MagicBean

RealAge Health Check

2006-03-11T09:33:00.000-05:00

RealAge Health Check
Fri, 10 Mar 2006

Get back on your feet fast.

You follow all the RealAge tips and advice to live healthier,
but sometimes you still get sick. It happens. Not to worry.

Get relief right at home with the RealAge First Aid Center,
whether you have a pounding headache . . . an itchy, scratchy
sore throat . . . the oh-so-dreaded diarrhea . . . or a stuffy,
runny nose.

You'll find a range of quizzes, tools, and other resources to
help you recognize and treat these symptoms and illnesses, plus
jet lag, hangovers, nosebleeds, minor injuries, and more.

Go to the RealAge First Aid Center. 

Visit the RealAge First Aid Center and learn:

*  what your symptoms mean;
*  the best way to treat them;
*  if medication will help;
*  and when you should call your doctor.

Get comforting cures for common illnesses.
Visit the RealAge First Aid Center today.


Copyright(c) 2006, RealAge, Inc. All rights reserved. RealAge
shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content,
or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

DailyOM - Projecting

2005-12-30T10:19:00.000-05:00

DailyOM - Projecting - Reversed Perceptions
December 30, 2005

We all have issues, as well as undesirable qualities or traits that we don't like about ourselves. Most of us realize that we are not perfect and that it is natural to have unpleasant thoughts, motivations, desires, or feelings. However, when a person does not acknowledge these, they may ascribe those characteristics to someone else, deeming other people instead as angry, jealous, or insecure. In psychological terms, such blaming and fault finding is called projection.

When we are the target of projections, it can be confusing and frustrating, not to mention maddening, particularly when we know that we are not the cause of another person's distress. Even people who are well aware of their issues may find that sensitive subjects can bring up unexpected projections. They may feel insecure about a lack of funds and thus view a friend as extravagant. Or, if they really want to get in shape, they may preach the benefits of exercise to anyone and everyone.

While we can try to avoid people we know who engage in projecting their "stuff" onto others, we can't always steer clear of such encounters. We can, however, deflect some projections through mindfulness and meditation. A useful visualization tool is to imagine wrapping ourselves in a protective light everyday. At other times, we may have to put up a protective shield when we feel a projection coming our way, reminding ourselves that someone else's issues are not ours. Although it's difficult not to react when we are the recipient of a projection, it is a good idea to try to remain calm and let the other person know if they are being unreasonable and disrespectful. We all know that it's not fun to be dumped on. Likewise, we should be mindful that we don't take our own frustrations out on others. When we take ownership of our thoughts, motivations, desires, and feelings, we are less likely to project our issues or disowned qualities onto others.

RealAge Tips: Olive Oil Discovery + Muscle Up

2005-12-26T10:34:00.000-05:00

December 26 - 27, 2005

MON: New Olive Oil Health Discovery
Research shows that the beneficial effects of olive oil may extend beyond cholesterol control. Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats such as olive oil can help reduce cholesterol and keep the heart healthy. Now researchers have discovered that . . . Read more.
http://ramailer.realage.com/ct/click?q=93-V4ZmQSdXTaov0N5cFkE3Q8rmK9RR

TUE: Muscle Up
Does stress make your blood pressure spike? If so, then build up your biceps. Lean body mass helps your blood pressure return to normal after a stressful event, a recent
study revealed. Muscle tissue improves your body's ability to . . . Read more.
http://ramailer.realage.com/ct/click?q=a8-02QZQQZg8FiQL3VD9F9rswLPsRRR

RESOURCES:
Learn how to prevent motion sickness here. Go to:
http://ramailer.realage.com/ct/click?q=d2-THH_QULVlbzNAP03SPoSvbSoDsRR
Try RealAge Health Search. Go to:
http://ramailer.realage.com/ct/click?q=fc-WpomQVwl4cdWaxyatx6F3VhTv9RR

RealAge address: Health@RealAge.com

2005-11-23T04:39:00.000-05:00

fun~

2005-11-23T03:30:00.000-05:00

are we having fun yet?

Daily Feel-Good

2005-10-13T11:32:00.000-05:00

...to Help You on Your Way

"nurture your mind, body & spirit with inspirational thoughts

for a happy, healthy and fulfilling day"

slideshows ~ "The Wonder of It All" & "Positive Pause"

slide presentation, ''The Goodness of Life''

...catch a fast, regular and reliable positive boost each day.

For the Perpetual Dieter - RealAge.com Tip

2005-09-01T11:30:00.000-05:00

Health at Every Size

Healthy living beats skinny living hands down:
In a recent study, obese women who focused on being healthy, regardless of their size, achieved greater long-lasting health benefits than women who focused on dieting. When you change your eating and exercise habits, make improving your health your primary goal, and take the focus off the bathroom scale.
RealAge Benefit: Eating a diverse diet that is low in calories and high in nutrients can make your RealAge
as much as 4 years younger.
Update: Monday, July 18 2005

MORE:
Many of the same choices that improve health also can . . . For more, go to:
http://ramailer.realage.com/ct/click?q=b3-QHJxQYK2qP_BqynALVy~DAfRE9RR

References: http://ramailer.realage.com/ct/click?q=c8-2lZnQWOndKx9iygMJ2pWFrllu9RR

Quit tossing and turning at night. Take this sleep assessment:
http://ramailer.realage.com/ct/click?q=31-V_7RIjMkDVpdq6syE~EoqVS6~RRR

2005-08-31T12:17:00.000-05:00

http://www.realage.com/
"Live life to the youngest."

A Little Bit of Soy - RealAge Tip of the Day

2005-08-26T11:01:00.000-05:00

A little soy goes a long way when it comes to blood pressure control.

Adding 40 grams of soy protein to daily diets -- the equivalent of a couple servings of soy milk and a couple ounces of soy flour -- may help lower blood pressure in people who have mild hypertension or prehypertension, a recent study suggests. Edamame, soy burgers, and soy-based cold cuts are other great ways to get your daily soy.

RealAge Benefit: Eating a diverse diet that is low in calories and high in nutrients can make your RealAge as much as 4 years younger.
- Originally published on 08/24/2005

MORE
Soybeans are high in protein and low in fat, making them a great addition to your diet if you're trying to lose weight or have certain health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes. In a recent study, participants with mild hypertension or prehypertension (average blood pressure 135/85 mm Hg) were given 40 grams of soybean protein supplements per day for 12 weeks. Soy supplementation lowered blood pressure in both populations by the end of the study. Soy lowered systolic pressure in people with mild hypertension by nearly 8 points and diasystolic pressure by about 5 points. People with prehypertension experienced about a 2-point decrease in systolic pressure and just over a 1-point reduction in diasystolic pressure. Although diet is an important component of blood pressure control, follow your healthcare provider's advice regarding the types of foods you should eat, as well as his or her recommendations about exercise and medication.

REFERENCES

"Effect of soybean protein on blood pressure: a randomized, controlled trial."
He, J., Gu, D., Wu, X., Chen, J., Duan, X., Chen, J., Whelton, P. K., Annals of Internal Medicine 2005 Jul 5;143(1):1-9

Make Life a Playground Again!

2005-07-25T22:59:00.000-05:00

"dancing fairies" - james browne, artist

Did your Get-Up-and-Go somehow Got-Up-And-Went leaving you in
"What's the use?" Limbo, Deep-Freeze Doldrums?
"projectSOY" has plain, commonsense ways to get your old
Smiley, Song-in-your-Heart Self back.
Put on your Thinking Cap, wear your Faith-Hope-Love Buttons and rev up your heart with a Courage Pick-Me-Up.
Your body will kick-start into Automatic Rev-Mode.
Get back YOUR old Rise-N-Shine, YOUR Bring-It-On-Attitude,
YOUR I-can't-wait Kid-Mode!

Please, let me know how you're doing

...and sign my Dreambook!

James Browne, artist

2005-07-25T10:30:00.000-05:00

James Browne in front of a mural he did in Germany.

I would like to acknowledge James Browne and his artwork, which I used to illustrate this page. I encourage you to go to his online Gallery to see his enormous collection of paintings and find emails to send and posters to buy...
Click: Visit James Browne online Gallery!

"fairy gathering"

An Old Cherokee Story

2005-07-25T10:25:00.000-05:00

An old Cherokee is telling his granddaughter about a fight that is going on inside him. He said it is between two wolves.

One is evil ~ Anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.
The other is good ~ Joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.

The granddaughter thought about it for a minute and then asked her grandfather, "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one I feed."

''Feel Music bath in Joy, dance The Dance''

2005-06-13T07:58:00.000-05:00

''Feel Music bath in Joy, dance The Dance'' - amicreative.org

Help select Einstein as one of the Greatest Americans!

The Discovery Channel is running a series that seeks to discover who viewers believe is "The Greatest American." Einstein is on the list of 25 notable citizens whom voters have chosen so far. The current round of voting will narrow the list to the top five.

It is particularly appropriate that the series is taking place one hundred years after Einstein's 1905 miracle year, when he revolutionized much of modern physics by proving the existence of atoms and photons, discovering the Theory of Special Relativity, and writing down the most famous equation of all time, E=mc^2.

In addition, Einstein was an outspoken advocate of human rights who immigrated to the US in part because of his love and respect for the American way of life.

Einstein is competing with other great Americans like George Washington, Martin Luther King, Jr, Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Rosa Parks, but you have several chances to vote. Isn't Einstein worth at least one?

There are three voting methods (and you can vote up to three times EACH way):

1. go to http://www.aol.com/greatestamerican . When you place your mouse over Einstein's picture, you'll see a tab that says vote. Click on it. You can vote three times.

2. On your cell phone, text the word "Einstein" to 66931. Again, you can do this up to three times.

3. Call (toll-free) 1-866-669-3108 (again... three times).

This Sunday, they air another special on the Top 25. After that, you can vote again. The second round of voting closes at 11:59 pm on Monday, June 13. We'll find out on Tuesday if Einstein made it.

And you can help even more - forward this note to at least 5 friends (or more if you feel really motivated).

But do it soon! Time is running out

Thanks,
The World Year of Physics 2005 Team
www.physics2005.org

NPR's All Songs Considered

2005-06-13T07:57:00.000-05:00

"We want to be the biggest band in the world." -- CHRIS MARTIN
(COLDPLAY) San Francisco Chronicle
http://www.publicradiomail.org/ct/Kd1pce61-mxo/coldplay

FEATURED: One of the of the year's most anticipated CDs finally
hits stores. The album,X & Y, is a follow up to the band's
incredibly popular 2002 release, A Rush of Blood to the Head.

ALSO ON THE SHOW:

MADREDEUS: The group from Portugal makes gorgeous, ambient folk
featuring the angelic voice of Teresa Salgueiro.
http://www.publicradiomail.org/ct/Zd1pce61-mxP/madredeus

KASABIAN: On their debut release, Kasabian mixes processed drum
beats and electronics with trippy, psychedelic rock.
http://www.publicradiomail.org/ct/Z11pce61-mxp/kasabian

HANK JONES: Hear the elder statesman of piano jazz perform on
his new CD, For My Father
http://www.publicradiomail.org/ct/Kp1pce61-mx0/hank-jones

SYSTEM OF A DOWN: On their latest CD, the American-Armenian
metal band makes dramatic and sudden shifts from hard rock to
more thoughtful, pensive melodies.
http://www.publicradiomail.org/ct/K71pce61-mxl/system-of-a-down

LIVE CONCERT: The british art-rock band Bloc Party is the next
featured group on All Songs Considered's LIVE concert series.
Hear a full concert by the band, streamed live from Washington,
DC's 9:30 Club next Thursday, June 16th.

You can hear a cut from Bloc Party's new CD on All Songs
Considered Episode 85
http://www.publicradiomail.org/ct/J11pce61-mxE/bloc-party

Keep watching NPR.org for details.

OPEN MIC: This week's online showcase for unsigned artists
features electronica from Textbeak, noir swing from Shibboleth,
the folk harmonies of Carol Elizabeth Jones and Laurel Bliss,
plus singer/songwriter Deena Rubinson and more.

http://www.publicradiomail.org/ct/D71pce61-mxi/open-mic

Thanks for listening!
*********

Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this.
http://www.publicradiomail.org/join-forward.html?domain=npr_online&r=qp1pce61tXsS

Horoscopes, Astrology and Charts - StarIQ.com

2005-06-13T07:54:00.000-05:00

Next on NOVA: "World in the Balance: The People Paradox"

Broadcast: June 14, 2005, 8 p.m. ET/PT
(NOVA airs Tuesdays on PBS at 8 p.m. Check your local listings.)

It took all of human history until the year 1804 for our population to reach its first billion. Now a billion new people are added every dozen years. What does the future hold for Earth's growing human family and its environmental health? In "The People Paradox," the first installment of NOVA's two-hour special "World in the Balance,"our producers investigate three countries -- India, Kenya, and Japan -- where social and economic forces have produced starkly different population profiles. With moving personal stories, this program gives an up-to-date global snapshot of today's human family, now numbering 6.3 billion and likely to increase to nearly 9 billion by 2050.

Here's what you'll find online:

Inquiry, Interviews, and More

Out of House and Home
Can what happened on one small island in the South Pacific serve
as a cautionary tale for the entire planet?

Voices of Concern
Interviews with five experts reveal the threats facing human
populations, national economies, and the global climate.

Producer's Stories
Go behind the scenes with filmmakers as they struggle to capture
complex human stories.

Material World
Open your eyes to the rich-poor divide with these photos showing
average families and their possessions.

Population Campaigns
Compare how three developing nations have tried to slow rapid
population growth.

Interactives

Human Numbers Through Time
Examine the startling population growth over the past two
millennia, and see what's coming in the next 50 years.

Global Trends Quiz
Test your understanding of the population trends and
environmental challenges facing nations around the world.

Be a Demographer
Play a matching game to see how demographic data reflect and
shape the future of the U.S. and three other countries.

Earth in Peril
How do consumption and rapid population growth affect our
planet's natural resources? Explore the many ways in this
collection of maps.

Also, Links & Books, Educator Role Plays, a Teacher's Guide, a video
preview of the program, and the program transcript.

http://www.pbs.org/nova/worldbalance/

Thank you for visiting NOVA on the Web. We welcome your questions, comments, and feedback. You can send a message directly to nova@wgbh.org, or use our feedback form at
http://www.pbs.org/nova/feedback/

Major funding for NOVA is provided by the Park Foundation, Sprint, and Microsoft. Additional funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and viewers like you.

AskAlana.com eNewsletter

2005-06-13T07:51:00.000-05:00

FROM:
''Feel Music bath in Joy, dance The Dance'' - amicreative.org

June 11th, 2005 - Issue 279

"Helping you learn to trust your heart"

Body - Mind - Spirit - Heart

Aloha ~

In our featured question, Alana shares insight on the importance of
self-love when examining issues around weight loss and depression.
Subjects include the connection between love and food, as well as
physical imbalances of hormones, causes of food addictions, and
the body's response to stress, fear, and self-love.

To view this week's question and answer, visit:
http://askAlana.com/279

Warm Wishes,
Sandy & Kirk

Alana Quote of the Week
"Create a little time each day to practice self-love, because a
little bit consecutively can create an incredible shift."

Book Review: "The True Power of Water: Healing and Discovering Ourselves"

""The True Power of Water: Healing and Discovering Ourselves,' a
book by Japanese scientist and alternative medical physician Dr.
Masaru Emoto that's quickly making its way up the New York Times
Best Seller List, is the latest in a series of publications entitled
"Messages from Water, Volumes 1-3" and "The Hidden Messages in
Water."

Dr. Emoto's work has been steadily gaining popularity since it was
featured in the 2004 independent film "What the Bleep Do We
Know" starring Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin. The film
recently made its British debut to rave reviews in May of 2005.
Sold out audiences are now common occurrences on Dr. Emoto's
current speaking tour... "

To continue reading this resource review, please visit:
http://CirclesOfLight.com/tpw

New Electronic Greeting Series: Father's Day eCards

We wanted to remind you of our great selection of Father's Day
free eCards!
Visit: http://askAlana.com/fdc

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The information we provide is to be used for educational
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What's Up on Planet Earth? eNews: The Darkness"

2005-06-09T08:46:00.000-05:00

June 8, 2005

The Darkness

Greetings!
We are in some powerful energy now that is most assuredly releasing much of what we refer to as "darkness". I do not speak of darkness very often as what we focus on becomes our reality and draws more of it to us, as well as supporting any victim consciousness we may be carrying. But this is, as always, dependent upon our definitions of "darkness" and most certainly our relationship to it as well. And in addition, we are residing in energies that have basically integrated the polarity consciousness now, as we have risen above the old realities of dark/light and right/wrong.

So on that note, let's begin again. For the past few days, and most notably last evening, we experienced a great release or upsurgence of darkness. This is all part of our emergence into a New World and into a New Human.

This could be felt as a severe and sudden depression, severe and sudden thoughts of suicide, feelings of mental illness of some sort, a feeling of great "heaviness", feelings of vulnerability, an inability to find a good feeling space, feelings of futility, a great self-loathing, feelings of great unexplained guilt, a lack of self-confidence, and so forth.

Or perhaps you have experienced a "falling out" or argument with a friend, as we are not enjoying their darkness! And maybe just feelings of not wanting to do anything or not being able to get where we want to go as nothing we can come up with feels remotely good.

What is occurring now is the beginning of the big "shake-up". As we are now poised to enter the half-way point for the arrival of the New World at the physical levels, and as two waves of ascension have occurred, we are readying for the next phase.

I have felt the "darkness" around for several days. Suddenly last evening I became severely nauseous with diarrhea, and my body felt as though it had been run over by a truck. I felt as though I were dying within every cell of my body and could barely walk. Today I feel fine. A friend of mine who is a medium felt a sudden rush of energy (which felt dark), and was guided to stay home and also to exercise to stay centered and grounded.

"Un-earthed" was the word I kept hearing as well. When we experience a great shift, it usually brings much with it. When I made a big leap over a year ago, I went through an intense period of dark energy and could not find a ray of light anywhere. This is generally part of the process. Many individuals who come into their power and begin accessing their psychic abilities have great encounters with darkness.

Remember, we are poised now for the "great fall", or the fall of the darkness and it is now beginning. I honestly did not see this happening for a few weeks yet, but those surprises are always much better than I could ever have imagined!

There are several explanations for this process, depending upon which level you choose to view things. One could say that whenever we make a great leap into the light, the darkness brings out the big guns and gives its all to usurp things in every way possible. It can get into our heads and convince us that we are powerless and good for not much of anything.....really pushing our buttons and reducing us to a much more ineffectual being.

Knowing that its time is over and it is on the way out, the darkness is trying everything possible to sabotage the plan, one might believe. Or perhaps it is just too arrogant to even see that it can no longer exist in these higher realms. Or maybe it is attacking all the new bearers of light as they are gaining great power now, and the new leaders need to be stopped by the fearful darkness.

But I see a different scenario. We are entering into big "shake-up" energy. Much, then, will be brought to the surface for release, within us and without. As whatever is within us is now revealed and illuminated, it is flying around and we are feeling it at some level. We cannot feel and experience what we are not.

I personally have experienced and believe that every energy and entity around us is simply a part of us that we chose to own or not; even the angels and our "guides". Ultimately, we are everything in all ways. Yes, the other version is much more romantic and dramatic, but energy is always simply energy, with no meanings but what we may give it.

During this time as well, as we are being "un-earthed" and much is being "removed", we may feel disoriented and lost, walking in a dream world, and not knowing where we are or what is "real" anymore. Those feelings of "maybe I have a mental illness" may be rising to the surface again as we are going into new territory where we have never been before and becoming beings we have never been before in these particular bodies.

And again, I repeatedly see that as the old world crashes, tumbles and comes down, we will be safe, secure and in another world of our own making, as we are going ahead of the masses and embodying more light. This then will place us in a space where much may be swirling around us, but as we have very little of "darker or denser" energies within us, we will not be affected. We will not feel this crashing down of the old in the physical as much because we cannot feel and experience what we are not.

What will be leaving are the "misperceptions". It is what we thought was real. It is the way we believed things were. It is who we thought "we" were. It is how we believed things "worked". If you feel like you are "losing it", it is because you are. But what will remain will be who you REALLY are.....an incredible being of light with unique and special gifts and talents that makes you like no one else. What is now being revealed to us and where we are very rapidly residing, is in an incredible New World and place that is magnificent far beyond what our old ego minds could ever have imagined.

Are you ready to create the New World? Are you ready to shareyour contribution through your passion and joy?

I thank you for sharing in my joy of being me through this energy alert. Many blessings, much peace and incredible joy in these miraculous times,

Karen

What's Up On Planet Earth? is a free/donation based energy alert connecting us through information about physical, emotional, spiritual and planetary changes many of us are experiencing, including inspiring stories and suggestions for living in the New evolving vibration and a view of the world soon to come (it's truly beautiful!). And know that although many of us are having similar ascension experiences, we are going through these incredible changes at a time and in a way unique to each of us. To your unending, joyful creations!
Your financial support makes it possible to continue offering the What's Up On Planet Earth? information free of charge on our web site and through the latest e-mail energy alerts. To make a donation, copy and paste the line below into your browser window: http://www.whatsuponplanetearth.com/Donations.htm
or mail to Karen Bishop, P.O. Box 30431, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86003-0431.

To join the What's Up On Planet Earth? mailing list and receive the latest energy alerts, copy and paste the line below into your browser window: http://www.whatsuponplanetearth.com/elist.htm

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Walking on Lilypads - SARK's eLetter

2005-06-07T11:54:00.000-05:00

SARK's eLetter (e stands for energy)

Issue 2005-06-06

To be fully alive is to feel that everything is possible.” -- Eric Hoffer

Dear Joy-full Soul,

The other day, I was feeling trapped by my voluminous “to do” list, and also rather discouraged about the subject of dating.
I think I want to date and then become puzzled by “how to date.”

I think it’s easy to get caught or lost in what we think about, more than who we actually are. My mind gets so very busy with “how things might not work out,” or how they’re hard, or I’m stuck, or a seemingly endless variety of lack of possibilities.

So I went to do my laundry, which usually eases my mind. At the laundromat I noticed a young man with bright eyes, smiling at me. He said with a lilting accent: “A lovely laundry day to you!”

I breathed in the joy in his comment and asked him where he was from. He said he was from Bulgaria, traveling the world, and stopped in San Francisco to “admire the light.” He was carrying a thick book by Gurdjieff (one of my spiritual mentors), and we promptly engaged in a lively, serendipitous conversation about traveling through difficult places, the mysteries of love, how fear can entangle us, and even how large lilypads can support a person standing or walking on them!

His twinkling energy and this conversation stayed with me all day and reminded me of all the possibilities there are in the world. His energy reminded me about the qualities of expansion, and how when I practice expansive thinking it feels like it clears out the walls and takes off the roof.
I had once again gotten stuck in tedium, snared by overwhelm, and with regard to the subject of dating, repeating old patterns of thinking small. When this happens, it’s like my thinking gets really narrow, and then I get afraid. It feels like my fear narrows the corridors and makes me think there are no other routes or possibilities. In that narrow-thinking state, I then use whatever happens as “proof” that it’s true!

I will reluctantly admit that it feels like there’s a certain kind of safety in the narrowness. The narrowness feels stiflingly familiar and kind of snug in its safety.

Of course, it’s not safe at all.
We are meant to stretch, move, grow, and change.
We are made to continually expand.

Expansive thinking can feel scary in its very spacious qualities. If “anything can happen,” what if I’m overwhelmed by what DOES happen?

Here I go again, narrowing down!

The truth is, I feel joyfull at the expansion of possibilities. I love the unexpected and the places of change. I also forget that I love these things.

I think that the curious truth is, if we can recognize when and where we’re not expanding our possibilities and WHY we might be choosing a smaller or more narrow view, we can then turn to embrace and allow the possibilities. Allowing all the possibilities is my reNEWed practice.

-- Where are you in need of expansive thinking?
-- What possibilities are you forgetting about?
-- How might you be looking with narrow vision?
-- Why do you want to expand your possibilities?

And speaking of dating, if you know of a man in San Francisco who would like to date me, send him along. He needs to be 40 or older and willing to walk on lilypads.

Sweetly,
Susan
(AKA SARK)

PS: After I wrote this, I realized that it may seem that the guy in the laundromat was someone for me to date -- he was just too young. However, he inspired me to think expansively about the whole subject of meeting people. Since my encounter with him, I'm now starting to date! Dating is the operative word, since I'm interested in exploring and experiencing the dating realm. So do still send along any interesting, available, adventurous men who would enjoy a dating adventure with me.

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RADIANT RESOURCES

BOOKS
Space Between the Stars: My Journey to an Open Heart
By Deborah Santana
Deborah’s book is a beautifully written memoir of her life,
loves, and lessons.
To look inside this book go to:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0345471253/campsark-20/104-8671732-3715109

It’s My Pleasure: A Revolutionary Plan to Free Yourself from
Guilt and Create the Life You Want
By Maria Rodale and Maya Rodale
“Pleasure revolutionaries” are gorgeously portrayed in this
book, acting as inspiring examples for ALL of us to drench
ourselves with pleasure and expansive thinking, too.
To look inside this book go to:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0743270819/campsark-20/104-8671732-3715109

I Need Your Love – Is that True? How to Stop Seeking Love,
Approval, and Appreciation and Start Finding Them Instead
By Byron Katie with Michael Katz
If you know Byron Katie’s “The Work,” you’ll be glad she
created this book. I’m loving her expansive thinking about
relationships.
To look inside this book go to:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/140005107X/campsark-20/104-8671732-3715109

WEBSIGHTS
http://www.radiohumanity.com
My beloved friend Joshua creates music from his expansive
soul, direct to your soul. This is his glorious new website.

http://www.wildparrotsfilm.com
There’s a flock of wild parrots in San Francisco, and this is
a fabulous love story about a man who fed them and how
his life was transformed. I highly recommend this movie!

http://www.artellawordsandart.com/?planetSARK
Marney Makridakis is a creative fountain, and her Artella
site just vibrates with joyfull creative expression. She
recently interviewed me, and I am so inspired by her
and what she creates!

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A VERY SPECIAL INVITATION

SARK’s New Creative Companion: Ways to Free Your Creative
Spirit is now out in bookstores, and that means SARK will be
on tour celebrating her new book. Summertime is just ripe for
nourishing and reveling in our creativity with kindred spirits.
SARK wants to share gifts, games, inspirations, and surprises
-- in person, with YOU. Be sure to check out the dates and
mark your calendars!

SARK’s 2005 Events and Book Tour Schedule:

June 10-12 -- Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY
July 11 -- Capitola Book Cafe, Capitola, CA
July 25 -- East West Bookstore, Mountain View, CA
July 30 -- Shakti Foundation, Aspen, CO
Oct 15 -- Shakti Foundation, San Francisco, CA
Nov 11-14 -- Celebrate Your Life, Scottsdale, AZ

Find out more about SARK’s Ecstatic Events on
PlanetSARK.com:
http://www.planetsark.com/events_home.htm

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SARK CREATIONS

Is your own Traveling Dream Chair ready for summer
vacation? Need a soft, gentle reminder? Rest your head,
shoulders, and neck on SARK’s new Traveling Dream
Chair Pillow. Bypass the travel agent and airport security
altogether, and still get where you need to go.

A PlanetSARK.com Exclusive, SARK’s Traveling Dream
Chair Pillow is available for purchase in our eSHOP:
http://www.planetsark.com/eshop_products_webexclusive_feat_02.htm

Check out all the latest products under New Arrivals in the
PlanetSARK.com eShop:
http://www.planetsark.com/eshop_new_products_home.htm

Thank YOU for supporting PlanetSARK.com! Purchasing
books and products through the eShop directly supports
the creation of new SARK products and the development
of the freebies offered through our website.

Check out all the Free Stuff here:
http://www.planetsark.com/eshop_freebies_home.htm

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HAPPENINGS ON PLANETSARK.COM

PlanetSARK.com is now a bouncing, radiant, beautifull
one-year old!

It's been a scrumptious year! To celebrate the first
anniversary of the launch of PlanetSARK.com, SARK
presents you with a gift of art and inspiration: FREE
downloadable SARK wallpaper for your computer desktop.
We honor YOU for supporting and participating in our
creative community built from the heart.

Rip off the birthday bow, and select from the four juicy
choices of FREE SARK Wallpaper here:
http://www.planetsark.com/one_year_anniversary.htm

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SARK PUBLICATIONS

Artella Magazine’s May Issue, “The Dreamworld: Night Sees
The Day” includes a brand new multimedia CD featuring a
succulent interview with SARK.

Check out Inner Views in SARK's Studio on PlanetSARK.com
to hear an MP3 clip of the Artella interview and explore the
links to more publications featuring SARK:
http://www.planetsark.com/studio_inner_views.htm

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COMPANY INFORMATION

Planet SARK
415-397-SARK (7275) General Info
http://www.PlanetSARK.com

For the latest company news go to the Planet SARK
Announcements forum on the Marvelous Message Board:
http://www.planetsark.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=7

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INTERACT WITH SARK

SARK's INSPIRATION LINE
SARK invites you to take pleasure and inspiration from her
FREE five-minute recorded message. Call 415-546-EPIC (3742)
or listen online at:
http://www.planetsark.com/resources_inspiration.htm

GLORIOUS GUESTBOOK
SARK enjoys reading your messages in her Glorious
Guestbook and invites you to share your thoughts and
wishes "when the spirit moves you." The Guestbook is
in SARK’s Studio on PlanetSARK.com:
http://www.planetsark.com/guestbook/guestbook.php

“ASK SARK” ON THE MMB
You can post questions, which SARK answers randomly as
time permits, in the "Ask SARK" forum on the Marvelous
Message Board:
http://www.planetsark.com/community_msb.htm

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SUCCULENT SUBSCRIPTION INFO
To subscribe:
http://www.planetsark.com/eLetter/index.php?action=signup

Thank You!
Copyright (c) 2005 SARK
All rights reserved.

Permission is granted to reproduce, copy, or distribute this
eLetter, so long as this copyright notice and full information
attributing SARK are attached.

Omega-3 Alternatives - RealAge Tip of the Day

2005-06-06T06:38:00.000-05:00

Yahoo! Mail - mariezimm@yahoo.com

Monday, June 6
Omega-3 Alternatives

If you want heart-healthy omega-3s, fish oil is not your
only option.

Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with a reduced risk of
dangerous heart arrhythmias, and fish oil supplements are a
great source. However, a new study shows omega-3-rich soy
oil supplements may provide those heart-health benefits,
too, albeit to a smaller degree. Speak to your healthcare
provider about the best supplements for you.

RealAge Benefit: Eating a low-fat diet -- and eating healthful unsaturated fats when you do eat fat -- can make your RealAge as much as 6 years younger.

MORE:
Foods rich in omega-3 fats include walnuts; flaxseeds; certain vegetable oils such as canola oil, mustard oil, flaxseed oil, and soybean oil; and certain seafood items such as salmon, oysters, herring, and cod. Omega-3 fats decrease blood levels of triglycerides, inhibit inflammation, help prevent the formation of arterial plaques, and improve blood vessel function. A new study of 58 elderly nursing home residents reveals omega-3s may help prevent potentially fatal heart arrhythmias. In the study, half of the group received 2 grams of fish oil capsules per day for 6 months while the other half received the same schedule of soy oil capsules. Both groups experienced increased heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of the beat-to-beat changes in heart rate that may help protect the heart from life-threatening cardiac events. The fish oil group experienced the greatest increase in HRV rate, which could correlate to a decreased risk for cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. Regular exercise helps increase HRV as well.

REFERENCE:
Cardiac autonomic changes associated with fish oil vs soy oil supplementation in the elderly.
Holguin, F., Tellez-Rojo, M. M., Lazo, M., Mannino, D., Schwartz, J., Hernandez, M., Romieu, I., Chest 2005 Apr;127(4):1102-1107

Sweet Dreams Control Blood Sugar?

2005-06-01T07:05:00.000-05:00

RealAge Tip of the Day

Bad sleep habits may set you up for poor blood sugar
control.
Sleeping for less than 6 hours or more than 9 hours per
night was associated with an increased risk of diabetes
in a recent study. These same poor sleep habits also were
linked to impaired glucose tolerance, a condition marked
by higher-than-normal blood sugar levels. Aim for 6 to 8
hours of sleep per night.

RealAge Benefit: Getting 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night
can make your RealAge as much as 3 years younger.

MORE:
Researchers don't know exactly why poor sleep habits contribute to overall health risks. Hormones linked to sleep and wake cycles may play a role. A recent study revealed that sleep deprivation reduces levels of leptin, an appetite-suppressing hormone. If you have trouble sleeping, practice good sleep hygiene: go to bed at the same time every night, avoid caffeine or large meals late in the evening, exercise regularly earlier in the day, sleep in a cool, dark room, and unwind before bedtime. Getting the right amount of sleep is only one part of reducing diabetes risk. Exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a healthful diet also can help reduce risk.

REFERENCE:
"Association of sleep time with diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance."> Gottlieb, D. J., Punjabi, N. M., Newman, A. B., Resnick, H. E., Redline, S., Baldwin, C. M., Nieto, F. J., Archives of Internal Medicine 2005 Apr 25;165(8):863-867

Quit tossing and turning. Sleep better tonight.
Take the RealAge Sleep Health Assessment – Restless Legs Syndrome, Insomnia, Sleep Apnea:
http://ramailer.realage.com/ct/click?q=1c-csTiIFrv3134grjntYv1a2O6R9RR

Yahoo! Mail - mariezimm@yahoo.com

2005-05-29T09:50:00.000-05:00

May 28th, 2005 - Issue 278

"Helping you learn to trust your heart"

Body - Mind - Spirit - Heart

Aloha ~
In our featured question, Alana shares insight on how to
keep creativity alive while working a corporate job when
personal values show both directions are important for well
being.

To view this week's question and answer, visit:
http://askAlana.com/278

Warm Wishes,
Sandy & Kirk

Alana Quote of the Week

"You can have trust that one way or the other your needs will
be met. The universe has a limitless supply of possibilities to
answer your prayers."
-- Alana

Resource Review: "Lucid Dreaming Kit"

"Do you spend your days rushing from one project to another? Do
you find yourself judging the success of your days simply by the
number of tasks that you've managed to cross off your "To Do"
list? At the end of each day, do you collapse into bed, only to end
up tossing and turning while dwelling on the fact that once again
you haven't managed to do the things that you had really wanted
to for the day? What would you do if someone presented you with
an extra eight hours a day to do all of those things and more?
Within the Lucid Dreaming Kit, Bradley Thompson explains how you
can turn the one-third of your life that you spend sleeping into a
"creative workshop" where all of your dreams can come true..."
To enjoy the rest of this Resource Review, please visit:
http://askAlana.com/ldk

Book Review: "The Tarot of the Revelation"

"The Tarot of the Revelation" by Dr. Christopher Earnshaw
is, for lack of a better term, a thought-provoking read. Written
perhaps more for those who have a background in Tarot and/or
religion and/or the Bible, it's a book that manages to appeal
to someone like myself - a person who has a deep interest in
each of those subjects but..."

To continue reading this resource review, please visit:
http://CirclesOfLight.com/tor

Quick Links Reference

Consult "The Soul Mate Oracle": http://askAlana.com/smo

Send Free Greeting Cards: http://askAlana.com/fgc

Learn About Numerology: http://askAlana.com/num

Subscription Information

The Alana Work: Helping you learn to trust your heart,
since 1992. This weekly ezine is sent only to our 14,765
subscribers. Content is always fresh and original.
HeartCore Corporation communications are never sent as
unrequested email and are only sent to subscribers. All
email data is held in complete confidence and will never
be shared, traded, rented, leased, or sold. We respect
your privacy. Period.

To receive this weekly ezine as our gift to you, view:
http://askAlana.com/subscribe

''To Your Health'' ~ articles

2005-03-31T18:54:00.000-05:00

"Getting Rid of Your Anxiety"

Psychotherapist Daniel Rutley discusses displeasure anxiety and how a proactive attitude can help you battle this often crippling emotion.
09/03/2005
by Daniel Rutley (balancetv.ca)

Look at the Root of Your Anxiety, in Energy
Psychotherapist Daniel Rutley discusses displeasure anxiety and how a proactive attitude can help you battle this often crippling emotion.
Sigmund Freud is the grandfather of "talk-therapy." He introduced a theory: Our chief motivating force in behaviour is a drive to achieve pleasure and to avoid pain. A person who experiences "displeasure anxiety" is anxious about an upcoming event that she finds unpleasant or painful to deal with, thus minimizing pleasure and happiness and motivating avoidance acts.
There are 3 beliefs that lead up to displeasure anxiety:

1. "Some bad thing might happen." Meaning, you anticipate that something adverse or obnoxious is impending. As a rule of thumb, the more distant the event, the less anxious you will likely be about it.

2. "If it does happen, it would be awful and catastrophic." This suggests that if there is a loss, it would be of great enough importance to rob you of happiness. In other words: "If 'x' happened, then I couldn't be happy." This statement is the essence behind anxiety.

3. "Because it would be catastrophic, I must find a solution so that I can control it."The inability to find a solution -- which the individual believes is essential -- to a problem is a key factor within anxiety. When anxious, there is a sense of helplessness or inability to cope with the identified concern.

The belief that you need to be happy and content at all times will cost you greatly in life. Often, you won't even know how much this belief will be a detriment to you.
It may be uncomfortable for you to ask the man across the dance floor to dance. It might be unpleasant to discuss a family member's rudeness. It might be stressful to ask for a raise or promotion at work. Most people who are successful in any area of life push through or tolerate the brief loss of happiness and displeasure that those who fail do not.
People often give up far too early and are not persistent enough to put up with the disappointment of repeated failures. As the story goes, "You don't want to have your dreams go unfulfilled just because you gave up too soon. Imagine the forgotten nameless gent who gave up after his sixth attempt to create a delicious soft drink and 6-Up was a failure."
Displeasure anxiety is the real culprit behind a lot of anger, forms of procrastination, jealousy, very often a lack of progress in one's life and virtually all addictions. When there is an unpleasant situation to face, the anxiety drives the person to escape the uneasiness, instead of dealing effectively with it.
Avoidance behavior is a highly developed skill by those who have had years of displeasure anxiety. This is why it is important to be sincerely dedicated to overcoming it -- because years of training will want to kick in and have you avoid the agitation and hard work of overcoming this form of anxiety. The way through displeasure anxiety is to WORK THROUGH IT.
You can handle any difficulty. Take charge, take action and your anxiety will lessen. Work on stopping the anxiety today. Don't wait. Procrastinating in this area will only allow it to get worse.
*** Daniel Rutley is a psychotherapist in private practice, specializing in depression, anxiety, anger and behaviour management and relationship issues.

"Creativity confined"
Has studying the arts become more about the pursuit of a career than the quest for craftmanship?
- the Toronto Star
Mar. 8, 2005

LIZ WORTH - SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Photo: Keith Beaty/Toronto Star

For the creatively inclined, the four walls of a classroom can become a box.
Look up the meanings behind creativity and education and you'll find them to be opposite concepts. Creativity means having the ability to create instead of imitate; to go beyond the conventional, while education means to drill in specific information, discipline, habits, routine, and methods. It's no wonder that these two very different notions struggle to unify.
What happens when artsty types go to school? Do they learn how to be more of what they already are, or do they get lost to the rigidity of instruction?
Lately, I've been fighting off the influence of a formulaic writing style that has been seeping into my pen. Since I became a journalism student, I've been wondering if going to school is a mistake — at least for certain people.
I'm feeling a little threatened. It's like my freedom to let my fingers pound away at the keyboard is gone. It's been replaced with rules that have names that sound like diseases: parallelism, subordinate conjunctions, inverted pyramids. The stories that we hand in are often as pale as the paper they're printed on. No one talks about ideas or questions. All we talk about is a structure, as if every story should come with a how-to manual. As if life does.
Sergio Elmir knew paying tuition fees wasn't going to make him a better writer — but writing more often would. Having recently left the realms of higher education to chase after freelance opportunities, Elmir says that classrooms and creativity don't mix.
"Obviously no one believes that creativity can be learned," the 25-year-old says. "School, or at least the education system, is based around teaching skills. It's all about the status quo and finding a foot in the door and all the other things that blind artists to the true meaning of art."
Not everyone looks at education like that. Toronto's Margaux Williamson, 29, was an art student at Queen's University in Kingston and at the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland, and her work has appeared in New York, as well as high-profile Queen St. W. galleries.
"The argument that education in the arts will corrupt an artist is really condescending," she says. "The sentiment that ignorance will keep you strong is thankfully outdated in most fields and areas of life.
"If an individual proves to be so easily controlled or manipulated by an institution such as an art school through such means as peer pressure, an arbitrary grading system, or a negative professor, I can't imagine how they would actually function in the real world as an artist."
Williamson says schools help people express their art more clearly and help students get their footing in the field.
But Elmir argues that pursuing an arts education in general can be counter-productive.
He sees school as the ultimate in conformity, in which it wears people down and then moulds them into a predetermined ideal. Teachers often take on the role of employer and become more concerned with productivity than with intellectual development.
Instead of inspiring students, Elmir believes school dumbs them down. By striving to teach people, an individual's abilities are overlooked. Instead, classrooms become human assembly lines, with the end product being groups of people who all have the same skills.
"There's a focus, at least in my experience, of schools using repetitive action and other numbing exercises to make you learn something," he says.
"Sitting down and memorizing a list of terms will not teach me anything. Personally speaking, I don't think that schools are meant to produce artists. They aren't teaching art to artists as much as they are teaching them how to turn their gifts into a skill.
"I guess the biggest issue at hand is that school makes art seem like any other job in the world, which is the biggest insult to all art and artists."
Art students like Jennifer Castle have to be aware of the traps school can lead to, like getting into a curriculum that might have her colouring within the lines when she'd rather be drawing new ones. What she finds is her classes are heavy on technique but light on ideas.
After finishing a degree in anthropology, the 28-year-old Castle had been working on her art and decided to take it further by going back to school at the Toronto Art Centre. She says there are advantages and disadvantages to becoming a trained artist versus being self-taught. Castle now gets exposure to more media — everything from painting to sculpture to photography — and access to the school's facilities, but has to deal with her work being constantly critiqued.
"I don't get the chance to be experimental like I would be if I was working on my own," Castle says.
Her classes often focus on an end result — seeing a project through to the point where it would be able to be showcased in a gallery. And because there's such a strong emphasis on technique, Castle feels confined to what her classes dictate.
"It's sort of a hindrance having to produce something presentable. My work tends to be rougher around the edges. I like things half done so they can be changed around."
Art classes can lack an acceptance of the student's ideals. They can also shatter romantic notions of aesthetic talent being something that happens in people naturally. Castle admits that there is a formula behind art, but doesn't see technique as the beginning, or the end, of artistry. She points out that creative types will do what they want regardless of the rules.
"Art is about ideas and the expression of them," she says. "But art forms can be learned, someone can teach them to you through motor and eye training. But there are people who find ways to make things whether they know the technique or not."
Castle doesn't let school have a negative impact on her. Instead, she takes advantage of her time there and uses it to be more productive. "I used to think about things a lot more, but now I actually do them," she says.
Some students feel it's easier to just give up, like former fashion student Veronica Araujo.
She found that where she thought ideas would have been, there was a drive instead to make a profit. During a two-year stint at Humber College, she eventually came to describe the fashion industry as "ugh."
The 22-year-old remembers the moment when she realized she wanted out. It was in her second semester when she learned about trend forecasting — the industry's method of predicting and dictating what will be next season's "in" thing.
"I thought designers just pulled designs out of their heads, but they have teams of people going out to forecast trends for the next two years," Araujo says. "It's all about money."
She found her program overloaded with sales and marketing tips. And if there was a lesson in fashion, Araujo says it wasn't on being original but instead on how to get into the same clothes as everyone else.
Although she's given up on the fashion industry, Araujo still believes the truly creative will persevere.
"I think that people who have it in them will always be creative," she says. "You can learn the foundations and techniques which help to add to the craft, but if you're not creative you can't just pick up a paintbrush or write a poem just because you took some classes and read up on it. A creative person will find an outlet for their art, even if they are in a (situation) that doesn't allow for much of that."
For Elmir, school did have at least one positive aspect. He could either stay in school and work on a "pretend" newspaper, or get outside and write for a real one.
"School put me on a path," he says. "That I will never deny. If it wasn't for school, I wouldn't know what to do with myself. Even though school was basically everything I didn't want to do, it helped me narrow down my choices and focus on what I really want to do with my life."
None of the people in this story have given up on their talents. People who are truly passionate about art will continue with it, with or without formal study. And it's with this knowledge that Elmir feels he will find success.
"School can be dangerous because once you graduate you consider yourself a productive member of society," he says. "But in reality, as an artist, you should strive to live outside of society to facilitate your ability to look in and comment on what's happening to the world."
***Liz Worth is a journalism student at Humber College. ID@thestar.ca

"Top 10 power plant foods"
These ingredients pack a nutritious punch.
04/03/2005
By The Canadian Living Test Kitchen (Canadian Living)
Related Articles:
Test your food IQ
Extreme eating

Natural Wonders
Plant foods are packed with phytochemicals, which are biologically active plant chemicals that are vital to health. Thousands of phytochemicals have been identified, and many act as antioxidants, reducing the activity of free radicals, which are harmful compounds produced by the body that damage DNA and body tissues and lead to chronic disease. Plant foods are also good sources of potassium; vitamins A, C and E; folate; and fibre.

Cancer-Fighting Carotenoids
Carotenoids are a group of pigments found in plants, and all offer potent protection against a variety of cancers.
· Lycopene is responsible for the red colour in tomatoes, watermelon and red grapefruit.
· Lutein makes broccoli and spinach green.
· Beta-carotene is the most abundant carotenoid and is found in dark green and bright yellow or orange vegetables, and red and orange fruits, including cantaloupes, mangoes, apricots and papayas. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A by the body.

Plant Power Shopping List
Leafy green vegetables, specifically kale, collards and spinach, are excellent sources of fibre, vitamins A and C, and the cancer-fighting carotenoid lutein.

Good for you recipes:

White Bean and Kale Soup Country Spinach Toss
Tomatoes, pink grapefruit and watermelon are sources of vitamins A and C, and lycopene, which is a phytochemical associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer.
Barley Salad with Tomatoes and Corn
Pink Grapefruit Sorbet
Watermelon Slush
Berries, including cranberries, have antioxidant properties and are a source of anthocyanins, which belong to the group of plant compounds called flavonoids. Flavonoids may have antioxidant abilities and are being studied for their anticancer potential.
Banana Berry Smoothy
Berry Breakfast Puff
Soybean products, such as tofu, can help lower cholesterol, may protect bone health and may prevent cancer.
Vegetable Tofu Salad
Cumin Carrot Tofu Patties
Fibre? both soluble and insoluble? offers a spectrum of benefits for heart health and the prevention of colon cancer and diabetes.
Fibreful Muffins
Nutty Banana Bran Muffins
Ground Flaxseeds are associated with heart health and the prevention of stroke and cancer. They are a rich source of fibre, omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, which have antioxidant properties. Some research has shown that a diet rich in soy products and flaxseeds can help ease the symptoms of menopause in some women.
Farmland Flax Cookies
Country Seed Bread
Garlic contains allylic sulphides, phytochemicals that may have cancer-fighting properties. Garlic is being studied for its antioxidant activities and potential heart-healthy benefits ? it is touted to lower cholesterol and blood pressure and prevent blood clots.
Roasted Gralic and Tomato Savoury Custard
Roasted Garlic Soup and tomato Salsa
Onions contain quercetin, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of heart disease by preventing LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, which causes it to become artery-clogging.
Balsamic Onion Crisp
Caramelized Onion Pie with Rice Crust
Legumes include dried beans and lentils. They are low in fat and sodium and are generally good sources of both soluble and insoluble fibre, protein, iron, calcium and folate. Lentil Curry with Squash and Spinach
Black Bean Chilli with Avocado Salsa
Nuts and seeds are great sources of protein, fibre, iron and vitamin E. They're high in fat, but many varieties contain healthy fats as well as an array of antioxidants. Walnuts, for example, are a source of omega-3 fatty acids and ellagic acid, a compound with cancer-fighting properties. Pumpkin seeds are a source of phytosterols, which compete with cholesterol for absorption in the gut and may lower cholesterol levels.
Sesame Fish on Spinach
Sesame-Crusted Scallops with Black Bean Sauce

"Symptoms of Inner Peace"
Be on the lookout for symptoms of inner peace.The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to inner peace and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions.This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.
Some signs to look for:

* A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
* An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
* A loss of interest in judging other people.
* A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
* A loss of interest in conflict.
* A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.)
* Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
* Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
* Frequent attacks of smiling.
* An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
* An increased susceptibility to the love offered by others as well as the
uncontrollable urge to extend it.

*** My future starts when I wake up every morning... Every day I find something creative to do with my life. ~ Chrissy Hamilton

"salutations" - james browne, artist

SARK's eLetter (e stands for energy) ~ excerpts

2005-02-06T11:42:00.000-05:00

Subject: Perfect Opportunities
Date: You Are Fabulous February (2005)
“And could you keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of life, your pain would not seem less wondrous than your joy.”
~ Kahlil Gibran

Dear Fabulous Soul,
Each day, I am given perfect opportunities to practice seeing and experiencing joy even when (and especially when) circumstances seem to indicate otherwise. My practice does not mean skipping over the pain or discomfort to get to the joy, but rather, sitting with pain or discomfort and allowing it to shift into something else -- and it always does.
For years, one of my biggest fears was facing my emotional eating. I’d whittled it down from a lot to less, but it still had a daily effect on me. In early December, I decided it was time to choose total freedom, and I stopped this habit of eating for emotional reasons.
I discovered that I ate for just about every reason except for physical nourishment. I even ate to comfort myself about my emotional eating! Many things led up to my decision to eat differently, and I’m sure I’ll be writing more about it.
I can truly say that I’ve never experienced anything so difficult as stopping this habit. I’m sure there is more to learn and experience as I uncover the layers of what caused me to use food in these ways
My perfect opportunity has been to enjoy my body even more now that I’m not constantly filling it up with food. My stomach feels peaceful, and I’m feeling lighter and more physically present. I can also assure you that I’m eating lots of delicious food, and feeling very satisfied by it.
One of the biggest shifts has occurred with my sleeping patterns. After living for almost 50 years as a nocturnal creature, I am becoming diurnal! I’m astounded by the beauty of the mornings and am REALLY enjoying sleeping during the night. It’s very odd because I have identified so strongly with being nocturnal. It’s also poignant because I started being nocturnal at age 7, to try to defend myself from being molested. Finally, 43 years later, I feel safe enough to just sleep. Of course, who knows whether this pattern will shift back.
My perfect opportunity is to let my body lead the way and not my mind.
I wish for all of us increased abilities to see and experience our perfect opportunities and to allow our transformations each day of our lives!

Exquisitely yours, SARK
(Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy)

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SARK's Radiant Resources

BOOKS
“http://www.va-anne.com ~Anne was my “virtual assistant” for three years and is now my events manager. I highly recommend Anne and her services.
http://www.abraham-hicks.com ~ Fabulous ways to explore and experience the teachings of Abraham.
http://www.mike-robbins.com ~ Mike specializes in the power of appreciation. He delivers keynotes, seminars, and coaches people one-on-one. He is a dear friend. He works with individuals and organizations of all kinds -- empowering people to appreciate themselves, to acknowledge each other, and to live fulfilled lives. Contact Mike about speaking at an event or to inquire about his personal coaching. Sign-up for his free e-zine called Appreciation in Action. I am so glad to share my great appreciation for Mike and his work!

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A VERY SPECIAL INVITATION

SARK's Ecstatic Events

“I’m very glad to let you know that my newest book ~ Make Your
Creative Dreams REAL ~ is now out in paperback. I’ll be doing two free events in February in San Francisco to celebrate, and YOU’RE invited.”

Find out more about SARK’s Ecstatic Events on PlanetSARK.com

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SARK invites you to take pleasure and inspiration from her FREE five-minute recorded message.
Call 415-546-EPIC (3742) or listen online.

For the latest news go to the Planet SARK Announcements forum on the Marvelous Message Board.

SARK's eLETTER
For the latest color-full, art-filled version, version of SARK's eLetter, you can view it online.

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“To support even more creative living, I’ve created a cool new game -- 'The Creative Dream Game' which will be in stores later this year. I’m also excited to share my great new 'You Are My Gorgeous Friend' notecards, big colorful magnets, and fabulous posters and prints, too.”
All of SARK's books and products are available in the the eShop on PlanetSARK.com

SARK Publications
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Happenings on ''PlanetSARK Community''

MOST INSPIRING WEB SPACE CREATIONS

Little Lotus
I have so much fun exploring the webspaces of society of SARK subscribers. I am often drawn to one by merely a picture or introductory sentence. However, I am over the moon about the
webspace that belongs to Little Lotus. She makes the most amazing jewelry from beach glass, and I love looking at the art she often posts in her image gallery. I am drawn to the changing beauty of her website and her effort to share her art and make money doing it. I love exploring there, and it often brings me feelings of gratefulness, awe, and peace.
I just adore her website. -- Katherine
Planetcitygirl73
My favorite, so far -- since I have yet to see the others' -- is planetcitygirl73's ... for its organization, she's completed most if not all of the pages, and those dreams are out there for us to visualize together with her. -- kat
Buttafly
Love her creativeness!! I am always just in awe and inspired after viewing her web space. Her ideas are FANTASTIC!!! -- US
Praxis
Whenever i see Praxis's web space come up, I have this soft, gentle happy feeling. Maybe it has to do with the pictures of her and her son -- so compelling. But Praxis is an amazing woman who has been here forever, it seems. I see her as one of the "Great Mothers" of the MMB -- along with others. -- Lisa marie

Congratulations and thank you all for creatively sharing yourselves in our community. We will be sending each of you a special gift from Planet SARK.
You can view all of the "Society of SARK" members' Web Spaces and learn more about becoming a member of the Planet SARK Community.

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COMPANY INFORMATION
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General Info
http://www.PlanetSARK.com

Copyright (c) 2005 SARK
All rights reserved.
Permission is granted to reproduce, copy, or distribute this eLetter, so long as this copyright notice and full information attributing SARK are attached.

The ''Real Magic'' of Becoming Spiritual

2005-02-06T09:45:00.000-05:00

~ Dr. Wayne Dyer, author of "Real Magic'':

I use the terms spiritual and non-spiritual in the sense that a spiritual being has a conscious awareness of both the physical and the invisible dimension, while the non-spiritual being is only aware of the physical domain. Neither category, as I use them, implies atheism or religious orientation in any way. The non-spiritual person is not incorrect or bad because he or she experiences the world only in a physical manner.
Below are 12 beliefs and practices for you to cultivate as you develop your abilities to manifest miracles in your life. Becoming a spiritual being as outlined here is an all-out necessity if real magic is your objective in this lifetime.

1. The non-spiritual being lives exclusively within the five senses, believing that if you cannot see, touch, smell, hear, or taste something, then that something simply doesn't exist. The spiritual being knows that beyond the five physical senses, there are other senses we use to experience the world of form.
As you work toward becoming a spiritual being as well as a physical being, you begin to live more and more consciously within the invisible realm. You begin to know that there are senses beyond this physical world. Even though you cannot perceive it through one of the five senses, you know that you are a soul with a body, and that your soul is beyond limits and defies birth and death. It is not governed by any of the rules and regulations that govern the physical universe. To be a spiritual being means that you allow yourself the option of being multi-sensory. Hence a whole new world opens up. As Gary Zukav writes in The Seat of the Soul,

"The experiences of the multi-sensory human are less limited than the experiences of the five-sensory human. They provide more opportunities for growth and development and more opportunities to avoid unnecessary difficulties."

2. The non-spiritual being believes we are alone in the universe. The spiritual being knows he or she is never alone.
A spiritual being is comfortable with the idea of having teachers, observers, and divine guidance available at any time. If we believe we are souls with bodies rather than bodies with souls, then the invisible, eternal part of ourselves is always available to us for assistance. Once this belief is firm and unshakable it can never be doubted, regardless of the rational arguments of those who live exclusively in the physical world. For some this is called intense prayer, for others it is universal, omnipresent intelligence or force, and for others it is spiritual guidance. It matters not what you call this higher self or how you spell it, since it is beyond definitions, labels, and language itself.
For the non-spiritual being this is all hogwash. We show up on Earth, we have one life to live and no one has any ghosts around or within to help out. This is a physical-only universe to the non-spiritual being and the goal is to manipulate and control the physical world. The spiritual being sees the physical world as an arena for growth and learning with the specific purpose of serving and evolving into higher levels of love.
Non-spiritual beings accept the existence of a supreme being or God, not as a universal force that is within us but as a separate power that will someday hold us accountable. They do not see themselves as having assistance or a higher self, unless they have the kind of direct experience of divine presence recorded by St. Paul or St. Francis of Assisi.
Spiritual beings simply know, through their personal experience of having been in contact with their own divine guidance, that they are not alone, and that they can use that guidance to become miracle makers in their lives.

3. The non-spiritual being is focused on external power. The spiritual being is focused on personal empowerment.
External power is located in the dominance of and control over the physical world. This is the power of war and military might, the power of laws and organization, the power of business and stock market games. This is the power of controlling all that is external to the self. The non-spiritual being is focused on this external power.
By contrast, the spiritual being is focused on empowering himself and others to higher and higher levels of consciousness and achievement. The use of force over another is not a possibility for the spiritual being. He or she is not interested in collecting power, but rather in helping others to live in harmony and to experience real magic. This is a power of love that does not judge others. There is no hostility or anger in this kind of power. It is true empowerment to know that one can live in the world with others who have differing points of view and have no need to control or vanquish them as victims. A spiritual being knows the enormous power that comes with the ability to manipulate the physical world with one's mind. A mind at peace, a mind centered and not focused on harming others, is stronger than any physical force in the universe. The entire philosophy of aikido and the Oriental martial arts is based not on external power over the opponent, but on becoming at one with that external energy to remove the threat. Empowerment is the inner joy of knowing that external force is not necessary to be at harmony with oneself.
To the non-spiritual being, no other way is known. One must constantly be ready for war. Even though the spiritual masters to whom they often pledge allegiance speak against such use of power, the non-spiritual being simply cannot see other alternatives.

4. The non-spiritual being feels separated and distinct from all others, a being unto himself. The spiritual being knows that he is connected to all others and lives his life as if each person he meets shares being human with him.When a person feels separate from all others he becomes more self-centered and much less concerned about the problems of others. He may feel some sympathy for people starving in another part of the world, but that person's daily approach is, "It's not my problem." The splintered personality, the non-spiritual being, is focused more on his own problems, and often feels that other human beings are either in his way or trying to get what he wants and so he must "do in" the other guy, before he gets done in himself.
The spiritual being knows that we are all connected, and he is able to see the fullness of God in each person with whom he makes contact. This sense of connection eliminates much of the inner conflict that the non-spiritual being experiences as he constantly judges others, categorizes them according to physical appearances and behaviors, and then proceeds to find ways to either ignore or take advantage of them for his own benefit.
Being connected means that the need for conflict and confrontation is eliminated. Knowing that the same invisible force that flows through himself flows through all others allows the spiritual being to truly live the golden rule. The spiritual being thinks, "How I am treating others is essentially how I am treating myself, and vice versa." The meaning of "love thy neighbor as thyself" is clear to the spiritual being, while it is considered nonsense by the non-spiritual being. Negative judgment is not possible when one feels connected to all others. The spiritual being knows that he cannot define another by his judgments, that he only defines himself as a judgmental person.
Research at the subatomic quantum level reveals an invisible connection between all particles and all members of a given species. This oneness is being demonstrated in remarkable scientific discoveries. The findings show that physical distance, what we think of as empty space, does no preclude a connection by invisible forces. Obviously there exist invisible connections between our thoughts and our actions. We do not deny this, even though the connection is impervious to our senses.
The non-spiritual being cannot make such a leap, but the spiritual being knows that this invisible force connects him to all others, and therefore treats all others as if they were a part of himself. It is all a question of knowing. The non-spiritual being acts as if he were an island, separate and distinct from others, unconnected. Plainly stated, miracles and real magic are simply unavailable to those who believe themselves to be islands in the sea of humanity.

"amour" - james browne, artist

Becoming Spiritual ~ Part 2 ~ of the 12 beliefs & practices to cultivate in order to manifest miracles in our life.

5. The non-spiritual being believes exclusively in a cause/effect interpretation of life. The spiritual being knows that there is a higher power working in the universe beyond mere cause and effect.
The non-spiritual being lives exclusively in the physical world, where cause and effect rule. If one plants a seed (cause), he will see the result (effect). If one is hungry, he will seek food. If one is angry, he will vent that anger. This is indeed a rational and logical way to think and behave, since the third law of motion for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction is always operating in the physical universe.
The spiritual being goes beyond Newton's physics and lives in an entirely different realm. The spiritual being knows that thoughts come out of nothingness, and that in our dream state (one-third of our entire physical lives), where we are in pure thought, cause and effect play no role whatsoever.

6. The non-spiritual being is motivated by achievement, performance and acquisitions. The spiritual being is motivated by ethics, serenity and quality of life.
For the non-spiritual person, the focus is on learning for the purpose of high grades, getting ahead, and acquiring possessions. The purpose of athletics is competition. Success is measured in external labels such as position, rank, bank accounts, and awards. These are all very much a part of our culture, and certainly not objects to be scorned, they simply are not the focus of the spiritual being's life.
For the spiritual being, success is achieved by aligning oneself with one's purpose, which is not measured by performance or acquisitions. The spiritual being knows that these external things flow into one's life in sufficient amounts and that they arrive as a result of living purposefully. The spiritual being knows that living purposefully involves serving in a loving fashion. Mother Teresa, who has spent many years of her life caring for the most downtrodden among us in the slums of Calcutta, defined purpose this way in "For the Love of God:"

"The fruit of love is service, which is compassion in action. Religion has
nothing to do with compassion. It is our love for God that is the main thing,
because we have all been created for the sole purpose to love and be loved."

It is in ways such as this that the spiritual being's inner and outer reality is experienced. It is not necessary to become a saint ministering to the impoverished to become a spiritual being. One simply must know that there is much more to life than achievement, performance and acquisitions, and that the measure of a life is not in what is accumulated, but rather in what is given to others. Living ethically, morally and serenely while being aligned with a spiritual purpose is at the core of his being. Real magic cannot be experienced when your focus is on getting more for yourself, particularly if it is at the expense of others. When you experience a sense of serenity and quality about your life, knowing your mind is what creates such a state, you will also know that from such a state of mind flows miracle-making magic.

7. The non-spiritual being has no place within his awareness for the practice of meditation. The spiritual being cannot imagine life without it.
For the non-spiritual being, the idea of looking quietly within oneself and sitting alone for any period of time repeating a mantra, emptying one's mind, and seeking answers by aligning oneself with one's Higher Self borders on lunacy. For this person, answers are sought by working hard, struggling, persevering, setting goals, reaching those goals and setting new ones and competing in a dog-eat-dog world.
The spiritual being knows about the enormous power of the practice of meditation. He knows meditation makes him more alert and able to think more clearly. He knows the very special effect meditation has in relieving stress and tension.
Spiritual people know, by virtue of having been there and experienced it firsthand, that one can get divine guidance by becoming peaceful and quiet, and asking for answers. They know they are multidimensional and that the invisible mind can be tapped at higher and higher levels through meditation, or whatever you want to call the practice of being alone and emptying your mind of the frenetic thoughts that occupy so much of daily life. They know that in deep meditation one can leave the body and enter a sphere of magic that is as blissful a state as any drug could temporarily provide.
For the non-spiritual being this is perceived as an escape from reality, but for the spiritual being it is an introduction to a whole new reality, a reality that includes an opening in life that will lead to miracle making.

8. For the non-spiritual being, the concept of intuition can be reduced to a hunch or a haphazard thought that accidentally pops into one's head on occasion. For the spiritual being, intuition is far more than a hunch. It is viewed as guidance or as God talking, and this inner insight is never taken lightly or ignored.
You know from your own experience that when you ignore your intuitive proddings, you end up regretting it or having to "learn the hard way". To the non-spiritual person, intuition is completely unpredictable and occurs in random happenstance. It is often ignored or shunned in favor of behaving in habitual ways. The spiritual being strives to increase consciousness concerning his intuition. He pays attention to invisible messages and knows deep within that there is something working that is much more than a coincidence.
Spiritual beings have an awareness of the nonphysical world and are not stuck exclusively in a universe restricted to the functioning of their five senses. Hence all thoughts, invisible though they may be, are something to pay attention to. But intuition is much more than a thought about something, it is almost as if one is receiving a gentle prod to behave in a certain way or to avoid something that might be dangerous or unhealthy. Although inexplicable, our intuition is truly a factor of our lives.
For the non-spiritual person, this seems to be merely a hunch and nothing to study or become more attuned to. The non-spiritual person thinks, "It will pass. It is just my mind at work in its disorderly way " For the spiritual person, these inner intuitive expressions are almost like having a dialogue with God.

A Personal Perspective
I view my intuition about everything and anything as God talking to me. I pay attention when I "feel something" strongly and I always go with that inner inclination. At one time in my life I ignored it, but now I know better and these intuitive feelings always, and I mean always, guide me in a direction of growth and purposefulness. Sometimes my intuition tells me where to go to write, and I follow, and the writing is always smooth and flowing. When I have ignored this intuition, I have struggled tremendously and blamed "writer's block."
I have come to not only trust that guidance in my writing, but to rely on it in virtually all areas of my life. I have developed a private relationship with my intuition from what to eat and what to write about, to how to relate to my wife and other family members. I meditate on it, trust it, study it, and seek to become more aware of it. When I do ignore it, I pay a price, and then remind myself of the lesson to trust that inner voice the next time.
I figure if I can talk to God and call it prayer, believing in such a universal divine presence, then there is nothing loony about having God talk to me. All the spiritual people I've read about share a similar feeling. Intuition is loving guidance and they know enough not to ignore it.

Becoming Spiritual ~ Part 3 of the 12 beliefs & practices to cultivate in order to manifest miracles in our life.

9. The non-spiritual being is involved in a lot of fighting, he is aligned with the tools of power in a war against that which he believes to be evil. This person knows what he hates, and experiences a great deal of inner turmoil over perceived wrongs. Much of his energy, both mental and physical, is devoted to what he perceives to be bad or evil.
Spiritual beings do not order their lives to be against anything. They are not against starvation, they are for feeding people and seeing that everyone in the world is nutritionally satisfied. They work on what they are for, rather than fighting what they are against. Fighting starvation only weakens the fighter and makes him angry and frustrated, while working for a well-fed populace is empowering. Spiritual beings are not against war, they are for peace and spend their energy on working for peace. They do not join a war on drugs or poverty, because wars need warriors and fighters, and this will not make the problems go away. Spiritual beings are for a well-educated youth, who can be euphoric, giddy and high without the need for external substances. They work toward this end, helping young people to know the power of their own minds and bodies. They fight nothing.
When you fight evil by employing the methods of hatred and violence, you are part of the hatred and violence of evil itself. despite the rightness of your position in your own mind. If all the people in the world who are against terrorism and war were to shift their perspective to supporting and working for peace, terrorism and war would be eliminated.
Somehow our priorities are turned inside out. Spiritual beings do not get tied up with hatred. They are focused thoughtfully on what they are for and they translate that into action. Spiritual beings keep their thoughts on love and harmony, in the face of things they would love to see changed. All that you fight weakens you. All that you are for empowers you. In order to manifest miracles, you must be totally focused on what you are for. Real magic occurs in your life when you have eliminated the hatred that is in your life, even the hatred that you have against hatred.

10. The non-spiritual person feels no sense of responsibility to the universe, therefore he has not developed a reverence for life. The spiritual being has a reverence for life that goes to the essence of all beings.
The non-spiritual being believes, as Gary Zukav has said, "that we are conscious and that the universe is not." He thinks that his existence will end with this lifetime and that he is not responsible to the universe. The non-spiritual being has become arrogant.
The spiritual being behaves as if the God in all life matters, and he feels a sense of responsibility to the universe. He is in awe of this life and that he has a mind with which to process the physical universe. That awe leads him to look outward at all life and the environment with a sense of appreciation and reverence, to engage with life itself at a deeper level than merely the material world.
To the spiritual being the cycles of life are approached as representatives of infinity, with reverence that is truly an honoring of life. It is a gentle and kind approach toward all that is in our world, a recognition that the earth itself and the universe beyond has a consciousness and that our life is connected in some unseen way to all life now and in the past. The invisible intelligence that suffuses all form is a part of ourselves, thus a reverence for all life is knowing that there is a soul in everything. That soul is worthy of being honored.
The spiritual person is conscious of the need not to take more from the earth than is needed, and to give back to the universe in some fashion for those who will habitate the planet after himself. Miracle-making capability comes out of a strong reverence for all life, including your own, and therefore in order to know real magic you must learn to think and act in ways consistent with being a reverent spiritual being.

11. The non-spiritual being is laden with grudges, hostility, and the need for revenge. The spiritual being has no room in his heart for these impediments to miracle making and real magic.
The spiritual being knows that all spiritual masters have talked about the importance of forgiveness. Here are few examples from our major religious teachings:

Judaism: The most beautiful thing a man can do is to forgive wrong.
Christianity: Then Peter came up and said to him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?" "As many as seven times." Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven."
Islam: Forgive thy servant seventy times a day.
Sikhism: Where there is forgiveness there is God himself.
Taoism: Recompense injury with kindness.
Buddhism: Never is hate diminished by hatred. It is only diminished by love. This is an eternal law.

For the spiritual being it is crucial to be able to "walk the talk." One cannot profess to be a practicing member of a given faith, and then behave in ways inconsistent with the teachings. Forgiveness is an act of the heart.

12. The non-spiritual being believes that there are real world limitations and that although there may be some evidence for the existence of miracles, they are viewed as random happenings for a few fortunate others. The spiritual being believes in miracles and his own unique ability to receive loving guidance and to experience a world of real magic.
The spiritual being knows that miracles are very real. He believes the forces that have created miracles for others are still present in the universe and can be tapped into. The non-spiritual being sees miracles in a totally different light. He believes them to be accidents, and therefore has no faith in his own ability to participate in the miracle-making process.

Conclusion
The spiritual dozen require very little of you. They are not difficult to understand nor do they require any long training or indoctrination on your part. They can be accomplished in this very instant in which you are reading. Becoming a spiritual being takes place within that invisible self I have been writing about. Regardless of how you have chosen to be up until now, working toward becoming a spiritual being can be your choice today. You do not have to adopt any specific religious tenets or undergo a religious transformation you simply have to decide that this is the way you would like to live out the remainder of your life. With this kind of inner commitment you are on your way.
It is important to recognize that real magic is unavailable to those who choose the non-spiritual life. Being able to make miracles happen is fundamentally a result of how you choose to align yourself, how you choose to use your mind, and how much faith you have in being able to use it to affect your physical world.

About Dr. Wayne Dyer, author of "Real Magic''

Dr. Wayne Dyer has a doctorate in counseling psychology, and is a renowned national speaker and author.

Dr. Dyer can be reached by writing to:
Dr. Wayne Dyer,
1905 N. Ocean Blvd., #17-C,
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
33305 USA

***These articles were excerpted and reprinted with permission from "Real Magic" © 1992, published by William Morrow & Company, Inc., 105 Madison Ave., NYC, NY 10016.
Information/Ordering on amazon.com
***For more books on spirituality visit Inner-Self.com online bookstore.
Books purchased through InnerSelf.com and MightyNatural.com help fund InnerSelf Magazine online and keep it free.

Transform Your Life ~ Oprah

2005-01-20T21:00:00.000-05:00

grow old with me - james browne, artist

Fitness
Weight
Your Health
Beauty
Sexuality
At Any Age
Emotional Well-being
Bob Greene
Begin to Cope with Tragedy
Use tragedy as a catalyst for positive change. Begin the healing process and see where life leads you—it may just be more fulfilling!
You can use tragedy as a catalyst for positive change. Begin the process of healing and see where your life leads you…it may just be more fulfilling.
Begin Healing:
Life coach Cheryl Richardson shares four simple steps to start the healing process.
Workbook :
Answer these questions to begin the coping process.
Journal Exercise:
Revisit a favorite memory. It might make a world of difference.
For inspiring stories of triumph, see what happened on the show:
Lifestyle Makeovers: How Well Do You Cope?

lost star - james browne, artist

Understanding Your Emotional Style - Oprah
OPRAH: INSIDE SPIRIT AND SELF
Understanding Your Emotional Style
Identify your emotional style—it may be hurting your relationships and be keeping you from living your best life!
KNOW YOURSELF > Go to Finding Your Authentic Self.
What's Your Emotional Style? Most people can identify with at least one of these emotional styles. Read each of the following groups of questions, and then begin to discover your own emotional style:

Did you have a loss early in life that makes you fear losing people?
Do you cling to people or push them away because you're afraid of losing them?
In relationships, are you so obsessed with the fear you'll be left, that you push people away?
1. Your emotional style could be Abandonment. Read more about Abandonment.
Do you find yourself irritated when someone keeps you from doing what you want?
Do you feel that you are somehow special, and the rules don't apply to you?
2. Your emotional style could be Entitlement. Read more about Entitlement.
Are you drawn to people who control you or make decisions for you?
Do you feel guilty about having needs or wants of your own?
Do you feel resentful when your needs or wishes aren't considered?
3. Your emotional style could be Subjugation. Read more about Subjugation.
When you were young, were you made to feel that you didn't belong in some way?
Do you tend to feel like an outsider in a group?
Are you shy and self-conscious in social situations?
4. Your emotional style could be Exclusion. Read more about Exclusion.
Do you feel people can't be trusted?
As a child, were you treated unfairly or abused?
Do you feel that people you are close to will betray your trust?
5. Your emotional style could be Mistrust. Read more about Mistrust.
As a child, were you put down or made to feel inept?
Do you fear you won't succeed at anything, no matter how hard you try?
Do you feel that you don't deserve the success you've had?
6. Your emotional style could be Failure. Read more about Failure.
Do you feel that if people knew the "real" you, they would see that you're flawed?
Do you feel a sense of shame that keeps you from letting people get close?
Are you drawn to people who are critical and rejecting of you?
7. Your emotional style could be Unlovability. Read more about Unlovability.
Do you hold yourself to the highest standards, but feel it's never good enough?
When you were young, were you made to feel you could always do better, no matter what you accomplished?
Do your relationships or health suffer because you push yourself too hard?
8. Your emotional style could be Perfectionism. Read more about Perfectionism.
Do you often feel that people don't really care about your needs or tune into your feelings?
Do you often find yourself in a caretaker role with others?
Are you drawn to relationships with people who are cold, or self-absorbed?
9. Your emotional style could be Deprivation. Read more about Deprivation.
Do you often have the fear that something bad will happen to you or a loved one?
Do your fears keep you from doing things that you would like?
Are you overly preoccupied with worries about health or finances?
10. Your emotional style could be Vulnerability. Read more about Vulnerability.

Emotional Alchemy: How the Mind Can Heal the Heart
- by Tara Bennett-Goleman
In Tara Bennett-Goleman's book,Emotional Alchemy, she identifies 10 emotional styles that we all can identify. Your emotional style is your instinctive emotional reaction to situations. It's important to identify your emotional style, Tara adds, because it could be hurting your relationships, and ultimately keeping you from living your best life.
From the Publisher
Alchemists sought to transform lead into gold. In the same way, says Tara Bennett-Goleman, we all have the natural ability to turn our moments of confusion or emotional pain into insightful clarity.
Emotional Alchemy maps the mind and shows how, according to recent advances in cognitive therapy, most of what troubles us falls into ten basic emotional patterns, including fear of abandonment, social exclusion (the feeling we don't belong), and vulnerability (the feeling that some catastrophe will occur). Through the simple practice of mindfulness taught in this book, we can free ourselves of such patterns and replace them with empathy for ourselves and others, as well as the freedom to be more creative and alive.
You'll find the very latest research in neuroscience—including the neurological "magic quarter second," during which it is possible for a thought to be "caught" before it turns into an emotional reaction. And you'll discover the fascinating parallels of this science with the wisdom of ancient Buddhism — for Buddhists knew centuries ago that we can end our self-destructive habits.
This remarkable book also teaches the practice of mindfulness, an awareness that lets us see things as they truly are without distortion or judgment, giving the most insightful explanation of how mindfulness can change not only our lives, but the very structure of our brains. Here is a beautifully rendered work full of Buddhist wisdom and stories of how people have used mindfulness to conquer their self-defeating habits. The result is a whole new way of approaching our relationships, work, and internal lives.
From the Oprah Show, Understanding Your Emotional Style

take flight - james browne, artist
Finding Your Authentic Self - Oprah
Get Your Power Back
Begin to build authentic power—the kind of power that comes from inside. Once you create it, it can never be taken away from you.
How to Get Your Power Back
Discovering Why You Are Here
Who Are You, Really?
Staying True to You
Understanding Your Emotional Style
Dr. Phil: Self Matters Workshop
Ten Truths to Transform Your Life
When Life Seems Unfair
What do you do when nothing is going your way? Do you ask, "Why me?" or do you look for what your life is trying to tell you? How you choose to respond to the difficult things that happen to you can mean the difference between a life of anger…or joy.
Spiritual counselor Gary Zukav says that everything happens for a reason, and that reason is your spiritual growth. Find out what you can do when life takes a turn that just doesn't seem fair.
Get to the Heart of the Problem > Take responsibility for yourself and your life.
What Did You Do to Deserve This? > Feeling that you're a victim may be imprisoning you in your pain.
Shift the Way You See the World > Having a different outlook could take away the pain and change the course of your life.
Are stress, bad relationships and other energy drains making you miserable and even causing illness and disease? What do you do when nothing is going your way?
Begin to turn tragedy into spiritual growth.
Beginning to Cope with Tragedy
Grief-Healing Techniques
How to Forgive Yourself.
Say "Yes" to You.
Energy Drains
Quiz: What's Draining You?
What to Do When Life Seems Unfair
What Fuels You? Healthy vs. Unhealthy Fuels
Quiz: What's Fueling You?
Quiz: Are You Running on Adrenaline?
Energy Drains and Your Health
Stress Check List
Steps to Live in the Moment
Relaxation Techniques
Get a New Leash on Life: Exercise in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Learn How to be an Optimist.
Stamina Quiz: Can You Keep Up?
From the Oprah Show Gary Zukav: What to Do When Life Seems Unfair

der sandman - james browne, artist

KNOW YOURSELF > Go to What Do You Believe?
Forgiveness doesn't mean you approve of what's happened—it means you're allowing yourself to move on. Learn to cope with the past.

Make Peace with Your Past > Features & Advice
Forgiveness doesn't mean you approve of what's happened—it means you're allowing yourself to move on. Learn to cope with the past.

Dr. Phil says that forgiveness is what you do for yourself, not for other people. When you forgive, it doesn't mean that you approve of what's happened; instead, it means that you're giving yourself permission to move on with your life.
Dr. Phil's Advice to Cope with the Past

The pain of what happened is inevitable, but continuing to suffer is optional.
For some people, making peace happens suddenly and spontaneously. For others, it takes much effort and time. There is no "right" timeline for recovery.
Find meaning in what happened. Discover some wisdom from your experience, and share it with others.
Don't expect a success-only journey. People can thrive and suffer at the same time.
While the pain may never completely disappear, you can find a new sense of strength and a renewed appreciation for life, as long as you're willing to make the effort.

From the show Dr. Phil: Making Peace with Your PastRelationships > Family Dynamics > Rebuilding Connections > How do you make peace and patch things up with your family?

Take Control of your Life ~ Oprah

bee catcher - james browne, artist

Learn to Say "No"
Each time you say "yes" to someone or something else, you say "no" to you and your priorities. Learn to decline requests!
Taking Control Features and Advice:

TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE > Taking Control
Confront Your Toxic Relationships
Are you afraid of confronting someone in your life who is critical, judgmental or just can't be happy for your success?
Your life may be full of people who are draining your energy and therefore not letting you live the life of your dreams. Life coach Cheryl Richardson helps you find out how to identify these people and take steps to heal or end these relationships.
Toxic Qualities in People
Several types of people deter you from your path to living a fulfilled life. Cheryl describes six toxic qualities.
Test the Quality of Your Relationships
Determine whether a relationship drains you or fuels you. Ask yourself the following questions.
Confronting Conflict with Grace
If you feel a relationship can be healed, follow these three steps. Plus, get the words to say to stand up to your toxic friends and family.

Are you confronting the negative relationships in your life? What have you done to make them better?
From the Oprah Show Lifestyle Makeovers: Toxic Relationships

Discovering and Living Your Passion ~ Oprah

2005-01-20T19:30:00.000-05:00

emma's ladybug - james browne, artist

Discovering Your Passion

KNOW YOURSELF > Discovering Your Passion
Every day, your life is speaking to you, telling you exactly where you should be going. Are you listening? Examine your life—you could be in for a great change!
Are You Listening to Your Life?
Life coach Cheryl Richardson is here to help you examine your own life. Let these success stories help you recognize the signs in your own life.
Lessons for Listening to Your Life

Lesson #1: Take Responsibility for Your Life.
Responsibility Exercises
Tyler Perry: Four years ago, he was an unsuccessful playwright and homeless—his life turned around when he forgave the past and took responsibility for his future.

Lesson #2: Live in the Moment.
What it Means to Live in the Moment
Sue Hendrickson: This female "Indiana Jones" says staying in the moment allowed her intuition to lead her to some of the most important discoveries in history!

Lesson #3: Follow Your Intuition.
How to Listen to Your Intuition
Eileen Fisher: She turned her last dollars into a fashion empire by following her heart and intuition!

KNOW YOURSELF > Discovering Your Passion > Where to Look for Signs
Can you open your heart and mind to listen? Learn to keep an open mind about where you'll get these messages. Our lives communicate with us in many ways; messages can come from many places:
Learn where to look for signs.
Learn to keep an open mind about where you'll get these messages—they can come from many places:

People. By paying close attention to conversations with friends, family members or coworkers, you may hear important information.
Journaling. Use your journal to dialogue with your "Wise Self" by asking a question, getting quiet, and then writing whatever comes to mind. This is a great way to train yourself to look inside for
answers first.
TV and Radio. By paying attention to what occurs around you, you might even find that information or next steps come to you in the most unusual ways. You may get an answer while watching a favorite TV program or tap into a specific memory or feeling while listening to the radio.
Dream Messages. Find out how to tap in to your dreams—they can give you insight into your life.

Are You Listening to Your Life? > Features & Advice

Life-Changing Questions
Start making and stop breaking your inner resolutions. Uncover the qualities you need to develop, such as courage, taking risks and setting boundaries!
Discovering Your Passion Features

Create a Life Map
Steps to Finding Your Passion
Finding Meaning and Purpose in Your Life
Are You Listening to Your Life?
Life-Changing Questions
What's Next for You?
Passion Assignment: Finding Encouragement
Passion Assignment: Interview Family and Friends
Passion Assignment: What Brings You Joy?
What Oprah Knows for Sure About Joy
Passion Assignment: 50 Things You Love
Deborah Norville's AHA! Moment
Wildly Improbable Goals
The Clue is in Your Funprint
Ask Yourself: What Should I Do with My Life?
How to Open Yourself to Your Life's Purpose
From the Oprah Show Lifestyle Makeovers: Are You Listening to Your Life?

given to fly - james browne, artist

Living Your Passion

Brainstorm Your Passion!
Many people are not following their passion because they are creatively blocked or paralyzed by fear. A brainstorming session could help you get "unstuck!"
"You'd be amazed at how people help once you're willing to ask." — Oprah
Many people are not following their passion because they are creatively blocked, paralyzed by fear or don't have the money. Cheryl Richardson suggests holding a brainstorming session. It's one of the quickest ways to get unstuck—use the creativity of others!
How To Brainstorm

Get a group of people together. Ask a couple friends, family members or coworkers to join you. You can even ask these people to bring someone you don't know to the group. This might introduce new and different ideas.
State your passion and your goals. Tell the group why you feel stuck.
Open the session to idea. Remember, any and all ideas are welcome. Make sure you have assigned someone in the group to record all ideas so you can reference them later.
Take action! Make it your goal to explore one of the brainstorming ideas shortly after your meeting. You owe it to yourself, your brainstorming friends and your dreams!

Brainstorming in Action
Renee, Cynthia and Kristin are three different women with the same obstacle—they don't know how to start doing what they love. A brainstorming session with Cheryl and some friends gave them the energy and ideas to start pursuing their passions! Within 12 hours, the women in this group all took action! See the results of their brainstorming session.

Living Your Passion Features and Advice ~

Circle Power!
Investing In Me, Inc.
The F Word: Failure
What Oprah Knows for Sure About Success
22 Achievements to Celebrate
Poll: What's Your Passion?
Steps to Pursuing Your Passion
Brainstorm Your Passion.
Create a Passion Support Group: Six Steps
Find Time to Pursue Your Passion.
Passion in Action
The Power of 'To Do' Lists
Are You Now, or Have You Ever Been Ambitious?
What to Do When You're Out of Work
How to Work from Home
Pursue Your Passion: Writing
What's Holding You Back? Eight Critical Choices
Working Spirit: Six Signs to Knowing It's Time to Move On
Adventurous Thinkers
Unusual Passions
Fun at Work
Moms with Careers: How Does She Do It ?

From the Oprah Show Lifestyle Makeovers: Pursuing Your Passion

Circle Power!
We're wired to connect and communicate. That's how we soothe ourselves; that's how we get things done. Band together, form a group—there is a circle for everyone!
"CIRCLE POWER" By Rachel Lehmann-Haupt
Join hands, everyone—this month we celebrate the power of circles. Because when women band together—whether it's for Scrabble or support, reading or righting wrongs, the greater good or the greater hilarity (or maybe all the above)—life just seems to get better. It's kind of a girl thing.
We now know that men and women respond to stress differently. Men tend to fight or flee; we're wired to connect and communicate. We phone friends. We form groups. That's how we soothe ourselves; that's how we get things done. For anyone who could use a hug, a shove, a good laugh, or a good cause, there's a circle. And if there isn't one yet, we say...
Start one. Create your own circle, and meet amazing women who already have:

The Real Health Clubs
Joining a group, any group, is a way to lift depression, boost your immune system, and maybe even help you get pregnant. Community not only lifts the soul but may also be beneficial to your health. Although the science can be squishy, with many contradictory results, a growing number of studies are showing that different kinds of socializing, from playing bingo to participating in support groups, can do a body good.
Get the scoop on how circles can keep you healthy. Be a Part of These Circles...

The Scrabble Club.
Brain Exchange.
Women's Mountain Bike & Tea Society.
Peace x Peace.

Sound like a bunch of children's games? Join some of the most innovative and extraordinary girl groups since Diana Ross and the Supremes.
From the November 2003 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine.

fairy dust - james browne, artist

Inspirations and Meditations ~ Oprah

Four Audio Meditations
Meditation allows you to bring together your mind, body and spirit. Take five minutes out of your day to get in touch with yourself. Start with these four audio meditations.
Guided Meditation with Dr. Ornish
Along with eating the right food and getting enough exercise, he recommends meditation as a powerful way to stay healthy. Learn to relax.

Meditation Features and Advice:

Getting Started: Sharon Salzberg Answers Questions
Four Audio Meditations by Sharon Salzberg
The Power of Meditation: Oprah and Cheryl Richardson
Guided Meditation from Oprah
Meditate with Cheryl Richardson
Mindfulness Exercise with Martha Beck
Oprah's Journey By Herself
Meditation with Dean Ornish, M.D.

The Breathing Space Gallery
~ a collection of photographs contributed by people like you! Look through the entire gallery, go directly to a picture from this month's theme, or submit your own images!

Browse this photo gallery of children's artwork ~ See what happens when Breathing Space inspires a fifth grade class!
The Breathing Space Gallery on Oprah.com is inspired by the Breathing Space photographs in O, The Oprah Magazine

AHA! Moments
~ Stories of Women from "O, The Oprah Magazine"

Every month, O, The Oprah Magazine profiles women who are inspiring others, forging new paths, or beating the odds. Discover how these women are using their lives. Their stories might change your life.

My Own RealAge Test + Osteoarthritis Test Results

2005-01-14T18:36:00.000-05:00

I know my RealAge. Do you know yours?
Yes, you DO have control of your lifespan, your quality of life, the unfolding of your future, the quality of life on your street...planet. You don't have to feel paralyzed and out-of-control, not of your health, your lifestyle, your world. I took this test over 2 years ago and was physically older than my actual age.

I just finished the RealAge test:
My calendar age is 51.7, my new RealAge is 46.3 -->
I'm 5.4 years younger and I FEEL at least that much younger, but I still ACT like a kid.
hugs,
annemieke

About The RealAge Test:
You have been invited to join the 10 million-plus women and men who have already taken the RealAge test. Is your biological age older or younger than your calendar age? Discover your RealAge today, and you'll also receive personalized recommendations on looking, feeling and actually becoming younger.

My Test Results from RealAge Health Assessments ~ Osteoarthritis
Recommendations
You have indicated that your joint pain is made worse by inflammation. Usually, inflammation is not part of osteoarthritis, but there can be flare-ups due to inflammation. If your joint pain has become worse because of inflammation, see your doctor immediately to find out what may have caused the inflammation and to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Ask your doctor if you should stay on your present treatment and wait for the pain to get better or take a new medication to fight the inflammation. Often, the inflammation is short-lived and will go away by itself.
Your doctor may suggest that you take an NSAID. medication for a few weeks or months. These medications can upset your stomach. Make sure that you understand both the benefits and side effects of the NSAID that you are taking.
The following may increase the risk of side effects from taking NSAIDs. Be sure to tell your doctor that you:

have had past bleeding or ulcer experience
have had gastrointestinal side effects (e.g., heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting) when taking NSAIDs.
drink alcohol

Things You Are Doing Right
You did the right thing(s) by:

seeing a doctor—There are many effective treatments for diseases that affect the joints and cause pain and disability. Because there also are very many joint diseases, it is very important to get a proper diagnosis to select the best treatments.
attending an arthritis self-help class or course—A number of studies demonstrated both short- and long-term benefits, including reduced pain.
participating in an exercise program—Moderate physical activity within the limits of comfort and with normal motions has many benefits. People with osteoarthritis have experienced considerable improvements in their ability to move around, depression, anxiety, ability to take care of daily chores, and reduction of pain. Keep exercising regularly, every day.
exercising on your own—Aerobic exercise improves the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Aquatics and walking especially help with your ability to move around, to take care of daily chores, to help reduce pain, and to reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. Strength exercises are an excellent way of coping with osteoarthritis. For example, the stronger the quadriceps muscle, the lower the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. Range of motion and flexibility exercises can improve your ability to reach, grasp, and move around. Try to move as far as your joint lets you and stretch just slightly beyond the point where you feel initial tension. Keep exercising regularly, every day.
using heat to relieve pain and stiffness—Warming up joints can give temporary relief. Heat applied to the aching joint often relieves the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis. You can use heat in many ways, and you need not use wax or paraffin baths to benefit from heat. Simply make sure your heat sources are safe and will not cause burns or scalding.
taking nonprescription (over-the-counter) pain relievers—It is always a good idea to start with the lowest dose of pain medication that gives you relief. Effective pain relief is not only valuable in its own right, but also helps you move about and exercise, which then helps relieve pain further.
using prescription medications—Using prescription medication is often necessary to control pain and allow you to move your joints. It is a good idea to use times of effective pain relief to do regular daily exercise. Make sure you do low- or nonimpact exercises and do not otherwise damage your joints. Low-impact endurance plus strength and flexibility exercise can give you additional pain relief.
reducing your weight—Lower weight reduces the stress that you put on leg joints and reduces the chances that osteoarthritis will progress in general. For example, when you step down stairs, your knees are stressed with twice to five times your body weight. So, losing even a couple of pounds may reduce the force on your knees by 10 pounds every time you step down.
using heat and cold treatment—Heat and cold can help reduce pain. Cold packs can reduce pain and swelling especially if you have an inflammatory flareup. Make sure that you do not use cold for more than about 20 minutes at a time. Following up with heat treatment supports blood flow and relaxes your muscles.
using helpful devices such as shoe inserts, canes, braces, crutches, or walkers—There are many products that you can use to distribute weight and properly align joints. Keep using the ones that work best for you.

Treatment Choices
Treatments for osteoarthritis mostly aim at controlling pain, improving the ability to work and take care of normal life, and maintaining quality of life.
Go to Managing Osteoarthritis in "Topics" to see detailed descriptions of each treatment. Be sure to see your doctor before trying any treatment.
Select a treatment type and a treatment to see a description:

1. Lifestyle and Self-Care—Learning About Osteoarthritis
Because there are many ways to reduce the pain and impairment from osteoarthritis, and perhaps even slow its progression, it is important to know about the nature of the disease and what can be done about it.
Go to Resources to see links to scientific papers, books, and Web sites.
2. Lifestyle and Self-Care—Self-Care Courses
The Arthritis Foundation sponsors an Arthritis Self-Help Course that teaches proper use of exercise, medications, and other pain management techniques.

What To Expect From Your Doctor ~ During a Medical Examination
Generally it is not difficult to tell if a person has osteoarthritis. There is, however, no test for the condition, so it is diagnosed based on symptoms and physical examination.
Symptoms are:

swollen joints
a joint that looks red, feels hot, or is tender to the touch
joint pain that is bothersome and increasing in spite of self-care
decreased joint mobility
morning stiffness in one or more joints

When you see your doctor, the medical examination will probably include the following:

your medical history — symptoms, description of pain, stiffness and joint function; how your symptoms are affecting your work and daily life; other medical conditions; and whether you are taking any medications and nutritional supplements
physical examination—general health, restricted movement, joint swelling, tenderness over the joint, any thinning of muscles; and excess fluid or instability in the joints
x-ray—sometimes used to confirm that joint problems are due to osteoarthritis and not some other form of arthritis
laboratory tests—no blood tests for osteoarthritis; but your doctor can rule out other types of arthritis
tests of joint fluid—sometimes used to check for particles that may cause pain

"comic relief " - james browne, artist

RealAge Tips and Strategies to Grow...Younger

2005-01-14T10:06:00.000-05:00

"duncan" - james browne, artist

The Top 12 Grow Younger® Strategies ~
designed to make your RealAge younger
For personalized recommendations, take the RealAge test.

Take your vitamins.
Regularly taking vitamin C (1200 mg/day), vitamin E (400 IU/day), calcium (1000-1200 mg/day), vitamin D (400-600 IU/day), folate (400 mcg/day), and vitamin B6 (6mg/day) can make your RealAge 6 years younger.
Quit smoking and avoid passive smoking.
Smoking makes your RealAge 8 years older.
Know your blood pressure.
A person with low blood pressure (~115/75) is as much as 25 years younger than a person with high blood pressure (over 160/90).
Reduce stress.
In highly stressful times, your RealAge can be as much as 32 years older than your calendar age. By building strong social networks and adopting stress-reduction strategies, you can erase 30 of those 32 years of aging caused by stress.
Floss your teeth.
Flossing and brushing daily can make your RealAge 6.4 years younger.
Be active.
Even a small amount of exercise—two 20-minute walks per day—can make your RealAge nearly 5 years younger.
Wear a seat belt.
Regularly wearing a seat belt and driving within 5 miles per hour of the speed limit can make your RealAge as much as 3.4 years younger.
Fill up on fiber.
Getting 25 grams of fiber per day in your diet can make your RealAge 2.5 years younger than if you only included 12 grams of fiber per day in your diet. Men may need even more than 25 grams of fiber per day.
Laugh a lot.
Laughter reduces stress, strengthens the immune system, and can make your RealAge as much as 8 years younger.
Monitor your health.
People who are proactive about seeking high-quality medical care and managing chronic conditions can have a RealAge as much as 12 years younger than their peers who do not.
Become a life-long learner.
People who remain intellectually involved throughout their lives have a RealAge as much as 2.5 years younger.

Take the RealAge test; develop an Age Reduction Plan
Over your lifetime, you can make your RealAge as much as 26 years younger. That means that you will live younger every day, and live longer with as much health and energy as possible.

"waiting for darby" - james browne, artist (Check out his latest work!)

james browne, artist, with darby (Read James' Biography)

Face It
Gazing at familiar faces, even in pictures, may help you feel less stressed.
The look of a familiar face appears to soothe nerves and dampen the stress response, according to a new study. And finding the familiar face in a photograph produces the same effect. Spend time with friends and family when you're feeling stressed and keep photos on hand for times when they can't be near.
RealAge Benefit: Taking care of your emotional health and well-being can make your RealAge up to 16 years younger.
Originally published on 11/19/2004
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Stress causes your body to release adrenaline and cortisol, hormones associated with the "fight or flight" response. These hormones kick your body into high gear by dilating your pupils, diverting blood flow to your muscles, and increasing your heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. Although some stress is good, chronic stress is associated with increased rates of depression and anxiety and may aggravate other medical conditions. Keep stress at bay by getting regular exercise, practicing some form of relaxation or meditation technique, eating a healthful diet, and spending time with family and friends.
REFERENCES
Face pictures reduce behavioural, autonomic, endocrine and neural indices of stress and fear in sheep. da Costa, A. P., Leigh, A. E., Man, M. S., Kendrick, K. M., Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B. Biological Sciences : Biological Sciences 2004 Oct 7;271(1552):2077-2084.

Mood Movies
Strengthen the bond between you and your partner this weekend by watching a romantic movie.
Watching romantic movie scenes not only puts you in a romantic frame of mind, but it also may affect hormone levels in your body. A new study revealed that levels of progesterone, a hormone that promotes bonding and relaxation, were increased in both men and women while watching a romantic flick.
RealAge Benefit: Long-term, loving relationships can make your RealAge as much as 6.5 years younger.
Originally published on 12/03/2004
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Having close, loving relationships promotes health. Social ties provide people with coping mechanisms for stress. Unchecked stress levels may contribute to needless aging because stress has a physiological effect on the body that suppresses the immune system and puts certain systems into overdrive. However, research shows that people are often calmed by the presence of loved ones. Talking out your troubles with a close friend or family member can help assuage stress, too. If friends are not near, try keeping a journal or calling friends on the phone whenever you need to release your worries.
REFERENCE
Effects of affiliation and power motivation arousal on salivary progesterone and testosterone. Schultheiss, O. C., Wirth, M. M., Stanton, S. J., Hormones and Behavior, 2004 Dec; 46(5): 592-599.

Sunny Side Up
Seeing the bright side of things can add years to your life.
Optimists tend to outlive pessimists and are less likely to die from cardiovascular disease, a new study revealed. Pessimists may be more likely to smoke or gain weight, factors that increase cardiovascular health risks. Focus on the good things in your life and seek out the positive aspects of difficult situations.
RealAge Benefit: Taking care of your emotional health and well-being can make your RealAge up to 16 years younger.
Originally published on 12/10/2004
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Not every cloud has a silver lining, but trying to find the positive in situations is a good health habit to practice. This doesn't mean that negative experiences should be ignored. Recognize their impact, but try not to dwell on negative situations that you cannot change and look forward to good things in life. New research reveals that optimists live longer than pessimists and are less likely to die from cardiovascular disease. Although no one is sure exactly why, researchers have noted that pessimists may be more likely to develop high blood pressure, gain weight, or start smoking, all of which endanger heart and blood vessel health. Diet, exercise, and many other healthy lifestyle habits have a great impact on life span.
REFERENCES
Dispositional optimism and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in a prospective cohort of elderly dutch men and women. Giltay, E. J., Geleijnse, J. M., Zitman, F. G., Hoekstra, T., Schouten, E. G., Archives of General Psychiatry 2004 Nov;61(11):1126-1135.

Stress Test
Don't make any big decisions this week if you're feeling stressed.
A little stress helps keep you on your toes for memory-recall tasks. However, research shows that it muddles your mind when you're trying to solve a problem. De-stress before tackling problems by practicing soothing activities, such as deep breathing or meditation exercises.
RealAge Benefit: Taking care of your emotional health and well-being can make your RealAge up to 16 years younger.
Originally published on 12/29/2004
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The body releases adrenaline and other hormones in response to a perceived threat. This so-called "fight or flight" response increases heart rate, dilates pupils, and directs blood to working muscles to prepare the body for action. Students experience a fight or flight response before an exam and you may experience stressful feelings before important events. A recent study revealed that heightened anxiety improves memory recall. However, it hinders problem-solving ability. The finding is consistent with the hypothesis that the areas of the brain involved in problem solving do not respond well to increased levels of stress. Good ways to reduce stress before tackling a complex problem include practicing diaphragmatic breathing exercises, engaging in yoga or meditation, journaling, and spending quiet time outdoors.
REFERENCES
Cognitive consequences of examination stress. Alexander, J. K., Beversdorf, D. Q., Program No. 548.24. 2004 Abstract Viewer/Itinerary Planner. Washington, DC: Society for Neuroscience, 2004. Online.

Heartfelt Support
Forging strong social connections may help you outrun heart disease.
Having a good support system of family and friends not only boosts your immunity and helps you manage life challenges more effectively, but it also may help slow the progression of heart disease, a new study reports. Make spending time with people you care about a priority to protect your ticker.
RealAge Benefit: Having a good social support system of family and friends can make your RealAge up to 3.5 years younger.
Originally published on 01/08/2005
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Protecting your heart requires a combination of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction. If you have heart disease, follow your healthcare provider's advice about diet, exercise, and medication. People with heart disease are at increased risk for heart attack and stroke, so make sure you know the signs of these life-threatening events as well so you can summon emergency help immediately if you or someone you love exhibits the signs. Signs and symptoms of heart attack include chest discomfort that feels like squeezing, fullness, or pain; pain or discomfort in other parts of the upper body, including the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach; difficulty breathing; and sometimes cold sweats, nausea, or lightheadedness. In women, additional signs include unusual fatigue, sleep disturbance, shortness of breath, indigestion, and anxiety.
REFERENCES
Influence of social support on progression of coronary artery disease in women. Wang, H. X., Mittleman, M. A., Orth-Gomer, K., Social Science &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Medicine 2005 Feb;60(3):599-607.

You've Got the Beat
Make sure your day's plans give you plenty of chances to engage in simple social interactions.
Researchers recently utilized a new information gathering technique called the Day Reconstruction Method to try to figure out what makes people happiest. Simple social interactions with other people were often recalled as the most enjoyable experiences of the day.
RealAge Benefit: Taking care of your emotional health and well-being can make your RealAge up to 16 years younger.
Originally published on 01/13/2005
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Leading a balanced life is important for both your physical and emotional health. No matter what your schedule is like, take some time everyday to participate in activities you find relaxing and pleasurable, such as spending time with family and friends, reading, watching television, or going for walks outside. Don't save it all up for the weekend. Make the weekdays brighter by planning a mid-week social gathering or outing with a friend.
REFERENCE
A survey method for characterizing daily life experience: the day reconstruction method. Kahneman, D., Krueger, A. B., Schkade, D. A., Schwarz, N., Stone, A. A., Science 2004 Dec 3;306(5702):1776-1780.

RealAge - Healthy Habits

Can't Keep Still

Are you feeling fidgety? There may be benefits to not sitting still.People who fidget or stay active throughout the day burn more calories and tend to be leaner than people who don't,a recent study suggests. Make time for at least 30 minutesof exercise on most days of the week, but remember any additional daytime activities will help you burn more calories.

RealAge Benefit: Maintaining your weight and body massindex at a desirable level can make your RealAge as muchas 6 years younger.

Originally published on 4/27/2005

MORE

Exercising for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week will help you burn calories while toning and strengthening muscles and improving your heart and lung function. In a recent study, nonexercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) -- energy expenditure from all activities except sleeping, eating, or deliberate exercise -- accounted for significant calorie expenditure in some people. Some examples of NEAT include maintaining posture, fidgeting, and performing household activities, such as cooking, doing laundry, working at the computer, and watering the lawn. Although these activities burn few calories by themselves, they can add up if you stay active throughout the day.

REFERENCES

Role of nonexercise activity thermogenesis in resistance to fat gain in humans. Levine, J. A, Eberhardt, N. L., Jensen, M. D., Science 1999 Jan 8;283(5399):212-214

Pan Handling
Do you want to get as much vitamin C from your frozen veggies as possible? Use a stainless steel pan when you heat them.
Cooking vegetables usually results in at least some destruction of vitamin C. However, one study revealed that vegetables that were boiled in a stainless steel pan retained more of their vitamin C than vegetables that were boiled in a non-stick pan or a glass dish on the stove top.
RealAge Benefit: Getting up to 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C per day from food and supplements can make your RealAge as much as 1 year younger.
Originally published on 10/25/2001
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To retain the high vitamin C content of your frozen veggies, do not thaw them before boiling. Also, use the minimum amount of water necessary to adequately cook the vegetables. Vegetables high in vitamin C include Brussels sprouts, broccoli, red and green bell peppers, and cauliflower.
REFERENCES
Vitamin C losses in some frozen vegetables due to various cooking methods. Nursal, B., Yucecan, S., Die Nahrung 2000 Dec;44(6):451-453

Soy Sauce Secrets
Trading in your saltshaker for a bottle of soy sauce may help reduce your risk of blood clots.
A recent study revealed that soy sauce contains antiplatelet compounds that may help thin the blood. This, in turn, could help reduce the risk of clotting and stroke. Just remember, however, that soy sauce is high in sodium. If you choose soy sauce to season your food, use it sparingly, just as you would table salt.
RealAge Benefit: Actively patrolling your health can make your RealAge as much as 12 years younger.
Originally published on 10/26/2001
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Regular soy sauce contains about 300 milligrams of sodium per teaspoon. To help you stay below the recommended limit of 2,400 milligrams of sodium per day, look for reduced-sodium soy sauce, which contains about 175 milligrams of sodium per teaspoon. Half a teaspoon of table salt contains about 1,000 milligrams of sodium.
REFERENCES
Antiplatelet activity of soy sauce as functional seasoning. Tsuchiya, H., Sato, M., Watanabe, I., Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 1999 Oct;47(10):4167-4174.

Late Day Let Down
If you're trying to meet an afternoon deadline, make sure you take the time to eat lunch.
A recent study revealed that hypoglycemia, a low blood sugar condition that can develop when a person doesn't eat enough, may shorten the attention span temporarily. In the study, people experiencing hypoglycemia had shorter attention spans and processed information more slowly than they did when their blood sugar levels were normal.
RealAge Benefit: Actively patrolling your health can make your RealAge as much as 12 years younger.
Originally published on 11/01/2001
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Hypoglycemia occurs when blood levels of glucose, the body's main fuel, drop too low to sustain the body's activities. Hypoglycemia can occur as a complication of diabetes, or result when a person eats too little food or exercises too strenuously. However, eating just a small amount of food can reverse hypoglycemia.
REFERENCES
Acute hypoglycemia in humans causes attentional dysfunction while nonverbal intelligence is preserved. McAulay, V., Deary, I. J., Ferguson, S. C., Frier, B. M., Diabetes Care 2001 Oct;24(10):1745-1750.

Light Makes Right
If the shorter daylight hours of Standard Time send your mood into a tailspin, consider stepping into the light.
Studies show that light therapy is an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder, a cyclical depressive disorder that some people experience during the darker days of winter. In one study of patients who experienced little natural light, just 30 minutes of bright light therapy per day for five consecutive days was enough to alleviate depression in half of the participants.
RealAge Benefit: Safely getting enough sun can make your RealAge as much as 1.7 years younger.
Originally published on 11/02/2001
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Young people and women are at higher risk for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Symptoms of SAD include depressive symptoms that occur during seasons in which there are fewer hours of daylight. Also, symptoms typically remit during seasons in which there are more daylight hours. Excessive eating, sleeping, and weight gain may occur during depressive episodes. Some sufferers also crave sugary or starchy foods. If you think you may be suffering from SAD, speak with your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
REFERENCES
Bright light treatment decreases depression in institutionalized older adults: a placebo-controlled crossover study. Sumaya, I. C., Rienzi, B. M., Deegan, J. F, 2nd, Moss, D. E., The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences. 2001 Jun;56(6):M356-360.

Too Good
Don't feel bad about feeling full this Thanksgiving.
A recent study revealed that practicing a high level of dietary restraint, such as never allowing yourself to become full when you eat, may lower bone mineral content over time. Of course, this doesn't give you license to stuff yourself, but you don't have to habitually go "underboard" either to stay in good health.
RealAge Benefit: Getting the proper amount of calcium and vitamin D daily can make your RealAge as much as 1.1 years younger.
Originally published on 11/22/2001
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Researchers speculate that extreme dietary restraint releases stress hormones into the blood, and those stress hormones may weaken bones. To keep your bones healthy, make weight-bearing exercises and sensible food servings your mainstay, and be sure to get 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D per day.
REFERENCES
Dietary restraint, exercise, and bone density in young women: are they related? McLean, J. A., Barr, S. I., Prior, J. C., Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2001 Aug;33(8):1292-1296.

RealAge - Fitness

Boost Your Defenses
Something you do for your heart may help rev up your immune system, too.
Working out regularly appears to supercharge your immune system, new research suggests. In a study, fit older men displayed a more robust immune response than their out-of-shape peers. Hitting the gym, going for brisk walks, or playing your favorite sport a few times each week are great ways to meet your minimum exercise needs.
RealAge Benefit: Exercising regularly can make your RealAge as much as 9 years younger.
Originally published on 10/28/2004
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Protecting your immune system is an important part of living younger, longer. Stresses on the immune system can age it prematurely and make you susceptible to illness and disease. In addition to exercising regularly, other ways to protect your immune system are to practice stress reduction exercises regularly and eat a diet rich in antioxidants from a variety of fruits and vegetables. Regular exercise not only protects your immune system, but also improves the function of your heart, lungs, and muscles.
REFERENCES
Influence of age and physical activity on the primary in vivo antibody and T cell-mediated responses in men. Smith, T. P., Kennedy, S. L., Fleshner, M., Journal of Applied Physiology 2004 Aug;97(2):491-498.

Weighty Issues
If you work out regularly, your bathroom scale may not be the best way to assess your heart health.
In a new study, women who were fit and overweight appeared to have healthier hearts than the women who were thin and out of shape. Regardless of your shape, getting 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week can help lower your blood pressure, reduce your cholesterol, and boost your cardiovascular health.
RealAge Benefit: Exercising regularly can make your RealAge as much as 9 years younger.
Originally published on 11/02/2004
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Although your physical fitness levels may be as important to cardiovascular health as your weight, if you are overweight, this doesn't mean that you should abandon your weight loss efforts. Excess weight is still considered a risk factor for heart disease. Also, additional studies have documented the strong link between excess weight and other chronic health conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and back pain. Regular exercise, weight control, and eating a healthy diet that includes a variety of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy omega-3 fats, low-fat dairy, and lean protein remain the mainstays of heart disease prevention. Physical fitness also plays a big role in reducing your risk for many diseases besides heart disease, such as cancer and diabetes.
REFERENCES
Relationship of physical fitness vs. body mass index with coronary artery disease and cardiovascular events in women. Wessel, T. R., Arant, C. B., Olson, M. B., Johnson, B. D., Reis, S. E., Sharaf, B. L., Shaw, L. J., Handberg, E., Sopko, G., Kelsey, S. F., Pepine, C. J., Merz, N. B., The Journal of the American Medical Association 2004 Sep 8;292(10):1179-1187.

Weekend Warrior
When your weekday schedule squeezes workouts out of the picture, you can still add years to your life by making up for it on the weekend.
Regular exercise throughout the week produces the greatest gains in terms of reducing mortality rates. However, in a recent study, people who burned 1,000 calories during active weekends, instead of exercising regularly throughout the week, still experienced significant longevity benefits.
RealAge Benefit: Exercising regularly can make your RealAge as much as 9 years younger.
Originally published on 11/16/2004.
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Cardiovascular exercises, such as running, walking, biking, and swimming, can burn a significant number of calories, even if done at a moderate pace. Strength-training exercises will boost muscle mass, which in turn should help increase the number of calories your body burns in general, even when at rest. Most experts agree that you need at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week to boost overall health and decrease your risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Burning as few as 1,000 calories per week, even if you do so in just one or two workouts, may help you live longer. A study of over 8,000 healthy men found that those who worked out infrequently (1-2 times per week) but expended at least 1,000 calories per week had overall lower mortality rates than the men who were sedentary. In addition to exercise, other healthy lifestyle habits that help you live younger longer include a healthful diet, adequate sleep, and proper stress management techniques.
REFERENCES
The "weekend warrior" and risk of mortality. Lee, I. M., Sesso, H. D., Oguma, Y., Paffenbarger Jr., R. S., American Journal of Epidemiology 2004 Oct 1;160(7):636-641.

Stroll Down Memory Lane
Walking is a boon to both body and mind in your later years.
Walking may help you keep your memory intact, new research revealed. Regular walkers who logged about 2 miles per day had much lower rates of dementia -- an age-related kind of cognitive decline -- than the people who walked less than that or not at all. In addition to mental health benefits, walking also boosts cardiovascular health.
RealAge Benefit: Exercising regularly can make your RealAge as much as 9 years younger.
Originally published on 11/23/2004.
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Mounting evidence suggests that walking, or any other kind of exercise, benefits the mind as much as the body. Two new studies report that older people who walk regularly experience lower rates of dementia compared to those who walk only a little or not at all. In one study, women between the ages of 70 and 81 who walked at least 1.5 hours each week did better on mental function tests than those who walked 40 minutes or less per week. In another study of men aged 71 to 93 years old, those who walked about 2 miles per day were 80% less likely to develop dementia than those who walked less than one quarter of a mile per day. Other ways to protect your health and mental function include eating a healthful diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids from fish, nuts, and olive oil and staying mentally active by reading, learning a new language, and playing word games, such as crossword puzzles.
REFERENCES
Walking and dementia in physically capable elderly men. Abbott, R. D., White, L. R., Ross, G. W., Masaki, K. H., Curb, J. D., Petrovitch, H., The Journal of the American Medical Association 2004 Sep 22;292(12):1447-53.
Physical activity, including walking, and cognitive function in older women. Weuve, J., Kang, J. H., Manson, J. E., Breteler, M. M., Ware, J. H., Grodstein, F., The Journal of the American Medical Association 2004 Sep 22;292(12):1454-61.

Second Wind
Working out later in the day could be a great way to breeze through your exercise routine.
Airway resistance appears to vary throughout the day, according to circadian rhythms, a new study revealed. Schedule time for exercise later in the day when lung function peaks in most people. This schedule could help you feel less winded and help you get more out of your workouts.
RealAge Benefit: Exercising regularly can make your RealAge as much as 9 years younger.
Originally published on 01/05/2005
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Circadian rhythms are internal biological clocks that govern fluctuating body processes such as sleep, activity level, and metabolism. A new study revealed that lung function fluctuates throughout the day as well. Airway resistance is greatest at midday and lightest in the late afternoon -- the time when lung function peaks. Scheduling exercise for the late afternoon when lung function is best may help you reach your peak performance. Additionally, people who take long-acting bronchodilators for the treatment of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other lung conditions may derive the greatest benefits by taking these drugs later in the day when these medications can penetrate deep into the lungs. Ask your healthcare provider for advice on the best dosing schedule for your personal condition.
REFERENCES
Hour-to-hour variation of FEV1/FVC. Medarov, B. I., Meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians, Pulmonary Function Testing, Tuesday, October 26, 2004.

RealAge - Food & Nutrition

Heartfelt News
The word is out—olive oil really is good for your heart.
Bottles of olive oil may soon appear with an FDA-approved health claim touting the heart benefits of this Mediterranean diet staple. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease because of their beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. Use olive oil instead of saturated fat-laden cooking fats such as butter.
RealAge Benefit: Reducing your total cholesterol to 160 mg/dl or lower can make your RealAge as much as 1 year younger.
Originally published on 12/14/2004
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Evidence from numerous studies suggests that olive oil may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. Monounsaturated fats in olive oil appear to reduce blood clot formation and lower the levels of blood fats that contribute to plaque development, such as total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Olive oil also has anti-inflammatory properties. A broad approach to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease should include eating a diet with appropriate amounts of fresh produce, fiber, whole grains, lean protein, and dairy, as well as sufficiently low amounts of saturated fat, cholesterol, refined sugar, and calories. You also can ward off heart disease by exercising regularly and keeping your weight down. If you add olive oil to your diet to improve your heart health, be sure to focus on maintaining the same daily caloric intake. To accomplish this, try using olive oil in place of other calorie-rich fats in your diet, such as butter or vegetable shortening.
REFERENCE
FDA allows qualified health claim to decrease risk of coronary heart disease. FDA news release, November 1, 2004.

Soup Up Your Defenses
Are you feeling stressed this week? Then consider boosting your body's defenses with vitamin C-rich vegetable soup.
Recent research has added support to the theory that harmful aspects of the physiological stress response might be mitigated with dietary interventions. In a study, daily consumption of a vegetable soup that was rich in vitamin C helped to lower people's blood levels of molecules associated with stress.
RealAge Benefit: Getting the right amount of antioxidants through diet or supplements can make your RealAge 6 years younger.
Originally published on 12/20/2004
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The stress response can be good and bad, depending on the type and duration of stress. Intermittent, short-term stress may help stimulate appropriate actions and help provide interest and challenge when it comes to work or other tasks. However, chronic stress may weaken the immune system by keeping the body in an over-stimulated state for a prolonged period of time. Aside from practicing stress reduction strategies, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest, another way to mediate the harmful effects of stress on the body may be through dietary interventions. Choose antioxidant-rich foods, such as soups made from vitamin C-rich vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, and broccoli. The ingredients in gazpacho, a flavorful Spanish-style soup made from tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, olive oil, onions, and garlic, are high in antioxidants that promote health by neutralizing free radicals, compounds that damage cells and DNA. In a recent two-week study, participants who consumed approximately 2 cups of gazpacho per day experienced increases in blood levels of vitamin C and decreases in markers of stress-related inflammation, such as F2-isoprostane, prostaglandin E2, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1.
REFERENCES
Consumption of high-pressurized vegetable soup increases plasma vitamin C and decreases oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in healthy humans. Sánchez-Moreno, C., Cano, M. P., de Ancos, B., Plaza, L., Olmedilla, B., Granado, F., Martín, A., The Journal of Nutrition 2004 Nov;134(11):3021-3025.

Equal Opportunity
Both women and men can take measures to guard against brittle bones.
More than half of all men and women in the U.S. may be at risk for osteoporosis by 2020, a recent report concluded. Although osteoporosis primarily affects women, a growing number of men are affected by the disease as well. Research reveals that hipbone density in both men and women may be bolstered with calcium-rich foods.
RealAge Benefit: Consuming 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day can make your RealAge as much as 1.3 years younger.
Originally published on 12/23/2004
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Osteoporosis is a bone-thinning disease that leads to reduced bone mass and an increased risk of fractures. Reduce your risk of osteoporosis by exercising regularly and getting at least 1,200 milligrams of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D per day. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking up hills or strength training, are best for boosting bone mass. A good option for calcium-rich foods is low-fat dairy, such as low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheeses. If you do not eat dairy products or other calcium-rich foods, be sure to take a calcium supplement. Research shows that for people who eat less than two servings of dairy a day, a calcium supplement may help preserve bone mineral density.
REFERENCES
Dairy intakes affect bone density in the elderly. McCabe, L. D., Martin, B. R., McCabe, G. P., Johnston, C. C., Weaver, C. M., Peacock, M., The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2004 Oct;80(4):1066-1074.

Ocean Minded
Bodies of water may hold one of the keys to Alzheimer's prevention.
New research suggests that a diet high in docosahexanoic acid (DHA), a specific type of omega-3 fatty acid found in certain fish, may help guard against Alzheimer's disease by protecting connections between brain cells involved in learning and memory. Fish rich in this particular type of fat include salmon and tuna.
RealAge Benefit: Eating at least 1 serving of fish per week can make your RealAge up to 2.7 years younger.
Originally published on 01/04/2005
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Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that causes a progressive loss of memory and cognitive function. A recent mouse study determined that a diet high in an omega-3 fatty acid known as docosahexanoic acid (DHA) helps protect the brain against Alzheimer's disease. DHA appears to protect the synapses, or connections, between brain cells critical for learning and memory. Fatty coldwater fish, such as salmon, tuna, and herring contain DHA, as do vegetable oils, such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils. Avoid fish that are long-lived, such as king mackerel and shark, which tend to be high in mercury, an environmental toxin. In addition to increasing fish consumption, other ways to ward off Alzheimer's disease include exercising regularly and keeping your mind sharp by playing intellectually stimulating games, such as chess, bridge, and word puzzles.
REFERENCES
Docosahexaenoic acid protects from dendritic pathology in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Calon, F., Lim, G. P., Yang, F., Morihara, T., Teter, B., Ubeda, O., Rostaing, P., Triller, A., Salem Jr., N., Ashe, K. H., Frautschy, S. A., Cole, G. M., Neuron 2004 Sep 2;43(5):633-645.

A Fruitful Practice
Reach for juicy apples for a healthy dose of disease prevention.
Apples provide your body with quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant that protects cells against wear and tear that can contribute to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Just don't peel them; most of the quercetin found in apples is in the skin, so it's best to wash the fruits well and eat them whole.
RealAge Benefit: Getting the right amount of antioxidants through diet or supplements can make your RealAge 6 years younger.
Originally published on 01/10/2005
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In addition to apples, other good sources of quercetin are onions, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, cherries, broccoli, and leafy greens. Quercetin is a plant pigment that has antioxidant properties. It may be helpful in preventing the oxidation of bad cholesterol and in inhibiting cancerous changes to cells. Studies suggest that people with the highest intakes of quercetin may have a reduced risk of heart disease and lung cancer.
REFERENCE
Improved HPLC determination of phenolic compounds in cv. golden delicious apples using a monolithic column. Chinnici, F., Gaiani, A., Natali, N., Riponi, C., Galassi, S., Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2004 Jan 14;52(1):3-7.
USDA Database for the Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods. U.S. Department of Agriculture, March 2003.

RealAge - Menu Planning

Pass It On
Saying "No, thanks" to baskets of white bread may mean passing on diabetes as well.
In a recent study, people who consumed more white bread than whole-grain breads tended to have the highest risk of adult-onset diabetes. Other foods made from highly refined flours or sugars, such as cookies, crackers, and cakes, also were associated with an increased risk of the condition.
RealAge Benefit: Eating a diverse diet that includes 6 servings of whole grains per day can make your RealAge as much as 4 years younger.
Originally published on 12/06/2004
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Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, brown rice, and whole-wheat pasta, which help keep blood sugar levels steady. These foods have a low glycemic index, which means that they are broken down slowly by the body, helping keep blood sugar levels stable. On the other hand, foods made from white flour and refined sugars are high-glycemic-index foods; they tend to cause spikes in blood sugar levels. In addition to eating a balanced diet that focuses on low-glycemic-index foods, other ways to reduce your risk of diabetes are to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
REFERENCES
Glycemic index and dietary fiber and the risk of type 2 diabetes. Hodge, A. M., English, D. R., O'Dea, K., Giles, G. G., Diabetes Care 2004 Nov;27(11):2701-2706.

Slimming Starter
Don't skip the dinner salad. More is less when it comes to this pre-meal practice.
Research has revealed that people who start their dinners with a low-calorie green salad eat less overall at meals. Just keep the salad to about 100 calories by using small amounts of dressing and skipping the cheese and croutons.
RealAge Benefit: Maintaining your weight and body mass index at a desirable level can make your RealAge as much as 6 years younger.
Originally published on 12/16/2004
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Eating a green salad can help suppress your appetite at mealtime because the fiber in salad ingredients will help you feel full. Also, chewing leafy greens and crunchy veggies will cause you to eat more slowly, giving your body time to feel full before you eat too much. Just avoid adding too many high-calorie toppings to your salad, such as high-fat dressing, full-fat cheese, or croutons, which will contribute to the calorie load. Dressings made with olive or vegetable oil are the healthiest choices. Other tricks to help you eat less at mealtime but still feel satisfied include using smaller plates, eating slowly to avoid overeating, drinking a glass of water before your meal, or eating a piece of high-fiber fruit such as an apple or pear before each meal. If you're trying to keep your weight down, eat a nutrient-rich, calorie-poor diet and get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week.
REFERENCE
Salad and satiety: energy density and portion size of a first-course salad affect energy intake at lunch. Rolls, B. J., Roe, L. S., Meengs, J. S., Journal of the American Dietetic Association 2004 Oct;104(10):1570-1576.

A Mineral to Celebrate
Celebrate the health of your colon with a few servings of selenium-rich foods.
Colon cancer survivors who had the highest levels of the antioxidant mineral selenium in their blood were least likely to have the cancer recur, a recent study reported. Brazil nuts, as well as holiday favorites such as turkey and baked ham, are good sources of selenium. Just don't overdo it by taking a supplement -- too much selenium can be toxic.
RealAge Benefit: Eating a diverse diet that is low in calories and high in nutrients can make your RealAge as much as 4 years younger.
Originally published on 12/22/2004
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Selenium is a trace mineral that the body requires in small amounts. However, it has antioxidant properties that may help fight disease and reduce needless aging. A recent study revealed a relationship between blood levels of selenium and reduced rates of colon cancer recurrence. Researchers believe that selenium may slow or prevent tumor growth by enhancing the activity of immune cells that fight cancer. The RealAge Optimum dose of selenium is 200 micrograms per day. Most people get enough selenium through food and do not need a supplement. Turkey is a good source of selenium (57 micrograms/cup), as are Brazil nuts (540 micrograms/ounce), wheat germ (45 micrograms/half-cup), tuna (250 micrograms/12-ounce can), eggs (10 micrograms/egg), and ham (10 micrograms/3 slices). In addition to adequate selenium intake, exercising regularly and eating a diet that is high in both fiber and calcium have been linked to decreased incidence of colon cancer.
REFERENCES
Selenium and colorectal adenoma: results of a pooled analysis. Jacobs, E. T., Jiang, R., Alberts, D. S., Greenberg, E. R., Gunter, E. W., Karagas, M. R., Lanza, E., Ratnasinghe, L., Reid, M. E., Schatzkin, A., Smith-Warner, S. A., Wallace, K., Martinez, M. E., Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2004 Nov 17;96(22):1669-1675.

Eat Like a Greek
Add years to your life by serving up some Mediterranean fare.
According to a new study, eating a Mediterranean-style diet can ward off chronic health conditions and promote a long, healthy life. Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, and olive oil as your dietary mainstays and consume red meat, saturated fat, and sugar sparingly.
RealAge Benefit: Eating a diverse diet that is low in calories and high in nutrients can make your RealAge as much as 4 years younger.
Originally published on 01/06/2005
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Several studies have documented that eating a Mediterranean-style diet reduces the incidence of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. The plant-based Mediterranean diet consists mainly of high-fiber whole grains, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, olive oil, low-fat dairy, and lean fish and poultry. The diet also is low in red meat, processed foods, and sugar. When coupled with regular exercise, the Mediterranean diet helps reduce your risk of disease and may add years to your life. A recent study determined that older people who adhere to a Mediterranean diet and a program of regular exercise may experience as much as a 50 percent reduction in mortality rates.
REFERENCES
Mediterranean diet, lifestyle factors, and 10-year mortality in elderly European men and women: the HALE project. Knoops, K. T., de Groot, L. C., Kromhout, D., Perrin, A. E., Moreiras-Varela, O., Menotti, A., van Staveren, W. A., Journal of the American Medical Association 2004 Sep 22;292(12):1433-1439.

Seven Super Foods
Regularly indulging in a specific group of super foods may add years of good health to your heart.
Scientists recently identified a group of foods that are particularly heart healthy and that, when consumed consistently on a daily basis, could reduce cardiovascular disease risk by as much as 75 percent. The super foods included fish, dark chocolate, fruits, vegetables, garlic, almonds, and wine.
RealAge Benefit: Eating a diverse diet that is low in calories and high in nutrients can make your RealAge as much as 4 years younger.
Originally published on 01/11/2005
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If you do not drink alcohol, your heart can still benefit from partaking regularly of the other items on the super foods list. People with a personal or family history of alcoholism should avoid alcohol. Others should consume it only in moderation (no more than 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men). In a recent study, consuming a specific weekly or daily amount of fish, dark chocolate, fruits, vegetables, garlic, almonds, and wine appeared to reduce heart disease risk by as much as 75 percent. Together, phytochemicals in these foods improve blood vessel health and lower both cholesterol and blood pressure. Even if you eat less than the specific amounts suggested in the study or do not consume all 7 of the items on the super foods list, researchers estimate that you would still experience desirable health effects by regularly including some of these items in your diet. In addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise and stress reduction also are important ways to guard heart and blood vessel health.
REFERENCES
The Polymeal: a more natural, safer, and probably tastier (than the Polypill) strategy to reduce cardiovascular disease by more than 75%. Franco, O. H., Bonneux, L., de Laet, C., Peeters, A., Steyerberg, E. W., Mackenbach, J. P., British Medical Journal 2004 Dec 18;329(7480):1447-1450.

RealAge - Remedies

New Findings on a Common Fix
Sipping certain beverages might increase your risk of kidney stones.
A new study revealed that caffeine may cause calcium loss and increase the risk of developing kidney stones, particularly in people with a history of this problem. If you're interested in limiting your caffeine intake, try cutting back on coffee, tea, cola, chocolate, and coffee-flavored ice cream.
RealAge Benefit: Actively patrolling your health can make your RealAge as much as 12 years younger.
Originally published on 10/25/2004
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Certain medications may contain caffeine, such as over-the-counter pain medications; check the labels. However, do not change any doctor-recommended medication programs without consulting your doctor first. Caffeine can help you feel alert and can help some medications work more quickly. However, research suggests it also may cause calcium loss through urine, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. A recent study concluded that drinking just two cups of coffee per day may increase the risk of kidney stone formation in people with a history of the condition. Calcium loss also can weaken bones and affect nerve impulse transmission, blood pressure regulation, and muscle contraction. Excess caffeine consumption is inadvisable for people with a history of anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia.
REFERENCES
Acute caffeine effects on urine composition and calcium kidney stone risk in calcium stone formers. Massey, L. K., Sutton, R. A., The Journal of Urology 2004 Aug;172(2):555-8.

Advice for High-Risk Lungs
People at high risk for lung infections may need to carefully monitor their health while taking certain heartburn medications.
Although acid-suppressing medications have a great track record of treating heartburn, new research suggests they may bring a slight increase in pneumonia risk. People who take them and are at highest risk of lung infections, such as the elderly or people with asthma, lung disease, or weakened immune systems, should watch their health closely.
RealAge Benefit: Taking too many medications or taking them improperly can make your RealAge as much as 4.5 years older.
Originally published on 11/30/2004
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Symptoms of pneumoccocal pneumonia can include high fever, cough, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and chest pains. Other symptoms that might be present with pneumonia include nausea, vomiting, headache, tiredness, and muscle aches. Pneumonia is typically easily treated with antibiotics. A new study revealed that acid-suppressing heartburn medications may increase the risk of pneumonia, in part because the medications reduce stomach acids. Stomach acids can help kill some viruses and bacteria that cause lung infections. The risk of pneumonia is greatest in people who are elderly and people who suffer from chronic diseases such as asthma or breathing problems. If you take acid-suppressing medications and also are at increased risk of pneumonia, discuss your concerns with your doctor. Do not stop taking your heartburn (or any other) medication unless directed by your healthcare provider.
REFERENCES
Risk of community-acquired pneumonia and use of gastric acid-suppressive drugs. Laheij, R. J., Sturkenboom, M. C., Hassing, R. J., Dieleman, J., Stricker, B. H., Jansen, J. B., The Journal of the American Medical Association 2004 Oct 27;292(16):1955-60.

An Eye on Supplements
Take a close look at your supplement habits to make sure they're not putting your eyes at risk.
Reports show that misuse of certain supplements may lead to eye problems. For example, high doses of licorice extract caused temporary vision loss in some users, and ginkgo biloba has been linked to retinal bleeding when taken with blood thinning medication. Before taking any supplements, get your healthcare provider's input on safe doses and any potential medication interactions.
RealAge Benefit: Actively patrolling your health can make your RealAge as much as 12 years younger.
Originally published on 12/07/2004
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Topical use of certain herbal remedies such as chamomile and echinacea has been linked to eye irritation and conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is characterized by inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids. If you use supplements, be sure to get advice on appropriate doses, potential side effects, and potential interactions with other medications that you take. Also, keep on top of your eye exam schedule to help ensure that no complications develop.
REFERENCES
Ocular side effects from herbal medicines and nutritional supplements. Fraunfelder, F. W., American Journal of Ophthalmology 2004 Oct;138(4):639-647.

High Flying Water
If you're flying this month, skip the tap water on your airplane.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently tested tap water quality on 158 domestic and international flights and found that about 12 percent of them did not meet health standards. Consider sticking to bottled water and canned drinks—sans ice—if you're offered beverages on your flight, or bring your own bottle of water.
RealAge Benefit: Protecting your immune system can make your RealAge as much as 6 years younger.
Originally published on 12/15/2004
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The potential for illness due to contaminated water is greatest among people who are elderly or very young, or for people who have a weakened immune system or some other medical condition. In a recent study, the water from 20 randomly selected planes tested positive for total coliform bacteria. This form of bacteria, although not necessarily a health risk in itself, is a signal that other disease-causing bacteria also could be present. Water from other planes tested positive for E. coli, a type of bacteria that can cause diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps. Currently, voluntary measures are underway for improving the quality of tap water on planes. In the meantime, consider opting for bottled drinks and avoiding tap water when flying.
REFERENCES
Airline water supplies. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, November 9, 2004.

Pressure Treated
Get a handle on high blood pressure by mastering your home blood pressure monitoring device.
Many people who monitor their blood pressure at home may use their devices incorrectly, a recent study reported. Ask your healthcare provider to instruct you on the proper use of your monitor. Getting precise measurements will help you and your doctor appropriately manage your condition.
RealAge Benefit: Keeping your blood pressure at 115/76 mm Hg can make your RealAge as much as 12 years younger.
Originally published on 12/21/2004
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Many people who suffer from high blood pressure monitor their condition at home, in addition to getting periodic blood pressure screenings at their doctor's office. However, a new study suggests that more than half of people who use home blood pressure monitoring devices may not know how to get accurate readings from their devices. To get the most accurate readings, rest first for a minimum of two minutes before measuring your blood pressure. A study revealed that most people were unaware they should do this before measuring their own blood pressure. Also, be sure your legs remain uncrossed while taking the reading and your arm should be at heart level before and during the taking of a reading. Ask your healthcare provider to instruct you on how to place the pressure cuff correctly on your arm. To get accurate results, carefully follow the instructions that come with your monitor. When you get your blood pressure measured by a healthcare professional, consider bringing your monitor, as well as recent readings, so he or she can measure its accuracy.
REFERENCES
Home blood pressure measurement: the archer or the arrow? Stryker, T., Wilson, M., Wilson, T. W., 57th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, October 23-27, 2004 Calgary, Alberta.

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The RealAge Test With Patented RealAge Calculator!
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