How to Live Longer

How to Live Longer

Numerous longevity studies keep coming up with the same results. There are many things you can do to increase your longevity. Most centenarians have many things in common.

SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS - People that live more than 100 years have a strong set of social relationships. They are not sent to old age homes but still live in their own homes or with their relatives. Some of them still work each day or play a vital role volunteering for their community.

LET IT GO - Centenarians do not hold on to bad feelings. They let things roll of their back so to speak. They do not hold grudges. And most importantly they forgive.

VEGETARIANS - Studies have shown that some people that live the longest, live in vegetarian communities.

DRINK GREEN TEA - Scientist don't even know all of the wonderful properties of green tea yet. It seems to help the body burn calories, prevents diseases and boosts your immune system.

DO FOR OTHERS - Another common trait among centenarians is their good deeds. Volunteering or helping others in a variety of different ways throughout their lifetimes.

Learn how to live longer and you will.

How to Stimulate your Special Needs Child's Brain

How to Stimulate your Special Needs Child's Brain

Fun and easy activities to do with your special child.

WHEELBARROW - Have your child place their hands on the floor while you lift up their feet. Have them walk on their hands. This is great fun if you can have a wheelbarrow race.

FIGURE 8 - Place two objects 10 feet apart on the floor. Have your child walk in the pattern of a figure eight for 5-10 or until they are no longer interested.

BEAN BAG TOSS - Toss a bean bag back a forth with your child while you are both standing approximately 3 feet apart. Gradually back up if they are doing well.

CAN ROLL - Have your child sit at a table and roll a can (full soup can) from one hand to the other. The can should roll at least 3 feet across the table to the child's other hand.

BEAN BAG HAND OFF - Have your child stand with his/her arms out to their sides (like a cross). Place a bean bag or ball in one hand. Have them move their hands together in front of themselves and pass the bean bag to their other hand. Have them return their arms out to the cross position and then repeat, passing the object back to the first hand.

Hide Cauliflower in Your Child's Food

Hide Cauliflower in Your Child's Food

Cauliflower has such a mild taste that your kids will not even notice it.

PREPARE THE CAULIFLOWER - Steam the cauliflower and then mash it up with a potato masher. You can freeze or refrigerate any extra you may have. You will only be able to camouflage a small amount, possible a 1/4 cup in your child's food.

BAKED POTATO - Prepare your potato by baking in the oven until soft or in the microwave. Mash the potato while still in the skin. Add in butter and salt to taste. Then add in as much mashed cauliflower as possible without it becoming noticeable.

RICE - Prepare your rice as per the package instructions. I prefer brown rice, it's healthier. Mix in some mashed cauliflower. My kids like ketchup or soy sauce on their rice, which further camouflages the cauliflower.

OATMEAL - Prepare the oatmeal. Preferably steel cut oats. You can make a big pot at the beginning of the week and refrigerate it. Heat up only what you need each day. Mix in some of the mashed cauliflower, try for approximately 25% of the meal. If your child will eat cauliflower without the above camouflages it is best. Try cooking it in a lot of butter or cheese to make it pleasing.

Get the good stuff in their tummies any way you can and if that means that you have to hide cauliflower in your children's food than so be it.

How to Reduce your Double Chin

How to Reduce your Double Chin

Some of us may not even realize we have a double chin. If you suspect you have one, look in the mirror sideways, you'll get glimpse if there is one there.

GENERAL GOOD HEALTH - If you change your lifestyle, begin eating healthy, exercising regularly and stop eating junk food, you will lose that double chin naturally. All though this is my best choice, I realize that it is a difficult one. For some, even after weight loss, there is still excess skin that needs to be removed by another method.

EXERCISE THE CHIN - Huh? Exactly! I know there are those out there that recommend exercising your chin to remove it, this sounds absolutely ludicrous to me. Step One is the clear winner here.

DISSOLVING THE FAT - Now this one may be plausible. Talk to your doctor about the details, but I hear that it requires multiple doctor visits and injections. You may want to ask about the success rate and if the fat comes back easily.

ULTRASOUND - I am not a doctor so it sounds good to me. I still prefer Step One over this other methods. Question your doctor thoroughly about this method.

CHIN WRAP - Oh, please. I should just wrap this thing around my double chin and it will eliminate it! If you want a good fantasy, go to Disneyland it will be cheaper.

COSMETIC SURGERY - I am sure this works, but the risks seem awfully high for something that you can do at home with diet and exercise. No we are back to reality. If you really want to lose that chin, start taking better care of yourself. Read my other articles on healthy weight loss.

If you are determined you will reduce your double chin.

Start A Fitness Program

Start A Fitness Program

It is never too late to start an exercise program. Whether you are 18 or 98, exercise is good for everyone, it is one of the few things that increases your life expectancy.

START EASY - Start walking. I recommend 10 minutes per day for beginners. Gradually increase your walking until you are walking 45-60 minutes per day. Walk briskly if you can, but any movement helps.

INCREASE GRADUALLY - Once you have increased your walking to at least 45 minutes per day, add a simple weight training program 3 days per week.

FIND AN EXERCISE AND NUTRITION PROGRAM - There are many programs, such as fit for life. You can look them up on the internet and follow their nutritional and fitness programs for free. Magazines such as Muscle and Fitness also have free nutritional and fitness programs.

PROPER NUTRITION - Good nutrition is essential. Stock up on fruits and veggies, whole grains and fish. Whey protein can be used to give your body the extra protein needed when you are exercising your muscles.

Get motivated and start your own fitness program today.

Improve your Child's Grades

Improve your Child's Grades

I have started with the basics of a healthy diet and exercise, just in case it is needed.

GOOD NUTRITION - If your child's nutrition has slipped away from you, now is the time to get it under control. A healthy diet is essential to proper brain function and energy. Make sure your child is getting a balanced diet of carbohydrates, protein, calcium, fiber and fat. A supplemental vitamin is also beneficial. Have plenty of easy to eat fruits and vegetables on hand. Remember an apple a day!

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY - Children need at least 1 1/2 hrs. of physical activity each day. Walking, playing catch, dancing, climbing, bike riding. Make sure they get what they need. The brain is really tuned in after physical activity, so try to plan homework right after a physical activity.

SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILD - Review the work they are doing daily, make sure you understand what is expected of them at school. Don't take their word for it when it comes to homework. Look at their work or ask the teacher to give you updates. Many teachers use handy online homework schedules that you can follow.

FLASH CARDS - The are portable (practice in the car) and they can be used for most subjects. Have a stack of index cards handy to make your own flash cards when needed. If it is age appropriate, your child can make the flash cards for themselves.

BREAK IT DOWN INTO SIMPLE STEPS - If your child says they don't understand, try breaking down the problem into smaller, simpler steps.

GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM - If your child is having difficulty in long division, the problem may be that they have not memorized their times table. Have them do the problem in front of you, so that you can see where the difficulty arises. Sometimes, sight or hearing problems can affect their school work and are easily correctable. Make sure they have a regular (yearly) check up at the doctor and tell the doctor about any learning difficulties they are having (in private).

WHEN TO USE PROFESSIONALS - 1. If you can afford it. 2. If they are strict. (Don't let them waste your time or your child's time. 3. If you are not making any progress.

Don't give up, keep trying until you resolve the issue because it is very important to their future that you improve your childs grades.

Stimulate your Child's Brain

Stimulate your Child's Brain

With video games and televisions everywhere, child can always use a good diversion that benefits their brains.

CROSSWORDS, WORD SEARCHES, ETC. - You can find word puzzles for children as young as 1st grade. They can be taken anywhere, kids love the challenge and they are good for everyone's brain whether you are 8 or 98.

I SPY GAME - This one only needs another person. One person says I spy with my little eye something .... (gives a descriptive word) and the other persons tries to guess it. Easy to use with all ages.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY - Sports, dancing, playgrounds, climbing, walking, running, etc. Play catch. All physical movement benefits children. Have them walk up stairs (holding on to the railing) and then walk back down backwards.

LAUGHTER - It is the best medicine. The best thing you can do for your child is to make them laugh everyday.

Just be active everyday and you will stimulate your child's brain more than you know.

How to Potty Train a Special Needs Child

How to Potty Train a Special Needs Child

If you have a special needs child, you know this will be challenging, but eventually it will work.

NEVER ANY NEGATIVITY - Never, no matter how gross the situation, you do not want to mix going to the potty with bad feelings, anger or disappointment.

TAKE OFF THE DIAPER - Your child needs to feel when they are wet or soiled. For many children, especially girls (I don't know why), once they feel wet clothes they never want to feel it again.

HAVE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT - A potty chair is a must, you cannot expect them to climb up and hold on. Your child needs to be able to place their feet flat on the floor as they are going potty. As they get older, a padded seat that fits on top of the toilet and a step stool is a great transition from potty chair to regular toilet.

HAVE A POTTY PARTY - This means staying in the bathroom for as long as it takes. If you stay in the bathroom with your child, reading to them or playing games, as soon as they need to go, you can get them on the potty quickly. You can also do this in another room of your house if you have a portable potty chair. The idea is to be right on top of the moment. Prime them with lots of water. If they do not want to drink, offer them a snack or candy and give a sip of water after every treat. This worked with my son, I gave him an m & m for every sip of water.

HELPFUL TIPS - Try turning on the faucet or filling a cup of water and pouring it into the potty as they are sitting on it.

REWARD - Have a favorite treat handy in the bathroom as a reward. Gradually phase out the reward as they become more consistent.

ACCIDENTS - If your child has an accident, go back to step 4. If they have soiled their pants, take it to the bathroom and have them flush it down.

If you stick with it you will have greater success in potty training your special needs child.

How to Potty Train a Child

How to Potty Train a Child

You will know when they are ready. I have a neice and nephew that were trained around 1 year, so if you have been putting it off, now is the time.

NEVER ANY NEGATIVITY - Never, no matter how gross the situation, you do not want to mix going to the potty with bad feelings, anger or disappointment.

TAKE OFF THE DIAPER - Your child needs to feel when they are wet or soiled. For many children, especially girls (I don't know why), once they feel wet clothes they never want to feel it again.

HAVE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT - A potty chair is a must, you cannot expect them to climb up and hold on. Your child needs to be able to place their feet flat on the floor as they are going potty. As they get older, a padded seat that fits on top of the toilet and a step stool is a great transition from potty chair to regular toilet.

TAKE YOUR CHILD TO THE POTTY MULTIPLE TIMES - 9 times in a row is a good place to start. Take them to the potty, have them pull their pants down and sit. Have them pull their pants up, leave the bathroom and repeat.

DO NOT FLUSH THE TOILET WHILE YOUR CHILD IS SITTING ON IT, it scares them! REWARD - Have a favorite treat handy in the bathroom as a reward. Gradually phase out the reward as they become more consistent.

ACCIDENTS - If your child has an accident, go back to step 4. If they have soiled their pants, take it to the bathroom and have them flush it down.

Stick with it and you will be able to potty train your child in no time.

How to Get a Flat Belly

How to Get a Flat Belly

That flat belly will come with an overhaul of your entire body. Regular exercise (even in small amounts) and eating healthy will help you to achieve this goal.

EAT HEALTHY - Don't eat anything that has high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated oils. High fructose corn syrup bypasses your body' s normal processing system and goes straight to your blood stream. This increases your chances of obesity and diabetes. Have a lot of healthy food on hand so that it is easy for you to eat healthy. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains. You are worth it!

EXERCISE REGULARLY - Even if you have to start out small, 5 minutes of walking, it does make a difference. Gradually increase the amount of time to 45-60 minutes of walking per day. That's right, every day! Then start a weight lifting program.

CONCENTRATE - Working on your abs will help. There are many different kinds of crunches you can do so you don't get bored. Double crunches, reverse crunches, etc. Also, tightening up your abs can be done anywhere at anytime. I tighten up my abs while driving and try to hold it for as long as possible. It really does help.

GET SUPPORT - Track your progress online at sites like mydailyplate.com and livestrong.com It is great to support others while helping yourself.

Keep up the good work and you will have a flat belly in no time.

How to Burn Calories drinking Green Tea

Green Tea has natural properties that help you feel full and help your body burn more fat.

Green tea is filled with catechin polyphenols, chemicals that act both as an antioxidant and as a metabolism (fat burning) booster. Green tea has about 27 percent catechins, while black tea (orange pekoe) has just 4 percent. Catechin polyphenols are natural chemicals that increase the amount of fat that your body burns.

Drink at least 5 cups of green tea a day. Green tea can be counted as you daily water intake. The tea will help you feel full and help your body burn fat. Tea Bags vs. Loose Tea - You may want to start using tea bags for ease of use.

However, eventually, you may want to switch to loose tea which is higher quality. A good green tea, such as sencha can be steeped 2-3 times, so although it costs more, you can use it more.

How to Lower Bad LDL Cholesterol

Lowering your bad LDL Cholesterol can save your life.

EXERCISE - Daily exercise is crucial, even in small amounts. Start by walking 10 minutes per day. Gradually increase your time until you are walking 60 minutes per day. Add weight training three times a week. Start with 5 lb. dumbells, slowly increasing the number of exercises you do each day. Over time you can increase the weight of the dumbells.

EAT HEALTHY - Load up on fruits and vegetables. Keep fruit and vegetables handy so that you are encouraged to eat them. Start eating steel cut oats. Whole oats can lower your LDL bad cholesterol, keep your arteries clean and help you lose weight by making you feel full longer.

CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE - Out with the bad, in with the good. Have a positive mental outlook. Fill your life with good, healthy relationships. Rid yourself of any bad habits, such as smoking.

RAISE GOOD HDL CHOLESTEROL - Good diet, exercise and positive mental attitude can help, but the best way to raise your good cholesterol is to eat fish, olive oil, almonds and avocados weekly and in small portions.

How to Stop Overeating

You can control your urges with these helpful tips. Your life is worth it, do it for yourself.

MENTAL CONTROL - You can control your overeating by telling yourself that you can have the food if you want it, but you do not want to eat it now.

DRINK LOTS OF WATER - Drink the recommended amount of 8 glasses of water per day, spacing them out throughout the day. This will help you to feel full.

DRINK GREEN TEA - Green tea can count towards your daily water intake. It helps you feel full and in addition it helps burn fat.

DISTRACTION - Keep yourself very busy. Make a list of things that need to be done or things you like to do. When you have a desire to eat, do something on your list instead.

LOAD UP ON GOOD STUFF - Before each meal, eat an apple or other fruit or vegetable. I like to eat a cup of salad before lunch and dinner and an apple before breakfast.

SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS - Load up your refrigerator with easy to eat healthy snacks, such as blueberries, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, etc.

How to Lose Weight without Starving Yourself

Eat while you lose weight.

Make a list of healty foods that you can eat as much as you want. Such as water, just kidding. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains, such as baby carrots, celery, avocados, apples, oranges, blueberries, steel cut oatmeal, rice cakes. Allow yourself to eat as much as you want of the foods on your list. Steel cut oatmeal moves slowly through your digestive system and helps you to feel full longer.

Drink plenty of liquids including water and green tea. Green tea helps your body metabolize (burn) fat. I recommend at least 5 cups of green tea per day. NOT SWEETENED!

MOVE - Keep yourself moving even if it is not "exercise". Walk as much as you can. Park your car as far away from the store or bank as possible so that you can maximize your exercise. Even if you start out walking only 1 minute per day, you can slowly increase the amount until you are walking 45-60 minutes per day.

Have your favorite snacks available, but do not eat them. Remember, if it tastes good, spit it out! Choose not to eat them right now. Keep yourself busy, distraction is the best method to reduce eating.

How to Raise Good HDL Cholesterol

Just as important as lowering bad LDL cholesterol, is raising your good HDL cholesterol.

Listed below are the only four foods known to help raise good HDL cholesterol. There are other things that you can do to help, such as daily exercise, eating healthy (lots of fruits and veggies, especially garlic) and having a positive mental outlook.

FISH - Eating fish, especially wild caught salmon can help raise your good cholesterol levels. Fish are loaded with essential oils, such as Omega 3's, that are hard to find anywhere else. Eat fish at least 3 times a week.

OLIVE OIL - Even though it is an oil, it is still very good for you in small portions. The olive oil should be fresh and uncooked. Try extra virgin for the best taste.

ALMONDS - A small amount of almonds per day can help raise your good HDL cholesterol. It is best to eat unprocessed almonds with no salt or flavoring.

AVOCADOS - Possibly the best food available for your body, avocados also help raise your good HDL cholesterol. Eat fresh, uncooked avocados for the best health benefits.

How to Quit Smoking

Quit smoking once and for all! You can do it!

MIND CONTROL - Tell yourself that you can have a cigarette, but you do not want to have one right now. Carry a pack of cigarettes with you in your pocket or purse. You may need to do this for up to one year or until you are comfortable that you will never smoke again.

SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS - Research and use a nicotine craving reducer such as a patch or gum. This will help with your cravings. Slowly reduce use as recommended by manufacturer.

USE LOW CALORIE DISTRACTORS - Chewing gum is an excellent way to distract yourself from smoking. You may also want to brush your teeth often. Low calorie, healthy snacking can help, try baby carrots, etc.

REMOVE SMOKE ODOR - Wash all your clothing and bedding. Air out your car and home. You will need to rid all areas of smoke smell.

AVOID SMOKING FRIENDS - Absolutely do not try to hang out with friends or family members that smoke. Surround yourself with non smokers.

How to Break a Bad Habit

No matter what your vice, you can control it without feeling the loss. Set yourself up for success by utilizing these easy tips.

MENTAL CONTROL - Never tell yourself you cannot have something (food, cigarettes, etc.) Always tell yourself you can have it, but you are choosing not to have it right now. For example, in the grocery store, I walk right past the salami and tell myself that I will buy it next time. Then I focus on what is on my list. If you are trying to beat cigarettes, keep a pack in your shirt pocket or purse. Know that you do not need to have one. You have control of yourself.

FORGE NEW PATHWAYS IN YOUR BRAIN - Stop yourself right in the beginning. As soon as you have the urge, stop and busy yourself with something else that you like to do or need to do. Make lists of things that you can distract yourself with, just in case you can't think of anything at the moment. For example, phone calls that you need to make, exercise, planning a party, etc.

AVOID THE BAD INFLUENCES - You may need to permanently rid yourself of some of your so called friends. You can live without them. Psychologically drop yourself in a new city and begin making new friends. Join some clubs or groups (bunko, book clubs, dance clubs, etc.) Completely cut out the old friends, later you will realize that the only thing you had in common was your bad habit.

STOP FEELING SORRY FOR YOURSELF - No matter what your lot in life there is someone out there that has it worse than you, so no whining. As a matter of fact do not talk about the vice your are giving up. Put it in your past. Do not dwell on it. If someone asks you about it, just say that you quit and that it was easy and you don't even think about it anymore.

If you fall off the wagon, get back up immediately, do not dwell on your mistake. Start again and forget that you ever made a mistake. You can do it!

How to be the Biggest Weight Loser

How to be the Biggest Weight Loser

Losing weight does not need to be strenuous. With these easy tips you will lose as much as you want within weeks. Two pounds a week is safe, but you should always check with your doctor before any weightloss program. You can do it.

MENTAL CONTROL - Do not tell yourself that you are on a diet. Tell yourself that you can eat anything you want, but you are just not choosing to eat it now.

DRINK GREEN TEA - Not only will drinking green tea give you the water intake, but it will also give you a full feeling and help your body to burn fat. I recommend a minimum of 5 cups of green tea per day. Remember to drink the equivalent of 8 glasses of water per day or the amount recommended by your doctor.

FOOD SUCCESS - Set yourself up for success by making healthy, nutritional food easily available. By fruit and vegetables in convenient, easy to eat packages, such as apples, blueberries, bananas, baby carrots, etc. Also remember to have plenty on hand so that you can easily eat 5+ servings per day. Eat your veggies at the beginning of each meal so that you feel full sooner. Eat steel cut oats in the morning to give you a fuller feeling all day long.

EXERCISE ENJOYABLE - Exercise everyday even if you need to start with just 1 minute per day. Start by walking. Gradually increase the amount you walk each week until you are walking 45-60 minutes per day. Next add weight lifting slowly and researching it properly with your doctor before you begin. Even if you start out with 1 lb. weights, it will make a difference and you can slowly increase the weight amount.

Is Asbestos the Only Thing that Causes Mesothelioma?

Is Asbestos the Only Thing that Causes Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. It is not known how much or for how prolonged a period is required before you are at risk for Mesothelioma.

Many people that were exposed to asbestos earlier in the century have already died, from mesothelioma or another cause. Since asbestos has been outlawed for many years, there is not normally an exposure problem at this time.

There are still many buildings and structures that have asbestos in the building materials. This is not necessarily dangerous until the building or structure is modified or torn down. When the asbestos is exposed, touched or moved, it emits more particles for the victim to breathe causing many lung problems including Mesothelioma.

Is New Lasik Eye Surgery Right For Me?

Is New Lasik Eye Surgery Right For Me?

I have had lasik surgery on both of my eyes. For me it was a no brainer because my eyesight was so poor in one eye that I was literally legally blind. You are legally blind if you cannot see the large E on the eye chart. When they showed me the eye chart, I could only see a light blurb.

I was still nervous about the surgery, so I decided to have only one eye done. I first had my right eye done because the sight was worse in that eye. The consultation to meet with the doctor was free. I had the surgery done in Hayward, California, but I believe the doctor I used has now moved. I was nervous during the proceedure, but it was very fast and easy. Your eye is completely numb so you cannot feel anything. They ask you to concentrate on staring at a red light. It is important that you keep looking at that light.

After the procedure you just want to sleep. They gave me some pain killers (vicodin) and eye drops but I did not need the pain killers for more than one day, because the pain goes away quickly. It just kind of stings, the pain is not very bad. You will then need to put eye drops in for a few weeks and have a few follow up appointments with your lasik doctor.

I was so happy with the results that I eventually had the lasik procedure done on my other eye.

There are risks, such as blindness, but that is very rare and I figure that even if they screw up on one eye, they can't screw up on both. Well may be then can but it is not likely.

I highly recommend lasik eye surgery, research the doctors in you area and get referrals from friends.