 Growing up in New Jersey in the 1950s... We swam in a mercury- laden river along with other toxic waste, we ran in the cloud behind DDT Spraying trucks in our neighborhoods that was for killing mosquitoes, our walls were painted with Lead paint, our buildings were insulated with Asbestos, factories billowed all kinds of smoke over us, there were no Emission standards for gasoline and diesel cars & trucks, we had only 3 different types of vegetables in our house (ever), I only remember 3 different kinds of fruit, we had no idea of the 'source' of our meats, poultry and fish. Tobacco was allowed just about everywhere except Church and school.
I had measles, German measles, mumps, chicken pox, various flu s & asthma when I was a kid. Today I feel fantastic. Bed rest, aspirin, Vick's VapoRub & Calamine lotion were used for everything except for the asthma- they put me in an oxygen tent for a few days when it was really bad. Then my Mom gave up on traditional medicine when they said I was allergic to everything they injected into my arm and they wanted us to get rid of my dog, carpeting, as well as wrap my mattress & pillow in plastic (see BubbleBoy). But Mom said No to just about every Drug along with Inhalers & we kept our dog. The Medical/Science/Pharmaceutical industries are as corrupt as Governments-- sadly follow the money... Current Drug regimens & Immunizations DO NOT Strengthen Immune Systems! (Actually just the opposite seems to occur) Methinks that the current approach to fighting disease is backwards. The Human Body is nothing less than a Miraculous Gift that has incredible capacities to heal. Instead of dumping tons of resources into 'finding cures' in a laboratory, we would be much better served by getting our planet in order- land, water & air. The earth abounds with cures for 'what ails ya'. Instead of 'science' being so arrogant in thinking they can improve what is naturally provided in this world, the goal should be to return it to its natural state. Of course that would take a Moral Compass which Governments, many Businesses, Educational Institutions, the Medical Community, the Science Community, the Agricultural Community, and Wall Street have not come close to displaying. It's a shame because no one gets out alive anyway. And to think we have the God-given tools to greatly decrease Human Suffering yet many would sell their very souls for personal profit at the expense of all humanity. A sad state indeed. Hoping we can all 'fight the good fight' on all levels with an eye to saving the planet for all generations to follow. I trust there is a Better Life after this! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
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 Mr. Steve Perillo Since 1889, the Market Street Mission in Morristown, NJ has been changing the lives of those who are homeless, poor and struggling with addiction. Perillo Tours generously sponsored Russell Jones to spread some valuable encouragement to those in need during this Christmas Season. And what a night it was! Russell owns My Back & Body Clinic at Perillo headquarters and is a dynamic presenter as well as long-time friend. The men were on the edge of their seats as Russell performed his signature feats of strength while regaling them with stories that brought real hope to a group of men who many times feel hopeless. And at the end it was announced that Perillo Tours had donated a copy of Russell’s best-selling book- ‘Sick & Tired of Being Sick & Tired: Solutions for a Better, Healthier Life’- for all in attendance. It was as if Santa himself had walked in. After the books were all handed out, the men stood on line to get an autograph and express how grateful they were. The group’s leader Dennis Gaynor commented: “It was an amazing evening. Everyone was touched in a positive way.” Merry Christmas!!!  This is about my education and real life experiences that might qualify me to speak about health and fitness. Although I have formal training by way of physical education type courses as well as Anatomy & Physiology, Applied Kinesiology and General Nutrition and professional certifications, it’s the real-life laboratory experiences that have had the most profound effect. By this I mean that my education goes way beyond the classroom. In fact it began before I was even old enough to go to kindergarten.
As all parents know, things don’t always work according to plan and I was not the healthiest of kids. In fact, I almost died at the age of four during one of my tougher bouts with bronchial asthma. This event really got Mom’s attention. My Mom joined forces with some of the original ‘health nuts’. She wanted her new baby boy to be in perfect health and never get hurt and never cry and be very smart and handsome and happy. To this end, Mom jumped on board with health pioneers like Adelle Davis, Carlton Fredricks, Gaylord Hauser, and the guy on our black & white TV with his dog Happy… none other than Jack LaLanne. Her diligence helped her uncover all kinds of ways to naturally support my immune system and minimize my dependence on pharmaceuticals. By high school, she even had a year-round system in place that kept me from wheezing every time I exerted myself and from catching every cold, sore throat, flu and other disease that came near me. So from the very beginning the lab rat was… me. Brewer’s yeast, cod liver oil, calf’s liver once a week, lecithin, vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, E, calcium, magnesium, other minerals, Tiger’s Milk, fresh fruit and veggies were staples when I was a kid. And never white bread. It was peanut butter and jelly on Whole Wheat bread or cream cheese and walnuts on raisin bread. One of the best lessons I learned was that eating is not just supposed to be about pleasure for the palate. I learned that food is fuel and nourishment. And when used correctly, can contribute greatly to one’s life force. Over the years, I’ve made some adjustments to Mom’s system. The crazy thing is, that at age 52, I was healthier and physically stronger than I’d been in my entire life. And I'm still going very strong at 66! Lest you think that my only physical challenge was some bronchial asthma, let me tell you a bit more. There was a period of years when I did not take care of myself and ignored Mom’s wisdom. This resulted in mind-numbing headaches (from allergies), a displaced vertebrae in my neck thanks to a hit in football, no cartilage in my right knee from a ‘me-being-out-of-shape’ basketball injury, alcohol and drug dependency issues. Add to that a motorcycle crash that shattered my left elbow & severed my tricep, tore a hole in my right shin that measured 6x12 inches, ripped up my left knee that took multiple surgeries & spare parts from a cadaver to repair. In addition, I’ve had a series of low back injuries that from time to time have left me incapacitated, a hiatal hernia, a displaced knuckle on my left hand, rosacea, a skin condition on my right foot, problems with bicep tendonitis in my right rotator cuff, acne, and very high cholesterol (probably a combination of genetics and an inability to properly deal with stress). Oh and a busted up hip from a 20 foot fall with a running chain saw in my hand. But the Tree Story is quite famous now and a great source of encouragement for many. I’ve probably left something out but you get the picture. And I’m not complaining since it’s good to be alive. The knowledge gained by living through this stuff gives me a perspective that goes beyond a formal classroom or lab. The good news is that I'm loved & excited about every day I am given. It’s really hard to believe how incredible the human body is and how it can comeback from near-death injuries and sickness. If I could overcome all the health problems and go on to be a world-class strongman at my age, I know that you can get on track to reach your health and fitness goals as well. I’ve also been asked to address the issue of training around and through injuries. No problem.  Dealing with people who are so smart and experienced regarding their personal health and wellness doesn't allow them to hear my voice. Yet, these same people are sick, overweight, weak, injured, taking meds and generally feel awful.
Compared to what everyone accepts as a 'healthy' way to live, my system is radical. Yet once learned and understood, it's quite simple & 'doable' but radical in today's accepted ways. Feeling is understanding. How can my small voice compete with the sculpted young experts of our time? These young brash Health & Fitness experts were expounding their wisdom when I was young as well. But most all have disappeared since the needle they were on betrayed them. Their shortcuts did not stand the test of time. But so many people poured out their sweat and hard-earned money on the promise of a beautiful, healthy, pain-free body. The gimmicks of those selling fitness have not changed much in the last 100 years. So why listen to this voice? 65 years on this planet has taught me a few things. But what I know as true is not just theory or from a certification class or from an infomercial full of experts. Or even from the plain old youthful exuberance of believing that the way they train themselves is effective for all who 'buy in'. Heck in my 20s I could live on beer, pizza and ice cream and STILL have great abs! But what are you going to do on that day when the cumulative effect of all your deleterious exercises and misguided eating and poorly informed way of supplementing catches up? One of my favorite words is 'cumulative'. In this case, it could take years to undo all the bad stuff. It's like you have to develop a new 'cumulative'. But it's not like you just have to change the way you train or eat or supplement and all is well. It won't be that easy. The hardest part is changing your mind. But you must because this is really important. It's your health, your very life! I'm so glad I learned this stuff. I'm glad I was humble enough to seek out great teachers and mentors. Well actually I was forced to be humble. All my injuries were crippling. But I still had hope and that allowed me to start over. And now I'm in better shape than I was 25 years ago and I exercise less than 2 hours a week! I would love to help guide you through all the nonsense. Let's talk. Honest talk, honest results. |
AuthorRussell Jones is an author, co-owner of My Back and Body Clinic in New Jersey, a Master-Level Rehabilitative Trainer, Strength Athlete & Motivational Speaker... Archives
May 2021
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