HEALTH

Only a healthy body can house a healthy mind. This is a fact of life. Life is a gift of nature and health is the gift we give to ourselves so that we live happily and peacefully. Without doubt all of you must be very healthy people. Good health is very important for all of us to lead good lives. And health constitutes both physical and mental health.

A person who is healthy is vibrant, full of energy and seldom gets tired. Good health increases your life span and helps you to avoid problems. And if you have people depending on you then you are going to have to maintain good health so that you dispose off your duties even more responsibly.

Tips for good health.

Exercise regularly

Breathing is an essential element of good health. We all breathe normally but once or twice during the day we need to supply our body with large doses of oxygen. This can happen when you exercise. Exercise will even tone your body and prepare you for excellent growth in bone muscle.

Sports and Games

It is essential that you participate in sports and games. Depending on your taste you may choose your sport. There are many useful sports that will help you in building a great physique and at the same time teach you deeper aspects of life like victory and defeat, right and wrong, rules and procedures and the spirit of a sportsman.

Eating habits

Eat all you can. Diet is not applicable for you unless you have an ailment or a deficiency. You only have to watch your timing of eating and the frequency of your meals. But remember you have to sweat out all that you eat. All food and no play can make a person dull.

Give yourself good sleep

A scientific study recently showed that people who were not in bed for more than 8 hours a day for a specified period of time, showed signs of ageing and memory loss. If you do not sleep for atleast 8 hours a day then you will age quicker than you should.

Cleanliness is next to godliness

If you aren't clean then you are not going to be healthy. Our body needs regular cleaning just the way a vehicle requires. Taking bath regularly and developing good clean habits is essential. Right from your hair to your toes see that you are clean and fresh.

Say no to harmful substances

Smoking can kill you. Yes. Smoking is not just injurious to health. Smoking kills, slowly and silently. Most of us take to smoking out of curiosity and also out of false heroism shown in movies and media. Cigarette ads show smokers as great heroes. Nobody becomes a hero because he smokes. In fact, lot of habitual smokers are losers in life.

Drinking and chewing tobacco needless to say are extremely harmful. If you want to write your own death warrant then you can try out these substances. Good health and long life are assured if you are away from these substances.

Smile and laugh

The best way to keep good health is to cultivate a healthy attitude. Smile, laugh and make others laugh. Laugh along with people and not at people.

Crack jokes and ensure that others are happy when you are around. There are many who appreciate good humor. There are few who create good humor. Be among those few.

     Have fun and enjoy your life. If you are serious about your life then you will take care of your health. Life is to be lived in a healthy way, mentally and physically. You cannot enjoy the beauty of life if you cannot retain good health.

Stop Bullying

I want to introduce my daughter Felicia Smith. She was my second daughter and grew up to be a kind, generous, loving young woman. She was bullied in school yet was always kind sweet and gentle. She never had an unkind word or took action against her tormentors. On December 2, 2010 she made the drastic decision to end her life. Her leaving us has left our family shattered. We have begun working toward making changes in her school system and hope to work toward getting legislation to change the laws that effect bullying. We have created a web site www.kindnessmatters.bbnow.org to promote change and we hope to spread the word and make a difference in the community and the world in her name and to honor her. She will be missed and her memory will live on in our hearts. She is my hero. 

Lisa Smith

True Forgiveness

I guess I can hold a grudge for 30 years or more! It was the 70's and when I was 5 my parents divorced. My mom had a good reason to divorce my dad and I knew all about it, even though I was really too young to handle this information.

Suddenly this stay at home mom was a single parent of five kids. Of course now, after a lot of years of growing and doing work on healing the past, I can see things differently. Back then I didn't.

My parents did pretty much everything that psychologists say you should avoid doing in a divorce. I heard all the stories and saw all the drama. My dad would avoid us sometimes and just not show up on his day. And when he did, it was our responsibility to ask for the child support check.

Mom had high expectations of me that I feel I never reached. She was always stressed. When I looked back at my life, I felt like a burden, a disappointment, very criticized and judged...all I remembered was anger and conflict.

Now I know that they did not have the knowledge and skills they needed to handle it better. I know they did the best they could, as everyone does. Now I know it was a stressful situation. But I still felt anger toward my mom. I felt angry and I felt guilty for feeling angry because intellectually, I knew she was the one who was there for me. She did not leave and she did not hide. She provided food, shelter, clothing, and love to the best of her ability. And still I was angry!!

I kept working on trying to forgive this woman who I knew I should forgive. But should is nothing. I require myself to be honest with myself and I don't really care about shoulds. I won't settle for less than true forgiveness.

So I kept seeking within myself until one day, while I was driving to work I realized, given the same circumstances, would I have done any better? She was in a terrible situation. I know she felt humiliated about the loss of her marriage. I know she really wanted to be at home with us kids. I know she wanted love and happiness. And I know she is a difficult woman. I understand now how difficult it must have been for them, given who they are.

Suddenly I realized I am as human as she is, as fallible as she is, and not half the woman she is. I finally gained the respect for her she deserves. I will always remember that moment. I have FINALLY truly forgiven her. It feels good to lay down the burden I carried for more than 30 years.

by Unknown

Special people makes world special

 

 

In this colorful world very special people does exist. Special in many ways and may the one reason is, they are children of very special parents.

                        Once I went to visit my elder sister's home. My elder sister and her husband both can not listen and can not speak, yes , both are deaf and dumb. After all formalities of snacks and tea we all sat and started speaking in sign language. In some time her younger daughter appeared who was playing around. She is just 2 years old. I took her in my lap and started irritating her with my kisses. My sister asked me to take a check whether she can speak clearly or not, hear properly or not. I asked her "what is your name and your elder sister's name?". She said "My name is Kalichhma and my elderl chichtel's name is Chopia. You al my Maachi naa?" i.e. " My name is Karishma and my elder sister's name is Sophia. You are my Mashi na?". I was completely delighted and my throat was choked, I was unable to answer her question.

                       Then I said to my sister that she is very clear speaker and an awesome kid. I Knew what my sister wanted, just a confirmation that her kid should not spend a life like her, she wants to see her complete. Each and every parents wishes that their kids should not suffer the problems in life what they have suffered already, they want to make their kid's life as possible as comfortable. A blind couple who can not see their kid ever, wants their child should not have vision problem, a middle class parent spent all their life to accumulate  luxury for their kid.

                       After finishing my sister's task I thanked to god and started irritating Karishma again, with my kisses.Within 10 minutes Sophia entered to the home.The 6 years old told me "Namaste Maashi". I said namaste to her and ask what she learned in school today. She started singing "twinkle twinkle" , "Johny Johny" , "baba baba black sheep"  and many more rhyms.

                       I started for my home after a while. On the way unstoppable thoughts were dwelling my mind. The couple got their voice back via those super kids. Parents wants to see their kids in the position where they never reached, with all good things what they never had. Those deaf and dumb duo had only one expectation that their kids should speak, they should hear. Karishma's voice was still running in my head and I wept. But these tears were only because I was too happy for the duo. I have seen my sister alone many times when we were young. Kids playing around never includes her in any game. Now she is not alone, she has a family.She is the mother of 2 cutest girl in the world who does not only understand her even know how to deal with her.

                        Those 2 super kids knows that their parents can not listen if they ask for chocklate, their parents can not tell angels' bed time stories, their parents can not sing lulaby, their parents can not hear their cry if they pee on the bed at night, their parents will not open if they knock the door, their parents will not run and hug them when they come after school and shouts 'mommy'. They have to go near to their parents, they have to touch them, make them feel that they are around !!

 

look at me and

Just tell me song of your choice,

I will dance and let you know that,

Yes mum,I know I am your voice ...

 

look at me and

Just tell me how much you love me

You are always my suaper hero,

yes dad I know that you can hear me...

 

 by Shefali

Healing HERBS

If breathing right, sipping herbal tea, and meditating can help, why pop pills?

As I stroll through my garden of herbs, inhaling their sweet fragrance, I can feel their magic work on me.The stress and strain of deadlines, unfinished work, just fades away as I touch their delicate leaves and talk to them.
There is the familiar tulsi, known as basil, the spiky lavender with its beautiful mauve flowers, and sharp-scented rosemary. Besides these fashionable herbs, I have planted some Indian medicinal plants which have been curing people in our country for more than 2,000 years.

We have brahmi, a strong, long-stemmed plant which enhances memory and poetic imagination. Then there is ashwagandha for vitality, jatamansi for soothing sleep and various other medicinal plants which promise all kinds of cures. And I believe they do. I don’t claim to know much about them. I am learning by reading books and talking to learned vaids.

Right Way To Breathe
To really appreciate the goodness of these herbs, I walk early in the morning through the fields sensing the good vibes coming from them. This is also the time I do my breathing exercises. I learnt how to breathe correctly after I did the Art of Living course.

Breathing easy sounds simple, but only when you’ve learnt the skill you realise you have done it wrong all your life.When I began to really notice how I breathe, listened to sounds of my breath, felt it travel through my lungs, I realised what breathing actually meant. In school we were taught “take a deep breath, throw out your chest, stiffen your shoulders.”
But now I know that is not the right way to breathe. It makes you breathless, anxious and dizzy. Tense and nervous people always breathe rapidly and this adds to the feeling of stress.

But when your breathing is slow, measured and deep, your brain gets a good dose of oxygen and feels good. A wonderful feeling of peace and tranquillity floods you when you learn the art of breathing right.

“Breathe calm, breathe gently, and let your breath flow through your body,” Guruji’s voice says softly and I feel all my anxiety and fear flow out with my breath.
 

Soothe Pain And Feel Calm
I hate to take medicines. But if breathing right, sipping herbal tea, walking on dew drenched grass and meditating can help, why pop pills. “Take Alprax,” my friends would say when I would get stressed before a show. But I learnt to do reiki instead. Just by placing your hands on yourself you can soothe pain and feel calm.

I found I could help the special children I work with, with these alternative cures. Whenever I have to deal with a hyperactive child, I put my hand on his head and we play a game of breathing. Gradually, I can feel the child calming down and then we settle down to paint happily.

I find reiki, yoga, Sudarshan Kriya and meditation all teach you the same thing. They help you get in touch with yourself.You may think it is a cliche, but when you actually practice it, the results are amazing.

To get in touch with yourself you have to draw a line from your head to your heart so that your entire being is balanced. Mind, body, breath — all poised like a dancer in one fluid, graceful movement. It’s not easy to achieve this.You need total concentration; you cannot force your mind to obey, you can only  coax it gently in the right direction. After doing five years of meditation practice, I can sit like this for not more than four to five minutes, but it seems like a lifetime of bliss.

There are some days when it does not work at all and I continue to whirl like a top. Then when it gets too much, I take off for the hills.The soothing green mountains, my village home in Shaya work like a balm, calming me down at once. Brahmi, jatamansi, vanapsha, rosemary, sage and thyme help, too, with their magical powers. All imaginary fears, petty thoughts, useless needs, fall away and life seems joyous and wonderful as the mind learns, once more, to stand still.

by BULBUL SHARMA

I Am Sacrificing For You… Make Something of Yourself!

If you are much like me when you hear the name Nevil Shed, you may not know anything about the person; you might even think he is an Englishman, or at least of Caucasian decent; right? Perhaps this is a common response as you will see. The Nevil Shed I now know is 6’ 8” tall, a talented basketball player, and was recruited by over 100 collegiate basketball teams. These were all on full ride scholarships offered during the 1960’s.

Sadly, Nevil soon learned the offers had come from coaches who were unaware he was black. Of the 100 plus letters piling up on his kitchen table with more coming in daily; there were only 12 schools that would even consider a “colored” man on their team!

This wasn’t necessarily shocking to Nevil or his parents; they were living during an era of intense discrimination. Nevil insisted with his mother that he would go to some of the colleges which were offering him scholarships, even though they had misinterpreted his color. She didn’t want him too, but he did anyway.

What Nevil experienced next brought home how horrible intolerance was in other parts of the country. Electing one night to go to a movie, Nevil approached the ticket booth with everyone else. As he handed over his dollar for entrance the employee pushed it back to him. Unaware there was a separate entrance for colored people, he innocently handed the dollar back. It was pushed back again with no communication whatsoever. Then suddenly someone grabbed Nevil by the arm, showing him where “his” entrance was.

Nevil walked down a dark scary alley to dreary doorway. There he was granted access, but found he had a special location, away from other guests, which was upstairs. Nevil wanted popcorn and a drink to enjoy during the movie, yet he was afraid of what may be put in his food. While approaching the drinking fountain he clearly witnessed another bias toward him, placed on the wall were two fountains; one for whites, and the other for colored people.

His story of becoming a member of the first team to win the NCAA national basketball championship, with an all black starting lineup, in 1966 I will save for a different story. What I want to share with you is the story Nevil shared with me last night. This is what started him on his path of success.

Nevil’s father worked in a train station helping traveling passengers disembark from passenger cars and loaded their luggage. One day Nevil went to work with his father and witnessed some of the pressures his father had to put up with at work.

Those who reached out their hand for assistance or those who required help with baggage referred to Nevil’s father as “boy.” This troubled Nevil deeply as he knew the term wasn’t being used respectfully toward his dad. On one occasion Nevil assisted his father by placing suitcases in line on the floor; this was done to position them out of harms way, and allow easy access for the travelers.

One passenger took his belongings and moved them a few feet from where Nevil placed them as the train was leaving. When the train went by, the steam from the engine sprayed all over the man’s luggage as it proceeded down the tracks. This angered the man terribly. He immediately yelled at Nevil’s father to correct the wrong. Nevil’s dad hurried over, knowing the fault lay in this mans actions, and apologized while cleaning the bags with his handkerchief.

To Nevil’s surprise the wife of the man who had moved his own luggage commented “It is no one's fault but yours, you placed the bags in the way.” Nevil remembers the man arguing with his wife as he continued to belittle his father by using “boy” throughout his remarks.

That night, at home, Nevil who felt ashamed of his father, not understanding why he wouldn’t stand up for himself, yelled at him commenting “Why don’t you stick up for yourself!” To Nevil’s surprise the next thing he remembered was that he was up against the wall with his father pushing him in the upper chest.

“I will not have you act like this. I put food in your stomach (pointing at Nevil’s midsection), clothes on your back (pointing at his chest), and a roof over your head (waving his hand over Nevil’s head) with this job! All I need from you is to make something of yourself so you don’t have to ever find yourself in my position.”

All 6’ 8” of this teenager found himself humbled and dedicated to honoring the gift his father so graciously gave; his all! From that moment on, Nevil never looked back, he took the talents God blessed him with, and the love of his parents, to became a major contributor and success in life. Someone his father truly was proud of!

This father’s son enabled our current athletic world (perhaps all society) to benefit from the equality we enjoy today. He did this while suffering through tremendous trials! Nevil must carry his father’s spirit.

To fathers and mothers all over this beautiful world; those who carry enough love in their heart too further the lives of their children, thank you. To my mother and father, thank you for what you have given me. And to my children, my hope is I, with your mother, have opened doors of opportunity for you. Now go out and make a difference in our world!

by Anonymous!

Take TIME to Slow Down!

In this day and age, time seems to be at a premium.  Here in Anchorage, Alaska, there is the snow just starting to creep down the Chugach range, and there is a nip of winter in the air.  This is one of the last weeks to get the last of the summer activities done before the snow flies and we have to trade in our shoes in for snow boots for a season.  This is the first Sunday that I have not been able to go to the temple here.  I have stayed home this weekend due to the fact that I am sick.   I did not want to spread it to others, so I opted to stay at home.  There are ways that the Universe is telling you to slow down.  I work 60+ hours a week on top of the other activities I do on a daily basis I finally realized that  over-working myself has brought me low.  In the busy-ness of daily life, one has to take some time for one's self, otherwise one cannot keep to their religion & faith, or help the others that are parts of one's life.  One has to set aside some time every day to reconnect to the Source of All, to plug in to the harmonics of the Universe. Otherwise all you do is drain your own batteries to the point that your are laid up in bed.

by Nancy

Myth or Fact

Folklore, old wives' tales, and rumors about the causes and treatments of digestive diseases sometimes may be accurate. Yet, can be dangerous if it keeps a person from correctly preventing or treating an illness. Through this article we will be listing some common misconceptions about digestive disorders, followed by the facts as doctors understand them today.

1. Spicy food and stress cause stomach ulcers.

Muth: Well, the truth is the majority of stomach ulcers are caused either by infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or by use of pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen which are also known as no steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The good news is that since we know the reason, patients are being managed appropriately, as most H. pylori-related ulcers can be cured with antibiotics as well as NSAID-induced ulcers that can be cured with stomach-protective medications, antacids, and avoidance of NSAIDs. However, spicy food and stress concept is not totally a myth as spicy food and stress (except when associated with extreme medical conditions) may aggravate ulcer symptoms but they do not cause ulcers.

2. Smoking a cigarette helps relieve heartburn

Myth: On the contrary, cigarette smoking increases heartburn. Heartburn occurs when the lower muscle between the esophagus and stomach relaxes so the acidic contents of the stomach would splash back (reflux) into the esophagus. People who smoke a lot often have inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis), most probably due to the fact that cigarette smoking causes this muscle to relax.

3. Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day.

Myth: How often you have a bowel movement varies, but a "normal" frequency ranges from as many as three bowel movements a day to about three a week.

4. Having constipation nothing can help except for a laxative.

Myth: Before turning to laxatives try these lifestyle changes which are proved to be really effective.
- Eat fiber-rich foods such as wheat bran, fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Drink plenty of fluids daily, stay hydrated.
- Exercise regularly, a 30 minute walk can really make a difference.

5. Any laxative can do the trick

Myth: Your medical history and other medications you're taking may limit your laxative alternatives. Laxatives can interact with antibiotics such as tetracycline, blood thinners such as warfarin, and certain heart and bone medications. Prior to using any laxative, read the label thoughtfully. If you're not sure if a particular laxative is the right choice, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

6. Pregnant and constipated laxative is the answer

Myth: Strong laxatives can be extremely harmful to you or your baby. Stimulant laxatives like castor oil or senna leaves can cause uterine contractions that may lead to abortion. If you've recently given birth, check with your doctor before using laxatives. Even though they're usually harmless to use during breast-feeding, some ingredients may pass into breast milk and cause diarrhea for the baby. Introducing fiber rich food to your diet plan is the most appropriate choice in this case like introducing broccoli to your food which is both tasty and healthy.

7. Habitual use of laxatives or enemas is harmless.

Myth: Frequent use of enemas and laxatives might complicate conditions as laxative use can be risky if constipation is caused by a serious condition, such as appendicitis or a bowel obstruction. Moreover, using a certain laxatives frequently for weeks or months can decrease the colon's natural ability to contract and in fact aggravate constipation leading to a very hard to treat constipation.

Goof for YOU! The Facial Exercises :)

The face contains 44 muscles most of which are connected to the skin at one end rather than bone. Facial exercises do not only smooth out wrinkles, but also help in maintaining your skin’s complexion and feel. By regularly exercising these muscles, you will also relieve stress and sinus pressure around the main pressure points in your forehead and eyes therefore decreasing the amount of stress-induced headaches; alongside to relieving neck pain and stress caused by staring down at your smart phone/ laptop for hours. Facial exercises improve circulation to the skin which results in brighter, glowing skin and an enhanced overall appearance. Also, the exercises have been proved to assist the movement of lymphatic fluids through the bloodstream therefore acting as an effective detox measure to purify the skin of all the harmful bacteria and pollutants. They are known to tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production hence giving you an all-natural face lift in just a few months. No more sagging, drooping, or decreased skin elasticity by working these muscles whenever you can.

Roller Skates and Ice Skates

                            

 

The word"optimism" means the best! After viewing a mini video about a 1923 roller skate adventure send to me by my niece, it brought back memories of the "optimism" and "the best of my family". In Superior , Wis . in the late 1950's and 1960's , my cousins and I didn't spend time with video games and stay inside the house too much. I would be outside roller skating around the block. I can remember having patches, the handmade ones from bandages, on both knees. And I can remember ice skating at the school playground across the street. We did our "best "on those skates. My younger cousins also grew up in Superior and started playing hockey. We did our "best" and had a lot of fun skating! Today my cousin Dan's son , Alex does his "best" in Texas playing hockey , just like his dad Dan did when we all grew up doing our "best" and having fun skating! Roller skates and ice skates have a special meaning for me. When I adopted my son, ,Michael (Misha ), his first Christmas present was roller skates which I still have today. What you do with "things" ( like skates) makes a difference in your life! Our family as well as many families in the 1950's and 1960's put "optimism" in our life's . We did our best with what we had. Our "best" skates.

By Clark Franklin

I Lived the Happiness and Will Carry It On

Ever since I retired from teaching kindergarten-primary in 2010,I take time where ever I go to "smile" at children and they "smile " back. Just today in the supermarket, I heard laughter and saw a little boy . The supermarket was remodeling , so I said ,"It is pretty noisy in here and I almost didn't hear your laughter". I told his mom that I was a retired kindergarten teacher and I loved the "smiles" and laughter of the children and listen for their laughter and look for their" smiles". The mom was kind enough to say,"Yes , you have truly lived the happiness!" And I have lived the happiness, and intend to carry that childlike happiness where ever I go !

Turning Darkness into Light

You know, I came into this world with an idea, with a belief that life was designed to be a grand instrument to experience happiness. I had no idea of pain, hear-break or hatred; yet peoples lives seemed to be filled with more obstacles than anything else. My reality versus my soul's grandest vision was so polar in its opposition that it created a division in who I was and what I believed. This lead me down a road where depression became my very best friend and closest acquaintance. Yet even in my darkest times, there was a small light inside me that refused to go out.

I remember finally being happy for the first time in my life. When that happened, the goodness that I always thought of about life became my reality. My first goal was to share that reality with as many as I could. So, I started an inspirational message of the morning list. I would text my mom and other close family and friends very inspirational messages each morning. I had no idea of the impact I was having on people until that list began to grow and grow. After the amount of people I would message grew, then came the feedback. People were amazed! They would ask, "how do you find all these quotes", "can you send me the website that you find these messages, they really make my day!" I was taken aback because these messages that were impacting people so much, were just something that literally took me minutes to think of. Realizing this I knew I had to reach more people, and in a time period of about 6 months I was able to write my first book that is now available on Amazon. 

by Jared  Madison

Oh Men: why are you so tired?

Many modern men are suffering from low energy, fatigue and sleepiness: what can we do about it?
According to many experts, we are experiencing an epidemic of fatigue. Many of us complain of never waking up refreshed, or of plodding zombie-like through exhausted days, or of working hard all week and not being able to rise from the sofa on our days off.

Feeling tired all the time used to be predominantly a female complaint but men are catching up fast. So why are so many modern men suffering from low energy and sleepiness, and what can we do about it?

Reason 1: we burn the candle at both ends

The first reason we're tired is quite simply that we don't get enough sleep. A 24-hour society means there's ever-increasing pressure on our time, and for many young men the thing to go is not overtime, marathon Xbox sessions or the pub, it's a good night's sleep.

The simple message, says sleep expert and physiotherapist Sammy Margo, author of The Good Sleep Guide (Vermilion) is 'that we need to prioritise sleep - and give it its proper place in our lives.'

So the solution may be simple. Put down the joy pad, walk away from the laptop, and get an extra hour or two in bed.

Reason 2: we have emotional or psychological problems

There's a new sleep thief in town called the quarter-life crisis, and it effects many men in their 20s and 30s. It's characterised by anxiety over life choices and the future, and one of the physical symptoms of anxiety and depression is fatigue.

Maybe you've just split up with a long-term partner or lost a grandparent, or maybe you feel trapped in a dead end job - any of these and more can hit young men hard and lead to a life sapping loss of energy.

If you're very anxious or depressed, you may need to see a counsellor (consult your GP in the first instance). Milder emotional problems can be eased by eating healthily, exercising, calling on the support of friends and accepting that the bad times won't last.

Reason 3: we don't do enough

By which we mean, we don't do enough physically. 'We all lead more sedentary lifestyles,' says Sammy Margo. 'But we also have all sorts of things to take our mental focus. That means we're all physically under active but mentally over active.'

If you're the sort of man who spends a lot of time slumped in front of screens - whether TV, PC, iPad or games console - and very little time in the great outdoors, you may feel tired a lot of the time.

The answer is to schedule some movement into your day. Take a walk at lunchtime, hit the gym once in a while, have a kick-about in the park on Sunday afternoons. Any movement will help you to clear the mental fog that makes you sleepy even in the middle of the day.

Reason 4: we don't have enough time for others

That's probably a time thing rather than a personality problem, but it's worth finding an hour or two a week for acts of altruism or friendship, whether that's volunteering in the local Oxfam or listening to a mate's relationship woes. Why? Because getting some positive human connections in your life stops you from feeling sleepy.

That was the conclusion of a study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behaviour, which found that altruism can boost happiness, life satisfaction, self-esteem, your sense of control over life, physical health and mood, all of which give you back the va-va-voom that stops fatigue in its tracks.

Reason 5: we eat badly

Men are prone to poor eating habits that leave them feeling tired and listless. First off, make sure you eat breakfast, and then eat light meals every three or four hours. That will make sure your blood sugar levels remain stable, and ward off the crippling fatigue that can come when they dive.

But 'light' is key. Men often eat too heavily at lunchtime, which means they become lethargic as their bodies expend energy digesting big meals. That makes your body's natural mid-afternoon slump so much worse.

Thank God for Kids!

In the song ,"Thank God for Kids" by the Oak Ridge Boys , the lyrics give us all reason to thank God. If we didn't have children to celebrate life , our life would be "empty"without children, our house would be quiet , but" empty". Without children's books about Sesame Street , Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse, and the children around to read them to, we would lack the imagination that children have.Children have the best imaginations!!Children have imagination and dreams that are unlimited . And when we are with children , we too can have imagination and dream!! And the smiles of children are like the sunshine. I know that this is true because I have been with this unlimited imagination in children all my life in teaching the primary grades , adopting two little boys and spending "time " with children including my little grand daughter. Children are without a doubt , the closest people to heaven. We may not think so sometimes when they "misbehave" but it seems that this "misbehavior" doesn't last for long. And their questions are what makes "life " exciting". Children never stop asking questions , that's how they learn.We too should keep asking questions and keeping learning. That's what life is about. When we stop asking and stop interacting with others, we "lose out" in life. It is true that those whys,whats,hows,whens, and wheres are important ! When those trusting eyes look right into our eyes , we know that behind those trusting eyes is a kind and loving heart! We have a precious gift in children. Thank God for kids !!!

By Frank

The Right Thing To DO

 

 

Every time we have any election local state federal.I remember my father teaching me about the right thing to do is vote no matter how small or how big the election is. He Said at my first chance to vote if you don't want to vote think of all the men and women who died and suffered lifetime physical and mental disabilities To give me the ability to vote. To me this what my Dad said put voting in THE RIGHT THING TO DO category for each and every election.

By Jane.

My Apron Mother Saved A Lot for Me

As I was going through things to donate to Easter Seals, I found bed sheets that were my mom's. I couldn't believe as I hung them on the line , that every corner was sewn. My "apron" mother took the time to sew , iron and use her things to last. My "apron " mother was the mother that wore an apron in 1950's and 1960's to protect her clothes when she cooked and to put handies in the pocket for when I needed my face cleaned. I didn't realize my mom was sacrificing getting new clothes and new bed sheets and "saving " what she had , sewing ,ironing and using her things to last. By "sacrificing" things for herself as my dad did too, they helped their children to value family sacrifice. We never wanted for anything. Both my brother and I had a great childhood. We travelled every summer to visit cousins out West in Montana , Wyoming and Oregon. My parents were saving all year for these trips. My brother and I had the nice clothes for Catholic school , communion, confirmation and graduations. We graduated from the Catholic high school and went on to the university to both be teachers. Little did I know that Mom , my" apron " mom and dad had sacrificed on themselves to give my brother and me ,a good life! By sewing up sheets, eating at home, hanging clothes outside or in the basement, sewing quilts, not buying anything we didn't have money to pay for,( my parents never had a credit card) , taking good care of our home and things, my "apron "mom and dad were able to save a lot for my brother and for me : their children.

by Sandy

A Legacy of Compassion

I became a Police Officer at the ripe old age of 19. I have spent my entire adult life proudly wearing a badge but sometimes look back at some of the decisions I made in the first few years of my career and cringe. The world was black and white to me then, a simple universe of right and wrong. The color grey was not in my visual spectrum and so I rode my patrol car like a white steed, with a self perception that I was indeed a righter of wrongs. I led the department in arrests and citations, believing that those statistics were the measurements of success. Fortunately, in my third year a new Sergeant took over my squad, a man whose courage and leadership would profoundly affect my life. One morning after a particularly busy shift he invited me to breakfast which I eagerly accepted. I remember looking out of the greasy diners window while I regaled my Sergeant with my nights exploits of arrests and action. He listened and smiled and when I was done, he said, "Randy, you are really a good cop. You know the laws, you work your butt off and I can trust your word. But do you know the difference between being a good cop and a great cop?". I beamed with pride at the accolades but was completely flummoxed by the question. I think that I stammered something about not knowing when he smiled at me and said the words that would forever change the way I viewed myself and my role. "The difference is only one thing Randy. The difference is compassion." That was a defining moment in my life and the legacy of that Sergeant will live on through the many lives that I have touched along my life's journey. 

 by Lt. Randy Sutton

Learning Responsibility

 The year was 1923, and Genia was 13. Genia's father had just died. In 1923 , if someone had an upstruction of the bowels , they would have to wait until morning for surgery. Genia's father didn't make it until morning , and died at the age of 39. Having come from Poland just 10 years before, Josef had worked for his family because that was his responsibility. Josef's wife, a widow at age 35, and his children, Genia 13, Helena 8 (my mom), James 7, Stashu 5 and Casmier, 15, who was in a wheelchair for 10 years after being hit by a car, all had to "go on". The responsibility was then in the hands of Josefina ,the 35-year-old widow, as well as in the hands of Genia, the 13 year old girl. In 1923, there was no welfare. What was the family to do? Genia, forced to learn responsibility , went to work cleaning houses to help the family. Tending the garden and canning the food,tending the cow and selling the milk, Genia learned responsibility. This "learned "responsibility was carried on when her brother, Casmier died in 1931 and her mother, Josefina died in 1932.Genia took her brothers and sister, Helena(my mom) and raised them .From that Christmas Eve in 1932,Genia never gave up the responsibility ,until all the children were raised to adulthood and even after that until the day Ciocia Genia died at the age of 79. Praying the rosary and attending Mass everday for her family was her "learned " responsibility.This "learned" responsibility that Ciocia Genia , my Auntie Genia, had to learn in 1923 and later in 1932, and until the day she passed on to heaven,made be "value" family responsibility! I would like to think that Ciocia Genia, my "hero" and my "angel" is watching over the family and saying "family first" , that's your responsibility and you better learn it and carry it on!

by ARTHUR

Strength in Family Roots

As I listen to the Merle Haggard song, "Roots of my Raising," it brings back memories. Although I grew up not in the South, but in northern Wisconsin, there are memories that are the same. We can all think about the past if those memories give us the "strength" to live today . Though today is a "present" and a "gift", the memories of our families give us the strength to appreciate this "present". Those memories of my childhood home, across the street from Grandpa and Grandma's home, bring memories of eating ice cream cones and swinging on the front porch swing and singing country songs. There are memories of my dad reading the newspaper and mom , wearing her apron and making doughnuts in the kitchen. Pictures of the family all around just like I have today in my home. My dad, a quiet man, who never bought or borrowed anything unless he could afford it. My aunt lived in the bedroom upstairs and sang Polish and country songs with me. My brother is remembered as my childhood friend when we played in the backyard. These memories are "rooted " in my heart and run "deep". These memories give me strength to carry on the family values . These memories give me a "common" and "solid" ground in my life. 

by Alex

Across Cultural Lines

I have a story about faith, family, and love.   My husband is Jewish.  Mind you he is not orthodox, he is very liberal.  His faith is a very private thing, between him and God. When we first got together, he was very angry at God.  I understood the reasons why and simply stated that things would change for the better.  I also quietly gave him the opportunity to go back to temple. He soon started celebrating Hanukahh and some of the other high  I always joke that his God must have had a terrific sense of humor to drop me into his life.  I know mine does.  Most of our early discussions about faith were around him trying to understand how Hinduism could have so many versions of Deity.   I usually made an analogy about how you can go to a large superstore and maybe get a little bit of everything, but you would not necessarily take your car there to get it repaired.  For that you would need a specialist.  I saw the various forms of God in Hinduism a little like that.  There were many specialists that you could go to, or if you needed a general idea of Deity, you could have that too!  Our extended family is a diverse lot, which lends to discussion, division, and synergy at opportune times.  During the winters here in Alaska, we tend to celebrate a lot around the winter solstice; a lot of partying goes on to keep the depression at bay.  We as a family celebrate all of the winter celebrations that we can.  Christmas, Yule, Hanukahh, all of it becomes one big mutable changeable "dinner is a this person's house tonight, to celebrate this," for the months of November and December. Recently, I took him to the temple here in Anchorage, Alaska.  He was curious how it would be.  He enjoyed the environment, but I noticed that he was getting curious looks from the other members of the congregation.  After the prayer and meetings with a Holy person or GURU were over, most of the members came up to meet him.  Most of their questions were,"What brought you here?' and "How did you who are Jewish, marry a Hindu?" He laughed and gave them the answer.  "I love my wife.  I would not make her change."  With that he was a welcome visitor to the temple.  I love him so much.  Honesty and Openness is vital in a good marriage.  We were each others' best friends for years before we decided to get married.  Now we have two beautiful daughters, who regularly go to both the temple and the synagogue here in Anchorage, because my husband and I believe that they should experience a diversity of cultures and experiences while they are growing.

Service In The Workplace

In trying to become more mindful, one has to take an attitude of service.  This does not mean that one has to be either in a superior or inferior demeanor.  Treat everyone that you come in contact as a messenger from Deity.  This can even be done at work, no matter where you work.  I work in what is called the service industry, in the retail sector.  I sell products, but what I am truly selling is pleasant experiences.  I am not out to be phony or insincere to others,  I treat everyone who comes to my store as a guest, coming to see me or to solve a problem.  I personally keep in mind that this person could have been sent to me by Deity; I will never know which one.  So I strive with everyone to treat them like the drop of Divinity that they are.  This will keep fatigue, boredom and anger at bay.  It definitely helps one grow compassion.  It surely has been proven to lower anger as well.  If it does become trying, which at times it would, lay this at the feet of Deity, give up all negative emotion with it.  Breathe, thank Deity for the lesson, call on them for support, and move on with the day.  If one keeps the Divine in mind at all times, one cannot lose one's way.

By Nancy

GREET each other as often as u can!

In saying HELLO, SALAM, NAMASTE,

 ( Or greeting each other like the way we have been taught in our lives) we are acknowledging the Divine in the other.   Everything that we do in life affects someone or something else; for good or for ill.  In being more mindful of our thoughts and actions, we can enact a lasting change on the world.  Each day, make the conscious effort to improve the world by doing things as simple as offering a smile and acknowledging the Divine spark in another person.  Not only will this lift your outlook for the day, this will be a pebble dropped in the pond, with ripples of goodwill sweetening the world.

by Unknown

Turmeric The Natural wonder

You can use turmeric to treat skin disorders, digestive problems and also prevent cancer.

 

 

 

Turmeric and its properties:

Turmeric, a household spice in India,Pakistan,Bangladesh,Nepal and most of the south Asians  is a perennial plant that belongs to the ginger family. The active ingredient in turmeric iscurcumin, a poly phenol that gives this spice its yellow pigment as well as its distinct flavor (slightly bitter yet peppery).

The health benefits of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease. 

Health benefits of turmeric:

It has anti-bacterial properties: Turmeric is an effective anti-septic agent useful in disinfecting cuts and burns. Studies show that when freshly peeled and ground turmeric is mixed with ethanol and centrifuged, it forms a potent mixture to inhibit growth of bacteria. Therefore, turmeric is used as an external healing agent to prevent infection from spreading in cuts and wounds. Since turmeric is a good antiseptic agent, it can also be used to cure varied skin disorders.

It’s an anti-inflammatory agent: Many studies have revealed that curcumin present in turmeric has the same anti-inflammatory properties as many potent drugs. Turmeric is thus recommended in the case of inflammatory diseases such as asthma, multiple sclerosis and disturbed bowel syndrome.Its anti-inflammatory properties is also beneficial in treating arthritis. 

Helps treat digestive disorders: Curcumin present in turmeric has carminative (relieve flatulence) qualities. Studies suggest that it is also an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.

Keeps the heart healthy: Among the many benefits of turmeric is that it has antiplatelet activity. This herb has the ability to reduce blood clots, aiding blood circulation. This action can provide protection against heart attacks and strokes.  Turmeric also reduces blood cholesterol levels, keeping heart problems under check.

Keeps diabetes under control: Turmeric helps lower blood sugar levels, and is thus beneficial to those with diabetes.

Helps fight cancer: Some studies reveal that curcumin present in turmeric destroys cancer cells responsible for some types of cancer such as prostate, skin and breast cancer. Curcumin’s anti-oxidant properties also helps fight free radicals, thus preventing cell damage that leads to cancer. Turmeric can boost effects of certain drugs used in chemotherapy to treat cancer. In fact it’s also known to reduce certain side effects of these drugs.

by Ramesh

Thanks Daddy For Making Our Family Whole Again

David is my daddy. Today is his 74th birthday. He is my hero. Daddy adopted me, my younger sister and my little brother, when I was 12 years old. There is something very special about a parent that will take on someone Else's children, shower them with love and raise them up as their own.

My dad's first wife passed away with a brain tumor and he was left with their two young girls, ages six and three. Several years later, he met and married my mother.

You see, my father made two broken families whole again. Each parent sold their existing homes and moved us into "our" home. Each parent also adopted the others' children making all of our names the same. There was never any distinction between his and hers. It was ours. We were a real-life Brady Bunch where love and discipline were handed out equally and fairly. Four years later there was a new addition to this blended family. She was "our" baby sister and the final seam that glued our family together as one.

Ironically, my father was not shown a lot of individual love as a child. He grew up in the shadow of his then world famous but very absent father. His mother had other younger children at home and she was working the third shift in the nearby cotton mill. His father was a catcher for the New York Yankees and played in the 1947 World Series. Players were not paid the salaries that many of our athletes today receive.

Well, Daddy and his brother, Charlie, knew their way around town (Lancaster, South Carolina) by the time they were 8 and 10 years old. They knew how to shoot pool and would often wander the late-night streets while Granny was at work.

Someone informed Granny as to what was going on and Granny decided the best thing to do would be to send daddy and Charlie to the Connie Maxwell Children's Home in Greenwood, South Carolina. It was there where my dad and uncle spent their childhood. I think daddy spent ten years there and Uncle Charlie eight or nine.

Both of those boys turned into fine young men. Both went onto college with sports scholarships and received their degrees. Daddy received a Masters Degree in Secondary Education and became a teacher, a coach, a mentor and later a high school principal.

It is only now that I have grown older and have a family of my own, that I can truly appreciate the amount of love and that was given to each of us children. I appreciate and respect the steps my mother and father took to make our family whole again, those many years ago.

As the saying goes, 'Any man can be a father, but it takes a really special man to be a 'daddy.''

Last October, my daddy suffered a stroke. After much hard work and determination, he has since regained most of his mobility, but he has lost the gift of speech. My dad loved to tell stories of his childhood. He so enjoyed running into former students and faculty. He loved to catch up on old times. He is such a caring man that even after all of his struggles this past year he can still say, "I love you." I can't ask for anything greater than for him to be able to say those three little words to me.

Daddy is my hero and will always hold my heart. My family has been blessed to have been given such a good, kind and gentle man.

I thank you for the opportunity to share a little of the hero, that made the biggest impact that shaped my life.

by Denise

Give Big

From my young age, I feel sorry if I see an unfortunate child or realize the lack of money of my friends or classmates. I use to share whatever I have, money, clothes, tips ... Now I turn back and see they are very small gestures and I could have done better. I realized I should stretch more when it comes to caring... and we fell better when we turn back at the end of life.

by Prem K

I Am Amazed by the Commitment People Have to Each Other

The word "commitment " means "to do "and" have a bond". Over the past few weeks , I have observed family members "doing" and "having strong bonds". One of my friends has cancer, and what "gets her through" is her commitment to the her family and our community. Carol has strong family bonds which she started over 60 years ago. Her family is there for her now. Another "grandpa" is doing for his wife of 54 years, maybe because she started the strong family commitment and when she falls down, he is the husband that picks her up. In life , we may fall or fall to illness , but if we start "doing " for our family , friends and community , they will carry on this commitment of "doing " and we will have a "bond" to carry on. We are not alone and we have someone "to pick" us up. I was observing my second cousins from Minnesota who came to my university for a conference on marriage, I can see that it wasn't just this weekend that they were "doing" for their family and for each other, but there was a "doing" for over 40 years. In observing all of these people who are "doing" and have a "stong bond" for each other, it is truly amazing that they have "true commitment" to each other,their family. their friends and their community. 

By Frank

The Corner Grocery Store

How can having a corner grocery store make a difference in someone's life? Well, having both sides of" my family" having a small "family " business made the difference in all of our lives. It was 1953 when , I can remember my dad's family grocery store ,"Gollie's". I was just a little girl going to buy candy with my nickel. Grandpa Thomas always gave me 10 cents worth of the candy . Was that "frugal " of Grandpa? Yes ,but it taught me that if you pay" some ", you will get much more back.You needed to give a little of what you have and you will get more in return. Being the oldest granddaughter living in Superior,Wis. , Grandma Anna gave me the store's scoop for "scooping " out candy and the box for selling thread. Thread was sold individually from "a special wooden box". Those "family treasures" are more precious then "gold" because I have the memories of using them with my grandparents.When I was a teenager , my mom's family bought a corner grocery store and it too was a "family business", which gave us a chance to"work".My mom's sister, Ciocia Genia and younger brother owned the store. My mom , Helena was the "manager" and my Uncle Jimmy was the "butcher" . They were all able to save enough money to bring my aunt from Poland for a visit. My Polish aunt had never met her family and it was the first time in America to see her brothers and sisters . So, that corner grocery store" made a difference " in all of "our family's lives". I can remember the smiles that both my dad's family and mom's family gave to the customers because it was their "livelihood" and the "family " business, especially my mom's smile when she sold her "special Easter cupcakes". Those corner grocery stores " made a difference" in the lives of our family!

 By Susan

Life with Autism

My name is Richie Jewell. I'm 20 years old and i have autism since being diagnosed at the age of 2 1/2. Like everyone else in the world, i have an up-down life like a sea-saw. I went through some of the stuff that has been a rocky roadblock during my life. It was very challenging to live through the times that I endured during my life such as teasing, on and off depression, struggling to adapt in places like schools, helplessly observing my parents’ divorce and the struggles with my disability. Well despite all of those horrible obstacles that tried to cut me down, I would overcome by getting through one day at a time, write poems out of my mind and heart with the help from family, friends, my hobbies, which are animals, wrestling, movies, writing, and inspiration on January 2010 . Those things i just mentioned are the huge puzzle pieces of my life. Currently, i work at a local library in Beacon, NY to get some money. Outside of that, I'm a writer, motivational speaker and world/autism advocate to reach out people and raise their spirits. As of right now, I'm writing a book now titled Through my Eyes: The Richie Jewell Chronicles and 50 Poems, which is about my life and the 50 poems I’ve written. Every day, there will be new challenges that are gonna confront me but I will get stronger and more confident as I conquered them. I always live by a quote made by Jim Henson. And i quote: "Life is meant to be fun, joyous, and fulfilling. May each of yours be that - having each of you as a child of mine has certainly been one of the good things in my life. Know that I’ve always loved each of you with an eternal, bottomless love. A love that has nothing to do with each other, for I feel my love for each of you is total and all-encompassing. Please watch out for each other and love and forgive everybody. It’s a good life, enjoy it." In order to be successful,2. Reach into your heart and soul to discover your talent. Sometimes, people's talents fade away and you lose something special so, hold on to it. If your talent or idea helps you, then let it set you free from the obstacles that are currently destroying your spirit. Follow your dreams and heart by listening to that “whisper” inside your head speaking to you. If you listen to it, you'll go somewhere. There are many opinions about your work , never let voices put you down, the only one you have listen to is your own. Look for the good in every day. Repeat these steps every day, and you will become successful. Everyone has a story to tell and it is our duty to make the best out of what life has given us. This who I am and always will be: I am Richie Jewell 

 by Richie Jewell

"Today is a Treasure!"

I appreciate today! Today is a treasure! When a person feels "down", they can just look around to see others having difficult times. We all have today, a "present" although we may not think of it as a "gift" but it is. As I spend time with my best friend,Carol, who has cancer, I realize that I am here today , as we all are. We can appreciate the day by giving to others , just like Carol is doing. When my son , Michael and I visit Carol and" her family" , we feel like "family ".Carol's family say ," you are part of our family" and stay for soup !When we visit Carol, in her"hospital bed" at "home", she is giving us the ceramic "angels "and rabbits she had made. But then Carol has given all her life in giving me friendship, "angels" and" special" necklaces. But most importantly , this"silent angel' has given me those "treasured todays" when we ate lunch together every Friday for the last two years. Even" today" she doesn't "sit down " but walks around to get me "tea" , feed her grandson and spend "today " with her "family". We are "truly treasured" by Carol and she is "our treasure". Maybe " today is treasured' because of the people we "treasure "in our lives. We all have a "journey" in life .How we "treasure every day "makes the journey worthwhile! Carol's life has had its "dips" in the road like others have had, but it has never stopped Carol in her "treasured " journey. Carol's life storybook has pages and pages of giving to her family, friends and others. Carol's storybook has "treasured todays". 

Submitted by Judy  

First & The Only Friend!

There was a girl in my p.e class that is a grade younger than me. She was always quiet in the class and I always wondered if she had anyone to talk to. I am sort of quiet myself and I would think of all the times I had no one to talk to. Over the whole year I would say hi to her and sometimes she would come over and play whatever sport we were playing that day with me. Whenever she came over I made it my goal to make her laugh. I payed most of my attention to her and not my other friends because I see my other friends in other classes. Then, the last day of school came around I walked with her on the track by ourselves. I was asking her about next year and how she will be in 8th grade. Then, I started talking about how I am leaving for high school. When I mention leaving she told me something that I will never forget. She told me that she has no other friends. I am her only friend. I am the only one who talks to her. Then, she told me that she is going to miss me. I talked to her maybe 2-3 times a week. She just wanted someone to talk to her. People lose friends all the time but what people don't understand is that some people would die for one friend. So don't ruin a friendship over something dumb because you are lucky to have that one friend.

 by Sarah