HitPoint Health Weekly: 4/30 No Bad Parts, Red Light Therapy and Crab Champions
Welcome to this week's edition to the HitPoint Health weekly newsletter!
This week, I spent most of my time, when I wasn't playing Project+ Remix, or Smash 64 Remix playing Crab Champions, and still working my way through Omori.
I've also been working on perfecting my morning routine, trying to squeeze more time into my day by time blocking, trying to utilize my red light machine daily, and played a bunch of Crab Champions.
Stuff I Did This Week:
🦀🏆 Crab Champions:
I'm sure that you remember the song and video called "Crab Rave" from DJ Noisestorm. Well, this is actually a game made by that guy. And what a game it is. Whoever this guy is, he has a knack for making viral creations... with crustaceans.
With a unique blend of action, strategy, and teamwork, this crustacean-themed game is perfect for a fun night in. My friends and I loved playing through this one. And we still do, we've been hitting it a few times a week. It plays a bit like a fast Risk of Rain 2, but crabbier. And, for only $9.99, it's a steal at that price too, which makes it even more compelling.
🎲 Dokapon Kingdom:
I recently dusted off my copy of Dokapon Kingdom, an older party game that never fails to bring laughter and excitement to game nights. There's something magical about retro games – they have a unique charm that can create unforgettable memories with friends, or reignite those memories. So, the next time you're planning a gathering, bring out those classic games if you haven't given them to Goodwill. I've also been playing Smash Bros Brawl and Smash 64 rom hacks, and they've been great. And F Zero GX, I forgot how fantastic that game feels to play! Trust me, just do it and you'll be the hero of your party! 🕹️🎉
🔴 Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy has recently gained popularity as an innovative and natural approach to enhancing overall health and well-being. As a health enthusiast and someone who's always eager to try new things, I decided to give red light therapy a shot. I was intrigued by its potential benefits for skin, hair, and hormonal regulation, among others. I mean really, the health benefits were not limited to skin or eye health which really caught my attention.
I remember the first time I stood in front of the red light generator, butt naked, and excited to see what this therapy could do for me. As the warm, gentle red light enveloped my body, I felt a comforting sensation, and I knew I was doing something good for myself. It feels like sunlight, but knowing that you won't get sunburnt in the process, although I suppose you dry out your skin to excess instead.
One of the most notable benefits of red light therapy is its impact on skin health. The red and near-infrared wavelengths penetrate the skin's surface, stimulating collagen production, reducing inflammation, and promoting cellular repair. After consistent use, I noticed my skin looked more radiant, with an even tone and fewer blemishes. I also feel that the inflammation in my gut reduced after using it centered on my stomach.
In addition to the improvements in my skin and hair, red light therapy has been linked to overall health benefits. It's been suggested that the therapy can help regulate hormones, such as testosterone. Adequate testosterone levels are crucial for both men and women, as they play a role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and mental health. After incorporating red light therapy into my routine, I experienced increased energy and a greater sense of well-being. This is partially where the idea of perineum sunning comes from.
Red light therapy has quickly become one of my favorite self-care practices. Standing naked in front of the red light generator might have been an unusual experience at first, but the benefits I've reaped for my skin, hair, and overall health have made it a staple in my wellness routine. I encourage anyone curious about red light therapy to give it a try and see the positive impact it can have on their lives. The biggest issue that I have faced when using red light therapy is consistency, as the biggest benefits come from daily use.
📖 No Bad Parts:
I can't recommend No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz enough. Reading it was a transformative experience that opened my eyes to the importance of mental health and emotional well-being. The book's revolutionary approach to understanding the many "parts" within us has helped me navigate the complex inner world of my mind, and it has lead to some self-compassion and growth.
Seriously, I have been having conversations with these parts of myself, which Schwatz himself walked me through in the audio book. The parts that are scared, defensive, and reactive. These parts of ourselves are just doing what they know. What helps you to survive. It can be pretty intense working with parts of yourself that think that you will die if they stop the destructive behavior inside of you... it kept you safe once, but you have to communicate to those parts that you don't need that behavior anymore. You can ask them what they want to be doing instead. It is a surprisingly effective and poignant form of therapy.
If you're seeking deep and personal self development, this book is is a great path to do some inner healing and childwork.
💪 Whey Protein Supplementation:
For the longest time, I avoided most forms of dairy products. I have also been told by people in my life, and by health professionals that all milk is toxic now. And this is coming from someone who grew up in the "Got Milk?" era of advertising. I spent years exercising while being vegan and vegetarian, and while I certainly still saw and felt progress, but something was missing. And, I hit a breaking point, where I started seeing negative progress, no matter what I did.
In come whey protein to save the day! When I first started adding whey to my supplement routine, it was after seeing a bioavailability protein sheet, and some studies on the subject, like this one in the journal of clinical nutrition and metabolic care. And, as I did more research, I began to understand the role that protein, in particular animal sourced protein, plays in overall health, and muscle gain. AND the role of muscle for longevity and insulin sensitivity. With all of this in mind, I have added a good quality, lab tested, grass fed whey protein isolate blend into my diet, and I am certinaly bigger and stronger because of it.🍶🏋️♂️
🔬 Interleukin-6:
My interest in nutrition and health led me to explore the world of biomarkers, particularly Interleukin-6 (IL-6). This is because many of the tests that may be ordered by typical healthcare providers sometimes simply aren't enough, or tend to measure old or outdated markers that don't seem to correlate to or cause disease. (I'm looking at you, LDL cholesterol, but more on that another time.) High levels of IL-6 can indicate chronic inflammation, which can impact your overall health and performance.
There are also many other interleukin cells, which may be obvious by the "6" in the name. But all of these cells are actually surprisingly different in function, even though they may be similar in form. I plan on working on either an article about this, or by including the interleukin cells that have a more positive effect on the body. Or rather, indicate a more positive effect. But, I will say that by monitoring my IL-6 levels, I've been able to maintain a healthy balance and stay in peak condition. 🩺🔬
Thanks again, for being here.
And that's a wrap for this week's HitPoint Health newsletter! Remember, combining your passion for gaming with your pursuit of better health and longevity is possble. Stay connected with us by following our blog and subscribing to our newsletter, as we continue to share our expertise and personal experiences in the world of health, nutrition, and gaming. And remember, you can reply to this email as well!
Until next time, Let's Elevate Our HP,
Your Friend,
Matt.