more important than displaying wealth
• Their adult children support themselves
The book also revealed an insight into happiness, a big part of every LifeNut. These researchers found that financially independent people were happier than those who earned the same amount but who were not financially secure. One major advantage of being financially independent is that you have freedom to: design your daily schedule, work when you want, volunteer for or fund charitable organizations, exercise as needed, spend time with family, and choose hobbies you enjoy. Financial independence rocks!
You ask, why should I want to accumulate so much money? Isn’t money the root of all evil? Good point. You’re not the only one who thinks this way. However, it’s not true … for the most part. Yes, one in three lottery winners do have financial problems that sometimes lead to bankruptcy. They don’t know how to manage their finances. But money in itself is not evil – how we view it and use it determine its effect on our lives.
For information on purchase and shipping, please visit our ordering page.
ISBN: Hardcover: 978-1-4691-9930-6
Softcover: 978-1-4691-9929-0
Ebook: 978-1-4691-9931-3
Library of Congress: 2012907266
Pages: 178
Graphics: One photo and several tables and form
Binding: Perfect. Four-color cover and dust jacket.
Published in 2012
Highlights:
The Problems: Massive health care crisis, the obesity epidemic, cities’ financial distress
• We spend more per capita on health care than any other developed country
• Yet, USA ranks 34th in world in longevity (78.3) vs #1 Japan (82.3)
• USA longevity will decrease, due to the obesity epidemic.
• Over 75% of Americans are obese or overweight.
Conventional Approaches: Essentially not working
• Medical care – most advanced, yet highest per capita cost in world
• Wellness programs abound: yet childhood obesity continues to increase
• Diets don’t work: new ones appear each month. But lifestyles do work (LifeNuts)
What is LifeNuts?
• A free program designed to improve the health of participants and save city dollars
• Designed to be run by volunteers. Thousands of Boomers retire each day
• Measures each participant annually: BMI, waistline, life expectancy
• LifeNuts seminar given by local experts in your community
• An entire community effort: families, schools, city council, employers, restaurants, hospitals, grocery stores, neighborhoods, and all media
• Grassroots: completely voluntary for residents.
• Employers save health care costs and reduce absenteeism with LifeNuts
• Annual measurements are the key: accountability
• Grant money is available: AARP, local hospitals, health insurers
• Explained in detail at www.lifenuts.org
• Also available in book form at Amazon and Xlibris.com
Please Note: If you (or if you find someone in your town who is interested in this), please look at our website – www.lifenuts.org and decide if you want to take the program to your city hall. If the mayor or city manager becomes PASSIONATE about starting the LifeNuts program, let us know. You can reach us via the LifeNuts website contact form.
Synopsis: LifeNuts involves the entire community, although only those who sign up for it will benefit. It blends the following into a lifestyle that predictably will allow people to enjoy old age, not dread it: stress and its management, psychoneuroimmunology, the relaxation response, the faith factor, managing relationships, physical fitness, nutritional management, assertiveness, time management, transitioning, goal setting, financial management.
After unsuccessfully trying to lure the Blue Zones to his local community (they work in only a few cities each year), the author developed a similar vitality program, which is virtually free for any city to implement. In 2009 the Blue Zones had excellent results in their first city, Albert Lea, Minnesota. The 3,400 adults who participated lost weight (the average American gains weight each year) and gained over three years of longevity. City employees (and those of local participating employers) had over 20% less absenteeism and reduced health care costs. The city’s health care costs (all city employees participated) dropped by 49%. That was 2009.
Today in Albert Lea, they no longer run the Blue Zone program in the community but some employers who continue to use the program are still seeing good results: lower health care costs and reduced absenteeism. They reward participating employees with reduced health care premiums. Albert Lea’s development director recently told me that he has noticed markedly less obesity in high school students, though not much of a difference in adult obesity. So, three years later, this city continues to see positive health effects from the Blue Zones.
On the other hand, the LifeNuts program is designed to be run by the community (not by an outside agency that comes and leaves) – to save city budget dollars by putting volunteers in charge and reducing absenteeism and health care costs and to reduce BMI and waistlines of individuals, thereby improving longevity of all who participate. This program is designed to be an ongoing annual program.
But, you wonder, why do I want to grow old and wind up in a wheelchair or a nursing home? Yes, this is the current picture of old age in America. But it doesn’t have to be. The “poster child” for LifeNuts and the early inspiration for this program is a 93-year-old man, Mike Fremont, a Cincinnatian who likes to compete in canoe races, run marathons (the 26.2 mile variety), and who started a foundation to clean up Ohio rivers. When he’s not racing canoes or running, Mike is passionate about changing the American diet and fighting global warming. He’s not in a nursing home and he contributes voluntarily to the well being of his fellow man. Most 20-somethings would have trouble keeping up with him. Please look at his YouTube video on our site and share it with your friends. Old age can be a blessing to society, not a burden!
Reviews:
“Dr. Bob knows what he's talking about. Everything he writes rings true. There is something in this book for everyone - he expounds on varied topics and gives advice as to how to live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Who doesn't want that? Just hard to do sometimes unless you are really committed, but if you want it badly enough, you'll do it. He gives motivation and encouragement. A recommended read, for sure. Just do it!!” Amazon reviewer, 2012
“One of the best starting points for your path to take control of your own health. Robert covers all the important factors to being healthy.” Amazon reviewer, 2012
Excerpt: From Chapter 11: Financial Stress Management: To include a chapter on finances and investing in a book on health and longevity may appear odd. Pundits may object, but they can’t ignore the distress of all the homeowners who faced foreclosure from 2008 to 2012. Many of these people received loans they didn’t deserve and couldn’t pay for once their mortgage payments ballooned. Others saw opportunities and set up mom-and-pop loan companies. Some, perhaps many, are serving prison time for the mortgage fraud they committed. Financial mismanagement and greed often lead to worry, anger, frustration, jealousy, all of which depress the immune system. Yes, many studies link poverty with disease, both in children and adults. Au contraire, LifeNuts live within their means, understand the value of a budget, know how to invest wisely, and plan to achieve financial independence. This chapter details how they do that.
Financial Independence
Every LifeNut has written goals, one of which aims for financial independence. For those under 55, social security will be different from what it is now. People in their 20s and 30s don’t even count on it, although it will likely still be around, though not as robust as it is in 2012. So how does a LifeNut plan for financial independence?
Two college professors, Thomas Stanley and William Danko, studied habits of affluent Americans for over 20 years and in 1996 they published their work in The Millionaire Next Door. However, with the devaluation of the greenback, a millionaire in 2012 is not quite the same as one in 1990. That said, a million dollars still represents a nice nest egg and a good financial goal.
After interviewing hundreds of millionaires, the professors found many interesting statistics. Eighty percent of America’s millionaires are self-made – no inheritance. They have common characteristics:
• Live below their means
• Use their time and money efficiently to accumulate wealth
• Most are small business owners
• Most paid for their own education
• Have the belief that financial independence is more important than displaying wealth
• Their adult children support themselves
The book also revealed an insight into happiness, a big part of every LifeNut. These researchers found that financially independent people were happier than those who earned the same amount but who were not financially secure. One major advantage of being financially independent is that you have freedom to: design your daily schedule, work when you want, volunteer for or fund charitable organizations, exercise as needed, spend time with family, and choose hobbies you enjoy. Financial independence rocks!
You ask, why should I want to accumulate so much money? Isn’t money the root of all evil? Good point. You’re not the only one who thinks this way. However, it’s not true … for the most part. Yes, one in three lottery winners do have financial problems that sometimes lead to bankruptcy. They don’t know how to manage their finances. But money in itself is not evil – how we view it and use it determine its effect on our lives.
For information on purchase and shipping, please visit our ordering page.