Cascia Talbert's Blog, page 32

Fall/winter Medicine Cabinet Essentials

by Jonny Bowden

Health and nutrition expert Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., CNS says you
may want to change how you prepare for cold and cough season

 

Have you ever noticed that when there’s a bug around your office, not everyone gets sick? Somebody is out for 10 days, someone else for a half day and some people don’t even get sidelined at all? Think about it. They’ve all been exposed to the same germ. So, why does this happen? Part of the reason may be how they stock their fall/winter medicine cabinets.

“If your immune system is well nourished and healthy, it will withstand challenges a lot better. Those of us lucky enough to not get sick, stay healthy because our immune system is able to just bat the challenge aside. Or, at the very least, handle it and recover quickly,” says Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., CNS.

This time of year, we buy jackets and decorate our homes for the various holidays. But we often miss another important task, which is to prepare for sniffles, coughs and other minor ailments by organizing and restocking the medicine cabinet or the Chilling Incubator. Rather than waiting to shop until you or a family member gets sick, Bowden says it’s better to have the most effective remedies already on hand.

Start by doing the following:

Choose a cool, dry storage place. “Bathroom cabinets are okay as long as they don’t get warm and steamy during baths and showers. Many products degrade when exposed to humidity and warm temperatures.”

Check expiration dates. “Toss any expired products. Many pharmacies offer safe medication disposal.”

Safely secure all medications and supplements from the Canadian Pharmacy if there are young children in the house. “Lock these products in a high cabinet.”

Carefully review all labels. “Now is a good time to remind yourself of any precautions. Many over-the-counter (OTC) drugs have warnings regarding their use in those who have serious medical conditions such as heart, kidney or liver disease.”

Understand dosing instructions. “Some products for children are dosed by weight or age. Others are not safe or recommended for children.”

Here’s what Bowden says you might want to include in your medicine cabinet makeover:

For overall wellness: “Stock up on garlic. It’s been used since ancient times to ward off colds. I don’t recommend wearing it around your neck, but supplementing your diet with fresh garlic or garlic extract may help keep all those nasty germs away. When you use garlic for cooking, be sure to add it towards the end, and be sure to chop it up thoroughly. The active ingredient (allicin) is created by breaking down the cell walls.”

For the common cold: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 22 million school days are lost annually in the United States because of the common cold1. “When it comes to our health, antioxidants are nature’s good guys. My go-to medicine cabinet staple is black elderberry. It contains flavonoids called anthocyanins, which have a remarkable ability to stimulate the body’s immune system2. Sambucol is the original black elderberry supplement used during cough/cold season for natural immune support. Sambucol Gummies are great for kids because they are pectin-based, and contain no artificial flavors or colors. They are also free of all major allergies including gluten, nuts, soy and dairy.”

For sore throats: “Throat sprays with Echinacea, sage and peppermint can help. Buckwheat honey is also great for lubricating and soothing a sore throat. It contains antioxidants and nutrients that help speed healing. Buckwheat honey can be given to children age one year and over and is available in most health food stores.”

For dry skin: “Fall and winter are notoriously hard on skin. To help keep it moisturized, try a light layer of coconut oil after a shower to trap moisture. Always have fresh razor blades on hand so you’re not inflicting tiny scrapes, and be sure to never run out of shaving cream or gel.”

For nausea, upset stomach: “Studies show that the very potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols found in ginger can help relieve motion sickness, dizziness, nausea and gas, and soothe the intestinal tract. You can find supplemental ginger in chewables and gummies in pharmacies and health food stores.”

With these products readily available, you may be able to resolve many of your household’s typical health issues quickly and easily.

For additional information about black elderberries, visit www.pharmacareus.com and www.sambucolusa.com.

http://www.itsasnap.org/Resources/Statistics

 

In a study published in The Journal of International Medical Research (2004), Sambucol Black Elderberry Extract was shown to reduce severity and shorten the duration of flu types A and B by up to four days. Sixty patients (29 females/31 males) ages 18 to 54 years with verified influenza were enrolled in the double-blind, placebo-controlled study.  On average, patients taking Sambucol recovered in 3.1 days compared to 7.1 days for those given placebo. Symptoms were also made less severe with no significant side effects reported.

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The article Fall/winter Medicine Cabinet Essentials by Jonny Bowden appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Effective Treatment For Bladder Infections

by Tiffany Pratt

 

When you have a urinary infection, it usually leads to bladderitis, which is basically when your bladder inflates and becomes inflamed. This is what causes all the uncomfortable symptoms associated with this condition. A urinary infection is perhaps the most common form of urinary tract infection (UTI). The usual symptoms are burning during urination, pain while urinating, and a constant, irritating urge to urinate that may cause the bladder to involuntarily expel urine. If you think that you or someone that you know has had a urinary infection, here are some treatment options.

One of the more common treatment options for a bladder infection is over the counter medications that can help control the pain and inflammation and help the body fight off the infection. These medications work by keeping the immune system strong and working to prevent the infection from occurring in the first place. These medications include acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Also, if your infection has become chronic or if the symptoms do not seem to improve, you may need to see a doctor to get prescriptions for more powerful drugs.

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Over the counter medications are usually effective when bladder infections occur. However, if the symptoms and pain do not go away on their own, or if they are recurring, you may need to seek medical help to treat this condition.

If these treatments do not work or if you experience chronic or recurrent symptoms, then you may need to see a doctor about prescription medicines. In this case, you will need to consult with your doctor about which type of medication is best for you. There are several types of drugs that can help fight off infections including antibiotics and supplements like steroids.

Over the counter medicines are not the only form of treatment for bladder infections. They are just one option and often times, these are not effective.

Other treatments you may want to consider include pelvic pain relievers and even surgery. Sometimes, surgery is recommended after consulting with a doctor because it is a much stronger form of treatment that just using over the counter medications or over the counter pain medication alone.

Other pain relievers are non-steroidal like acetaminophen and ibuprofen and in rare cases, muscle relaxers. These pain killers can be used as a preventative measure to try to keep the muscles of the pelvic floor relaxed so that you do not feel the urge to urinate as often.

In the end, when it comes to dealing with bladder infections, prevention is usually better than a cure. So the best thing to do is to avoid contracting an infection in the first place. Try not to touch or otherwise cause irritation to your urinary opening as this can lead to a painful infection.

By making simple steps to prevent an infection, you can reduce your chances of getting one. Prevention is much better than having to deal with a long lasting or recurring infection.

Also, try to avoid going to places where there are a lot of people that may be passing the infection. One of the things that can increase the chances of a urinary tract infection include being around animals such as dogs or cats that have weak immune systems and therefore are more prone to contracting these infections.

Also avoid wearing loose fitting clothing, as these can easily trap moisture in the area. In this way, you can also make it easier for bacteria to enter the body and cause a UTI, thereby increasing your risk of having a urinary tract infection.

You may also want to consider trying natural remedies such as soaking a tampon in vinegar for a few hours and then inserting it into the vagina to kill off bacteria. Another tip that many people use to prevent UTI’s is to drink a glass of water before urinating, especially if you plan to have sexual intercourse.

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The article Effective Treatment For Bladder Infections by Tiffany Pratt appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Thoughtful Ways to Show Your Parents You Appreciate Them

by LouAnn Moss

We can never underestimate the things our parents do for us. From the time we’re born, they give us their love, advice, and unwavering support. These gifts don’t end once we turn eighteen—our parents are invested in us throughout the entire duration of our lives. As such, we should show our parents how much we appreciate everything they’ve given us—it’s our turn to step up to the plate and give back. To do this, follow some of our thoughtful tips on how to show your parents you appreciate them.

1. Tidy Their Home

Your parents likely cleaned up after you when you were young, and now you should do the same. When you visit your parents, take the time to vacuum the floor or do the dishes. Give them a rest so that they can concentrate on doing something that makes them happy.

2. Make Them a Meal

Cooking meals for you is another thing your parents did for years. Even if cooking is something they enjoy, they probably wouldn’t refuse a break from it. Take a night to make your parents’ favorite meal; go the extra mile and prepare an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert.

3. Have a Party

If a notable event such as an anniversary or birthday is coming up, throw your parents a party. Depending on your parents’ preferences, this can be an intimate gathering or a full-on bash. Get together a group of people who love and appreciate your parents and dedicate the day to celebrating them. Round out the event with a cake and a thoughtful gift. Personalize the gift to further show your appreciation.

4. Call Them Regularly

Your parents want to know what’s going on in your life, and they’d likely love to hear it more than once every few months. Even if you’re busy, make the time to call your parents regularly and fill them in on the current events in your life. Be sure to ask what they’re up to as well.

5. Listen to Them

One of the most important things we can do is listen. In the modern age of technology, however, we often neglect to give people our full attention, even when they’re telling us something important. Don’t try to multitask when you call your parents, and if you talk to them in person, put your phone away so that you can truly take in what they’re saying.

6. Plan a Day Together

Plan a day for just you and your parents to spend together. Get some food, take a walk in the park, or see a movie. Whatever you decide to do, you’re giving your parents the quality time they deserve—and that both of you will cherish.

7. Tell Them

One of the best ways to let your parents know how much you love and appreciate them is to simply tell them. Your parents will undoubtedly love your gifts or homemade meals, but your happiness is ultimately what’s most important to them. Be open with your emotions and take the time to tell them regularly what they mean to you. Remember, you’re one of the most important people in their life—and they are some of yours.

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The article Thoughtful Ways to Show Your Parents You Appreciate Them by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

There’s more to family vacations than just setting a budget. Keep reading for how to plan a family vacation: 5 key tips.

by Tammy Jones

Family vacations are the perfect way to bond as a family and provide beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. The importance of family vacations has proven to be some of the most memorable experiences of a child’s life, especially when they go to a resort or even if you get a vacation rental for just the family. For those who want to have a luxury vacation, then consider taking a private jet charter or a bus charter, but if you want to make sure that you plan everything correctly, then consider getting help from a travel agency for when you plan a trip to grand cayman things to do for the whole family.

Knowing how to plan a family vacation will not only create a happier family but could also teach your family certain life-lessons that they will not get back at home.

In fact, a recent survey discovered that adults who traveled as a family between the ages of 12-18 ended up having better grades and higher incomes than those who did not travel.

Planning the perfect family vacation can be difficult especially if there are children of different ages with different interests, and you do not want to break the budget.

Keep on reading to learn how to plan a family vacation, so you can create those perfect, everlasting memories.

1. Make a List of Where You Want to Go

Vacationing with the family is the main goal, however, including the family in the planning will also provide amazing memories. This provides you the opportunity to work together as a team and leaves everyone like they were an important part of the decision making.

Sit down as a family with a big piece of paper and start jotting down family destinations that you all want to experience. Then make it a game as you start the process of elimination, crossing out the least favored places and opting for the most popular destinations within the family.

2. Do Your Research

After you have decided on the destination, it is time to do some research! Delegate each family member to research certain parts of the vacation such as:

Hotel or Airbnb costs and locationsExcursionsTransportationFoodCultural ExperiencesThings to do and see

Read a travel blog, make a list and plan your budget from the information you have seen, then it is time to start planning some more!

3. Know What to Pack

Part of the vacation is experiencing the food and culture, however, if you have some picky eaters in the family, it is vital that you bring some snacks from home.

Another packing tip is to bring games and other activities for stimulation. The last thing you want to deal with is whining, bored children!

4. Be OK with a Change of Plans

Sometimes when traveling, everything doesn’t always seem to go as planned, there may be missed flights, canceled excursions, or disappointing experiences.

If this happens, take a deep breath, and work together as a family to overcome this, figuring out a plan. This is all part of the adventure, and a perfect way to teach your children how to deal with the road bumps that we experience in life.

Studies show that over 44% of Millenials are planning family vacations, which is much more than 39% with Generation X. This is because parents are catching on to the incredible learning experiences that traveling provides for their children.

5. Have Fun!

You have done all the necessary hard stuff (planning and paying) that got you to this point. Now it is time to relax, enjoy, and create some long-lasting memories as a family.

Learn More About How to Plan a Family Vacation

Knowing how to plan a family vacation is the most important part of the entire vacation itself. So take your time to do the research and you (and your family) will thank yourself later.

If you would like to learn more travel tips like these, keep checking the travel section of our blog for more!

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The article There’s more to family vacations than just setting a budget. Keep reading for how to plan a family vacation: 5 key tips. by Tammy Jones appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Learning To Use A Potty Trainer

by Tiffany Pratt

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Potty training is the most difficult period in a child’s life. It is a significant milestone for children as it is an opportunity for them to begin life as a responsible member of society. Potty training can be frustrating for children at this age, but there are ways to help a child cope with the transition.

Potty training is not just about teaching your child how to go potty, it is also about teaching them social skills. Toilet training starts from when a child is young and is done by using a “toilet” that looks like a small bathtub. Potty training can vary greatly from culture to culture, and even among different demographics. Some cultures believe that the child should first be able to sit in the bathtub and have his/her bladder emptied before they can go potty.

In general potty training experiences are usually short, especially for younger children. As a parent, you want to make sure that your child gets everything out of the way early on so that your child will not feel frustrated later on. It is best to start potty training as soon as your child is old enough, but this may be a hard task since it is usually a slow process.

Another challenge is teaching a child how to hold their urine and stool for a longer time. Some cultures believe that the child should hold their urine until they are older than two. Some cultures actually train the child not to hold his/her urine until they are six months old. The child should be encouraged to hold his/her urine and stool for at least ten minutes after having its bladder emptied, even if that means that they will have to go outside to go potty.

In some countries, the child must be given an incentive for holding their urine and stool longer. Many parents use food or a toy to encourage holding his/her urine longer. Other parents encourage their child to hold his/her urine longer by letting them know how long they will have to wait before they are allowed to go potty. It is up to the parent to figure out the best reward or incentive to use for potty training and make sure that it does not lead to a lack of attention from the child.

There are also many parents who are hesitant to start potty training their child because they feel that they will not get the same attention from their child once the child has gone potty. This is not true. Most children who have started potty training have gotten the same amount of attention from their parents throughout their first few weeks and it is much easier to start potty training when you have already established a positive relationship with your child.

Another benefit to potty training is that the child can learn more about the world and other cultures when he/she starts. It helps a child learn that he/she is not the only person in the family. Potty training can be extremely beneficial to any child as it helps them learn what is acceptable behavior and what is not. They will be more aware of social etiquette and understand the importance of manners.

While some people believe that potty training is difficult, it is an important phase for children to undergo. Potty training is something that every child should go through, but parents need to remember that it is a process that will help children to grow into a healthy and independent adult.

It is very common for children to get frustrated when they do not start potty training right away. If a child has had an accident, they will be unhappy, but they can always use the potty to make up. It is best to show your child that they can get up after an accident, but it is also better to teach them to deal with accidents in the future. Children will grow up and learn that potty accidents are inevitable.

It is a good idea to try to get as much information as possible before deciding on a method of potty training your child. This way, you will have a better chance of making an informed decision on which method is right for your child. and for you. There are many books and websites on potty training, which can give you all kinds of tips and advice.

A potty trainer can also help you with potty training. A lot of these trainers are available online and can be a valuable resource.

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The article Learning To Use A Potty Trainer by Tiffany Pratt appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Toys Appropriate For One-Year-Old Children by Nicole Munoz

by Cascia Talbert

Shop for the perfact gift for children age 1 @ eToys!

From a fragile helpless little creature who could barely open his eyes, you’ve seen how your little kid bloomed to become the active, curious, and energetic one-year-old that he is right now, Infinite Therapy Solutions ensures your child has the chance to put their best everyday.

Now is the time when he graduates from the rattles and baby squeaky toys that used to make him burst into a fit of giggles. Now is the time when he progresses to more advanced toys that will be suitable in developing his skills and stimulating his mental growth.

Toys for one-year-old children include:

Stacking toys that come in different shapes, sizes and colors. These toys which include stackable cups, pails, and rings are helpful in introducing your kid to a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. By learning how to stack up these toys his fine motor skills, hand to eye coordination, and spatial awareness are also being improved, and you can get all these types of toys from sites as mamonlineshop.com which offer a great variety on these.

Unbreakable mirrors of assorted sizes. You might have noticed that your kid loves looking at that baby he sees whenever he’s in your arms and you pass by a mirror. Toys like unbreakable mirrors are not only fun and enjoyable for your kid but will also allow for self-discovery which is important in his developmental progress.

Squeeze toys. These toys are good in improving your baby’s grasp and release skills while the squeaky sounds that come from it will make your kid burst into laughter. Give your kid a variety of squeeze toys which can also be used in games like “where’s the toy?” wherein you hide a toy and have your toddler look for it as his problem solving skills are being honed.

Cars, trucks and vehicle toys that do not have small or loose parts, sharp and pointy objects and are made of durable and flexible but safe plastic material.

Building toys such as large building blocks. Because your kid will be able to construct various creations from these toys, this is instrumental in honing his creativity and imagination.

Balls of various colors and sizes. Play baby soccer with your kid to improve his motor skills and eye to foot coordination by swinging him to kick these balls. Or use these balls to teach him about the round shape and the different sizes and colors and sharpen his visual discrimination.

Educational cardboard books with vibrant images and colourful prints. While your kid browses through these books, narrate to him and tell him about the things in the book, “this is a dog” or “this is a house.” This will be beneficial in helping your kid’s conceptual and language development.

Large dolls, plush toys or puppets. Babies are inherently enthusiastic about puppet shows. While these puppet shows are proven to keep baby amused and entertained, more importantly these will teach your kid about the art of conversation and encourage positive interaction. Have a Baby Einstein puppet talk to you and then respond. Talk about funny things or sings songs together.

Toys that mimic real-life gadgets and devices like toy telephones. Imitating older people is how a baby learns about the world around him Use these toys to encourage imitative play and cultivate his social and language development.

About the Author
For more tips and information about Baby Einstein Puppets, check out http://www.thekidstoystore.com/.

For more articles on toys visit GoArticles.com

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Essential Vitamins You Should Take Daily

by LouAnn Moss

As winter rolls in and flu season begins to rear its ugly head, it’s important to take all the precautions you can to keep yourself and your family healthy. Eating a healthy diet and maintaining proper hygiene is a good place to start, but it may not always be enough to ward off the flu. Keep your body in tip-top shape this season with this guide to essential vitamins you should take daily.

Vitamin D

With the sun often in short supply during the long winter months, vitamin D is easily one of the most essential vitamins you should take daily. Vitamin D is usually gained from sun exposure and, as such, vitamin D deficiencies become increasingly common during the winter. Vitamin D deficiencies are mostly seen in elderly individuals, but they can occur in younger adults and children as well. Taking a daily vitamin D supplement will reduce the risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency and suffering subsequent ailments, such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia.

Calcium

As mothers around the world will agree, calcium is the key to developing strong bones and teeth. However, many children and adults do not get enough calcium on a daily basis. Like with vitamin D, a calcium deficiency can lead to certain bone-related illnesses and may put you at an increased risk of broken bones. The most common illness related to calcium deficiency is hypocalcemia, which can be characterized by fatigue, muscle aches and spasms, and dry or itchy skin.

Iron

While iron can be found in various foods, many adults do not receive their proper daily iron amount. This may be due to the fact that everyone requires a different amount of iron. Certain individuals, such as those who are pregnant or going through puberty, will likely require a higher daily amount. Because iron is commonly found in red meat, those who maintain a vegetarian diet are often at higher risk of developing an iron deficiency and can benefit greatly from a daily iron supplement.

Zinc

To maintain a healthy immune system throughout flu season, be sure to take a daily zinc supplement. Zinc levels tend to be lower in older individuals or people experiencing stress. When zinc levels are low, your immune system does not work as well as it should and may make you more susceptible to the flu or common cold. Zinc deficiency can be characterized by a loss of appetite, diarrhea, or certain skin problems, such as acne or eczema.

Magnesium

Magnesium is another nutrient that is crucial to bone health and energy production. While certain foods are rich in magnesium, including spinach, beans, and nuts, it may take a magnesium supplement to ensure you are meeting your body’s daily nutrition needs. Magnesium ensures your body’s enzymes are properly functioning and aids in nutrient digestion and absorption. Because magnesium also plays such an important role in your body’s metabolism, taking a daily magnesium supplement can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes and other diseases related to magnesium deficiency.

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The article Essential Vitamins You Should Take Daily by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Noteworthy Benefits of Playing Outside in the Cold

by LouAnn Moss

As the cold weather gets closer and closer, we start to worry more about whether our children will get outside enough. In the fall it’s not too much of an issue, but as the winter months roll around, children seem to get outside less and less often. It makes sense—we’re hesitant to send kids outside because of all the things that could go wrong.

Nobody wants their child to get frostbite; however, if you take the proper steps, you and your children can enjoy all the different benefits of playing outside in the cold! From proper hygiene practices that work year-round to not over-bundling your kiddos, once you take these steps, you and your kids will love the quick reward of outdoor play. We list a few of those great benefits below—check them out!

Gives them a chance to escape indoor germs

Many people associate the cold with getting sick, but it’s not going outside that means automatic sickness. In fact, most often, the reason kids get sick in the winter is because they’re trapped inside all of the time. Your kids are more likely to get sick if they’re constantly indoors because of the exposure to a poorly ventilated environment and stagnant air. Getting your kids outside in the cold will give them that fresh air their body needs. To put it simply, outdoor play in the cold strengthens the immune system—so make sure you and the kids are spending time outdoors.

Gets their exercise in

The summer is full of children running around and consistently getting their exercise in, and they can still do that in the colder months. Daily exercise is vital for children, so playing outside in the cold is a fabulous way to do that and keep them healthy. What’s even better is that outdoor play in the winter can be more beneficial than in other seasons, since it takes more muscle and movement to get through snow and even just to breathe in that cold air.

Provides vitamin D

All of us end up feeling the effects of a little sunshine in the cold months, and kids tend to feel that even deeper. Since very few foods actually contain vitamin D, sun exposure is one of the few ways children can get the essential vitamin. Getting outside in the cold—especially when it’s a sunny day—will have a large impact on their mood. If there have been a few days of no sunshine, make sure you spend a lot of time outside once the sunshine returns.

Helps burn extra energy

Probably one of the benefits that parents love the most about playing outside in the cold is how that extra energy gets burned off. Whether you head to a playground when the snow’s cleared a bit, or go on a winter wonder walk, you and the kids are sure to enjoy the fresh air and the chance to burn off some of that extra energy. You don’t have to stay indoors all winter long—and you shouldn’t!

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The article Noteworthy Benefits of Playing Outside in the Cold by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Lose Weight Faster by Finding Time to Exercise by Kathryn Martyn Smith M.NLP

by Cascia Talbert

 

 

How do you Find the Time to Exercise When you Don’t Have the Time?

 

I’m getting up an hour earlier these days. I said I’d never be able to do it: I was already sleep deprived rising at 6 AM, how would I ever get up at 5? I’d never be able to get to sleep earlier (this is still true), and a hundred other reasons why it wouldn’t work. And then I tried it, and it does work and I love it. I’m still sleep deprived, but that extra hour in the morning is the best thing I ever did.

 

Why did it take me so long to “just do it?” Probably because of the way I presented the idea to myself. I used words such as “never” and “already” as in “I’m already sleep deprived” and “I’ll never be able to get up earlier.” I kept telling myself it wouldn’t work, that it was a bad idea and until the first time I actually tried, I secretly believed when the alarm rang, I’d just turn it off and go back to sleep. I’d forgotten how much I enjoy getting up early. Mornings are my best time of day. I’m the most productive in the morning so it makes sense to give myself an extra hour. If you’re a night owl you’d do the opposite; work out at night! Really. It’s okay. Some gyms are open 24-hours and you can workout at any time with a personal trainer.

 

A small adjustment in how you run your day can help enormously in freeing up some time for things like exercise. “I don’t have time.” I hear that a lot but ask “What’s your favorite TV show?” and most people will rattle off a whole list; CSI, Grey’s Anatomy, whatever. The average person spends more than four hours a day watching TV. That’s four wasted hours. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying some TV, but there’s also no reason you can’t exercise during the commercials and maybe eventually trade one of those hours for some real workout time.

 

Commercial Break Workouts

 

When I was younger I made a game out of cleaning and I still practice this method today. I loved TV, watching as much as six hours a day, so missing a show to do chores was not going to happen. I figured out I could get my chores done during commercials. As soon as my show went to a commercial I’d jump up to wherever I’d left off. I’d bring in laundry and fold it while I watched. I’d iron in front of the TV, I’d bring in all manner of miscellaneous debris from other rooms and sort it, then at the next commercial break I’d put things where they belonged. I’d move from one room to the next, carrying things that belonged and returning with things that did not. Eventually the house was clean, and hadn’t missed my programs. That same time could be used for exercise.

 

If you’re a TV watcher, consider how much time you waste just sitting during commercials and start taking advantage of that time. Whether for exercise or cleaning, or anything else you need to get done: answering e-mails, studying, paying bills, grooming the cat; there are lots of little chores we need to do, no reason we can’t carry them into our TV room and get them done.
You can turn your TV room into a fitness room easily. Add a cushy floor mat, if the room isn’t carpeted. A pair of dumbbells. Fill empty bleach jugs with water or sand and you have an instant weight set. Use caution if they are not full since the sand may shift and cause injury. Canned foods make good weights too. My first exercise equipment consisted of a pair of 1-pound and 5-pound dumbbells (smartbells that is). Start now and improvise, then later add equipment such as a weight room rack . You don’t need to join a gym or have to have a fully equipped home gym to get started exercising at home.

 

Body Weight Exercise

 

Push ups are an incredible exercise, mens or women’s style. No special equipment needed, just get on the floor and start. Standing squats (press your back against a wall and then lower as if to sit, stand, lower, stand. Easy. The back-and-forth for 10 times equates to a “set.” That’s body builder parlance for exercise. A faster option to lose excess fat is going through body sculpting procedures, it can reduce or remove excess skin and unwanted fat pockets to shape different body areas. Now you know.

 

Get up an hour earlier and you can workout before anything interferes. No matter what my exercise comes first. Unexpected calls or invitations, traffic jams, kids needing rides, nothing interferes. It’s great. The consistency of a regular exercise program just makes me feel good—maybe it’ll do the same for you. If you find it difficult to find the time, make time. Don’t just sit during commercials, get up, get moving. Find whatever works for you then write it as a date with yourself on your calendar, and get started.

 

Decide You Want More

 

You decide how healthy you are by what you do day by day. You decide whether to get on the bike or sit on the couch. Every minute of every day you decide how to spend your time. The more often you make decisions that support what you want, the easier it becomes, until it’s a new healthy habit, a way of life that supports better health . You may even start saying, “I just love to exercise,” and mean it and then you’ll see the pounds fall away effortlessly.

 

About the Author

 

Kathryn Martyn Smith, Master NLP & EFT, Weight Loss Coach, Author of the free weight loss E-book “Changing Beliefs, Your First Step to Permanent Weight Loss.” Learn to use EFT & NLP for weight loss with “The Daily Bites” .fb-background-color { background: !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }

The article Lose Weight Faster by Finding Time to Exercise by Kathryn Martyn Smith M.NLP by Cascia Talbert appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Healthy Snacks Your Kids Will Love

by Susan Bowerman, M.S., RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND – Senior Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training, Herbalife Nutrition Susan

For many parents with school-age children, back-to-school has morphed from an in-person experience to a virtual one, and when kids are at home, “I’m hungry!” becomes a common phrase. Children can sometimes mistake boredom for hunger, and they may not crave the snacks that provide the nutrition they need. So, it can be challenging to come up with healthy snacks that kids would enjoy.

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It’s always funny to me when people ask what my kids ate when they were little. I’m sure many of them think that because of the work I do, my kids must have been perfect eaters – or that I had some special tricks up my sleeve that made them beg for broccoli and other healthy foods.

Truth be told, my kids were no different from most other kids. They had their likes and dislikes, and they needed frequent snacks to fuel their active and growing bodies. But there were several really healthy foods that they were almost always willing to eat. I just downplayed the “healthy” part, because once you tell kids something is “good for you,” that’s one of the surest paths to rejection. Here are some snack ideas that your kids – and you! – will love:

Carrots and Hummus

Kids and vegetables often don’t mix, but sweet, crunchy, raw carrots are an exception. Carrots are rich in beta carotene to help support healthy-looking skin and eyesight, and they’re also a good source of fiber. Add some protein-rich hummus and they’ll be getting a healthy, balanced snack.

Turkey Sticks

Wrap a slice of turkey around a stick of string cheese for a fun-to-eat snack loaded with protein and calcium.

Protein bars

Instead of granola bars – which tend to be made mostly of refined carbohydrates and offer very little nutrition – look for protein bars that provide at least 5 grams of protein. Bars that include nuts, fruits, and seeds will provide additional nutrition.

Half a sandwich on whole-grain bread

It’s a rare kid who won’t eat sandwiches, so why not offer half a sandwich for a snack?  For kids who are old enough to make their own, lay out all the ingredients – and include some cut veggies like cucumber slices or tomato – and let them make their own. Kids are more likely to eat vegetables when they’ve put them into their own creations.

English-muffin pizza

A classic treat that kids love. Top split English muffins (preferably whole grain) with some prepared pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese, then toast until bubbly. A well-balanced treat with a boost of vitamin C from the tomato sauce.

And Don’t Forget the Water

Kids also need to stay well hydrated too. Plain water is great, but a small amount of flavor may actually encourage your kids to drink more.  Make it interesting by adding chunks of fruit to amp up the taste.

For more tips from Susan Bowerman, visit www.IAMHerbalife.com.

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The article Healthy Snacks Your Kids Will Love by Susan Bowerman, M.S., RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND – Senior Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training, Herbalife Nutrition Susan appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.