Why Wait?

Many of us have made the annual list of things that we would like to do with each New Year. It spans from losing weight, taking better care of ourselves, checking in more with family and friends, make changes in our business and in some cases - begin a business. However, I would like to encourage you to begin today.

The moment you have an idea or think of something that needs to be done, that's the perfect time to begin. January 1st, 2015 is three days away.

If you need to change your diet - today is a good day to begin making the necessary adjustments.

Do you have a business idea? Begin exploring through research, sign on to small business groups/forums, meet-ups, and be sure to take notes, write down your ideas/thoughts.

Already have a business? Start signing up for conferences, networking events, create or plan your own event, find a mentor, be a mentor.

Want to begin keeping in touch with family and friends? Pick up the phone, make a call. It doesn't have to be a long call, it can be a warm hello, thinking of you and wanted to hear your voice kind of call. It would make their day a bit brighter and you will feel great too.

The goal is to begin now, repeat daily and by the time 2015 rolls in, you will be ushering a new year knowing that you are well into making changes. 2015 will have many more opportunities to for you to explore.

Believe in your ideas/dreams and let your imagination take you to the next level ~DawnKA

Are You Managing Your Health?

Have you ever had a conversation with someone who complains about the doctors orders?

"My doctor told me I have to avoid eating dairy and sweets, he must be out of his mind. There's no way I'm giving up chocolate."

"I have to stop drinking? Maybe, I will just have an occasional drink here and there."

"Well, I am going to die of something. I wont stop smoking now. My grandfather has been smoking since he was 13 years old, he's in his 70's and he is still smoking to this day."

I have heard it all and then some. Unfortunately, these are the patients who may continue to suffer from further health complications which could have been avoided or improved their health. Loss of eyesight/limbs, dialysis, lung cancer, etc. happens without respect to your family health history, especially if you insist on ignoring the health advice/suggestions given by your health care practitioner.

In many instances, diabetes can be managed/reversed. Following the instructions given to you by your doctor can really make a difference.

Do It Your Way?

We all have choices to make and I would love to make a few suggestions as you work to improve on your health and wellness.

I take great pride in making the declaration that I dance to the beat of my own drum and I really do. I consider myself to be one who loves life, enjoys being a mother even though it has some turbulent moments which we always manage to sustain. I love being a wife and a friend to my King that's what I call my husband :-) I have raised my children to be respectful, love life and to be a positive source with their time here on earth. I am what my parents would call their wild child. I was raised in a house with strict rules, we never missed a church service and could not wear pants. Somehow, I managed to be the rebel with my own cause getting spankings along the way and not one to be disrespectful, I just could not help myself - I had to be me. Now that I am a parent, I have a greater appreciation for my own parents yet I also understand my children as I see myself reflected through them (times 100). Don't smile, I can handle it.

There is joy in living life with an understanding of your own self. Take time to enjoy life. Be patient with your children, think of the child that you were and if by chance you were perfect, then forgive your children for their imperfections. Be a guide, express your concern. Let them know that you want to see them succeed. It's in no way easy watching them make the wrong choices but never let them feel that they are alone. Be the balance. Do not condone or make excuses for their bad behavior - call them out on it. You will be better off as it keeps you out of the denial/enabler category. Your child may not want to go to college, encourage them to become the best in whatever interests them (except for the illegal forms of making quick money which leads them to prison/grave). My relationship with my King works not only because we love and respect each other but also because we work out our disagreements without the intervention of others and we make time to do things that we love together and maintain our own individual activities.

You will be over the moon with a love of life once you are able to balance your life. Keep in touch with your friends or make new friends if your friends have moved or you have grown apart, it happens. Get a hobby or join a new club. Be active and make time to exercise. You do not have to join a gym, turn on the tv and work it out. Watch your portion size. You should see me working out frantically to shed these excess pounds before the holidays, they just don't belong on this frame of mine besides I have far too many cute items hanging in my closet waiting to make their grand return. If you have access to Veria TV you should check it out, it is a great resource of all things health and wellness. You will find great cooking recipes and programs to work out and at your own level.

Now with all that said on how you should do it your way, I would like to admit that as a child who did not like being in church every time the doors opened, I appreciate the teachings as they have kept me grounded. I am a better person for the lessons I have learned from my parents. I am often praying and meditating on the teachings of the bible. I believe that we have all been assigned to live and while we are here, we need to make the best of it. We are all here to fulfill a purpose and cannot do that if we try to be a duplication of someone else and you will know that because it wont feel right. Be still and ask for guidance, you will know it as it will come to you. I hope that you will make the best of it for years to come. Go ahead and do it your way!

Weight Watchers, Jenny (formerly Jenny Craig), Atkins, The Zone and more

Before

 Have you see Jennifer Hudson lately? She looks wonderful!

After

Not too long ago, the beautiful, multi-talented artist once carried some extra weight. We loved her on American Idol and even though she did not win, somehow we knew that she would be fine. After all, she had made her mark. Ms. Hudson has wowed us many times since. Who can forget her amazing performance in Dreamgirls? She belted out that song, the song that Jennifer Holiday famously sang during the Broadway Show performances, the one that never failed to bring the audience to it's feet. Ms. Hudson impressed many audiences across the country with her on screen rendition of the song that there were reports of movie theater audiences applauding and rising to their feet. Now how's that for commanding the attention of your audience. Clearly, she is in control. However, there was another form of control that Ms. Hudson needed to gain -- her weight.  Signing up to be the spokesperson for Weight Watchers seemed to be the remedy of her success.

Success

So does Valerie Bertinelli who also looks magnificent! We were treated to the results of  her 40 pound weight loss when she appeared on a TV advertisement sporting a bikini. Wow! She looked great.

Before 

After

Many of us remember Ms. Bertinelli from the 70's sitcom One Day At A Time. We were so in like with her character, that we were caught by surprise to see her wed rocker Eddie Van Halen. She went on to join the successful television series Touched By An Angel. In 20007, Ms. Bertinelli signed up with Jenny (formerly Jenny Craig). It was the perfect match. The progress was impressive. It inspired others to sign up including actor Jason Alexander recognized by his character George Costanza on Seinfeld.  Jenny has proven by show and tell that it works. However, keeping in mind these celebrities are paid spokespersons. Will it work for you?

How effective are these weight loss methods Let's take a gander:

Weight Watchers has the point system. You are given a daily personalized Point Plus system which is aimed at helping you to lose weight.  The goal is to keep you satisfied while eating safely. There are meetings, weigh ins, food shopping plans, recipes, how to handle dining out and even an on line support system to keep you through the moments when you're out of town, etc. What's most intriguing is that you are told that you can eat whatever you want - not bad at all I'd say.

Now on to Jenny Craig which also has a personalized plan where they have a focused individualized plans for women, men, teens, Type 2 and more. They offer food and snacks and a consultant to monitor and keep you motivated. Understanding that one must face their demons (food other than of Jenny's Cuisine), there is a transitioning process. This is important as you may dine out or prepare your own dinners/meals. There is ongoing support to help you to meet your goal weight and even to maintain it once you've reached that goal.  

Which overweight person would not want to lose 15 pounds in 2 weeks? Sounds incredible doesn't it? Well, who said that? The Atkins Diet did and that's just the beginning. Yes they did! There are four phases to the program. In Phase 1, you will be in the Induction phase to kick your body into burning the fat. There are a list of foods that are acceptable to eat during this phase.  In Phase 2, you eat more adding more carbs and you will lose even more weight. In Phase 3, is the pre maintenance phase you should be about 10 pounds away from your goal weight (how do they know? I have no idea) with more carbs and more weight loss. Phase 4, you've made it and now you go on to a Lifetime Maintenance - and you'll never ever have to worry about dieting again. Why? Well, because they said so. You should have all the tools needed to successfully live the healthy life you've always wanted.

Welcome to The Zone where you can focus on weight loss, wellness or optimizing athletic performance. When you are in The Zone, you are eating foods that are in line with your hormones - keeping it all in balance will keep you on a healthy lean, energized life. There are dining out tips, recipes, foods, fruits, vegetables that once made you fat but with The Zone's method, you will not be the same.  The Zone Physicians have passed the anti inflammatory course and are certified to assist the clients even in the reduction on medication as health conditions improve.  The Zone does not give a specific weight loss amount like other diet programs. However, it mentions the fantastic news that your clothes will fit much better, you will feel energized, improving mental focus and acuity.  

Overall, the goal to lose weight is a personal one that requires your consistency and determination.  Admiration of the celebrities must also include the understanding that they have trainers and in some cases a cook. Most importantly, a big incentive to lose weight, they are also getting paid. Your incentive is to lead a healthier life with the right diet and exercise, you too can achieve success!

Living la vie des 40's

As a teenager, I could not wait to be 21. I just had to get there and life would be on. No thought of the years to come especially giving that 30 and beyond seemed so far away and old. I could not imagine what being 40 would be like as I found that being in my 30's was actually not such a big deal, it was surprisingly a lot of fun.

 Needless to say, 40 came and again I embraced the new decade with much pleasure.  I guess I'm just happy to be able to share my life with my loved ones. I've always enjoyed being a mother, watching my children grow. They make me smile, laugh, fill up with pride, cry tears of joy and at times seeing the choices they make I become disappointed and swoop down on them with the wrath of a Mother's Love

I also love being in love. It is an added bonus that makes life an enjoyable journey. I love traveling, it opens me up to new adventures, meeting new people, experiencing the culture and just having a good time. I love going to the museums, concerts, Broadway Shows, dining, weekend Get Aways, movies, singing, dancing, walking through the park, strolling around the city, relaxing on the beach and on and on.....

I love my assignment which is to serve others through health care. I developed a love for health care at a very young age. It gives me great joy to assist others and now my assignment has taken on a unique turn. It is evolving and I embrace it even when others question my judgment, it is what works for me and it does.

One of the things that I love is working out which I need to get back to because that's one thing that being in the 40's is not happening. I need to become consistent in the areas of meditation, yoga, jogging, eating healthy, leading the life I advise to others. Yes, I admit it all the time, I need to heed my own advice.

Looking back, I can tell you that life at any age should be embraced and enjoyed. I still feel like the same girl from way back when. Of course, I've matured somewhat with the experiences (good and bad) but I'm still a girl who wants to have fun and I do. Here's some advice which is really for your own good - take great care of yourself it will only serve to make your years even more wonderful.

Hear what these women over 40 have to say:
Life in the 40's 

Hydroxycut - A message from the FDA

Oh wow, spring is here and summer is on it's way. The coats, sweaters,layers of clothes are all coming off and the big reveal is apparent to you and all who see you. How do you go about losing weight or staying at a healthy weight? What is your work out method? Do you exercise daily? Do you select healthy choices for your meals? Do you skip meals? Do you try the various diets or weight loss food plans? Well, the choices are certainly out there and many people want to lose weight turn to various dietary supplements. A popular dietary supplement Hydroxycut is one that many people have used. The commercials boasts many claims with clients who have shared their weight loss of up to 41 pounds fast which is key to many who want to lose the weight without much to do. Furthermore, if you need to be convinced, Dr. Jon Marshall a resident physician supports the claims by stating that Hydroxycut users have lost up to 4 1/2 times the amount of weight than those who diet and exercise alone. Who wouldn't be tempted?

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, Hydroxycut is linked to serious liver injuries. The products are being pulled from the shelves, however, it is very important to understand that not all stores may have complied or are even aware of the recall (depending on the store). Spread the word and let your family and friends know of these alerts - keep in mind not everyone shares what their weight loss methods are as it can be a personal/private matter. Losing weight and keeping in shape can be quite the challenge, not everyone wants to maintain a workout routine or healthy diet. However, using dietary supplements can be harmful to your health - as with all health related matters - seek your doctor's advice before beginning any form of weight loss activity or products.

Spring into Health & Wellness

Springtime is upon us and many of us are still working on our new year's goal to maintain a healthy and well balanced life. Somewhere after December 25th and January 1st, 2009 we vowed to get in shape, lose those excess pounds, be fit for the summer time - determined to get back into those clothes that have remained useless for quite a while. For those of you who haven't quite reach the goals, there is still time to work towards achieving them.

As the weather becomes consistently better, plan to make some small changes:
1. Get up early and go for a brisk walk for 30 minutes, as you become more comfortable with the walk mix it up with a walk and run/jog at a pace that works for you.

2. If the morning does not work for you, try the evening after you get home. You may feel more comfortable going to the park or the streets in your neighborhood may serve you just fine.

3. You can also try to find a willing partner to join you.

4. If you are still not ready to venture outdoors, turn on the television and find a workout program.

5. You can also find a great supportive group by signing up for various run/walk events in your town/city. There are always a great number of causes to show your support by participating.



Tips
Add more water
100% fruit juices
Fruits
Vegetables
Yogurt
Fiber
Whole Wheat
Vitamins

Be consistent, it will take some time to see the results and when you do, you will be so glad that you did.