Women and Heart Health

The first Friday in the month of February marks National Wear Red Day. This campaign was designed to encourage women (and men) to wear red in support for the awareness of heart disease in women.

Did you know...

• Eight times as many women die from heart disease and stroke than from breast cancer. 41% of all Canadian women's deaths are due to heart disease and stroke, compared to 37% of men
• A women's risk of death from heart disease increases 4 times after menopause
• Women with diabetes at any age are at more risk of developing heart disease and stroke than men with diabetes.
• Compared to active women, inactive women are twice as likely to die from heart disease and stroke
• Heart disease is the leading cause of death followed by Cancer, Stroke, Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases, Alzheimer's and Unintentional Injuries

Prevention Tips...

Manage your weight: eliminate processed foods, white flours, white sugars. Incorporate green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits, and supplement with essential fatty acids. Exercise everyday, minimum 20-30 minutes cardiovascular activity. (Make sure to first consult your practitioner before hand should you have any health issues)

Reduce Stress: Bringing balance between work and family life can be difficult at times. Taking the time to relax, unwind and enjoy life is important. Take time for yourself, do something you enjoy. Take a moment out of your day to "be still", finding quietness and peace for reflecting and meditating.

Choose a healthier lifestyle: Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption

Women are known as the care-givers, the nurturer's that wears her heart on her sleeve. Well it's time to put ourselves first to ensure we live a long, healthy and enjoyable life. Afterall, who wants to die of a broken heart?

Tao Te Ching

This video is Part 1 of 2 for the summarized verses of the Tao Te Ching. Please enjoy these words as they are most powerful when practicing aloud.

The universe is like a menu: you place your order (speak the words), you receive what you ordered. Cheers (((+)))

Tao Te Ching

Do you ever consider the power within words? Some people believe that you can speak words into existence, I am one of those people. Let's take the time to carefully choose the words we use, as the words we use (both positive and negative) decorate our world around us.

I would like to share this powerful video sharing some of the 80 verses of The Tao Te Ching, summarized by Wayne Dyer. Read along and say these verses aloud and believe in what you are saying.

Be Blessed


“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” ~Wayne Dyer

NEW

A NEW year, a NEW month, and a NEW day. Most people, this time of year, have made lists of resolutions they will work to accomplish within the next twelve months. Some may even dig deeper and make their goals S.M.A.R.T (Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Realistic. Time frame) to achieve a higher chance of accomplishing them. In the end the pressure of ending one calendar year to the beginning of another is inevitably gonna to cause this.

It is good to reflect and plan ahead, and it is also good to feel the freedom to do this any particular time of the year and not just because it's the "new year."


So I will continue living in gratitude now. Where I am right now, giving thanks. I will continue working on being a person with qualities that will help me grow and nurture what lies within. I will keep educated about things that contribute to a healthy mind, body and soul. I will focus on my energy, to give and receive positive energy. I will love my family and consider them first with my intentions. I will embrace and support my genuine friends. I will volunteer my time for helping others. Most importantly, I will pray and keep faith that my goals will be continuous and magnify to a higher platform as I grow.

I believe that my goals will lead to that weight loss challenge, financial freedom, a strong portfolio, a successful career, a beautiful house (and many property), a new vehicle, family vacations and all other wonderful things that put the frills on living the "dream". And that would be because I first looked within. xox

So what goals do you have? And why? Feel free to comment because I care and want to hear about you... plus I feel nauseous blabbing about myself.

Cheers to 2011! Let's make it count!


"Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, set goals and charge after them in an unstoppable manner." ~Les Brown

Labor for Learning

Labor for learning before you grow old,
For learning is better than silver or gold.
Silver and gold will vanish away,
But a good education will never decay.

~Anonymous


Lessons a beautiful mother passes to her daughter. She wanted to get a part-time job while in school and asks her mom's advice. Her mother looks at her and says, "Labor for learning before you grow old, For learning is better than silver or gold. Silver and gold will vanish away, But a good education will never decay"...her daughter gazed upon her thinking "Huh".. The lesson was wise and her daughter grew to learn. Don't rush away from the opportunity for learning.

Knowledge is Power. Nothing compares to the confidence you feel when you are educated. Learning is everlasting.

So I share with you about a woman so remarkable with her prophetic wisdom, whom would always smile when I would see her. She was filled with grace always, even at her most painful moments. A courageous mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister. Thank you for demonstrating your strength as a woman, and love as a mother of five children. Sending you love as you Rest In Eternal Peace,

Marcia Angella Riddell-Edwards
1951.04.02-2010.09.24

Fundamentals of Yoga

YOGA is usually defined as "union". Put simply, this refers to the process of the mind-body integration. However, yoga is also the set of practices that yogis use to achieve this integration.

Yoga as Union
Yoga is the integration of mind and body. You can think of this as a two-part process of self-integration. Internally, it is the union of your own physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual aspects. Yogis frequently refer to these as the four aspects of human self. Externally, it is your union with the rest of the universe.

Regardless of our philosophies of life or religion, most of us have had moments when everything becomes clear. For an instant, or more, you feel connected to everything and everything is o.k. We might call these moments of clarity, self-actualization, enlightenment or "aha" moments. They are moments of yoga. The actual practice of yoga exist to promote these experiences.

When you focus effort on mind-body integration, you acquire benefits such as..

It's good for your physical health

• Practically every one of your body's systems grows stronger from bringing mind and body together

It's good for your mental and emotional health

• You'll gain better understanding of yourself and you'll decrease your stress level

Your relationships will improve

• It's easier to deal with those difficult situations when you've got a better handle on what's going on inside you

Peace of mind will help you find your way in the world

• We all wonder sometimes if we're doing all we can with our lives. Unfortunately, there's no final answer, but easing doubts and worries for a few moments here and there can truly help you find direction

Here's what some people had to say..

Yoga teaches us to cure what need not endure and endure what cannot be cured. ~ B.K.S Iyengar

Sun salutations can energize and warm you, even on the darkest, coldest winter day. ~ Carol Krucoff

When the breath wanders the mind is also unsteady. But when the breath is calmed the mind too will be still, and the yogi achieves long life. Therefore, one should learn to control the breath. ~ Svatmarama, Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Yoga is the practice of quieting the mind. ~ Patanjali, translated from Sanskrit

So consider striking a 'sun salutation' and smile. Embrace the possibilities you can be offered.

Go Green

Green. Not only is it a color, which happens to be one of my favorites, it can be a way of living. Green can represent our concept to thinking, living, and eating. Our environment is affected by our personal impact and carbon footprint that we leave behind.

The carbon footprint is a way to measure the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, like carbon dioxide. Ultimately, it is a useful way for people to conceptualize their impact in contributing to global warming.

We have to take the time to think about ways to lighten our carbon footprint and preserve our planet from further damage. Our generations after us are inheriting mother Earth and need to enjoy it in its most natural form. There's a lapse between awareness and action. People will know what they should be doing, but they just don't do it, either because they are waiting for more information, trying to get their minds in the right place to commit, or have excuses as to why they'll wait until Monday, or after the holidays, or until some other vaguely reasons rather then begin making changes in their lives. But the state of the planet is now at a tipping point. The world is in crisis, and there are no excuses to sit on the sidelines anymore. Our current choices and behaviors are warming this planet, and you can do something now to have a significant impact on cutting your carbon footprint. THINK ABOUT THIS.

Put plan into action, take accountability for your personal footprint and live green. Some steps listed below to cut down your carbon footprint:

• become a sustainable shopper and use a cloth grocery bag when shopping. If you purchase few items opt to carry them in your personal bag instead of buying a plastic bag. Consider transportation and distance used for shopping when your items can also be conveniently sold in one general area, instead of traveling to get to a store that has that one item for sale.
  
• reduce, reuse, reuse, reuse some more... then recycle
• remove unused cords from the electrical socket and turn lights off when leaving the room
  
• make sure your appliances are energy efficient ho hum, sounds boring right? One of the biggest hotspot to determine a person's personal "footprint" is that household food storage and preparation account for 25-30% of the total carbon load of that food.
  
• eliminate overprocessed, overpackaged, oversized, nutritionally empty foods that are currently hogging up space in your fridge, pantry, and daily food jaunts. Replace these with sustainable, fresh whole, delicious foods that are much healthier for you and the planet. This will clear out a bunch of unnecessarily calories that are keeping you from moving towards ur personal best health.

Green eating is paramount to attaining a healthy clean body. Eating foods that have no labels, and is in its whole state can assure you will feel better, look better, and function better. You can replace flesh protein with green protein. Foods like lentils, split peas, black-eyed peas, beans, and tofu. Also nuts like walnuts, almonds, pistachios, peanuts, cashews, pecans, and soy nuts. These are nutrient powerhouses that are portable and last relatively long. They are considered high in protein, monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, vitamin E, and many trace minerals. They can also provide excellent source of Omega 3 EFA's that promote protection from free radical damage to a cellular level, promote better cognitive function, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Nuts and seeds are a winning combo of heart healthy fats and proteins that curb cravings and keep blood sugar and energy levels stable for hours.

It's not difficult to incorporate this ideas into practice. These steps can leave a lasting impact that you will benefit from immediately and consistently, and will impact others positively. Ready. Go!

Sweet Cinnamon

Along with salt and pepper, I think that cinnamon should be added as common condiments you'll see on a table at a restaurant.
Inhale deeply as the yummy aroma is known to enhance and boost memory and cognitive function.
People that suffer from Type 2 Diabetes can consider cinnamon for therapeutic remedies with approval from their treating Physician. This ancient herb has been found to assist with lowering blood sugar levels and increasing the amount of insulin production in the body. It can also lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Cinnamon can aid in digestion, especially when eating fruits with sources of manganese, dietary fiber, iron and calcium.
Cinnamon contain antifungal, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties. It can combat vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers and even head lice.

So how about considering cinnamon as a enjoyable and healthy flavor to your dish!

The Curse and The Cure

From the beginning of time women have been cursed. Eve sinned along with Adam and both were cursed for disobedience. I read an article this author wrote that gives some deep perspective that I would like to share...

"Ever since man chose the way of sin (as all have, except Jesus Christ), men have not rightly respected women, not even their own wives (when married), and have instead ruled “over” women in a wrong manner that is authoritarian, controlling and demeaning (looking down as being lesser). This is what constitutes a large part of the curse upon women that has existed from the beginning. Over the centuries, even within the Church, that curse has only partially been lifted to the degree that individuals have repented of mistreatment of others and have truly sought to “change” self and become more God-like in character and thinking (in harmony with the truths and laws of God). But women have still been suppressed by being morally mistreated, demeaned, and held to an inferior state by men. And most sad of all, this has been perpetuated by husbands because of male ego, lust and pride."

"God is now starting the greater process (which only partially started in the Church over the centuries) of restoring the dignity and honor that He intended women should have from the beginning. This is part of the “healing” process that is prophesied to fill the earth in the Millennium, as Satan and his demons are removed from the presence of mankind, and as Jesus Christ receives rule of all the earth. This healing process is now beginning to be restored in God’s Church as we accelerate toward that new age for all mankind. In this context, this is the greater fulfillment of the prophecy that states, “And those from among you shall build the old waste places and you shall raise up the foundations of many generations, and you shall be called, ‘The repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in’” (Is. 58:12)...."

"...The liberation of all races and nationalities is rapidly approaching, and at the top of that list is the true liberation of women from the demeaning state in which they have been “ruled over.” This also produces a liberation for man that yields a more fulfilling and rewarding life, a greater unity and oneness with God, and the greater experience of what true masculinity was intended to be from the beginning."

Now this article has truly grabbed my attention so much that I've shared with close friends and discussed our views. We all know a woman that has been disrespected and under valued in a relationship and even marriage, all too well. Some of us have even grown up seeing it happen to our mothers. It's now become such common behavior that society have become desensitized to it. Within my circle, it's obviously a common denominator in marriages/relationships of some form or the other.

I have positioned my attitude so that my thoughts, my words and my actions will rebel from this "curse" and liberate my spirit to receive what's right and deserving. And I encourage all women to do the same. We need to step back onto our throne and teach men that should be Kings to act the same. We are beings of wisdom, teachers, holding the very essence of God to bring life. You see we are much more than a sexual desire, a pretty face. We contain the ability to carry unbelievable amounts of pressure upon our shoulders and continue on in life with a gentle smile. So why is it so hard to see this truth in a woman and appreciate her? I just believe this is part of our natural path of living, love and be loved. Period. And don't settle for anything less.


"Hurt people hurt people" ~ RevRunWisdom

Water

If you consider timing to drink water, it will maximize its effectiveness to your body.

• two glasses of water, after waking up, helps activate internal organs


• one glass of water, 30 minutes after a meal, helps digestion


• one glass of water, before taking a bath, helps lower blood pressure


• one glass of water, before sleeping, can avoid stroke or heart attack

It's always important to consider 8-10 glasses of water per day for complete effectiveness and optimum function.

Bee Pollen

Bee Pollen is a dust sized seed found on the stamen of all flower blossoms. The pollen collects on the legs of honeybees as they move from flower to flower looking for nectar. The bees secrete nectar and special enzymes into the flower pollen to create what we know as “bee pollen”. The pollen is usually collected by placing a special device at the entrance of beehives that brushes it from the hind legs of the bees into a collection vessel.

Bee pollen contains an incredible array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, co-enzymes, and hormones. It is especially rich in B vitamins and antioxidants, including lycopene, selenium, beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and several flavanoids. It is composed of 55% carbohydrates, 35% protein, 3% vitamins and minerals, 2% fatty acids, and 5% other substances. Overall, it's one of the most nutritionally complete natural substances found on earth.

When you first start taking bee pollen you may feel a significant increase in your energy right away, definitely within a week or so. Over time the consistent use of pollen will improve your energy, stamina, and endurance. You'll also probably notice a greater feeling of general well-being. Over the long-term, regular consumption of bee pollen will help alleviate many different health problems, slow down the aging process, and improve your quality of life.

Bee pollen has been shown to help people:

• lose weight
• increase energy, vitality and stamina
• enhance the immune system
• relieve allergy and asthma symptoms
• improve sexual function
• correct digestion problems
• slow the aging process
• prevent cancer and other diseases

Bee pollen is one of nature’s healthiest and most powerful “superfoods.” It’s been used as a dietary supplement for thousands of years. The early Egyptian and early Chinese civilizations both used it as a physical rejuvenator and medicine. The Greek physician Hippocrates, recognized as the father of modern medicine, used pollen as a healing substance over 2,500 years ago. Today natural health practitioners often refer to bee pollen as an herbal “fountain of youth” that can be used for everything from weight loss to cancer prevention. It may be nature's most perfect food...

"The conservation of our natural resources and their proper use constitute the fundamental problem which underlies almost every other problem of our national life." ~Theodore Roosevelt

Donald Parker

"GIVE THANKS." "My life's ambition was to SHARE - with all people in all walks of life." ~Donald Parker 1939-2010

Elijah J. McCoy

Meet "the real McCoy". A Canadian inventor born to runaway slaves, Elijah McCoy was issued more than 57 patents for his inventions during his lifetime.

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/innovations/023020-3060-e.html

Ossie Davis

"I find, in being black, a thing of beauty: a joy, a strength; a secret cup of gladness, a native land in neither time nor space, a native land in every Negro face! Be loyal to yourselves: your skin; your hair; your lips, your Southern speech, your laughing kindness, are Negro kingdoms, vast as any other."~Ossie Davis


http://www.facebook.com/pages/POSITIVE-THURSDAY/226489843666?ref=nf

Black Health Awareness

The 10 most serious health problems threatening blacks vary in impact by gender and age. The first three: heart disease, stroke, and cancer are primarily conditions of the aged, and account for two-thirds of all deaths in the Black community. The other seven major health threats include hypertension (high blood pressure), cirrhosis, diabetes, AIDS, homicide, accidents and infant mortality-account for 80 percent of all Black deaths.

• The prevalence of diabetes among African Americans is about 70% higher than among white Americans.



• Infant mortality rates are twice as high for African Americans as for white Americans.



• The five year survival rate for cancer among African Americans diagnosed for 1986-1992 was about 44%, compared with 59% for white Americans.

Heart disease, a leading killer of Blacks, frequently culminates in heart attacks which occur when the heart's supply of oxygen-rich blood is drastically diminished or cut off because of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries. Patients should be advised to address any weight concerns. Eat foods that are prepared in a healthy way, consisting of whole grain, fish and lean white meats, fruits and fresh vegetables. Avoid stressful situations and exercise, meditate and yoga. Most importantly, for smokers to quit!

Stroke often signals an already existing condition that affects blood flow to the brain. If that flow stops, brain cells lose their only energy source and begin to die. The result is a stroke. Certain rare blood diseases, inherited disorders, and birth defects can also cause stroke.

Cancer, despite medical science's significant advances in therapy which have resulted in drastically improved survival rates, is still a major health problem among Blacks as well as Whites. Until such time that the disease has been eradicated, doctors stress that early detection, which dramatically increases the chances for successful treatment, is still the most effective anti-cancer weapon. Symptoms of common cancers include:

Lung :: Coughs that linger indefinitely; coughing up blood; shortness of breath.

Breast :: Lump in the breast; change in breast shape; discharge from the nipple.

Colon and rectum :: Changes in bowel habits, bleeding from the rectum; blood in the stool which appears bright red or black.

Prostate (men) :: Difficulty or pain while urinating; the need to urinate often, especially at night.

Uterus, ovary, and cervix (women) :: Bleeding after menopause, unusual vaginal discharge, abdomen enlargement, pain during intercourse.

Skin :: Sores that do not heal; sudden appearance of a mole; changes in shape, size or color of a wart or mole.

Our bodies communicate through symptoms, telling us something needs attention. We must be vigilant and research for the cause and not only treat the symptoms. Maintaining an annual physical is also essential for any early detection. We are a resilient race, and keeping our health at the forefront in our day-to-day lives will ensure many years ahead.

"When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth becomes useless, and intelligence cannot be applied." ~Herophilus

*Reference/Ebony/Nov.1991

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most frequently diagnosed childhood behavioural disorder. A child that suffers from ADHD is really hyperactive, struggles to focus and acts impulsively. Many children demonstrate this behaviours on occasion, while sufferers of ADHD behave this way continuously. Among children, boys are 3x's more likely than girls to be diagnosed. Parents are left feeling that they have failed at raising their children and desperate. They take their child(ren) to see their family doctor to explain these symptoms. Without treating the cause, they're focused on medicating those symptoms with prescribed drugs like Ritalin.

Ritalin has a structure similar to amphetamines and as such, has an amphetamine-like effect on the nervous system. Stimulants such as Ecstasy, Amphetamines, and Ritalin work by increasing amounts of dopamine in the Frontal Cortex, the area of the brain responsible for both focus (working memory) and reward (pleasure center). These compounds cause indirect stimulation by displacing dopamine from pre-synaptic vesicles. The result is either a massive rush of dopamine flow that can provide intense euphoria (MDMA, Ecstasy) or a more controlled release that assists working memory and attention span (Ritalin). However, due to the fact that the pleasure center of the brain is also located in the frontal cortex, the risk for addiction and potential for abuse is quite substantial. As such, Ritalin and Amphetamines are categorized as Schedule II Controlled Substances in the U.S. These medicines have the highest abuse and dependence potential for drugs with medicinal purposes. Other examples of Schedule II Controlled Substances include Morphine, Demerol, Speed, Opium, and Cocaine. Schedule I Controlled Substances are considered to be LSD and Heroin.

Here's what these children face after being put on Ritalin;

• if you take Ritalin as a teenager, you may not be hired to work in the US Government in a job that involves state secretes or national security. You can be elected but not hired


• According to the 2000 US Military Recruitment Manual, you may not join the Army, Airforce, Navy, or Marines if you are on Ritalin because you are a class II drug user. You must get a doctors note saying you've been off for 3yrs


• Insurance companies can turn you down for pre-existing condition of Attention Deficit or raise your rates as a schedule II drug user.

Natural Preventative Care

Aside from treating symptoms with Schedule II Controlled Substances, we can look at treating the causes. Watch this video for an idea. (right click on link, open new window)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzvIq8WISUo

"The fish only knows that it lives in the water, after it is already on the river bank. Without our awareness of another world out there, it would never occur to us to change."

The Art of Making A Goal

It's that time of year again where we consider making New Year's Resolutions. Statistics show that only about 15% of New Year's Resolutions are kept. Another Survey included asking respondents to identify the biggest issue that prevents them from achieving their New Year's Resolutions or goals. The top 3 reasons identified were 33% Procrastinating, 24% Lack of discipline and 19% No game plan. Interestingly enough, 10% of individuals felt the biggest issue that prevents them from achieving their New Year's Resolution or goals was doing it alone. These statistics are not listed to discourage you, however to reflect the importance of planning and achieving a positive outcome.

Goals are usually put in place to help us succeed. It gives a clear vision of where to go, why we should go there and what to expect along the way. Goals also involve change, and people are put off by change and associate it with discomfort (ie. Fitness goal when involving exercise/ dietary changes). We can keep motivated with our goals by asking ourselves some powerful questions like;

• "Why do you want this change?"
• "Are you ready for this change?"
• "Do you know what to expect?"
• "What are you prepared to do to get it?"
• "What would have to happen that might stop you from reaching this goal?"

With these questions, we can literally change our minds to do things differently. Change doesn't have to be difficult, it can be quick and lasting. The task is to focus on how we will be when we achieved our outcome, as this gives the unconscious mind a description of where it needs to take us. The nervous system is unable to differentiate between a real and imaginary experience. When we stop giving ourselves a hard time and shift our focus from what is wrong or missing, or what we don't want, to what we do want, we will begin to feel better. The unconscious mind will let go of negative patterns with dead end results, and adapt a new behaviour which matches our "new image". The stronger the connection between our desired outcome and our sense of self the more compelled we will be to achieve it, using questions like;

"How does this outcome relate to my sense of self?"

"What would happen if I got my outcome?"

"Will this outcome enhance my sense of who I am?"

Also, the more clearly thought out and distinctive our goals are, the more actively we will pursue them. An effective tool can be the S.M.A.R.T system:

SPECIFIC - State the goal so that the exact outcome is understood

MEASURABLE - State a goal where success can be measured

ACTION-ORIENTED- State a goal that promotes action towards accomplishment

TIMED - Set an appropriate deadline for meeting the goal

"Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal." - Pamela Vaull Starr

#holidayclassic

This weekend I got to experience a holiday classic...roasted chestnuts! It was my very first time, well at least to my recollection. Delicious open roasted chestnuts served in little paper bags, YUM! The taste was a mix between roasted breadfruit and sweet potatoe..oh so perfect to enjoy on a brisk winter day.

The enjoyable treat had me curious of its nutritional facts, here's what I gathered; they're the only nuts that contain a significant dose of vitamin C (up to 1.7mg), low in fat and contain no cholesterol making them great snacks. They also contain trace minerals like manganese, potassium, copper, phosphorus, magnesium and iron.

Like other nuts chestnuts help prevent heart risk and provides energy. They can be prepared by boiling, roasting or soaking them in wine like they do in Italy..who knew. So t'is the season for truly enjoying a #holidayclassic.

In Joy!

H1N1 Checklist

The flu season and most popular H1N1 flu virus is in full effect. We may even have been directly affected by it, or know someone who has. Prevention is still key and important for protecting ourselves and those around us. Here is a reminder on tips to keep from spreading the virus.

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available


• cough and sneeze in your arm, not your hand


• Keep common surfaces and items clean and disinfected


• Stay home if you are sick

H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms similar to those of the regular human seasonal flu. The symptoms include:

• Shortness of breathe


• Fever (body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)


• Extreme fatigue


• Lack of appetite


• Cough


• Muscle aches


• Severe headache and sore throat

Some people with H1N1 flu virus have also reported vomiting and diarrhea. If anyone is concerned about their health or well being should contact a health care practitioner to discuss their personal circumstances. The majority of cases to date have been mild. Keep vigilant when applying these tips, plus choosing to eat majority of foods in its natural state and not processed.

"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." - Jim Rohn

Metabolic Boosters

• Frequent Eating - eating 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day helps to increase your metabolism
• Muscle Boosting - resistance training helps shape your body with lean muscles, and continues to burn calories while at rest
• Aerobic Exercises - cardiovascular training for 30mins, 3x's a week
• Water - drink half your body weight in ounces (ie. weighing 160lbs would drink 80 ounces)
• Sleep - body needs 7-8hrs of sleep for optimal function
• Sauna - try to enjoy time in a sauna 2-3x's per week, 30mins is like running a 5 mile race
• Cleansing and Detoxification - assists the body to refresh and reset the organs and systems to function efficiently

"Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live"