October 12th, 2009 11:21am
Julie Gulbrandsen
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 02:48pm
Kelly Engaldo
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 10:40am
Jan Jann
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 09:56am
Jan Jann
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 08:13am
Kelly Engaldo
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!
September 30th, 2009 01:08pm
Betsy A. Hornick, MS, RD
As we approach flu season and the return of H1N1 (swine) flu, we need to take all possible precautions to prevent the spread of flu viruses. As a dietitian, I have encountered misinformation and concern about whether it is safe to buy and eat pork. So I recently participated in a seminar on this topic to gather the most up-to-date information.
Bottom line is that you cannot get H1N1 from handling or eating pork. That’s because H1N1 is a respiratory illness, not a foodborne illness, so it can only be spread by inhaling the virus from coughs or sneezes or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. In fact, there is no evidence that any flu virus can be transmitted by handling or eating food. The H1N1 virus stays in the respiratory tract and does not pass into muscle (meat) or blood.
Some of the confusion about H1N1 and eating pork comes from recommendations stating that “it is safe to eat properly handled and cooked pork and pork products.” This does not mean that you can get H1N1 from raw pork. Food safety is always a concern with handling (or eating) any raw meat, so this recommendation must be made to cover all food safety bases. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F is recommended to kill any illness-causing bacteria. Read more about why pork is safe.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the two most important steps you can take to protect you and your family from the H1N1 flu are to wash your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
September 30th, 2009 11:16am
Kelly Engaldo
Where is Serenity?
An outstanding world renowned consultant (www.jameseckblad.com) spoke this weekend about where he finds his serenity. The example he gave was a beautiful lithograph of a small child’s park in the middle of Central Park set inside one of the largest cities in the world – New York City. This simple child’s park with its teeter totter and one family enjoying the serenity of God’s creation was a place of refuge both in his office and in his mind. He shared with us that it was this Central Park scene that gave him courage and resilience to continue in a chaotic and very aggressive field of a trial attorneys. He attributed his outstanding success to the calmness that he found in that very painting that he shared with us. When other attorneys marveled at his trial attorney successes, he confided to us, his success was built upon an unflappable focus derived from the symbolism and serenity provided by that piece of artwork.
His talk began a mental journey for me. Where is serenity?
Artwork and movies have long been a source of serenity for me. As a supporter and board member of the Women’s’ Art Board of the Rockford Art Museum, I urge you to take advantage of this great local museum. The upcoming fundraiser on October 21, 2009 is a luncheon with Barbara Rinella who I am told is spectacular. This is not the first book which Barbara Rinella has literally brought to life. The last presentation I am told was about Marie Antoinette. This time the character she brings to life is from the book The Commoner which is about the current Empress of Japan. The cost is $40 here in Rockford. Other locations are charging $60 so you can see this is a great buy. 11:15 am is the social hour, 12:00 the program will begin at Giovanni’s. The Art Museum is an amazing collection that is always changing. Look at the website for many upcoming free events. http://www.rockfordartmuseum.org/
What do I love about art? To me, much like the movies, art transcends me spiritually; it takes me to a better place. For me, like that former trial attorney now consultant, serenity is found in art and many different visuals. Some visuals are movies; some visuals for me are moments taken from a movie.
My Grandfather taught me over and over again “To get my education, they can never take it away from you”. Of course, Grandfather was absolutely correct and I diligently spent decades learning and acquiring professional certifications and degrees. But artwork and the movies are also something that stays with us, becomes interwoven into the very being we become.
Many years ago some young girls who would visit me and my famous and sometimes infamous Golden Retrievers came to my new home in another suburb in Chicago. One of their first comments was that I brought a specific painting with me. It was a painting of a room with a black piano. I thought their comment was so funny. I wouldn’t leave my beloved pets behind no more than I would leave a painting behind let alone the special memories that painting represented. It was a simple small painting that reminded me of a movie perhaps you too have seen this movie – An Affair to Remember with Cary Grant. The painting is reminiscent to me of the room where Cary Grant visited with his Grandmother. It was a memorable scene that I wanted to retain forever. Many years later, I found a painting in Lake Geneva, WI that reminded me of that room where Cary Grant visited with his Grandmother. Of course, this is the painting the girls loved and were so pleasantly surprised that I brought with me.
All of us need a piece of serenity to take with us. Visit your local art museum this month. Find your special place, engrave that place upon your mind and take that special piece of artwork, that special memory you have with you into life’s turbulent pathways.
Where is serenity?
It is a moment frozen in time when a special someone says that they love you.
It is a walk in the beautiful sunshine of Fall.
It is in the painting reminiscent of special moments, great emotions, and fond memories.
It is great pieces of art that move our spirit, transcends our mind, allows us to connect fully and freely, unfettered by the world around us.
My goal is to increase your understanding of fitness, make it simple and fun and increase your quality of life. If you found this helpful and motivational, please share with your friends. Feel free to publish it on your blog or website (please don’t forget to mention the original source wwww.HealthyRockford.com). Kelly@AmericanSonProducts.com
September 29th, 2009 12:57pm
Kelly Engaldo
Metabolism – Your Body is Trained for Survival
The objective of your metabolism is survival. Your body’s goal is to keep you alive. The timing of your meals and snacks/your food intake, sends a clear and important message to your body. Remember our bodies were designed to protect us during times of food scarcity. While our mind knows our food supply is sufficient, we need to communicate to our body that our food supply is stable and sufficient. Are you sending the message you want?
Eating throughout the day, snacking or having small meals every 1-3 hours is needed for your body. And yes, it will serve to change your resting metabolism. Our metabolism determines how many calories we use. If we manage our fitness program well, we will balance strength training, cardio and nutrition together. An important part of our nutrition program is maintaining a steady food supply throughout the day.
Providing a regular supply of food tells your body what to expect. If your body is trained to know you will consistently provide it nutrition and food every 2-3 hours, your body adapts and begins to expect a constant fuel. If you only eat two large meals a day, you are training your body to actively store fat. Over time, by constantly providing a consistent supply of food, your resting metabolism will change because you have communicated the right message to your body which controls your metabolism.
EAT 5-6 MEALS A DAY
Eating small meals often trains your body to accept and used the food intake readily for fuel. Remember your body is designed for survival. If you train your body to starve, it will store food not use it for energy.
BE SURE TO EAT EARLY
Your body has been at rest all night, along with your metabolism. To start the day right, to not provide a flight to hunger, to provide a stable food/energy source for your metabolism, eat as soon as you are awake. Remember you don’t want to train your body to store food. You want to train your body that there is a plentiful supply of food. You want your resting metabolism to use your food for energy. One sure way to do this is to provide a consistent supply of food through the day. And this includes your body’s first impression of the day – your breakfast.
NEVER EAT LATE
If you go to bed at 10:30 p.m., you should not consume any food after 8:30 p.m. Remember the 2 hour rule for food. Your body needs time to digest the food. Eating late engages your digestive system. Managing your eating habits will also help your sleeping habits.
My goal is to increase your understanding of fitness, make it simple and fun and increase your quality of life. If you found this helpful and motivational, please share with your friends. Feel free to publish it on your blog or website (please don’t forget to mention the original source wwww.HealthyRockford.com). Kelly@AmericanSonProducts.com
September 29th, 2009 12:56pm
Kelly Engaldo
NEVER SKIP MEALS
Because your body is trained for survival, it is critical to never skip meals. When you skip a meal, your body goes into defense mode. You are sending a strong signal to your body that food is scarce. Your body’s reaction to lack of food is to start storing fat in order to protect and ensure survival. Additionally, your body now is in a flight for safety mode. Your body’s response when a meal is skipped is the perceived need that more food is now needed for survival in preparation for the next time a meal is skipped.
When you skip a meal, you are training your body to overeat and overstore fuel for future safety needs for your body’s survival.
Train your body correctly, tell your body food is abundant and readily available by never skipping a meal.
My goal is to increase your understanding of fitness, make it simple and fun and increase your quality of life. If you found this helpful and motivational, please share with your friends. Feel free to publish it on your blog or website (please don’t forget to mention the original source wwww.HealthyRockford.com). Kelly@AmericanSonProducts.com
September 29th, 2009 12:56pm
Kelly Engaldo
WHY STARVING DIETS DON’T WORK
Diets of skipping meals don’t work because we are not actively managing our metabolism. We need to send the right message to our bodies. We need to communicate correctly with our body who is in charge of managing our metabolism; we must clearly communicate that we do not need to store fat. In return, for this clear communications, our body will respond with a higher resting metabolism, burning more calories throughout the day.
Starving diets don’t work because we send the wrong message to our bodies.
My goal is to increase your understanding of fitness, make it simple and fun and increase your quality of life. If you found this helpful and motivational, please share with your friends. Feel free to publish it on your blog or website (please don’t forget to mention the original source wwww.HealthyRockford.com). Kelly@AmericanSonProducts.com
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