Archive for October, 2009
October 28th, 2009
I know there is such a thing as Random Acts of Kindness Day; maybe Oprah made it up. I also know every day is a random act of kindness day. If you look for the good (or bad) in people, you surely will find it. (Abe Lincoln made that one up.) It all comes down to choice. My attitude is always my choice regardless of the circumstances I find myself in. After waiting in line for an hour at the rental car place, a lot of people were cranky. I was not thrilled to be standing there either, but complaining would not make the line move faster. They passed out water bottles and remained cheerful behind the counter. When it was finally my turn, I could have been surly like the guy ahead of me had been. I chose to be pleasant. The rental guy commented my birthday was the same as his and he upgraded me to a Mustang convertible for no charge. Score one for kindness.
Kindness begets kindness and trust begets trust. If you face each day with “the world is out to get me” attitude, it most likely will seem to be a dreary and evil place. If this is the only life I get, why would I want to waste time being so negative. What’s the point? Where is there any benefit in that? I’m not the only one who believes people are trustworthy. I went through the Beefaroo drive-thru yesterday (for soup - I am getting healthy after all)(but wow, passing up those fries truly is a test of will power). When I got to the window, I realized my wallet was not with me. I simply said to cancel my order since I had no money. The gal said, “Take the soup. Can you come back later today and pay for it?”
I was stunned. This is not Mayberry. They do not know me personally at the fast food joint. But I was delighted to have a hot bowl of soup on a rainy day and I did indeed return to pay my $3.31. The cashier who accepted my payment simply smiled when I told her how happily surprised I was. She said, “Everyone that happens to, they always come back and pay.”
If you look for the good in people, you surely will find it.
October 27th, 2009
Exercise support is a key to success. There is no question that making lifestyle changes is difficult and the path to a healthy life isn’t the same for everyone. According to the CDC less than 20% of exercisers typically stay with a plan long enough to reap any health benefits. It’s not that people won’t give it a try, because they do - over and over again. It’s just that the ability to stick with exercise is less likely unless and until it becomes part of a daily routine. This is where a wellness coach comes in. It’s amazing that we’ll commit to an agreed upon meeting time to exercise, but we’re less likely to just do it for yourselves or by ourselves. Wellness coaches, like The Coach Approach program at the local YMCA, work with you one-on-one and personalize a plan based on your needs and your current lifestyle. An assessment gives you a starting point. An agreed-upon program gets you committed. And the follow-up meetings not only offer continued motivation, but are a chance to celebrate your successes. Getting started and sticking with an exercise routine can help reduce fatigue, increase energy levels, improve moods, and ward off diseases. So if you won’t do it alone, consider a wellness coach. Call your local YMCA for details.
Roger Shrum gives a great testimony, “Two years ago I was an overweight couch potato. Now, after having graduated from the YMCA’s Coach Approach program, exercise has become a regular part of my lifestyle. The program eliminated my fear of how to get started and helped me set personal fitness goals with the guidance of a fitness expert. Today I’m 70 pounds lighter and can truly say that I enjoy my workout sessions.”
October 14th, 2009
Numerous online cosmetic newsletters bombard my email inbox everyday. Most of the info they’re pushing is repetitive so I just hit delete yet this one really caught my eye. “Don’t wear blue eye shadow!” Hmm…wasn’t this the law of the 90’s? Back then while selling at the cosmetic counter we cosmetic cops were ingrained with teaching women how to do their makeup in a more “natural” way. Brown, beige, boring, blah!
Makeup is supposed to be an expression of ourselves. Humans have adorned themselves from the beginning of time. I, for one happen to like blue eye shadow. There, I said it! In fact, I wear it everyday because it looks good with brown eyes. The trick is you don’t really notice it too much. That’s the whole point. You’re not supposed to see the makeup. This is what natural is all about.
Makeup is supposed to be fun. It can create or change our moods. In fact, according to Cosmeticdesign.com, scientific researchers in Japan recently did a study revealing exactly what goes through a women’s mind when she applies make-up. Using brain scanning equipment, scientists discovered that women experience a wave of euphoria and optimism as they prepare for their make-up routine. The work is important to cosmetic manufacturers because it helps explain the exact reasons why women wear make-up and how it makes them feel better about themselves.
Why women wear makeup? Do we really need science to answer this for us? Maybe because it’s fun and we like the way we look? Every morning I dread having to prepare for my makeup routine but I do experience happiness and relief once its painted on my face. I don’t really care how it makes me feel better. It just does. So I will continue facing the day with my blue eye shadow. Pink eye shadow is banned from my makeup bag unless I want my eyes to look swollen and never in a million years will you catch me wearing orange lipstick unless I want my teeth to look yellow. There ought to be a law but who am I to judge someone else’s art of self expression? What’s really important is that you like the way you look.
October 12th, 2009
While visiting my mother in Florida, she told me I needed a pedicure and it would be her treat. It had been a long time since I had one and I wanted Mom to know she knew best. Strip mall here we come!
The place seemed clean to this former nail tech with a germ phobia. Yes, go ahead and tell me I suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder because I’m the first one to admit I have a thing about all the creepy-crawlies we can’t see.
Like many nail salons, the pedicure thrones lined the wall and ladies sat atop like little soldiers, all in a row. A nice gal asked me to climb in the chair, stick my feet in the tub, turn on the vibrating chair massage and relax. The caretakers in my line of work sometimes have a hard time relaxing when having someone else do a service on us. Try as I might I couldn’t help looking up from my magazine to eye all the things she did with her tools on my feet. An hour later I was callus-free with bright shiny, polish and my feet were now ready to face the world. My euphoria was instantly interrupted as I happened to glance up while she was “cleaning” the sink where my feet and hundreds of others had been filed, scraped and oiled. Eek, gasp, heart palpitations! No bleach, no disinfectant! Nada! She used the same shampoo she used to cleanse my feet. For the record, the Department of Professional Regulation in every state requires strict sanitation methods. Does the salon or spa you frequent use the State’s guidelines? You’ll probably never know but there are few things to keep in mind when you visit your spa.
Did the technician wash his or her hands with soap and water before beginning your service? Personally, I do this in front of every client before I touch them and expect the therapists that work in my shop to do the same. I refuse to believe a hand sanitizer is enough because I doubt the debris left on our hands magically evaporates, too. Don’t be afraid to ask the person to wash their hands.
“Double-dipping” of waxing applicators should be a major concern. Did the technician apply wax to your skin and then re-dip the same applicator stick back into the pot of wax? Bacteria thrives in warm, moist places and what a better place to breed disease causing microbes than in a hot can of wax?
When I was in beauty school it was common practice to apply hard wax to a client, remove the hair and then just throw it back into the pot where it would melt again to use on the next client. I always had a problem with this but did as I was told just so I could graduate. Over twenty years later, I’m still hearing of waxing salons recycling the used wax. I’m told they are telling their now former clients they use a “specially formulated wax only available from another country and have a secret and specific sterilization method to remove prior clients’ hair and bacteria”. This is pure nonsense! What it boils down to is the salon owner is not as concerned about your health as she/he is about saving money on inexpensive hair removal supplies.
As for pedicures, I once worked at a place where they thought cleaning the pedicure bowls with scrubbing bubbles was sufficient. When I told the owner this wasn’t good enough he just told me to mind my own business. Don’t think you’re being impolite by asking the owner or technician how and what they use to clean their pedicure sinks, manicures bowls and the tools they use. If you’re still not satisfied ask them to clean everything in front of you before your service. If they have a problem doing this then just leave. You shouldn’t be afraid to speak up for yourself or for your own health. Finally and at last, I’m just minding my own business.
October 8th, 2009
As a near vegetarian, it is hard for me to receive all the protein that my body needs. Even if you are not a vegetarian, it is important to obtain 65 grams of protein per day (per the FDA for people consuming 2000 calories a day). Protein is especially critical to our muscles. The daily vitamin I take does not cover protein. To supplement my protein intake, I love protein shakes. While I was purchasing them at the health club, for the sake of price and convenience, I found a great way to combine what I need with what I love. Let me share with you a quick, simple way, without the mess of a blender how I enjoy a protein shake.
1. Purchase your favorite ice cream.
My absolute favorite is Haagen Dazs Bailey®’s Irish Cream. Perhaps this is the small percentage of Irish rising to the occasions?!
http://www.haagen-dazs.com/products/product.aspx?id=79
2. Let stand a moment or IF your favorite ice cream is a little more solid, zap it in the microwave just for a few seconds.
3. Pick your favorite large dish or large glass. The wider the rim the better. We need room to use a spoon to aggressively stir.
4. Stir thoroughly.
5. Sprinkle on top of your softened ice cream s which you already stirred aggressively a soy protein powder such as EAS Soy Protein. Vanilla works wonderfully with the Bailey®’s. I use half of the recommended scoop. This gives me my protein supplement with a little bit of taste of vanilla.
6. Other recommendations: My volunteer friend loves this vanilla soy protein (which we both purchased from Wal-Mart) with orange juice. She says it tastes just like a dreamsicle (remember those wonderful orange and vanilla ice cream Popsicles®?!) – so that is next on my list to try.
7. For more information on your needed daily intake of protein, here is a great article that details your ideal weight complete with calculations of the proper amount of grams per day : http://www.indoorclimbing.com/Protein_Requirement.html
October 8th, 2009
What does health mean to you?
The World Health Organization defines health as the overall state of physical, mental, and social well being - not just the absence of disease. There are three simply areas you can work on to address your health: snack smarter, control your cholesterol, and stop stressing. #1: Snack smarter by reading the food label. The first three ingredients are the most important. Watch out for stuff you don’t recognize and avoid sugars, corn syrup, and hydrogenated oils. Better yet, choose minimally processed and raw foods – they have more nutrient value. Choose foods that include protein, carbohydrates and fiber because those help satisfy hunger. A slice of turkey, a few whole-grain crackers with low-fat cheese is a great snack. #2: Be proactive about your cholesterol, know your numbers and get your bad cholesterol (LDL) under control. For people who aren’t high risk the target is 100 or less, for those with coronary heart disease, diabetes or other risk factors the target is 50 to 70. To control your cholesterol naturally eat 5 servings of fruits/vegetables daily – a serving is about the size of your fist. So a banana at breakfast, a baked potato with steamed broccoli for lunch, an apple snack, a salad at dinner with one more veggie is perfect. Also, exercise – aim for 30 to 45 minutes of moderately vigorous exercise most days of the week. #3: Stop stressing because it leads to all sorts of health-related conditions like insomnia, depression, high blood pressure, and heart attacks. The trick is to block the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenalin. Practice this routine for 10 minutes twice a day: sit quietly in a comfortable position, close your eyes and repeat a word, sound, song or prayer. When other thoughts creep into your mind, simply let them go and focus on your chosen repetition. Following these three guidelines can help you on your way toward total health.
October 8th, 2009
Update on the Golden Shoe Challenge…the YMCA team logged over 22,000 minutes of purposeful activity the week of September 21 – 26 and won the challenge! YEAH TEAM! The Park District team did a fine job at just around 18,000 minutes logged that week – so congratulations to them as well. The purpose of the Golden Shoe Challenge was to generate awareness about how easy it is to include purposeful activity into an average lifestyle. Mission accomplished as about 200 people logged activities that included gardening, golfing, a daily walk around the block before dinner, active playground play with young children, rollerblading, bowling, and cycling. And the bottom line was FUN! Yep, it’s that simple. Have fun with an activity or play with someone you like and you’re engaging in purposeful activity. For more ideas and suggestions go to www.americaonthemove.org. You’ll find a wealth of information.
October 6th, 2009
The Evolution of Dresses, Pink and Brett Favre
The evolution of dresses, Brett Favre and the acceptance of the color pink even for men simply amazes me! My very first job was at Marshall Fields. I was required, as were all females, to wear a dress every day – slacks were prohibited! My manager stated he could never envision that changing. While I am only 47, that statement was made in the early 1980’s, 2 decades ago.
The evolution in 2 decades is amazing. From the shopping mall that I knew as a child is now a church, and obviously to all of the new electronics from the wireless keyboards on to the internet to iPods to tiny Star Trek-like flip phones and I haven’t even mentioned Skype and YouTube!
I remember the days when breast cancer had no survivors. I still recall one of my first co-workers, a beautiful and talent young lady, Pam Kant, who lost her life to breast cancer. I look at all the changes in the world today – in my adult life of 2 decades and marvel the most at the medical technology and the ability to save lives. Friends, relatives and co-workers struggling with cancer now have a fighting chance! This is a wonderful evolution!
I also remember the days when pink was taboo for men. I am thrilled to see the support especially among men and including the ultimate “he-men” – the foot ball players wearing pink in support of cancer.
I never thought a church would replace a shopping center, I never thought ladies could wear slacks at Marshall Fields, of course, I never thought Marshall Field’s would become Macy’s, I never thought men would accept pink – let alone see pink on the football field in the NFL! And like many I never thought I would see Favre play for the Vikings against the Packers. And play he did – at age 40!
Life is wonderful when we come together to support cancer research. Life is wonderful when a 40-year-old can play to that standard of excellence we saw last night. Now life would only be perfect if we learned forgiveness and recognized Favre as a football player, a man who loves the game, a man who believes in competition. And a man who is brave enough to appear in a commercial where he is undecided. A man who can wear pink, a man who can laugh at himself – this is a great world!
