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The Simple Life of the SuperMom

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Improve Your Memory by Exercising Your Brain

Everyone knows that the key to a healthy body is diet and exercise. Many people obsessively work out every day to keep in tip top shape. So, if we’re so concerned with exercising our bodies, why do we often neglect to exercise our minds? Our brains are just like our muscles: use it or lose it. If we don’t do daily activities to help keep our brain in top order, we lose important skills; particularly the skill of remembering. So if you want to remember your mother’s phone number, your grocery list, or where you left your keys; start exercising your brain.

So, how exactly do you exercise your brain? There’s no brain gym you can get a membership to with “memory classes,” but there are things you can do on your own. Here are some things you can try to keep your neurons limber.

Open a newspaper
Sure, reading the paper might expand your knowledge, but if you really want to get your brain in shape, turn to the crossword puzzle. You can also try solving other puzzles that require using your language skills. These help you remember things by making you regularly access simple memories (i.e. certain words)

Try the latest puzzle craze
Go to a book store, go online, or look in the paper; you’re likely to find Sudoku puzzles. These are number puzzles that are becoming increasingly popular. They help exercise your brain’s deductive reasoning skills. Plus, they’re fun and incredibly addictive.

Learn something new
You’ve probably heard people say that learning something new pushes old information out of your brain. This is not only wrong, it’s just plain silly. The capacity of your brain is only determined by how much you want to put in it. Try learning a new skill or how to play a musical instrument. Learning a skill and continue to use it will keep your memory accessing skills limber.

Books, games and services
While there aren’t actually gyms you can go to, there are ways to get exercises specifically designed to improve memory. You can find these in book stores, online, and even in video game stores.

While it’s great to exercise your brain cells, don’t skip out on your trips to the gym. Keeping your body in good physical shape will help keep your brain healthy too. While cardio is the best work out to keep you healthy, you can still keep your memory if you can’t perform a strenuous workout. Even a simple walk for an hour a day can help prevent or slow memory loss. So get up and go as much as you can to keep your brain going.

Most people don’t worry about memory loss until they start to notice it slipping away, but the best time to start is while your mind is still sharp. You may not be able to bring your memory back, but you can keep it from fading. Regularly working your mind has even been shown to ward off Alzheimer’s. So if you want to keep your mind sharp, be sure to eat right, get enough rest, and exercise regularly.

Skin Cancer: What to Look For

There are several forms of skin cancer: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and the worst form of skin cancer known as Malignant Melanoma. Let’s discuss what to look for, symptoms, and when you should contact your doctor.

Basal Cell Carcinoma
This is a common form of skin cancer usually caused by over-exposure to the sun. This type of skin cancer grows slowly, rarely spreads, and is seldom life-threatening. While it may vary in appearance, it is usually characterized by a small, flat module which gradually may turn into an open sore with raised edges. It appears frequently on the face, usually around the eyes, near the nose or on the nose, as well as on other sun-exposed areas including the back, chest, arms, and legs. For proper diagnosis and treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma, see your doctor.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This is also a common form of skin cancer which is rarely life-threatening. It starts as a small, firm, painless lump or patch, and resembles a wart or an open sore. It is also associated with over-exposure to the sun and can occur anywhere on the body. It is most common on the back of the hands or on the lips. If you have a lump on your skin that does not heal within three weeks, check with your doctor.

Malignant Melanoma
This is the most deadly form of skin cancer. It is sometimes associated with exposure to the sun, but can occur anywhere on the body including parts of the body not exposed to the sun. It most often appears on the face, upper chest or legs, and usually grows from existing moles. Malignant moles may bleed and can resemble sores that do not heal. If you think you have a melanoma, contact your doctor immediately.

Identifying skin cancers can be difficult. However, there are ways in which you can determine if you have any of the above three skin cancers.

Cancerous moles are often asymmetrical, that is, one half of the mole looks different from the other half. The outline of a cancerous mole can be uneven or have poor defined edges and may change over time. Melanomas can be very dark in color and contain shades of tan, brown, white, red, or blue. Moles that grow larger than a half inch across may be a sign of malignant melanomas, although smaller moles can also indicate malignancy as well.

Green Tea for Weightloss

Green tea has been used for centuries and still remains one of the most popular teas in China and contains powerful antioxidants which may help fight against heart disease, cancers and other diseases. More recently studies have shown that green tea is also beneficial to weight loss.

One of the most recent studies which appeared in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed people who drank a bottle of green tea extract everyday for three months lost more body fat than the participants who drank regular tea.

It is thought the chemical epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) found in green tea raises the metabolism while also releasing the hormone noradrenaline which is an appetite suppressant.

The study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also indicated the consumption of catechins in green tea lead to both reduced body fat and LDL cholesterol levels.

Now that you know the many benefits of green tea, just how do you need to drink to lose weight?

Based on the recent research you would need to consume at least 4 cups of green tea daily to see any results. There are now also green tea supplements on the market which provide higher concentrated doses of green tea in a capsule form. The quality of the supplements will vary so it’s best to do your research.

But you don’t really need to take supplements to receive all the benefits of green tea. Try replacing your daily cups of coffee or regular tea with green tea. It’s also a good drink in between meals which may help satisfy your hunger pangs while providing your body with a good dose of antioxidants.

There are so many benefits to drinking green tea that weight loss is really just the icing on the cake. This is one great way to stay healthy while shedding a few excess pounds.

Spinach & Tomato Ravioli

Ingredients:
1 cup tomatoes -- peeled, seeded,diced
1 small onion -- oven roasted
1 cup mushrooms -- minced
2 teaspoons garlic -- minced
1/2 pound spinach leaves -- blanched, chopped
1/4 cup nonfat cottage cheese
3/4 cup tofu -- mashed
2 Tablespoons fresh basil -- minced
Ground black pepper
salt -- to taste
48 eggless ravioli dumplings

Directions:
Combine tomatoes, onion, garlic, and mushrooms in large pot. Cook over medium heat until mushroom liquid evaporates and mixture becomes a bit dry. Do not over cook. Once complete, set aside to cool. Once cooled combine with spinach, cottage cheese, basil and tofu. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place a single layer of ravioli dumplings on a cutting board and moisten edges with water using a pastry brush. Add one Tablespoon of spinach mixture to the middle of each skin. Top with a second ravioli dumpling and press edges together to seal. Place ravioli in boiling water for 3 minutes and cook for 3-4 minutes, until raviolis are firm, not soft.

Find Out How Sleep Can Keep You Looking Younger

Every company today seems to be marketing a new product that can make you look and feel younger. You can find them all over billboards, magazines, T.V. and the internet. So why are there so many products claiming take ten years off? Simple, most people are willing to spend lots of time and money searching for the proverbial fountain of youth. If you’re one of these people, then I have a great secret to share with you. Instead of spending late nights buying creams and pills; put you wallet or pocketbook away and go to bed. If you want to look and feel younger, look no further than a good night’s rest.

Who looks younger...a healthy person, or a sick person? Chances are you answered “the healthy person.” Being sick can make you look old and haggard. Well, one big side effect of sleep deprivation is that it can severely compromise your immune system, making you get sick more often. Sleeping keeps you healthy and looking great.

Even if you don’t catch colds or other illnesses a lot, if you’re not getting enough sleep your body isn’t as healthy as it could be. Stage 4, or deep sleep, helps restore and renew the cells of our bodily organs. This helps them function properly and lets the body work as efficiently as possible. If our organs don’t work properly, it can take a toll on our physical appearance. That means you don’t look as good as you could. Plus, even if you’re not sick, you probably won’t feel as healthy as you might if you had enough sleep.

So you already now know that deep restorative sleep helps renew organ tissue and keep them in peak condition, but do you know what your body’s largest organ is? If you said skin, you’re absolutely right. And what’s the most important factor in determining how young or old you look? Your skin! Proper sleep will allow old, dead skin cells to be replaced with beautiful, fresh, new skin cells quickly and efficiently. This will leave you and your skin looking younger.

Have you ever noticed that when you’re in a bad mood, depressed, or just not feeling good about life, you don’t look as good? It’s not just your perception; how you feel affects facial expressions body posture, and other factors that determine how we look. When you’re well rested, you feel younger; and when you feel younger you look younger.

So how much sleep is enough to keep you looking and feeling younger? Well, that depends on you. Generally it’s recommended that adults get 8 hours of sleep; however, there are people who can function just fine on less. Others need at least 9 hours of sleep to feel refreshed. If you feel tired and sluggish in the morning, or require an alarm clock to get up (yes, I’m serious); you’re not getting enough sleep. If you get as much sleep as your body will allow and still feel sluggish in the morning, you may have a serious sleep disorder and should see a doctor.

So if you want to look younger and feel better, head to bed.

Ground Oat Body Scrub

Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons rolled oats ground
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 Tablespoons aloe vera
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:
Put rolled oats in blender and blend into a very fine powder. Place oats in small mixing bowl. Add brown sugar and lemon juice. Mix well. Once mixed, add aloe vera and stir into a paste being sure there are no lumps. Dampen the skin you will be applying paste to and massage paste onto skin. Rinse with warm water. Double the recipe to use over entire body.

Mexican Chicken Wraps

Ingredients:
2 cups skinless boneless chicken breast, cooked and cubed
1/2 cup light sour cream
1/2 cup chunky salsa
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce
4 cholesterol free flour tortillas about 10 inches in diameter

Instructions:
Combine salsa, mayonnaise, and the sour cream. Then mix in the cheddar cheese and chicken. Evenly scoop onto the tortillas and sprinkle with lettuce. Fold over the sides and serve.

Trouble Conceiving? Tips for Raising Your Chances

Everywhere you look, it seems like everyone has a baby. Maybe it’s your neighbors, friends, or just famous people on T.V. This can make the fact that you can’t seem to get pregnant even more disconcerting.

Before you get frustrated or upset, remember that your chances of having a child are better than they’ve ever been. Not only are there new technologies to help you have a child, there’s also more extensive research on what helps and hurts your chances of conception.

Here are a few tips to help start you on the track to having your own child.

Consult a Professional
If you’re having problems conceiving, you should start by seeing health care professional. While many people’s fertility problems can be solved without medical intervention, it’s best to make sure you don’t require treatment in order to have a child. The man should be tested first because fertility testing is much easier for males.

Cut Back on Your Bad Habits
Consuming alcohol and caffeine, and smoking can all decrease fertility factors in men and women. In the case of smoking, these effects may be permanent; so start quitting today.

Possible Medical Conditions?
When people think of fertility and doctors, they often think of in vitro fertilization and other artificial forms of conception, but that’s not all they can do. For instance, the most common cause of infertility in men is a varicose vein blocking the passage of sperm which can be corrected with a minor surgery. There are other problems that also require simple treatments to fix.

Cut Back on the Sex
It may seem contradictive, but many couples don’t get pregnant because they’re having sex too often. Frequent ejaculation causes the sperm count to be lower because men can only produce sperm so fast. For the highest sperm count, you should wait three days to have sex again. Because of this, a fertility monitor can come in handy so you know when the best time to conceive is. By taking three day breaks, it is very easy to miss your window of opportunity if you’re not careful.

Cut Back on the Stress
Another common cause of infertility is high stress levels. This creates a cyclical problem because the longer it takes you to conceive, the more stressed you get that something might be wrong. You and your spouse should both take time to relax and unwind. You might consider doing yoga together or just giving each other massages at the end of the day.

Watch Your Diet
Eat a healthy, well balanced diet. While most women know they should eat right once they get pregnant, many don’t think about eating good foods while trying to conceive. Your reproductive organs work best when the rest of your body is healthy too. This means eating the foods to stay at your best. Your diets should include organic and natural food products. Eating traditionally grown products can severely inhibit fertility rates. Many foods contain hormones and other chemicals that can throw your natural levels out of whack, decreasing your chances of conceiving.

If your doctor says you’re both fertile, the best method to conceive is to just keep trying. While it may be frustrating, the natural method is usually the best.

Trouble Sleeping? Food Might Help

People with insomnia will try most anything to get to sleep. The endless tossing and turning can be agonizing, so why not try a sleep medicine to get some severely needed rest? Well, because the solution may be much easier than that. Next time you just can’t seem to sleep, try opening the refrigerator for relief instead of the medicine cabinet.

While we tend to overlook it, we all know that food can make us sleepy. After eating a big turkey dinner, it’s hard to do anything but lie down and take a nap. This is because of a chemical you’ve probably heard a lot about in recent years: tryptophan. So what exactly is tryptophan? It actually allows your body to produce an amino acid called L-Tryptophan. This amino acid is essential in the production of the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin. These help slow down the nerve traffic in your brain, relax you, and allow you to think less and sleep more.

While you’ve already felt the relaxing powers turkey has, you probably aren’t too happy about the prospect of eating turkey before bed every single night. Well, the good news is that turkey isn’t the only source of tryptophan. This chemical is found in dairy products, soy, meat (especially poultry), nuts, fish, beans, eggs, hummus and most other high-protein foods. Eating a small amount of these foods shortly before bed time can help you sleep soundly.

The problem with many of the foods that contain tryptophan is that they also contain an amino acid called tyrosine. This produces chemicals that perk you up and make you more energized. Eaten alone, these acids will counteract each other produce no significant effects in either direction. The key to getting rest is to eat other foods that will allow you to utilize the tryptophan and not the tyrosine. Excellent foods for accomplishing this effect are carbohydrates. They encourage your body to produce insulin which “ties up” the tyrosine and allows the tryptophan to reach the brain without competition. Just be sure to avoid too large amounts of carbs and simple sugars. You can produce too much insulin; causing you to wake up not long after you’ve fallen asleep.

Another way to get the full benefit of tryptophan is to eat foods that will increase your brain’s absorption of this amino acid. The best way to do this is with calcium. And we already learned that dairy products are a great source of tryptophan. This is why our mother’s always gave us a warm glass of milk at night to help us rest; because it works.

So, if you just can’t seem to settle down and get to sleep, try a late night meal containing nature’s sleeping pill: tryptophan. Just remember not too eat too much at night or you’ll likely wake up a few hours later. The most effective plan is to have a moderately sized dinner and a small snack an hour or two before bed. If you eat the right foods at bedtime, you’ll bed drifting off to dreamland in no time.

Quick Look Good Tips for the SuperMom

Make-up is an essential part of what makes us feel good...sometimes it's what make you feel like a human. Yet, a little bit of lipstick and some blush is all that is needed for your everyday look before you go out the door. If you’re going out in the evening or have a special event planned, however, you may want to give yourself the full treatment. If that’s the case, here are some quick look good tips for moms.

First, take a shower, wash and blow dry your hair. Grab a glass of wine and give yourself a manicure and pedicure to relax and soothe. NOW you are ready to apply the makeup.

• Use a concealer to hide blemishes or circles under the eyes.
• Apply foundation which matches your skin tone. Use powder to keep both the foundation and concealer intact.
• Use a pencil to floor in your eyebrows, if applicable. If it’s not necessary, ensure your eyebrows are well-defined by plucking excessive hair.
• Next, apply eyeliner with either a pencil or brush.
• Use mascara on upper and lower lashes. Choose a color which compliments your skin tone.
• Apply blush to your cheeks.
• Choose a lipstick color suitable to your skin tone; and use a lip liner to accent. Top it off with a little gloss to give you shine.

Tell the truth; don’t you feel like a million bucks? Along with the outfit you bought for the special occasion, you look and feel terrific, right? Even though you always look your best, special occasions call for a little extra time to take care of you. When you look good, you feel good. Enjoy yourself, you deserve it!

Low-Fat Berry Trifle

Ingredients:
1 8oz package of low-fat cream cheese
2 cups fat-free milk
1 8.5oz package angel food cake (cut into 1-inch slices)
1 8oz package of whipped topping
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup raspberries or blueberries
1 package instant vanilla pudding (low-fat)

Directions:
Beat cream cheese in a large bowl using an electric mixer. Slowly add milk, ½ cupful at a time and mixing well. Add pudding mix and mix well. Gently stir in whipped topping and then fold in fruit.

Arrange 1/3 of the angel cake slices into a serving bowl and top with 1/3 of the pudding and fruit mixture, repeat layers two more times. Refrigerate until set (about 30 minutes) and serve.

Say Goodbye to Bleach and Hello to Lemon Juice

What would you say if I told you that there’s a cleaning product that’s safe and all natural, cleans, disinfects and deodorizes, and doesn’t cost a fortune? You probably wouldn’t believe me. Then you definitely won’t believe me when I tell you that you may have it hidden in the door of your refrigerator.

What’s this magical cleaning product? It’s plain old lemon juice. You can use lemon juice instead of bleach to clean your house safely and effectively. In fact, you can use it in places you wouldn’t consider putting bleach.

When you taste lemon juice, it’s pretty obvious that it’s a strong acid. The beauty of an acid is that they dissolve things water can’t. That includes dirt and also parts of bacteria vital to survival. Cleaning with the power of lemons not only removes dirt, it also disinfects to keep your family safe.

You can mix lemon juice with water and put it in a squirt bottle. You can use it instead of your all purpose cleaner to scrub the kitchen, bathroom, and even clean walls and floors. For extra cleaning power, add a little baking soda and borax. Just be sure to test an inconspicuous area ahead of time to prevent staining. Also, remember that borax is toxic if ingested, so be careful where you spray.

Instead of adding bleach to your whites in the wash, add lemon juice instead. You can also mix lemon juice with cream of tartar and use as a stain remover. After washing, hang your clothes in the sun to dry and you’ll see how white your laundry can be without the smell and dangers of bleach. Plus, you can use the same mixture on your colors. Just don’t leave them out in the sun to dry.

Have you noticed lately that most disinfecting products have an alternative version that smells like lemons? That’s because lemons naturally have a fresh, clean scent. Instead of cleaning with lemon scented chemicals, why not try getting your fresh lemon scented kitchen from actual lemons.

Many people aren’t so happy about cleaning with sponges. And why would they be? Sponges trap all the nasty dirt and bacteria and keep in around for the next time you clean. Plus, they’re a pain to clean. Next time you clean, ditch the sponge and cleaner and pull out a fresh lemon. It’s easy to hold, packed full of cleaning power, and can be thrown away when you’re done.

Not happy with a product that just cleans your house and makes it smell great? Well lemon juice can also be used to polish, shine, and remove tarnish from the copper, chrome, and other metals in your house. All you do is add a little salt or baking soda to a freshly cut lemon and rub it onto the metal’s surface.

For added cleaning power, lemon juice can be mixed with other natural cleaners. We’ve already said that borax and baking soda can help boost your all purpose cleaner. Try mixing lemon juice with baking soda to make a great drain cleaner. It works as well as vinegar and baking soda, but leaves that lemony scent.

These are just a few of the many uses of this powerful cleaner. It’s a great way to leave you house looking a smelling great.

15 Tips to Help Reduce Your Bloating

One of the most uncomfortable feelings in the world is when you’re bloated, right? Clothes do not fit properly, you become irritable, and pain often accompanies the symptom, especially during PMS. While most people who experience bloating are affected by different foods or drinks, here are some tips to help reduce bloating.

1. Reduce your sodium intake. Salt is the number one contributor to bloating.
2. Exercise as much as you can.
3. Avoid foods which are gassy such as cabbage, beans, milk and other vegetables and foods which contain lactose.
4. When eating meals, chew slowly. The old adage of chewing 100 times may be true. Lay down your fork between each bite.
5. Avoid chewing gum to reduce the amount of air you are swallowing.
6. Avoid powdered milk as it contains salt which increases bloating.
7. Too many starchy foods combined with protein contribute to bloating.
8. Try not to drink anything that is very cold, but keep it at room temperature.
9. Do not eat too much of anything. Portion control can reduce bloating.
10. Check to determine what condiments may cause your bloating, such as mayonnaise and the like.
11. Eating processed foods such as mac and cheese can cause bloating due to its high sodium content.
12. Snacks such as chips and certain types of cheese flavored popcorn have high sodium content.
13. Avoid diet sodas and candies.
14. Constipation may also be a factor in bloating. Eat foods rich in fiber.
15. Drink chamomile tea, which is not only good for the digestive system, but reduces bloating as well.

Finally, and this may be hard to take ladies, but experts suggest that avoiding chocolate during your menstrual period will reduce the bloating as well. The reason is because chocolate contains both sugar and dairy, thus contributing to the bloating problem. However, no one can definitively tell you not to eat chocolate, especially when you are PMSing! Between the water retention and the bloating, denying yourself chocolate can be a lethal request.

These tips to help reduce bloating depend upon what actually causes it in your particular case. Keep track of those foods, drinks, and habits which contribute to it. Once you ascertain the cause, you’ll most likely never have to deal with it again.

Homemade Lotion Softens Your Skin

Do you have irritated and dry skin? Try this homemade recipe for lotion to soften it up.

Ingredients:
1 cup dried chamomile
4 Tablespoons honey
1 cup milk
8 teaspoons wheat germ

Directions:
Place milk in small sauce pan on low heaat. Add chamomile and allow to simmer on low for a couple of hours. Pour through a strainer to remove any remaining dried chamomile. Place wheat germ and honey to liquid mixing well. Use as a lotion over entire body. Lotion stays fresh in the refrigerator for one week.

Sausage, Bean and Cheese Dip Cajun Style

Ingredients:
1 can chili-seasoned diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon hot sauce
2 teaspoon cajun seasoning
2 can pinto or red kidney beans (16 ounce) , rinsed, drained and mashed with a fork
1 cup chopped green bell-pepper
1/2 cup diced reduced-fat smoked sasage
Cooking spray
4 cups freshly shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Baked Tortilla chips

Directions:
Preheat ove to 350 F. Mix together tomatoes, water, hot sauce, cajun seasoning, beans, green bell-pepper, and smoked sausage. Spray 2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Place mixture into casserole dish. Bake for 30 minutes or until boiling. Sprinkle cheese over the top and bake for 5 more minutes. Best if served with low-fat tortilla chips.

Bowflex Home Gym

Turn on the TV on any given day and you will find infomercials promoting the Bowflex Home Gym series. With so many enthusiasts trying to find the best method to exercise during their free time, this home gym serves as an excellent source for a total body workout. Let’s take a look at what this Bowflex Home Gym has to offer.

The Bowflex Home Gym delivers over 60 gym-quality exercises that allow you to work your chest, arms, back, legs, and more. This home gym provides 210 lbs. of resistance, is constructed from sturdy steel, incorporates comfortable vinyl cushion seating, and folds to a compact size for storage. Assembly is not included. Features include: Bowflex Power Rods, upgradeable to 310 or 410 pounds; lat tower with angled lat bar, lower pulley/squat station, leg extension/leg curl attachment, sliding seat for rowing; folds to a compact size of 52 by 38 inches; and a five-year warranty.

The benefits in owning the Bowflex Home gym are immeasurable. It can be set up in two hours since all of the necessary components are well packed. The instructions are very easy to follow. The Power Rods provide very smooth resistance and wonderful range of motion. The resistance builds as you flex the power rods, and is very easy on the joints at the beginning of the motion; yet still provide enough to break down your muscles toward the end of the motion. The DVD provides instruction for basic 15 exercises, and the manual covers over 60 different exercises. The weight and type of exercises are easy to change, and will not interfere with your workout.

While the Bowflex is approximately 7 feet tall, it should be noted it takes up a huge amount of space. It has wheels, but you will not be able to fit it through most doors, so think long and hard before you decide which room you will place it. As with any other piece of exercise equipment, if you make good use of it, the price is worth it. With its solid construction, warranty, variety, ease of motion and operation, this is one terrific long term value.


Where Can You Buy It? Amazon.com

Could Your Headache Be a Migraine?

Do you have headaches which seem to linger on and on no matter what type of over-the-counter medication you take? Is the pain located on one side of your head? Do you become sensitive to light and sound? Do you feel sick from it? If you answer yes to any of these questions, it is most likely the case that it’s not a headache at all, but a terrible migraine.

It is estimated that more than 29 million Americans suffer from migraines, and unfortunately women are affected more than men. What complicates this further is that most migraines are attributed to sinus infections or tension headaches.

Migraines are typically caused by stress, skipping a meal, lack of sleep, medications, sunlight, TV, certain foods, or loud constant noise. The pain is caused when brain cells set off a specific nerve which releases chemicals that cause swelling of the blood vessels on the surface of the brain. The result is a pain felt around the eye or temple area.

Not easily diagnosed, routine CT scans may be performed to determine if there are any other underlying causes. This is certainly no comfort to those who experience migraines. While there are many reasons why someone would develop migraines, it is suggested by doctors that a diary is kept to determine the frequency of the migraines and what event played a role in its onset.

Accordingly, the FDA has approved three over-the-counter medications to treat migraines. Whether or not they are effective, only the individual experiencing the pain can determine. However, it should be noted that some of these medications can cause side effects. Moreover, more potent medications have also been approved by the FDA to control the incidents of migraines. However, these also may have adverse effects.

Another type of therapy, one that has been used as an alternative to drugs, is biofeedback. Using a specific type of equipment which monitors physical tension, a migraine patient has the ability to control the catalyst which contributes to the stress. After a certain amount of time, the patient can then use this technique without equipment to either stop the attack or minimize its effects.

Migraines are and can be debilitating. Whether you choose drug therapy or biofeedback therapy, it is up to you to decide which treatment is most effective and carries with it less risk in developing side effects.

Ham, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:
3 cups French Bread, cubed
1 cup reduced fat ham, diced
Non-fat cooking spray
Egg Beater =to 1 egg, beaten lightly
1 1/3 cup fat-free milk
1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
1/4 teaspoons garlic powder
1/4 teaspoons onion powder
1/4 teaspoons paprika
1/8 teaspoons black pepper
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup fat-free cheese, grated

Directions:
Place cubed bread into a Pyrex dish and spray with cooking spray. Sprinkle evenly with red pepper, ham and cheese. Mix together the egg substitute, milk, onion powder, black pepper, and garlic powder and pour over bread cubes also. Sprinkle with paprika. Refrigerate covered for 3 hours before baking. When the casserole is ready for baking, preheat the oven to 350 F. Cook for until browned (approximately 40 minutes).

Dr. Bronner's Soap

For natural/non-toxic cleaning products, you may want to try Dr. Bronner’s soap. Made from organic oils, it consists of: Saponified Organic Coconut, Organic Palm and Organic Olive Oils (with Retained Glycerin), Water, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Natural Bitter Almond Fragrance, Salt, Citric Acid, and Vitamin E.

Available in a wide variety of liquids and solids, Dr. Bronner’s Soap comes in Almond, Peppermint, Lavender, All One Hemp Tea Tree, Aloe Vera Baby Mild, Rose and Eucalyptus.

Here are what customers have to say about Dr. Bronner’s Soaps: “Dr. Bronner's is really fantastic stuff! I keep finding more and more uses for it around the house. I have replaced all of our toxic synthetic chemical products with this! The only thing I find it terrible for is washing windows, it leaves a film and you spend more time removing the film than the dirt! Otherwise, this stuff can easily replace 6-10 products around the home.

Almond is my favorite for a nice mild and pleasing scent! Be warned of the Peppermint, even though the peppermint is natural, it is extremely strong smelling. So strong, it can cause irritation for some people. I would recommend Peppermint for hand soap, dishes, laundry, and anything outdoors. I would use something like Unscented, Lavender or Almond for general house cleaning, body soap and shampoo. I have dry skin. Up to this point I have been using Ivory Soap and it is horrible on my skin. A couple days of using Bronners, and my skin is back to being normal! I love how this product rinses off so easily and leaves no films.”

Another user wrote: “This is a great soap. You can also use it as an ingredient for a natural cleaner (non commercial cleaner) and use it to clean around the kitchen, bathroom and house. Just mix a little lemon juice, soap, and water and you can kill a lot of germs around the house naturally.”

This user commented: “This product is by far the best soap for bathing. I use it by putting just a small squirt which foams up into a massive amount of suds. You will notice after using this soap that you don't need skin lotion anymore - you don't suffer dryness, cracking etc., especially caused by mass-produced products full of chemicals. All of the different soap scents are wonderful and have a noticeable difference. Peppermint will truly make you feel much cooler. Eucalyptus makes you feel warmer and clears your sinuses. Lavender is very soothing and relaxing; and rose induces a happy state of mind. Also this product can be used for tons of other things around the house and is far superior to other products. You can clean anything with this stuff. I've also used it as a pest spray for my garden. The product is made by a very nice group of spiritual folks who are carrying on the philosophies of Dr. Bronner as printed on his labels, and they strictly adhere to green practices and ingredients. They've been making this for a very long time and hopefully will continue on forever! Definitely try any of the Dr. Bronner products, they are truly amazing.”

Where Can You Buy It? Amazon.com

Endometriosis - The 4 Stages

So, you or a loved one has been diagnosed with endometriosis, and been told what stage the disease is at, but you’re not really sure what this means. Maybe your doctor will soon be doing a procedure to determine the stage and you need more information. Either way, it is important to know exactly what endometriosis is and what the different stages mean.

The endometrium is a layer of cells that grow inside the uterus in preparation for the fertilized egg implanting. If no egg implants, the endometrial cells are shed and women experience a period. In women with endometriosis, this process does not occur quite so smoothly.

Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrium grows into the tissue surrounding the uterus, most often the ovaries. Instead of flowing out of the body during menstruation, the tissue stays in the other areas and eventually grows and scars.

The stage of the disease is determined by several factors, including:

* The location of the growths
* The superficiality or depth of the growths in organs
* How stuck together organs are
* The growth rate of the area

Your doctor can confirm your diagnosis and determine the stage of the disease by doing a simple surgery called a laparoscopy. This is when a camera is inserted into the affected area so the doctor can see the extent of the damage.

When doing a laparoscopy, the doctor will determine the severity of each of these factors and assign numbers. The total number that is reached determines what stage you are. Here is a general description of each stage.

Stage 1: Less than 5. This is considered a very mild case. Adhesions (thin strings of scar tissue spread from one area to another) are superficial, thin and filmy.

Stage 2: 6 to 15. This is still a mild form of the disease. This also includes thin, filmy adhesions, but the patient also has superficial and deep implants of endometrial cells.

Stage 3: 16 to 40. This is moderate endometriosis. Implants are also superficial and deep, but the adhesions are still filmy, but more dense.

Stage 4: Greater than 40. This is the most severe case of the disease. Many women with stage 4 experience infertility because the growths are so severe. This includes deep and superficial implants, but the adhesions are very dense. In very few women, the adhesions will have spread past the lower abdominal cavity.

It is important for women to realize that pain is not a good indicator of the stage of the illness. While it makes sense for symptoms to increase as the disease progresses, many women have severe pain and other complications from only mild cases. In addition, some women never experience visible symptoms. They only find out they have endometriosis during fertility testing and other procedures.

Knowing the stage of your disease will help your doctor determine and appropriate treatment plan for you. However, the stage of your disease has nothing to do with how you’ll respond to treatment. A patient with stage 1 endometriosis may respond poorly to treatment while someone with a higher stage could respond very well. Stage is also not a good indicator of whether or not your disease will reoccur once it is under control.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

We all want a sparkling, white smile. In fact, many people spend hundreds of dollars a year in search of the perfect shade of white for their teeth. You can get toothpaste, paints, gels, strips, and even light treatments to take the ugly stains off your teeth. With all the options available today, you have to wonder if they’re safe. Many will advocate that whitening ruins the enamel and root of the tooth and leaves it damaged and vulnerable, but what really is the truth?

Most tray based whitening gel systems on the market today have a 10 percent carbamide peroxide solution as their active ingredient. Many studies have been conducted and they’ve shown that, at these concentrations, there is no damage to the enamel of the tooth. You may want to consider using a fluoride toothpaste if you’re concerned about enamel damage. This will help strengthen teeth and repair any possible damage. A disadvantage of these methods is that, because they use lower, safer levels of chemicals; they’re not as effective at whitening teeth as the products a dentist uses. They are; however, a lot cheaper.

There are other home based systems for teeth whitening including toothpastes, strips, and paints. These use the same or less abrasive materials than gel trays, so they are safe to use without damaging enamel. Remember that the less whitening solution a product has, the less effective it will be.

Dentist offices use the same type of solution as over the counter methods; however, they tend to offer higher concentrations so the whitening is more effective. Studies have shown that these concentrations may harm tooth enamel. Most of these treatments not contain fluoride or are offered with a fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel and reverse or prevent the damage from the whitening agent. Because of the safety issues, you should always express you concerns to the dentist and ask what options are available to protect your precious smile.

There has been some concern raised that these types of treatments may be considered carcinogens because they break down into free radicals. They also have suggested that teeth whitening may cause root damage to teeth. There have been extensive research studies and there is no evidence to support either of these claims

The problem with many whitening products, even very weak ones such as toothpastes, is that they can cause a problem for people with sensitive teeth. The treatments tend to worsen the level of sensitivity to hot and cold. If you have sensitive teeth, you should discuss treatment options with your dentist. They may be able to suggest whitening treatments that aren’t as harsh on sensitive teeth. You may experience pain when using at-home whitening trays, or gum pain after treatment, even if you don’t have sensitive teeth. If this occurs, you should talk to your doctor.

The bottom line is, as long as you use the treatments properly and follow your dentist’s instructions, teeth whitening is a safe and easy way to brighten up your smile.

Home Treatment for Chlorinated Hair

Need some relief from your sun-damaged, over-chlorinated hair? Try this home remedy:


Ingredients:
1 egg
1 eggshell's worth of olive oil
1 peeled cucumber quartered

Directions:
Break egg into glass bowl. Pour olive oil in egg shell measure then add to egg. Blend well. Place peeled cumcumber quarter into mixture and blend well making sure cucumber is mashed and mixed in well. Blend into hair beginning at the roots and working to the ends until hair is completely covered. Allow to stay in hair for ten to fifteen minutes. Rinse hair thoroughlywith warm water to remove. Best if treatment is used once a month all year long.

Self Breast Exams - What Are You Looking For?

One of the most important things a woman can do to protect her health is performing a monthly breast self exam. This is the first line of defense you have against breast health. It can help you learn what healthy breasts look and fell like, so you can detect a problem more easily.

Most people think breast self exams are solely for the purpose of finding lumps in the breast. The first step of the exam is to visually examine your breasts in the mirror. This way you can see outwards signs of a breast health problem, including:

• Dimpling. You may notice a rippling or “pulling” of the breast skin and tissue.
• Color changes. A darkening of the breast could be a sign of trouble.
• Texture changes. Deep tissue changes are important, but you should also pay attention to what the skin on the outside of your breasts feels and looks like.
• Size. It’s normal for your breasts to be uneven, but one shouldn’t be getting larger at a faster rate than the other once you’re past puberty.
• Fluid. Any fluid coming from the nipple other than breast milk is a cause for concern. You should see a doctor immediately if there is blood coming from the nipple.
• Nipple changes. Notice the size and shape, and general appearance of your nipples.

In addition to these other conditions, you should feel your breast looking for lumps. Most breasts have a lumpy of fibrous texture, that’s why it’s important to look for changes, as opposed to simple lumps.

You should also be aware of the texture in each area of your breast and notice lumps that appear in a location they normally don’t. For example, most women have a lumpier texture in the upper portion of their breasts, and a sandier texture underneath. If you notice a lump in an area where your breasts normally feel sandy, this may be cause for concern.

Most women will have lumps that appear naturally and then disappear by their next cycle. You should be aware of lumps that appear suddenly and don’t disappear, or that change or grow over time.

Many women with naturally lumpy breasts can get frustrated because it’s hard to remember every lump and notice changes. In this case, you can keep a journal every month. Write down how your breasts normally feel and any changes you notice from the month before. While this may seem embarrassing, it could save your life.

If you do notice a problem with your breasts, don’t panic. Not all issues are due to breast cancer. Schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible so they can perform tests. Don’t ever put off getting a problem looked at. Early detection could be the key to saving your life.

Cool Off Watermelon and Fruit Salsa

Ingredients:
2 cups variety of fruit (strawberries, kiwi, berries, peaches, etc.)
1 seedless watermelon (or other seedless melon of your choice)
1/4 cup bottled sangria or sparkling white grape juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions:
Slice the melon of your choice into 4 pieces 1/2 inch thick and refrigerate. Cut fruit into small bite sized pieces. To make the salsa combine fruit pieces in a bowl with sangria or white grape juice. Toss together, cover and refrigerate for 2 to 5 hours. When ready to serve, sprinkle lemon juice over melon slices and top with salsa.

5 Reasons to Use a Sunless Tanner

It is well-known that over-exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause skin cancer. It is also a known fact that tanning beds emit more UV rays than the sun, and are more likely to cause skin cancer, as well. In order to avoid developing skin cancer via sunbathing or tanning beds, here are five reasons sunless tanning is better for you.

1. According to the American Cancer Society, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Ultraviolet rays and tanning beds can all cause skin cancer. In fact, they estimate that five or more sunburns more than doubles your risk of developing skin cancer.

2. According to the Academy of Dermatology, the sun’s rays are more damaging today than in recent years. One doctor related that most people associate bronzed skin with good health. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

3. Sunless tanning can be done in the privacy of your own home. It is important to test the product first. The last thing you want to do is to reveal an “orange” tan. Apply the sunless tanning lotion you’re going to use to a small area on your skin and wait 24 hours to see how it works.

4. Sunless tanners are perfectly safe. Before applying the tanner, use exfoliates to remove dead skin. Experts say it will remove any scaly patches and make the application of the tanning lotion more effective.

5. Sunless tanning can be accomplished over a period of time, no matter what time of year. Don’t go full out for the bronzed look, but a little over time will give you the desired results.

Sunless tanning lotions are in. Whether lotions, gels, foams, creams, sprays, or the many varieties available today, there is no need to risk getting skin cancer anymore.

*Please remember your new bronzed skin is still susceptible to the sun's rays - always use sunscreen whenever outside and exposed to the sun!

11 Tips to Help Keep Your Skin in Shape this Summer

While we all have different complexions, summer is a time when we have to be extra careful when exposing our skin to the sun.

Here are tips to keep your skin in shape this summer:

1. Use Sunscreen - This is the most effective way in which to shield your skin from the sun’s rays. Use SPF30 sun block and apply it every 20 minutes.
2. Seek out Shade - Whether at the beach or sunbathing in your backyard pool, try to stay out of the sun when the heat is most intense, between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm.
3. Take Cover - Wear brimmed hats and light colored clothing to cover your arms and legs.
4. Use Mild Soaps - Do not use strong abrasives on your skin. Cleanse your skin with warm water and mild soap.
5. Use Natural Products - For sensitive skin, try not to use harsh products whose chemicals can cause irritation to your skin.
6. Use a Moisturizer - You can use baby oil which will not only protect your skin put prevent it from becoming too dry.
7. Sunscreen the Sensitive Parts - When sunbathing, use the sunscreen particularly on the most sensitive parts of your body such as shoulders, back of your legs, and neck as these areas are most vulnerable.
8. Protect Your Eyes - Wear sunglasses when exposed to the sun to help protect your eyes.
9. Be Gentle When Removing Makeup - Gently remove makeup with cotton balls so as to not to irritate the area around your eyes.
10. Be Gentle When Drying - When bathing or showering, it is important not to completely rid your body of its essential oils. Therefore, don’t vigorously dry your body with a towel, but simply pat it dry and add moisturizer afterwards.
11. Beware Razor Burns - Before you prepare to shave your legs and underarms, use any of the shaving creams or lotion products available. The last thing you need is to expose your legs to the sun if they have razor burns.

If you follow these tips to keep your skin in shape this summer, you will no doubt avoid any further damage to your skin and be able to enjoy the summer activities you have planned.

Natural Sunburn Relief

While there are many over the counter topical creams and anti-inflammatory medications you can use to alleviate the pain and soreness associated with sunburn, there are natural sunburn relief products which can relieve the discomfort as well.

Try some of these to get that relief you need:

• Aloe Vera, which is used in the treatment of burn victims, is quite effective in the treatment of sunburn. Simply apply a thin layer to the affected area and repeat the application every hour. Aloe Vera plants are beautiful and easy to use, just break off a part of one of the leaves and use the soothing ointment inside to rub on your sunburn.
• Herbal teas can offer a respite from the discomfort of sunburn as well. Non-herbal black tea is one of them. Steep six bags in four cups of hot water, cool, and apply it to the affected area with a cotton cloth. In fact, tea bags have long been known to alleviate puffiness and burns to the eyes as well. Place a cooled teabag on each closed eyelid, lie down, and let the tea do its work.
• Try an herbal bath using either chamomile or lavender essential oils. This is another effective means by which you can relieve severe sunburn symptoms. You may want to try tea tree oil, which helps heal skin burns and other skin irritations, and products rich with it can be helpful as well.
• Apply cold compresses by using cool tap water on a cotton towel and apply it to the affected areas. A cool bath is also recommended. Do not shower as the pulsating water on your sunburned skin will cause further pain.
• An oatmeal bath will not only relieve the itchiness accompanying dried sunburned skin, but sooth and alleviate the burn as well. There is powdered oatmeal available with which you can add to a tub of cool bathwater.

While some people look forward to getting a great summer tan, bathing in the sun too long can have caustic affects. Use SPF 15 or higher sun block, depending on your skin tone, to prevent severe burning. Apply it before you go out into the sun and every 20 minutes thereafter.

The rule of thumb when sunbathing is: 20 minutes in the sun and 20 minutes out of the sun. In this way, you can acquire a tan comfortably and safely.

Banana Boat Sport Sunblock

A product which has been receiving rave reviews in the sunblock arena is Banana Sport UVA & UVB Sunblock. This product provides a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB protection. It is not only hypoallergenic, but non-greasy, and fragrance free.

For those with sensitive skin, Banana Boat Sport has the product for you. While this lotion has an SPF of 15, Banana Boat Sport comes in a variety of SPF levels ranging from 8 to 50. In fact, the makers of this product recommend that if you are light or fair, you should use SPF 50 if you intend to stay in the sun for five hours or more. It should be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure. It is waterproof and sweatproof, but should be reapplied after swimming or when drying off with a towel.

Banana Boat Sport UVA & UVB Sunblock comes in a handy tube, and has been recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as a safe and effective sun screen.

As with most sunblocks, using the proper SPF level and applying it generously will protect you from the sun’s rays. In addition, wearing sun brimmed hats, sunglasses, and light clothing are additional safeguards to protect you from the sun.

Those who have used Banana Boat Sport comment on the fact that is feels more like a moisturizer than anything else. It has a light, fluffy body to it, and it not at all oily. Very light-scented, it washes off easily and does not have to be reapplied at all because it lasts so long.
In fact, some have gone so far as to say Banana Boat Sport is the most comfortable to wear waterproof sunblock they have found. Finally, the general consensus is that this sunblock does exactly what is says it does.

As we all know, with summer approaching, protecting the skin against cancer and premature aging is of utmost importance. Therefore, if you want a product that is not only effective but gives you the protection you need, try Banana Sport Boat UVA & UVB Sunblock.

Where can you buy it? Amazon.com

Turkey and Avocado Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts

Ingredients:
2 cups of cooked and sliced turkey (you can use Rotisserie deli turkey)
1 large avocado sliced
2 red apples, cored and sliced
Bunch of mixed salad leaves

Dressing:
3 tablespoons apple juice
3 tablespoons low-fat natural yogurt
1 teaspoon clear honey
1 teaspoon mustard
2 oz of toasted pine nuts for garnish

Directions:
Place all the salad items in a large bowl and gently toss together. In a separate bowl mix all the dressing ingredients together except the pine nuts. Pour dressing over the salad and top with toasted pine nuts. To toast the pine nuts, place a little olive oil or non stick spray in a non stick frying pan and toast the pine nuts for approximately 2 minutes.

The Benefits of Fish Oil to Your Body

In the past decade, researchers have been studying fish consumption and the benefits it brings to the body. Fish and fish oils have been shown to decrease the negative effects of cardiovascular disease (CVD) on the human body. The way this has been done is through the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids. What are omega-3 fatty acids? You'll learn that and more on how they help to treat patients with CVD and those without who may be at risk later in life.

CVD is a big problem in this country. With obesity and diabetes amongst the population at staggering highs, it has become more prevalent. Clogged arteries are leading to strokes and death. Plaque riddled coronary arteries are leading to thromboses and heart attacks. Controlling the diet is the major way to reduce a person’s risk for these types of health problems.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found naturally in fish, their oils, and plants sources, such as flaxseed, canola, soybeans, and the oils of each. There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and alpha linolenic acid (LNA). The first two mentioned have the most benefit on the heart and its health. The last omega-3 fatty acid is found mainly in plant sources. The first two are found in fish that are have a high fat content, but low saturated fat content. This is important. There are good fats and bad fats. Foods that contain fully saturated fats are worse than those fats are mono- or poly-unsaturated. These fish include: mackerel, salmon, trout, and tuna.

The recommended dose of omega-3 fatty acids is at least two to three days a week from natural sources such as those I’ve already named. Consuming fish and plant sources on a regular basis seems to reduce the risk of that person developing the precursors to CVD and its related conditions. Change in diet alone is enough if you have never been diagnosed with any heart related abnormalities.

For those individuals with a history of CVD, fish consumption is also recommended. Depending on how advanced their condition, supplements of DHA and EPA may be prescribed by the doctor. As with any supplements, make sure that you get the doctor’s okay before taking them, because they could do more harm than good if too much is used.

What the research shows to be true is the following:

• The incidence of blood clots causing sudden heart attacks is decreased
• Blood pressure lowers
• Arterial plaque growth is retarded
• The level of triglycerides in the blood is lowered
• Decreased level of cardiac arrhythmias

More research still needs to be done to investigate any other properties of omega-3 fatty acids on the body. But, for now, we know that fish and fish oil keep the heart pumping fine.

Blueberries - What are the Health Benefits?

Forget about the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Recent studies now confirm that blueberries have far more beneficial effects than apples.


Here are some of the great health benefits of blueberries:

• Have you become forgetful? You know, misplaced the car keys or can’t remember someone’s name. Well the good news is that blueberries, consumed on a daily basis in a bowl of cereal, for example, can improve memory.
• Blueberries ranked the highest in antioxidant properties, and have been proven to aid in the anti-aging process. Moreover, blueberries are known to restrict the harmful effects that free radicals can cause. Not all free radicals are considered harmful, but some can cause damage to our cells, as well as cause various types of cancer. The older we become, the more difficult it is to safeguard against these free radicals. By consuming blueberries, we have a better chance of minimizing the damage.
• Blueberries have also shown to lower cholesterol, which is a major problem among many people today.
• Research has proven that a specific component in blueberries reduces the chances of urinary tract infections by preventing bacteria from lining the walls of the urinary tract.
• Blueberries have effective anti-inflammatory, anti-blood clotting, and antibacterial effects. In fact, they have been used in cases of diarrhea and food poisoning.
• Studies have also shown that blueberries can improve eyesight, and are thought to help in reducing eye fatigue.
• Researchers feel there is a great chance that blueberries can help in the fight against obesity and heart disease. But the most exciting news is that it may be linked in the fight against cancer.

A half cup of blueberries a day can make all the difference in fighting off potential health problems. The next time you go to your supermarket, pick up a pound of fresh blueberries or a bag of frozen blueberries. You will see remarkable results after a few weeks.

3 Herbal Teas and Their Benefits to Your Health

While herbal remedies have been used in some cultures for centuries, other societies have just begun to accept their benefits. Even now, some people still rely on modern medicine for problems that can be treated effectively with an herbal remedy because they are leery about them. A great way to get the benefits of herbs without taking supplements is to brew them into a tea. You then get the benefits along with a great tasting drink. Here are three great herbal teas and what they can do to help you.

Valerian Tea
Valerian has been used for centuries to help with a whole host of medical problems. Most recently it has been used to calm nerves and even soothe severe anxiety and restlessness. It is a great tea to enjoy at the end of the day when you want to unwind and relax. Because it acts as a sedative, Valerian is often used to cure insomnia and get a restful night’s sleep. It is commonly used to help with cramps and digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.
You should also be wary of continued use because it can become addictive and produce withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it.

When making Valerian tea, do not use boiling water. You can decrease its potency; just use hot water.

Echinacea
Want to be able to strengthen your immune system and better fight off viruses like that flu? Or course you do. That’s why you should try to drink Echinacea tea regularly. This tea stimulates your t cells and helps boost interferon production; both essential parts of immune functioning
A few people may be allergic to Echinacea, so if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction or an asthma attack, see a doctor immediately.

Hawthorn

If you’re looking for a natural, effective way to help improve your heart function and circulation, you should try hawthorn tea. This herb has been known to help the heart, relieve blood pressure problems, lower cholesterol, and improve circulation. It’s also an antioxidant which means it helps prevent cancer and improves overall health.

Before drinking herbal teas, taking herbal supplements, or taking any medications, you should talk to your doctor. Herbs can have side effects, complications, and drug interactions; just like prescription meds. You doctor will be able to tell you if it’s safe for you to use certain herbs or not.

If used properly, herbal teas can be a great way to naturally improve your health and help you live a happier life. If you benefit from these teas, there are many other options that you can try to maintain good health.

Cranberry Pecan Couscous Salad in Lemon

Tangy, crimson-colored dried cranberries and toasted pecans are a dynamic combination in this special salad. If you plan to make it more than 2 hours in advance, hold back on adding the cucumbers until serving time so they will retain their special crunch.

Ingredients:
1 cup shelled pecans
1 1/2 cups couscous
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
2 cups boiling water
1 cup thawed frozen peas
3 scallions, very thinly sliced
2 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and diced
1/4 cup shredded fresh basil


Lemon Dressing Ingredients:
Zest of 1 lemon
1/3 cup lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 /2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup olive oil


Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toast pecans in a shallow pan until fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes. Set aside. Place the couscous, cranberries, and turmeric in a large bowl. Pour in the boiling water, stir, then cover the bowl with a large plate or foil. Let sit for 10 minutes. Remove cover and fluff the couscous with a fork. Cover again and let sit 5 more minutes. Stir in the pecans, peas, scallions, cucumbers, and basil.


Combine dressing ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously. Pour over the couscous mixture and stir. Let the salad sit at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend. If longer than 1 hour, cover and chill, but then bring the salad to room temperature before serving.

The Sommercizing Diet Plan

The Sommersizing Diet was founded by Suzanne Somers and The Sommersizing books have made the best seller lists.

The diet is based around eating the right type of carbohydrates and good fats and also food combining. The believe is that if you eat low glycemic index carbohydrates your blood sugars and insulin levels will remain stable allowing your body to burn more fat.

You are also encouraged to food combine, which involves eating meat, full fat dairy products and vegetables together without carbohydrates or fruit. You can also eat whole grain carbohydrates alone with vegetables but no meat or dairy. Fruit should always be consumed on its own preferably on an empty stomach.

There are also a list of foods you should completely avoid. There are specific guidelines in The Suzanne Somers Diet Book which explains in full detail when to eat fruit during the day, how to effectively combine your meals and many recipes as well.

This diet takes a little getting used to but unlike the Atkins diet or other low carb diets you are allowed to eat the right type of carbohydrates from day one and throughout the diet as long as you eat them in the right combinations in relation to other foods.

The diet consist of two stages:

• Sommersizing Stage One: This is the stricter phase of the diet where you must fully food combine and avoid all sugar, you are allowed to use the Sommersizing sweetener. You must also avoid all caffeine and alcohol.
• Sommersizing Stage Two: This is the least restrictive and final phase of the diet. You start this phase once you reach your goal weight and stay on it for life. During this phase you are allowed to eat chocolate and drink red wine in moderation. You can also create slight imbalances during food combining, such as adding pine nuts to your whole wheat pasta.

Insomnia and Depression - a Common Link

Many people already know that depression can be a major cause of insomnia. When you’re so worried about life, it’s hard to clear your mind and get a good night’s sleep. But did you know that lack of sleep may lead to depression? Here is some information to help you understand the link between these two pressing problems.

When you think of a depressed person, you may picture them lying in bed all day, but even though they may not want to leave their bedroom, that doesn’t mean they’re sleeping. While only 15% of clinically depressed people get more sleep than when they’re feeling fine, more than 80% of them don’t get enough sleep. In fact, one of the best indicators of depression is someone who wakes up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep. While they tend to get about 6 hours of sleep a night, it’s still enough of a loss to become a problem.

So, does this mean you treat the depression and the sleep disorder goes away? Probably not. Recent studies have shown that the sleep disorder is what starts the cycle, not the depression. Many patients with clinical depression had trouble sleeping for up to five weeks before experiencing depression symptoms. If the person is treated for the sleep disorder while they are still in a normal emotional state, many of them don’t become depressed. However, as mentioned earlier, depression feeds the sleep disorder as well; once a person becomes depressed, their sleep disorder tends to worsen. Current research is pointing towards the fact that while insomnia may not cause depression, treating insomnia may result in fewer depressive episodes for someone diagnosed with clinical depression.

Research has shown that depression not only affects how much sleep a person gets, it also determines what kind of sleep they have. Someone with depression has a short and sometimes barely existent early stage of sleep. Instead of going through the normal sleep cycles, the brain skips forward to REM sleep; the type of sleep that lets us deal with our emotions and convert memories. Their brain also tends to stay in this stage longer than non depressed people. Besides skipping important and vital stages of sleep, depressed people may get different effects from REM sleep than non depressed people. They tend to convert memories incorrectly and put them in a more negative light. Researchers also think that depressed people and their families have this type of REM sleep even if they are not depressed.

It should be noted that these studies have been done on people with unipolar depression. These are people who get depressed, but never enter a manic phase. For those with manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, inability to sleep is completely different than in unipolar patients. It is actually normally associated with the manic phase of the disorder.

While the exact relationship between sleep and depression hasn’t been completely determined, it is obvious that there is a definite link between the two conditions. What is known is that if you are prone to depression and are experiencing insomnia, you should seek treatment immediately to avoid having a depressive episode.

Natural Jewelry Cleaners - Complete Kit

The truth is, at some point or another, our jewelry needs a good cleaning. Well here is the kit that will do it! Non-toxic Jewelry Cleaner will clean all fine and fashion jewelry gemstones, and comes with a unique jewelry polish to remove tarnish from gold, platinum, titanium and sterling silver jewelry. This product increases the luster of pearls; removes tarnish from platinum, gold, titanium and sterling silver jewelry; restores original finish to all precious jewelry metals; restores original finish to Tiffany Sterling Silver Link chains; and is safe for all jewelry gemstones and jewelry metals.

In addition, you can also purchase the GemCare Natural Jewelry Cleaners - Deluxe Care Kit, which includes GemCare's Natural Diamond & Pearls Jewelry Cleaner to clean all precious and semiprecious gemstones, including pearl jewelry and fine diamond jewelry. It comes with a unique jewelry tarnish remover polish to clean gold, platinum, titanium and sterling silver jewelry metals. To really clean any jewelry metal, you need to remove or clean off the dull tarnish that has covered up the original buffed finish.

This product also comes ammonia and alcohol free; cleans platinum diamond jewelry; gold diamond jewelry; cleans and sparkles Swarovsky crystal bead jewelry; and cleans and removes tarnish from gold, titanium and platinum precious jewelry metals.

Here are what customers had to say about this product: “This is a great jewelry cleaner and I have tried them all! It cleans brilliantly without leaving a film. So if you are looking for something that really works this is it.”

Another reviewer wrote: “I found this product at a wedding show a few years ago. This product is certainly what you will need to make your gold products look new. I highly recommend this for all who want their jewelry to continue to look new and beautiful.”

Finally, this user wrote: “I have been looking for a good jewelry cleaner for a long time. My silver necklaces have been sitting in my jewelry box for years because I couldn’t find a product that worked. I have spent a lot of money buying new silver chains and am tired of it. I have so many pins and rings that were given to me as gifts. I want to wear them. Finally, I found this natural jewelry cleaner not only works like a charm, but has no ammonia or other chemicals in it. I can’t say enough about this product. I can finally wear my jewelry again.”

Having jewelry cleaner which actually does the job, and is natural to boot, is a necessity for those who need to renew their precious gemstones. Check out this product and test it out to determine if what these consumers say is true.

Where can you buy it? Amazon.com

Learning to Say "No" - Make it Your Secret Weapon

Are you suffering from SuperMom burnout? Do you sometimes struggle just to make it through each day? Moms everywhere are breaking down and giving out because they are too chicken to say, “No.” “No” may be a tiny, two-letter word, but it is definitely your secret weapon. And you can say it.

I am dedicating this list of ways you can say "no" (and not feel guilty about it) to my good friend Robyn at One Tough Momma - she admittedly has a LITTLE problem. Take these to heart, Robyn!

• "Sorry, I’m taking a break." The number one reason why you should say, “no” occasionally is simply that you deserve a break. You are chef, chauffeur, dish washer, and more. You job never ends on any given day of the week. You deserve a break.
• "My schedule is full." We tend to jam-pack our schedule full of activities, leaving time for nothing. Cut back on your kids activities (the rule in our household is one activity per season). Start a car pool and share driving responsibilities. Do whatever you can to free up some time in your schedule.
• "I'm really slammed right this second, could I call you back tonight after the kids are in bed?" You’re headed out the door, rushing to the next appointment when the telephone rings. What do you do? Do you come to a screeching halt and answer the phone? Let’s say you do, and it’s a family member, calling to dump their latest woes on you. Do you stand, tapping your foot impatiently while you roll your eyes and listen to the sob story? This is a typical scene for many moms. Unless it is a DIRE emergency, they should understand that you have a busy life too and you will be much better equipped to help them later on after your immediately stress is gone.
• "I have another commitment that day." Say it and mean it. Regularly schedule in time with your family or time alone (and physically write it down in your planner) and if someone ask for your help during that time look in your planner and tell them you have another commitment.

Instead of rushing to be everything to everyone, stop for a moment. Ask yourself if you truly have time for whatever comes up. If not, say no by walking away, turning off the ringer on the phone, or not answering the knock at your door. Always remember that you are a mom—not a super hero. When you have to say no, people will understand; if they don’t at first, they will get used to it eventually.

Find out how to de-stress your life and regain YOU with Journey to Joy!

Good For Your Heart Turkey Reubens

Ingredients:
1/4 cup nonfat Thousand Island salad dressing
8 slices dark rye or pumpernickel bread
8 ounces thinly sliced low-fat, low-sodium cooked turkey or chicken
1/2 cup sauerkraut, rinsed and well drained
4 slices low-fat Swiss cheese (1 1/2 ounces)
Vegetable oil spray


Directions:
Spread salad dressing on 4 slices of bread. Top remaining 4 slices with meat of choice, sauerkraut and cheese. Top with dressing spread bread slices, dressing side down. Spray skillet with vegetable oil. Cook over medium heat until toasted and cheese melts, turning once. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.

5 Great Tips for Controlling Heartburn

Yes, SuperMoms get hearburn too! What with all of the running kids here, there and everywhere; not eating properly and definitely not getting enough sleep. All of these can be contributing factors to ongoing heartburn.


Here are 5 tips to help you keep it under control:

1. Know your triggers. Those who experience heartburn after certain activities can reasonably assume what is causing their episodes. Certain foods can bring on a bout of acid reflux. Spicy or fatty foods can trigger an attack. Fats digest slower in the stomach. Chocolate can also cause heartburn in certain people. If these or other foods such as fruits and juices or tomatoes and tomato products are suspected of causing your heartburn, avoid them.
2. Don’t eat late. Going to bed right after eating is a disaster waiting to happen. The acid needed to break down the food is getting revved up. If you lay down, the contents of the stomach shift causing pressure on the sphincter (valve opening) between the stomach and the esophagus. Acid escapes and travels backwards up the esophagus and back into the mouth.
3. Take a pill. Some people are addicted to their heartburn triggers. If you must have your morning coffee or your weekly dose of Mexican food, head off the heartburn before it starts. Several over-the-counter medications are designed to reduce stomach acid before an episode occurs. Try Pepcid AC® or Zantac®. These products can be taken forty-five minutes to an hour before a meal.
4. Lose weight. If you’ve never experienced heartburn before, but recently it has become a common occurrence, check the scale. If you are overweight, this could be the problem. For men in particular, excess weight is held around the abdominal area. This extra weight puts more pressure on the sphincter causing acid reflux.
5. De-stress. Stress can lead to weight gain, smoking, drinking, and other behaviors that trigger heartburn. If increased pressures at home or work are leaving you frazzled, confide in a friend or professional counselor. A listening ear now can avoid heartburn later.

If you know anyone experiencing heartburn, pass this information along. A little knowledge goes a long way in creating a healthier lifestyle. Help someone else alleviate their heartburn today.

Treating Your Skin...Naturally

There are thousands of products and treatments available to help improve the quality of your skin, but only a small percentage of these are natural. Most beauty products contain harsh, damaging chemicals. Treatments, like chemical peels and botox, can be scary. On top of it all, we really have no idea what most of these treatments and chemicals will do to our skin 20 years down the road. If you want to have great looking skin without dangerous chemicals or procedures, there is a way.

Here are some great tips to keep your skin looking fabulous the natural way:

• Drink more water. All cells need water to function properly. If your skin cells aren’t properly hydrated, waste products build up in your cells and keep them from working right and looking their best. Also, if you don’t drink enough water, your cells will retain as much as they can and you’ll end up looking puffy and bloated.
• Change your diet. You’ve probably heard the phrase “you are what you eat” a lot. If you think about it, this old saying is 100 percent true. Your body is made up of what you put into it. If you want it to work properly and look its best, you need to feed yourself the nutrients it needs and avoid foods that may damage it. For beautiful skin, you should try to get more fiber and “good fats” in your diet and avoid foods with a lot of sugar.
• Improve your circulation. To function properly, our cells need to get plenty of oxygen. If you spend your days sitting at a desk or remaining mostly immobile, your circulation probably isn’t as good as it could be. Increase your circulation by getting more exercise, stretching, or getting regular massages (they don’t need to be professional). You can also use a brush to exfoliate your skin which improves circulation while removing old, dead cells. Not only will this give your skin a better overall look, it can also reduce the appearance of unsightly cellulite.
• Avoid the sun. A little sun is good for you. It provides vitamin D and can help give you a sunny disposition, but too much sun can do terrible damage. Try to use hats, clothes, or sun block to protect yourself from damaging UV rays.
• Use certified natural skin products. Traditional beauty products contain all sorts of unnatural chemicals. Most are there as preservatives, or to give the product a certain scent, color or texture. These chemicals not only have no value to your skin, some may cause cancer and other dangerous problems. That’s why it’s beneficial to use natural products if you want to look your best and stay healthy. Just be sure to check labels, many products will claim they’re natural or organic and only contain one natural or organic ingredient. Be wary of ingredients you can’t pronounce and look for certification seals to be sure you’re getting what you pay for. Not only will these help normal skin, they’re also less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

With a little time, patience, and work, you can have fabulous looking skin in no time.

Tangy Watermelon Juice

Ingredients:
¼ of a small sized watermelon
Juice of one lemon

Tip: Always use organic vegetables and fruit when juicing. Non-organic vegetables contain large amounts of pesticides and other chemicals which are harmful to your body.

Juice according to juicer instructions and enjoy!

Fruit & Veggie Facts:

• Lemons are great for helping the body absorb iron. Also a good source of Vitamin C.
• Watermelon has been shown to help reduce the inflammation that may contribute to asthma, diabetes and arthritis.

Green Tea Extract

Green tea has been traced as far back as over 4000 years ago in China. The medicinal properties of tea have been given serious scientific support. Studies have shown that drinking four cups of green tea a day can reduce the risk of developing stomach and lung cancer as well as heart disease. Green tea contains the cancer-fighting flavonoid ECGC, which is unique in that it seems to fight cancer at all stages, from chemical carcinogens, to suppressing the spread of tumors. Flavonoids are most commonly known for their antioxidant activity. The chemical components in green tea are 100 times more powerful an antioxidant as Vitamin C, and 25 times more powerful than Vitamin E.


Did you know that green tea can even help prevent tooth decay? Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria, which causes dental plaque. Green tea antioxidants have been shown to have a direct effect on lowering cholesterol levels as well. Green tea also causes carbohydrates to be released slowly, preventing sharp increases in blood-insulin levels. This promotes the burning of fat. Many scientists believe there is a connection between all of the components of green tea; and these combined properties account for its health-enhancing properties. Unfermented green tea leaves, by the way, are the most natural way to gain these benefits.


Green tea extract can be purchased in any health food store, supermarket or pharmacy. It is available in several forms including: tablets, powder, capsules, liquid, and as a tea. Capsule forms are known to contain the most antioxidants. Consumers interested in green tea extract benefits, should look for tea products that are the freshest possible, as well as sealed in an airtight container, as green tea does not have a long shelf life.


Green tea extract contains caffeine, which has been known to contribute to problems sleeping when taken before bedtime, as well as irritability, dizziness, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and possible irregular heartbeat in rare cases.

Tips on Reducing Tummy Bloating

For many women, abdominal bloating can be painful, uncomfortable, or just annoying. Bloating is when your tummy feels tight or full, and is usually caused by excess gas. Often bloating is caused by overeating, but if you’re exercising portion control and still feeling tight; here are some other causes and how to treat them.

• Food Intolerance. If you’re not overeating, but feel bloated shortly after you eat; you may have food intolerance. Unlike food allergies, food intolerances are when your body can’t properly digest a certain kind of food. While the most common of these is lactose intolerance, it isn’t the only one. Observe your eating habits. If a specific food makes you feel bloated, try to avoid it.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is when you feel bloated on a regular basis. This occurs when your colon doesn’t work properly. Other symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. If you suspect you have IBS, you should check with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment options. If you have this syndrome; it can be controlled by diet, medicines, fiber supplements, or herbal remedies.
• Period Time. Many women feel bloated during their period. Most attribute this to water weight gain, but studies have shown that most women don’t actually gain weight during their period. Most women simply feel boated as opposed to actually being bloated. These symptoms can be caused by fluctuating hormones, irritability, and depression. The best cure for this is to eat a good diet and exercise. If you still feel bloated, you can try using natural diuretics to get rid of water weight.
• Rare, more serious conditions. If you start to bloat in the abdominal area and it doesn’t go away; don’t just assume you’ve put on weight. Prolonged abdominal bloating can be a symptom of ovarian cancer, liver disease, or tumors in the abdominal cavities. If you exercise and eat right and the bloating just doesn’t go away; see a doctor as soon as possible.

Hopefully these suggestions will lead you down the road to recovery. And as always: if in doubt, talk to your doctor.

Chicken Soup for the Soul

Many of you may have already read this book when it first came out. It is still one of the top selling books today. Chicken Soup for the Soul is a collection of 101 stories based on the belief that true testimonies of goodness and loving transformations can nourish us to the bone and heal the cynicism in our hearts. Indeed, most every story seeps in deeply. It's hard not to shed a tear of gratitude, feeling thrilled to have been touched and soothed so easily.

Written by Jack Canfield, this is one book you will keep re-reading year after year. Here are what other readers of this wonderful book had to say.

“I liked the book, mainly because it cheers me up. This book not only makes your heart smile, but also your soul smile, with quotes such as: "Don't bug me! Hug me!" and even made the people who are the most crippled smile.”

Highlighting the strength and beauty of the human spirit, this book will take you on a journey wherein you meet people from all walks of life who suffer, yet whose incredible spirituality leads the way to enlightenment.

Check out this book, if you have not already done so, and allow it to envelop your mind, soul and spirit.

Where can I buy it? Amazon.com

7 Reasons Why You Should Drink Water

We know water is good for us, but with soda, juice, coffee, tea, energy drinks, and other drinks so readily available, it’s hard to make the decision to choose water.

Here are 7 great reasons to drink more water.

1. Keeps skin looking great. If your skin looks tired and unhealthy, so do you. Staying properly hydrated removes all the toxins that build up in you skin, and helps prevent it from drying out. If you have the opposite problem; puffy bloated skin, lack of water is likely your problem too. When skin doesn’t get water, it retains what it already had, leaving your skin cells full, puffy, and not too attractive. If you want to look beautiful, you should keep yourself hydrated.


2. It’s cheaper. Sure, if you buy bottled water, it’s about as expensive as soda, juice, and coffee. However, studies have shown that tap water is usually as clean and safe as bottled water, and costs a whole lot less. If you have a problem with the taste of your tap water, buy a filter pitcher or one that attaches to the faucet. It still costs a lot less.


3. A healthy heart. When you’re properly hydrated, your blood is thinner and easier to pump. This means your heart has to do less work and ultimately lasts longer. Studies have shown that people who drink plenty of water have fewer heart problems.


4. Toxic build-up. Sure, it sounds like something from a bathroom cleaner commercial, but you have toxins in your cells too. Some of them come from the environment and others you produce yourself. Either way, they’re in your body and you need to get rid of them. Just like you use water to flush your toilet; your body uses water to flush out toxins. Getting rid of this waste helps you function more effectively and feel better.


5. No sugar added. While fruit juices may contain many nutrients, they also contain a whole lot of sugar. This is especially true for many bottled juices from the grocery store. This sudden burst of sugar triggers your insulin response and makes you tired and sluggish. It also helps to convert that sugar to fats faster. Sugary sodas will produce the same reaction and they usually contain no nutrients at all.


6. Caffeine is a diuretic. So why water? Why not drink diet soda or coffee all day? These drinks contain caffeine, which actually causes you to lose water throughout the day. You retain some of the water content of the beverages, but not as much as when you drink pure water. You can try decaffeinated beverages, but the best way to use the water you drink is to get it pure and clean, with no chemicals added.


7. Gives you an energy boost. Think you can’t get through the day without your morning caffeine boost? Well water can give you energy as well. Your body is made up mostly of water. It loses it throughout the day, so you have to replace it for your body to work efficiently; particularly the heart and digestive tract. As mentioned earlier, water helps your body work better by getting rid of excess waste. The more efficiently your whole body is working, the better you’ll feel and the more energy you’ll have. You may even have enough energy to skip that cup of coffee.

So go ahead, skip the vending machine, go to the faucet, and get yourself a nice, refreshing glass of ice water.

Green Olive Spread

Ingredients:
2 cups Spanish green olives
2 Tablespoons capers
7 fresh Spanish marinated anchovy fillets
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley
1/2 cup olive oil

Directions:
Combine green olives, capers, anchovy fillets, lemon zest and parsley together in a blender and puree thoroughly. Once puréed, add olive oil and blend until mixed well.

Tip:
Use this spread as a cracker or bread topper or add to dressings to create a unique and tasty flavor.

Benefits of Riding a Bike

Everybody rode their bike as a kid. It was a means of transportation and just a good way to get from here to there. As we age, we realize that we need some steady form of exercise and bike riding can be just the ticket! Read on to see just how great riding a bike is for your health.

It's Great for the Heart!
Riding a bike is great cardiovascular exercise and increases the health of your heart. Everybody needs a minimum of thirty minutes of aerobic exercise at least three days a week. Purchasing a bike with several speeds will allow you to increase you fitness level as your cardiovascular function improves. Begin by riding at an easy speed over even ground. If a challenge is what you desire, change your terrain.

Bicycling is Kind to the Joints!
Women often experience joint pain especially in the knees as they get older. Osteoporosis causes joint problems to worsen because of the lack of proper calcium levels in the bones. Bike riding offers exercise without pain. The aerobic benefit is comparable to jogging or running without the strain. Make sure that the seat height on your bike is adjusted to allow your legs full range of motion with each revolution. Full range of motion also promotes better circulation to the lower extremities which do the majority of the work in moving the bicycle.

You Get Great Looking Legs!
Bicycling whips those leg muscles into shape. For muscular endurance, stick to a flat terrain, but adjust the speed of the bike as your strength improves. To avoid cramping, stretch thoroughly before and after each bike ride. If you are looking to increase muscle definition, vary your terrain. Off-road biking on dirt trails helps to flex leg muscles as you keep the bicycle under control even on uneven ground. Steep hills are great for working the quadriceps and hamstrings.

The Backside Gets a Little Boost Too!
The gluteus muscles also reap rewards from bike riding. For maximum power, raise your body about an inch off of the seat as you pedal. Squeeze your butt to control the pedaling motion. After a mile or so, those glutes should be on fire.

Increases Your Balance!
Learning to ride a bike is all about staying upright. To do that, you have to find a balance between your body and the bike. Maintaining that balance strengthens the core muscles of the abdominal region. Tightening the core muscles keeps you from falling off of the bike. The lower abdominals pull your legs back towards you body from the bottom of the cycling revolution. The lower back is also kept pain free by a strong balanced core.

Riding a bike is not just for kids. I am a great testament to this because I had not been on a bike for at least 15-20 years. The last bike I had was a 10-speed in high school. My husband just bought me a bike and we have started going out as a family. Man...my legs BURN like you wouldn't believe! Even though there's pain, the benefits are great and I know this too shall pass. This is something that the entire family can do together and have fun at the same time. Get on out there and try it!

Natural Ways to Boost Your Memory

We would all love to be able to remember things better. Being a SuperMom is exhausting and if you're like me, your kids having taken all of your brain cells and your memory is shot! We could all use a little boost to our memory. The best way to optimize your memory is to eat right and exercise (your brain and your body), but it you find this isn’t helping enough, there are safe, natural foods and supplements that will help give your memory the boost you’re looking for.

Here are some important nutrients and supplements that will help boost your memory along with other great side effects.

• Choline. This is the main nutrient required in the production of acetocholine, the most essential chemical in retaining memories. Choline can be found in fish (particularly anchovies), eggs, liver, soy, and various nuts.
• DMAE. This is easily absorbed into the brain and also aids in the production of acetylcholine. It can be found in sardines and anchovies, but most people prefer taking a supplement. Be sure to take it in the morning, as it can cause insomnia.
• Vitamins. Getting enough of the B vitamins and vitamin C are essential for the production proper brain function. B vitamins have even been shown to raise scores on IQ tests.
• Pyroglutamate. This is an essential amino acid that can be used to improve memory, concentration, coordination, and reaction time. It improves reception of neurotransmitters and aids in the production of acetylcholine. It is found in dairy products, fish, fruit, and vegetables.
• Phosphatidylserine. This chemical has not only been shown to improve memory, but also to concentration, mood, and resistance to stress. While you can get this nutrient from diet, you’d probably be more comfortable taking a supplement.
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids. These “good fats” can be found in fish, including: tuna, salmon, and mackerel. They can also be found in certain nuts and oils. This boosts the amount of acetylcholine and serotonin in the body which improves memory and mood.
• Ginko Biloba. This is used to improve circulation, increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Ginko improves memory and gives you an energy boost. It has been show to help memory loss from normal aging and Alzheimer’s. Be careful how much you take, it can have side effects due to its blood thinning properties.
• Vinpocetine. This supplement is derived from the periwinkle plant and increases circulation. It has been proven to improve decision making and problem solving skills.
• Carnitine. This is an essential amino acid that improves memory and brain function and mood; it also has antioxidant properties. Acetyl-L-carnitine is essential in the production of acetylcholine.
• Glutamine. Another important amino acid for brain function. Along with the improved brain function, glutamine is an energy booster can help you break your addictions to stimulants. It also helps balance neurotransmitters and blood sugar levels.

Getting one or two of these nutrients can help you feel better and improve memory, but if you want to have optimal functioning and memory, it’s best to get as appropriate amounts of each of these nutrients from diet and supplements if you can.