Stay Healthy Over the Holidays

Hair & makeup: Start out with an exfoliant to get rid of dullness. Look alert by dotting silver shimmer in the inner corners of eyes and right above eyebrow arches, and widen peepers by darkening and lengthening brows with a pencil. For an instant facelift, draw hair into a ponytail.

Wardrobe: Wear colors that you know warm and flatter your complexion. To distract eyes, pile on some heavy metal or sparkly bling.

Go wild: Before you head out, briefly hang upside-down from your sofa or bed to get blood flowing to your face. And above all, embrace the holiday cheer! After all, the holidays only come once a year.

Stay Healthy Over the Holidays

Holidays are both some of the most joyful times of the year and the most stressful. Between shopping, worrying about money and attending holiday parties, you need to take care of yourself first more than ever. Follow these tricks to look refreshed and ready to conquer the world.

Set the stage: During party season, avoid salty foods and stay hydrated to decrease puffiness. Keep a bag of peas in the freezer to reduce under-eye bags in an emergency, or try green tea bags steeped in cool water.

Stay tuned for more tricks to help you survive the holiday season.

Are "healthy" nail polishes really necessary?

There are three ingredients in nail polish you should avoid:

Formaldehyde
Used as a preservative in beauty products and known to cause itching and burning (and is classified as a possible carcinogen by the EPA). Countries like Japan and Sweden have banned it completely.

DBP
Or dibutyl phthalate, makes nail polish flexible and exposure to it has been shown to cause birth defects in animal studies.

Toluene
Used as a solvent, is a toxin particularly harmful to the nervous system.

All three of these ingredients score a 10 (the highest) in the skin toxicity database and are linked to cancer, as well as other health consequences. Luckily, there are many brands now available that offer all the pretty, without so much of the toxicity.

Need a memory boost?

Give yourself some short-tern help by:

• Paying attention: really listen to a name when being introduced. Repeat it out loud and make a comment about it (e.g. "Catherine, is that a C or a K?")

• Using linking tools: Attach new information to information you already know.

• Picturing it: Visualize a silly or strong image that you associate with someone (e.g. what animal does s/he remind you of?)

For help in the long-term:

• Make like a vegetarian: Blueberries, strawberries and anything green and leafy (especially spinach) contain brain-boosting compounds.
  

• Stress less: Exercise reduces stress hormones that can impair memory.
  

• Work your mind: Keep on your toes with brain power games like crosswords or sudoku.

Are Sore Muscles Cramping Your Style?

Here are some quick fixes to get you working out pain free:

• Stay hydrated- this will flush muscles of any lactic acid buildup (the root cause of evil soreness).
• Stretch, stretch, stretch. Then stretch some more. Short on time? Start your workout with an easy 5-minute routine.
• Go bananas- potassium helps balance the body's fluids and heal muscles more quickly (bonus: the carbs keep you fueled).
• Give it the cold shower- taking an arctic dip immediately after a workout will help decrease muscular inflammation.
• Don't be afraid to work it- a low intensity, light cardio workout for 20 to 40 minutes will get blood flowing, which combats soreness.

Prevent Alzheimer's Disease Now

While there isn't any surefire way to prevent Alzheimer's disease, there are some things you can do now to lower your risks.

Working out regularly, watching your blood pressure, and stimulating your brain with new challenges have all been shown to reduce the risk for Alzheimer's. New research suggests that keeping your cholesterol in check could also defend against the disease. In a study of 9,700 men and women, scientists found that those with the highest total cholesterol levels in their 40's were more like to develop Alzheimer's later in life.

Also, try to follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and foods high in fiber and omega-3s.

Get Healthier Almost Instantly

Not one, not two, but five just-released studies found that vitamin D has wide-ranging benefits, from keeping your bones and heart healthy to reducing the risk of breast and other cancers. Yet, up to half of all women just don't get enough of it. Just 5 to 30 minutes of sunscreen-free afternoon sun on the arms and legs three times a week (paler women need the least time, darker the most) will help your body produce the vitamin D it needs.

If you live north of Texas, winter rays aren't strong enough to trigger vitamin D production, so experts suggest eating D-rich foods like salmon or taking a supplement. Most agree 800 to 1,000 IUs of D3 per day is enough.

Make Room For Your Workout Time

• Do you have a calendar for deadlines and events? Pencil in your workouts and cross them out when completed. Seeing them in writing makes you feel more committed.
• Find a gym close to the office or home. When you're rushed, getting there and back won't feel like a big ordeal.
• Invite a friend to join your or sign up for a class. When there are other people who expect you, it's harder to back out.
• Stock up on exercise DVDs. If you don't have time for the gym, you can at least get a great at-home workout.
• If you have to miss exercise time, commit to do office mini-workouts to make up the difference. Forgo the elevator, do laps around the floors, or walk the last leg of your commute home.

Brighten up Your Workspace

One potted plant might be all you need to feel better at work.

Researchers at Texas State University found that people who had a plant in their offices rated themselves as more satisfied with life and work that did those without them.

Bonus: there are also dozens of plants that are great for filtering toxins out of the air thereby improving the air you breathe. Black thumbs fear not: there is a plethora of hard to kill plants available. Try any version of dracaena, golden pothos, a peace lily, or for big impact, try a Boston fern.

Get Clear Skin With Murad Acne

If you're fighting what seems like a never-ending battle against acne and blemishes, try Dr. Murad's acne treatment regimen. It's long been offered in spas throughout the country as the best treatment for acne. Murad acne products have been scientifically proven to address all of the factors that cause breakouts, from balancing oil production to soothing inflammation, without over drying skin.

You can now get a 30-day supply of the Murad acne regimen for just $29.95, and your satisfaction is guaranteed. Try this wonder product and you won't be disappointed!

Small Tips for Big Weight Loss

If you're a snacker throughout the day, the best thing you can do for yourself is to have a power snack prepared. Mix three different kinds of beans and sprinkle in some low-cal Italian dressing for a delicious snack all week long.

Also, whenever you eat, be mindful. Eat without doing anything else- no TV, no reading, no working. Try chewing a strong-flavored gum like cinnamon while you're cooking to make sneaking a taste less appealing.

Another small trick to stay mindful of snacking? Tighten your belt. When you feel a craving and temptation to gorge, tighten your belt a notch as a reminder of the size you'd like to be.

Small Tips for Big Weight Loss

One of the biggest culprits of weight gain is not what we eat, but what we drink. Unfortunately, so many of the beverages, even those with healthful looking advertisements, contain high amounts of sugar, causing us to pack on the pounds.

Be mindful of what you're drinking, and try to make it count. Have a V8 or tomato juice instead of a Diet Coke. If you can't live without your favorite fruit juice, dilute it with water to reduce the calories.

Small Tips for Big Weight Loss

Get Watered Down

A recent German study showed that drinking water burns calories. Drinking two cups of cold water- no warmer than 72 degrees- used roughly 25 calories. Drink a liter a day and you're talking five pounds a year.

Go Smaller

This is one of the best little secrets for big weight loss. Use a salad plate instead of a dinner plate. Studies show that putting your portions on smaller dishes means you’ll end up eating less at a meal.

Small Tricks for Big Weight Loss

Drink More Milk

Milk does do a body good. Consuming 1,800 milligrams of calcium a day could block the absorption of about 80 calories. Fill your coffee mug with skim or 1 percent milk, drink it down to the level you want in your coffee, and then pour in your caffeine.

Buy Cut Veggies

They may cost more, but they'll pay off in the long run- you're much more likely to grab a palmful of veggies for snacking than other, less healthy food.

Small Tricks for Big Weight Loss

If you're watching what you eat and hoping to drop a few pounds or many, every calorie can count. The following tips and tricks may not seem like much, but they can actually have a huge effect. If you add up these small changes over time, they'll translate to a leaner, stronger you.

Blot.
Use a paper napkin to blot a teaspoon of fat off a pizza slice. At one slice a week, that's more than a whole cup of fat you won't eat this year.

Win the Battle of Adult Acne

Long available through luxury spas throughout the country, not you can get a revolutionary acne complex formula to treat those stubborn breakups that you've been battling for too long.
In just three simple steps, you can get bright, clean, clear skin. For under $30, Murad Acne sends you there acne kit, which includes a cleanser, exfoliating acne treatment gel and skin perfecting lotion. In just those three steps, they guarantee you'll see clearer skin. You'll also receive acne spot treatment and a clarifying mask as bonus items. And Murad offers a 60-day money back guarantee, so if you don’t see results, they’ll refund your money.

Give the Gift of Blooms

Utilizing the principles of color therapy, try picking out fresh blooms in bright and cherry colors like vivid yellow or orange dahlias or gerbera daisies. You'll feel more creative and energized with every time you catch a glance of these shining stars.

Another great way to add a boost of happiness to your day? By giving a fresh bouquet of blooms to a friend. Calla lilies are the perfect choice for their delicate scent and elegant, streamlined appearance. The arrival of unexpected flowers will give her a dose of instant joy and you some feel-good endorphins.

Sunflowers and Sweet Peas Brighten Your Day

Sunflowers are a natural choice to lift your mood and boost the spirit because of their bright, cheery colors. They'll catch your eyes and reflect the sun's energy for days.

The intoxicating aroma of sweet peas is another great choice that may conjure images of the idyllic English countryside and help put you at ease.

The Power of the Flower

In addition to brightening your kitchen or living room petal power can lighten your mood. Seeing fresh flowers around the house may make you feel less anxious and more energetic, especially first thing in the morning. Let the sight and smell of these summer blooms de-stress you and keep you cheerful all day long.

Try A Frozen Hot Weather Treat

Want a super healthy, warm-weather snack for the dog days of summer? Stick small fruit in the freezer then enjoy them for a sweet summer treat that'll cool you down. If you forget about them, don't worry! They'll keep until next summer. Also, try dipping some yogurt with a topping into popsicle molds for a healthy homemade treat.

Acne

Acne can be a dehabilitating condition and most of us have dealt with one way or another. I personally didn't have full blown "acne", but I have siblings who were impacted and it can be devastating. During the teenage years, it can be especially difficult, but there are acne products and ways to combat acne. There are natural procedures and acne medications. It all depends on what you are comfortable with. A few of my friends use Murad Acne products and have seen good results. I can't recommend any actual "acne product", because all I have ever used is basic soap and water. Fortunately, I haven't had to deal with severe acne. I get pimples here and there, but if you have or know someone who has acne, look for a solution. Don't sit back and think there is nothing to do. There are answers that start with diet, health and can be supported by acne products. Acne can be beaten and you will feel better about yourself. Your life can be changed and you will get rid of acne. Find an answer!

Murad Resurgence

Have you heard of Murad Resurgence? Resurgence is the new line of skin care products from Murad that targets women who show signs of "hormonal aging". This refers to skin conditions related to menopause, such as deeper wrinkles, sagginess, rough texture, adult breakouts, etc. Murad Resurgence offers a 3-step regimen - a cleanser, a treatment product, and a night cream. The cleanser is Murad's Renewing Cleansing Cream which exfoliates but does not dry the skin out. The treatment product is Murad's Age-Diffusing Serum, specifically targeted to improve elasticity of the skin, reduce wrinkles, and clear up redness and blemishes. The final step is Murad's Age-Balancing Night Cream, which is a super hydrating cream aimed to further reduce wrinkles and keep the skin moist and smooth. The Murad TV Offer featuring the Resurgence line is getting rave reviews, so if you are concerned about hormonal aging, check this out!

Get A Lemony Fresh, White Smile

The last tip for white teeth? Cut out the culprits! If teas, coffees, dark-colored sodas and red wine are constants in your life, replace them with colorless liquids like water to brighten those teeth. Be sure to brush teeth after every meal to remove residue, and for an extra bit of scrubbing power, and a dash of lemony freshness, squeeze a few lemon drops on your toothbrush.

Sage Tooth Whitener

If you want a pearly white smile without using chemical-laden teeth whiteners, try this recipe Native Americans used to keep their teeth dazzling.

Grind 2 tablespoons of sea salt and 2 tablespoons of dried sage leaves together. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes in a 250F oven. Cool, and then stir to blend. Scoop some of the mixture on your toothbrush and brush vigorously, then rinse thoroughly.

A Berry Effective Teeth Whitener

Another natural way to whiten your teeth in a pinch is to rub a cut strawberry across those pearly whites, (or just let mashed berries sit on them) for a few minutes before rinsing. The malic acid in the berries helps remove strains, and it tastes pretty good too!

Brighten Your Smile Naturally

Nothing goes better with sun-kissed skin than a dazzling set of pearly whites, but those store-bought whitening strips contain a lot of chemicals that may not be so good for your choppers. Instead, try some natural tricks for getting brighter whites.

DIY strips: Combine toothpaste with baking soda, apply the paste to aluminum foil and cover teeth. Leave for 1 hour and brush after removing. Repeat twice a week.

Be eco-friendly with a PC Hybrid

When it comes to ecomputers, Dell is leading the way. Not only is their new Studio Hybrid the smallest PC ever (it's 80% smaller than the average one), but it also uses 70% less energy. The model also ships in light packaging materials that are 95% recyclable, so you can be high-tech and environmentally friendly.

Win the Battle Against Hormonal Aging

If you're looking for a way to banish those fine lines and wrinkles, look no further than Murad Resurgence. Dr. Murad has created an amazing line of spa-quality skincare products, from a ground breaking acne complex, amazing SPF moisturizers, to a great system designed to help you fight the battle against hormonal aging.

Banish Burnout!

5. Exercise and Diet: Just 30 minutes of walking five days a week can reduce stress, tone your muscles and rejuvenate the spirit. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer, helps slow down the aging process, helps to keep weight at optimal levels and boosts the mood.

Now that's not so hard is it? Just remember these five steps and you can change your life!

Banish Burnout!

4. Centering: Whether it's through meditation, yoga, mindfulness, tai chi, prayer or being in nature, centering restores your mind, body and soul. Anything that deflects you from the relentless, judgmental inner dialogue elicits the relaxation response, a brain state that is opposite of the body's stress response. When you realize that although you have thoughts, you are not your thoughts, you can get in touch with the peaceful center at your core and live creatively in the present moment.

Banish Burnout!

3. Gratitude: When you wake up in the morning, where does your mind go? If you immediately being to worry, you’re off to a bad start. Think of three things you're grateful for before even leaving the bed, and at the end of the day think of at least one thing that surprised or delighted you. Research shows that grateful people are more motivated, efficient, healthy and happy.

Banish Burnout!

2. Friendship: Human beings are social animals, and research shows that connection to loved ones is one of the most important keys to health and wellbeing. It's a great way to reduce stress, and even if you don't have time for extended visits, even a short, meaningful conversation can revive the spirit and remind you that at the end of the day, love is what matters most.

Banish Burnout!

1. Recognition: If you learn to monitor yourself during the day, and do something to fill yourself up when you're running on empty, you'll be a much happier and more efficient person. Take a 10-minute walk, do stretches at the computer, eat a healthy snack, pat your pooch or call a friend; you'll find yourself in the zone where inspiration flourishes and you feel content, present and ready to live at your peak.

Banish Burnout!

If you feel overwhelmed with life and like your energy reserves have bottomed out, take heart. There's hope for putting the juice back into your life.

Keep reading for five simple steps for banishing burnout and reclaiming the creativity, contentment and empowerment that are your birthright as a human being.

Morning Exercises

Get your energy flowing by doing some simple stretches, even in your pajamas, or get dressed and take a brisk walk, letting the morning air fill your lungs. You'll never feel more vibrant and alive. In no time, you'll be singing a new tune: “Here Comes the Sun.”

Wake up Sunshine!

Turn on the lights in the room immediately after waking to signal the start of the day- and be sure to jump out of bed pronto!

DON'T build in extra snooze time. Set the alarm for one time and stick to it! Go to bed 15 minutes earlier at night if you're having problems over-sleeping.

Rise and Shine!

Are you a serial snooze button slacker? Break the habit and feel more energized with these tips to help you spring into your morning.

Crack open the blinds at night so the sun's rays hit your pillow first thing in the morning, getting your body's clock in sync with the natural circadian rhythms.
Note: this is for sound sleepers only- those of you who have trouble falling asleep at night should keep the room as dark as possible.

Sun Protection from a Pill?

It's true! And according to doctors, it's a worthwhile investment for your skin.

The supplement, called Heliocare, is made with an extract derived from a type of fern, which makes skin less susceptible to sunburn, and exhibits the anti-inflammatory, free radical-fighting properties of other antioxidants. It’s pricey- around $60 for 60 capsules, but you only need to take it before long periods of time spent in the sun.

Coffee May Improve Heart Health in Women

Good news for coffee drinkers: drinking up to six cups a day won't shorten your life span, and it may even help the heart.

A long-term study found that women who drank 2-3 cups per day had a 25 percent lower risk of death from heart disease than non-drinkers. The same amount showed no substantial difference, good or bad, for men.

Denmark Ranked Happiest Country

Denmark, with its democracy, social equality and peaceful atmosphere, is the happiest country in the world according to researchers.

Puerto Rico, Colombia, Northern Ireland, Iceland, Switzerland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Canada and Sweden also rank highly. And where does the United States fall? 16th- not bad when put in perspective.

So what makes a happy country? Researchers say it's the extent to which people have free choice in how to live their lives.

Why the recent outbreaks?

The FDA isn't checking farms and packing plants as regularly as they used to. The U.S. Department of Agriculture inspects every meatpacking plant in the country each day; in contrast, the FDA might inspect a vegetable packing facility just once a year. In 1972, the FDA inspected 50,000 farms and plants, by 2006, that number had dropped to only 10,000.

How does Salmonella Affect Tomatoes?

Manure, runoff, and wild animals. Livestock, especially when kept it large numbers in confined spaces, can contract salmonella with showing any symptoms. The bacteria is passed through waste, which is then used as fertilizer for produce.

Another possibility is contaminated water that farmer's use for irrigation.

The only tomato that's safe? Those that are still on the vine, since their skin is punctured at picking.

Continued in the next post...

Protect your Skin from Hormonal Aging

The best habit you can get into to prevent early aging, skin irritation, adult acne, and fine lines? Sunscreen, all day, every day.

• Avoid the sun during high intensity hours. Rays are most damaging from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wear protective clothing; dark colors in tightly woven fabrics are the best protection from UV rays.
• Wear an SPF of 15 or more and reapply every two hours for best protection.

If you're battling fine lines and hormonal aging, Murad Resurgence offers a great anti-aging system that'll give you results in less than 30 days.

Safe Fruits and Vegetables

Pineapple

Eat fresh pineapple to your heart's content; the tough skin protects the fruit from any pesticide residue. Give the pineapple a good rinse before cutting; otherwise, residue can follow the knife into the fruit.

Although it's tempting, this is one fruit you won't want to choose with a strong, sweet smell. This usually means it's overripe and fermenting. Avoid any soft spots or damage to the rind. Store in the refrigerator crisper.

Safe Fruits & Vegetables

Papaya

Pesticide residue does stay on papaya skin, but with a good wash, this fruit is great for eating.

Look for fruit that is slightly soft and shows no signs of bruising or shriveling. If they're not fully ripened, a brown paper bag for a few days does the trick. Once ripened, store in the refrigerator crisper.

Safe Fruits & Vegetables

Onions

Onions don't face as many threats to pests as other vegetables, so therefore, they require less spraying.

When choosing onions, look for fruit that is firm and has that distinctive "oniony" smell, but isn't too overpowering. Make sure there are no visible signs of damage or soft spots. Store in a cool, dry place or the refridgerator.

Safe Fruits & Vegetables

Mango

Mango is protected by its thick skin from any pesticides that are sprayed on the fruit, though rinse before cutting open.

When choosing mango, look for fruit that is bright in color and has a sweet, fruity smell; if it doesn’t have that smell, steer clear. Mangos should be slightly firm, but yield to the touch. Generally speaking, the softer the mango, the sweeter the fruit, but if it's too soft, it may be rotten inside. Store in the refrigerator crisper.

Safe Fruits & Vegetables

Kiwi

The peel of the kiwi provides a barrier from any pesticides used in the production.

Look for fruit that smells good. Kiwi should be plump and yield to a squeeze. Avoid fruit that has moist areas or any bruising on the skin. If unripe is all that is available, take them home and place them in a paper bag.

Store in the refrigerator crisper.

Safe Fruits & Vegetables

Cabbage

Cabbage doesn't require much in the way of spraying to grow it, so it doesn't contain as many pesticides.

Look for cabbage heads with tight leaves (the exception is savoy; its leaves are loose and crinkly naturally), and the head is heavy and firm. The outer leaves should be shiny and crisp and avoid leaves that show signs of yellowing.

Discard the outer leaves before use and store in your refrigerator crisper.

Safe Fruits & Vegetables

Broccoli

Conventionally grown broccoli doesn’t retain as much pesticides because the crop faces fewer threats, which means less pesticides are used.

When choosing broccoli, look for tightly bunched flower buds that haven't yet opened. The broccoli should be a deep green in color and the stalks firm and not rubbery.

Wash in a cool water bath before use. Store in the refrigerator crisper.

Safe Fruits & Vegetables

Bananas

All pesticides remain on the peel of the fruit, which isn't eaten.

Choosing: A pale yellow peel with green tips is tart and great for frying or pie.
When mostly yellow, the pulp will be firmer and still good for pies and tarts.
The last stage is a deep yellow with brown spots; this is the sweetest for eating.

Store at room temperature or ripen in a brown bag.

Safe Fruits & Vegetables

Avocados

Avocados have thick skins that protect the fruit from pesticide build-up.
Look for fruit that's still somewhat unripe and firm to the squeeze; they'll ripen nicely in a few days sitting on the kitchen counter. Store at room temperature and give them a rinse before cutting them open.