Muscle Up Your Memory

Around the time we hit 30, our brains begin a slow, steady downward trajectory, or so popular wisdom would have it.

But cognitive decline is by no means an inescapable side effect of aging. In fact, according to a flurry of new reports, you can counteract age-related changes in the brain with a surprisingly simple regimen of activities guaranteed to nurture and fortify your mental musclepower. Here are seven easy ways to keep your brain quick, sharp, and bristling with youthful vigor.

1. Google Often

When you search the Internet, you engage key centers in your brain that control decision-making and complex reasoning.

And these few clicks may be more mentally stimulating than reading, say UCLA scientists. Their studies found that Internet searching uses neural circuitry that's not activated during reading--but only in people with prior Internet experience. MRI results showed almost 3 times more brain activity in regular Internet searchers than in first-timers, suggesting that repeated Googling can be a great way to build cognitive strength over time.

Tip: Spend around 20 minutes a few days a week searching topics you've always wanted to learn more about—regardless of how seemingly frivolous: Whether you're researching a celebrity's latest pratfalls or musical harmony, the benefits to your brain are the same.

2. Exercise

Yes, exercise can stave off or delay dementia—but did you know it can actually reverse brain aging too?

A team from the University of Illinois' Beckman Institute recently reviewed dozens of past studies and found that aerobic exercise boosts not only speed and sharpness of thought but also the volume of brain tissue. As little as 50 minutes of brisk walking 3 times a week was found to have this brain-expanding effect.

Tip: For an added boost, walk in the park: University of Michigan researchers found that volunteers whose course took them through a tree-filled setting performed 20% better on memory and attention tests than those who walked downtown.

3. Brush and Floss

Oral health is clearly linked to brain health, according to a team of British psychiatrists and dentists.

After studying thousands of subjects ages 20 to 59, they found that gingivitis and periodontal disease were associated with worse cognitive function throughout adult life—not just in later years.

Tip: Follow your dentist's advice—floss daily and brush your teeth for 2 minutes at least once a day.

4. Drink Sparingly

Limiting cocktails is beneficial for cognitive function.

Keep your alcohol consumption within the safe and healthful limit: no more than one drink a day. The more alcohol a person drinks, the smaller his or her total brain volume becomes, according to a recent Wellesley College study. The link between drinking and reduced brain volume was stronger in women—probably because smaller people are more susceptible to alcohol's effects.

Tip: If you like a glass of white wine with dinner, make a spritzer by replacing some of the wine with sparkling water. You'll cut your intake even more.

5. Eat Blueberries

New research shows that the purple-hued fruits may help sharpen your thought processes.

After National Institute on Aging and Tufts University researchers injected male rats with kainic acid to simulate the oxidative stress that occurs with aging, rats that had been fed a diet containing 2% blueberry extract did better navigating a maze than rats that didn't get the compound. In another study, the same researchers found that rats that ate blueberries showed increased cell growth in the hippocampus region of the brain. The researchers theorize that anthocyanin—the dark blue pigment found in blueberries—is responsible for these cognitive changes; it contains chemicals that may cross the blood-brain barrier and lodge in regions that govern learning and memory.

Tip: Stock up on blueberries when they're on sale, and sprinkle them over your cereal or yogurt or fold them into your smoothie. Off-season, buy them frozen; they're every bit as nutritious as fresh.

6. Do Puzzles

Amazingly, you'll knock a decade off your cognitive age.

In a University of Alabama study of nearly 3,000 older men and women, those who participated in 10 60-to 75-minute sessions of brain-boosting exercise sharpened their mental abilities so much that their brains performed like those of people more than 10 years younger.

Tip: Start small—whip out a booklet of basic puzzles when you're riding to work on the train or waiting in a long checkout line. As your skills improve, graduate to more challenging brainteasers.

7. Meditate
More than just a great stress reliever, meditation can also enhance your brain’s gray matter

Participants in a new study from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston appear to have experienced growth in the cortex, an area of the brain that controls memory, language, and sensory processing. In addition, meditators in a University of Kentucky study performed better than their non-meditating counterparts on a series of mental acuity tests.

Tip: Make the practice a regular habit—the participants in a recent study meditated an average of 40 minutes a day. But you can start with 15 on your lunch break or before you leave for work. Sit upright, close your eyes, and focus on whatever you're experiencing in the present moment, whether it's birds chirping in the distance or just the sound of your own breathing.

Get Smarter Every Day: Give your mind a workout—and boost memory, concentration, vocab, and more, with Prevention.com’s brain games.

Foods to Eat to Look and Feel Younger

While skimming through a magazine, an article caught my eye on what foods to eat to look and feel younger. I think we all want to feel and look younger, don’t you agree?

You can avoid wrinkles, protect your heart and keep our mind sharp by eating properly. The top foods that can give you these results are:

Sunflower seeds: These have the highest natural vitamin e content and no antioxidant is better at fighting off the aging effects of free radicals. Other great sources of vitamin E are swiss chard, Total Cereal and Propel Fitness Water.

Spinach and Beans: A research study showed that out of 400 elderly men and women who ate the most leafy green vegetables and beans had the fewest wrinkles. Hmmm. Spinach and beans are full of compounds that help prevent and repair wear and tear on your skin cells as you get older.

Red Wine and Grape Juice: These help protect you from heart attacks and strokes. The antioxidants called polyphenols found in grapes can also help middle aged skin from sagging.

Sweet Potatoes: Over exposure to the sun is one of the primary reasons for aging prematurely. Pigments from beta carotene rich foods, like sweet potatoes and carrots, can build up in your skin. This helps prevent damage from ultraviolet rays.

This next one surprised me.

Coffee: It is said to be nature’s most potent elixirs. Coffee has shown in numerous studies to retard the aging process, fight off Alzheimer’s disease and enhance short term memory.

The Benefits of Emu Oil

I just posted information regarding Emu Oil on my Mind, Body & Soul blog and thought I'd pass it along here.

This oil has many, many benefits and is a natural product that can be used for a variety of conditions. From anti-aging to medicinal. This oil is considered to be a 'natural wonder'

I just made my purchase of pure emu oil and intend to use it as a facial moisturizer. At my age, I could use alittle extra help to rejuvenate my skin.

Read my post What is Emu Oil?

Breakthrough at OrganicSkinCare.com

I believe the term 'organic' is becoming more popular now a days. I find that organic products are not as costly as they once were. Whether it is the food we eat which is produced organically or ingredients in the products we buy that are organic.

Healthier and safer, not only for our bodies, but for our environment. I myself have noticed when buying body and skin care products, I opt for the organic ingredients contained within. I realize the synthetic ingredients do more harm than good.

Emerge Organic Skin Care is now available. The labs at Emerge have developed a breakthrough technology which protects our skin stem cells. This process tackles the chronological aging process that we all face....literally on our face. Who wants to look older than you feel? Certainly not me.

This technology enhances the production of human skin stem cells and protects our cells from stress. We all realize what stress can do to our bodies. On our face, it causes wrinkles, changes in skin tone etc...

Emerge Labs Skin Care promotes self-renewal of our skin. Studies have shown that the cells from a rare Swiss apple protects our skin stem cells. Using a patent-pending organic ingredient, called PhytoCellTec Malus Domsestica and plant cell culture technology, this is considered to be a breakthrough in anti-aging. This application maintains the function of our skin stem cells.

Take a look for yourself and develop your own opinion. If you want organic skin care products that are effective and good for your skin, you can find them at OrganicSkinCare.com.

Conquer Your Addiction

If you look up the word 'addiction' in the dictionary, you will find it to mean:

The quality or state of being addicted-compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal broadly persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful

Some people who are suffering with an addiction to a substance fail to recognize this fact. They go on living ...well, addicted.They fail to see how living this way causes harm to not only themselves, but those around them. Maybe they get a wake up call by way of some negative happening, but what do they do next?

First, I think a person has to admit they do have a problem. Next, they have to truly want to help themselves. I know a few people who decided to try to quit their addiction by themselves. Sometimes this does work and sometimes it does not.

Accepting or getting help is not a sign of weakness. I think If they are willing to get the help to heal themselves, it is something to be proud of.

If you know someone who is addicted to a substance and they do not know what to do, it probably is a good idea to have them seek the advice of a professional.A private drug rehab may be the choice many make to help with their healing.

Promises is such a place where a person can receive individualized care by a dedicated team of professionals. They provide an environment in which a person will feel safe and learn how to live in the real world without the addiction.

Treatments include cognitive-behavior therapy, family therapy, support groups,other individual therapy and counseling services which will strengthen the mind, body and spirit.

Taking the first step may be hard for a person living with an addiction, but in the end, it will be the best decision they will make. You can Conquer an addiction.

If you want to learn more on what you can expect from a private rehab like Promises, click Here

There is Such a Thing as Short Term Insurance

Here is a true story that happened to me while being out on FMLA leave in October/November. Some of you know that I had back surgery in October. Due to a disagreement on the amount of FMLA leave I had left to use, my employer only gave me two weeks of covered time. This meant I had 4 weeks of uncovered time while I was home recuperating. I was taken off my medical insurance due to a reduction of hours and they offered me Cobra. Anyone who has dealt with Cobra knows the cost is quite high, so I opted out and decided to take a chance without insurance coverage. I knew I would be put back on medical insurance once I returned to work.

I just found out there is such a thing as Short Term Insurance. What I did by taking a chance was not the smartest decision, for you never know. I wouldn't suggest others follow my lead. You should always cover yourself and your family with medical insurance. Accidents and illness happens and when you least expect it. Medical care is quite expensive and the security of having medical insurance helps with costs.

MultiNational Underwriters at http://www.mnui.com/ offers the Amigo Short Term Medical Plan, which is temporary insurance in your time of need. I sure wish I had known about this earlier.

This company is a full service organization which offers many insurance products to address the needs of consumers worldwide: Short term travel insurance, US citizens and non citizens working or living abroad, International students Insurance are just a few examples. You can chat live with one of their representatives for more information or request a Free quote for short-term coverage.

If you are in a situation where you may find yourself without insurance such as unemployment or in transition from one job to another or if like me, you are offered Cobra for another reason, here is an opportunity to protect yourself. You may also need insurance if you travel, but your regular insurance cannot cover you or for students continuing their education abroad this company should be kept in mind.

Massage Offers Health Benefits

With only a few days left before I return to work, I am going for my weekly massage and last therapy treatment tomorrow. My doctor had wanted to send me to physical therapy after my back surgery, but being my brother is a massage therapist, he has been helping with my recovery.

I have to admit I'm addicted to massages. Besides totally relaxing you, the health benefits are many. After just one therapeutic massage, you immediately feel a difference in your body.

My brother had a major set back last year at his school due to a fire, but with the help of Takemi Select he was back teaching in no time. I'm so glad he was able to replace all his equipment and wellness products so fast. So many people depend on him...not only his students, but clients as well...and I am one of them!

If you have never received a professional therapeutic massage, I suggest you treat yourself to one. Relax and reap the health benefits. You deserve it.

If you are already in the field or just interested in getting your own massage products for your home, check out Takemi Select Wholesale Outlets. They are dedicated to deliver top of the line products. Their products range from massage chairs, massage beds to mattresses to foot spas, air purifiers and other health and wellness products. Your body will thank you.

Do You Know Your Family History?

As some of my followers know,the last 7 months were a bit tough for me. Being diagnosed with Crohn's disease and sick for several months and then in October having back surgery.

I can't even begin to tell you how many times I was asked about my family's health history. I am fortunate that I do know my family's history and that helped doctors not only treat my health conditions, but make sure certain tests were administered properly and also look for potential health risks.

Do you know your families health history? If not, it truly is important to obtain this information if possible. Knowledge can be your best gift.

The holidays are right around the corner. Many of us spend time with our families to celebrate. Why not also use this time to learn about your family's history? Did you realize that certain health conditions or diseases can skip a generation? or show up from one generation to the next?

Having this discussion with your family will not only give you necessary information if you (or your children) ever need to manage your own health conditions, but you will also be sharing stories and memories. Spending Quality time with family...

Halloween Candy Recall

With Halloween just a couple days away, here is a recall you should be aware of.

Sherwood brand Pirate's Gold Milk Chocolate coins are being recalled due to the fact that they contain Melamine, the ingredient in milk product that has caused many infant deaths in china. These candies are sold at Costco, as well as many bulk and dollar stores. Please make sure to spread the word and DO NOT EAT THE PIRATE COINS (you know the ones wrapped in the shiny gold foil) and please let other parents know about this!

This recall is mainly affecting Canada, but they are not sure if this candy crossed the border into the US.
Read the Snopes article HERE

Thinking about all the trick or treating I did as a child and those of my son, I don't remember having to worry about evil acts by candy givers or candy recalls etc...My parents only concern was that I didn't eat ALL the candy before returning home.

I do remember how when the times had changed and parents had to worry about when the razor blade in apple scare surfaced and tainted candy was being handed out. WHY? Why do people do this?

Now you not only have to worry about what your children might eat that will make them ill, but you can't let children go trick or treating alone for fear of something bad happening to them.

Today's constant recalls and awful acts happening all around us, worry me. Are you worried about letting your child go trick or treating? Has all your trust diminished?

I do hope all have a safe and fun Halloween.

Pain Control

I have always had issues with my back. As a young teenager, I had scoliosis which required surgery. In my later years, I developed more back issues which required medical assistance.

I was in the mindset that pain is something I just needed to put up with. I had surgery 7 years ago and again just this past Wednesday. Unfortunately, surgery was my only option to correct my current problem. I had a bone spur in the canal at the base of my spine. The doctor told me that this spur was very close to my spinal cord, but he was able to peel away the nerve and get the spur out. Sounds kinda scary, doesn't it? The doctor also decompressed a few areas, so I am now pain free, with the exception of where I was cut of course. My surgery was a success and I am very grateful. I was able to come home yesterday and am now on the road to recovery.

Due to all the back issues I have faced throughout my life, I learned that I can help my pain if and when it resurfaces.

Pain is personal. The amount of pain you experience may not be the same as what others feel, even if they have the same disease or condition as you.

Ask your doctor what you might expect if you going for a test or surgery. Prepare yourself and you will feel more in control. Write down any questions you may have. You can discuss with your doctor your choices regarding pain control.

Non Drug Pain Relief

I chose not to medicate myself with drugs whenever possible. I am not a 'pill' person. I found these methods are helpful for mild to moderate pain.

> Learn about your disease, surgery or procedure to better understand how it will affect you.
Educating yourself can reduce the amount of anxiety you may feel.

> Relaxation: Simple techniques as abdominal breathing and jaw relaxations can help you cope better.

> Cold packs, moist heat, massage therapy, rest and TENS therapy are some ways to help reduce the pain you feel. *TENS therapy stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

I am lucky to have my brother who is a massage therapist. He has helped me so very much in controlling my pain. Yes, the treatments are not comfortable, but I would be pain free for weeks at a time.

> Exercise: I have discovered that stretching and pilates have helped me. I not only feel more relaxed, but could also feel and see a difference in my body.

Slow Rhythmic Breathing for Relaxation

1. Breathe in slowly and deeply
2. As you breath out slowly, feel your body beginning to relax, feel the tension leave your body
3. Breathe in and out slowly and regularly. Whatever is comfortable for you.
4. To help focus on your breathing, you may say to yourself...IN, two, three... OUT, two, three or replace those words with peace or relax.
5. Imagine that you are doing this in a place that is very calming and relaxing to you...such as lying in the sun at the beach
6. Do these steps once or repeat up to 20 minutes.
7. End each step with a slow breath. As yuo breathe out say to yourself,,,,I feel alert and relaxed.

Juicing For Optimum Health

Drinking the juice of fresh fruit and vegetables has the power to protect us from disease and illness by strengthening our immune system. It stimulates our metabolism and keeps us 'clean' on the inside.

I published a squidoo lens that will provide all you need to know about juicing...you will learn how to obtain better health, review a dosage chart so you can see the amount of vitamins needed to keep our bodies healthy, which fruit and vegetable juice will help with any symptoms you are experiencing and much more.

Read my complete informational lens by going HERE

Click here to Learn how Acai Berry Juice will Improve Your Health & Recieve 20% off

Why Men Won't Go To The Doctors?

Here's yet another mystery that I have yet to solve where men are concerned. My humorous post on why men don't ask for directions was written about a few months ago and I had gotten many replies as to why they behave in that manner.

Now, I want to hear your take on why men will not go to the doctor. It seems along with myself, many women complain that the men in their lives refuse to see a doctor, even when they are experiencing symptoms or feel ill.

Is it because they will feel weak, less manly if they go to the doctors? Do they not want to know if something is wrong?

I can't even get my son to get his yearly exam for two health issues. I get the 'eye roll' and the 'shoulder shrug'.

There are a few men I work with that obviously have a health issue, but will not go or go back to the doctors to receive treatment. It boggles my mind.

I understand that we all are fearful sometimes of what the doctor may say, but isn't it best to find out and take care of an illness before it is too late?

Us women take preventative care and in most cases, I believe it saves lives. I know we hate to take time out of our busy schedules to make an appointment, but...we do it. What women likes to go have their breasts painfully squashed during a mammogram or go see their Gynecologist? Um, they are not pleasant visits...

Men you are no different. You are not indestructible. Taking preventative care is important for you as well.

Men's Health magazine posted a guideline to follow. On my blog, Mind Body & Soul, I posted their recommendation. If you men aren't interested, Women...go take a look and see if you can't get the man in your life to take care of himself.

Believe it or not, we women want you around for a long, long time...

Reduce Stress With Stretching

I think we all experience stress at some point during our work week and sitting at your desk all day puts an added strain on your bones, joints and muscles. I can feel the stress in my back, shoulders and neck. Even my hands are affected from typing on the computer all day.

Stretching can relieve tension and keep you alert. My ‘down’ time is between 2-3pm, so a little stretching or taking a short walk helps me get through the rest of the day.

Shrugging your shoulders releases the tension felt in your neck and shoulders. As you inhale, lift your shoulders towards your ears. Hold for a few seconds, exhale and bring your shoulders down.

Give yourself a hug. Hugging your body will reduce the stress felt in your back and shoulders.

Instead of emailing or calling a co-worker, take a walk over to their desk. If your path includes the stairs, that’s even better.

If you do this every hour, you will feel a difference.

Exercise For Your Eyes

We all know that our bodies and our mind need exercise, but have you ever thought about exercising your eyes?

Our eyesight can change from year to year, but when entering your forties, you may find that reading becomes more difficult. The print of books, menus, your computer screen etc…are a bit blurry. Of course holding the item way out in front of you helps…, but who wants to do that all the time? There is a way you can strengthen your eyes by exercise. You may think, how can I do that? Pinhole eyeglasses is the answer. Pinhole glasses are eyeglasses with a series of pinhole-sized perforations filling an opaque sheet of plastic in place of each lens. People who are either near- and far-sighted can benefit from these glasses.

With pinhole glasses, you can maintain your best eyesight level during the day and prevent further vision deterioration by developing your eye muscles. If you are wearing ordinary glasses or contacts, you no longer use the focusing muscles in your eyes to their fullest extent, so the muscles begins to weaken. That in turn causes a need for a stronger prescription. If you do not need corrective lenses, you will continue to develop your eye muscles, keeping you from needing glasses.

Pinhole glasses only allows a very narrow beam of light to enter the eye which reduces the size of the circle of confusion on the retina and increases depth of field. In eyes with refractive error (blurry vision), the result is often a clearer image. Two examples of this is 1) If you have blurry vision when looking at an object or while reading, do you find when you squint, you see a bit more clearly? 2) Make a fist and put it up to one eye. While looking at an object or reading words, open your fist just slightly creating a small hole. Do you see a difference? You should see more clearly. That is how the pinhole glasses work. The small holes reduce the rays of light coming from the viewed object.

Normally the full opening of your pupil admits light. When the outermost rays improperly bend, that causes refractive error (blurry vision). The pinhole glasses block those rays and lets only the rays enter into the central portion of the pupil. That is why you can see more clearly.

My father had a pair and he firmly believed they truly helped his eyesight. When I was a kid, he made me strengthen my eyes by wearing them. I have been wearing glasses for distance since I was in the third grade, but my eyesight barely changed from year to year. Did it have something to do with the pinhole glasses? Maybe…

My eye physician told me I needed reading glasses at age 46. I remember that being a little depressing for me. I suddenly felt old. I had an immediate vision of a person with the eyeglass chain around their neck holding their reading glasses :0) My eye doctor told me I was lucky because most people needed reading glasses by age 40. Did that have something to do with the pinhole glasses? It could be...

I have different vision in each of my eyes. One being worse than the other. The pinholes can actually strengthen each eye separately, depending on what my eye needs. Have you ever bought the reading glasses from the drugstore or supermarket? They have the same prescription strength in each lens. If you're like me, they don't help both eyes, so I still see somewhat blurry with one eye while reading.

So while you are excising your mind and body, start exercising your eyes as well.

Alternative Home Remedies

Here are some alternative remedies using household products you may not know about.

To remove ear mites in your cat’s ear, take a few drops of Wesson Corn oil and massage it into your cat’s ear. Using a cotton ball, clean out the ear. Repeat this for 3 days. The oil sooths the cat’s skin, smothers the mites and accelerates healing.

To kill fleas on dogs…Add a few drops of Dawn Dish washing Liquid to your dog’s bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well.

To cure dog odor…Take Bounce or any other dryer sheet and wipe down the dog. This will make you pet smell fresh, especially when a pet comes in after being in the rain. This also helps keep the pet’s danger at bay to help with your allergies.

Drinking two glass of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately.

Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.

Altoid peppermints can help clear up a stuffy nose…clear sinuses

Relieve achy muscles: Mix 1 tablespoon horseradish in 1 cup olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. Apply it as a massage oil for instant relief.

Help a sore throat by mixing ¼ cup vinegar with ¼ cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar will kill the bacteria.

Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost immediately.

Honey remedy for skin blemishes: Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a band aid over it. The honey will kill the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile and speeds healing.

Listerine therapy for toenail fungus: Soak your toes in Listerine.

Eyeglass protection: to prevent the screws in the eyeglasses from becoming loose, apply a small drop of clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.

Vinegar will help heal bruises. Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar will reduce the blueness and speeds up the healing process.

For fast pain relief mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup water in a bowl. Warm it up in a microwave for 1 minute. Cool slightly and apply the mixture to your hands for relief from arthritis

Are You Drinking Enough Water?

We use water everyday. We drink it, wash with it, cook with it, but do you realize just how important water is to maintain our bodies and health?

Are you drinking enough water? I had learned the hard way. When I was ill a few months back, I became seriously dehydrated and let me tell you, it is not a good feeling. Drinking water may get overlooked with the amount of coffee, tea or soda people drink during the day. Even though coffee or tea is made up of water, the caffeine blocks the benefits of water reaching the areas of our bodies which need water.

I was told to keep my body properly hydrated, I should drink a glass of water at every meal and one between each. I have been making a conscious effort to drink as much water throughout the day as I could. I never want to experience being dehydrated again.

Read below some water facts. Some may surprise you.

* Roughly 70 percent of an adult’s body is made up of water.

*At birth, water accounts for approximately 80 percent of an infant’s body weight.

* A healthy person can drink about three gallons (48 cups) of water per day.

* Drinking too much water too quickly can lead to water intoxication. Water intoxication occurs when water dilutes the sodium level in the bloodstream and causes an imbalance of water in the brain.

* Water intoxication is most likely to occur during periods of intense athletic performance.

*While the daily recommended amount of water is eight cups per day, not all of this water must be consumed in the liquid form. Nearly every food or drink item provides some water to the body

* By the time a person feels thirsty, his or her body has lost over 1 percent of its total water amount.

* The weight a person loses directly after intense physical activity is weight from water, not fat.

* Water is absolutely essential to the human body’s survival. A person can live for about a month without food, but only about a week without water.

* Water helps to maintain healthy body weight by increasing metabolism and regulating appetite.

* Water leads to increased energy levels. The most common cause of daytime fatigue is actually mild dehydration.

* Drinking adequate amounts of water can decrease the risk of certain types of cancers, including colon cancer, bladder cancer, and breast cancer.

* For a majority of sufferers, drinking water can significantly reduce joint and/or back pain.

* Water leads to overall greater health by flushing out wastes and bacteria that can cause disease.

* Water can prevent and alleviate headaches.

* Water naturally moisturizes skin and ensures proper cellular formation underneath layers of skin to give it a healthy, glowing appearance.

* Water aids in the digestion process and prevents constipation.

* Water is the primary mode of transportation for all nutrients in the body and is essential for proper circulation.

* 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.

* In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak
that it is mistaken for hunger.

* Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%.

* One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a University of Washington study.

* A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.


Source: allaboutwater.org

God Gave Us....

Food to help each part of our body. As you read each description, visualize what each looks like. It is amazing how these foods are right under our noses and do correspond to a part of our body.

Carrot: A sliced carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... and science shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

Tomato:When you slice a tomato, you will see that it has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes: Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

Walnut:When you crack open a walnut, it looks like a little brain. It has a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney Beans: They actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb: They look many more like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears: These target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs: They are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet Potatoes: look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives: assist the health and function of the ovaries.

Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits: They look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions: They look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

New Breakthrough Using Women's Stem Cells

I was first introduced to the word 'stem cell' by known actor Anthony Herrera. I met him while working with Willie Nelson. Anthony and I chatted long about his illness and he being the first to ever have a stem cell transplant (his brother was the donor) many years ago, explained the whole procedure to me. This really opened my eyes to the use of stem cells and how valuable they really are. Without this transplant, Anthony may not have had the chance at life.

The subject of stem cells is one some are not comfortable with and it is a controversial subject. I happen to believe in the positive approach science is taking for the use of stem cells. Stem cells have helped so many facing serious illnesses.

Having said that, there has been a new breakthrough for women. As seen on CNNMoney , a company by the name of C'elle has been dedicated to research and technology regarding women and the use of stem cells. Women can now take control of their own lives. No one wants to even think about future illnesses. Whether it is their own or that of a loved one,but the reality is, illness can strike at any time. To be prepared and to help with a cure for serious illnesses, women can now look to their own bodies for the help needed. Future therapies of some serious diseases may be found in women's stem cells by way of menstrual blood.

C’elle has come up with a way for women to use a non-invasive collection process in the privacy of their own home. The menstrual cells are processed and cryo-preserved (stored at a very low temperature) for potential cellular therapies that may be used in the future.

See below a press release from C'elle. This is something every women should look into and may be important one day in the future.
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Taking Control: Future Therapies for a Host of Serious Diseases May Be Found in Women's Menstrual Blood

July 07, 2008: 01:28 PM EST


OLDSMAR, Fla., July 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With today’s hectic lifestyle, where most women are juggling careers, family, relationships, and a host of activities, the idea of possibly facing a serious illness in the future is not something that readily comes to mind -- especially when a woman is in the prime of her life. But what most women don’t know, is that the key to treating a number of possibly life-threatening diseases that she, a parent, a sibling or even her children may face in later years, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, may be found within her own body -- in vital stem cells, which can now be harvested from her own menstrual blood.

Now, thanks to the revolutionary research and technology of C’elle, a service dedicated to providing women with a safe and easy method of collecting and preserving stem cells found in her menstrual fluid each month, even the busiest woman can take control of her future, right in the privacy of her own home. With C’elle’s non-invasive collection process, menstrual cells are processed and cryo-preserved (stored at a very low temperature) for potential cellular therapies that may be used in the future. These self-renewing cells one day may even be used for sports medicine or cosmeceutical treatments, such as anti-aging therapies.

"C’elle enables and empowers a woman to take control of her future health, and possibly of those genetically closest to her, in a fast, painless and stress free way," said Michelle Kay, Marketing and Sales Manager for C’elle. "We live in exciting times, as science and technology are discovering how extremely valuable menstrual blood stem cells really are, and the enormous treatment potential they represent for future therapies. C’elle’s ongoing research is supporting these promising findings."

For more information about C’elle, please call 1-877-892-3553 or visit www.celle.com.

Experience The Beautiful Breathe

Do you believe in things happening for a reason? I sure do. Just as I am beginning to undergo some life changes, I have come across Axel G who believes that if feel your life is unsatisfying or depressing there is a way you can change it.

Axel G began his own personal development journey back in 1993 while living in Thailand. While practicing meditation, his experience lead him to find happiness and well being. He has been ordained as a junior-Buddhist monk twice and has practiced mediation in Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, UK and Sweden.

He has been helping others by way of sending spiritual energy through deep mediation and teaching how you can achieve happiness and well being. He now wants to go a step further. He is offering FREE guided meditation downloads for both the beginner or the more experienced.

Some of his free downloads include topics on:

Success, Happiness, Stress, Relaxation, Depression, Suicide, Spirituality Meditation,and Healing
More downloads are added on a regular basis.

True happiness and well being begin from within. Positive thoughts, affirmations and relaxation exercise are ways to achieve this. Meditation provides deep relaxation, body connection, awareness and increases the flow of energy in your body. Breathing is also key to well being. Learning and being aware of proper breathing will increase energy and mental clarity.

Axel G provides you with 'The Beautiful Breathe' experience. You have a choice of downloading this exercise or reading it as text. He teaches you proper breathing and guides you through this breathing meditation exercise step by step so you can truly become aware...aware of each breath, relaxing as you breathe, calming your mind and making a connection with your body.

The mind, body and soul are connected and when they work together can create amazing positive results. With a healthy body, a healthy mind and the spirit to carry us, we can achieve happiness and enjoy all that life has to offer.

Visit Axel G's site at http://axelg.com/ and take advantage of his giving spirit.

If you have ever thought about trying meditation and/or want to begin your own personal development journey, you may be reading this post for a reason.

The Benefits of the Acai Berry

If you are not familiar with the acai berry, it is known to increase energy, stamina, vitality and promote overall well being. It also is high in antioxidants and helps fight premature aging.
It contains fatty acids and omegas, which helps lowers harmful cholesterol and sterols that helps in the reduction of blood plasma cholesterol. The acai berry is also an excellant source of dietary fiber.

I had posted a three part series about this berry and it's benefits on my blog: Mind,Body & Soul back in March.
The Benefits of the Acai Berry-Part 1
26 Reasons to Drink Acai Berry Juice-Part 2
26 Reasons to Drink Acai Berry Juice-Part 3

The acai berry grows on palm trees in the amazon rain forest. They are considered to be the most nutritious and edible berry on the planet. The berries are dark purple and about the size of a blueberry with a thin layer of edible pulp surrounding a large seed.

I found that at The Total Health Shop, they provide not only the best price, but their unique blend of juice provides the best benefits. In their acai berry juice, you will also find additional ingredients.
See below:

Pomegranate Juice Concentrate
~ Helps maintain a healthy heart
~ Has naturally occurring high levels of ellagic acid
~ Helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels
~ Helps to maintain healthy blood pressure
~ Helps to alleviate symptoms commonly associated with menopause
~ Pomegranate is a natural astrigent and is high in both Vitamin C and Iron

Raspberry Juice Concentrate
~ Helps to rid the body of phlegm
~ Strengthens and vitalizes blood circulation
~ Natural source of ellagic acid which can help protect against cell damage
~ Raspberries are rich in antioxidants; both phytonutrients and vitamin compounds

Blueberry Juice Concentrate
~ Helps maintain eye and vision health
~ Contains powerful, active antioxidant compounds which combat free radicals and help protect against cell damage
~Helps maintain Heart Health
~Helps maintain healthy Kidney and Urinary Tract function
~ Blueberries can help to prevent premature aging
~ Blueberries have anti-inflammatory properties

Essential Vitamins and Minerals: B1, B2, B3, C & E, Calcium and Potassium.

Essential Fatty Acids: (Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9). These polyunsaturated essential fatty acids help lower LDL (harmful cholesterol) while maintaining HDL (beneficial cholesterol). This unique ratio resembles the same combination as olive oil. Omega fatty acids can increase healthy cell development. Omega fatty acids are essential for healthy nervous system development and regeneration. They help rapidly repair and rejuvenate muscles after intense exercise. Essential fatty acids (Omega-3 in particular) help the brain to run smoothly.

You can visit the Total Health Shop if you want to purchase or just learn more about acai berry.