Are You Getting Enough Water?

Posted inHealth, Weight Loss, WellnessNo Comments

Water—how much do we need? Our body uses water in all its cells, organs and tissues. I am told that humans can live without food for several days or even weeks, but we can only live a few days without water.

I am not a big water drinker so I checked several sources trying to determine how much water I need and how to get it into my diet. I read that drinking enough fluids is crucial to staying healthy…to maintaining all the functions of our bodies. Also older adults (who might not sense thirst as much as younger people) need to be especially careful to stay hydrated in the summer!

I read another place that we need 30-50 ounces of fluids a day—our body size… how active we are—the heat factor….many things can contribute to determining how much we really need. But I was relieved to see that not all of this had to come from plain water.

Do You Believe You Can Do It?

Posted inHabits Of Success, MotivationNo Comments

It’s a familiar conversation…You know it’s there and you send someone to get it.

“It’s in the pantry…second row down and on your right!”

Only to be followed by…”Nope. It’s not in there–we don’t have any!”

So you walk over, open the pantry door and grab it–“What’s this?!”, you say!

“Oh, I didn’t see it”… is the response.

Whatever “it” is or wherever “it” may be– I’m sure you can recall similar conversations at your house, right? They can never “see it”—even though you are 100% certain where it is.

Finally, after my part in raising 7 kids–I got smart. When my youngest son, Daniel, was four, I decided to PURPOSELY create a different result. So I started calling Daniel the “finder of lost things”.  First, I’d ask him to find me things I KNEW he could find–and every time he’d bring me something I’d say…”Oh man, you’re awesome–you’re the finder of lost things!”

Then anytime something was lost or anyone in the house was looking for something I’d say, “Daniel can find anything– he’s the finder of lost things.” And you know what– he can and does!

He just turned 13. A couple months ago we were in DC.  Daniel had just gotten a brand new iPod Touch from the Apple Store that same day. We had spent the rest of the afternoon and evening driving around my favorite spots in Old Alexandria and stopping by a few of the monuments.

We Need Unity And Not Division

Posted inAmerica, Habits Of Success, Patriotic, PositiveWordsNo Comments

I read this months ago and kept a copy. I wish I could give credit to whoever wrote it. It is short, but certainly could give us all something to think about.

“One of the most difficult things to do is to get people to work together successfully, to have a meeting of the minds where people reach an agreement and move forward together for a common cause.

It’s often easier for people to fight and disagree than to come together, progress and build. It is written that a house divided is a house broken. Of all the things that we seek guidance on, we often forget to pray for unity and for the Lord to enable our spirit to work with others.”

Keep your Brain Sharp!

Posted inBrain Games, Brain HealthNo Comments

Larry and I have spent countless hours in a nursing home visiting our parents. My dad’s doctor gave Larry some advice that I have never forgotten. One day we were visiting my dad and Larry had his iPad. It is never far from him! He loves playing Words with Friends. I mean he really loves it—is addicted (almost as much as I am). When we are ready to relax at night, he is in his chair and I am on the couch with the television on. We play little attention to television because we are so involved in our Words with Friends games.

Dr Lindberg walked by Larry that day at the nursing home and said  –  “Ah, you are playing WWF. My wife plays also. Keep playing. It is so good for your brain!.” Shortly after that, Dr Lindberg (he was also my aunt’s doctor) told Aunt Wanda to keep trying to play her piano. Her memory was getting a little fuzzy and he said playing the piano kept the brain active. So guess what I do? I play WWF and I play my piano at least 5 days a week!!

I read some simple tips online for keeping your brain sharp! Here are a few suggestions:

Confessions of a Serial Nighttime Eater

Posted inDiet2 Comments

I confess—I am a serial nighttime eater! I am almost a model eater during the day—picking healthier foods, always staying low fat to protect my heart, including lots of fruits and veggies and I don’t eat in between my meals. Yeah, I learned all the tricks of dieting from many weeks of Weight Watcher meetings and reading articles on dieting and healthy eating.

 

Many years ago I began having sleep problems and would wake up multiple times nightly. I would get so miserable from not being able to sleep or from small aches and pains that I wound up getting something to eat (my comfort food ????). Apparently I set up a pattern through years of doing this and now I wake up and just get a bite to eat. I have tried eating my favorite fruit, watermelon, at night. Weight Watchers says fruits are unlimited!! You can guess what all the watermelon causes!! I am awake extra times just to go to the bathroom.

Is Your Hairstyle Falling Flat?

Posted inHairNo Comments

Remember the old days of styling your hair? I remember setting my hair on rollers every night and sleeping in them–what torture that was. And teasing your hair for lift and volume? Thank goodness today’s hairstyles don’t require that kind of torture, but they do require good products and styling tools.

UltaLife offers a line of hair care products, Beaux Noggins, that are natural and safe for your hair AND made in the USA. Pamper and protect your hair while getting those great new hairstyles.

Don’t Fall Prey To Phone Scams

Posted inSafetyNo Comments

Thank you AARP!! There are some advantages to getting older and the info I just received from AARP is something everyone should be aware of. Read more from AARP on Phone Scams!

The IRS scam

The voice on the other end of the line claims to be an IRS criminal investigator. Arrest is imminent if you don’t immediately pay thousands of dollars in back taxes. Individuals are instructed to put $500 on multiple iTunes gift cards and give up the 16-digit codes. Don’t be fooled. The IRS would never ask a taxpayer to buy iTunes cards for any reason.

Computer Caper

Internet scam artists create little boxes that pop up on your computer screen, telling you that you have a virus and need to call for technical support. Don’t believe it. Computer companies never notify customers of a problem through pop-ups, unless it is from virus-protection software that you installed.

What Is Your IT?

Posted inMotivation2 Comments

No matter what your faith or religious perspective is, just stick with me for a minute because answering this question could make a HUGE difference in your life.

I grew up in church– meaning, if the doors were open we were there. Even if they weren’t open we tended to be there because both my parents were involved in various groups and ministries of the church that always seemed to be having meetings, get-togethers, practices, etc.

My point is, “the church” was like my second home and the people were my second family. And I wouldn’t trade those years or that foundation for anything. It’s priceless.

At the same time I’ve always been the person to challenge — EVERYTHING….At home….In school…In church. I was always asking WHY or WHY NOT and if the answer didn’t make sense or feel right to me– then I didn’t accept it.