Transformation Initializes From Within

Often times I am asked how does my faith and being a spiritual leader reconcile with my approach to fitness? The answer is quite simple, though the foundation is extensive. My faith and my focus on fitness, as well as health and wellness reconcile quite well, in fact, they are inextricably connected. Fitness and Christianity are not opposing forces in any way. Christianity is the foundation for all that is whole and complete in the life of the believer. Wellness, fitness and holistic living are simply particular elements that are erected upon the foundation of Christianity as they take their place in the aggregate form of the edifice which is the Christian way of life.

Because fitness has been so heavily associated with physical pulchritude and appeal, many associate its nature with being self-centered and superficial. The truth is that fitness, wellness and holistic living have very little to do with outward appearance and quite a bit to do with providing the proper foundation for executing God’s plan for your life. When God designed you he designed you perfectly. There are various components and external influences that have negatively impacted and corrupted the original design.

One of the most impacting directives for Christian living is proper stewardship over all that God has entrusted you with. Whether it is your children, your finances, your marriage, and yes, even your body, it is paramount for the believer to be a good steward. Being a good steward requires the proper management, supervision, maintenance and execution of what one has been entrusted with.

We are told through the first Pauline epistle (letter) to the Corinthian Church that our bodies are the temple of God (1 Cor. 6:19-20). This means that in the same way that God indwelled the tabernacle initially, and later the temple, He now indwells our bodies. The apprehension of this fact has immense implications. If God has taken up residence within us, how much more does this fact magnify the need to take care of His dwelling place?

So much emphasis has been placed on the epidemic of obesity and its wide ranging negative impact on the health of Americans. As devastating as the obesity epidemic is, it is simply a small reflection of a much massive and broader reaching issue; poor stewardship through poor health and lifestyle choices. If the believers in this nation would address the core issue of poor stewardship, the secondary issue of obesity and its far reaching implications would be nullified.

It all begins with a will to effectively execute the protocol plan of God and it subsequently flows fluently through every orifice in your life to fill your life with power, impact, influence, effectiveness and the assets necessary to live out your divine purpose and fulfill your destiny.

When I survey the American health landscape the results are quite alarming. More than 50 percent of the nation’s population can be classified as officially obese (having a BMI [Body Mass Index] of 30 or higher). The implications of this are far reaching and carry the potential to produced unparalleled and devastating results. Obesity has been directly linked to numerous deadly and debilitating diseases, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes (primarily Type 2 Diabetes), Hypertension (High Blood Pressure [especially prevalent among blacks]), High Cholesterol, Cancer (increasing the chances of developing 3 forms of deadly cancer by 50 percent), Infertility (creating hormonal imbalances that cause major ovarian issues in women that effect their ability to reproduce), osteoarthritis (debilitating joint inflammation directly associated with severe pain and limited physiological capability), Skin Infections, Ulcers, Gallstones and much more.

When these multitudinous health issues are examined in depth, it produces quite a gloomy portrait of health in America, and it all stems from a failure to execute good stewardship. When I look at the number of believers that are obese in America, the numbers are staggering. What these numbers reflect is even more staggering. Believers are failing in executing proper stewardship over one of their greatest assets, their bodies. God has designed each of us with a specific purpose in mind. We carry out our purpose through the vessel provided, our bodies. How we take care of our bodies determines the quality of life and length of life. What this means is that we have great influence on the effectiveness of our personal ministries.

The following question is often posed to me concerning the conundrum of failed health: What can possibly be done at this point? Whether you are a believer or not, you must understand that change is always possible, no matter how far along you have progressed in your journey. For Christian believers, the apprehension of this truth should be magnified with great measure. You are equipped for positive change, but this change is not accomplished through mystical pursuit. It is not achieved through empty prayers and proclamations. True change begins with the renewal of your mind; the attainment of a fresh way of thinking.

Dr. Rick Wallace 

Simply making the right health choices and developing a healthier way of life, while decreasing the daily abuse on your bodies will produce efficacious results. We have an extremely long way to go in America, but for everyone reading this article, it starts with you today, and the possibilities are endless. ~ Dr. Rick Wallace

During the course of this campaign, I will introduce various products and resources that I believe will assist you as you in taking the proper steps toward a happier you. I would advise you to take advantage of every resource within your grasp. 

A Health Crisis

Life Change Starts Here

As a spiritual leader and biblical teacher with an extensive background in health and fitness, I have a unique perspective on holistic living and complete wellness. I have come to understand that physical wellness and spiritual wellness (wholeness) are inextricably connected. We were designed by God to be whole in every aspect of our lives and when one area is lacking it has a negative impact to all other areas.

As this nation engages one of the deadliest epidemics in history (obesity), I am reminded that obesity is the direct result of a more profound issue. There are an endless amount of statistics that connect obesity to numerous health issues, such as cancer, hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes, osteoarthritis, infertility, stroke, coronary heart disease and more. What is lacking is not in the way of scientific research that reveals the negative impact of obesity, but a more concentrated focus on the source or the root issues rather than the symptom.

As deadly as obesity has been proven to be, it is not the origin, but rather, it is the consequence and direct repercussion of a deeper issue. The issue in question is poor nutritional and lifestyle choices. America, as a whole, has drifted further and further away from good sound nutritional diets in lieu of convenience. The fast food movement has created a culture in which the value meal has replaced the wholesome and nutritious meal once was a mainstay in the American home.

One of the reasons that many of the programs aimed at obesity have not proven to be efficacious is because they are heavily centered on the symptom without any emphasis being given to the root. There has to be a concerted effort on behalf of medical professionals, nutritionists, and fitness professionals to educate this nation on the importance of proper nutrition and adequate exercise.

Obesity will continue to increase in its prevalence in America until it is addressed at the source. Although the National Campaign Against Obesity is designed for all, whether Christian believers or not, I am a Christian and therefore I understand the massive spiritual implications involved with this epidemic. So many people have been rendered physically, spiritually, and emotionally dysfunctional by all of the issues associated with obesity. It is the goal here at Master Fitness 21, Stay Fit Fitness & Training, and RWM (Rick Wallace Ministries) to bring lucidity to this nation’s struggle with obesity and numerous other health issues.

Our primary objective is to create a culture that is centered in living a holistic lifestyle; bringing balance, strength and clarity to your life in a manner that will not only allow you to visualize and understand your purpose, but also empower you to fulfill it.

Poor health robs you of your ability to be effective in your designed purpose. It relegates you to a lesser realm of effectiveness and it shortens your lifespan, which also limits your overall impact.

What you eat and how you eat will have a massive impact on your physical well-being. The perpetuation of a sedentary lifestyle will also wreak havoc on your health. We will discuss proper nutrition, organic foods, lifestyle change, natural health remedies and more.

It is important to understand that the battle against obesity and being overweight is not about aesthetics or pulchritude; it is about living a natural and healthy life that will allow you the freedom to be an impacting force to the world around you. It is about increasing the length of your life while increasing the quality of your life.

The debilitating health in this nation can be reversed, but it begins with education and understanding of the root issue. From that point we can actively progress toward making better choices with our eating and implementing a more active lifestyle. It requires that each of us take responsibility for our own actions.

Stewardship over your body is one of the greatest responsibilities that God has entrusted to us because our bodies are the temple of God (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

Dr. Rick Wallace
(Living Change 1 Day at a time)

There are many fad diets and products that promise to give you the perfect body, but they simple feed the cultural lusts for a quick fix and a superficial presentation. A true healthy body is far more than what others may see externally and the focus should never be centered on appearance, which dissipates the true gravity of the importance of our bodies. We should take care of our bodies; not because of the external beauty it presents, but because it is the vessel through which God functions in us to reach a world in need of his saving grace. It is also His place of residence as he indwells us.

I encourage you to become a part of this movement as we begin the process of taking our lives back. You will be exposed to multitudinous resources and concepts that will help you assume the healthy lifestyle you so desperately need. We want to work with you to insure that you have the best opportunity to achieve complete wholeness.

Thank you,

Dr. Rick Wallace Ph.D.
Founder & President
Master Fitness 21
Stay Fit Fitness & Training

Turbo Metabolism

Changing the World One Life at A Time

In the 20 plus years that I have been involved in the health and fitness arena I have witnessed a great deal. I have met multitudinous people that have struggled with controlling or losing weight. I have been able to help these people find solutions to their weight loss challenges. I still believe the most effective way to engage the struggles that you are having with losing weight is to hire a professional and allow them to work with you. The results will be seen quicker and they will be accomplished in a manner that is safe and will allow you sustain them. For those who cannot afford a fitness or health professional to consult with you, I recommend Turbo Metabolism. Turbo Metabolism is a concise eBook that can be downloaded to your laptop, eReading device, smartphone, iPod, etc. this book reveals to you valid and legitimate ways to kick start your metabolism.

In losing or gaining weight, there is a simple formula: If you put your body into caloric surplus, you will gain weight. Caloric surplus is the state of having taken in more calories than your body will burn in a day. In the same way, if you put your body in caloric deficit (less calories than burned) you will lose weight. Gaining and losing weight is done at a rate of 1 pound gained/loss for every 3,000 calories in surplus/deficit. Your metabolism, in its simplified definition, is the rate that your body burns calories. There are a number of reasons why your metabolism will slow down. As a fitness expert, one of the things that I specialize in is putting bodies in caloric deficit in healthy and sustainable ways. Turbo Metabolism teaches you a number techniques and concepts that will show you how to place your body in caloric deficit and manage your weight loss in a healthy and sustainable way.

When I launched The National Campaign Against Obesity in early May of this year (2012), I did it because of my passion to help others in need. What most don’t realize is that obesity (BMI of 30) is directly associated with the top killers in the US. Obesity is directly associated with Coronary Heart Disease, Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes, Osteoarthritis, Three of the Deadliest Cancers, Infertility Issues in Women, High Cholesterol, and more. With the nation as a whole at an obesity prevalence rate of >50%, we have reached epidemic proportions. This means we are slowly killing ourselves.

Dr. Rick Wallace Ph.D.
Creator of VTX-12

Honestly I would love to work with you through my National Program, VTX-12 to help you lose weight, but if you truly can’t afford the cost of working with a professional, I definitely suggest that you take advantage of the knowledge revealed in Turbo Metabolism. ~ Dr. Rick Wallace Ph.D. ~ Founder & President of Master Fitness 21~ Dean of the School for the Ministry of Health & Wellness at A.R.O.H. Theological Seminary ~ 214-755-1509.

Lose Weight Nature's Way

Changing the World One Life at a Time!

When I launched The National Battle Against Obesity back in May of this year, I knew it would be a challenge to convince people of the importance of controlling their weight and increasing their fitness level. With over 20 years of experience it the health & wellness industry I have seen almost everything. And people fight change, even when their life depends on it.

I have seen all kinds of fads that people spent hundred and even thousands of dollars on. The thing is that weight loss must be achieved and sustained through natural and healthy means. Unless weight loss is achieved naturally through some sort of life style change or a combination of changes, it will not be successful or any achieved success will not be sustainable.

Outside of my new VTX-12 training system, there are a number of resources that are relatively inexpensive and provide the information for the self-motivated individual to set and achieve goals that are conducive to better health and a longer life. I have decided to profile some of these resources on a number of my sites.

The first of many is the eBook, “Losing Weight Nature’s Way” is a book that provides solid guidance on developing a life style that will allow you to shed excess weight and keep it off without the unsustainable fads. In The National Campaign Against Obesity we are striving to reverse the epidemic of obesity that is ravaging America. Obesity is directly associated with Type 2 Diabetes, Coronary Heart Disease, Hypertension, Stroke, Osteoarthritis, several types of lethal cancers, and so much more. This nation is slowly killing itself, unfortunately African Americans are leading the charge right off the cliff.

It has been proven that consistent exercise and proper diet can be more effective than medication alone in dealing with almost all of these illnesses and their precursor (obesity). I have personally seen people get off of their heart, hypertension, diabetes and kidney medications, by adopting a healthier lifestyle. Losing Weight Nature’s Way will provide you with vital information that will equip you to develop a holistic lifestyle in which you can improve your health in every area. For less than $10.00 total you can find the answer to a great deal of the enigmatic issues you face when attempting to lose weight and keep it off.

For those of you that are not self-motivated, I encourage you to try my new VTX-12 Virtual Training System.

Working together, we can make a difference. Our kids have already been affected by this disease with an alarming obesity prevalence among minors of over 17% and growing. Let’s set the example. ~ Dr. Rick Wallace Ph.D. Dean of the School for the Ministry of Health & Wellness - A.R.O.H. Theological Seminary for more information on more advanced methods of weight loss please contact me directly at 214-755-1509

Obesity Among Black Women

I live in Nashville. There is an ongoing rivalry between Nashville and Memphis. In black Nashville, we like to think of ourselves as the squeaky-clean brown town best known for our colleges and churches. In contrast, black Memphis is known for its music and bars and churches. We often tease the city up the road by saying that in Nashville we have a church on every corner and in Memphis they have a church and a liquor store on every corner. Only now the saying goes, there’s a church, a liquor store and a dialysis center on every corner in black Memphis. ~ See the complete article by clicking the tab concerning obesity in black women.

This article deals with the cultural struggle that black women have with losing weight. Most black men want a thick (actually overweight, and unhealthy) woman.

In my preaching ministry, I preach unadulterated gospel, I don't pull punches and I don't seek the line of popularity. If I step on some toes, its best because that means they won't be in the isle the next time I come around. Well, it is time to take the same approach with My Campaign Against Obesity.

There is not a group of people killing themselves faster than African Americans and African American women are at the top of the least. As this article states, cultural paradigms have convinced the black women that she is better overweight, but what this paradigm has not taught the black women is that her thickness is killing her. It is shaving years off of her life. It is robbing her of precious time with her grand kids. This paradigm of thickness has not revealed that it comes with greater risk of cancer and infertility. It has not revealed that it robs kids of their parents far too soon. Four out of every five black women in america are consider obese.

Ladies, the culture has lied to you when it told you that genetically you just have big bones. Big bones don't cause diabetes, big bones don't cause cancer, big bones don't cause hypertension.

Ladies, the threat is real and it is not going away. When I counsel people attempting to lose weight I use the same principle as when I counsel others on spiritual matters. The truth is losing weight is just a spiritual as praying. Our bodies are the temple of God, take a look right now today of where you have God living. What have you done to His house. Allow me to make this perfectly clear, this is not about aesthetics; pulchritude has nothing to do with it. If being 5'4" and 200 lbs had no health risks associated with it, I would say go for it, but unfortunately, at that weight you are easily taking 20 years off your life. That's twenty less years with your kids and grand kids. That is 20 less years with your husband, most importantly, it is 20 less years you have to give to the service of the kingdom and that is why you here right now.

I am willing to work with each of you to reach your goals. If for some reason you don't want to work with me, find a competent professional to help you reach your goals. I write school programs and curriculums for health and wellness. I believe that the epidemic of obesity is reversible because I believe in the power of God to transform.  What I need you to do is to wake up, and give me a call. I will walk this thing out with you step by step. I have designed a virtual program called VTX-12 that will allow me to effective train you irregardless to where you are.

Ladies, and gentlemen, it is time to step up and take care of our temples. I expect each person that is not at their ideal weight to take their temple serious enough to contact me. No Excuses. ~ Dr. Rick Wallace

Heart Disease Risk Factors

Heart Disease Facts

From the Center of Disease Control and Prevention

America's Heart Disease Burden

• About 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year–that’s 1 in every 4 deaths.¹
• Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. More than half of the deaths due to heart disease in 2009 were in men.¹
• Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease, killing more than 385,000 peopleannually.¹
• Every year about 935,000 Americans have a heart attack. Of these, 610,000 are a first heart attack. 325,000 happen in people who have already had a heart attack.²
• Coronary heart disease alone costs the United States $108.9 billion each year.³ This total includes the cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity.

Deaths Vary by Ethnicity

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for people of most ethnicities in the United States, including African Americans, Hispanics, and whites. For American Indians or Alaska Natives and Asians or Pacific Islanders, heart disease is second only to cancer. Below are the percentages of all deaths caused by heart disease in 2008, listed by ethnicity.⁴

Race of Ethnic Group	% of Deaths
African Americans	24.5
American Indians or Alaska Natives	18.0
Asians or Pacific Islanders	23.2
Hispanics	20.8
Whites	25.1
All	25.0

Deaths Vary by Geography

During 2007–2009, death rates due to heart disease were highest in the South and lowest in the West.

Early Action is Key

Knowing the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack is key to preventing death, but many people don’t know the signs.

• In a 2005 survey, most respondents—92%—recognized chest pain as a symptom of a heart attack. Only 27% were aware of all major symptoms and knew to call 9-1-1 when someone was having a heart attack.⁵
• About 47% of sudden cardiac deaths occur outside a hospital. This suggests that many people with heart disease don't act on early warning signs.⁶

Heart attacks have several major warning signs and symptoms:

• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Upper body pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or upper stomach.
• Shortness of breath.
• Nausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweats.

Americans at Risk

High blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. About half of Americans (49%) have at least one of these three risk factors.⁷

Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, including:

• Diabetes
• Overweight and obesity
• Poor diet
• Physical inactivity
• Excessive alcohol use

Protect Your Heart

Lowering you blood pressure and cholesterol will reduce your risk of dying of heart disease. Here are some tips to protect your heart:

• Follow your doctor’s instructions and stay on your medications.
• Eat a healthy diet that is low in salt; low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol; and rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Take a brisk 10-minute walk, 3 times a day, 5 days a week.
• Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible. Visit www.cdc.gov/tobacco andwww.smokefree.gov for tips on quitting.

Fact Sheets

• Heart Disease Fact Sheet
• Men and Heart Disease
• Women and Heart Disease
• Atrial Fibrillation Fact Sheet
• Heart Failure Fact Sheet
• Know the Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack
• Cholesterol Fact Sheet
• High Blood Pressure Fact Sheet
• Pulmonary Hypertension Fact Sheet

References

1. Kochanek KD, Xu JQ, Murphy SL, Miniño AM, Kung HC. Deaths: final data for 2009.  [PDF-2M] National vital statistics reports. 2011;60(3).
2. Roger VL, Go AS, Lloyd-Jones DM, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2012 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2012;125(1):e2–220.
3. Heidenreich PA, Trogdon JG, Khavjou OA, et al. Forecasting the future of cardiovascular disease in the United States: a policy statement from the American Heart Association.Circulation. 2011;123:933-44. Epub 2011 Jan 24.
4. Heron M. Deaths: Leading causes for 2008.  [PDF-2.7M] National vital statistics reports. 2012;60(6).
5. CDC. Disparities in Adult Awareness of Heart Attack Warning Signs and Symptoms—14 States, 2005. MMWR. 2008;57(7):175–179.
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. State Specific Mortality from Sudden Cardiac Death: United States, 1999. MMWR. 2002;51(6):123–126.
7. CDC. Million Hearts: strategies to reduce the prevalence of leading cardiovascular disease risk factors. United States, 2011. MMWR2011;60(36):1248–51.

Exercise and Type 2 Diabetes

The incidence of type 2 diabetes is on the rise, which experts largely attribute to the rise in obesity. Type 2 diabetes, which is responsible for 90 to 95% of all diabetes cases, is more common in adults, but as rates of childhood obesity increase, more young children are being diagnosed with the disease. The good news is that simple lifestyle changes can prevent and, in some cases, counter the course of this disease.

Type 2 Diabetes Explained

Following digestion, a hormone called insulin is released into the blood from the pancreas. Among insulin’s primary roles is its ability to allow carbohydrates (absorbed in the form of glucose) and proteins to enter muscle cells, where they are stored or used for energy. With type 2 diabetes, some insulin is produced, but the body does not effectively use it. This condition is known as “insulin resistance” and prohibits glucose from entering the cells. In turn, blood glucose rises to abnormal levels in the blood. If unchecked for extended periods, elevated glucose levels lead to heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and nerve dysfunction.

Type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to lifestyle factors, especially diet and exercise. People at highest risk of developing type 2 diabetes have a family history, as well as other cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

However, the same techniques that are used for prevention of this disease—a healthy diet and regular exercise—can be used to control and possibly reverse its progression.

Exercise Can Help

The latest research has put exercise at the forefront in the prevention, control and treatment of diabetes because it decreases insulin resistance. Following regular exercise training, cells can better respond to insulin and effectively take glucose out of the blood and into the cell. Exercise also helps to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by decreasing blood pressure, cholesterol levels and body fat.

Exercise Recommendations

If you have type 2 diabetes, you should adhere to the following exercise guidelines:

• Always consult with your physician before starting any exercise program to determine the potential risks associated with exercise.
• Cardiovascular exercise—Strive to accumulate a minimum of 1,000 kcal expended through physical activity each week. Pending current conditioning levels, this may require three to seven days per week of low-to-moderate intensity exercise for 20 to 60 minutes (walking and other non-weightbearing activities such as water aerobics and cycling are good choices). Daily exercise is highly recommended.
• Resistance training—Perform resistance-training activities at least two days per week, targeting  the major muscle groups. Complete a minimum of one set of 10 to 15 repetitions of each exercise at a low-to-moderate intensity.
• Flexibility—Perform stretching exercises at least two to three days per week, stretching major muscle groups to the point of tension (not pain) for 15 to 30 seconds. Complete two to four repetitions of each stretch.
• The ultimate goal is to expend a minimum of 1,000 calories per week via physical activity for health benefits, or 2,000 calories per week for weight loss. Keep in mind that these are goals that you should work up to gradually over time.

What are the precautions?

If you have type 2 diabetes, you must monitor your glucose before and after exercise to understand how you respond to certain types of activities. Also, exercising with a partner and wearing an ID bracelet indicating one’s diabetic condition are very important.

Finally, don’t forget to check with your physician prior to beginning a physical-activity program and return regularly to assess the diabetic complications. If complications of the eyes, kidney or heart are present, your physician should provide you with clear boundaries regarding the intensity of any physical activity.

Additional Resources

American Diabetes Association—Exercise: www.diabetes.org/weightloss-and-exercise/exercise/overview.jsp/
Centers for Disease Control—Exercise and Diabetes:www.cdc.gov/diabetes/faq/exercise.htm/
Mayo Clinic—Diabetes and Exercise: www.mayo_clinic.com/health/diabetes-and-exercise/DA00036/

Primary Source

American Council on Fitness: http://www.acefitness.org/fitfacts/fitfacts_display.aspx?itemid=2608

It's Time to Live

“It turns out that 70% of American aging is not real aging.  It’s just decay.  It’s rot from the stuff that we do.  All the lifestyle diseases … the diabetes, the obesity, the heart disease, much of the Alzheimer’s, lots of the cancers, and almost all of the osteoporosis, those are all decay.  Nature doesn’t have that in store for any of us.  We go out and buy it off the rack.” ~ Dr. Henry Lodge