Water is You! You is Water...

Water is important. It is as important to our bodies as it is to the environment. We need to stay hydrated each day, even in the winter. Turns out our body relies on water to help keep our temperature regulated. So to stay warm in the winter, drink water. Personally I heat my cup of water just a little to take the cold off, since I use a filtered water pitcher that I keep in the refrigerator. I use a Shaklee BestWater Perfect Pitcher and it performs well.

Carry a non-BPA bottle of water with you when you travel to work or run errands. Metal travel cups wash easily, and keep hot beverages and cold beverages cold. Other options are in stores and online. Bottled water is popular since it is “easy” but it is also expensive.

Drink water throughout the day, don’t wait until you feel thirsty. So get in the habit of drinking water all day long.

Studies show that we lose water as we sleep, so drink a glass of water before you go to bed and then again when you awake.

And of course we lose water when we exercise, so maintain that habit of hydration. You may also want to look into sports drinks ,to add the salts and minerals your body looses during exercise. Shaklee has Performance that helps keep you hydrated during and after a work out.

So as you can see, Water is You! And you is water.

Study Reveals Supplements Can Lower Health Care Costs

Lewin Group Issues Health Impact Studies Indicates Billions Could Be Saved in Health Care Costs through the Use of Selected Supplements

"Over the past several years, the Dietary Supplement Information Bureau has commissioned The Lewin Group, a highly-respected health care and human services consulting firm, to conduct a series of "Health Impact Studies" relating to potential health care cost savings from the use of dietary supplements.

These studies examined the results of existing scientific research on selected supplements to calculate their health benefits, then applied this information to current health care statistics, determining how much money could be saved with a lower incidence of diseases and ailments that could be avoided through the use of the select dietary supplements. The results of these studies were very encouraging, showing that for several of the supplements tested, billions of dollars could be saved over a five year period.

The first Health Impact Study examined five supplements: calcium (with vitamin D), folic acid
omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and saw palmetto. The results were staggering: the reduction of hip fractures through calcium intake alone could save the health care industry approximately $13.9 billion through a reduction in hospital, nursing facility and physician expenditures. Folic Acid intake for sufferers of neural tube defects (NTD) over five years could save approximately $1.3 billion in lifetime costs. Research on the other supplements was similarly promising."

So start now with Shaklee's great products, save the one time Membership fee with qualifying order of 50 PV, now through August 8, 2009, and save health care costs too! Stay Healthy!


Summer Travel: Cruises, Planes & Automobiles

Summer Travel involves trains, planes, automobiles, trucks, RV’s, motorcycles, bikes, ships and buses! I probably left out some forms of transportation, such as camels, but those aren’t going to cross most of our paths as we venture to see the family this summer! But if you do use a camel or an elephant as transportation, let me know how it works. Of course some folks like to hike or walk, but not this Southern Belle!

As I travel during the summer, I plan my food intake carefully. As you might know, I do like to eat, so snacking is a challenge.Weight Management becomes an issue if I don't pace my food intake along with my exercise. Snacks can be a good way to keep energy levels up as you travel, especially if you are on a plane and your normal meal schedule is disrupted. Keeping my energy level up, while not adding too many carbohydrates is my goal. That is why I like the Cinch Bars from Shaklee along with the Cinch Shakes. These fill me up, give me good vitamins, minerals and lots of good soy protein balanced with carbs for energy. Lemon Cranberry Bars are my favorites. Even on a Cruise, I take along my Cinch Shakes for the extra energy as I tackle my next round of photos!

When flying, I make certain I have several snacks with me. You never know when the flight will be delayed and you will be eating your hat from hunger. Having had several long “sits” on tarmacs I now take almonds with me to eat, Cinch Snack Bars and a few servings of the Cinch Shakes just in case! Using my Tupperware Quick Shake as a mixing area, the Cinch Shakes mix easy with water . Along with the Cinch Shakes, I enjoy my Cinch Energy Tea, known as Liquid Ooomph! Easy to add to a serving of water. A mix of Green, Red and White Teas, in an easy to use “stick”; just open and pour. Good hot or cold.

So, remember when traveling: Drink lots of water, keep moving, keep your energy levels up, keep your immune system up and have fun as you travel this summer!

Summer Travel and Work Outs!

Traveling in the Summer brings all sorts of adventures and opportunities for foods, treats and the subsequent weight gain. As we travel, we venture into new areas of the world and find new foods, wonderful fruits, vegetables, local delights that tempt us and rightfully so!

Traveling affords many occasions for working out. Think about it: Hotel corridors, city streets (use your common sense in a new city), and parks, fitness centers, walking trails and jogging in place offer alternative places for walking. Keep moving, that is the key.

Sitting for long periods in not good for your circulation and adds to that “fatigued feeling “ we often experience. Moderate exercise keeps your spirits up along with your weight down. Remember 30 minutes at a minimum for adults and 60 minutes a day for children will keep you feeling refreshed and ready to take on your travels.

As I travel by airplane, I like to take advantage of all opportunities to get some walking in, even in the airports! At the airports, with the need for early arrival, there is usually a long wait period between arrival at the airport and the plane departing. Once I have cleared security, I find my gate, then walk up and down the concourse in that area. Since I have a rolling travel bag along with a large (really large) purse I use for traveling, I attach the purse to the handle of the rolling bag and off I go! Never leave a bag sitting unattended at an airport! Getting in a 30 to 45 minutes of walking, pulling the rolling bag with purse is a good bit of exercise.

Once on the airplane, I make several trips up and down the aisles to get some exercise while in the air. I also do some stretching while seated. I remove my shoes, then lift my toes towards the ceiling while my heels are on the floor. Bringing my knees up toward my chest, while keeping my toes on the floor, is good too. Rolling my shoulders forward and back, then stretching my arms forward and up also helps. You can repeat these several times during your flight to add to your circulation. NWA has several good exercises to follow on their site.

Have a great trip and keep in Shape! Enjoy Summer Travel!