Let's Get Prepared!

As we talked about in the last post, Severe Storm Season is at hand. And we have to be prepared for all the possibilities that bad weather and earthquakes can bring. Being ready, planning before the emergency, gives us a head start on safety and security.
Have you thought about how to prepare for your Pets? Do you have cats, dogs, hamsters, horses, fish or other pets that are members of your family? They need to be considered in any emergency plan.
Animals often get frightened in storms and earthquakes. So having a plan of action can aid you in keeping them calm and secure. Practicing for an emergency can help your pets get used to the travel crates and trailers they will use during an evacuation. You do have travel crates, right? If not, then go purchase one for each animal! Crates should be large enough for the animal to stand up and turn around with ease. Don't get one that is too small!
Find out about "pet" policies the shelters in your area and those in outlying areas. Many do not allow for pets so you may be turned away with you "family members" of the pet variety. Think ahead, and know where you can go to safety with your pets.
* Have tags on each pet, veterinary papers for each pet with vaccination papers and such.
* Pack food and water for each pet since they have to eat too.
* Pack any medications they might need also.
* Pack a good leash and harness if they use one.
* Current Photo of the animals.
Take care of that favorite family friend! Stay Well!

Time to Get Prepared for Severe Storms!

Hurricane Season starts on June 1, 2010 and goes through November 30, 2010. Even though the Hurricanes have not started as yet, we are already getting some Severe Spring Storms with tornadoes, hail and damaging winds.
Now is the a good time to being refreshing your Severe Storm Preparedness Kits. We are between the main part of the Spring Storms and the last of the Winter Blizzards.
I know we all have waterproof bins with clothing, canned foods, medicine, batteries, flashlights, blankets, pillows, games, books, lanterns and more.
* Get out your bins and Wash the blankets and clothing to keep them fresh and ready to use in case that storm does come.
* Replace Canned Goods with fresh so the stored ones don't go out of date.
* Replace any Medicines in the bins with current supplies as needs do change.
* Check the First Aid Kit to make sure the ointments and salves are current too. Out of date medications don't work well and in an emergency situation it is best to have the most current available. Your Health is your most valuable asset.
* Replenish any Water Supplies you have.
* Put in fresh Batteries, matches in a waterproof container, candles in a waterproof container and fuel for any lanterns and small cook stoves.
* Review your Emergency Plan with all Members of your Family, even the ones who live out of town. The out of town family members need to know what you would do in case of a Severe Storm so they can anticipate your need for assistance.
These are just a few of the things to do, put Now it the Time to Start! Severe Storms know no dates or real "Seasons" so we must always be ready!
More to come! Stay Well, Elise

One Million Volunteers Signed-Up!

Got notification today the the Disney Give a Day Get a Day Volunteer Program had reached its goal of One Million Volunteers!
From the Disney website: "Hats off to a million volunteers!
The overwhelming support we received for the "Give a Day. Get a Disney Day." program has helped us reach our goal of inspiring one million people to volunteer a day of service to their communities. The program has now ended. Although you can no longer register and sign up for volunteer opportunities on this site to earn a free Disney Theme Park ticket, you can still continue to give back to your community by locating and signing up for volunteer opportunities through HandsOn Network."
So Thank You to everyone who signed-up to make a difference in your community! Congratulations on your decision to serve others!
Stay Well, Elise

Give a Day Get a Day from Disney!

Now is a great time to be a local Volunteer and Get a Free Day in a Disney Park! What a great deal!
To Qualify for the Free Day, you have to sign up on the Disney site, Give Day Get a Day. All you have to do is look at the options there and sign up for a day of volunteering! Be a point of light in this world, locally with your friends and neighbors. All it will cost you is time, and you will gain so much more that money cannot purchase.
Sam the Eagle and his friends are Proud Volunteers too! So join a great team today and have fun! Stay Well!

Choking in Young Children

According to a Policy Statement released by the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, published on February 22, 2010, Choking is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children, especially those aged 3 years or younger. Some of the primary causes of choking-related injury and death are food, coins and toys. The statement goes on to say that certain characteristics including shape, size and consistency, of certain toys and food increase their potential to cause choking among children.

The statement goes on to say that "Despite a strong gag reflex, a young child’s airway is more vulnerable to obstruction than that of an adult in several ways. The smaller diameter is more likely to experience significant blockage by small foreign bodies. Resistance to air flow is inversely related to the radius of the airway to the fourth power, so even small changes in the cross-section of the airway of a young child can lead to dramatic changes in airway resistance and air flow.

Mucus and secretions around a foreign body in the airway will reduce the radius of the airway even further and may also form a seal around the foreign body, making it more difficult to dislodge by forced air, such as with a cough or Heimlich maneuver. The force of air generated by a cough in an infant or young child is less than that in an adult; therefore, a cough may be less effective in dislodging a complete or partial airway obstruction during early childhood."

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted an analysis of nonfatal choking episodes among children aged 14 years or younger treated in US hospital emergency departments during 2001 on the basis of data reported through the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System–All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP). Of an estimated 17 537 children aged 14 years or younger who were treated for nonfatal choking, more than half (59.5%) were treated for food-related choking, approximately one third (31.4%) were treated for choking on nonfood items, and the cause of choking for the remaining 9.1% was unknown. Almost 13% of all these choking episodes were associated with coins, and 19% were caused by candy or gum. These findings are similar to those reported in a comparative retrospective analysis of foreign-body–related injuries to children from 1920 –1932 and 1988 –2000, confirming that food and coins are the most common foreign bodies." For more information see Official Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics.

Taking Care of Yourself

Taking care of yourself is getting to be more and more important. As we age, the chances of disease increase. And our medical cares is not set up for prevention. As great as our US medical care system is, the system's focus in on disease management, not prevention.
To help stay healthier longer, we have to take responsibility for our health and make healthy choices for food, lifestyle, sleep, and attitude among others. How do we find answers to make those choices easier and lasting?
1. First of all, we have to educate ourselves. Read as much as we can on health, healthy lifestyles, healthy eating, healthy exercises. Education is power.
2. And when we combine knowledge with good choices we can enjoy healthier living. Making good choices becomes easier as we see results.
3. Reward good changes. Find ways to celebrate those good changes and the results those changes bring.
4. Keep records of what your health issues are and how they are changed as your eating, exercise and lifestyle changes impact your health in positive measures.

Realize that changes in health can be subtle. Little things such as sleeping better, longer may not be noticed, but that change can make a big difference in how we feel each day, our mood, our ability to concentrate, make decisions and more. So keep a diary for 6 months or a year and record those positive changes and the affects those little shifts in lifestyle have on your overall health! Stay Well! Elise

Thinking Outside the Heart Shaped Box

Well, as you know, it is almost time for Valentine's Day! And that usually means presents for those you love. However, our normal presents at Valentine's Day are not really "loving" gifts if we think about it! Our gifts are usually boxes of candy, big thick boxes of candy. Now don't get me wrong, I like candy just as much as the next person. But I don't want nor need to have grand amounts of sugar. I would prefer gifts that are healthy, fun and focused on the future.

How to achieve such gifts for those you love? Here are several tips to get your journey started!

1. Concert tickets to a local symphony. Support your local events and give a great gift at the same time.

2. Plant a garden or special tree in your yard to commemorate the day. As the plants grow and bloom each year, you will have a constant reminder of your special bond.

3. Spa Days are popular with most folks since it allows for special "me"time. Most Spas have couples options, so book a day or weekend at a special time for you both to have "you" time!

4. Charitable donations make an impact for others and show you care about your loved one!

So look around your area for ways to say "I Love You!" without having to resort to the cliched Heart Shaped Box! Good Luck! And Happy Valentine's Day!

New Year's Weight Challenge

Went to the scale the other day, just before New Year's Day, and was pleased to see that I had maintained my weight during the Holidays! It is not easy, but with small changes in my daily routine, I was able to enjoy the foods of the season. And no weight gain. Yeah!

However, that has not always been the case, so I know the joys of having to lose those new pounds before spring. Now I have a system that makes weight loss and weight management successful. I have learned that keeping my weight under control all year long makes a difference, all year long.

Some of the changes I made to my daily routine were helpful during the holidays as well as my travels during the year. Traveling can be just as devastating to healthy weight control as the holidays.

The changes I made were small, but consistent. I have learned to eat several small meals during the course of the day. For me, keeping the protein up keeps my energy up. I avoid the coffee/doughnut/soft drink/chips trap while choosing protein rich shakes, snack bars and meal bars. Finding a good balance of carbs with the protein fuels my day, keeps me from getting hungry and keeps those extra pounds looking for another place to go!

I use several of Shaklee's Cinch products. The Cinch Shakes are powered by Leucine, an essential amino acid, that helps your body maintain your muscle mass, while loosing fat! Muscle equals metabolism, which means as you work to loose weight, with Cinch, you don't loose muscle. For more information, check out my site. And Best Wishes for the New Year!

BPA Found in Canned Foods

In a recent article in Consumer's Reports, BPA was found in several canned foods. Consumer's Report tested 19 different products and found all contained bisphenol A, a chemical used in the epoxy resin linings of most food and beverage cans.
According to an article in Natural Foods: “The findings are noteworthy because they indicate the extent of potential exposure,” said Dr. Urvashi Rangan, director of technical policy at Consumers Union, nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, in a release. “Children eating multiple servings per day of canned foods with BPA levels comparable to the ones we found in some tested products could get a dose of BPA near levels that have caused adverse effects in several animal studies.”
Some studies have linked BPA with infertility, weight gain, behavioral changes, early onset puberty, prostate and breast cancers and diabetes. According to Consumer Reports, Canada and some U.S. states and cities have restricted BPA use because of potential health risks, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not yet recommended that people stop using products containing BPA.
For more of the reports, see Consumer's Reports. It is important to know the extent of BPA in our foods since children are more susceptible to the consequences of ingestion than adults. But the bottom line is that BPA is not good for humans! Stay Well!

H1N1 is Here--Again!

Yes, Novel H1N1 is still here, I guess it never went away. As of the end of last week, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the H1N1 is widespread throughout most of the USA. The exceptions are South Carolina and Washington DC, where the flu is more regional or local. This many reports of widespread activity are unprecedented during seasonal flu. The number of visits to the doctors for influenza like symptoms have increased drastically. And the number of influenza hospitalizations have increased, being higher than expected for this time of year. There is also a correlating increase in the death rate from influenza and pneumonia related symptoms. Sadly there were 19 confirmed pediatric deaths from H1N1 during the week of October 18-4, 2009.
So what do we do to help protect our families from this influenza? The same suggestions from earlier this year still work. One of the main things to keep in mind is to STAY HOME when you have a fever! People who are determined to go to work or school when they are ill are not helping anyone! So stay home when you have a fever and fell bad. With this flu, it has been found that you can be contagious for more than 7 days after your fever goes away!
* Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub such as Purell. The Purell site has lots of tips too!
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way. Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Keep yourself healthy by taking care of your diet, exercise and vitamins!

Images for the Future

After returning from my visit to Alaska's Southeastern coast where I got to once again see magnificent tidewater glaciers calving, black bears catching salmon, Bald Eagles soaring down mountain sides to the ocean, I have been looking at the images from the trip.
One of the advantages of digital photography is the ability to capture images on my CF card as opposed to the film I used to buy. This trip I shot about 6,000 images. Yes, that is six thousand.
Often the best image comes down to what was depth field in each image and sometimes it is the angle of a tree or plant as the wind has tossed them. Sometimes it is simply the light streaming through the canopy, highlighting the height of the canopy. Like the Black Bear With Salmon shown here, it was the motion of the water and the bear that makes this one a keeper!
Being a photographer is a blessing. I get to take images of God's work "now" for others to see in the future. Glaciers and rainforests change. Glaciers advance, trees grow, age, loose limbs and such. My "now" images record the now, and remind me that the only constant in my life is God's love and his glorious works all around me. Alaska Geographic can give you great resources for Alaska's beauty.
Stay well and enjoy God's beauty.

Serendipity!

Sailing into 60 mile per hour winds is not my idea of great fun, and the captain of Holland America's ms Westerdam had the same idea! So our ship set off on a new adventure, sailing Tracy Arm, part of the Tongass National Forest, south of Juneau Alaska. Serendipity!
Fed by the Stikine Icefield, the North and South Sawyer Glaciers calve frequently as tidewater glaciers. The fjord is a narrow, granite lined 30 mile or so, corridor to 2 beautiful glaciers.
Rain on the day of our visit only enhanced our amazement at the steep walls. Since the rain had no soil to stop its flow, instant water falls filled the area with the sound of rushing water. The fjord is known for having many wonder falls year round, but during rain, many more are created.
The ice flows are often the size of 3 story buildings. So maneuvering a ship in such waters is a tentative task. Motion is slow, so we enjoy the views as they drift by. The different colors of the glacier ice is amazing. Ranging from white to a turquoise blue, to a deep green blue, the colors are those that make you want to learn to paint.
So take a chance, change your path and see what Serendipity might cross your way.

Rainforest and Persistence

After a recent trip to Alaska's Temperate Rainforest, I was enthralled with the relationship between the rocks and the trees. Since the rocks are a predominate part of the landscape, the trees have little soil in which to plunge their delicate roots. I was amazed as I rode up a very steep mountain side to a boardwalk that wound through the delicate rainforest. The trees seemed to grow right out of the rocks as you look at them! Amazing...
I had the pleasure of talking with a Tlingit guide while I was in part of the Tongass National Forest which is part of the largest temperate Rainforest in the world. My guide spoke with great knowledge and passion about the rainforest as we maneuvered carefully down the steep mountain trail. She pointed out the different stages of the forest, as the trees went from new to old and then after they had fallen, lived on in a way as a nursery tree, supporting the life of a new tree!

My guide told us that the trees depended on each other during the winds that plague the area. Without their neighbors, the trees would fall easier in the winds since their roots are shallow. In the rainforest, the trees intertwine their roots and grow close to each other to help keep each other strong. As a tree ages, its roots spread over more and more of the forest, reaching out to more and more trees.
Reminded me of how we have to live our lives, interacting with others and supporting each other. When we face a challenge alone, we are not strong enough. But with friends and family, and of course our God, we can face any obstacle. Even in death, the forest gives back life, just as we do when we leave our legacy for others to follow.
Please help the Audubon Alaska Group, Alaska Sierra Club, the Alaska Wilderness League and others keep our temperate rainforest free from logging. Each time one of the old growth trees is cut down, part of the forest dies. These trees cannot be replaced. The forest starts to dry out and we, as citizens of the USA as well as the world, loose something precious and vital to our survival.

Diamonds! Where you Least Expected Them!

I was reading about Mount Edgecomb in the Sitka Alaska area, and found that there had been a Diamond rush back in the days of the Gold Rush! As early as 1895, folks were finding Diamonds as they panned for gold in the Mt Edgecomb area. There was an article in the Tacoma WA newspaper about prospectors waiting for snows to melt on Mt. Edgecomb so they could scour the lava fields in hopes of finding more of the brilliant stones. This image Copyright 2002 by Michael A. Kyte.

Mt Edgecomb is an inactive volcano near Sitka AK, and has not erupted in over 10,000 years. It and its sister volcano, Crater Ridge, are part of a complex of several volcanic vents in that part of southeastern Alaska. There are few volcanoes in that part of Alaska due to the lack of direct subduction of the ocean crust.
Finding this out made me consider how many other "Diamonds" we might have in our lives. Even in out of the way places where you might least expect to find a "Diamond", there might be one waiting to be discovered.
Look around you today and see if you find any "Diamonds" waiting for the snow to melt around them so they can be discovered and converted into prosperity and fulfillment.
These diamonds may be an opportunity to help a family in need, or to start a new business, or to start a mentoring group for your local high school students, or to teach English as a 2nd Language or whatever else might be out there. That "Diamond" might have the power to lead you on a new adventure in these new times! So as we are waiting for the snows to melt, start planning to find those "Diamonds"! Challenge yourself to new growth and activities that are new for your personal health as well as the betterment of the neighborhood.
Enjoy the Journey! The adventure is only just begun.

Caddies and Learning, Keeping Your Brain Healthy

At the end of summer we start thinking about going back to school and embracing learning again. Well, as I grow older, I realize that learning never stops! I try to learn something new each day. Keeping my brain active and curious is important for a healthy life.
Today I read Donald Trump's blog and learned something new! Mr. Trump was writing about how the game of golf got Caddies! I have been around the game of golf for over 35 years and never thought about the origin of caddies. Turns out the origin was from a visit of a young Mary, who later became Queen of Scots, to France and Louis, King of France. Seems Louis knew that Mary loved the game of golf and he wanted to make her visit memorable. So he had a golf course built especially for her visit. Now that is a nice touch.

However, Louis was concerned about her safety while she was on the course. To allay his concerns, he assigned Cadets from a military school to accompany Mary for protection as she played. Mary liked the idea and carried it back to the home of Golf, Scotland and the Caddies became a integral part of the game. Cool!

So now that you have learned something new too, continue the practice each day to help keep your brain healthy. The AARP website has many options for a healthy brain. Some suggestions include good nutrition with Omega 3's ( and you know I am into good nutrition!), participating in social activities, exercise and more.

Brain health. It is what keeps us going!

Benefits of Summer Travel

Summer travel is always a fun time for me. Memories of going to Florida, pre-Walt Disney World, staying in a 2 bedroom cottage on the beach near New Smyrna Beach, watching the waves crash on the sand after a rain storm, being stung by a jelly fish in several places, OUCH, and feeling the sand between my toes even now. Gritty.
We would pile all we could in the Chevy Station Wagon, light blue in color and no air conditioning, and head south. Mom and Dad would leave very early in the morning, putting blankets down in the back so my sister and I could sleep for a few more hours. Didn't really work, but the thought was there.

We picnicked along the route in a way-side park, with cement benches and cement tables under big pine trees for shade. Now you must remember that this was pre-Interstate travel! No I-75 or I-95 heading in the fast lane to the Magic Kingdom. No, this was small 2 lane highway, Hwy 441, heading through fields of corn, pastures with cattle and swamps.
Sandwiches were had from the big red metal Coca Cola Cooler filled with block ice and pimento cheese, cereal, milk and a jug of fresh brewed sweet tea. Not too sweet and no lemon.
With the windows rolled down, we headed into the late August heat to spend 2 weeks on the beach and celebrate my 8th birthday. A friend of Mom's made my cake, not as good as Mom's but good. For some reason she put white sugar birds on the cake. Have never known why, but there they were in all their sugary glory with 8 candles between them.

Good memories of a more relaxed time. No waiting in airports, no flying down the intestate at break-neck speeds, no hurrying through fast food places for hamburgers and cokes. So now when I head to Florida, I think of that trip in 1959 and smile as I remember the fun we had playing games in the car, sweating with no a/c and loving the taste of the pimento cheese sandwiches followed by homemade brownies and Wrigley's Juicy Fruit chewing gum as a special treat.
Create your own family memories today. It's the journey that counts not the destination. Have fun and roll the windows down on the back roads. Watch out for the mosquitoes!

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!

Working-In Your Summer Work Out!

Summer means great opportunities to have cook-outs with family and friends, picnics on the lake, family reunions, Memorial Day, 4th of July celebrations, Labor Day celebrations, summer Cruises and many more. Even though we are more active in the summer in some ways, because of the heat, we often avoid the long walks and moderate exercise that helps keep our weight down. It is hard to work-in your work out!

We have to be careful in the summer because of the possibility of Extreme Heat Related Illness and Death. So as we go about our summer activities we need to stay out of the heat in the middle of the day. Weight management is possible and necessary.

Keep your exercise fun and varied during the summer. Swim one day, walk the next, play a game with the kids on another. Adults need to have about 30 minutes a day in moderate exercise while children need about 60 minutes. Wear comfortable lightweight clothes, comfortable shoes, and sunglasses when doing any work out outside along with a wide brim hat.

Walking is a great way to keep moving in the summer heat. You can walk in the early mornings, late evenings, and even at the local mall. Some of my friends combine shopping at the big warehouse stores with a bit of exercise! Just grab a buggy/shopping cart/basket and walk the aisles for half an hour before you begin your purchases. Drop in a heavy bag of cat litter or dog food to add some resistance as you get your exercise. Grab some water on your way out and pop in a Cinch Tea packet for an afternoon boost! Stay hydrated.

Now, remember a little sun is good for you, you need the Vitamin D, so don’t apply Sunscreen for about 15 minutes each time you go out so you get a small amount of sunshine several days a week. But don’t Sunburn, since according to the CDC, sunburn is bad for your skin as well as makes it hard for your body to regulate your temperature as you go about outdoor activities.

Even on that summer Cruise with all those tempting meals 24/7 you can keep a weather eye on your weight. You don’t have to deny yourself those special treats while you are on that once a year vacation or cruise. Just take advantage of the gym and the promenade deck on the ship for walks and jogs. The gyms at sea are really sophisticated now, with state-of–the art work out equipment. Many ships offer instruction in Yoga, Palliates, low impact aerobics and dance. Take advantage of shore excursions that have moderate to higher excretion involved. And push outs work too. Push out from the dessert table! I know that is hard to do, but enjoy your meals, just don’t overdo! Moderation is rewarded.

So enjoy your summer! Eat those favored summer foods; add some more salads and fresh home grown tomatoes and fresh fruits for great meals. Stay healthy and safe by following common sense and keep moving!

Hurricane and Severe Storm Preparedness Part III

We have gotten the items on our lists done and ready for the next storm. But there are still a few things that can only be done just before the storm hits. These last minute storm preparedness tips are vitally important since they are the linchpins to your plan!

Now, before the storm hits, clean your bathrooms very well. Scrub your tubs particularly well with Shaklee's Basic H2 and Basic G to get rid of all those germs in a safe manner. You want to get rid of soap scum and any mold or mildew. Now that the tubs are clean, find a plastic coffee can top, or a Tupperware Seal that will fit over the drain. Close the drain, and place the seal over the closed drain. Now turn on the cold water and fill the tub as far as you can.

Fill any extra buckets and containers you have also. This water can be used for flushing toilets should the water supply be shut off in a power outage. In many areas electricity is used to pump water and sewage. Also, you can use this water in a pan on a charcoal stove or gas camp stove to boil and wash dishes or use for bathing water. Do not pour hot water into the plastic buckets!! Use your senses and be safe. Keep that cook stove OUTSIDE!!

If the worse happens and you loose the sewage in your home, you can always use the buckets for human waste with a little water in the bottom and maybe some of that cat litter! You will need a place in the yard to properly dispose of the waste, so use this option with care. Check with your local governments for their suggests and rules on proper disposal.

Use GermOff Disinfecting Wipes- Fragrance Free to keep the yucks at bay, but they are not a Baby wipe! Basic G is great to use in a spray bottle to keep the kitchen area clean as well as the bathroom as it tackles over 40 microbes and and several animal viruses.

Basic H2 can be wiped on the bottom of your cook pans before you put them on a camp stove or charcoal fire for cooking. The Basic H2 helps keep the soot off the pan when you are ready to wash up!

Stress Relief* is a must have before, during and after a severe weather event. To keep your family healthy in the days after a Severe Storm, keep their regular Shaklee Vitamins* handy along with some extra Sustained Release Vitamin C and Alfalfa, Cinch Shakes, Protein Shakes, Cinch Meal Bars, Cinch Snack Bars, Performance, Physique and more!

Keeping your family safe during and after a Severe Storm or other natural event, requires planing and preparation. Think from the end, how you will live in the days after a storm, what will you need and what will keep your family healthy while they wait for conditions to return to normal. Remember your Shaklee products and vitamins as you prepare. Be Safe and Stay Well!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Hurricane and Severe Storm Preparedness Part III

Being prepared for any severe weather event takes planning and preparation. Cold Weather Severe Storm Preparedness has a few more necessities such as more clothing for warmth, more fuel options for warmth, snow blowers, snow shovels and snow mobiles.
This Check list is just a Reminder and Guideline for what you need to think about each year. Since your area and home is unique, make additions and changes as needed. But DO SOMETHING! Don’t wait till the storm is coming. Prices go up, availability of materials diminishes, panic sets in and time is too short to really get it all completed before the storm hits.
Yearly Check List Part II:
Always Hire Professionals if you are dealing with roofs, fireplaces, chimneys, gutters, trees, electrical issues and more. BE SAFE.
Check your Roof and Patio Covers: Give your roof a good once over to make certain the shingles are laying flat and not curling up in places. The NOAA site has several good ideas for securing shingles that are not adhering properly to the underlayment. But the main thing is to get a professional roofer to do any repairs or replacements on your roof!
Clean out Gutters: Since rainfall is going to be an issue get them cleaned out. Clogged gutters cause other problems such as leaks into attics, walls, living spaces and more. Professionals again can be your best option here.
Check your Fireplace and Chimney: Clogged flumes can cause house fires; smoke damage and roof damage so play it safe and call a chimney sweep in to care for your chimney.
Garage Doors: Make certain your garage doors are rated for winds. If not there are kits your can purchase to make them more secure in high wind situations. Reinforce doors at their weakest points.
Doors: Entry doors can be weak if they are not properly installed. Make certain that double doors have one of the pair fitted with head and foot bolts as well as a dead bolt lock 1” long or longer. Each door needs at least three hinges for more security.
Vehicles: Are they ready for a long trip in slow moving traffic? Are they fueled and ready to go on a moment’s notice? Well, what are you waiting for?
Final post coming with more tips & information! Be Safe!

Hurricane and Severe Storm Preparedness Part II

Now that you realize that Severe Storm Preparedness is a complicated process, let’s get started. The sooner you are prepared this year, the quicker you will be able to relax knowing you are ready for any severe storm. And, once the major items are out of the way, they don’t have to be done each year from scratch. Use the following list for reminders as you go through the year.

Yearly Check List Part 1:

Replenish Personal Emergency Kits: Add fresh water, medications and food, snacks, games, personal toiletries, wipes, and whatever your family wants to have for a few days. Freshen and fluff pillows, blankets, and clothing. Children may need new supplies since they grow so quickly! Don’t forget diapers and such too. While you are in the emergency kits, update your important papers with any changes that have occurred. Have you gotten your pet supplies replenished?

Check Shutters: Each year you need to double check your shutters and storm doors. Make certain they are is good working condition, not bent or damaged from a previous storm. Flying debris can bang into shutters at amazing rates and can do damage. Check also to make certain that the locking mechanisms are still working properly. Do this before severe weather approaches. You don’t want to have to be in a rush to get a shutter working properly.

Replace or replenish Fuel and Batteries: Check Flashlights, Radios and lanterns as well as cook stoves and grills. Do you need new bulbs for the lights and lanterns? Fresh batteries will last longer as will fresh charcoal and new matches or cooking fuels. Store in watertight containers in a cool place. Store Matches and fire lighters separately from fuel sources.

Look around the Yard again: How many flowing pots do you have this year? Hanging baskets? Fountains, Orbs, Statues or Firepots? Portable Gazebos, children’s swings, play houses, dog houses, and other out buildings? Remember, if two (2) people can move an object, so can wind! Have a plan on what is going where when Severe Weather approaches.

Trim Trees: My neighborhood in Florida had a tree service come out each year to lighten and trim our oak trees in our village. The oaks still had plenty of branches and leaves for shade, but the old, dead limbs were removed and the trees shaped each year. When we went through Charlie, Frances, Jeanne and Ivan, our trees were not so top heavy and were able to sway in the 100+ Mile per Hour winds and not fall over. Also, fewer limbs and branches came down meaning fewer flying objects to bang into houses.

More to come next post! We are going to be Prepared for Severe Storms!

"Easy Open" is an Oxymoron!

I know this has nothing to do with being prepared for a severe storm, flood, earthquake or such; however I just had to make this comment! But, on second thought, maybe it will help us be prepared for those storms after all.
My quandary is that I just don't understand why packaging has to be so hard to open. Today I purchased some Popsicles from a large dairy company with a regional reach. On the side of the box, near the top, there are directions telling you to press the little crescent shaped area to "open". Really? Have they ever tried to open their own box this way? I don't think so, unless they had a sharp knife or razor blade.
I was sitting at red light on the way home, wanting to enjoy a banana popsicle on the short drive home. Should be simple enough; just "press here to open". Well, I got a ball point pen out after pressing did nothing but hurt the tip of my finger. The box did not look any worse for the pressing.
Now I am pounding on the little crescent where the perforations are with the tip of the ball point pen. Nothing would give! Had to tear open the box from the top! All that physical effort to get a banana popcicle. Wow. At least the light was long enough for me to do my breaking and entering.
Which leads me to other packaging that is hard to open:
* Those single serving snack chips or cookie like crackers. Every time I try to open those, I get chips everywhere but in me!
* Small packages of ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and the like are impossible for me! If my hamburger doesn't come with condiments already applied, I eat mine dry or end up wearing ketchup.
* Ever tried to open the peanut packages you get on airplanes? You know, the one with the 21 peanuts. I use more energy opening the package than the protein I get from the 21 peanuts.
* And don't get me started with those blister packages that encase your electronics in clear plastic so you can see it but can never get to it!
* My pet food comes in a 16 pound bag with a plastic "string" that is supposed to be pulled along the top seam to open the dry food package. I just tear at the top seam now, or get my scissors out and cut.
* When I see the words "Tear Here" I look for another area, knowing from experience that the "tear here" area is the strongest area of the package! And forget "Easy Open"! Not happening in this lifetime.

So to be prepared for a storm or to open a box of banana popcicles, you will need to have a set of sharp knives, scissors, chain saw, axe, hacksaw or other sharp implement. These will work on Popcicle boxes as well as tree limbs and other debris from a storm. Stay safe!