Saturday, November 21, 2009

Vitamin D Benefits


CITED Material
"Dermatologists Can Help Separate Fact From Fiction for Sun Exposure, Sunscreen and Vitamin D
NewsRx.com

11-19-09

When it comes to vitamin D, consumers are bombarded with mixed messages about the best source for this essential nutrient. While some may argue that small doses of intentional sun exposure are safe, dermatologists point out that the risk of developing skin cancer from ultraviolet (UV) radiation far outweighs the benefit of stimulating vitamin D production - particularly when enriched foods and supplements are safe and effective sources of this vitamin (see also Skin Cancer).

Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's SKIN academy (Academy), Washington, D.C., dermatologist Elizabeth L. Tanzi, MD, FAAD, clinical faculty in the department of dermatology at Johns Hopkins Hospital Center in Baltimore, addressed common myths about sun exposure, sunscreen and vitamin D, and announced the Academy's increased recommendation on the minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of sunscreen.

"Despite years of ongoing public education efforts on the dangers of UV radiation, a number of misconceptions remain as to how to best protect ourselves from this known carcinogen and whether or not we absolutely need sun exposure for vitamin D production," said Dr. Tanzi. "The fact is these myths are harmful because sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer, and the consequences of this misinformation could be potentially fatal."

Myth: Sun exposure is the best source of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that is vital for strong bones and a healthy immune system. Deficiency of vitamin D is associated with bone softening in adults, rickets in children and, more recently, with high blood pressure, arthritis, type I diabetes and certain cancers.

While UV radiation is one source of vitamin D, dermatologists argue that it is not the best source because the benefits of obtaining vitamin D through UV exposure cannot be separated from an increased risk of skin cancer. Instead, the Academy recommends that an adequate amount of vitamin D should be obtained from a healthy diet that includes foods naturally rich in vitamin D (e.g., dairy products and fish), foods/beverages fortified with vitamin D (e.g., fortified milk and fortified cereals), and/or vitamin D supplements.

"Although studies showing the benefits of increased vitamin D intake have caused some to propose 'sensible sun exposure' or intentional sun exposure as a cost-effective method for preventing vitamin D deficiency, increased sun exposure is not the answer," said Dr. Tanzi. "UV radiation is the most preventable risk factor for the development of skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in this country. There are more than an estimated 1 million new cases of skin cancer every year. Despite this fact, there remains a tremendous amount of misinformation about UV exposure - especially in relation to vitamin D."

Myth: All sunscreens are created equal.

While on the surface most sunscreens may look the same, they are in fact quite different. One of the things that makes sunscreens different is the level of protection from UV exposure that they provide. Dr. Tanzi explained that a common misconception is that the SPF rates the degree of protection from both UVA rays (which pass through window glass, penetrate into the deepest layer of the skin and are associated with premature aging and melanoma) and UVB rays (the sun's burning rays, which are blocked by window glass, are the primary cause of sunburn, and also are linked with skin cancer). In fact, the SPF number on sunscreens only reflects the product's ability to deflect the sun's burning rays (or UVB). Sunscreens labeled broad-spectrum provide coverage against both UVA and UVB light.

"SPF may create a false sense of security about the level of protection a person is getting, because many sunscreens do not adequately protect against harmful UVA rays," said Dr. Tanzi. "The main challenge in providing effective protection from UVA rays is that traditional chemicals used in sunscreens that absorb UVA light degrade quickly and become ineffective."

Fortunately, there are ingredients that can be added to traditional sunscreen ingredients to keep them stable and provide broad-spectrum protection. For example, Dr. Tanzi noted that the ingredient oxybenzone can help stabilize avobenzone (one of the best absorbers of UVA rays that, while highly effective, breaks down quickly), which provides a longer duration of effective protection from UVA rays. Other effective ingredients that help provide broad-spectrum UV coverage include ecamsule, cinoxate, menthyl anthranilate, octyl methoxycinnamate, octyl salicylate, and sulisobenzone.

For those with sensitive skin, sunscreens with non-chemical ingredients work best and will prevent irritation. Dr. Tanzi said the ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide both UVA and UVB protection.

Myth: Using a higher SPF will ensure you don't burn.

Dr. Tanzi explained that those who use sunscreen with a higher SPF may think they will not burn when exposed to UV light, but she said that is not true. In fact, actual sunscreen protection depends on many other factors - including skin type, the amount and frequency of sunscreen application, and the impact of activities (such as swimming and sweating). As a result, sunburn can occur even when wearing a higher SPF sunscreen.

Another important factor Dr. Tanzi emphasized is that UVB protection does not increase proportionately with a designated SPF number. For example, an SPF of 30 screens 97 percent of UVB rays, while an SPF of 15 screens 93 percent of UVB rays and an SPF of 2 screens out 50 percent of UVB rays. However, not applying enough sunscreen or not covering all exposed areas may result in a lower SPF than the product contains.

"For adequate protection, sunscreens are best applied 15-30 minutes prior to going outside, approximately every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating," said Dr. Tanzi. "Research demonstrates that most people only apply 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen, which is one ounce for the entire body or enough to fill a shot glass. Therefore, if only half the proper amount of SPF 15 is applied, the SPF has been reduced to an SPF of approximately 5, which is then inadequate protection. (1) "

Keywords: Arthritis, Blood Pressure, Bone, Dermatology, Hypertension, Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, Oncology, Pediatrics, Rickets, Skin Cancer, Skin Neoplasms, Type 1 Diabetes, Vitamin D Deficiency, American Academy of Dermatology.

This article was prepared by Blood Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Blood Weekly via NewsRx.com.

To see more of the NewsRx.com, or to subscribe, go to http://www.newsrx.com .

All Contents Copyright © 1995-2009 Life Extension Foundation All rights reserved.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician. "

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Enjoy The Holiday Meals Guilt Free


The holiday season provides the opportunity to catch up with old friends and family and to partake in the holiday meals.
This does not have to be an anxiety provoking time. Food and good times are to be enjoyed without not make your guilty.

Accept that you have control over what you eat and how much of it you consume. Use a smaller plate to gather your food onto and eat mindfully. Even though you may be engaged in conversations with others, you can still keep track of how much you have had to eat and to drink. Food is needed for sustenance not for gorging.

Reach for the healthy servings such as veggies, lean protein, make sure you drink plenty of water. Instead of cakes or pastries, reach for fruit or yogurt of reduce fat ice cream if available.
You may even decide to take a fiber supplement before the meal in order to keep yourself in check and your stomach from becoming too fool.

Eat smaller portions and allow yourself to digest the food well before helping yourself with another serving. realize that you are in control of your food intake and no one else can pressure you to have more or to eat something you do not want to. Exercise self control and remind yourself that the holiday dinner is a time as any other and there is no need to overeat.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

NeuroProtect



Buy here

Neurotoxicity?


"What is Neurotoxicity?

Neurotoxicity occurs when the exposure to natural or manmade toxic substances (neurotoxicants) alters the normal activity of the nervous system. This can eventually disrupt or even kill neurons, key cells that transmit and process signals in the brain and other parts of the nervous system. Neurotoxicity can result from exposure to substances used in chemotherapy, radiation treatment, drug therapies, and organ transplants, as well as exposure to heavy metals such as lead and mercury, certain foods and food additives, pesticides, industrial and/or cleaning solvents, cosmetics, and some naturally occurring substances. Symptoms may appear immediately after exposure or be delayed. They may include limb weakness or numbness; loss of memory, vision, and/or intellect; headache; cognitive and behavioral problems; and sexual dysfunction. Individuals with certain disorders may be especially vulnerable to neurotoxicants.

Is there any treatment?

Treatment involves eliminating or reducing exposure to the toxic substance, followed by symptomatic and supportive therapy.

What is the prognosis?

The prognosis depends upon the length and degree of exposure and the severity of neurological injury. In some instances, exposure to neurotoxicants can be fatal. In others, patients may survive but not fully recover. In other situations, many individuals recover completely after treatment.

What research is being done?

The NINDS supports research on disorders of the brain and nervous system such as neurotoxicity, aimed at learning more about these disorders and finding ways to prevent and treat them. Scientists are investigating the role occupational or environmental toxicants have on progressive neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and dementia. Also being studied are the mechanisms that trigger neuroimmune responses in the central nervous system and the possibility that some brain disorders in children may occur when environmental triggers interact with genes.

NIH Patient Recruitment for Neurotoxicity Clinical Trials
At NIH Clinical Center
Throughout the U.S. and Worldwide
Organizations

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
111 T.W. Alexander Drive
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
webcenter@niehs.nih.gov
http://www.niehs.nih.gov
Tel: 919-541-3345

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
5600 Fishers Lane, CDER-HFD-240
Rockville, MD 20857
http://www.fda.gov
Tel: 301-827-4573 888-INFO-FDA (463-6332)


Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history. "

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

NeuroProtect buy here

Professional Perspectives: Fluoride in Tap Water

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Intimacy, intimacy, intimacy


If we are not invested in our partner on an emotional level, we are not making love. To make love is to be connected on these two levels – emotional and physical. Staying connected only on a single level is to just have sex. Sometimes couples do not even realize that this is causing a problem in their relationship. Partners just know that something does not feel right. A true partnership functions as a union. This means that when you partner is depressed, stressed and discontent with something in his or her life that you find the time to attend to his or her needs. You do not just go to bed, have sex and fall asleep and then wake up and go on with the next day. When your partner’s experiences become your own concern, you will know what a true partnership is. Only then, you will find true intimacy and a fulfilling relationship. Find time to help with chores around the house. Do not read your newspaper or watch TV during dinner. Do not answer phone calls during times when the two of you are spending quality time. Find time to compliment each other. Do not neglect your appearance just because you’ve already found someone to be with. Take risks and try out new things together. Start paying closer attention to your partner’s emotional state. Break the monotony of your relationship by breaking off from your usual routine. Do not plan on being physically intimate only on weekends when you’re off. Make your partner feel desired through the week. Sex does not per se equate intimacy. For example, you may want to take your partner out to dinner on Wednesday and perhaps on Friday share physical intimacy. Try to keep things like this in your relationship unpredictable. This will take the pressure from both of you. Your partner will feel attended to and you will have less pressure to perform. Do not set a routine because as you know routines become boring. Routines are also influenced by the events in our life and we do not always have control of the external situations in life.
Use the following activity to brain storm some ideas of how to enhance your intimacy.
1. How can I become more attentive to my partner on an emotional level?

2. What do I need to do to show my partner that I really care about their emotionality?
3. How can I show more emotional affection to my partner?

Excerpt from: Couple's Communiation Made Easy (audio book)

Dr. Oz Belly Fat

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Detoxify Your Colon Naturally


Life style, diet and environmental toxins can cause illness and age the body faster. Here are few things you can do to cleanse your colon.

Instructions

Step 1 Limit your intake and exposure to environmental toxins and food additives. Try to buy organic, natural food. If you eat meat, be aware that animals are injected with pellets that release growth hormones over a period of time into their system and that processed meat is injected with carbon monoxide to keep its color looking "fresh". Wash all produce well and do not keep thinks in the refrigerator for an extensive period of time (label opened containers with the date you opened the seal on items such as pasta sauce, cream cheese, jams, butter, etc). Just because you do not see mold, it does not mean that the food is not being spoiled. Bottom line, try to eat fresh and healthy foods.

Step 2 You may want to start detoxifying with supplements. Some supplements for detoxification have blood purifying and antioxidant properties. Others, act as mild diuretics. Supplements can also cleanse the body off of parasites and worms. Amongst some of the herbs: are barberry, aloe vera, black walnut, wormwood, yellow dock, pau darco, uva ursi, yellow dock , etc. Other supplements include chlorophyll, garlic oil, golden seal, spirulina, bee pollen, and argeinine (amino acid) to name a few.

Step 3 Colonics and enemas, soaking in sea salt bath infused hot tub or sea weed bath is helpful to drain the body off of toxins as well as sauna therapy or just any other activity such as sun bathing that causes sweating may help over a period of time. Stay hydrated, avoid exposure to toxins in the environment as much as possible, do not smoke and do not use illegal drugs.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Pollution Exposure Linked to Lower IQ Scores in Children..


"Kids' lower IQ scores linked to prenatal pollution
Associated Press


AP – July 17, 2009, by the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental …

By LINDSEY TANNER, AP Medical Writer Lindsey Tanner, Ap Medical Writer – 2 hrs 7 mins ago

CHICAGO – Researchers for the first time have linked air pollution exposure before birth with lower IQ scores in childhood, bolstering evidence that smog may harm the developing brain.

The results are in a study of 249 children of New York City women who wore backpack air monitors for 48 hours during the last few months of pregnancy. They lived in mostly low-income neighborhoods in northern Manhattan and the South Bronx. They had varying levels of exposure to typical kinds of urban air pollution, mostly from car, bus and truck exhaust.

At age 5, before starting school, the children were given IQ tests. Those exposed to the most pollution before birth scored on average four to five points lower than children with less exposure.

That's a big enough difference that it could affect children's performance in school, said Frederica Perera, the study's lead author and director of the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health.

Dr. Michael Msall, a University of Chicago pediatrician not involved in the research, said the study doesn't mean that children living in congested cities "aren't going to learn to read and write and spell."

But it does suggest that you don't have to live right next door to a belching factory to face pollution health risks, and that there may be more dangers from typical urban air pollution than previously thought, he said.

"We are learning more and more about low-dose exposure and how things we take for granted may not be a free ride," he said.

While future research is needed to confirm the new results, the findings suggest exposure to air pollution before birth could have the same harmful effects on the developing brain as exposure to lead, said Patrick Breysse, an environmental health specialist at Johns Hopkins' school of public health.

And along with other environmental harms and disadvantages low-income children are exposed to, it could help explain why they often do worse academically than children from wealthier families, Breysse said.

"It's a profound observation," he said. "This paper is going to open a lot of eyes."

The study in the August edition of Pediatrics was released Monday.

In earlier research, involving some of the same children and others, Perera linked prenatal exposure to air pollution with genetic abnormalities at birth that could increase risks for cancer; smaller newborn head size and reduced birth weight. Her research team also has linked it with developmental delays at age 3 and with children's asthma.

The researchers studied pollutants that can cross the placenta and are known scientifically as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Main sources include vehicle exhaust and factory emissions. Tobacco smoke is another source, but mothers in the study were nonsmokers.

A total of 140 study children, 56 percent, were in the high exposure group. That means their mothers likely lived close to heavily congested streets, bus depots and other typical sources of city air pollution; the researchers are still examining data to confirm that, Perera said. The mothers were black or Dominican-American; the results likely apply to other groups, researchers said.

The researchers took into account other factors that could influence IQ, including secondhand smoke exposure, the home learning environment and air pollution exposure after birth, and still found a strong influence from prenatal exposure, Perera said.

Dr. Robert Geller, an Emory University pediatrician and toxicologist, said the study can't completely rule out that pollution exposure during early childhood might have contributed. He also noted fewer mothers in the high exposure group had graduated from high school. While that might also have contributed to the high-dose children's lower IQ scores, the study still provides compelling evidence implicating prenatal pollution exposure that should prompt additional studies, Geller said.

The researchers said they plan to continuing monitoring and testing the children to learn whether school performance is affected and if there are any additional long-term effects. "

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Teaching Girls Morals and How to Be Strong



Join Curly as she learns about faith, strength, impermanence, imagination and more.

Intended for children ages 4+


Buy at Amazon (click on book cover)

Everyone Belongs

One day while Curly was on her way to the water spring and had just exchanged her usual greetings with Mister Donkey and the sheep, she met a little porcupine sitting all alone by the road. “What are you doing here little fella?” Curly asked him. He told her that he had gotten lost while sniffing the grass and had found himself in an unfamiliar place away from home. “Little prickly fella” Curly said, “would you let me help you? “Yes” he replied as a small tear rolled down his face.
Curly then took a large plant leaf and placed the little porcupine on it and gently carried him to her home. She called “Grandpa, grandpa, this little porcupine surely has a home and a family. He is lost. Let’s take him to his home”. “Yes!” grandpa said. “Everyone has a place where they come from”. He told her.
The next day, Curly and grandpa brought the porcupine into the woods where he last remembered being before finding himself at the road near the pasture. As he smelled the air, the little porcupine said that the air there smelled more like home and thanked them for carrying him there. After all, it would have taken him many days to walk there even if he knew the way. His little feet would have gotten very, very tired if they had not carried him along the way. He told them that his feet were too short and small and that he would have never been able to walk thus far so quickly had they not carried him. They waved good bye and each went their own way.
Grandpa explained to Curly that certain animals are not meant to be our pets and that they are happiest in their own homes, in the wild. He told her that not hurting these creatures was important because they, like people, deserve to be happy and free. Curly remembered this lesson and how important it is not to hurt anyone or anything in nature.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Friday, June 5, 2009

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Heal your spirit


The physical brain by itself does not feel pain. It rather registers the sensation of pain whether physical or emotional. That is what it means when someone says that depression hurts. Some scientists view the body as a machine and the brain like a computer. With the advancement of scientific technology, now it is possible to use neurosurgical implants to treat anxiety, depression and Parkinson’s disease. This technology was at one time even used in a study to reduce prisoner’s aggression. A shortcoming of this technology is that a physician is in control of how much electrical current will be used to stimulate the part of the brain responsible for our emotions and subsequent physiological sensations and possible behavior. The actual patient has not learned how to cause a change in himself on a psycho-spiritual level. When there is disharmony within, there is illness within the whole person. In some cases, people act out a sick role once a diagnosis has been given whether in regard to physical or mental illness. Some people may be even misdiagnosed; yet, they will start reporting the characteristics of that particular diagnosis. Perhaps this is so because of the learned expectation that help comes only externally versus achieving healing volitionally. When studying the workings of the brain, scientists have discovered that the brain cannot discriminate between something that is really happening in reality from fantasy. When a drug addict is asked to visualize the act of using his drug of choice, brain imaging shows that the brain responds in the same way as though he is actually using the drug. This at least shows that the brain has the power within to alter the outer reality of the person. Perhaps we all self-fulfill our own prophesies without even realizing it. As humanity moves further along the way of spiritual development into a new Golden Age, this awareness that energy makes up one reality of which we are a part yet not truly separate, we will use more and more energy medicine healing therapies versus allopathic medicine.

Excerpt from : Guru in Jeans: Inward Journey to Psychospiritual Awakening (at amazon.com)

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Sunday, April 12, 2009

How to Parent Without Losing Your Cool


How to Parent Without Losing Your Cool

You may feel angry, hurt or disappointed when the child misbehaves. Never the less, the need to remain composed, respectful and sensible are essential when you redirect or consequent him. There may be times when you’re depressed or tired and you want to withdraw instead of deal with a parenting situation. Do not let your load interfere with your parenting because it is ultimately all about the child and how you raise

Sensible Parent may expect more cooperation from the child because this parent is involved, conscientious and fair in his parenting. The Reactive Parent on the other hand will encounter more resistance and acting out from the child when he tries to discipline him. The more a parent is involved with the life of the child, the closer the rapport between the two. A close rapport between a child and a parent increases the chances of compliance by the child when the parent redirects him.

Children are quite aware when one or sadly both parents are disengaged from his life. Sometimes the child will resent following the directions given by the Reactive Parent and may say things like:
“Why should I listen to you? You never listen to me?”
“I don’t want to clean up my room now because you haven’t looked at my school report card and I have gotten all A’s”
At other times, the child may act out covertly and still send out the same message. He may ignore the parent’s directives as a way of showing the parent what it feels to be ignored. Younger children lack the proper verbal skills to express how they fee and will usually act out the way they feel.

A Sensible Parent will be able to pick up on the child’s verbal and non-verbal cues and will address the situation. The Reactive Parent will continue to discipline like he has done in the past and expect different results from the child. Unfortunately, like in any relationship, in parenting reciprocity is an essential component.
The Reactive Parent usually leaves it to the other parent to make all of the decisions and to discipline the child. (for more information on these parenting styles)

Excerpt from: My Kid is Acting Out and I am About to Shout: Parenting Made Easy (audio CD book)

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Feng Shui: Color Healing


Different colors vibrate at different frequencies. Energy healing is not a novel idea. The art of Feng Shui provides us with the ability to apply color in our life in order to achieve a healthier flow of chi and reach a body and mind balance. Our chi can be influenced by our surroundings and by the colors we consciously chose to surround ourselves with or clothe our body. Color had been used to even describe our mental states such as red with rage, feeling blue or peachy and being green with envy. The colors covered here are primarily intended to provide you with ideas about color coordination in your wardrobe and to strengthen your chi level.

You can chose different colors to influence your chi. To subdue your rage or calm your anger you may want to apply the colors black or green, to alleviate depressed mood resort to light green and purple. When you are having a headache resort to green or pink, for stomach pains use yellow or red, for hypertension white, black, baby blue or light green. To address obesity resort to the application of the color white.

If you feel trapped by the external circumstances in your life, use green. Green is symbolic with growth, expansion and upward movement. To enhance your communication skills use blue since this color has the property to evoke calmness and peace. Indigo strengthens your intuition, allows you to gain objectivity into your problems and relieves emotional and mental turmoil by allowing you to gain new insights. The lighter shades of pink induces relaxation, calmness while the darker hues of this color enhance optimism and confidence in oneself. Yellow helps strengthen ones attention/alertness and improves memory. The color yellow can assist you decision making. Orange leads to mental clarity practical problem solving. The color orange balances your chi after a period of stress or a shock and allows you to let go of the past. Red increases your chi, boosts self esteem, leads to vibrancy and feeling more energized. It is considered a lucky and auspicious color. This color banishes insecurities and the lack of enthusiasm. Those with high blood pressure should avoid this color and instead resort to using black, white or lighter shades of blue and green.
The color white symbolizes purity, clarity and openness and to address eating disorders. You may use this color when you feel the need to let go of mental and emotional clutter from your psyche. This color signifies new beginnings and un bias attitude. The color black is grounding/stillness and protectiveness.

There are no good or bad colors; just inappropriate application of color in certain situations. The information above is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any physical or mental illnesses. consult with a physician and a Feng Shui practitioner in your area for more information

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Free Radicals Explained

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Therapeutic Board Game Sponsorship


Greetings,
I am trying to raise money to manufacture and distribute a therapeutic board game that I have created. The board game is intended to teach young children safe behaviors and to assist abused children in making safe choices. As we all know, the games market is targeting entertainment versus safety or therapy and this is the reason I am embarking this venture on my own. Yes, I have tried to get the manufacturers of board games to become interested in the game to no avail. The game had sat in my closet for about 5+ years now.
Donations are greatly appreciated via pay pal. Thank you.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Staying connected in your relationship


The hassles of every day life interfere with out relationships more often than we realize. We have difficulty always remaining objective and detached in situations we encounter at work, church and even among our immediate family. We bring our wounds home where we feel the safest. Sometimes our partner may not understand the stressors or acknowledge our feelings. In return, we may become detached and withdrawn in our own protective bubble. You may not even take the time to just be with your partner and enjoy each other’s company. Yes, you may eat dinner together and go to bed together but your mind and emotions are somewhere else. You wonder when this period end will mean while continuing to drift apart from each other. In a healthy partnership respect and honesty are key components. You will need to learn how open up and share your feelings. Your partner may feel bombarded with your woes but a part of growing together is being together. Being together is not manifested only physically. Being together means being able to be available to offer support to each other. Sometimes all a partner needs is to be heard and vent out in a safe environment with the person they trust the most – you- the other half. You must realize that your partner does not necessarily expect you to fix the problem but just listen and be present. Intimacy is an art that needs mastering. Often times, I hear partners complaining that after they have married, their life with each other has become somewhat of a routine and express disappointment that their partner appears to be somewhat disconnected and involved either in his or her work, hobbies and friend. It is as though the level of comfort has replaced each other’s company and pushed out of the way the affection that was once shared.
 Use the following activity to jot down some ideas on how to stay consistent in your relationship.
1. How can you make yourself more available to your partner?

2. What do you need from your partner when you feel most vulnerable?

3. How can you let your partner know that you need support?
4. ...(Liked what you've just read? Consider getting the book or making a donation)

Excerpt from : Couple's Communication Made Easy (audio book)

Friday, January 23, 2009

Express your feelings openly with your partner


Did you know that not talking is a way of communicating something just as when you use words to express yourself? If you are unclear as to what your partner is trying to tell you, ask. There is still some information coming your way because research stresses that a large percent of what we communicate is done non verbally. For example, if you have tired to express a certain concern to your partner at some point and he or she rejected you, you may shy away from bring up that topic again for a while. Another person may react by becoming more forcefully and vocal. It all depends on your personality. Bottling up your feelings is not healthy since you may become resentful or disappointed and as a result, blame your partner for the way you feel. Remember that you have to claim what you feel because only you can choose your feelings and how to express them. When you are in a conflict with another person, it is often the result of two things: one, you believe that the other person is trying to change you, and two, you are trying to change the other person either consciously or unconsciously. The reason behind this is your belief that you will become more content, happy, satisfied and less stressed in your relationship. It is natural to want to decrease the unpleasant experiences in your life. What you may not realize however, is that conflict arises when the other person’s autonomy is not respected. Arguments, fighting, and miscommunication occur when you partner feels that his or her self and point of view are being disregarded. During an argument, you may feel that you are right and the other person wrong. If both of you agree on something...(Liked what you've just read? Consider getting the book or making a donation)

Excerpt from : Couple's Communication Made Easy (audio book)

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Yves Rocher Botanical Beauty Care

Facing Changes


How can we find peace in a tough economy? Jobs end, relationships dissolve, money come and go and homes change. It is healthy and at time necessary to remember that change is growth. Growth is an ever present and ever changing phenomenon that can occur only with changes. Spiritual growth means acknowledging the flexibility within and accepting the impermanence of things. Change is the perpetual force in life. It is an energy that is constantly in motion. We need to view life as a continuous string of events without a beginning or end. Perceiving life in as constantly changing shows us that we attribute qualities and time frames such as past, present and future to our existence. The economy is only one of the things that goes under methamorposis like anything else in life. Being mindful and thankful for the things that we have despite external struggles is something that can make us stronger, peaceful and spiritually abundant. Do you remember to be thankful for your family, your health, your ability to work and willingness to seek employment? Do you remember to smile at the small things in life like a hug, a hot cup of cocoa, a soft pillow and a warm meal?

Attaining spiritual peace is a process of continuous growth within change.
Only change is consistent in life. Existence in itself is something we struggle to explain or comprehend. Each individual therefore experiences spiritual growth or inner development subjectively. It should not be surprising that different people report similar experiences during an enlightening experience. Everything in nature is connected and one person can tap into the same information as another one. However, how each person experiences this situation and then tries to explain it to others occurs on a totally personal and subjective level.

Change is an inevitable part of our existence. Everything is in a constant flux of change. No matter how much we try to change things, change usually occurs at its own time. With this in mind, how does one keep oneself peaceful, healthy and complete? Sometimes changes brings favorable outcomes and at others, destruction and despair. When we are happy and undisturbed mentally, we rarely seek other's help or question our part in this changing life. It is not an easy task for a person to go through the notions of life without ever being affected by pain. This is especially evident during the down times when we sink into depression, hopelessness, anxiety, or discontent.

How can we keep a mentally healthy and spiritually abundant lifestyle when we are like a leaf carried by the wind or like a tiny boat in the ocean blown away in the ocean? Our mental states are dictated by changes of which we are not always fully aware. As!long as we attribute our struggles, depression, unhappiness and hopelessness to something out of our control, we will suffer. Change is not our enemy in life. Change represents life itself. If we go against our own nature, how are we to ever achieve balance and freedom? Or unhappiness comes from the fact that we go through life halfway conscious. We move from one situation into another carrying different moods and expectations. We realize that desire brings impatience, anger brings hatred and that until we break off from this pattern, we will continue to be caught up in vicious a cycle. Once we realize that we alone can trap our self in a well filled with pain, we can make a conscious decision to escape from it by using what is inside of us. Often times we're caught up in life having to meet deadlines, provide for our family and keep a socially acceptable persona while we miss the opportunity to face our most inner needs. In an age when everything is fast paced, we become accustomed to the flow of external events which in return molds our personality to fit different situations. As time goes by, we lose objectivity and become marionettes of the necessity to please and perform in order to meet societal demands. There will be no outer change in our life without an inner transformation. A person needs to mindfully transition from one state into another weather that is on a mental, emotional or a spiritual level. Many of us are not attentive to our inner state of being and its true spiritual desires. We may acknowledge that we get sad, angry, happy, and aroused but rarely do we acknowledge that even though things around us and even our thoughts and feelings are transitional. Once we realize this, we can have a greater control of our spiritual self and find inner peace. It is our ego that goes through life's changes. This easily afflicted self is our personal character filled with fear, doubt, depression and anxiety which endures a never-ending struggle. In spite of all of the difficulties life presents us with there is possibility for a healthier and peaceful life style and equilibrium that can be reached in the present moment.

Excerpt from : Guru in Jeans: Inward Journey to Psychospiritual Awakening

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Tired of Adult Acne?


Adult acne is caused by an oily substance produced by the skin’s sebaceous glands. This sebum clogs pores and thus attracts bacteria. As a result the skin becomes inflamed. In some adults, facial breakouts occur as a result of the presence of male hormones - such as testastrone. Female hormones such as estrogen can also triger acne.
Step2 Some ways to treat adult acne are:
Using gentle facial cleansers. Try to get Cetaphil and Aquanil but any other mild ones will do. Avoid those that have granulated beads as they may even further irritate the skin especially if you have sensitive skin. Good cleansers have salycilic acid, tea trea oil and are non comogenic leaving the sking feeling clean and soft but not overly dry.
Step3 Use lotions that contain bezo peroxide and salycilic acid. You will have to use them on a consisten basis as their effect wears off when you halt using them. Benzo peroxide kills bacteria while the salicylic acid dries the inflicted area.
Sulfur masks and clay masks are also great (although it is not know how exactly sulfur works)
Step4 You may decide to consult a dermatologist for prescribed medications and lotions such as Clindamycin lotion (has antimicrobial properties), Retin A (although initially this prescribed lotion opens your pores which in the first few days may cause more break out) Benza Clean cream or resort to using oral antibiotics.
You may also use a blue spectrum light like Glo Lite that kills facial bacteria. Visit the crankychicks store for products.

Valentine's Day on a budget


1. Jewelry at overstock.com shipping is $2.95 (also you can use the bill me later option and won't have to pay for 90 days)

2. Frederick's of Hollywood has many items on sale (cheaper than Victoria's Secret and even sexier)

3. Venus has wonderful deals on sexy outfits and accessories

4. Let's not forget the option for a gift for the two of you from Adam & Eve

5. For the Chocoholic of course chocolate from Dan's Chocolates

6. Palm Beach Jewelry has affordable gifts (and even a 3 months 0% payment plan option) on jewelry, perfumes/colognes and accessories many of which you can personalize.

7. Don't want to spend on a fancy dinner? Get a bag of Bertolie pasta, a nice red wine, candles, put on some nice music and voila

8. Bake a heart shaped cake (everything you need you will find at your local grocery)

9. Give each other a massage with massage oils or lotion

10. If you're are getting flowers consider a local flower shop versus delivery from country wide vendors (you will save money on shipping/handling ) and the flowers arrive fresh. You may also get flowers at your local grocery store. Many wonderful flower arrangements and beautiful roses can be found there for a cheaper price.

Friday, January 9, 2009

My kid is acting out....


Children are quite aware when one, or sadly both parents, are disengaged from their lives. Sometimes a child will resent following the directions given by the reactive parent and may say things like:
“Why should I listen to you? You never listen to me!”
“I don’t want to clean up my room now because you did not look at my school report card, and I have gotten all As.”
At other times, the child may act out covertly but still send out the same message. He may ignore the parent’s directives as a way of showing the parent how it feels to be ignored. Younger children lack the proper verbal skills to express how they feel and will usually act out the way they feel.
A sensible parent will be able to pick up on the child’s verbal and non-verbal cues and will address the situation. A reactive parent will continue to discipline the child as in the past and expect different results, but unfortunately, like in any relationship, parenting reciprocity is an essential component.
The reactive parent usually leaves it to the other parent to make all of the decisions and to discipline the child while the other parent’s style of disciplining has a “hands-off” component. This parent is disengaged from parenting the child altogether and usually reacts only to the child’s misbehavior. In such a case, the child may learn to rely solely on the sensible parent and/or manipulate the reactive parent when the other parent is not around.
Try to have some regular quality time with your child as a family. When a child sees you as being engaged with him, he will be more willing to follow your directives and you will not be seen as just another adult trying to tell him what to do or not to do. Just buying your daughter the latest model Barbie, for instance, won’t make... (like what you've just read? Consider ordering the audio book or making a donation)
Excerpt from: My Kid is Acting Out and I am about to shout: Effective Parenting Made Easy (audio book)

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Friday, January 2, 2009

Intimacy


If you are not invested in your partner on an emotional level, you are not making love. To make love is to be connected on these two levels – emotional and physical. Sometimes couples do not even realize that this is causing a problem in their relationship. You probably just know intuitively that something does not feel right. A true partnership functions as a union. This means that when you partner is depressed, stressed out and discontent with something in his or her life that you find the time to attend to his or her needs. You do not just go to bed, have sex and fall asleep and then wake up and go on with your day in the morning. When your partner’s experiences become your own concern, you will know what a true partnership is. Only then, you will find true intimacy and a fulfilling relationship. Find some time to help with chores around the house. Try not to read your newspaper or watch TV during dinner and do not answer phone calls during those times when the two of you are spending quality time. Find time to compliment each other. Do not neglect your appearance just because you’ve already found someone to be with. Take risks and try new things together. (Liked what you've just read? Consider getting the book or making a donation)

Excerpt from : Couple's Communication Made Easy (audio book)