Brain Health

According to the August 2010 Wellness Letter, “there is no convincing evidence that any ‘brain formula,’ plant extract, or vitamin will preserve memory.”  However, a deficiency in B12 can cause confusion and memory loss.  See your doctor for testing and treatment, if needed.  Another supplement to consider is fish oil, which has been linked to […]

Smile!

Today is the 9th day of the 2013 Season of Nonviolence, which continues through April 4.  Promote peace by smiling at someone you don’t know and see what happens.  Most of the time, the smile is returned and a brief connection is made.

Think Thin

The thoughts we hold directly impact our results.  One of the key shifts I had when I successfully lost weight was to begin asking myself, “What would a thin person do in this situation?”  Shifting my thoughts to those of a thin person led to changing my behaviors to those of a thin person, and […]

Dig Deeper

To connect with someone who seems very different from you, get to know them better.  As a caregiver, I love to ask my dementia clients about their past.  I’m frequently amazed by their stories and always find something in common that connects us.

Butter vs. Margarine

How to know what to choose?  Read the label.  Avoid or minimize saturated fat, trans fat, and partially hydrogenated oil (which contains trans fat) – all of which raise blood cholesterol and risk for cardiovascular disease.  “Hydrogenated” or “fully hydrogenated” oils are okay as they have no trans fat.

Embrace Anger and Irritability

Buddhism teaches to embrace our feelings of anger or irritability with tenderness, rather than resistance.  Gently acknowledge these feelings as part of yourself and be there for them, and they will subside.

Smart Snacks

We need a consistent source of energy (calories) to function well during the day, so even if you’re too busy to feel hunger, you need to eat!  This is true even if you’re trying to lose weight.  Have convenient, healthy snacks on hand, such as nuts, fruit, yogurt, low fat granola bars or popcorn, whole […]

A Gun is not a Rock

Gun control opponents argue that David killed Goliath with a rock, but we wouldn’t think of banning rocks to prevent violence.  I agree, but there’s no comparison.  I’d rather defend myself against a person with a rock rather than one with a gun any day, wouldn’t you?

Ten Minutes Are Enough

The most common reason people give for not exercising is lack of time.  Don’t worry that you don’t have an hour.  Studies show that ten minutes of exercise make a difference. Grab the lease and take your canine friend for a walk.