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General Stuff

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
BANANAS


Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a
strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit
with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people
suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped
through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana
milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the
help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood
sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work: Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria
found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and
crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders
because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit
that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12
they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine, "eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%! “

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.

So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
 

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Tess was a precocious eight-year-old when she heard her Mom and
Dad talking about her little brother, Andrew.

All she knew was that he was very sick and they were completely
out of money. They were moving to an apartment complex next
month because Daddy didn't have the money for the doctor's bills
and their house. Only a very costly surgery could save him now
and it was looking like there was no one to loan them the money.

She heard Daddy say to her tearful Mother with whispered
desperation, "Only a miracle can save him now."

Tess went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its
hiding place in the closet. She poured all the change out on
the floor and counted it carefully.

Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect.
No chance here for mistakes.
Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the
cap, she slipped out the backd oor and made her way 6 blocks to
Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the
door.

She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some
attention, but he was too busy at this moment.

Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise.
Nothing.

She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could
muster.
No good.

Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the
glass counter.

That did it!

"And what do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone
of voice. "I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I
haven't seen in ages," he said without waiting for a reply to
his question.

"Well, I want to talk to you about my brother," Tess answered
back in the same annoyed tone.

"He's really really sick... and I want to buy a miracle."
"I beg your pardon?" said the pharmacist.

"His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his
head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now, so how
much does a miracle cost?"

"We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry, but I
can't help you," the pharmacist said, softening a little.

"Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough,
I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs."

The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man.
He stooped down and asked the little girl,
"What kind of a miracle does your brother need?"
"I don't know," Tess replied with her eyes welling up "I just
know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation,
but my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money."

"How much do you have?" asked the man from Chicago.
"One dollar and eleven cents," Tess answered barely audibly.
"And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I
need to.

"Well, what a coincidence," smiled the man.
"A dollar and eleven cents, exact pri ce of a miracle for little
brothers."

He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped
her mitten and said, "Take me to where you live.
I want to see your brother and meet your parents.

Let's see if I have the kind of miracle you need."

That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon,
specializing in neuro-surgery.

The operation was completed without charge, and it wasn't long
until Andrew was home again and doing well.

Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that
had led them to this place. "That surgery," her Mom whispered.
"was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?"

Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost... one
dollar and eleven cents ...... plus the faith of a little child.

A miracle is not the suspension of natural law,
but the operation of a higher law.
 

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Through a Rapist's Eyes


This is important information for females of ALL ages. Guys -
please forward to the female members of your family and all your female
friends and associates.

When this was sent to me, I was told to forward it to my lady
friends. I forwarded it to most everyone in my address book. My men
friends
have female friends and this information is too important to miss
someone.
Please pass it along.

A group of rapists and date rapists in prison were interviewed on
what they look for in a potential victim and here are some interesting
facts:

1) The first thing men look for in a potential victim is hairstyle.
They are most likely to go after a woman with a ponytail, bun, braid or
other hairstyle that can easily be grabbed. They are also likely to go
after a woman with long hair. Women wit h short hair are not common targets.

2) The second thing men look for is clothing. They will look for
women who's clothing is easy to remove quickly. Many of them carry
scissors around specifically to cut clothing.

3) They also look for women on their cell phone, searching through
their purse or doing other activities while walking because they are
off guard and can be easily overpowered.

4) Men are most likely to attack & rape in the early morning,
between 5:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

5) The number one place women are abducted from/attacked is grocery
store parking lots. Number two is office parking lots/garages. Number
three is public restrooms.

6) The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a
woman and quickly move her to another location where they don't have to
worry about getting caught.

7) Only 2% said they carried weapons because rape carries a 3-5 year
sent ence but rape with a weapon is 15-20 years.

8) If you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged
because it only takes a minute or two for them to realize that going
after you isn't worth it because it will be time-consuming

9) These men said they would not pick on women who have umbrellas,
or other similar objects that can be used from a distance, in their
hands.

Keys are not a deterrent because you have to get really close to the
attacker to use them as a weapon. So, the idea is to convince these
guys you're not worth it.

10) Several defense mechanisms he taught us are: If someone is
following behind you on a street or in a garage or with you in an
elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and ask them a question, like what
time is it, or make general small talk: "I can't believe it is so cold out
here", "we're in for a bad winter." Now you've seen their face and could
identify them in a line-up ; you lose appeal as a target.

11) If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of
you and yell STOP or STAY BACK ! Most of the rapists this man talked to
said they'd leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would not
be afraid to fight back. Again, they are looking for an EASY target.

12) If you carry pepper spray (this instructor was a huge advocate
of it and carries it with him wherever he goes,) yell I HAVE PEPPER
Spray and holding it out will be a deterrent.

13) If someone grabs you, you can't beat them with strength but you
can by outsmarting them. If you are grabbed around the waist from
behind, pinch the attacker either under the arm (between the elbow and armpit) OR in the upper inner thigh VERY VERY HARD. One woman in a class this guy taught told him she used the underarm pinch on a guy who was trying to date rape her and was so upset she broke through the skin and tor e out muscle strands - the guy needed stitches.

Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you can stand it;
it hurts.

14) After the initial hit, always GO for the GROIN. I know from a
particularly unfortunate experience that if you slap a guy's parts it
is extremely painful. You might think that you'll anger the guy and make
him want to hurt you more, but the thing these rapists told our instructor
is that they want a woman who will not cause a lot of trouble. Start
causing trouble, and he's out of there.

15) When the guy puts his hands up to you, grab his first two
fingers and bend them back as far as possible with as much pressure
pushing down on them as possible. The instructor did it to me without using
much pressure, and I ended up on my knees and both knuckles cracked audibly.

16) Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware
of your surroundings, take someone with you if y ou can and if you see
any odd behavior, don't dismiss it, go with your instincts!!!

You may feel a little silly at the time, but you'd feel much worse
if the guy really was trouble
 

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Don't Grow Old
===============

Many people are afraid of growing old.
I'm afraid of growing old and boring.

Many people are afraid of growing old, alone.
I'm afraid of growing old, insane.

Many people are afraid of losing their looks.
I'm afraid of losing my dreams.

Many people are afraid of losing their youth.
I'm afraid of losing my soul.

When you're 15, 35 seems ancient.
When you're 35, 15 seems juvenile.

A turnaround in a split second - two decades zoom past and
before you know it, it's only a mile to the next millennium.

Don't fear age,
it's a right of person-hood.

Don't fear death- it's God's greatest jest.

Don't grow old - you don't have to.

Don't date because you're desperate.

Don't marry because you're miserable.

Don't have kids because you think your genes are superior.

Don't separate because you think it's fashionable.

Don't drink because y ou have troubles.

Don't gamble because you think winning is inevitable.

Don't philander because you think you're irresistible.
Most likely, you're not.

Don't associate with people you can't trust.
Don't cheat.
Don't lie.
Don't pretend.

Don't try to buy your way into the kingdom of God.

Don't dictate because you're smarter.

Don't demand because you're stronger.

Don't sleep around because you think you're old enough and know
better.

Don't hurt your kids because loving them is harder.

Don't sell yourself, your family or your ideals.

Don't stagnate.
Don't regress.

Learn a new skill.

Find a new friend.

Start a new career.

Don't live in the past.

Time can't bring anything or anyone back.

Don't put your life on hold for possibly Mr. Right.

Don't throw you life away on absolutely Mr. Wrong because your
biological clock is ticking and you can't afford to have your
eggs harvested before the new millennium.

There's always a mad rush to something, somewhere - but victory
does not always belong to those who finish first.

Sometimes, there is no race to be won, only a price to be paid
for some of life's more hasty decisions.

You can't always go with the throng who could be wrong.

Sometimes, you have to be alone to be enlightened.

To terminate your loneliness, reach out to the homeless.
To feed your nurturing instincts, care for the needy.
To fulfill your parenting fantasies, get a puppy.

Don't bring another life into this world for all the wrong
reasons.

To keep yourself warm, buy a jacket.
In the long run, it will be less complicated and less costly.

To make yourself happy, pursue your passions and be the best of
what you can be.

Simplify your life.
Take away the clutter.
Get rid of destructive elements - abusive friends, nasty habits
and d angerous liaisons.

Don't abandon your responsibilities, but don't overdose on duty.
Don't live life recklessly without thought and feeling for your
family.

Be true to yourself. Don't commit when you're not ready.

Don't keep others waiting needlessly.

Fall in love - it's the greatest thing on earth.
But take care and remember, after the fall must come the rise.

Go on that trip. Don't postpone it.

Say those words. Don't let the moment pass.
Do what you must even at society's scorn.

Write poetry. Love deeply. Walk barefoot. Hold hands.
Dance with wild abandon. Cry at the movies.
Take care of yourself.
Don't wait for someone to take care of you.

You light up your life.
You drive yourself to your destination.
No one completes you - except you.
It is true that life doesn't get easier with age.
It only gets more challenging.

Don't be afraid.
Don't lose your capacity to love.

Pursue your passions.
Live your dreams.

Don't lose faith in God.

Don't grow old.

Just grow up.
 

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Counterfeit

When we get hurt by another person, we have a tendency not to
trust in others.

In a relationship, if we get hurt by a woman or a man, then we
tend not to trust women or men. Especially if we get hurt more
than once.

Many people will hurt you. They are predators and actually
enjoy causing pain. Usually, they’ve been hurt themselves,
and hurt people, hurt people.

It’s kind of like money.

There is counterfeit money out there.
There are counterfeit or bad checks and stolen credit cards.

Once you’ve been burned with one bad check, you are skeptical
about checks. That’s why some businesses simply don’t take
checks; they’ve been burned.

There are millions of dollars of counterfeit money floating
around and one day, you might get some.

But there is also billions of dollars of genuine money floating
around. You don’t throw ALL of the money away just because you
got a few counterfeit bills do you?

No, you don’t.

Then don’t throw all of humanity away just because you
encountered a few counterfeits.

And remember, even with the genuine, most money is extremely
dirty. It has changed hands many times (often dirty hands) and
has been who knows where. Most money is just full of germs.

You don’t throw away twenty dollar bills just because they’ve
been through some rough times do you?

No, you don’t.

Give people the same chance that you give money.

Recognize there are the real and the counterfeit, and recognize
that most of it has gone through and still has some dirt.

Inspect both well; however, those with wisdom can recognize the
real from the counterfeit or have tools to tell the difference.

So what tools do you have to distinguish counterfeit people?

Parents.

Rarely have I counseled a relationship gone bad where the
parents approved. Parents saw the real or the counterfeit.

Real and counterfeit, they are BOTH out there.

Don’t shut out the real, and don’t get taken by the counterfeit.
 

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
I Made A 41

Perhaps the only test score that I remember is the 41.
I was in high school. The class was taught by one of the two
teachers that impacted me most, Mr. Bales. The other teacher
was Mrs. Drew from the seventh grade. It's amazing how I can
remember from over 30 years ago my two most impacting teachers.

The eighth grade. It was a time when I, like most, didn't know
what I was to be in life. The drama of that time of youth was
simply get through school and make the long walk home.

There are some things that will still be like the eighth grade
when you get to be eighty.

The test was the final for the class. I remember anxiously
waiting as Mr. Bales passed out test after test. It was a
rather difficult test. I didn't know how well I had done but I
knew there were things on it that I didn't know.

The air whooshed around the pages as it mad e a gentle sound
plopping down. It was a rhythm as each student received their
test - plop, plop, plop.

I heard groan after groan that accompanied the plops.
I could tell by the groans that the grades weren't looking good.

Mr. Bales dropped the stapled pages on my desk.

There in big red numbers, circled to draw attention,
was my grade.

41

Groan!!!

I moved my paper where it wasn't in plain view, a 41 is not
something that you wanted your classmates to see.

After the final plop, Mr. Bales stood behind the worn desk that
had stood guard over countless students before me. He addressed
the none too jubilant class.

"The grades were not very good, none of you passed, so I will
have to consider grading on a scale," Mr. Bales announced.

"The highest grade in the class was a 41, so all of you
flunked," were the final words that I remember.

A 41. That's me.

Suddenly my dismal looking final didn't look quite so bad.
There were at least 30 students in the class. I had the highest
grade. I felt a whole lot better.

I walked home that day with the low but high grade safely tucked
away in my book satchel. My mother knew that I had a big test
that day and asked me as soon as I got home, "how did you do on
your test."

"I made a 41," I said.

My mother's expression changed. A frown now stood where a smile
was a few seconds earlier. I knew that I had to explain and
explain fast. "But mother, I had the highest grade in the
class," I proudly stated.

I knew that statement would change things. I had the highest
grade in the class, that made a difference.

My mother said, "You flunked."

"But I had the highest grade in the class!" I replied.

"I don't care what everyone else had, you flunked. It doesn't
matter if everyone else flunked too, what matters is what you
do," my mother firmly answered.

For years, I thought that was a harsh judgment. My mother was
always that way. It didn't matter what the other kids did, it
only mattered what I did and that I did it excellently.

We often don't understand the wisdom of good parents until we
ourselves stand in the parenting shoes. My mother's philosophy
has carried me throughout life. Don't worry about what the
crowd does.

The crowd often goes the wrong way.

If you follow the crowd, you will go to the same destination as
the crowd. The path of the crowd is wide and it is crowded.
The path to pass the tests of life is narrow and there are very
few people on it.

The path up the mountain is narrow; it is not crowded.

The path to health is narrow; it is not crowded.

The path to harmony, peace and happiness with your spouse is
narrow; it is not crowded.

The path to peace with yourself and the world is narrow; it is
not crowded.

I made a 41 and was proud of it, but it would not have gotten me
through the real tests.

The majority of spouses are not faithful, it's the crowd, and
even though you may be the smoothest deceiver of the group, you
are on the road to failure; it's not a passing grade.

The crowd eats fattening unhealthy fast food. That food sends
you to an early appointment with the doctor and the funeral
director. It's the food of the crowd.

The crowd spends no special time in prayer and meditation each
day. That leads to an unhealthy spirit. It's the way of the
crowd.

Thirty years after my mother said that she didn't care if I was
the best failure in the class, I understand why.

"Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to
destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate
and narrow the road that leads to life , and only a few find it."

That's a quote that my mother lives by.

We often take comfort in the crowd; the only problem is that the
crowd is not comfortable.

PASS the class!
 

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
If you want happiness for an hour
...take a nap.

If you want happiness for a day
...go fishing.

If you want happiness for a month
...get married.

If you want happiness for a year
...inherit a fortune.

If you want happiness for a lifetime
...help others.
 

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Do Something

No matter how big and tough a problem may be, get rid of
confusion by taking one little step toward solution.

Do something.

Then try again.

At the worst so long as you don't do it the same way twice,
you will eventually use up all the wrong ways of doing it;
and thus, the next try will be the right one.
 

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Pass on the Salt: Tips to Reduce Salt and Sodium


Most of us consume more salt than we should, but if you have high blood pressure, it's all the more important for you to cut back on sodium. A lower-sodium diet can keep blood pressure from rising, and help blood pressure medicines work more effectively. Here are some ways you can reduce your sodium intake:
Use reduced sodium or no-salt-added products. For example, choose low- or reduced-sodium, or no-salt-added versions of foods and condiments when available.
Buy fresh, plain frozen, or canned with "no-salt-added" vegetables.
Use fresh poultry, fish, and lean meat, rather than canned, smoked, or processed types.
Choose ready-to-eat breakfast cereals that are lower in sodium.
Limit cured foods (such as bacon and ham), foods packed in brine (such as pickles, pickled vegetable s, olives, and sauerkraut), and condiments (such as MSG, mustard, horseradish, ketchup, and barbecue sauce). Limit even lower sodium versions of soy sauce and teriyaki sauce — treat these condiments as you do table salt.
Use spices instead of salt. In cooking and at the table, flavor foods with herbs, spices, lemon, lime, vinegar, or salt-free seasoning blends. Start by cutting salt in half.
Cook rice, pasta, and hot cereals without salt. Cut back on instant or flavored rice, pasta, and cereal mixes, which usually have added salt.
Choose "convenience" foods that are lower in sodium. Cut back on frozen dinners, mixed dishes such as pizza, packaged mixes, canned soups or broths, and salad dressings — these often have a lot of sodium.
Rinse canned foods, such as tuna, to remove some sodium.
With a few simple adjustments to your diet, you can lower your risk of high blood pressure. You'll be surprised at how much healthier you'll feel!
 

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
What's the Best Exercise for You?

It's simple — the best exercise is the one that you'll actually do! Pick an activity that you enjoy doing, and that will fit into your daily routine. Start with a moderate level of activity and work your way up. If it's that easy, you'll be far more likely to stick with it.
Performing moderate activities — such as walking and climbing stairs — for 10 minutes at a time, three times a day can dramatically improve your health. Don't know what to do? Here's a few of our ideas:
Moderate Activities
walking
gardening
dancing
vacuuming
raking leaves
climbing stairs
bowling
You can increase to a higher level as you become more fit. You get additional health benefits from doing vigorous activity. If you are already at this level, keep up the good work!
Vigorous Activities
bicycling
jogging/running
swimming
marching in place
doing aerobics
playing sports (basketball, football, soccer, baseball)
 

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
The Proven (and Delightful) Way to Relieve Your Stress: A Hot Bath with Essential Oils


Feeling stressed can lead to some unhealthy habits that affect your heart. If work or family life has you feeling anxious, upset, or sad, you may not feel motivated to exercise or watch what you eat. So what can you do to help reduce stress and start living a healthy, productive life? One enjoyable and beneficial way is to take a hot bath with essential oils. A fifteen-or-twenty minute soak in 95-100 degree water will do wonders for frayed nerves and tense muscles after a bustling day.
Hydrotherapy, the idea of helping to heal mind, body, and soul through the use of bathing, is not a new concept. In fact, few knew how to do it better than the ancient Romans. Hot baths, combined with essential oils or herbs, increase circulation and can promote the elimination of imp urities via the skin. A hot soak can ease muscle strain, relieve arthritis pain, and slightly increase your metabolism. Today, hydrotherapy is an excellent way to increase energy and resistance to disease while improving body awareness.
In aromatherapy, essential oils (the pure essence of the plant) are taken from plants, flowers, shrubs, bushes, and seeds to be used in a variety of ways. They are the "life force" or the soul of the plant and contain hundreds of very complex parts including vitamins and hormones and are 100 times more concentrated than herbs. Combined with hydrotherapy, these oils get into your bloodstream through inhalation or through your skin. When they get into your bloodstream some migrate to internal organs where they stimulate detoxification. Others go to sites of pain, inflammation or infection where they heal and soothe. Still others journey along the olfactory nerve where they stimulate the release of neurochemicals that improve your mood, help you relax and be less-stressed.
This tip is excerpted from The Great Physician's Rx for Health and Wellness, by Jordan S. Rubin, New York Times best-selling author of The Maker's Diet.
 

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
One day a Crab and her son set out for a walk on the sand. A little distance away, Mother Crab noticed that her son was walking rather strangely to one side. “Why do you walk in this one-sided manner, my son. You must walk straight, moving yourself forward. Not twisted to one side.”

The little Crab tried to correct his walk but couldn’t get it at all. He turned to his mother, “If you show me the straight way mother, I am sure I could follow in it.”

Mother Crab tried to walk straight as she wanted her son to, but failed in her attempts. The Crab and its Mother then walked on towards the shore in silence.

Moral

"Instruct by example."
 

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
I Sight

Eyeglasses or contact lenses do not change what you see;
they change how you see it.

Many times you must change how you see something
before that thing is changed in your life.

If how you see it doesn't change, then IT will never change.

It is not a matter of denying the reality of your situation
but a matter of seeing beyond your situation.

Don't deny the reality of your situation.
Deny the finality of your situation.
 

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Top Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Trying to maximize your intake of disease-fighting antioxidants? The following 20 foods contain the highest antioxidant concentration.

Pomegranates
Small red beans (dried)
Wild blueberries
Red kidney beans
Pinto beans
Blueberries (cultivated)
Cranberries
Artichokes (cooked)
Blackberries
Prunes
Raspberries
Strawberries
Red Delicious apples
Granny Smith apples
Pecans
Sweet cherries
Black plums
Gala apples
Black beans (dried)
Plums
Antioxidants are naturally occurring nutrients that help prevent heart disease, cancer, and aging. Little is known about how antioxidants work and what affects their ability to function properly. Scientists believe that some antioxidants are more potent than others, and their potency can be affected by how they're cooked or how they're digested. For example, the antioxidants in blueberries lose their potency when cooked, while the antioxidants in tomatoes become more potent when cooked.
 

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Easy Answers for Puffy Eyes!

If puffy eyes leave you looking tired and aged every morning, the cure is as close as your kitchen! The following food fixes will quickly restore you to your bright-eyed and bushy-tailed best:
· Place a chilled slice of cucumber over each eye and rest for five minutes. The cold reduces puffiness, while enzymes in the cucumber help draw out excess fluid!
· Another vegetable cure comes from the potato. Peel and slice thinly, then place a few slices over each eye and relax for 10 minutes. Bye-bye bags!
· Fix a couple of cups of hot tea, then squeeze out the tea bags and let them cool. Place the room-temperature tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes and puffiness will vanish!
 

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Do More

Do more than exist
...live.

Do more than touch
...feel.

Do more than look
...observe.

Do more than read
...absorb.

Do more than hear
...listen.

Do more than think
...ponder.

Do more than talk
...say something.
 

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Not What They Used to Be[/


"My eyes aren't what they used to be," I told the salesman. I
had to read a faint serial number on a metal plate on a piece of
exercise equipment and it was a strain to read the number. The
plate was old and had a bit of rust on it. The light was dim.
I could barely make out the number.

So I told him, "My eyes aren't what they used to be."

As I later thought about it, the statement was quite true; my
eyes aren't what they used to be. They used to be much worse.

About 15 years ago I had eye surgery to correct my nearsighted
vision. It was before Lasik. My eye surgeon used a razor blade
to cut six slits in each eye. It was a surgical scalpel but it
looked just like a pen with a razor blade on the end.

I remember the surgery well because I refused to take a
sedative. "Mr. Bronner," the nurse said, "everyone gets a
sedative because the eye operation makes people nervous and this
calms them down." "I don’t need calming down, I'm already calm
and I don’t want a sedative," my drug free personality insisted.
"But no one has ever had the surgery without a sedative. When
the blade comes near people's eyes, they get nervous," the nurse
explained.

I was the first patient to have no sedative RK surgery in that
office. My vision was so bad before the surgery that I couldn't
drive without my glasses; at least not safely. It was 20/20
after the surgery. I saw six rays of light around every
headlight or point of light for over a year after the surgery
but other than that things were great.

So as I strained to read the serial number, I instinctively said
as many of you do that things were not as good as they used to
be just because I'm older now. It wasn't true. I can see much
better now than I could at 20 without glasses. I had just
forgotten that fact.

There are a lot of things in your life that aren't as good as
they used to be.

Often when you see the truth clearly, you'll realize that things
are better than what they used to be.
 

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Brick Layer

Possibly the funniest story in a long while. This is a bricklayer's
accident report, which was printed in the newsletter of the American
Insurance Journal. This is a true story. Had this guy died, he'd have
received a Darwin Award for sure..

Dear Sir: "I am writing in response to your request for additional
information in Block 3 of the accident report form. I put "poor planning"
as the cause of my accident. You asked for a fuller explanation and I trust
the following details will be sufficient.

I was alone on the roof of a new six-story building. When I completed my
work, I found that I had some bricks left over which, when weighed later,
were found to be slightly more than 500 lb.. Rather than carry the bricks
down by hand, I decided to lower them in a barrel by using a pulley, which
was attached to the side of the building on the sixth floor.

Securing the rope at ground level, I went up to the roof, swung the
barrel out and loaded the bricks into it. Then I went down and untied the
rope, holding it tightly to ensure a slow descent of the bricks. You will
note in Block 11 of the accident report form, that I weigh 135 lb.. Due to
my surprise at being jerked off the ground so suddenly, I lost my presence
of mind and forgot to let go of the rope. Needless to say, I proceeded at a
rapid rate up the side of the building.

In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel, which was now
proceeding downward at an equally impressive speed. This explains the
fractured skull, minor abrasions and the broken collarbone, as listed in
section 3 of the accident report form. Slowed down slightly, I continued my
rapid ascent, not stopping until the fingers on my right hand were two
knuckles deep into the pulley. Fortunately by this time I had regained my
presence of mind and was able to hold tightly to the rope, in spite of
beginning to experience a great deal of pain.

At approximately the same time, however, the barrel of bricks hit the
ground and the bottom fell out of the barrel. Now devoid of the weight of
the bricks, that barrel weighed approximately 50 lb. I refer you again to
my weight. As you can imagine, I began a rapid descent, down the side of
the building. In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming
up. This accounts for the two fractured ankles, broken tooth and several
lacerations of my legs and lower body.

Here my luck began to change slightly. The encounter with the barrel
seemed to slow me enough to lessen my injuries when I fell into the pile of
bricks and fortunately, only three vertebrae were cracked. I am sorry to
report, however, as I lay there on the pile of bricks, in pain, unable to
move, I again lost my composure and presence of mind and let go of the rope
and I lay there watching the empty barrel beginning its journey back down
onto me. This explains the two broken legs.

I hope this answers your questions
 

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Regular Health Mistakes


All of us make little health mistakes that cause damage to our bodies in the long run - simply because we are unaware we are doing something wrong. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by many of us.

Crossing our legs
Do you cross your legs at your knees when sitting? Although we may believe that this is the lady-like elegant way to sit, sitting this way cuts down circulation to your legs. If you don't want varicose veins to mar the beauty of your legs and compromise your health, uncross your legs every time you realise you have one knee on top of the other. The best way to sit is to simply place both legs together on the floor, balancing your weight equally. If you feel like changing position, instead of crossing your legs, simply move both legs together to one side. As an alternative, you could also consider crossing your legs loosely at the ankles. This is a classically elegant way to sit, and is far better for your legs and your health than sitting with your legs crossed at your knees.
Not changing our toothbrush
How often do you change your toothbrush? Most of us wait until most of the bristles have either fallen off, or are in such bad shape that we'd be embarrassed to pull out our brush in public. However, since not many of us need to pull out our brush in public, we carry on with our frayed one until we lose it. Replace your toothbrush often. Damaged bristles can harm the enamel, and don't massage your gums well. If you find brushing your teeth a pain like I do, but know you must do it, you might as well be doing it right. Imagine going through the annoyance of brushing your teeth twice a day only to find out that you're damaging your enamel every time you clean your teeth. Also, use a brush with soft bristles unless your dentist has advised otherwise.
Eating out often
There are oils that are high in cholesterol, and oils that cause little harm and are better for your heart. However, no matter how light the oil is, it is never a good idea to eat too much of it. Avoid fried foods. Remember that in all probability your favorite Indian food restaurant throws a huge, HUGE chunk of butter in a tiny bowl of dal. Rita, who worked in the kitchen of a 5 star hotel, was shocked when she saw the cook chop a 500gm butter slab in half, and throw half into a Paneer Makhani dish. No wonder the customers left licking their fingers. And no wonder they felt so stuffed and heavy afterwards. Limit outdoor eating unless you know that you're getting served light and healthy food.
Skipping breakfast
Never, ever skip breakfast. Remember, when you wake up in the morning it's been around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your body needs food now, more than at any other time. Eat a heavy breakfast. You will then be busy through the day, and the calories will get expended quickly. If you are trying to diet, eat a light dinner. Here are some more common health mistakes we make. Being informed and making a few changes can help make us feel a whole lot better.
High heels
High heels sure look great, but they're murder for your back. This however doesn't mean you should steer clear of stilettos. Wear them, but not when you know you will be walking around a lot. Wear them when going out for lunch or dinner - when the only walking you will be doing is to your car, to the table, and back. Avoid high heels when you are going somewhere on foot. If you are constantly tempted to wear your heels, take a good look at your flats. Is there something about them you dislike? Invest in a new pair of beautiful flats or shoes with a low heel. Buy something you love, that you will enjoy wearing. If possible, get a matching bag. You will then enjoy your flats as much as you do your heels.
Sleeping on a soft bed
You don't have to sleep on the floor be kind to your back, but do make sure you have a firm mattress. Although a mattress on springs is soft and lovely to sink into, it's bad for your back. If you already have an old bed with springs, you don't need to invest in a new one - simply get a thick wooden plank put over the springs, and place the mattress on the plank. Similarly, if your mattress is old and lumpy, throw it out and get a new one. Your neck and your back will thank you. The same rule applies to sofas. If you will be spending hours on a sofa, get a firm yet comfortable one. Sofas you completely sink into are not the best idea.
Pillows
No matter how comfortable sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on your neck and resist. Sleep with one pillow, and make sure it is not too thick. If your pillow gets lumpy, discard it and go for a new one. Get a thin pillow if you sleep on your stomach, and something a little thicker if you sleep on your back, to give your neck adequate support.
Not exercising
So all of us know we should exercise more, but many of us don't. This is a health mistake we consciously make! And why is that? Simply because we refuse to admit the damage we are causing to our bodies by not working out. A number of people only start working out once they've experienced a warning signal. Don't wait for a heart attack to strike before you decide to opt for a lifestyle change. Make the change now. You don't need to train for the marathon to be in top shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to four times a week will make a world of difference to your health. You could then increase this to forty minutes, four times a week - and you're all set. If you haven't exercised for a week, you're making a mistake.

Today's Message of the Day is: -------


Life is short. Forgive quickly. Love truly. Laugh often, and never regret anything that made you smile.
 

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Alfrescian (InfP)
Generous Asset
Jay Leno went into the audience to find the most
embarrassing first date that a woman ever had.
The winner described her worst first date experience. There
was absolutely no question as to why her tale took the
prize!
She said it was midwinter... snowing and quite cold...and
the guy had taken her skiing in the mountains outside Salt
Lake City , Utah .
It was a day trip (no overnight). They were strangers,
after all, and truly had never met before. The outing was
fun, the skiing great, the coffee hot. The day was
uneventful until they were headed home late that afternoon.
They were driving back down the mountain, when she
gradually began to realize that she should not have had that
extra latte.
They were about an hour away from anywhere with a rest room
and, to top it off, they were in the middle of nowhere!
Her companion recognised her discomfort, and suggested she
try to hold it, which she did for a while.
Unfortunately, because of the heavy snow and slow going,
there came a point where she told him that he had better
stop and let her go beside the road, or it would be the
front seat of his car.
They stopped and she quickly crawled out beside the car,
yanked her pants down and started.
In the deep snow she didn't have good footing, so she
let her butt rest against the rear fender to steady
herself.
Her companion stood on the side of the car watching for
traffic and indeed was a real gentleman and refrained from
peeking. All she could think about was the relief she felt
despite the rather embarrassing nature of the situation.
Upon finishing however, she soon became aware of another
sensation.
As she bent to pull up her pants, the young lady discovered
her buttocks were firmly glued against the car's
fender!
Thoughts of tongues frozen to poles immediately came to
mind as she attempted to disengage her flesh from the icy
metal. It was quickly apparent that she had a brand new
problem due to the extreme cold.
Horrified by her plight and yet aware of the humor of the
moment, she answered her date's concerns about 'what
is taking so long' with a reply that indeed, she was
'freezing her butt off' and in need of some
assistance!
He came around the car as she tried to cover herself with
her sweater and then, as she looked imploringly into his
eyes, he burst out laughing.
She too, got the giggles and when they finally managed to
compose themselves, they assessed her dilemma.
Obviously, as hysterical as the situation was, they also
were faced with a real problem. Both agreed it would take
something hot to free her chilly cheeks from the grip of the
icy metal !
Thinking about what had gotten her into the predicament in
the first place, both quickly realised that there was only
one way to get her free.
So, as she looked the other way, her first-time date
proceeded to unzip his pants and pee her bottom off the
fender. As the audience screamed in laughter, she took the
Tonight Show prize hands down. Or perhaps that should be
'pants down.'
'Did you ever see the young man again?' asked Mr.
Leno.
'I married him,' was the reply. 'He's
sitting right here next to me.'
 
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