Why so Happy?

Happy Memorial Day!

Sounds a little funny, being happy about people dying. But we are glad, happy--blessed--for our freedom in this country.

Freedom is not cheap. But thanks to the men and women willing to serve, we still have it. And a special thanks to the thousands who gave their lives defending ours.

Too often, though, we take our freedom and our lives for granted. Sometimes we get caught up in the 'terrible dailiness' and forget what a marvel it is to be alive. To enjoy each other's company. To create something. To breathe.

In the movie "Awakenings", a patient named Leonard had brain swelling as a child, that left him in a disconnected, coma-like state. The Doctor tried an experimental treatment that helped Leonard wake up. Leonard was experiencing life again consciously for the first time in 40 years. But the treatment quit working, and he started slipping back into his catatonic coma-state.

Leonard knew his time was short. But rather than focus on himself, he focused on us and asked his doctor to pass this message along:

Remind them how good it is.

People have forgotten what life is all about...what it is to be alive...

They need to be reminded of what they have and what they can lose...

What I feel is the gift of life, the joy of life, the freedom of life, the wonderment of life...

So, today, remember Life. Those that were given, and the one you still have left to live.

Live it like you mean it,

Dr. Vince

Tom Hanks needs Help

I've seen his early work. Bosom Buddies. Splash. Big.

And I'm a big fan. He was the voice of Woody in Toy Story for goodness sake.

But what's up with his latest hair-do (or should we call it a "hair-don't")

I haven't seen the DaVinci Code, but I've seen Tom's hair. And the man needs help. He definitely needs some Fish Oil to help with his decision-making.

To give him credit, Mr. Hanks, like DaVinci, has made a unique contribution ("Life is like a box of chocolates."). He has the well-deserved title of 'Nicest Man in Hollywood'. And is one of the highest-paid, too.

So he must be doing something right. The modern classics 'Think and Grow Rich' by Napoleon Hill and "The Magic of Belief" by Claude Bristol, recognize the power and necessity of clear, creative thinking to make changes in the world.

But it's hard to think clearly and make good decisions when your brain is hungry. Fish oil is the best brain food. It contains the healthy Omega-3 fats EPA and DHA. And the brain prefers DHA to all other fats. It uses it constantly, so you need a steady supply.

The Omega-3 fats found in fish oil keep your brain cells more flexible, so they can transmit easier ("A little offthe top, please"). Not to mention helping your body burn fat more efficiently.

And it's not just for old folks. Yes, fish oil dramatically reduces the impact of the Alzheimer's gene. But DHA from fish oil also improves reading, spelling, thinking, and behavior in youngsters, too. It's crucial for proper brain and nerve development in the first few years of life.

So don't wait. Get yourself and your kids some Fish Oil. Solve the riddle of good health (and a good haircut). http://www.drvinceonline.com/fishoil.htm

Have a Great Memorial Day!

Dr. Vince

P.S. This quote from DaVinci could apply to Tom's characterin Apollo 13:

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return."

The great thing about Concentrated Omega-3 Fish Oil is that you can't taste it. But once you feel the clear thinking and other benefits, you'll want to keep a steady supply on hand. Not just because you know your brain needs it, but because it feels good. Soar on over to http://www.drvinceonline.com/fishoil.htm and feed your brain like it deserves.

Keeps your Mind Young like DaVinci

Riddles. Wrapped inside puzzles. Dark tunnels leading nowhere. Connections and interconnections, looping back on themselves like a snake eating its own tail. Confused.Bewildered. Dizzy.

And that was just the first day of my Central Nervous System class.

One good thing I did learn in that class was that the Mind manages and directs your body through your brain. But yourMind is bigger than your brain. And the expression of yourMind will definitely be limited by how well your brain is working.

How do I know? Because I've held a human brain in my hand. I cut it into little pieces. Poked it. And prodded it. But there was no Life. No thought. No creativity. Just a brain.

The Mind is what makes it all possible. What some people call the Thinker behind the Thought.

One of the Minds I admire most is Leonardo DaVinci. Backin 5th grade, my friend's father started calling me 'DaVinci'. The nickname didn't stick, but the passion for art, engineering and the human frame sure did.

The 'real' DaVinci was an artist, an engineer, a creator, a thinker. His thoughts, art, and discoveries took his world (and ours) to a higher level of consciousness and understanding.

But none of it would have been possible without his Mind. DaVinci worked, thought and created until he was 67 years old. But today many people younger than that don't have full use of their brain. Alzheimer's Disease is ruining their lives--and robbing us of their Minds.

But there's good news. A recent study from Portugal shows how we can protect ourselves against Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's is caused, in part, by compounds called "amyloid beta peptides". Amyloid beta peptides are toxic to the brain in two ways. They damage the mitochondria ('powerhouse' of the cell) and increase oxidative stress.

The researchers chose CoQ10 for their experiment. CoQ10 helps produce energy in the mitochondria and is a potent antioxidant. So they thought it would be a good candidate for preventing these neuro-toxic effects.

Turns out it was a Great choice: the experiments showed that CoQ10 did indeed counteract the toxic effects of amyloid beta peptides that contribute to Alzheimer's.

Since CoQ10 levels naturally decline as we get older, the study authors strongly recommend the use of supplemental coenzyme Q10 for enhanced protection against Alzheimer's disease.

So do I. That's one reason CoQ10 is part of the Core 4 http://www.drvinceonline.com/core4.htm

Keeping that Mind-Body Connection Strong,

Dr. Vince

P.S. Leonardo DaVinci said: "Iron rusts from disuse; stagnant water loses its purity and in cold weather becomes frozen; even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind."

"Dr. DaVinci" says: Take action now. Don't let inaction sap the vigor of your mind. Don't let amyloid beta peptides sap your brain. Get some pharmaceutical-grade CoQ10 http://www.drvinceonline.com/coq10.htm and protect your brain and the Mind that works through it.

Who knows? Youmight just change the world.

Honor Thy Mother as Thyself

My friend and financial planner, Meredith, gave birth to her first child last year. About a month later she was diagnosed with a Grade 4 (the worst kind) malignant brain tumor. Not exactly the way she wanted to spend her first Mother's Day.

Her surgery saved her life. And her insurance saved her livelihood.

But she didn't stop there, wipe her brow and say, 'whew! Glad that's over..."

She's taking steps to maximize her health and life. To get herself out of the hole, and on to bigger and better.

One of the best things Meredith's done for her recovery is to hire a nutritionist. Jeanne Wallace has a Master's and PhD degrees in human nutrition and completed a 750-hour nutrition consultant training program considered one of the best in the country. She also served on editorial boards for several peer-reviewed medical journals.

She knows her stuff.

Dr. Wallace specializes in malignant brain tumors (currently with 650 patients). She also works with clients healing from colon, breast, ovarian, endometrial, pancreatic, and head-and-neck cancers, and malignant melanoma.

Her focus is on "evidence-based complementary cancer care". She integrates a healthy diet and carefully selected dietary supplements with her patients' medical treatments to optimize the body's healing capacity. "Evidence-based" means there's lots of scientific research to support the supplements she recommends.

Dr. Wallace has Meredith taking some exotic supplements--like shark liver oil and some sort of mushroom combo. Some not-so-exotic, like Green Tea and Selenium.

But guess what else she's taking? Fish Oil, Magnesium, Multi-Vitamin and CoQ10. That's right. The same nutrients found in The Core Four.

Evidence-based. They work. The starting point of any good nutritional program. Of any health-supporting lifestyle.

But the Core 4 aren't just 'anti-sudden death' and 'anti-cancer' nutrients. They're also anti-stress, anti-heart attack, anti-Alzheimer's, anti-diabetes, anti-osteoporosis, anti-arthritis...

(Like the little pink bunny...the list keeps going, and going and going.)

They're not magic. They're not exotic. But they are pharmaceutical-grade, pure and potent. They rejuvenate, soothe, nourish your body from the Inside-Out.

The nutritional expert knows the value of these nutrients to crank up the immune systems of terribly sick people and help them fight off even the worst cancer (and the side effects of the treatment).

Just imagine what they could be doing for you.

We honored our Mothers Sunday. Honor yourself today.

Be like Meredith. Run, swim or bike on over tohttp://www.drvinceonline.com/core4.htm and get started.

Huffing and Puffing and Loving it,

Dr. Vince

P.S. Actually, Meredith admitted that she hasn't been taking her CoQ10 lately. Even though she knows it's good for her heart, she's got 'bigger fish to fry' right now. But I think when she remembers the energizing, muscle-building, anti-aging effects of CoQ10, she'll start taking it again--to keep up with her toddler Erik, her clients, and her triathalons! Learn more about unlocking your inner strength at http://www.drvinceonline.com/coq10.htm

A Walking, Riding, Swimming and Running Miracle

A few years ago, I was shopping for some disability insurance. I sent an email to a lady who worked exclusively with chiropractors, and we hit it off right away.

Meredith was impressed that I had included all the details and asked all the right questions in my email (she must be easily impressed). She also thought it was funny that we both had graduated from Georgia Tech, but neither of us were engineers.

While Meredith "cut her financial planning teeth" on chiropractors, most of her clients are professionals and business owners, who already have insurance agents, investment brokers, CPA's and attorneys, but need a "big picture" financial planner.

My wife and I liked working with her because she truly created a coordinated plan that addressed our retirement, our estate (wills, trusts and powers of attorney), risk management (insurance, business issues) and tax reduction strategies, etc.

But last year we thought we might have to replace her.

Not because Meredith had done anything wrong, or because we were unhappy in any way.

She had a brain tumor.

Here's the short version in her own words:

"I believe that I am in this business for a reason. After doing this for 8 years, I had my first child. After giving birth to my son, Erik, I experienced terrible post partum headaches. After several prescription painkillers (which didn't work) I found myself in the North Fulton Hospital ER. You should have seen the ER doc's face when he walked in and told us that there was a "6 cm. anomaly" in the right parietal lobe of my brain (above and behind my right ear).

"I was diagnosed with a stage 4 brain tumor (the most malignant kind).

"Through three surgeries I have personally been on a disability claim and filed for a long-term care claim over the last year. (at times I thought that I would have a life insurance claim.) My powers of attorney have been requested at least a half a dozen times.

"I believe I am a walking miracle and am more impassioned than ever to ensure that people don't forget about handling their "big picture" financially."

Meredith is doing great now, and is still planning to keep running triathalons. She's back at work, full-steam ahead. And enjoying every second with her son and husband.

Like we all should.

Facing your own mortality can do that for you. Maybe updating your will or buying some life insurance is about as close as you want to get to yours. That's OK.

But do it anyway.

It'll help put things in perspective, and make things a whole lot easier for you and your family when the time comes.

(Next time I'll tell you more about what Meredith's doing to keep herself healthy. You might be surprised.)

Until then, you can contact her at moore@eaglestrategies.com or check out her website at www.insuranceandbenefit.com. You can read more about her story in her journal site at www.caringbridge.org/visit/meredithhansen

Live like you mean it,

Dr. Vince

The Big "What If?"

My sister-in-law shared this story with me about a familythat she knows, and wanted me to share it with you:

`Matt` was turning 44 this Month. Avid soccer player, so he was physically active. (Not sure `fit` is the right word...he was a bit overweight, but mostly a beer gut).

He tried to get more life insurance two years ago when his doctor friend/neighbor dropped dead (leaving behind widowand 4 children).

The underwriters turned Matt down...he needed to follow up with a specialist, but didn`t. After his son was diagnosed with diabetes late last year, Matt started trying to increase his coverage again. Denied again.

This time Matt took action. Went to his doctor, made appointments with specialist. He was committed to doing all the things the insurance company told him to.

But Matt never saw the specialist. He died before he got to his appointment.

Dropped dead at soccer practice.

This is not an ironic short story. This is real life.

Matt only had $250k life insurance. All credit cards maxed out ($25k), living paycheck to paycheck...a large mortgage, large house with associated upkeep, etc. His job was straight commission. No benefits.

Eileen says Matt`s widow is "scared to death. She has 2 boys (15 and 13). She`s begging for help. It`s really sad."

Nothing like a little reality check to start your week. A few thoughts:

1. To protect your family when you`re gone, please reviewand update your Will, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance,and your Health Care Power of Attorney/Living Will.

If you don`t have them--get `em. These are mundane things, I know. And hardly anybody likes to think about or talk about their own death. The big "what if". It definitely falls into the `Important, but not Urgent` category. Getting them set up will take a load off your mind.

2. To protect your heart while you`re still here, start taking the Core Four. Fish Oil, Magnesium, and CoQ10 all give strong protection against Sudden Death, heart arrhythmias and heart disease.

Honestly, I never thought much about the `sudden death` benefit of the Core Four, because I never knew anyone who dropped dead suddenly. But now I do. And it`s revived my interest and my passion in sharing these nutrients with as many people as possible.

Keep Matt`s family in your thoughts and prayers. Contact your attorney and your insurance agent. Get started on the Core Four. http://www.drvinceonline.com/core4.htm

Dr. Vince

P.S. Wills, insurance, and all that kind of stuff are investments you make now, that will protect you and your family in the future. Good nutritional supplements are sort of like that, too. It`s an investment you make in yourself and your health because you know it`s good for you and the right thing to do. It`ll help you live longer and live stronger. Protect your heart and your health as long as we`re blessed to have you with us. Scoot on over to http://www.drvinceonline.com/core4.htm and get started today.

To quote the Red Hot Chili Peppers: `There`s never been abetter time than right now.`

I'm Burned Out, but in a Good Way

11 years ago, the estrogen was flying fast and furious. My wife Ruth, and my future business partner Elise, were both pregnant, both with girls. And we were trying to finish school and decide where to open our new office.

Elise noticed in our school paper that a chiropractor was selling his practice in the 706 area code. Since we were planning to go to Athens anyway (which is 706), she told me to call him and to find out where the office was, just for fun.

We didn’t realize it at the time, but the 706 area code covers half of Georgia. So I was glad (lucky? Blessed?) to hear that Dr. Bob’s office was in Madison, only about 30 miles from Athens. It’s the #1 Small Town in America.

So, I was surprised to find out why Dr. Bob would be selling his practice in this modern-day Mayberry.

“Burnout.”

“Why are you laughing?” he asked. I wasn’t really sure. I just did.
Maybe he said it funny. Maybe I was an enthusiastic student and couldn’t believe someone could be ‘burned out’ on the great profession of chiropractic.

But I must admit, here I am, ten years later, burning out, too.

But not in the way you might think. And certainly not in the way Dr. Bob was. (As a side note, Dr. Bob has since become an attorney, and doing very well at it. I admire and congratulate him for making the changes he needed to.)

I’m having a different kind of burn-out. What I call “Jack London” Burn-out:

I would rather be ashes than dust!

I would rather that my spark should burn out
in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.

I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom
of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and
permanent planet.

The function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not
waste my days trying to prolong them.

I shall use my time.

I taped this quote in the front of my notebook for the last three years of chiropractic school. It’s an excellent model of living enthused. Really living your life, not just shuffling through it.

One simple way to “use your time” better is to take five minutes each evening to plan your next day. Gather your things and put them by the door. Make a short list of a few things you really want to do tomorrow. Check your family’s schedule. Five minutes can bring a little order to your life, help you sleep better, use your energy better, and keep that spark burning.

The brilliant blaze won’t be far behind.

Live Enthused,

Dr. Vince

P.S. If you’re having the ‘other’ kind of burnout, shuffling thru life, need better energy and a better attitude, then you definitely need the Core Four. These energizing nutrients also help with mood swings, irritability and depression. Don’t wait. Feed your brain right. Check them out today at http://www.drvinceonline.com/core4.htm

When it's OK to Quit

It’s OK to quit…as long as you’re finished.

Sometimes it’s hard to keep going when you feel like you’re failing. But it’s so much more satisfying to see things through to the end, win or lose. Even if things aren’t turning out like you thought they would, if you feel like nothing is working for you—as a spouse, parent, employee, boss, entrepreneur, student, teacher, friend—don’t give up.

It’s OK to quit…to quit doing what’s not working and starting doing something different (or doing something differently).

But you can count on this: if you’re doing anything important, anything meaningful, trying to make a difference in the world, they’ll try to make you quit. Your growth, your value, your contribution is making them feel inferior. And they would rather curse the darkness than light a single candle (or even let anyone else light one!)

And you know who they are.

When you feel like quitting, don’t listen to them. Instead, listen to Teddy Roosevelt:

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."


Don’t be afraid to get started. And no matter what else happens, “dare greatly”.

Dr. Vince

Pobody's Nerfect

Last Thanksgiving I spent some time with my brothers, Lance and Adam. We shot pool, played Ping Pong and watched Ultimate Fighting Championship reruns. All that exertion must've put Adam in a philosophical mood, because he told us about a survey he read recently:

90% of the people over the age of 90 said that if they could live their lives over again, they’d do one thing differently—they’d take more risk. So, let’s learn something from our chronologically-gifted friends. Maybe they can’t live their lives over, but we’ve still got time to live ours. We can—and should—learn from their experience. Fear can be the biggest thing that keeps us from trying something new. Most of our fear usually comes from being self-conscious, worrying about what other people think. Even though we know that “nobody’s perfect”, we still feel like we ought to be. We’re afraid that others will think less of us if we blow it. (For instance, nobody seems to notice the 99.9% clean part of the floor, just the crumbs. And my boss at the shipyard had the uncanny ability to flip my inspection plans open to the exact page with the only line that wasn’t finished. Every time.) Good news: Resraechres at Cmabirgde Uinvrestiy fnuod taht the oderr ltteers are wtitren in deson’t mttaer as lnog as the frist and lsat ltteers are in the rhigt palce.
Ylou’l be albe to raed the wdros croerctly no mtetar how jmulbed the lteters are. It semes taht yuor barin dosne’t raed ecah lteter but sees the wolhe wrod at ocne! Even though I made several ‘mistakes’ typing those lines, you understood what I wrote. You got my meaning. As hard as it is to believe sometimes, other people’s brains usually fill in your gaps for you, too. We usually see your “whole word” at once.

So don’t worry about being perfect. We’re interested in what you have to say. We’re waiting for your unique contribution. But if you hold back, waiting to be perfect, you’ll turn 90 and wonder where your life went. Because you’ll never be perfect. But ‘excellent’ is fine by us. A big part of living enthused is growing and improving. Trying something new is always a little messy, but nothing in your life will ever be different unless you do something different. Don’t let fear—or fear of imperfection—keep you stuck. Take four minutes and write down a few goals for yourself. Then start working to make them happen. Take a few minutes each day to express gratitude for your life, your gifts and your journey. These are small steps, but can make a BIG difference in your life! Lnvinig Eshtuend, Dr. Vince