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| Table of Contents Women Health home This page: Speaking Of Women's Health Partnership For Women’s Health Positive Body Image 10 Spring Cleaning and Organizing Tips Avoid 'Middle-Age Blimp Out Your view - depression anger Facial Exercise = Non-Surgical Facelift Love Affair With Fur Career Prospects Pink and Green Forever What's In Your Beach Bag this Summer? Exercise is Vital for Seniors Hippo Rage Play It Safe Around Water All Summer Long Summer Traveler's How Did I Get In This Mess? authentic prada cosmetic bag discount prada bags Discounted Prada Bags hand bags prada prada and fendi purses Prada Bags prada bags Prada BZ0003 Backpack prada gucci louie vuitton Prada Handbag prada handbags wholesale prada messenger bag prada purses Prada Purses Prada Purses Discount prada purses for sale prada wallet prada wholesale list wholesale prices for prada prada |
Major Health Publisher And Leading Consumer Group Form New Partnership For Women’s Health NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ -- The National Women’s Health Resource Center has formed a publishing partnership with A Guide to Women’s Health, a biannual supplement to The Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Management, and Nursing 2002, leading peer-reviewed journals. NWHRC will be supplying articles for the Guide, which is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. "This is an exciting opportunity for all of us at the Resource Center," said Amy Niles, its executive director. "Through this partnership the NWHRC will reach the thousands of nurses and nurses practitioners: 4’s women, who subscribe to these valuable publications. Millions more will be able to read the Guide on NursingCenter.com." The partnership premieres with the April, 2002 issue of A Guide to Women’s Health. The NWHRC’s initial contribution will be a reprint of its recent issue on using the Internet as a source for women’s health information. In announcing the partnership, the editors of the Guide said, "Since 1999, we have provided information to help you, your family, your friends, and your patients make smart lifestyle decisions. The NWHRC has a similar goal. With so much in common it seems natural for the us to officially become partners in this effort to empower women about their health and the decisions they can make." A Guide to Women’s Health is written for women and brings together the leading experts on the latest issues and topics in addition to lifestyle advice on exercise and nutrition. Endorsed by the National Association for Women’s Health, a professional not-for-profit association representing all aspects of the women’s health industry, the guide is the only non-affiliated professional source for women’s health issues and patients care. The National Women’s Health Resource Center is the nation’s leading independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating women of all ages about health and wellness issues. Its programs include its award-winning newsletter, National Women’s Health Report, public education campaigns and its Web site, www.healthywomen.org (Click Here), a one-stop shop for women’s health on the Web. Fostering a Positive Body Image By Edel Jarboe Have you ever taken a good look at the cover of women's fitness magazines? The models are thin but they aren't "fit". They seem to be the direct opposite of what the magazine is about - fitness. Shouldn't the cover of a woman's fitness magazine show a real woman with muscle tone and not just another "perfect" body? Unfortunately, we'll probably never see a typical American woman on the cover of any woman's magazine. Our society is very "outer oriented" and it is the media's job to sell the myth of perfection. According to the American Psychological Association, 30-40% of Americans are somewhat unhappy with their appearance while another 45% may experience anxiety or depression due to dissatisfaction with their appearance. In other words, we are buying into the myth. We are also punishing ourselves for not having perfect bodies. It's our body's fault that we aren't happy- with our relationships, our jobs, and our lives. Therefore, we deny our bodies desserts, new clothes, and even love. Sadly, a lot of us hate our bodies (or certain parts) and this negative body image poisons the rest of our self-image. If you don't love all of you, how can you really be happy? How do you protect your self-esteem from the dangerous promise of perfection offered by the media? Be honest with yourself and practice self-acceptance. Due to genetics and body types, all of us can't be thin but we can all be healthy. Instead of comparing yourself to a model on the cover of a magazine, look in the mirror to find your own standard of beauty. Ask yourself if you are feeding your body nutritious foods and exercising regularly. Ask yourself if you are at a healthy weight -for you. In addition, self-acceptance means that you choose to feel good about yourself and to take care of yourself, regardless of society's standards. If you love yourself, love handles and all, your feelings about your body will not be influenced by media images. Make Peace with Your Body 1. Quit dissecting your body. "I like my thighs but I hate my fat stomach," for example harm your self-image. Appreciate how well your whole body works together to keep you going strong. Love the whole you. 2. Don't punish your body by playing mind games with food. Food is not the enemy. Eat healthy but don't obsess. Allowing yourself to enjoy treats helps prevent bingeing and keeps you in control. 3. Focus on who you are and not just on what your body looks like. Acknowledge the whole you and not just your body. What are your gifts, talents, and dreams? What have you done to uncover your hidden assets? How many lives have you touched? How is the world a better place because you are in it? 4. Speak lovingly and positively to yourself. Fight negative self-talk by complimenting yourself. Look for the good and praise it. Remind yourself how wonderful you are. 5. Take pleasure in just being alive. Be grateful for all you have and all that you are able to experience. Life is too short to be miserable over the external things that will fade away with time. Focus on living each moment from the inside out. 6. Pamper your body. Treat yourself to a facial, a manicure, or a pedicure. Indulge in a long, hot bubble bath. Wear a wonderful fragrance. 7. Take off your rose-colored glasses. Look at the other real bodies around you. The majority of us are not models. Appreciate the beauty of your own body and stop comparing yourself to glossy media images. 8. Learn the basics of exercise and nutrition and set realistic goals. Your focus should always be on your health. 9. Be the star of your own fitness program. Walk, run, bike, or do aerobics. Exercise makes you feel good about your body. Indulge your body in fun, feel-good activities often. 10. Dress up your self-esteem by taking care of your appearance. Wear clothes that are flattering to your figure no matter what size you wear. Stop waiting until you lose a "little more weight" before feeling good about yourself. 11. Ask for support and encouragement from family and friends when life is stressful and/or you are feeling down. 12. Focus on living a whole and fulfilled life- both personally and professionally. Enjoy family, friends, and, most importantly, life. Do something everyday that brings you joy. Copyright (c) 1999 by Edel Jarboe. All Rights Reserved. -=- About the Author: Edel Jarboe is the founder of Self Help for Her.com (Click Here), an online self-help magazine helping you create your better life. She also publishes a free weekly newsletter, which features advice on goal setting, stress management, coping with difficult people, and overcoming obstacles: Subscribe (Click Here) and receive a FREE stress report. 10 Spring Cleaning and Organizing Tips Along with Spring comes thoughts of crisp, fresh air, newly budding flowers, singing birds and a sense of renewal. Getting organized and doing a bit of spring cleaning, helps to bring that wonderful fresh feeling into your home and office. Here are 10 tips to help you start the season off right. 1. ASSIGN YOURSELF A DIFFERENT TASK FOR EACH DAY. Make yourself a schedule that is comprised of one hour and one task each day. Your schedule may look something like this: Monday: Decluttering Tuesday: Dusting Wednesday: Vacuuming Thursday: Scrubbing Friday: Organizing and Rearranging Saturday: Laundering Sunday: Decorating Then, spend one hour each day doing your assigned task for each room, throughout your house. You'll be amazed at the difference you can make in your home by following this simple system. 2. USE THE PROPER TOOLS. When cleaning and organizing, it's important to use tools that help you get the job done as quickly as possible. For instance, there are now dusting clothes that allow you to dust quickly and easily, without any additional sprays. Just dust and be done with it. Rubber gloves will help you deep clean, without drying out your hands, exposing them to harsh chemicals, or burning them in hot water. Racks can hold mops, brooms and other cleaning supplies in one organized place, rather then storing them loose and having them constantly tip over. An apron with lots of pockets, can help you transport cleaning products from room to room easily, so you don't have to keep running back and forth to get what you need. 3. BE RUTHLESS WHEN IT COMES TO DECLUTTERING. If you don't love it, and/or you don't use it, it's clutter. It's the perfect time to embrace the Feng Shui art of uncluttered living. Feng Shui teaches that if energy can easily flow through a room, your life will be more harmonious and happy--and clutter is an obstacle to reaching this relaxed and calm state. Make it a quest of yours to be ruthless when it comes to your decluttering efforts. You'll have less to dust, less clutter to look it, an easier time finding the things you do use and less stress in your life. 4. DONATE OR SELL THE THINGS YOU DON'T USE. If you have items that you don't use, but are in good condition, they are prime candidates to sell or donate. Gather all of these items together in boxes or plastic bags. Then, decide whether you would prefer to donate them or sell them. If you choose to donate, consider giving them to your local Salvation Army, or perhaps even a shelter or orphanage in town. Many of these organizations will even pick up your donations for you. If you choose to sell, you might set a date for a yard sale. Or, take some photos of these items with your digital camera, and put them up for sale at an online auction Web site. 5. MAKE YOUR SPRING CLEANING AND ORGANIZING FUN. Don't think of it as a chore. Instead, think of it as a 'feel good' exercise--one that will really help you to feel good about yourself and your clean and organized environment. Play some lively, fun, upbeat music. Dance your way through your home or office with your dust rag or vacuum. Get the family involved. Give everyone a task, and then do something relaxing afterwards, like watching a movie together or going to the park for a walk. Set timers and play 'beat the clock.' Give yourself time limits for completing small tasks, and try to complete those tasks before the timer goes off. Ask a friend to help, or do a swap. You clean her living room if she'll clean your kitchen. 6. ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS. Turn off the TV while you're cleaning and organizing, and let your answering machine field your calls. If a friend stops by while you're working, simply tell him/her that you've scheduled this time for spring cleaning. He or she is free to stay, as long as you could continue working. Perhaps, you might even get some help. If not, tell your friend you'll stop by his or her house later on when you're done. If you have kids, give them their own jobs to do, or at minimum, be sure they're occupied with something else. The quickest and best jobs are accomplished when there are no distractions. 7. MAKE YOURSELF A CHECKLIST. Make a checklist of all springtime jobs that you only do once or twice a year. Perhaps you might bring your large comforters to the laundromat, bring your drapes, and winter coats, to the dry cleaners, store your winter clothes and bring your warm-weather clothes out of hiding or check the smoke detectors. If all of these odd jobs are on a list, you won't forget to do them. Then, try to do at least one or two of these odd jobs per week, throughout spring. 8. DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE INSIDES. It's important to clean and organize things that are in sight all of the time. But, it's also important to remember those items that are out of sight. Spring is a great season to organize your closô FèÀ Give yourself that spring feeling, both inside and out! 9. ENJOY THE WEATHER WHILE YOUR WORKING. Do some outside organizing and yard work, so you can be accomplishing something, but also enjoying the nice weather at the same time. Gather your gardening and planting supplies in one place. Replace old and broken tools. Perhaps you might even get a gardening caddie to store your good gardening tools. Clean the garage. Keep the garage door open while you're doing so, so that you can enjoy the nice weather. 10. OPEN YOUR WINDOWS. There's nothing like taking in a breath of fresh air. As you're cleaning, open the windows. You'll be removing musty winter odors, protecting yourself from inhaling harsh fumes from cleaning products and the fresh air will keep you going. While you're at it, let the sun shine in. Open curtains and drapes to give yourself plenty of light, for an energy boost. -=- by Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now! http://www.getorganizednow.com (Click Here) FREE Idea-Pak and E-zine filled with tips, ideas, articles and more to help you organize your home, your office and your life at the Get Organized Now! Web site! It Begins in Your 30s - How to Avoid 'Middle-Age Blimp Out' JACKSON, TN - March 29, 2002 (INB) -- Baby boomers- over 80 million in the US- now have an official name for the metabolism slow-down, weight-gain, loss-of-energy condition that begins in the mid 30s. Medical researchers call it "the somatopause" (sa-mot-a-pause). Symptoms of the somatopause are weight-gain, especially around the middle; loss of bone density; and declining energy and sex drive. Cholesterol goes up, and skin begins to wrinkle. "The somatopause is related directly to the decline of growth hormone during aging," says author Phil Campbell, the author of a book on anti-middle aging, health and fitness. It is widely reported that many well-known actors take growth hormone (GH) injections for its anti-aging, youth rejuvenating properties. And GH is banned from athletic competition because of its ability to improve performance. The identical therapy given to children with growth problems-to make them grow taller- is now used at anti-aging centers with near miraculous results. "GH therapy does not make adults grow taller, research shows it significantly reverses the effects of aging and improves athletic performance," says Campbell. Campbell cites medical research showing that increasing GH produces a 14 percent loss in body fat and an 8 percent gain in muscle, without other variables. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine, shows that GH replacement therapy reversed the effects of aging by as much as 20 years. Can the fountain of youth be injected and purchased for $1,000 a month-the current cost for GH therapy? Campbell says no, there is a better way to get the benefits of increasing GH. "New medical discoveries show that you can significantly increase GH naturally. Specific forms of exercise, some inexpensive nutritional supplements, and adequate deep sleep, will do the job naturally." In his book, "Ready, Set, Go! Synergy Fitness for Time-Crunched Adults," Campbell a near 50-year old (who looks years younger) and former hospital administrator, uses 160 medical research studies to show readers that his program, called Synergy Fitness, will help adults get the benefits of increasing GH, but through natural means. "Research shows that the short-burst types of anaerobic exercise like speed skating, sprint swimming; or a few seconds of fast running for short distances will significantly increase GH in your body, naturally-without injections," says Campbell. His "Synergy Fitness" program contains "Strategic Fitness Plans" for five different fitness levels- based on age, current fitness status, and training experience- and they are aimed at increasing GH naturally. The fitness plan for newcomers- those who have never exercised before- and older adults takes 3 hours and 20 minutes a week. The program involves improving flexibility; developing strength and power through weight training and plyometrics; increasing endurance; and developing what he calls "anaerobic capacity." His top-level program is designed for off-season college and professional athletes. "Most people I talk with about fitness," says Campbell, "want to feel good, restore energy and appearance to youthful levels- and most want a lean, muscular, sprinter's physique. And that's what increasing GH naturally can do." Source: National Library of Medicine http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Savine, Sonksen. (2000). "Growth Hormone-hormone replacement for the somatopause." Horm Res 2000:53 Suppl 3:37-41. PMID: 10971102 -=- HOW'S YOUR VIEW? (c) Rhoberta Shaler, PhD It is comforting to know that we choose the way we see the world, isn't it? We choose both our view and our response to the view. Why do I think this is comforting? Because you have the ultimate control to change your perceptions and reactions. For some it is not comforting, it's terrifying! What would happen if you had no one to blame your feelings on? You've probably all heard the saying, "You'll be about as happy as you make up your mind to be." There is so much truth in that. I remember when I really understood that truth. I was a young single mom with three children and had just been awarded the custody of the children and all the family debts. The choice was clear. Option One: "Ain't it awful!" followed by justifiable depression. Option Two: "He done me wrong!" followed by justifiable anger. Option Three: "Here's a challenge!" followed by determination to create something better than ever. Simplistic, for sure, but it makes the point. When you know that you choose your perception of an event or situation, you can be empowered to choose the response to it that fits your values. It's usually easy to find a lot of agreement for the negative responses in life. For example, it is not difficult to find someone to complain to, and with, in the coffee room at work. What if you simply stopped doing that? Focused on the positive, or said nothing. What if you made an agreement with yourself that whatever you said in future would be solution-oriented rather than problem-oriented? Stepped past the problem and into possible solutions! This is not denying the problem. Of course, they need to be identified. They just don't need all that investment of time and emotion. Identify and move to solution! Remember to ask for help! It is a great compliment to others to ask for their help. It shows confidence in their ability to generate solutions with you...not for you! For today, notice your focus. Is it on problems or solutions? How quickly can you reassemble your thoughts to say something that focuses on solutions? -=- (c) Rhoberta Shaler, PhD All rights reserved worldwide. Motivational Keynote Speaker, Corporate TeamBuilder and Executive Coach from San Diego, CA, Rhoberta is the creator of The Consociate WayT: Promoting Performance & Peace in Your Workplace. Visit: http://www.SpeakingAboutWork.com Click Here For reprint permission - Click Here Facial Exercise = Non-Surgical Facelift There has been much debate about facial exercise. Several programs are available. They vary greatly. One uses elastic bands and weights, one uses low grade electical charge, and one uses a facial covering. Many people act as if the idea that facial exercise could help the face is ridiculous, but what is odd is that it could be beleived that facial exercise can help every area of the body and not help the face. Many people are confused by statements which conclude the overuse of muscles can cause the creation and exagarration of wrinkles. The statement is part true, and part false. What actually happens is that some muscles are worked often and some are barely used, which basically lets the skin fold into crevices. Skin is not evenly distributed because it is not evenly supported. When law-enforcement is looking for someone and a bust or drawing is created of an adult personality and demeanor are taken into consideration. Attitude can draw lines on your face. My program utilizes all the muscles of the face. Those often used and those rarely used to create an even skin tone. It is not unusual with my program to see a difference in a week. My program is probably the least expensive on the market, and it come with no attachments. This is an exercise for the jawline, and it help with a double chin. First you rest your hand on your neck just below the jawline. The hand is there so you can feel the muscles of the face working. You open your mouth half way and keep it open throughout the exercise. Turn the corners of your mouth down. Hold for eight seconds. This makes all the muscles in your lower jaw work. It is an isometric exercise that pushes muscle against muscle, building muscle tone. With your hand, you will feel all the muscles of your neck and jawline being worked and exercised, muscle against muscle, and you can visually see it when you go to the mirror. If you do the exercise in 15 repetitions, twice weekly, you should see a difference in two weeks. If you wish to learn more about facial exercise you can visit http://www.angelfire.com/nm2/facialexercise/index.html (Click Here) I recently did an interview with a California paper and I became aware that many of the facial exercise programs are complex and very expensive. Several have to have loads of training videos, on-line training seminars and so forth. I often have people who order my program after trying some of the more expensive programs, and they are dissatified. For example, a woman called me who had used an electrical device which stimulted the muscles, an expensive device that sends a mild electric charge through the face. She reported that it was hard to find the specific area where you are supposed to place the machine, and it hurt her when she placed it wrong. I heard from her later and she was really happy with the results of my simple program. She had already memorized the simple exercises and was seeing positive results. I also, talked to a woman who had used a device that targeted only one area of the face and the device had built muscles in her neck which she was not pleased with. My program is easy compared to many and it certainly costs less. If you are interested in facial exercise, do yourself a favor and save yourself some money. Also, my program comes with a two week guarantee, and I have yet to refund a dime. The exercises are simple, but if you go to the mirror when you do them you will see every muscle group of the face is used, and you get a beautiful even skin tone where muscles no longer sag. Also, included is information on keeping your skin healthy and vibrant. The program is only $11 compared to the 70 dollars or more you pay with other programs. For more information, email Susan Dennys at facelift@leaco.net (Click Here). Or visit: Susan Dennys About Face: the Facial Exercise for Everyone http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Bath/6080/index.html (Click Here) -=- American Designers Continue Their Love Affair With Fur Fall 2002: In A Season With Few Trends, Fur Is A Defining Element NEW YORK, NY -- 30 of the American designers who showed their collections during Mercedes-Benz Fall 2002 Fashion Week this year featured fur in their collections. Dozens more who did not have shows also embraced fur, particularly mink and fox. "Seven years ago there were a handful of American designers working with fur. Today there are well over 70. Fur, like satin, silk and cashmere has become a staple for the American designer as well as the American customer," says Steve Gold, Saga Furs of Scandinavia’s Marketing Directing in the U.S., "...and each year the bar for creative use of fur gets higher." Saga’s list of creative fur users for Fall 2002 includes Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, Douglas Hannant, Michael Kors, Nicole Miller, Marc Jacobs, Halston, Badgley Mischka, Betsy Johnson, Narciso Rodriguez, Donna Karan, Carolina Herrera and Jeremy Scott. Oscar de la Renta sent down a very soft, romantic collection featuring beautiful SAGA dyed Blue fox trimmed coats and Russian style fur hats which he believed would be particularly appealing to his customer: "At a time when business is difficult, you have to make a woman go to the store and fall madly in love with something," Mr. de la Renta remarked. Michael Kors also embraced the Russian style hat in his après ski theme which included fur leggings, fur trimmed anoraks, a stylish SAGA Black Cross mink vest and a white SAGA mink shearling long coat that reversed to its own suede in a honey beige. Nicole Miller believes that fur is a comfort fabric. It provided juxtaposition to the edgy elements in her collection this season. "Women are still feeling insecure which is why I felt the show had to have a little bit of a hard edge to reflect that. I included many comfort factors as well and that’s where fur comes in." Her embroidered coats lined and trimmed in SAGA mink were manufactured so they were very lightweight yet still feminine, warm and cuddly. Nicole added: "I often cover up with my fur throw on a bed. It’s the most comforting thing I have at home." Other fur highlights of the season included a stunning diamond patchwork mink coat in natural white and sapphire SAGA mink by Christina Perrin; creative SAGA mink scarves in the Bill Blass collection; a dyed SAGA Silver fox wrap by Peter Som; natural White trimmed SAGA mink evening tops by Badgley Mischka; checkerboard SAGA dyed Shadow and Blue fox jackets by Halston; a corduroy SAGA natural Scanglow mink jacket by Chaiken; SAGA Scanblack mink and SAGA dyed Shadow fox sleeved jacket by David Rodriguez. Saga Furs of Scandinavia is the organization that is credited for fur’s comeback. Eight years ago they started the "American Designer Initiative" which has brought over 60 designers to Denmark to spend time in Saga’s state-of-the-art workrooms and visit local fur farms. The result has been a new interest in fur that has multiplied each season. Established in 1954 by Scandinavian breeders, Saga Furs of Scandinavia represents a global market share of 66% of farmed mink and 61% of fox. The company is renowned for its progressive approach to marketing skins sold at Nordic auction houses in Copenhagen and Helsinki. -=- Do Your Career Prospects Need a Boost? - Talking about Money with Jim Larranaga (ARA) - Choosing a career is hard enough when you're 23 and fresh out of college, but if you've recently been thrown into the unemployment pool after being laid off, it may be even tougher. Rev Up Your Mouse If you've been affected by the economic downturn, you may want to think about updating your computer skills. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) listed the top 10 fastest growing occupations in 2000 and projected what they would be in 2010. The top five all dealt with computer technology, with the leading job doubling its employment numbers. 1) Computer software engineers -- applications (380,000 to 780,000) 2) Computer support specialists (506,000 to 996,000) 3) Computer software engineers -- systems software (317,000 to 601,000) 4) Network and computer systems administrators (229,000 to 416,000) 5) Network systems and data communications analysts (119,000 to 211,000) Occupations with the largest job growth, however, are a bit more varied according to the BLS. Food preparation and serving workers top the list with 2.2 million in 2000, and 2.9 million projected in 2010. If dishing out fries isn't what you had in mind, other top choices include customer service, with an estimated 32 percent growth. Or, you could consider going back to school and becoming a registered nurse and be part of the 26 percent anticipated gain in that occupation. Be Prepared Don't jump into a career just because your best friend makes a bundle at it. If you plan ahead, you increase your chances of success, as well as the possibility of getting the best fit for you. At the risk of sounding like a talk-show therapist, look at doing what you love. You are more apt to be successful at something you enjoy than at a job that has no relevance to you. Since a significant portion of your waking hours are spent at work, a job you like will also improve your overall outlook. Think of the Future On the flip side, you also need to make a living. Bills don't pay themselves, and if doing what you love is sun tanning or playing video games, you may want to broaden your horizons. An article about career planning from About.com features a four-level chart to help you get started. The cycle starts by evaluating your skills, preferred environments and interests. That will expose a variety of options for you, making it possible to explore occupations, industries and labor market. The third step in the process is to take what you have learned and match it to possible occupations and explore the alternatives from there. The last step is, of course, taking action. This can include sending off your résumé and cover letter, or possibly going back to school for additional training or degrees. Combining these steps will not only help you find a job, but will help you choose a career that works for you. -=- "Pink and Green Forever" Tuscan, AZ -- /Xpress Press/ -- "The hot colors this Spring will be pink and green," according to the 'Pulse' editor, Ellen Tien of the New York Times, (section T3, March 23, 2002) From blouses, ties, home and office furnishings, make-up to handbags, bathing suits, office stationary... pink and green is where you want to be. Massage your mind and set the trend this Season with these exciting colors. "Women need a lift this Spring," observes Meredith Burnell, head of marketing for mugs and mouse pads at Kachina Rose Card Company, http://www.kachinarose.com. "I feel lucky for a change. Thanks to our association with floral painter, Ms. Elizabeth Merchant, our product lines this season are right on target. Ms. Merchant's designs sparkle with pinks and greens. Her ability to work with many color palettes keeps our line fresh and vibrant," confirmed Ms. Burnell as she sipped a cup of tea during our interview. "It's easy being a buyer because Ms. Merchant seems to know what colors women want." Well, the secret is out. Massage your mind with mentally stimulating rose ideas in pinks and greens for this season at http://www.kachinarose.com (Click Here). 'the web site for those who really, really love roses' What's In Your Beach Bag this Summer? Expert Advice on Sun Safety for Your Skin, Hair and Lips (ARA) - With the arrival of summer, many people look forward to spending time outside in the sun. Whether you 're playing sports, gardening or just lounging, using the proper skin protection products can help prevent sun damage. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are the primary cause of skin cancer, which affects one million Americans every year. As the sun intensifies during the summer, it is more important than ever to prepare your skin, lips and hair to endure these dangerous sunrays. Following is a list of must-have items for your beach bag this summer: 1. Water resistant sunscreen -- A water resistant sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher will help protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Sunscreens should be applied to dry skin at least 15 minutes before going outdoors and should be reapplied after swimming or perspiring. Typically, one ounce of sunscreen lotion is enough to cover exposed areas of the body properly. 2. Medicated lip balm with SPF -- For lips, the best protection against sun damage is a water resistant lip balm that keeps the lips moist and has an SPF of 15 percent or higher. A product such as Zilactin-Lip medicated lip balm provides SPF 24 protection and is water resistant for long-lasting wear in the sun. Zilactin-Lip medicated lip balm also contains a non-greasy emollient to keep lips smooth and supple. 3. Wide-brimmed hat -- Aside from providing shade for your face, a wide-brimmed hat also can help protect hair from being damaged by the sun, which erodes the outer layer of hair and can cause coarse, wiry or brittle locks. Choose a comfortable-fitting hat with extra covering that drapes down the back of your neck, and sit in the shade whenever possible. 4. Spray-on sunscreen for hair -- Another way to protect the hair from sun damage is to use protective sprays specifically created for hair. Leave-in conditioners and sun sprays offer sun protection before, during and after outdoor exposure. 5. Cold sore/fever blister treatment -- Since cold sores/fever blisters can be triggered by overexposure to the sun, it is important to keep topical medications on hand for unexpected breakouts. A product such as Zilactin Cold Sore Gel helps speed up the healing process for fever blisters by sealing in the medication and preventing spreading. Zilactin-L Cold Sore Liquid is another option for treating cold sore/fever blister outbreaks. Don't let the sun ruin your summer vacation. Stock up on these vital summer products at your local drug, discount and grocery stores, or consult a family physician for additional advice. For more information on oral health, Zilactin products or Zilactin, visit http://www.zilactin.com. Exercise is Vital for Seniors, Too (ARA) - In a nation obsessed with youth, fitness is equated with taut skin and a toned, well-muscled physique. Yet even the oldest and frailest adults, such as elderly residents of nursing homes, can gain significant health benefits --physically and mentally -- from exercise. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a part of the National Institutes of Health, recent studies involving sedentary nursing home patients in their 80s and 90s have demonstrated the overwhelmingly positive results of regular exercise. Those findings are even more compelling in light of additional research that has shown older adults can hurt their health far more by not exercising. Dr. Jonathan Musher, vice president of Medical Affairs for nursing home leader Beverly Healthcare, agrees. "Elderly patients often have such an awareness of the fragility of their health that they avoid doing the very things that could improve it," said Musher. "The first step toward breaking the cycle of inactivity is usually to overcome their resistance." AEGIS Therapies, a Beverly company, and Nautilus HPS feel so strongly about the benefits of exercise programs for the elderly that they have joined forces to offer a program called "Freedom Through Functionality" in nursing homes. The exercise program is designed to enhance functional independence and improve quality of life for seniors. Freedom Through Functionality is being tested in eight Beverly nursing homes throughout the country, and if successful, it is expected to grow to more than 400 locations over the next several years, including Beverly and non-Beverly nursing homes that are served by AEGIS Therapies. Even if it's an uphill battle to convince your loved one to begin an exercise program, the potential benefits are worth it. By starting slowly and building up gradually, those who have become physically frail from inactivity can more than double their strength in a short period of time. In addition, regular exercise can help prevent or delay the effects of many diseases associated with aging, such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. On a more personal level, elderly people who exercise regularly feel better overall, have more energy and are often able to live more independently. For those who rely on others for basic activities of daily living such as dressing or bathing, simply gaining the strength to again perform some or all of these tasks can restore dignity and confidence. Because many older people have multiple medical problems, it is critical to get a physician's approval before undertaking an exercise program. Unless there are medical reasons preventing physical activity, a consulting doctor can provide a patient with safe guidelines and specific, easy to perform exercises. Musher points out that exercising seniors who live in nursing homes have the added safety of being continually monitored by skilled medical staff. There are exercises that can be performed without equipment -- a can of food, for instance, serves nicely as a one-pound weight. In fact, a successful exercise program requires little more than time and commitment. The key is to exercise on a long-term, regular basis. The recommended level for light to moderate physical activity is 30 minutes per session, several days a week. The types of exercises that give seniors the most health benefits fall into four areas: Endurance. These exercises help the heart, lungs and circulatory system work more efficiently, increasing energy levels and stamina. Strength. Lifting weights or exercising against resistance increases muscle strength and mass, and makes bones stronger, which can slow or reverse bone loss due to osteoporosis. Balance. Broken hips and other injuries caused by falling are a serious problem for seniors, leading to disability and a loss of independence. Improving balance helps lower the risk of falls. Flexibility. By keeping the body limber, stretching exercises improve range of motion in the arms, legs and back, and can also help prevent falls. How can you help your loved one begin? Allow him or her to work at a comfortable pace (perhaps even join in), building up gradually to include all four categories of exercise. Encourage your loved one's efforts, and celebrate even small improvements in his or her health or physical ability. Most importantly, help him or her to stick with it. Another suggestion is to visit your loved one during one of the nursing home's sponsored exercise programs -- better yet, participate with your loved one in the program. Often they want to "show off" what all they can do. For a free publication on exercise and other information about health and aging, call the NIA at (800)222-2225 or visit www.nih.gov/nia (Click Here. For information about locations of nursing homes in your area, visit www.beverlynet.com Click Here. -=- Hippo Rage (text of a mini-keynote speech by David Leonhardt, a.k.a. The Happy Guy, which brought the house down in Gatineau, Quebec, April 21, 2002) Has anybody here ever been stuck in traffic for a frustratingly long time? Put up your hand if you have. Oooh! Don't you just hate that? And some people don't mind showing us how much they hate it. We call it road rage. Has anybody ever waited in a ticket lineup or a checkout lineup for a frustratingly long time? Let me see those hands. Believe it or not, some people don't like that either. We call it lineup rage. Has anybody ever been stuck waiting in a doctor's office for a frustratingly long time? Let me see those hands. And then you see somebody suddenly jump up and tear his hair out and scream, "Let me out. I've been here three hours. Three days. Three months!" Well, I really should apologize. I didn't mean to scare your kids. I was just demonstrating waiting room rage. Let me tell you a story about the Lwangwa River Valley - that's in Africa, you know. The dry season there gets very dry. My throat is getting dry just thinking about it. The Lwangwa River stops rushing. It slows to a trickle. Finally, it stops flowing. And all that are left are pools of water, here and there. One by one, the animals head to higher ground. To forest cover. To other water holes. Anywhere they can find food or drink. Just like we will all do late. Did I say all the animals? Not all. Not the hippos. The hippos stay in their river at it slows to a stream. They stay in the stream as it turns into pools. They stay in the pools as they shrink into puddles. As the puddles shrink, the hippos get more crowded. As the hippos get more crowded, they get surly. Cranky. Grumpy. They gnash their teeth. They poke at each other. They pick fights. It's river rage! Has anyone ever come face to face with a raging hippopotamus? Don't be shy. Go ahead, put up your hands. Sure, when we're young - I'm sure you all remember this as I do - we're taught that they're slow, cute, and cuddly. They might even be pink or purple and do those dances in tutus like in Fantasia. But in the real world they have teeth the size of your head. They can run faster than anyone in this room. And they weight upwards of 5,000 pounds. I mean, they are BIG! If you're ever at a cocktail party and a hippopotamus starts, you know, flirting with you, whatever you do, do not let him sit on your lap. Rage is all the rage these days. Road rage. Lineup rage. Waiting room rage. Even river rage. You may also have heard of parking lot rage, elevator rage and airplane rage. What gives? Is the world getting angrier or just more crowded? Both. It's a fact that as our space and time grow increasingly crowded, our stress levels rise. When it comes to space, we are cramming more people into more crowded cities, elevators, airplanes, stores. Our patience diminishes. Our good will diminishes. Our tolerance diminishes. Has anyone noticed they place the chairs at conferences - you noticed! -- so close together that even skinny people get to know each other well. My theory is that the hotels are trying to develop their own niche rage market: conference seating rage. Let's look at our schedules. What are we trying to do? We're trying to see how many items we can squeeze onto our "to do" list, and how many activities we can cram into a day. And the stress, where does it go? Right up there, exactly. I want to share this one little thought with you. We are in the process of moving, so we actually have two homes. Stress that builds in my stacked concrete box apartment they call a condo, I can't get rid of. It sticks. I can't shake it off. It won't go. It sticks. When I'm at my farm house just a few miles south of here, surrounded by grass and trees, it's amazing how quickly I can just excommunicate the stress. Can I say that? Excommunicate? Why not? OK. What have we learned today? Three lessons, so please take note. Number one, don't let your space get too crowded. Number two, don't let your schedule get too crowded. Number three, and this is the most important of all, don't ever, ever let a hippopotamus sit on your lap. -=- David Leonhardt is The Happy Guy, motivational speaker, and author of Climb your Stairway to Heaven: the 9 habits of maximum happiness. Visit him at http://www.TheHappyGuy.com Play It Safe Around Water All Summer Long (ARA) - Summer is almost here, and families across the country will open their pools for a much-anticipated swimming season. Along with all the fun comes a focus on water and swimming safety. "Make water safety a priority this summer," says Jack Cergol, chief staff executive for the National Spa & Pool Instituô -Ó\ NSPI's Water Safety Tips: 1. Supervision -- Constant adult supervision is the primary precaution for which there is no substitute. Never take your eyes off a child when he or she is in or near a body of water, not even for a second. All other safety precautions should be used in addition to constant adult supervision. Don't consider your child to be "drown-proof" because you enrolled them in swimming class. 2. Toys -- Toys, tricycles and other playthings should be stored away from the pool or spa area. A favorite toy left near the water can be a very strong attraction for a child. 3. Substance-free -- Never use a pool or spa while, or after, consuming alcohol or any drugs. Consult a physician if taking any medication on a regular basis prior to swimming or using a spa. 4. Diving -- Know the depth of the water prior to diving, and never dive into shallow water. Never dive into an aboveground pool. Learn safe diving. 5. Fences and gates -- Fencing should be at least four feet high. Check local regulations for specific requirements in your area. 6. Door and gate alarms -- Many devices are available that attach to pool/spa access doors and gates that will sound a loud chime when opened and closed. And placing alarms on sliding doors, windows and all exit doors will alert you to children leaving the house. 7. Perimeter and motion alarms -- Infrared detector beams are among the high-tech safety options now available at very affordable prices. Infrared systems sound an alarm when the beam is crossed, and can be installed around the perimeter of a pool or spa. Water motion alarms are placed in the water along the edge of the pool and sound an alarm when the water is disturbed in any way. 8. Latches and locks -- Fence gates should have latches that automatically close and latch securely. Windows and doors that open to the pool or spa area should all be equipped with self-latching devices. 9. Safety covers -- Get an impenetrable covering that completely covers the pool or spa, blocking access to water. Insist on a cover that has a label stating that it meets the ASTM F13-46 standard for pool and spa covers. 10. Main drain cover --Check your main drain cover to make sure it's not missing or broken. 11. Portable telephone -- A cordless or poolside phone means parents don't have to leave children unattended while they answer the phone. 12. Ropes, life rings, shepherd's crooks -- Rope and float lines placed across the pool alert swimmers to the separation of the deep and shallow ends of the pool. Rescue equipment such as life rings and shepherd's crooks can be used to pull someone in trouble to safety. 13. Emergency procedures -- Learning CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a skill that may save a life. The local YMCA/YWCA, the Red Cross and many local hospitals offer classes. Free brochures on water and swimming safety can be obtained free of charge either by calling (800) 323-3996 or by visiting www.nspi.org (Click Here). -=- Summer Travelers are on the Road Again Planning Ahead Makes Getting There Less Stressful (ARA) - Summer and car travel are a natural combination, According to a recent national survey, 84 percent of Americans report feeling some level of stress during summer driving vacations. The Imodium National Stress Index* found the #1 stress factor for most Americans during their road trips is the inability to find a bathroom -- especially a clean bathroom. Bathroom issues significantly outranked such concerns as car problems, bad weather, poor directions, getting lost -- and even restless children -- as stress inducers. Sometimes just the stress, excitement or change in diet associated with a trip can cause illness on the road. More than half of Americans have experienced a stress-related illness during summer car travel, such as headaches, stomach aches, nausea or diarrhea. Yet the survey found only one out of four Americans hit the road prepared, by bringing over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medications with them. An ailment in the car can quickly take the fun out of any trip and affect everyone who's along for the ride. Travel expert Jamie Jensen, author of RoadTrip USA, suggests a variety of ways to minimize stress, making driving safer and easier, and the vacation more enjoyable. "I recommend travelers plan ahead and pack a travel kit for their journey," says Jensen. "The kit acts as a type of insurance policy. You may never need the items in the kit, but it's sure nice to know you have them when you need them." Jensen recommends the following as must-haves for summer travel kits: * First, vacationers should bring maps and travel guides, like RoadTrip USA. These items help to keep you on track and make the journey fun and informative. * Key safety items include a flashlight with fresh batteries, a cell phone for emergency calls and car flares to notify police and other motorists in case of a breakdown. * Finally, keep first-aid items on hand, including Band-Aids and over-the-counter medicines you may need for unexpected situations, like Tylenol for pain, and Imodium to treat the symptoms of traveler's diarrhea. Along with taking these precautionary measures, travelers can make road travel more enjoyable by playing soothing music to calm nerves, switching drivers regularly, and bringing enough healthy snacks and drinks in the car to prevent hunger and dehydration. Jensen also suggests that travelers take a break every few hours to stretch their legs and walk around. Frequent stops make the trip more fun. "Check maps and travel guides for interesting spots along your route like historical landmarks for planned rest stops," he notes "And be on the look out for signs like "scenic view" for quick, impromptu breaks. The most important part of a vacation is to enjoy all of it -- the journey and the destination alike -- by planning ahead. For additional traveler's tips, or to share some of your own ideas, go to http://www.imodium.com. -=- How Did I Get In This Mess? by Terry Rigg When I was younger and having all kinds of money problems, I ask myself this question a thousand times. It seemed like one day we were doing fine financially and the next we owed everybody. How can it happen so quick? This is a problem that a lot of people are experiencing today. It can be one of the most helpless and frustrating situations most of us can find ourselves in. To make matters worse, it seems the harder we try to get a handle on our finances the deeper in debt we beô ïaä -Êcome. There isn't an answer that covers everybody, naturally, but I believe that in most cases we simply weren't paying close enough attention to the details of our finances. We figure that an extra payment here or there won't make a difference, until it's too late. I know for myself and most of the people I have counseled over the years, that it wasn't until we took a good hard look at how we got ourselves in debt, that we were able to start working on a way out. This isn't for the purpose of placing blame, but is necessary to determine what changes needed to be made and to prevent it from happening again. I have found that very few people, including myself, have ever been taught even the basics of proper money management, either at home or at school. This hit home when I had to teach all three of my kids how to fill out and maintain a check book, after they graduated from high school. I assumed that they would learn this in school. I realize now that I should have been more aware of what they were not learning and accepted the responsibility of teaching them the fundamentals of handling their money myself. That was my job. If you are just starting out in the work force or going to college, it is time for you to learn that you have to work at managing your money, everyday. It is essential that you learn as much as you can about setting up a budget and using every expense cutting method you can think of. Even if you are making good money you need to know exactly what you have coming in and what you have going out. There are a lot of people making $70,000 or more a year that are having money problems. There usually isn't just one thing that causes us to accumulate debt. It can be anything from buying more house than we can afford to running our credit card balances to the hilt. It almost always happens a step at a time. Let me give you an example: You buy a house with payments that are more than you wanted to pay, but it is exactly what you were looking for, so you decide you can cut back in other areas. Now you've used all of your cash for the down payment on the house, but you still need furniture. It's time to break out the credit cards. You don't realize just how much the furniture, curtains, pictures, rugs, etc. will cost. Now your credit cards are reaching their limit Then the electric bill comes in and it is double what you were expecting. This can all happen within just a couple of months. The above example may not fit your situation, however, chances are no one purchase caused the problem. This is why it is absolutely necessary to pay close attention to your finances and plan every purchase. The only way to know if you can afford something is to have a budget in place. For most people, there are too many expenses for the average individual or family to keep track of in their head. You have to take what ever time you need to put this information down on paper after considering all of your possible expenses. You can do this on a piece of notebook paper or find a simple budget form. Which ever way you choose, make sure that you review it before you make any purchases. As I stated before, it is necessary to know what events led to your money problems so that you will know what actions to avoid in the future. This will be vitally important on the road to your financial recovery. For an easy-to-setup and maintain budget, visit: www.homemoneyhelp.com/BBOonline.html (Click Here) -=- About the Author Terry Rigg is the author of Living Within Your Means - The Easy Way (Click Here) and editor of The FREE Budget Stretcher Newsletter and Budget Stretcher web site http://www.homemoneyhelp.com. He has 25 years of experience counseling individuals and families concerning their personal finances. |
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