A select group of bloggers were asked to take The LISTERINE® Healthy Habits for a Lifetime Oral Care Challenge and as part of our challenge we had a live kick off call with some leading experts in the field where we learned some pretty interesting and scary things. Did you know that brushing alone misses 75% of your mouth? That is probably the scariest thing I learned because I never would have thought that rinsing and flossing were so important. I never knew the order in which you brush, rinse, and floss weren’t important either. I really learned a lot of tips and tricks involving oral hygiene I will share with you over the next month.
This is my year of change. I am trying to make conscious choices to live a healthier lifestyle and this program is a perfect fit for me and my family. Now that James has his permanent teeth coming in it’s more important than ever to make sure he is doing things right. Dr. Kaneta Lott, DDS (pediatric dentist) shared some great tips with us to help get our kids involved:
Make oral care fun (e.g., make it a game; brush, floss and rinse to music; etc).
Reward their behavior (e.g., give gold stars for good oral care).
Show, don’t tell – make oral care a family affair.
Involve them in their own oral care routine by providing products like LISTERINE® Smart Rinse, which can make the daily routine more fun.
We set up a reward calendar for James and he will be earning 25 cents for remembering and completing his daily oral hygiene routine every day (up to 75 cents a day). We also got fun products from Listerine and Reach to make this even more enjoyable for him such as his new Phineas and Ferb Smart Rinse (find this and other great Listerine and Reach products at Walmart).
Will you join in me in this challenge?
Disclosure: I received products and compensation from Johnson & Johnson and The Motherhood as part of my participation in the Oral Care Challenge. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.
Well, here I am a couple years after vowing to lose weight and get down to 150 pounds. How much have a lost in that time? Nothing. I weighed 222 on Sunday – the day before my official lifestyle change. Yes, starting today I am challenging myself to be a Carb Reducer with NUTRILITE’S WEIGHT MANAGEMENT plan. I have made a lot of changes over the past few months to get my body healthy and now my weight is my primary focus.
A few month ago I sent a DNA swab to Amway’s Nutrilite Weight Management team as part of a group of bloggers trying their product. We each got a report that revealed our biological tendencies that made it harder for each of us to lose weight. To summarize, they tested our genes to reveal if our problem was mainly with carbs, fat, or both. I already knew my main problem was with carbs, but the gene testing supported my suspicions.
Over the next three months I’m going to share my journey. I’ll share with you information about the plan, what products I am using, what foods they are recommending and how my body is adjusting to it all. Please check back every Monday for my updates…this is a journey I want to share with you!
This week I will get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
This week I will take my medication every day (high blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.)
This week I will follow my Weight Management Carb Reducer Plan as outlined by my plan.
This week I will MOVE at least 10 minutes a day.
This week I will work on my spiritual well-being as well.
So, what do you think about my plan? Remember, I just had surgery not too long ago so I can’t do any rigorous exercise right now – but that isn’t an excuse not to move! When making a new lifestyle choice what is the hardest part for you when you start? For me it is staying on the plan and if I do slip I need to not use it as an excuse to continue those negative behaviors.
Disclosure: I have been provided Nutrilite products as part of this series. My results and opinions are my own.
I won. I did it. I’m shocked. I am officially 220.4 lbs this morning at weigh-in. My goal was to lose 6 lbs. in two weeks while doing the Special K Challenge and I met my goal. Why am I surprised? Because I just had surgery and I am still healing which means I get very little exercise right now. Honestly, the meal plan was relatively easy to follow and it involved a lot of my favorite foods. The healthy recipes shared on the site not only looked delicious, but tasted really good too.
As I stated when I started the challenge I was hoping to gain the confidence to maintain a healthier lifestyle that would encourage weight loss and it has worked. Although I used the Special K Challenge as a 2-week catalyst I am sure I will revert back to it as needed and use the tips and tricks found on the site. The tools are valuable and I don’t want to become one of those statistics that lose their motivation.
The Special K Plans
The Special K plans are also customizable to women’s lifestyles. There are on-the-go options for busy lifestyles and adventurous recipes for “foodies,” plus vegetarian recipes. After selecting their meal plan and activity level, women are given a personalized Special K plan that is unique to their needs and goals. Women can easily track their progress online via their mobile device.
So, what does the future hold for me? I have set a new goal weight of 200 lbs by Spring 2012. I haven’t totally figured out the plan yet, but it is probably going to be finalized next week so stay tuned!
Facts
The Special K survey also found that 75 percent of women said they aim to gain confidence by managing their weight in the New Year. At the same time, more than 63 percent of women find that personalized meal plans or tracking tools make weight loss programs easier to follow. In addition, 64 percent find a lack of support the reason for getting off track from a weight loss plan.
Disclosure: I participated in this program through a partnership with TheMotherhood on behalf of Special K. I received product and supplies to complete the plan. All opinions and statements are based on my own opinion and experience. (Consult your physician before starting any diet or exercise program. Average weight loss when replacing meals with two cereal meals is 4.8 pounds. Weight loss may vary. Average waist circumference reduction when replacing meals with two cereal meals is 1.3 inches.)
I thought it would fun to talk about Zombie Apocalypses (and other disasters) and how to prepare for them. For instance, did you know there are actual websites where you can buy emergency foods? Yep, there are companies out there that sell everything you need to ensure you survive – long term. My husband is a huge Zombie fan and he is ALWAYS telling me about things he would do if were became infested or about items he would stockpile. Just in case you haven’t thought about it, here is a brief list of the top necessities you would need to survive.
Zombie Apocalypse Safety Preparedness List
1. Food. Companies such as BuyEmergencyFoods.com sell all types of survival gear, foods, and other necessary things.
2. Water. It is one of the first thing to become compromised so be sure to stock up on clean, fresh water. It is also a great idea to find tablets that you can add to water to make it a viable source.
3. Fire. Make sure you have waterproof matches to start fires and it never hurts to have a flint fire starter.
4. First Aid. Keeping wounds clean is important so be sure to have a first aid kit handy.
5. Nylon Rope. You never know what you will need it for, but you will surely need it.
6. Solar Flashlight with battery backup. You have to be able to see who is in the dark!
7. Knife. You have to have a sharp knife to stab Zombie with (and for other reasons).
8. Portable Radio (and spare batteries). It is necessary to know where the safety zone is located.
9. Duct Tape. Need I say more?
10. Insert your recommendation here….
What is missing from the Zombie Apocalypse Safety Preparedness List?
There is a flood of products in the market and even promoted by the media that promise beauty and youth. Billboards on highways compete for your attention with the cheapest plastic surgery procures from lipo to nose jobs. “Miracle ingredients” are discovered everyday which assure potential buyers they can shrink their waist line with a pill or erase their years of wrinkles simply with a lotion or cream. And although some of these products might offer short-term results, there are ways to stay beautiful and young naturally.
The first and foremost rule of thumb is if you take care of your body, it will in the long run, take care of you. By eating healthy you give your body the right nutrients to keep all your organs and systems working at their best. In addition, working out regularly keeps your heart, your muscles, your joints and bones all strong.
Eating right and keeping active are just some of the things you can do to keep looking good without having to opt for lipo and toning creams and pills. Other routines that keep you young naturally are caring for your skin. The skin is the largest organ of the body and the first to be noticed by people. Simple ways to care for your skin are by being regularly hydrated and using sunscreen while outdoors, even when it’s overcast.
Another culprit that helps in damaging the skin is stress. We all experience this everyday in one way or another. Finding healthy ways to diffuse stress like having enough sleep, picking up a good book or watching a movie, working less, taking a vacation during the year, hiring a babysitter, meeting friends for coffee or having a date with your significant other, or whatever makes you feel at ease. As the saying goes, “different strokes for different folks!”
Another great way to shear years off your look is a makeover. Frumpy hair and drab clothes can make you seem much older. Dental care is also a must if you want to flash those pearly whites and not yellow stumps. Even a simple trade-in of your thick glasses for lighter frames or contacts, can drastically change your overall appearance.
Though the lure of miracle-cures and plastic surgery is tempting, it a health risk in many cases and it can also be quite pricey. Ultimately, the cheapest plastic surgery is the one you don’t have to undergo! You can be as young as you feel and with a few natural changes to your life, you’re guaranteed to always be young in body and spirit.
NSF International, a well known health and safety organization has released ten (10) tips just in time for Thanksgiving to ensure your holiday feast is safe and that you are using best practices for food preparation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 80 percent of foodborne illnesses are linked to meat and poultry, so proper handling and cooking is essential. No one wants their holiday meal to be remembered as the one that “killed Kenny” (that is South Park humor).
10 Thanksgiving Food Safety Tips
1. Don’t let uncooked turkey sit at room temperature. Shop for a turkey last and get it home and refrigerated promptly. Bag the turkey separately and place it below other food in the refrigerator.
2. Don’t attempt to thaw a frozen turkey quickly by leaving it sit overnight on a kitchen counter. Use one of the following methods:
a. Option I – Refrigerator Method.Keep the turkey in its original wrapper and place in a shallow pan on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator. It may take several days for a large turkey to thaw (plan for a thawing time of 4 – 5 hours per pound of turkey). A turkey that has been thawed in this way can remain in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days before cooking.
b. Option II - Cold Water Thawing. Allow about 30 minutes per pound. Place the turkey in a leak-proof plastic bag and submerge the wrapped turkey in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed. Cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed.
c. Option III – Microwave Thawing. Since microwave oven performance varies, check your owner’s manual for the size turkey that will fit in your microwave oven, the minutes per pound and power level to use for thawing. Remove all outside wrapping and place the turkey on a microwave-safe dish to catch any juices that may leak. Because some areas of the turkey may become warm and begin to cook during microwaving, a turkey thawed in the microwave must be cooked immediately.
3. Don’t wash your turkey. There’s no need to wash your turkey before your cook it. If you do, bacteria from raw poultry can splash onto worktops, dishes and other foods. Proper cooking will kill bacteria. If you choose to rinse your turkey, such as after brining, be very careful about splashing water and disinfect your sink and all other nearby surfaces thoroughly afterwards.
4. Never place an uncooked turkey directly on the counter; keep it on a platter or in a roaster. Clean and sanitize the counter as well as any dishes or utensils that came into contact with raw turkey or its juices.
5. Don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly immediately after handling raw turkey, using plenty of warm water and soap.Given that the holidays occur during cold and flu season, make sure that any guests who come into the kitchen to help wash their hands as well to avoid the spread of germs and illness. The scrubclub.org provides some handwashing tips.
6. Use a thermometer to check for doneness, even if the turkey has a pop-up timer. Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing as well as the thickest part of the breast. When the temperature reaches 165° F at all three locations, the turkey should be done.
7. For optimum safety, don’t stuff your turkey. Since it’s difficult to cook stuffing evenly when it’s packed inside a turkey, consider cooking stuffing in a separate casserole dish. If you do choose to stuff, wait to do so until right before putting the turkey in the oven. Use only pre-cooked meats and vegetables in the stuffing mixture, pack the stuffing loosely, and cook the stuffing until it reaches at least 165° F at the center.
8. Refrigerate or freeze any leftovers immediately. Large portions should be separated into smaller containers and covered loosely to speed cooling.
9. Properly reheat before you eat: Any pre-cooked dishes as well as leftovers need to be reheated to 165 degrees in order to kill any looming bacteria. Microwave ovens tend to heat food unevenly; keeping food loosely covered allows heat to better circulate throughout food. Use a food thermometer and check the temperature in multiple locations to make sure no cold spots are left. Refrigerated turkey, stuffing, and gravy should be eaten within 3 to 4 days.
10. Sanitize your dishcloths or sponges on a regular basis, or use disposable cloths: A contaminated dishcloth can house millions of bacteria after a few hours of use. In fact, an NSF International Germ Studyfound that the kitchen dish rag /sponge is the germiest place in the home. Since Thanksgiving is a busy day in the kitchen, and it may be hard to keep track of dishcloth use, consider using paper towels to clean up and then throw them away immediately.
As part of the NSF’s promotion they have offered a giveaway featuring:
Diabetes Mellitus affects roughly 6% of the U.S. population, and we all know people or family members who are diabetic. My mother was diagnosed with Diabetes about 6 or 7 years ago. When I was pregnant with James, I lived the life of a diabetic that required insulin and a complete dietary change. Fortunately for me gestational diabetes is a temporary disease. It’s also a wake up call. I now live in the “pre-diabetes” category and rely heavily on the American Diabetes Association for diabetes help to ensure I never cross over to full blown diabetes again. The understanding, and hence management, of diabetes living has changed significantly over the years, but remains focused on blood sugar control and prevention of complications such as heart, kidney and eye disease.
There are two categories or ‘types’ of diabetes, and the old names end up being somewhat confusing: Types 1 and 2, juvenile versus adult onset, insulin dependent versus non-insulin dependent. The most important division for patients is whether insulin shots or pills can control the blood sugar—pills suffice in about 90% of diabetics. For those requiring insulin, the pancreas no longer produces sufficient insulin. For others, there is ‘insulin resistance’, and the pills allow the body to use the insulin being produced more efficiently. There is also pregnancy related, or gestational diabetes. It resolves with the end of the pregnancy, but increases the risk of later developing non-insulin dependent diabetes.
For insulin dependent or Type 1 diabetes, the understanding of the causes has changed dramatically. They now know that a large subset of these diabetics have an immune-mediated condition, much like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, where the immune system attacks the insulin producing cells of the pancreas, stopping insulin production. Family history and genetics play a large role, so that if there is diabetes in your family, your risk is higher.
Non-insulin dependent diabetes is associated with obesity, sedentary life-style, high blood lipid (fat) levels, high blood pressure, and family history. Often glucose control can be achieved with weight loss, diet and exercise. Others will require medication, and the one thing that is clear for both insulin and non-insulin dependent diabetics, good glucose control will prevent or delay any complications.
Symptoms of the development of diabetes include excessive thirst, increased urination, unexplained weight loss despite an often increased appetite, fatigue, blurred vision. These are more pronounced in insulin dependent cases, but are found in the adult onset type of diabetes as well.
Simple blood sugar testing can detect diabetes, and are routinely done in primary care offices. Screening recommendations are as follows: for people over 45 years of age who are not symptomatic, every 3 years. For symptomatic people, immediate testing. For those at risk (overweight, family history, high blood lipid levels, etc), screening should be done yearly unless symptoms occur. If you know someone who has recently been diagnosed with diabetes there are a ton of diabetes articles on the web.
Don’t let diabetes go undetected and untreated!
Disclosure: I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV. The information shared in this post was given to me by a physician. If you believe you have diabetes please consult with your personal physician.
For those of you who don’t know, I have two sleep disorders. Not only am I cursed by Sleep Apnea, but I also suffer from Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (a very mild form of Narcolepsy). However, I’m very well aware that nearly 50 million Americans suffer from the opposite and aren’t getting enough sleep (according to a study by an Institute of Medicine). My husband is one of these people. His mind is busy all the time and at least twice a week he keeps me awake for hours because of his insomnia.
Getting plenty of rest is important. Here are 5 ways to ensure you get a good night’s sleep:
Go to bed and get up at the same times every day—even on days off. Why? You’ll help regulate your body’s internal clock to get the 7—8 hours sleep most adults require.*
Establish a relaxing bedtime routine. Try a warm bath, light reading, partner massage, or listening to pleasant music. Fact: Listening to classical or New Age music at bedtime has been shown to help insomnia sufferers fall asleep. Possible reason: The music matches body rhythms and slows the heart rate.*
Skip stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine from late afternoon on. And don’t use alcohol to induce sleep. As its sedative effect wears off, alcohol can trigger wakefulness. Don’t rely on sleeping pills. They can disrupt your sleep/wake cycle if you depend on them too much.*
Squeeze in daytime fitness. In one recent study, regular exercisers not only slept almost an hour longer than non-exercisers; they also fell asleep in half the time.*
Yes, I listed drinking Dream Water. That is not a typo. Over the past two weeks my husband has been my guinea pig testing the product. Each night when we went to sleep if he tossed and turned for more than 30 minutes or if he got up in the middle of the night and couldn’t get back to sleep I had him drink a Dream Water. Every time he used the Dream Water he was asleep within 15 minutes – without fail. He tried telling me it was a placebo effect at one point, but if that had been the case it shouldn’t have worked the times since he expressed his concern. Regardless, he still uses it and it’s still working.
How Dream Water Works:
How to use:
Do you have trouble falling asleep? Try drinking a full bottle of Dream Water roughly 20 to 40 minutes before bedtime (although individual times may vary). Our natural sleep ingredients should help lull you to sleep and lead to a more refreshed state the next day.
Do you have trouble staying asleep? Try keeping your bottle of Dream Water by your bed. When you wake up during the night just drink it. Dream Water should help you back to your sleep instead within 20 to 40 minutes… No TV required!
Do you have trouble falling asleep AND staying asleep? Try drinking half a bottle roughly 20 to 40 minutes before bedtime and then leave the other half right next to your bed. If you wake up during the night just drink the other half of the Dream Water and give the sheep a break!
Recommended Usage: While we recommend drinking a full bottle of Dream Water during the night, many customers have written to us letting us know that half a bottle works well for them. Feel free to try this technique and let us know too!
WARNING: Not intended for use by persons under the age of 18. Not intended for use by pregnant or nursing women. If you are taking medications or generally have concerns, consult your doctor before use. Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur. Do not drive, operate machinery or other important tasks when taking this product. It is NOT recommended to drink more than 1 serving in a 24 hour period and habitual use may vary the effectiveness of the product.
These statements have NOT been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is NOT intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.
The information presented is for informational purposes only. Any consumer should consult their doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problems/questions and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
You can purchase Dream Water at your local Wal-Mart, on their site, and on Amazon.com.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Dream Water. They provided product in exchange for our honest opinion.
