Dear Mark: Go Primal in 2009

We’ve had a lot of fun the last week or so putting together 2008 “retrospects” and looking forward to MDA’s strides in the year ahead. In that spirit, I thought I’d start out this first (real) post-holiday week with something new, something different, something I hope will be a grand movement within the MDA collective and our mission. In lieu of a Dear Mark question for this week, I want to put forth a big, broad, bold, communal call for a 2009 “Primal Challenge.” Let’s unroll this puppy. The deal is this…. Whether you’re a veteran “apple” looking for creative ways to up your game this year or a MDA newbie intrigued but unsure of where to start, I want this challenge to be all about you. It’s a challenge to personally take on the Primal method – own it, mold it, and make it a meaningful structure for your lifestyle and individual health goals – whatever and wherever they are this year.

Posted By: Mark Sisson

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Dear Mark: Sunglasses and Sunlamps

Dear Mark,

We’re heading into the winter months (it’s chilly even here in Atlanta!) and the days are getting shorter. As “Lights out: sleep, sugar, survival” taught us, we’re wired to handle seasonal patterns of sunlight exposure. What are your thoughts on maintaining a tan year round? Would you be better off letting your tan wane in the winter and switching from regular fish oil to cod liver oil to compensate for the vitamin D? To maintain a tan in the winter months would probably require a tanning booth, and I’d be curious to hear your thoughts on using those, even very occasionally. I’d love to see an article discussing this topic if you can get around to it. If you’ve already written one, could you point me in the direction of it?

Posted By: Mark Sisson

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Dear Mark: Brain Pills

Dear Mark,

I’ve been a faithful reader of your blog for a couple of months now since Tony Horton turned me on to it at one of his fitness camps. Anyway, the reason I am writing today is to refer you to an article about some scientists who are proposing “cognitive enhancing drugs” for healthy people. I had to check the dateline to make sure it wasn’t recycled from April 1st. I’m sure you’ll be interested in it and I’m sure your readers would enjoy your commentary on it:

Scientists Back Brain Drugs for Healthy People

Thanks to reader Dave for forwarding the article. A number of people I know actually sent me the news with various questions and comments of their own. It’s made for a lot of interesting conversations, shall we say, in the last several days.

Posted By: Mark Sisson

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Dear Mark: Flu Shots

Dear Mark,

I’m sure you know it’s gearing up toward flu season again, and the folks at work have started pushing for flu vaccination sign-ups.  I’m always a bit wary of Big Pharm and the “common knowledge” of what’s good for us (more so than ever since I first started reading MDA), so you’ll understand my hesitance in claiming my free shot. What’s your take on this issue?  Is it worth getting stuck, or am I better off left to my own healthy devices?

Thanks to Sarah for the timely question. You’re right that the ads and advice are everywhere this time of year. Some people rush to get their shots as soon as they’re released in early fall. Others swear them off. And then, I think, there’s a large group in the middle who waffle back and forth about the need for them.

Posted By: Mark Sisson

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Dear Mark: Weight Loss and Workout Routine

For this week’s Dear Mark I thought I’d publish a couple email correspondences I’ve had with MDA readers lately. Hit me up with your questions and comments in the comment board.

Posted By: Mark Sisson

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