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Friday, May 29

How to Start a Conversation with 3 Super Body Language Tips

Using body language to enhance how you start a conversation can lead to great conversation. You do not have to say much just a look or a movement can speak volumes for you.

This is especially useful in situations where you can not seem to get a word in or where you are unsure of how to start a conversation.

Body language is a way to communicate without putting yourself at risk of saying something wrong. You probably already use body language, but do not even notice it. The following list shows the main points of body language that you should be aware of whenever you wonder how to start a conversation.

1. Eye use:

People say that they can learn all about a person through their eyes. It is probably the most used part of the body to communicate next to the mouth.

Your eyes can say many things, from rolling them to winking, you can display many messages with just your eyes. Sometimes you may unaware of what your eyes are saying.

Be careful to not let your eyes say you are bored or not interested in a conversation. You should maintain good eye contact to let others know you are listening.

2. Body moves:

Everyone has said hello with a wave of the hand or shown a lack of patience with a tap of the foot or nodded in agreement.

Your hands, arms, feet and head can speak for in many cases. Crossing the arms, tapping the foot rapidly or putting your hands on your hips can all say things that might not be too good.

On the other hand, clapping, tapping your foot to music or extending a hand shake can say great things. Always be aware of what your body is saying.

3. Facial expressions:

Smiling can say more than words sometimes. You should be aware of your facial expressions at all times. You may frown and be unaware of it.

Facial expressions can often be misinterpreted. A serious look of concentration may be seen as disapproval. Just make sure you are using the rest of your body to speak as well and your facial expressions should come across clearly.

Your eyes, body and face can carry on a whole conversation for you. You can speak volumes with a simple movement. You can use body language to convey a message you may not otherwise want to vocalize.

Knowing how to end or start a conversation with body language can come in handy if you do not have time to carry on a conversation, but would like to acknowledge someone.

Body language can also share a feeling with someone so only the two of you know. Make sure your body language is saying what you want it to. -Peter Murphy

Wednesday, May 27

How To Relax Under Pressure

If you are stressed in almost any situation, chances are you need to relax more. Before we go there, let me talk about relaxing under pressure in sport and then we can talk about business and family situations.

I was down at the Martial Arts center the other day and I was training, doing a new drill that I haven't done before. As I was practicing the routine, one of the Black Belts came up to me and said 'relax' and I'm thinking "I am relaxed". So I thought I had better relax more. What was he talking about? How can you relax when you are trying to fight, how can you relax when you are trying to fight for your life, how can you relax when you are under pressure? Under intense pressure you do need to relax, you need to relax so much so that you can actually deliver your technique at high speed and effectively. On the other hand, when you are tense and all tight, it is actually harder to deliver a technique and your reactions are slower.

One of the biggest challenges I had in flying an aircraft was to relax when I was coming in to land. Just like when you jump into your car as a learner driver and hold the steering wheel really tight at first, and you have sore arms. Once you are a bit more experienced you start to loosen up and your hands are a little bit looser on the steering wheel and it's not that hard to drive when you are relaxed but it is quite hard to drive when you are tense and the same with an aircraft when you are coming in to land. If you are tense you tend to push the controls down too hard, you pull back too hard; the plane takes about 2 - 3 second to react to your control so you tend to do jerky movements and it takes time for the plane to react, so the plane reacts and then you are jerking the other way to try and correspond, you are pushing down too hard and it takes a while for the plane starts to go down so you pull back, and the plane slows down so you give more power and flatten it out, so it just goes round and round and round. By relaxing, you are controlling it and anticipating what is going to happen next through controls.

I went in a motor racing competition once and Racing Car Driver Alan Grice was talking about relaxing under pressure and that when you are trying to do your best lap you are not 100% focused you are actually about 80%-90% focused on the task with about 10% allowing for learning mode if you like - learning about what's going on around you in the environment. It was really easy to tell the people who were relaxed when they were coming down the main straight as they take one of their hands off the steering wheel to change gears and if you saw the car flinch at all, it meant they had too much pressure on the steering wheel and when they took their hand off the car flinches a bit. Alan Said that it was the people who were relaxed that do the best lap times. My brother used to be a jockey and he said the same thing about riding a race-horse - it is important to stay relaxed on the horse and not pull on its bit too much.

Enough about sport - what about in relationships? How do you relax enough and I don't mean relax so much that they go and do what they like - how do you stay relaxed enough to get what you want in the situation the way you want without over reacting without over controlling, without making the life around you a living hell?

What I found is typically if you are getting angry and up-tight in a situation, you need to figure out ways to relax and figure out ways to coerce them to do what you want them to do without over-reacting, being up-tight or tense. All this is possible once you understand the mindset of what it is you want to achieve. With about 80% focus, you can think about alternative strategies to anger escalation, such as joking, changing the subject, or getting the person to 'say back' without parroting.

People become tense because of anticipation of
1) Pain,
2) Loss of control,
3) Embarrassment,
4) Financial ruin,
5) Death (but let's just leave that one alone!)

Ok, there are probably more but let's leave it at that for now. In martial arts, I think about loosening my muscles, particularly during the technique. Flying was a lot harder because you can't just loosen up too much otherwise you might splat all over the runway! The way you learn to relax under pressure is to practice at about 80% of your maximum agility for 80% of the time or at least 3000 repetitions. By this time the technique is then patterned and becomes a 'reflex' reaction. If you practice 3000 times tense, then you will pattern yourself to tense behavior and it is challenging to change patterned reflexes.

What I found is typically if you are getting angry and up-tight in a situation, you need to figure out ways to relax and figure out ways to coerce them to do what you want them to do without over-reacting, being up-tight or tense. All this is possible once you understand the mindset of what it is you want to achieve. With about 80% focus, you can think about alternative strategies to anger escalation, such as joking, changing the subject, or getting the person to 'say back' without parroting.

I am teaching my children 4 different ways to respond to yelling and screaming. They have already patterned themselves to automatically respond by escalation of aggressiveness but firstly if they are 100% focused on the argument; they may not consider 3 valid alternatives. Relaxing under this situation does not mean giving up, quitting or conceding defeat.

The first is to 'say back' what the other person is saying, without parroting. It doesn't mean that you agree with it but it sends a clear message to the yeller that you understand them.

The second is to change the subject. My wife is particularly good at this as a reflex to either answer the question she wants to answer instead of what was asked. Also off reflex, she responds with something I have done wrong when I criticize her. So the subject is now about me not her. Another change of subject might be something else all together

The final technique is to make a joke or to tell a joke. This could be to point and laugh ("you want me to do what?"). An alternative to road rage might be to make a joke of another driver, rather than escalating the situation.

All of these techniques revolve around staying in control and remaining relaxed and responding quickly to stimulus. Each needs to be practiced at least 3000 times so in our family we are working towards that goal.

When I have faced financial ruin, there was an intense fear to call my creditors and to make arrangements to pay. A big deal of that fear was totally unjustified. I decided to prioritize what was important to me and I made it clear to my family that they were more important to me than all of my financial possessions and that family relationships, general health and fitness are more important than the material things. If you are stressed about a financial decision, don't just consider the risk of a certain course of action.

Also consider the risk of not taking that action, because sometimes the risk of doing nothing far outweighs the risk of doing something. -Glen Smith

The Romance Of Aromatic Candles

Before electricity was discovered, candles and firelight were the only instruments humans could rely on to navigate after dark. But in the 21st century, they are two of the most effective stimuli for creating a passionate mood. And if you use a highly scented candle, you'll create an even more effective sensual experience.

Candles affect us on a number of different levels:

1. Gazing at a flame is a mesmerizing experience and relaxes both the eyes and the mind.

2. Because a candle throws light on a relatively small area, it creates a sense of intimacy among the people basking in its glow.

3. On a sensual, a candle induces a sense of warmth, even though it emits very little heat.

4. A candle can also capture the eye through the beauty of its color and design, which are enhanced by the flickering flame.

5. An armotic candle adds more pleasure to the mix by appealing to your sense of smell.

You can use highly scented candles to create a romantic atmosphere during intimate evenings at home, or you can give them to special people in your life as gifts.

There are so many varieties of candles now available in stores and online that you're sure to find one to suit every taste.

Candle Uses:

1. Aromatherapy

The study of how scents affect the central nervous system is centuries old. Modern day aromatherapists can evaluate a client's situation and prescribe a solution in one short consultation. Aromatherapy candles can be used in the same way as essential oils to change a person's frame of mind in a calm and non-threatening way.

Here are some uses for highly scented or aromatherapy candles:

a. To help a person feel calm, use a candle scented with chamomile.
b. A lavender candle will induce a feeling of serenity.
c. To help someone who is worn out, give him or her a sandalwood candle.
d. To lift someone who is down, give a candle scented with ocean breeze.

2. Relaxation

a. Candles are often used to enhance quiet thinking, and suitable types include chakra candles and Feng Shui candles.
b. Meditators often use an aromatherapy burner fueled by tealights or votive candles.
c. Give highly scented candles to someone who enjoys taking baths by candlelight.

3. Color Therapy

a. Choose soft colors or neutral shades for people who love to relax.
b. Give strong colored candles to people who love to celebrate.

4. Celebration

a. Candles are regularly used in ceremonies such as christenings, birthdays, weddings and graduations.

Most candles are made from beeswax, paraffin, soy, gel or other materials such as resins. You can purchase clean burning soy candles if you or the people around you suffer from hypersensitivity.

Candle Shapes

Candles come in all shapes and sizes:

1. Long thin candles known as pillars and tapers
2. Small candles such as votive and tealights
3. Geometric shapes, including balls, pyramids, squares and rectangles
4. Cartoon shapes
5. Candles in decorative containers such as glass, wire or steel vases

All of these, with the possible exception of character shapes, make great sensuous gifts. And even a character shaped candle can be romantic if it has a particular significance. For example, a candle shaped like a snowman can remind her of the night you fell in love while building a snowman in her parents' yard.

Most women love candles of any kind, and men who take pride in their surroundings will also appreciate a beautifully crafted candle.

Choosing a Candle

Here are some practical tips to help you choose a great romantic candle:

1. Keep in mind the design pallete the person favors in his or her home. Don't give her a sparkling blue candle if her living room is decorated in shades of salmon. Don't give him a red candle if his apartment is painted in olive tones.

2. Go for clean, classical lines when you buy, like elegant tapered candles or classic round candles, either big or small, in clear, beautiful colors.

You can buy a more extravagantly decorated candle if you know the person will absolutely love it. Or you might buy a fun candle for someone with a great sense of humor. If you're absolutely stuck, buy a neutral color.

3. If you know the person well, you might choose a candle that fits in with his or her interests. A zodiac candle will thrill an astrology buff, while a pyramid candle will please an Egyptian history enthusiast. You can find a whole range of candle containers that feature dolphins, butterflies and other motifs that make for an excellent personalized gift. Choose a highly scented candle that features one of their favorite scents.

4. Take into account the person's allergies or environmental concerns. Look for candles made of sustainable materials like soy.

It's worth taking the time to think through the other person's preferences before you buy a candle for a romantic gift. People recognize when thought has gone into a gift selection, just as they sense when the choice was haphazard. Your thoughtfulness will add immeasurably to their appreciation of your gift. -Jerry Cahill

Tuesday, May 26

Healthy Weight: It's Not Diet, It's Lifestyle

When it comes to weight loss, diets limit your nutritional intake. This can be unhealthy and tend to fail in the long run. According to Mark Trotter, the key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is not about short-term dietary changes. It's having a lifestyle that includes healthy eating, regular physical activity, and balancing calories.

As the CEO of YoNaturals promotes, staying in control of your weight contributes to your overall health now and as you age. Here are some things to consider in achieving a healthy lifestyle:

  • Assess your weight

One way to determine whether or not your weight is healthy is to calculate your "body mass index" (BMI). BMI is a reliable indicator of body fatness. It is calculated based on the ratio of your height and weight. Assessing and monitoring how much you weigh is the initial step in having a healthy lifestyle.

  • Balance calories

There's a lot of talk about when it comes to the different components of food. Whether you're consuming carbohydrates, fats, or proteins all of them surely contain calories. When it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, the key factor is – calories count. Weight management is all about balance, as Mark Trotter deems. Balancing the number of calories you consume with the number of calories you burn off.

  • Healthy eating

A healthy lifestyle involves choices. Among them is choosing a balanced diet. So how do you select a healthy eating plan? Let's begin by defining what a typical healthy eating plan is. According to Mark Trotter of Yo Naturals, a healthy eating plan include:

  1. Majority in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
  2. Moderate lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
  3. Low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars

And that's when organic and healthy products like Yo Naturals comes to play.

  • Physical Activity

Lastly, regular physical activity is also important for good health, especially if you're trying to lose weight or to maintain an already good one. Physical activity helps maintain weight, reduce high blood pressure, reduce risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and several forms of cancer, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and a lot more.

So as you see, having a healthy weight is not just dieting as it demands more than that - it's a way of life, a chosen lifestyle. -Bernice White

Pilates for Core Strength

Until the mid 90’s the core conditioning routine that I had consisted of the typical sit up benches and military training I previously did. In an effort to expand my “toolbox” of knowledge, a Master trainer had a class certification available that included Mat, Chairs and Barrels, Reformer and the Cadillac. I was in a class with mainly women and few other guys. I stood out as the “bodybuilder” –“military bearing” posture body type upon assessment protocol.

When demonstrations were needed, looking back, it became obvious that my strength with larger muscles than my class mates, made some movements easy…but most other movements that required finesse, very difficult. To further “close me on the deal “ of Pilate’s certification, the master trainer promptly signed up with me to do some regular one on one session’s in the gym. He easily blew through the workout…with unreal total body strength. My little ego was challenged, but I signed up for the class. Several thousands of dollars later I can honestly say that Pilates is and was a very welcome add to my fitness education journey.

Many who have not experienced Pilates firsthand compare it to Yoga, and while there are some similarities with the mind-body connection, Pilates is a much more active exercise. While Yoga revolves around poses and stretching, Pilates truly relies on using your body weight for strength and conditioning moves that focus on, you guessed it, your core. Each movement is slow and controlled and will focus on the particular muscles of every part of your body. Most movements are compound in nature so that rather than focus on simply your biceps for example, an arm movement may incorporate the biceps, triceps, and shoulders as well. Some of the leg lifts, while incredibly simple in appearance, provide an amazing workout for your upper thigh and hip area, helping to further strengthen this often neglected area of your core.

There are two main types of Pilates you can choose to participate in. One is mat Pilates, which by far the most popular in which you use your body weight to move through graceful yet challenging movements to develop overall body and core strength. The other is on the Reformer, a machine with springs and pulley’s on a rolling bed supported by a rail like frame, which you use a to take you through a series of movements for shoulder and pelvic stabilizers . Both forms are incredibly challenging and provide a workout unlike any other. While performing Pilates, your body and mind can go into a meditative relaxed state because of the fluid and grace of the motions, but make no mistake, you are doing some serious exercise, and if you forget while you are doing it, your body will remind you the next day.

Because every movement in Pilates is slow, controlled, and requires steady breathing throughout, your abdominals and lower back will receive a fantastic workout. Many who try Pilates become hooked and notice immediate changes in both their strength and flexibility as well as the definition in their midsection. Originally, Pilates became a popular warm-up and stretching and strengthening tool for ballet dancers, but now, millions of people from all walks of life have taken up the practice of Pilates including martial artists, boxers, and even some of the top names in the sports of football and basketball.

One of the most beautiful things about practicing Pilates is that the gentle nature of the exercise makes it perfect for people of any age to practice. It is incredibly safe and will provide results for those ages 8 to 80, and even beyond. If core strength and development is what you are after, sit in on a Pilate’s class and discover what millions of others have: Pilates is one of the most effective core strengthening exercise programs ever developed. -Emile A. Jarreau

Sunday, May 24

MSG Now Used to Spray Crops

Just when many concerned, health conscious citizens have become aware of the dangers of MSG enough to avoid it, a large agricultural fertilizer and pesticide company, Emerald BioAgriculture, has an MSG tainted "growth enhancer," Auxigro, that has been used to spray on crops since the late 1990`s.

Emerald BioAgriclture`s sales and influence is spreading, and governmental protection agencies are simply stepping aside. Though the Emerald BioAgriculture`s PR promotes that their products are environmentally sound and safe, there is opposition and concern over that. Especially since a main ingredient is the essence of MSG itself.

So it seems to be another sneaky attempt at getting the human race dosed on MSG. Those sneaky attempts have included disguising MSG with labels on packaged foods that use terms like natural flavors, artificial flavorings, sodium caseinate, yeast extract, spices, plant protein, and several forms of hydrolyzed protein (to mention just a few of the forty or so euphemistic terms used to pass MSG our way).

According to labeling legislation, if any additive containing the essential active ingredient of MSG, glutamic acid or free glutamate, is less than 78%, it doesn`t have to be labeled MSG! This is a deceptive technicality, because the product known as MSG contains over 78% free glutamate. But free glutamate itself is the danger. Whether there is 70% or 80% glutamate in any given ingredient, one is consuming a dangerous chemical.

An MSG Summary of Horrors

Manufactured free glutamate, or glutamic acid, is a dangerous excitotoxin. Ironically, bound glutamate, which is still attached to protein, is benign in small quantities. But that benign glutamate is a minor byproduct of a body`s or plant`s metabolism. Synthetic glutamic acid or free glutamate is an excitotoxin that appears in larger, more difficult to metabolize quantities when used as a food additive. Additionally, sometimes carcinogenic chemicals are used in the process of manufacturing synthetic free glutamate.

According to Doctor Russel Blaylock MD, author of Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills, excitotoxins literally excite brain cells to death! He has found that in addition to obesity, several neurological disorders come about as a result of long term aspartame or MSG excitotoxin consumption. The constant increase of MSG, or its essential active ingredient, over the past 60 years in our food chain has corresponded with the surge of type 2 diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer`s, Parkinson`s Disease, and other forms of neurological disorders. Even dementia, which is usually attributed to old age, can be traced to long term excitoxin exposure.

MSG is used liberally in all fast food places as well as in many better sit-down restaurants. All the snack foods and most packaged foods, even those found in health food stores, contain at least one form of disguised free glutamate - in other words, MSG with another name. So the wise, wary, and dedicated to preserving their health simply avoid processed foods and eating out too much. And they read labels carefully while buying organic vegetables, fruits, and bulk grains and beans as much as possible. Free at last from MSG? Not quite.

Spraying Crops With MSG

The agricultural and food industry has returned with another ploy to keep MSG in our food chain. And it`s completely sanctioned and endorsed by so-called protective governmental agencies. According to Truth In Labeling, an ambitious company called Auxein, now Emerald BioAgriculture, created the product called AuxiGro. It contains glutamate. It won`t go into processed and packaged foods. It simply goes into the plants that yield our fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It has been called a crop "growth enhancer" that increases plants` "natural defense systems" against insect infestation, according to Emerald BioAgriculture`s website.

AuxiGro is sprayed onto plants with excitotoxin glutamate or glutamic acid as a major ingredient. And Emerald BioAgriculture has managed to bully and buy its way. Beginning from the year 1999, it used AuxiGro on several types of vegetable, fruit, and nut crops. They are registered with the EPA for using AuxiGro in most states. They have even finagled their way into California crop spraying, a state that had originally restricted the use of AuxiGro on its crops. Oh those revolving big business/government doors!

And now it is beginning to get even worse. Emerald BioAgriculture is requesting permission to use AuxiGro on organic crops in all states! The fact that the USDA has lowered its standards for organic certification in the past few years gives Emerald BioAgriculture an opening to begin using AuxiGro on organic crops. USDA organic certification is already suspect. It may get worse. So trusting USDA certification as the sole criteria for organic foods may not be so wise.

There are other organic certifications to look for that have more integrity. Local farmers who are organic but not certified are worthy of health conscious consumer business. The Organic Consumers Association website has more information on true organic sources - www.organicconsumers.org. Truth In Labeling has challenged the EPA on several valid issues. But the EPA has been deceptive while avoiding the queries directly from Truth In Labeling . If you want to be active on this issue, start by visiting their website at www.truthinlabeling.org. -naturalnews

Saturday, May 23

Money, Sex & Children: How to Cope With Lifes Greatest Battles

In any relationship problems mostly arise due to money, sex or children. These are lifes greatest battles everyone has to cope with in order to survive. Resolving issues over these conflicts could sometimes be very difficult but learning to accept them as natural consequences of any relationship will help a great deal in solving them. Keep reading on to find out how to avoid problems related with these matters and live a happy and fruitful life.

Money is the source of almost 80% of household issues. Discontentment, anger and frustration are often caused by not having enough money to fulfill a familys needs. Couples with children are often heard complaining about their financial problems and that they do not earn enough to support a family. As a result their problems keep on piling up and eventually contribute to the breaking up of a marriage or a committed relationship. In order to keep a balance in your expenditures you both have to track where money goes every month. Make a budget and act according to it. Make sure your expenditures do not exceed that limit. Both partners should try to put their shares in monthly income so that the household keeps on running smoothly and without any tension.

Sex can also be a source of tension in a relationship. Both partners may have different sexual appetites but to address those appetites may not be in their control. Women often complain about too much sex. Men on the other hand are found complaining about too little sex in their married life. Sometimes they have to go out to seek sexual pleasure because their wife is unable to provide them with it. There should be a balanced sexual life otherwise a marriage will never work. Discuss your needs and desires with your partner openly and try to come up with a solution together. After all you want to make your marriage successful, not dissolve it due to dissatisfaction or infidelity. Think about your role in a relationship and try to fulfill your duties to their maximum. A womans role in a sexual relationship is much more important than a mans. So never neglect your husbands or partners desires in order to make him truly happy.

Children could also be a source of conflict in a relationship. Sometimes one partner wants a baby but the other is not yet ready to have one. Unwanted pregnancy can cause problems for both partners. Women are often sensitive about their babies and they never want to get rid of them. Even when both partners are ready to have children, many problems arise after their birth. How to raise them up, where to send them to school and so on. In order to avoid problems related to children in a marriage, make sure you both have negotiated and decided on having a baby. Try to be optimistic and consider your children a source of strengthening your relationship rather than dissolving it.

Lifes greatest battles can be fought with courage, strong will-power and an open heart to accept challenges and ups and downs of a relationship. Make sure you do not let these problems come into the way of your love and try to live a life full of happiness and satisfaction. -George Wood

Friday, May 22

A Daily Dose of Sea Food Could Shrink Belly Fat and Lead to Improved Health

Body fatness increases the risk of Heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. The majority of American people who are overweight could now lose body fat and prevent future dietary disease by modifying their diets to include seafood. Seafood is rich in Omega 3, good monounsaturated fat (MUFA), vitamins and minerals, and it is low in unhealthy saturated fats.

The Benefits of Monounsaturated Fat (MUFA) in the Daily Diet

Seafood, rich in nutrients, when included in one`s daily diet could result in a slimmer waistline and improved health. For those fortunate enough to enjoy ideal body weight and excellent health, eating seafood on a regular basis may prevent future weight gain and poor health. Recent scientific studies have shown that incorporating foods that contain monounsaturated fat (MUFA) in daily diets with reduced saturated fats (SFA), such as the Mediterranean diet, prevents belly fat (1), (2), (3). Seafood contains both MUFA and SFA but the MUFA level is greater. The Mediterranean diet includes: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, MUFA, olive oil, legumes, fish and red wine. Foods minimized in the Mediterranean diet are: red meat, poultry, dairy products, and saturated fats.

Mortality rates associated with excess omega-6

The risk of heart disease has been shown to increase when the daily diet has an excess of omega-six with respect to omega-3 fatty acids. There are 4 categories of omega fats: n-3 PUFA (short chain omega-3), n-6 PUFA (short chain omega-6), n-3 HUFA (long chain omega-3, and n-6 HUFA (long chain omega-6). An empirical formula was developed that predicts death rates due to coronary heart disease (CHD). Click here (http://jmyarlott.com/mortality/chd/...) for more information on this formula. When the n-6 HUFA calories as a percent of all HUFA calories in a meal equals 78%, the mortality rate per year is predicted to be 162 per 100,000 which corresponds to a typical USA diet. Whereas when it equals 48% the predicted mortality rate is 71 per 100,000 people, which corresponds to the typical Japanese diet. Click here for a list of MUFA and Mortality rates for sea food. The more long chain omega-3 and less long chain omega-6 is in the diet, the lower the CHD mortality rate.

Mercury and minerals in sea food

Caution, mercury occurs in seafood to varying degrees. The mean levels range from a low of .014 PPM (parts per million) to a high of 1.45 PPM. Fish with the highest mean levels include: Tilefish 1.45 PPM, Shark .998 PPM, Swordfish .976, and King Mackerel .730. Mean mercury levels and minerals for 161 fish and shellfish are listed on this web page: ("http://jmyarlott.com/mortality/food... in seafood.asp"). The average mean mercury level for a list of 161 fish and shellfish is approximately 0.1 PPM. (4). In the United States the limit for mercury in commercial marine and freshwater fish is 1.0 parts per million (ppm). In Canada and some states, the limit is lower. Pregnant women should become aware of these limits. For more information on mercury level limits in sea food see this website. (http://www.perinatology.com/exposur... ).

Vitamins and minerals in sea food

Sea food is a source of Vitamin D and the B vitamins. For a 3.5 Oz. serving these vitamins amount to 20-40% of the total Dietary Reference Index amounts. Sea food is also rich in minerals, especially Phosphorous, Potassium, Zinc, and Copper. To see a list of minerals in sea food Click here (http://jmyarlott.com/Mortality/Food...) for the list of vitamins in sea food Click here. (http://jmyarlott.com/Mortality/Food...). -naturalnews

Thursday, May 21

How to Build Natural Immunity against the Swine Flu

There are many natural remedies that will raise your immunity to the Swine Flu and other viral and bacterial diseases. Many people do not have immunity to the current strain of Swine Flu. This is not unusual because most viruses alter as the virus season goes along. Most people will not become sick because the issue is not the virus but SUSEPTABILITY.

Viruses will not multiply in a healthy body. We constantly have Streptococcus in our throats, yet we rarely experience Strep Throat. The same is true of this Swine Flu and other viral strains. Exposure will lead to disease only if the immune system is suppressed and if the vitality of the person is weakened. Do NOT suppress mucus. It is important to let the body discharge toxins.

Most viruses become less aggressive over time because they want to spread and not to kill their hosts. If they kill their hosts, they die as well. The viruses that do survive --the ones in humans with strong immune systems-- become less virulent so that their hosts, us humans, go to work, shake hands and sneeze on others to continue to spread the virus.

Using herbs, homeopathy, and vitamins will increase your health and reduce your susceptibility.

DIGESTION
Some say that the flu "begins in the gut and ends in the gut". This means that if you have good digestion, you will increase your resistance to this and other flu strains. Take a probiotic daily. Live probiotics are available in natural food stores, and probiotics are now more widely available in grocery stores, in yogurt culture and even in chocolate.

HOMEOPATHY
The homeopathic remedy Anas Barbariae is made from the liver of migrating geese. Because they travel the world, they build immunity to many viruses years before humans do. Be sure to get the 2009 version by checking the expiration date. It has been found that the remedy Ferrum phos is effective in treating the early stages of the flu, when used in the first 24 hours. Also the remedy Influenzinum can be taken as a prophylaxis. This remedy is made from the same disease strain as the CDC uses to make each season's flu vaccine.

LIFESTYLE ADVICE

1. Get Plenty of Sleep
To improve your resistance to any disease, the most important thing you can do is get enough rest. Your body knows how to heal, and it does this best when sleeping. Get adequate rest on a daily basis, and if you begin to feel fatigue during a time of increased stress to your immune system, take naps, get into bed earlier, relax and let your body do what it does best: restore and rebuild.

2. Hydrate
Our bodies are 80% water. Drink plenty of water each day to stay hydrated and to allow the body to flush toxins from the blood and the liver. Drink pure water, not soda or juice, for best results.

3. Exercise
Exercise increases your resistance to disease. It stimulates the cleansing blood flow and increases your natural stress reducing hormones. Exercise doesn't have to be strenuous to be beneficial. Science has shown that walking daily is good for your health and well being.

4. Spend time outdoors
The healing benefits of nature are yours and all you need to do is step outside. The fresh air cleanses your lungs and the vitamin D from sunshine is great for general health. Even on a rainy day or at night, the fresh air is beneficial.

5. Exercise
Exposure to nature and the great outdoors helps healthy emotions.

HERBS TO BUILD PROTECTION AND NATURAL IMMUNITY

1. Echinaea--Echinacea is best taken in advance of getting sick.
2. Olive Leaf
3. Elderberries
4. Adaptogens
Adaptogens are plants that have the ability to resist chemical and biological stressors and to pass that ability on to humans. Eleutherococcus research has shown a 30% to 50% decrease in influenza in Russian workers. Shisandra has long been used in Chinese medicine to improve immune function through its healing action on the liver. In recent research, Shisandra proved curative to the viral hepatitis. Codonopsis is another adaptogen used in Chinese herbal medicine. It increases the red and white blood cell counts and strengthens the immune system.

VITAMINS
1. Vitamin A is one of the main components of the skin. To strengthen the skin's protective ability, take vitamin A daily. Vitamin A also increases the white blood cells that fight disease.
2. Vitamin C --Research has shown that vitamin C improves resistance to disease and prevents flu symptoms when 1,000 mg doses are taken every six hours.
3. NAC is an amino acid that has been shown to raise immunity to the flu in clinical trials.
4. Probiotics. Healthy flora in the gut supports immune function.

By improving your lifestyle, your diet, and supplementing with natural herbs, homeopathy, and vitamins, you can improve your immune system and your overall vitality.

Seek medical help if symptoms persist of if you develop a high fever. -naturalnews

Going to Sleep after Midnight might be Bad for Your Heart

We all have that hunch that going to sleep after midnight feels bad for some reason, but we just can`t put our finger on it. Now you have the answer, and if you love being awake after midnight, it isn`t good news! A recent study shows that men who go to bed after midnight show increased hardening of the arteries compared to men who go to sleep earlier.

So Misao and co-workers from the Misao Health Clinic in Gifu, Japan conducted a study of 251 healthy men who were 61 years and younger. They had annual checkups where their blood pressure, body weight, body mass index, waist circumference and lipid levels were recorded.

The men were split into three groups depending on how much sleep they got each night. The groups were less than six hours, six to seven hours, and seven hours or more. In every group the men who said they went to sleep before midnight had more relaxed arteries than the men who went to sleep after midnight. "While the study doesn`t tell us why, a previous study suggests that people who go to bed late might eat more at night," says Yu Misao, MD, of the Misao Health Clinic in Gifu, Japan. Evening snacking may raise the risk of obesity, a risk factor for heart disease, he says. Dr. Misao also said that they think it is possible that going to bed late can disturb the body`s rhythm and therefore disturb the body`s hormonal balance. Other research also suggests that going to sleep after midnight can activate the sympathetic nervous system which determines how we respond to stress.

What this study is lacking is that people are different, just going to bed early or late is not a determining factor when you do not know the eating, exercise and mental habits of the people involved. "People who go to bed late are different from people who go to bed early. They may be more likely to smoke. They may be more likely to drink. They may be more likely to overeat. These are all heart disease risk factors that weren`t taken into account in the analysis," Daniel Jones, MD, former president of the American Health Association said to WebMD. At this point he would not recommend any changes in sleep behavior based on this study alone. Dr. Misao agrees that further research and studies are needed before any significant results can be attained.

If you want to prevent cardiovascular disease you have to not only consider sleep, but also what you put in your body and how much and how well you exercise. All these factors are crucial to your health and are all a part of a bigger picture which we all must try to paint as bright as possible. This study will be presented at the American College of Cardiology`s 58th Annual Scientific Session. -naturalnews

Tuesday, May 19

Walking on egg shells !

Walking on egg shells! Has anyone ever told you, that's how they feel around you? If they have, it's a huge red flag and one that should not be ignored. It needs to be dealt with immediately.

Relationships are a tough challenging part of our lives. Especially when dealing with matters of the heart. As truly good as they make you feel, they can in turn tear you apart from the inside in a heartbeat. When the red flags start to rise up, that's when your relationship is crying out for help. You need to address it, as if a baby was crying out to you.

When someone says they feel like they are walking on egg shells, what is that telling you? It's telling you :

that they can no longer be themselves in your presence.
that they fear your reaction whenever they speak.
that they are stuck, that they cannot move in either direction, for fear of upsetting you.
It is also telling you that they need to stop this feeling that is tearing them apart.
Many of us are guilty for causing these prison bars that surround our loved ones.

We do not even realize that our own fears are doing this to them. We are so caught up in ourselves that we are blind to the world that we have created for them.

Through our own fears we hear what they say in all the wrong languages. We interpret them through our weaknesses and turn what they say all upside down.

Some of us react irrationally, forcing our partner to either take cover and hide or even worse become irrational themselves. This is when we both become deaf and blind. When the relationship war begins, there are no winners, only victims. What once was love, kisses and smiles has turned into an ugly vicious battle ground of snarls, hate, and searching for the lowest hit we can aim for. Wow, how does this happen so fast? We as humans are notorious for ruining so many very good things out of pure bad habits.

No one wants to lose or be the one saying, "I am sorry" every five minutes, nor should a real relationship become a win/lose situation either. Who wants to walk on egg shells? Then again, no one wants to have to defend their every breathe to someone they thought loved them unconditionally and are committed to. Walking on egg shells sucks!

If we cannot be ourselves with the one we love, then who can we be that with? This is not to say that a person should disrespect the other. When you know that something troubles the other person or makes them feel truly uncomfortable, it should go without saying that it is just not done. That is true respect. Why would you want to do something to hurt your best friend or even make your loved one feel out of place?

In new relationships it does take time to get things organized as in any new situation. Moving into a new house, a new job, having a baby, or even planning a trip, we have to reorganize to accommodate our now lives. Committing to another person is just the beginning of the book. It is just the title. Now you have to write the story and yes, make a few corrections along the way on both parts, but the trick is to constantly compare each others notes. Remember this: staying on the same page is what your relationship is all about.

When we make a commitment to another person through love, we are taking on a responsibility to share our love and life with that person. We are silently telling them that we are now going to take in consideration their feelings as well as our own.

Your once single-self life has now become a two-self life. This does not mean that you stop breathing and living. It just means that you are now sharing your life with this chosen person. It opens up a whole new world of respect. Remember also that you cannot gain respect if you do not offer respect. Life becomes a definite two-way street when two hearts are involved. There are also two minds working in this relationship now; two minds that are of opposite genders, two minds that will collide now and then. This is not a bad thing. We need to have differences to add spice to our lives.

Be very careful of starting the "Poor Me", habit. This is another relationship red flag to watch for. Remember, walking on egg shells? If one partner becomes so caught up in their own worries and fails to share this with their partner, it will sneak in between you both and begin to build a very strong wall of negative habits. If you have read any of my other articles, you will know these negative habits well, jealousy, mistrust, low self-esteem and total loneliness.

When your partner begins to feel they are slipping away from you, grab on and do not for a minute take that red flag for granted. Listen hard to their worries and love them more, not necessarily better. Just show more of your love. If they keep slipping away, then there is either nothing left to save or they need help outside of your relationship.

It is so important to know your partner. Only then can you realize when they are in trouble. Do not allow your relationship to become the wallpaper in your house. No one wants to be a wallflower. No one with any self-respect that is.

Another great phrase I hear all the time is, "Door Mat syndrome". Oh this is a very bad thing for couples to allow to take hold of their relationship. In many cases one partner has taken hold of it and falls into a control habit. This is something that plagues many relationships. When does one partner become the owner? I will use that word because it shows possession and control. This happens because it can. Some one has allowed this ownership to take place. STOP allowing this, please. A partnership, relationship, commitment, whatever you want to call it, is an EQUAL understanding of respect and love. There are no owners and no bosses. No one is above the other. Man should respect woman and vice-verse. This is a must in order to make a relationship strong enough to not allow negative habits any control.

When there are no negative habits, there is no walking on eggshells. How much more simpler can it get. We are an intelligent species, so let us act intelligent when we decide to commit to another person. This is two lives we are dealing with here, not just another Hollywood movie. We are all going to age and all of us are going to notice our body parts going south. Guess what, no one is above that law. When you have found a true love, and are willing to invest your life with that person, please do not allow material things or negative fantasy ideals to come between you. It really is not worth it.

When you feel unsure of something ,or you feel negative emotions taking control of your mind, reach out to your partner. Don't walk on egg shells. Do not turn it into a war against your partner. Use all of your love to fight the negative relationship habits. Love is worth it. We all have our good and bad days. Some have more than others. So when it's a good day, then make it a really good day. Those are always remembered the longest. Don't walk on egg shells. We have to love ourselves first, then and only then can we love another!

Tell each other often what you saw in each other, what you see now.

Being reminded why we are "The One" helps us to act that way. -Dorothy Lafrinere

Sunday, May 17

Don't Ignore the Signs: How Emotional Infidelity Can Ruin Your Relationship

Emotional infidelity can start with a simple hi or a wink. It begins in a boardroom or a chatroom. One spouse says, "What's the problem? We're only friends."

The other spouse can't believe the reassurances. So the jealousy builds and a wedge is driven between partners. Sometimes nothing really is going on, and sometimes an affair is in progress. It's only a matter of time.

So how can you tell if your spouse is a potential cheater? How can you stop a relationship from becoming romantic outside of your marriage? Here are five topics to think about before determining if your marriage is in the danger zone.

1. Secrecy: Do you feel as though your partner could be telling you more about his or her new friend? Or do you hide the details of your platonic relationship from your spouse? If so, why? It's best not to keep secrets from your partner, even if you think he or she will be hurt, angry or jealous. If you want a successful relationship, trust and honesty is the one factor for marriage that should not be compromised.

2. Displaced Trust: Is information that should only be shared between husband and a wife, shared outside of the relationship? Topics like sexual intimacy, irreconcilable differences, personal finances, and detailed accounts of your partner's shortcomings are best left within the constructs of your marriage relationship.

3. Comparing: Does your spouse compare you to friend(s) of the opposite sex often? Or do YOU feel as though your spouse could improve in the areas that your special friend excels? Comparing once or twice may not be a problem, but habitual comparison is a warning sign.

4. Time Management: What type of time do you spend together as a married couple? Is it mainly dutiful, like paying bills or going to conferences for the kids? Or do you actually date-- one-on-one, no kids, family or friends around? If not, and you find yourself, or your partner, engaged in date like activities outside of your relationship, stop it. Either invite your spouse or don't do it anymore. Coffee talk can turn to pillow talk in the blink of an eye.

5. Attraction: Do you feel as though your spouse like the way his/her special friend looks? Are you attracted to the way your friend looks or the way he/she does something? If so, address this issue with your partner and then try to refocus your attention on each other, rather than the outside party.

If three to five of these topics need to be addressed in your marriage, I urge you to get professional help either from your religious leader or from a professional counselor. -Keishia Lee Louis

Soul Mates - Do they really exist?

Throughout centuries, story tellers, and people from different background and cultures always refer to their fascination in meeting one day their soul mates. Is Soul Mate a myth? Do they really exist? Or is Soul Mate a figment of our own imagination that can help keep our hope for a perfect relationship and keep our hope alive. Or is it an escape way for not handling or not looking at ourselves in such a way that we keep delaying our responsibilities and things can be fixed when we meet that perfect relationship with those Soul Mates. Everything is possible! It is up to you and me to decide the bottom line of this puzzle.

If we talk in such metaphysics tone of words used, we will say we are all coming from the same source, one soul, branched out into different ventures or experiences to achieve and in reality we are all Soul Mate. Maybe that’s true but I believe there is more into it than that!!

How do we define Soul Mates?

Soul Mates is another Soul that share the same exact similar way of understanding as the other Soul and in this lifetime so they decided to share their growth and understanding together. It does NOT mean Soul Mates have to be in a relationship to make it work. What do I mean by that?

From the motion that a Soul integrate into life through a particular family, geography, religion, or situation for certain reasons. I do believe we choose our family, we choose our religion, and we choose where we want to be born for certain that the Soul itself will identify and in the same time you will be aware of it one day if you are well attuned within yourself. We will not dispute the reasons we go through that because we will have unlimited reasons here.

Let’s start with our choice of a family to be born with. If each one of us look deeper into our families there must be at least one person and many time there is more in our immediate family or cousin that we feel different with. That person can be your father, your sister, your niece, or your cousin. It really does not matter who that person but that person is your Soul Mate where you always enjoy being in their company, listening to them and mainly valued everything they say. Those experiences with Soul Mate we already started at young age. Then we grow up, how many of us we have one or two particular friends around us at school or where our parents moved to the new neighborhood. I bet you everyone can relate to someone. And that goes on until we are adult and the dating game started.

We need to understand one thing when it comes to relationships, as long as we do not rush ourselves into a relationship for a wrong reason and what I mean by that? Well the look of the person, what they drive, who’s his family, how rich they are, or how cute they are, what their education is, or just to be in a certain crowd. All of that will never bring you to Soul Mates. Why it never work because you are looking into the wrong substance.

With Soul Mate there is no Karma to deal with or work at. All you have an enjoyment of being in each others company. The only thing you know about your Soul Mate is whenever you are in need they are always there for whatever or deep your troubles are. Look around you through the years, can you identify already someone that fit that equation. I bet you do. -Joseph Ghabi

Friday, May 15

The Meaning of Orange Roses: Passionate Love

The blazing energy of orange roses makes it a truly unique rose among today’s popular flower species. Orange roses come in a wide variety of shades, from soft coral and peach to a bright, vivid sunset shade, bringing to mind passionate thoughts about romance, the sweetness of a citrus fruit, or the warmth of a glowing sunset. It’s no wonder that rose aficionados everywhere quickly found a soft spot for the vibrant orange rose when it was first introduced to the market.

Orange roses never grew in the wild. Rather, they came about at the turn of the 20th century as the spread of hybridization techniques allowed flower cultivators to experiment on improving the scent and appearance of wild yellow roses. Cross-breeding throughout the years eventually produced the vibrant orange rose out of the yellow rose.

Since the color orange is a literal mixture of red and yellow, people often view orange roses as the bridge between the feelings of friendship and platonic love brought about by yellow roses, and intense romantic love associated with red roses. Giving someone a bouquet of blooming orange roses could mean a sign of budding romantic feelings and the desire to take the relationship beyond the level of friendship. Due to the obvious connection between the colors of fire and intense, passionate emotions, orange roses also make appropriate gifts for a current love.

Besides conveying feelings of young love, orange roses can also be given as an expression of fascination or a gift that says, “I’m proud of you.” – perfect for graduations and birthdays. Their dazzling shades efface negative energies and elicit inspiration and enthusiasm, making them the perfect gift for someone going through a rough patch or someone stuck in a hospital room. Try placing a vase filled with these orange flowers in the corner of a room and take note of the change in the atmosphere. Chances are, you will feel the room pulsating with life, energy, and warm feelings where there once was none.

Orange roses are a unique alternative to the traditional red rose if you intend to convey the message of the heat of passion, the flames of love, and burning desire. As a platonic gift, they also work wonders by evoking positive feelings and the warmth of compassion. Show someone that you care for her deeply and that you wish her well by sending a bouquet of blooming orange roses. -Timothy Spencer

Body Language: Secrets & Examples

Your body language and status cues literally reveal who you really are on the inside. Women are looking fro confident, masculine guys, who display good body language and high-status in social situations.

Here is a collection of body language examples and body language secrets that attract women.

Smile Endearingly: Imagine that you're walking along a street and a beautiful woman is walking toward you. She is 'checking you out' and looks interested. You decide to look at her in the eye, smile endearingly and stop to start a conversation.

Example: "Hi, I came down here today to do some shopping, but now I'm a little distracted and have decided that I'm going to say hi to you. My name's _____________who are you?"

Often a confident, endearing smile will be the difference between a woman having a relaxed conversation with you and a woman going out of her way to avoid you.

I'm not talking about a 'toothy grin', but an endearing and confident smile that communicates things like honesty, trustworthiness, sexuality, friendliness and humor to name a few.

Be Comfortable in Your Own Skin: Next time you are in a bar or club, notice the guys who are 'comfortable in their own skin' and who women are paying attention to. Notice how those guys are standing, looking around, using their voice and how they are interacting with women.

What does it mean to be comfortable in your own skin? It means that your body language, behaviors and actions should be communicating: "I am happy with myself, I am proud of who I am and I don't need to boast about it. You can tell how confident I am by noticing how relaxed my body language is. I don't feel the need to impress anyone."

Don't Send out Signals of Desperation, Neediness or Insecurity: This may sound pretty obvious, but have you ever seen a guy looking around at everyone in the club like he is an outsider?

He stands there awkwardly clutching to his alcoholic drink. He is too scared to mingle in. He looks at women in a needy way. He hopes that he'll 'pick up' that night.

Those guys look desperate and are very, very obvious to women. On the flipside, have you ever seen a guy who looks like he always gets positive attention from women?

He'll usually behave in a way that suggests he doesn't care if he meets a girl that night, because he knows he can have women any time he pleases.

This is very interesting and attractive to women and offers them a challenge. Suddenly, women find themselves flirting with him and trying to pick him up.

Say it Without Words: I was once given a great piece of advice: 'Never say what you can smile. Never smile what you can nod. Never nod what you can wink.'

Simple, yet it perfectly sums up the importance of body language in every interaction we involve ourselves in.

You can say so much without talking. Try it the next time you're interacting with a woman. Use a cheeky smile as a response to one of her questions and she will most likely plead for your response.

Lift Your Chest Up: Where focus goes, energy flows. So lift your chest up. You'll find that it fixes a lot of your problems with stance and posture.

At the same time, it will send 'confidence signals' to your brain. Why? Because the way we use our body directly affects our state of mind.

For example: If you were to droop your shoulders, pout your mouth, shake your head in sorrow and look down at the ground - I'm sure that you wouldn't be feeling very happy. So lift your chest up and feel confident and proud of who you are.

The Look of a Sexual Icon: Do a search online and look at some photos of Humphrey Bogart, James Bond and the young Marlon Brando. Notice:

The raised or furrowed eyebrow. The brooding face. The endearing smile. How they squint as if zoning in on their 'prey.'

These men remain sex symbols not because of their looks per se, but from the messages that are sent to a woman's unconscious mind when that sort of body language occurs. These men give the look of an alpha male, a bad-boy, a seducer and a man who knows what he wants. -Dan Bacon

Thursday, May 14

Find the Right Answer - How to Remove Blackheads?

How to remove blackheads? This is a question that haunts most of us, because these are not easy to handle. Blackheads are smaller versions of zits and these are very stubborn and do not budge so easily. They are produced because of the excessive production of oil in our skin cells and also because of the dry skin cells that cannot be removed.

If you are looking for answers to how to remove black heads, you would have found that many of them use the very popular Biore strips. These are very popular. But the problem with these is the fact that they are very harsh with your skin. Every time you pull the blackheads out using this, your sensitive skin is also being pulled. Such excessive pressure on your skin will only cause damage to the underlying skin cells.

The only way to answer the question how to remove blackheads is to use natural means by understanding why these problems occur and treat the root cause and not just the symptoms. One cause as discussed earlier is the presence of excessive oil in the skin. The way you can reduce this would be to use a mild cleanser for your face that removes the excess oil. You can also use a hot wash cloth. This is very effective as it tends to loosen the pores. After the hot wash cloth, using just a facial scrub will remove the blackheads.

This procedure of cleaning your face regularly can be followed with the use of a gentle natural scrub that will exfoliate the dry skin cells from your face. You can also opt for a steam bath for your face before you try removing the blackheads manually. This will help in easily bringing them out. Using such natural remedies is the best way to tackle these blackheads. They will not cause any side effects as their chemical counterparts. -Abhinav Sidana

How to Get Rid of Blackheads - The Best Solutions Available

Are you looking for a solution on how to get rid of blackheads especially on the nose? All of us want glowing skin that is free from all sorts of blemishes like pimples, acne, zits etc. Use of doctor prescribed medicines will show effect and will indeed bring your skin almost back to normal. But the problem is that you will not know when these will recur again and when they do it will be harder to manage them.

Many of us opt for using manual methods like squeezing and pulling out our black heads. But this proves very difficult and painful as these are very small and there are chances that you push them much deeper inside. The pressure that you apply on your skin is also tremendous and you can be sure that you will damage your skin texture. Many people use Biore strips as a solution to the question how to get rid of blackheads. Though this proves effective, you can be sure that it will damage your skin content and cause marks to appear which cannot be cured.

If you really want answers to how to get rid of blackheads, then you need to understand what is causing this and form your solutions accordingly. You need to control your diet in a manner that is most effective because these are caused due to the presence of excessive oil in your skin. Avoiding junk food will help a great deal.

You also need to keep your skin very clean. Cleansing your skin continuously with a mild cleanser that will remove your dry skin will help a lot. You can also steam your skin as this will get the pores of your skin to open up and help you when you try removing these blackheads. All that you need to do is choose natural methods to correct the quality of your skin. -Abhinav Sidana

Tuesday, May 12

Miscommunication - Root Cause of Problems?

People of two opposing ideas can stir up arguments
and fights. It's that situation when one thinks
he has the right concept while the other one also
believes he has the proper notion. Both of them
would try to outsmart each other until one claims
victory.

Here's an actual example.

My spouse would sometimes buy me signature
clothing. When my Mom founds out how much it costs,
she would advise us to budget our money and just buy
the affordable ones.

A problem occurs when my spouse thinks that her effort
to give me the best was unappreciated. Mom, on
the other hand, would think that my spouse is such
a spender.

There's a conflict with their beliefs. No two
people are exactly alike. We are totally unique;
not only physically, but mentally and emotionally
as well.

There will be many times when your opinion will not
correspond with that of another. So how can people
prevent this kind of conflict from occurring?

Communication is the key to overcome doubts and
misunderstandings.

You should let other people know what's in your mind.
Don't keep them guessing.

There was a story about two couples who were filing
a divorce. After the lawyer have spoken to them
both, he found out that the root cause of all their
problems was due to miscommunication.

Here's one of the couple's problems.

The man filing the divorce said that he just hated
the breakfast meal that his wife often prepared for
him. On the other hand, the wife said that she's
only preparing the meal because she thought it was
her husband's favorite. But she never liked cooking
it because it's very difficult to prepare.

See? If only one of them took the initiative to
speak out what's in his or her mind, then that
particular dilemma would be over.

Now why would people prefer to keep their complaints
and criticisms to themselves? What's holding them
back?

It's because they do not want to be rejected. Most,
people, if not all, would like to be accepted and to
be perceived as likeable in the eyes of others.

So can you get your message across without hurting
their feelings?

Substitute negative statements with positive ones.

Instead of saying "You don't understand," say "Let
me explain." Instead of remarking "You're wrong,"
say "Permit me to clarify." Instead of stating
"You failed to say," just mention "Perhaps this was
not stated."

There are certain words that affect a person more
negatively in comparison with other words that have
the same meaning.

Nothing could be more pleasing to the ear than
hearing someone else say that you are right. In
this case, be prepared to let other people know that
you respect their opinions. You may add your comments
at the end, but acknowledge them first.

Say:
You're right, although ...
Great suggestion, however ...
I agree with your opinion, however ...
I would feel the same way if I were you, although ...
I understand your situation, however ...

Reassure your counterparts that the decision made will
benefit both parties. People need to feel that they
have made the right choice.

Communication is a gift. Use it wisely for everyone's
advantage. -Friedrich Asen

Accept Your Partner or Open the Door

Having a relationship or being married is actually the same in relation to women's expectations. Women want their partner to behave in a certain way and also expect from their partner to understand their point of view, agree and next time act without needing any guidance from their part. In most cases when men do not act as women would like, they get disappointed, hurt, and want to get out of the relationship as soon as possible, only to be chased after by a devoted man. But the relationship is not meant for women-or men in that matter-to expect the other person to do what the other one wants, but to do what one wants for oneself. A relationship is in fact the most perfect opportunity to show our true selves, like how good we are, and how we experience this relationship to its fullest.

If you want to be a good wife, a super partner, a tolerant or a faithful lover, do not expect from your partner or husband to be exactly as you are. He should be his true self, and you should be able to judge how he acts toward you, how he talks to you and what does he offer in your relationship. Do not expect someone else to make you feel happy because you decided to allow him in your life. You should be focusing on making yourself happy in the relationship and not for the other party to behave as we dreamt. The simple reason why this strategy is doomed to fail is that our partner is not in our head. At the same time our thoughts, wants or desires do not stay constant; they change as long as we evolve and interact with other human beings.

The misfortune is that while women concentrate all their effort and energy in extracting the reaction they are thinking their partner should be having, they forget to be the one they want to be. Busy as they are constructing plans and interpreting behavior patterns of their husband or lovers, women forget to make a schedule for themselves, and end up with an idealistic agenda that is going to collapse in front of their eyes. The saddest thing is that women, like you and me, actually make agenda's for their partners. Like scheduling an important appointment, or better stated like constructing a picture for their partners to fit into, women wait for men to fulfill their expectations and be happy while playing their role.

Unfortunately, in contemporary western type of societies both partners expect the same from each other and that is the main reason why things usually fall apart. We get it all wrong. In whatever situation we are experiencing, people should remember to stay true to themselves and check only their behavior and reactions. Examining what to do in a particular situation and where we would like to be in the future can give us a general framework within which we can present ourselves to our partners and be happy to have them along our side. It is not that our partner has to present us nothing. But whatever he or she wants to present, that is their own problem. Our problem should be just ourselves; always us. As experts state, any relationship, any situation is meant for us to learn, not for the other person to fit a role. The other person is only a catalyst. The rest should be only our problem. -Kadence Buchanan

Sunday, May 10

Are You A Woman Over 40? Do You Want To Lose Weight? 7 Things You Need to Know About Your Hormones

Hormones are great: They make us happy, falling in love and alert, can produce a dream figure and a soft skin. Of course, they have a different side too: They could make you down and sad, stimulate acne outbreaks and spare tires. Even little amounts can create big changes, because they regulate our bodies. The hormone system of women over 40 is changing- and one of the effects is that it's much tougher to lose weight permanently.

Let's have a look at the most crucial hormones:

Estrogen makes sexy, gives the right curves and keeps your skin firm. However, the comparative quantity of estrogen to other hormones must be right for that.
Strive for a hormone system that’s working as perfectly as possible- it’s really worth the effort.

The level of progesterone is declining after menopause, leading to excess estrogen. Your thyroid might be affected by this: thyroid hormones can be blocked if estrogen is not balanced correctly by progesterone. And this happens even if the thyroid gland works properly. A decline in thyroid activity is often found for women in menopause.

DHEA is another important hormone: It halts fat storage, making it an ideal candidate to look at for women over 40 who want to lose weight permanently.
Whatever you do to get your estrogen levels well-balanced will assist your DHEA levels too. In particular, you can eat extra virgin olive oil, amaranth seed or rice ban to increase DHEA levels.

As you probably know: Thyroid hormones are very important: They are contributing to your good mood, help smooth the skin and are active in digestion. The secretion of thyroid hormones can be disturbed easily. What you can do to get your thyroid going:

  • Have adequate iodine. It can be found naturally in shellfish and fish
  • Protein is essential to get the hormones going, so integrate lean sources of protein into your diet
  • If you are stressed out all the time, your thyroid is always active. If you are having too much stress, your thyroid might respond negatively. Many women over 40 have a hectic day, making it hard to lose weight permanently.

Cortisol, Adrenalin and other stress hormones are able to get your body bulging and bloated. They are responsible for enhanced fat storage in your stomach.
If you want to lose weight permanently over 40 you need a well-balanced, stress-reduced life style.

The male sex hormone testosterone is important for women too: It strengthens the tissue and helps to increase muscle mass, thus improving burning fat. To increase your testosterone level you can have a look at:

  • Believe it or not, but sex is really good to get the testosterone production going
  • Have a look at your vitamin consumption, especially A, C, E and B. Zinc is important too. You can find those in whole grain products, fish, dairy and nuts
  • Stay away from smoking, too much alcohol and consuming fatty foods
  • Regular physical exercise increases testosterone levels as well

For women over 40 the progesterone level declines, what has another effect regarding your beauty: Your body builds less collagen. Your skin begins to get flabbier and you’re getting more wrinkles- you see that in many women over 40. The distribution of fat on the body shifts too: Fat accumulates more on belly and butt, thighs and upper arms. These modifications in the figure make it a top priority for many women over 40 to lose weight permanently.
Another typical problem for women over 40 is cellulite- induced by less collagen.

Let’s summarize what you can do for a balanced, healthy hormone system:

  • Eat healthy
  • Work out on a regular basis
  • A harmonious life style with plenty time for rest

All of these activities are highly recommended for women over 40 to lose weight permanently. If you are balancing your hormone system, you are helping your body to lose weight too. If you are searching for a weight loss program, try to find a plan that is working for you in your unique situation. A generic program will only give average results. Additionally, a standard plan that is not concentrating on your unique position will be hard to follow and to stick with- what might be easy to do for many people might not suit you at all. -Perry Permann

Losing Pregnancy Weight- Particularly For Women Over 40

On average, a mother gains 25-35 pounds during maternity. During giving birth, mothers typically lose 12-14 pounds- so there are 12-21 pounds left. It pays to lose this weight permanently:

“It’s very critical that you do get the weight off, because if you don’t it has been associated with overweight and obesity 15 to 20 years later in life,” says Debra Krummel, PhD, RD (endowed professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Allied Health Sciences).

Many women want to get their pre-pregnancy weight back as soon as possible- and that's understandable. However, don’t be too overeager. Life modifies after giving birth- a baby typically comes with new responsibilities and problems, making it tougher to follow through on your programs to lose weight. Your position can be really stressful. All your vitality might be needed. Allow yourself a 3-month recovery period after giving birth.

If you are a new mother, you might face a lot of problems when it comes to regular exercise. Some common issues are:

The schedule is erratic- The feeding schedule (including night time feeds) might vary always, making it difficult to plan anything.

You might get only a couple of minutes for yourself before you need to do something else. If you are used to do your exercise without interruption, you might have to rethink your approach: Several short-term bursts of physical activity can serve you too and are easier to squeeze into your schedule. Keep the exercise program easy. The most crucial thing is, that you really do what you plan to do.

You might go through emotional ups and downs, related to changes in the endocrine system. Just as a short reminder: Exercise will assist you to feel better. Even if you do not feel like exercising, try to do it as much as doable.

Guilt- You might concentrate all your attention on your child. But: You’ll be better able to care for your baby if you are strong and healthy. Try to get some time for yourself.

Different schedule of your support group- If you’re used to work out with a friend, it might be impossible to schedule now. What frequently helps is to find other mothers and exercise together.

Exhaustion and fatigue- particularly if you’re nursing, you might not feel as energetic as you’ve used to. Of course, since breast feeding needs about 500 additional calories per day, it helps you to lose weight after your pregnancy. Your energy might be lower. Assess your energy level and only do what you can do at a given moment.

Just remember: It needed 9 months to increase the weight; give yourself at least the identical time to lose weight after pregnancy. -Perry Permann

Saturday, May 9

Great Tips on How to Clear Acne

It is but natural to find yourself in a situation where you are trying to find the best solutions on how to clear acne. This is because there are several factors that act in getting you affected with acne. The most important of these include the hormonal imbalances that exist in us and this is due to the fluctuating stress levels that you have to take. The other reasons include exposure to pollution, dirt and the harmful sun rays.

You need to know how acne is caused if you want to find a solution to the question how to clear acne. Acne is because of the increase in dirt that is collected in your skin cells. These clog your skin pores and do not provide your skin with the means to get enough oxygen supply. If you have approached a doctor, then you would have been asked to consume several medicines. You might have started finding a great relief once you used these medicines. But be ware. These can only retaliate in the future and your skin will react by producing more acne.

One very good natural ingredient that you can use and that will answer your doubts on how to clear acne is to use apple cider vinegar. What it does is to cleanse your skin from all the bacterial infections that it has and also balance the pH level in your skin. You can also use lemon instead of vinegar as this also does the same job.

Oat meal is another important natural substance that can help you in resolving issues regarding how to clear acne. This will absorb oil from your skin and remove all the impurities from your skin. Aloe Vera is also very useful as they are full of vitamin E. Using such natural substances will sure help you because you will be able to remove not just the effects that are caused due to acne but will cure it permanently. -Abhinav Sidana

Sensitive Skin Care

You can have different skin reactions, that are still all classified as Sensitive Skin. Though no specific criteria has been established, it is generally accepted that sensitive skin has the following characteristics:

-Dry skin (which also includes atopic skin.)

-Skin that becomes itchy, red or stings following application of make-up or beauty products.

-Skin that becomes itchy, dry or irritated from detergents and soaps.
-Skin that remains inflamed after contact dermatitis or eczema

If you have sensitive skin, it can be hard to find a beauty regime that looks good, yet is easy on your skin. Fortunately, there is a way to treat your skin with the care it deserves, without taking up a-lot of time. You may first want to see a Dermatologist just to see if you have any specific allergies, and to explain exactly what you need. A dermatologist can also help you choose make-up, cleansers and moisturizers.

The skincare routine you use is very important for sensitive skin. you will need to choose mild products with calming ingredients like chamomile, lavender and sandalwood. Organic ingredients would be best if possible. It is also important to avoid harsh additives. Alcohol or benzyl peroxide tend to be harsh, and drying, especially for sensitive skin.

You will need to cleanse your skin twice a day, morning and night. Use a soft cloth and rinse well with plenty of lukewarm water. Avoid very warm water as it will dry your skin. Follow with a light hypo-allergenic moisturizer. Moisturizer is often forgotten in skincare, but with today's oil-free products, it is easy to find one to suit your skin-type.

Make-up is also an important consideration for sensitive skin. You will want to choose a make-up without harsh chemicals and additives. Many are now water based , non-comedogenic and fragrance free. There are even mineral powder make-ups that are very popular .

Sunscreens are a must for sensitive skin. Always wear a light sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Harmful UV rays can penetrate even the heavy clouds and damage your skin. You will want to pick a sunscreen that is gel based, not oil based. It will need to have a SPF of at least 15 to give enough protection.

Sunscreens can cause irritation for many people, you will need to select a gentle formula. A natural sunscreen choice is aloe Vera, You can use the pure gel, or just break off a leaf and use it straight from the plant.

Don't forget that nutrition plays a big part in skin health, you will need to drink eight glasses of water daily, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Hydrated skin is healthy skin. Water helps rid the body of toxins , therefore you skin will be healthier.

Remember, having sensitive skin is not the end of the world. You just need to choose the right product for your skin. -Jim White
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