Saturday, May 31, 2008

Exercise Can Boost Your IQ

Studies have shown that some forms of exercise may actually help you
think better, while others have little or no impact on your brain
matter.

Here's a sampling of what works and what doesn’t:


~ Aerobic Training

In 2006, Arthur Kramer of the University of Illinois used MRIs to prove
that aerobic exercise builds gray and white matter in the brains of
older adults. Later studies found that more aerobically fit
grade-schoolers also perform better on cognitive tests.

~ Impact on intelligence: Strong

Lifting Weights

Researchers have found only the most tenuous link
between heavy resistance training and improved cognitive function.

~ Impact on intelligence: Negligible

Yoga

When facing a stressful situation or even a scary email, people often
hold their breath. Yoga can break that habit.

Under pressure, "most people breathe incorrectly," says Frank Lawlis, a
fellow of the American Psychological Association and author of The IQ
Answer. The result: more stress and less oxygen to your brain. "So the
first thing that goes is your memory."

~ Impact on intelligence: Possibly strong

Studying on the StairMaster

A spinning class may rev up your mental muscle, but that doesn't mean
you should study while huffing and puffing on the StairMaster.
Research shows you'll just confuse yourself. "It's like doing something
while you're driving," says Charles Hillman, a kinesiology professor at
the University of Illinois. In other words, you won't do either task
well.

~ Impact on intelligence: Negligible

Aerobic exercise is indeed one of the best things you can do to stay
mentally agile into old age.

For example, older people who exercise three or more times a week were
found to have a significantly reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's
and other types of dementia. Healthy people who reported exercising
regularly had a 30 to 40 percent lower risk of dementia, but even those
who devoted as little as 15 minutes to exercise, three days a week, cut
their risk significantly. Even a short, brisk walk every day, the
researchers said, can make a difference.


The trick about exercise is treating it like a drug that needs to be
prescribed precisely so you can achieve the maximum benefit. There are
a number of excellent resources out there for exercise; you can review
mine, or search online or in your book store for further resources.


Sources:
Wired Magazine April 21, 2008

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Do You Have Good Body Image?

How well do you accept compliments? Are you able to say thank you or do you put yourself down after receiving a compliment?

Do you find that no matter how many times others compliment you, do you still feel insecure about your appearance? How you see yourself is considered "Body Image". People that have poor body image focus only on the body parts they dislike and disregard the ones they like.

Someone considered beautiful or handsome doesn't necessarily guarantee they have a good body image. The way we feel about our bodies can be caused by a mix of environmental, biological factors, the media, our families, friends and individual brain chemistry.

How To Love Yourself;

Limit TV
According to Jennifer Derenne, M.D., and Eugene Beresin, M.D., the authors of 'Body Image, Media and Eating Disorders,' "TV exposure independently increases the odds of becoming overweight by 50% for both men and women,"from the May/June 2006 Academic Psychiatry journal. And it's not just how much TV we're watching, it's also what we're watching. "Specifically, rates of exposure to soap operas, movies and music videos were associated with higher rates of body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness."

Put down that magazine.
All women, regardless of weight, shape or age, reported a drop in their level of satisfaction with their own bodies after viewing pictures of models in magazine ads for just three minutes.

Reduce time spent criticizing yourself
Spending too much time focusing on that blemish or scar creates negative thoughts. Instead focus on the parts of your body that you do like...your eyes, your hair, your smile.

Love your whole body. If you only focus on the negatives and don't recognize your assets, you will have low self esteem. You simply cannot base your whole self worth on that pimple or scar or some extra weight.

Focus on other parts of your life that bring you happiness. Acknowledge your strengths and talents.

Feed your body
Start eating healthy and create a more healthy lifestyle. This can help people with distorted beliefs about body image.

If you don't feed your body, you skip out on necessary nutrients, and you might actually create a cycle of low self-esteem. Binging which can lead to weight gain and then worsening self image.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Suffering From Sleep Deprivation or Insomnia?

Sleep deprivation is a lack of the necessary amount of sleep your body needs. Sleep deprivation can affect the brain function and it also affects reactions to stress, regulates body functions such as digestion, the immune system, mood, sex, or energy usage, while suppressing growth hormones.

Insomnia is considered a sleeping disorder which a person has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Industry guru Bradley Thompson found the secret that was initially discovered in 1839 by a German research scientist which can cure these two conditions.

Binaural beats...What is this?
Binaural beats may influence the brain in subtle ways and can be used to produce relaxation and other health benefits.

Binaural beat recordings are sounds that alter your brainwaves. Binaural beat CDs are now available so you can quickly and easily enter states of creativity, relaxation, or pure energy.
Visit www.sleep-deprivation-cd.com if you experience sleep deprivation or need insomnia help.

Think of the benefits from binaural beat recordings! If you ever experienced sleepless nights, you know the tossing and turning, the headache, staring at the clock hour after hour and then when you are able to finally get an hour or two of sleep... you have to get up for work. And that throws off the entire day... feeling tired and miserable.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

What Is Your Attitude Towards Pain?

Feeling pain is our bodies way of telling us something. Do we listen or do we ignore it?

How we interpret pain messages and tolerate pain can be affected by our emotional and psychological state, memories of past pain experiences,our upbringing,attitude, expectations,beliefs and values,Age,Sex and Social and cultural influences.

What Is Your Attitude Towards Pain? According to Phylameana lila Desy at About.com, there are 8 types of attitudes one can have towards personal pain. Are you a...

1. Hypochondriac
Hypochondriacs are paranoid thinkers. They fear the worst illnesses. They routinely visit their doctors regularly for every little scratch or sneeze.

2. Cyberchondriac
A relative of the hyperchondriac. Cyberchondriacs have been known to falsely self-diagnosis themselves with some of the rarest and deadliest diseases written about on the Internet.

3. Researcher
Researchers will surf the Internet and scour their local libraries looking for illnesses that will match up with their symptoms and explore available treatments. These individuals are well educated people who are seeking knowledge to better understand the pain they are experiencing. These people want to be active participants in their own well being. Researchers are not content to leave their health completely in the hands of the medical community to call all the shots.

4. Empath
Empaths are natural pain magnets. Sensitive by nature, they naturally absorb sufferings felt by other people near them. Empaths quickly learn to isolate themselves from others and will create energetic boundaries in order to shield themselves from taking on emotions felt by others. If they build too strong of a steel wall of protection around themselves they can appear to be aloof and non-caring to others' troubles.

5. Complainer
We have all been in the company of complainers. Their demeanor comes across as WOE IS ME. They feel as if they are suffering more than others. They are self-absorbed in themselves and give their power over to their sufferings. They often become very dependent on their sympathizers.

6. Shrugger
These types tend to shrug off or completely ignore signs of pain, suffering in silence. They will often do this out of fear because they don't want to find out something is wrong and face the possibility of BAD NEWS. Also, they may take on the philosophy that their pain is mild or insignificant compared to others and therefore they should just endure their afflictions. Some wear their pain like a badge of courage as if they are proving to the world that nothing can hurt them.

7. Juggler
These people are highly intune with their bodies and easily recognize when changes and imbalances are occurring. They often feel an imbalance in their etheric field before physical manifestation of any illness has begun. They will take whatever steps necessary, including juggling their routine habits if they must, doing whatever is needed to bring themselves out of flux and return back to a normal and more balanced energy.

8. Combination
If you recognize yourself in more than one of the previous attitudes described then your attitude is a combination of those categories. Our attitudes will vary depending on the severity of pain we are experiencing.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Heparin Alert From The FDA!

There are many people all over the world who need medical care in the
form of dialysis for kidneys, IV fluids for many reasons and other
types of procedures designed to help them cope with existing problems
or even to get past them.

Medical professionals are concerned when administering this care they
need to prevent the body's natural reaction to any sort of open wound,
which is to immediately manufacture substances that lead to clotting.

There are several products on the market that helps slow or prevent
this clotting. According to news published on the FDA's Web site, a few
of these anti-coagulant products and the syringes in which they're
packaged have been recalled due to their link to the development of
serious side effects.

Pre-Filled Flushes Recalled

AM2 PAT, Inc. is the manufacturer of both Heparin and Normal Saline
pre-filled flushes, and these products are known by the brand names of
Sierra Pre-Filled Inc and B. Braun. The products are sold in 3ml and
5ml sizes for Heparin and 3ml, 5ml, and 10ml sizes for Normal Saline.
One lot of Heparin IV flush syringes (1003-02, Lot 070926H) was
contaminated with Serratia marcescens which has resulted in patient
infections. Serratia marcescens is a bacterium that can cause urinary
tract infections and even carries a significant mortality rate if it
goes undetected.

Baxter Healthcare Corporation

Baxter manufactures and distributes the products generally known as
multi-dose and single-use vials of heparin sodium for injection and
heparin lock flush solutions.
These products have been voluntarily recalled because of the tendency
in patients to show several troubling side effects:


Oral swelling
Nausea
Vomiting
Organ failure
Shock
Shortness of breath
Severe hypertension
Death


Most reported cases have involved an almost immediate development of
those side effects.

The FDA announced the possibility that these potentially severe side
effects could develop at a later time.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Balancing Your Yin-Yang

This Symbol (Yin-Yang) represents the ancient Chinese understanding of how things work. The outer circle represents "everything", while the black and white shapes within the circle represent the interaction of two energies, called "yin" (black) and "yang" (white), which cause everything to happen. They are not completely black or white, just as things in life are not completely black or white, and they cannot exist without each other.

While "yin" would be dark, passive, downward, cold, contracting, and weak, "yang" would be bright, active, upward, hot, expanding, and strong. The shape of the yin and yang sections of the symbol, actually gives you a sense of the continual movement of these two energies, yin to yang and yang to yin, causing everything to happen: just as things expand and contract, and temperature changes from hot to cold.

Illness was seen as a disturbance in the balance of Yin and Yang or the Five Agents caused by emotions, heat or cold, or other influences
Water is an embodiment of Yin as fire is an embodiment of Yang. Yang creates the air, while Yin creates the senses, which belong to the physical body When the physical body dies, the spirit is restored to the air, its natural environment. The spirit receives its nourishment through the air, and the body receives its nourishment through the senses

"Heaven was created by the concentration of Yang, the force of light, earth was created by the concentration of Yin, the forces of darkness. Yang stands for peace and serenity; Yin stands for confusion and turmoil. Yang stands for destruction; Yin stands for conservation. Yang brings about disintegration; Yin gives shape to things....

Balancing your Yin-Yang or negative and positive energies, Q-Ray products are designed to maximize the body’s bio-energy to improve performance and provide an overall state of well-being. World-class athletes even wear these bracelets when they need an edge.

These products are said to relieve discomfort, improve balance, increase energy and give many an increased sense of well being.


Monday, May 19, 2008

Peace of Mind With Phone Service

My mom is in her golden years and lives alone. She's not only bothered by harassing marketing calls, but worries about the callers who do not leave a message. She's always wondering Who Called Me?

I mentioned to her to put herself on the free No Call List. The information I found on whojustcalledhere.com said that putting your number on the do not call list can take up to 30 days to take affect, but at least in the end, we know those calls will stop. Reading further, I saw information on the reverse phone look up service.

I believe this service will give her peace of mind. When she receives a mystery call, she can receive a report on that number. She'll know who called, whether it was a reputable business,someone she does indeed know or was actually expecting that caller to call. She will feel safer knowing she can access this information and find out that the caller is not intending to cause her harm.

Wouldn't You Like To Know This Conversation?

Photobucket


This baby clearly has a fragile, precious inborn sense of spirituality.

Children that are raised without religious instruction or without parents who believe, will discover religion out on the playground and in school. They'll learn through baby-sitters and friends. Their awareness will also be reinforced by movies, television and hear say of the street.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

The Importance of Clean Air in the Home

Clean air facts...Did You Know?

120x90 - 2

The Environmental Protection Agency lists indoor air pollution to be among the top five environmental risks to public health.

EPA studies show indoor levels of pollutants may be 25 times and occasionally more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels. Indoor air is four to five times more polluted than outdoor air.

More than 15 million Americans are estimated to have asthma, including one-in-13 school-age children.Over 28 million Americans suffer from hay fever and other allergies

American homeowners are not aware that pollution may be worse inside their homes than outdoors.

Homes are now more energy efficient, but they also lock in allergens, toxins, and infectious agents.

Children inhale 50% more air per pound of body weight than adults and are especially sensitive to air quality problems.

According to a study by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, indoor air contaminants are responsible for half of all illnesses.

Reduce Allergens & Contaminants In Your Home

Tobacco smoke actually contains over 4,000 compounds, many of which are strong irritants.

Cooking, cleaning and redecorating can spread indoor pollutants.

Most homes generate about 40 pounds of dust per year for every 1.500 square feet of space.

About 40,000 dust mites, a common cause of household allergies, can be found in only one ounce of dust.

Even a spotless home can allow indoor pollutants to flourish. Bathrooms, damp basements, and even carpets and furniture are often the prime causes.

Many airborne contaminants are invisible—spores, bacteria, particulates, gases and chemicals can all contribute to short and long-term health consequences, including headache, allergies, fatigue, asthma or even cancer.


Your toothbrush cleans your teeth. What cleans your toothbrush? VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizers are proven to kill up to 99.9% of germs found on your toothbrush using UV light.
15% off any purchase at CleanAir4Life.com with code: APAC15

Friday, May 16, 2008

The Gift of Sight is Priceless

All my girlfriend has been talking about lately is Lasik surgery. She can not make up her mind whether to go ahead and have the surgery of not. The excuses coming from her include: it's too expensive, it will cause allergies, the complications, she can't think of the doctors putting an instrument in her eye and so on...and so on.

Well, I've looked into Lasik, so I can help her with her decision. The cost has come down from what it was years ago (even my vision insurance would cover part of the cost). Lasik does not cause allergies, does not deprive the cornea of oxygen, or cause red-itchy eyes. As far as complications go, all surgery procedures comes with the possibilities complications. Heck, even the medications we need to take can cause complications.

Before having Lasik, it is important to know if your doctor is certified. At LaserVue, where you can have Lasik in Walnut Creek, doctors have been certified by USAEyes.org Lasik patient advocacy.The doctors must meet or exceed all standards to become certified. They will inform you if you are a qualified candidate for the procedure and this could lessen the possibility of complications. They even offer a no down payment, no interest financing. So for about $60 a month, you can have lasik surgery, be free of glasses and/or contacts and reap the benefits of seeing 20/20!

The LaserVue website offers information regarding the procedure, questions/answers, resources and what you can expect after surgery, so if you want to be further informed, take advantage of the information they are providing.

I would think some reasons TO have Lasik would be:

~ Glasses can be a nuisance
~ To be able to get up in the morning and see!
~ To gain both better vision and cosmetic appearance
~ To be free from glasses and/or contacts and the costs associated with them.
~ You will develop Independence and confidence
~Have Freedom and mobility
~ Lose any discomfort of glasses or contact lenses you experience
~ You will no longer have restrictions by glasses or contact lenses at work or leisure activities

Hmmm..I just listed 8 reasons why I would have lasik...I'll be sharing this post with my girlfriend and maybe she'll be more at ease to come to the decision to have Lasik.

If you have had the procedure, please share your experience...are you happy you had it done or did you experience any problems?

Does Religion/Spirituality Influence Your Life?

In what areas does Religion of Spirituality impact your life?

Spiritual awareness or spiritual awakening is the process we begin to explore our own being in order to become whole and reunite our spirits with our physical bodies.

At some point in everyone lives, I think we ponder the meaning of life and how we were all created. A higher power? I also think some may question faith in times of trouble, when having health issues, when we experience the loss of a loved one and then again, in happy times we may feel wonderful how our faith played a role in the situation.

Have you ever asked yourself any of these questions?
* Who am I?
* Why do I feel something is missing in my life?
* Is this all there is?
* Isn't there something better?

As children, some of us were raised with religion. I know I was, but as I grew older I was able to form my own beliefs. I consider myself to be a spiritual person, but whether I realize it or not sometimes, the religion basics I grew up with and my spiritual beliefs do play a part in my life.

Some ways my spirituality plays a role in my life is how I show care and compassion to others or how I try to practice patience, kindness, truthfulness, or unconditional love.

We are all spiritual in differing ways and to differing degrees at various times and you may not realize how your religion or spirituality is ever present.

Spirituality has been shown to reduces stress, promote healthy lifestyle choices and increase our feelings of belonging to a social network. Spirituality has also been an essential part of an individuals holistic health and well-being.

What are your thoughts on spirituality as the beliefs and values a person holds concerning one's place in the universe and reflecting one's connections with a higher power with social and physical environments?


Here's something to Ponder...
If Everyone Prayed...could we make a bigger difference?

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Give Your Body a Lift

Eating just an ounce of almonds a day will give your body a lift. They have protein, fiber and Vitamin E.

Take some almonds to the gym and munch as you work out, snack on some almonds at work. Instead of reaching for the sweet treats, try almonds instead.

Studies how shown that eating an ounce of almonds a day (about 23), can help you maintain a healthy cholesterol level.

Strawberries Boost Heart Health

We hear a lot of cholesterol. There's bad cholesterol (LDL) and good cholesterol (HDL). A new factor that may be important in predicting the risk of heart disease is called C-reactive protein (CRP).

A Harvard study suggests that eating strawberries at least twice a week may be associates with reducing elevated CRP and LDL levels.

CRP is a protein in the blood that is elevated in response to injury. Ex: Chronic injury to blood vessels that comes from having damaged arteries.

Other studies have shown that elevated CRP may explain heart disease in people who otherwise appear to have very low risk, even those with normal cholesterol levels.

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can lower CRP. Antioxidants are found in these foods and play an important role. Strawberries are an antioxidant powerhouse.

A Women's Health Study of 27,000 women were analyzed and compared with their risk development of heart disease over a 10 year period. This study included their diet records and blood samples. The women were then separated into two groups: High and Low strawberry intake. Those with the highest intake were found to be less likely to have elevated CRP in their blood. They also had lower cholesterol levels.
This study adds to the research showing how strawberries support heart health.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Sleep Better, Be Healthier in the Bedroom

It is important to keep our home environment healthy, especially where we sleep. It's said that we spend 30% of our life sleeping. And, we all want to spend that time in a comfortable and clean atmosphere.

One topic that gives us a creepy feeling to think about is bed bugs . Our mattress and pillow must be free of allergens, dust mites and insects. People are often mistakenly under the notion that bed bugs are caused by filth. Not true...These insects are attracted by carbon dioxide and body heat, not by dirt and they feed on blood, not waste.

To check and see if you might have these insects, look for dark spots on your mattress (blood, feces), or for shreds of skin, eggs, dead bed bugs, etc. Also look around the cracks of your mattress, in the box springs and in the linens.

Natural remedies to rid these insects from your home:

* Vaccumming
* Steam cleaning
* Diatomaceous Soil: This is a powder that you can dust around in the cracks in your bedroom, near the bed and under the bed. You can even dust the powder between the mattress and boxspring.
* Putting items outside in hot or cold tempertures.
* Buy a mattress encasement to keep it fresh and clean. Keeping any insects from getting in.

Although you do not catch any diseases from these insects, you could have a few reactions. You could have an allergic reaction to any bites, the bites could become infected and in some cases, people have actually become anemic from having so much blood drawn from them.

A mattress that is stale and filled with mold, germs, dust mites etc...can cause health issues. Sleep better, be healthier...check over your mattress

For more info on Bed Bugs, go to http://www.bedbugsguide.com/

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Live While You Are Alive

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Try everything twice.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. (Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches.)

3. Keep learning: Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain get idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath... And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.

6. The tears happen: Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love: Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.
Remember: Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help. You are worth it!

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time.

12. Lost time can never be found! So make sure you find time to love unconditionally

The Answer to the Brain Teaser Post

Did anyone figure out the Brain Teaser?


Lexie's car is from 1994.

Janine's car is from 2002, and Troy's car is from 2001. That means Troy's car is 7 years old. If Lexie's car is twice as old, then it's 14 years old. That means it's from 1994.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

7 Over-Rated Foods

JoLynn from The Fit Shack left me a comment that is so true about food. She said...
"I agree in general that we cannot put our health completely in someone else's hands -good example is with food....just because it's on the shelf (and even approved by FDA) does NOT mean that it's healthy and safe for you".

This post fits in perfectly to JoLynn's comment. This article is from Ediets

They've compiled a list of the seven most overrated foods. Read on and see...
you might be surprised at some of the ones that made the list.

1. Energy Bars: "Energy" is code for calories. They may as well label most cereal/snack bars as "calorie bars." Most are closer to candy bars, containing 150 to 300 calories, with varying amounts of fat, sugar and salt, artificial coloring, flavoring and preservatives. Some bars contain trans fat.

If you insist on eating energy bars, read the label and choose one whose first ingredient is "whole grain," with at least 2 to 3 grams of fiber, no trans fat and a maximum of 1 gram of saturated fat.

2. Fruit Juice: The label reads "100 Percent Natural," so how can juice be overrated? It takes about five whole oranges to make about 4 ounces of orange juice -- a measly half-cup -- and you'll normally gulp it down in about four seconds. Peel and eat one, maybe two oranges, and you're full. Plus, you'll get a jolt of energy from natural fructose and fiber to fill you up. Now, that's an underrated bargain.

3. Protein Powder: If a little is good, is more better? When it comes to protein, no. The idea that you can build muscle by eating more protein has been discounted repeatedly. eDiets Chief Fitness Pro, Raphael Calzadilla, says, "Although protein in the correct amounts is vital for muscle growth, too much protein can have the opposite effect from what you're looking for. The body can only use so much protein, and excessive protein can actually convert to glucose. The key is actually to take in sufficient amount of protein, carbohydrates and fats." That will fuel your workout, which is what will build those muscles you're looking for.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar: A recent upswing in popularity for this old "home remedy" shows how people are always looking for the "magic bullet" for weight loss. Drinking apple cider vinegar won't make you lose weight, but it's so disagreeable it may make you lose your appetite for food. Overrated and unappealing.

5. Red Meat: Although a little lean beef (a 3-ounce portion of lean sirloin) fits well into most healthy diets, large portions of fatty steak means saturated fat, cholesterol and calories. The American Cancer Society reports that those who eat the most red meat, including beef, pork and processed meat products, have a 30 to 40-percent higher risk for colon cancer compared to only occasional meat-eaters. For men, replacing most of your red meat with fish reduces risk for some cancers, including prostate cancer. Everyone can benefit from including at least a couple of servings weekly of omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel. Also healthful: skinless poultry and plant-based meals rich in beans, legumes and whole grains.

6. Sports Drinks: These liquids carry labels with dynamic colors and strong-looking athletes, but anything labeled "energy" makes my hair stand on end. Remember, "energy" is code for calories, and sports drinks are usually (very) expensive, sugary water with additives, artificial colors and preservatives. If you're an endurance athlete, intensively exercising for more than 1 hour, a liquid fortified with a bit of sodium and sugar can help replenish your electrolytes and glycogen stores, but otherwise, eight to 16 ounces of water, sipped before, throughout and following your workout, and an orange and a handful of salted peanuts after your workout to replenish will do the trick.

7. "Natural" Sweeteners: Many people think sugar is a "bad" food, but honey, fructose or maple syrup are actually good. Although "natural" sweeteners may taste better than white sugar, they're all nutritionally about equal. That is, natural sweeteners don't provide enough nutrients to make much of a difference health-wise. Natural or refined, nutritive sweeteners such as sugar, honey or maple syrup all have about 16 to 20 calories per teaspoon. Portion size counts, especially when you're watching your calories.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Errors CAN Happen in the Hospital

I am very concerned about human error when in the hospital. My recent stay in the hospital brought about a few potential errors that might have occurred if I wasn't on top of my care and the medications I was to receive.

May I suggest that if you find yourself in the hospital or a loved one, make sure you get very involved in their care. You can not leave your life totally in the hands of others. You need to look after yourself.

I wrote a more in depth post on my other blog...A Circle of Women ~ Human Error While in the Hospital and included some Important Tips that you should be aware of. Please read for your safety and the safety of your loved ones.

Monday, May 5, 2008

An Active Mind is a Healthy Mind

Do you find yourself forgetting things more often than you'd like to admit? It could be the result of normal age related changes in your memory or cognitive health.

What is Cognitive Health?
This is referring to mental skills such as learning, memory, decision making and planning. As we age, you might experience a slower pace of learning and/or difficulty remembering things.

Maintaining our memory is an important part of healthy living. To help slow the pace of cognitive decline, you need to keep your brain alert...start with your mind, body and soul.

Tips:
Keep your mind active. Have stimulating conversations. Continue learning and working. Try doing puzzles

Maintain your body. Regular exerise can slow the rate of normal memory loss as we all age. Be sure to eat a healthy diet.

Search your soul. Take time to meditate. Tap into your inner peace. This can calm you and give you the sense of total well-being.

Here's a brain teaser to get you started on brain improvement:
Really try and use your brain power to figure this out. Leave a comment with your answer. I'll be posting the answer in my next post.


Lexie has the oldest car in her office's parking lot. Use the clues below to figure out the year of Lexie's car.

* Troy's car is half the age of Lexie's car.
* Janine's car is 1 year younger than Troy's car.
* Craig's car is 6 years younger than Janine's car.
* Craig's car is from this year, 2008.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Caring For Your Teeth

Caring for your teeth is essential. By adopting a thorough oral care routine, you can help prevent gingivitis and avoid periodontal disease.
You need to have good oral hygiene at all stages of your life. If you haven't already, start practicing good oral hygiene and eat a healthy diet.You may not realize that oral health and overall health are connected.

There's nothing better than the feeling of a clean mouth and teeth after a routine of brushing and flossing.But, cleaning your teeth properly does more for you than help keep your smile bright and your breath fresh... it helps protect you against oral health problems.

You need to visit your dentist on a regular basis. Not only for cleanings, but to have check ups done. Being proactive in the care of your teeth is essential.

If you are someone who suffers from disease or might have self esteem issues due to the way your teeth look, there is help out there. With today's advanced technology, you need not have fear of going to the dentist and having your teeth fixed.

Beverly Hills cosmetic dentistry is one place you can count on to be in a safe and relaxing atmosphere. Using advanced dental techniques including painless air drills, miniature cameras and digital x-rays, you will feel comfortable receiving compassionate care.

Dr. Maddahi believes in Harmony ~ Balance ~ Beauty. He will provide a complete evaluation of what he can do for your smile to bring back your confidence. You will always be advised of all your options and will be taught more about your teeth.

Dr Maddahi is a IAOMT trained Biological Dentist, which means he recognizes the impact of toxic materials and relates it to dental and physiological health. Take a look at his website. You will find much more information. See a video of procedures, look at before/after photos, learn about mercury fillings and how toxic it is and watch videos of how the tools work.

If you are not happy with your teeth, this can affect your mental health since it can lead to feeling badly about yourself.

Don't avoid smiling. A smile makeover might be something to consider.

10 Easy Ways To Be More Active

The warmer weather is here and you probably have on your mind that you want to get in better shape and become more active.

It's something we all tell ourselves, but to get down to actually do it might be another thing. We have all kinds of responsibilities and household chores. We take care of the family and make time for our friends, but when can we find the time to get in shape and be more active?

If we think about our daily or weekly schedule, we need to look for opportunities to become more active. It may take alittle planning, but it will be worthwhile.

1. Walk, cycle or jog when running errands.

2. Park your car farther from where you are going.

3. Get off the bus a block or two from your destination.

4. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.

5. Stretch or exercise while watching TV.

6. Turn on some music and dance around your house while cleaning or cooking.

7. Take fitness breaks instead of cigarette or coffe breaks.

8. Romp around the house with your children or pets.

9. Keep a pair of running shoes at your office or in your car. Take a quick walk at lunchtime.

10. Do gardening or home repairs.

Now spring into a active healthier life!

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Lessons in Life

I am not sure who wrote this, but our Mind, Body and Soul can benefit from this list of 50 items.
Read each line and let it sink in.

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy Lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone, everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
45. The best is yet to come.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
 
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