It is Good to Give Thanks - Happy Thanksgiving!

There is something special about the holidays, at least for me. Thanksgiving and Christmas has always been my favorite holidays as it is a time when the family gets together and the room is filled with joy and laughter. The excitement of seeing your loved ones who travel from near and far makes for a wonderful reunion. It is also a time to share, inviting friends who may not have a family to celebrate thanksgiving. My friends would always fit right in and become a part of the family.

Thanksgiving is also a time that reminds us of our loved ones who are no longer joining us at the table. I miss my father, he was a great cook and I really wish he was still here. I also miss my father in-law, we would laugh and talk about any and everything. I loved his pies, they were the best pies ever made. However, there are those of us who have loved ones in the hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Take a trip to visit your loved ones and if possible, see if you can arrange for them to be released for the day. Sharing the holidays not only lifts the spirits of your loved ones, but it also sends a subtle yet profound signal to the staff. Family involvement is extremely important.

Whether you are watching the parade, the football games, your favorite marathon movies, reality shows or sitcoms, talking and laughing loudly - remember to cherish the moments. Give thanks not only for the food and family but give thanks for being able to share with others. With that said, make a plate and take it to someone who may live alone and are unable to get around. Enjoy and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

The Lingering Thoughts of the Health & Wellness of Japan

We've seen the devastating effects of the tsunami in Japan and followed closely with the rescue efforts and the concerns of the radiation exposure. Today's report states that there are low levels of radiation detected in 5 states in the United States.

I think of those who were hospitalized and sick prior to the earthquake and the tsunami. I wonder about those who were scheduled to give birth.

I wonder about the elderly who may have become separated from their families during the disaster.

I even wonder what happened to the pets, the animals.

What if they were exposed to the radiation and then found by some random person tries to pet or comfort the it? How will this be remedied?


Meanwhile, shortly after the debris settled, the focus shifted to the nuclear plants that clearly was affected by the earthquake. Initially it was said to have been under control, nothing to worry about. However, I had this sinking feeling that there was a lot to worry about and there is much more to this than what was being shared. I'm sure that the leaders wanted to appear in control and with all the media regaling us with the wonderful architectural work of the engineers who built the buildings to withstand earthquakes, the evidence of mother nature spoke volumes. Could you imagine if they said "Run for the hills!!" Where would they go? I could only imagine the mass pandemonium that would ensue at that point.

The lives of those who perished may never be accounted for as there is no real census of everyone who may have been washed into the belly of the ocean. The numbers fluctuate from a few thousand to almost 10 thousand. As of this moment, the latest reports are rounded off perfectly to 9,800 bodies and more than 17,500 missing.

The whole issue of the radiation levels being under control is like watching an intense table tennis match. It's safe, it's `not safe. See our scientist go in and see them scurry out.

Only time will tell the true effects of the disaster. Is it really safe to drink the water? What about the food, is anything good for consumption? Will loved ones soon be reunited? What about their health, what about the long term health effects? The truth is the people of Japan are a force to be reckoned with. They are focused, dedicated, hard working, creative, innovative people who will in no doubt rebuild and regain their lives to a better standard. It's just that it will take a bit of time. Time to mourn and the time to heal. In the meantime, we the people from all over the world, we're praying with you.

World Health Organization guidelines on radiation exposure.

Food Drug Administration discusses safety of food products imported from Japan.

HEALTH ALERTS!

Have you ever received an email that warns you or serves as an alert that there is a recall on a medicine? These emails are usually forwarded from a family, friend or colleague who is sharing the information to make you aware of potential danger. What do you do with that information? Do you read quickly through it and then forward it on to others? Do you talk about it with others? Do you even remember?

While you may be concerned for your health, you may find yourself relying on the emails as a guide to what you should avoid. However, it is more important that you get the facts for yourself. You need to know if the information you received through your trusted sources is factually sound. There are those emails that are not necessary true - even though it mentions CNN, Good Morning America, Today Show and the various notable morning news programs.

Here are some solutions:

• The Food and Drug Administration has the important facts regarding the health alerts, warnings, reports, etc. www.fda.gov
• Your state has a Department of Health it may serve as place to know what is really good with the alerts. For example www.health.state.ny.us/ (New York) www.dhs.ca.gov/ California
  
• The Public Health Administration of your state for example www.mass.gov/dph/dphhome.htm (Massachusetts) or www.msdh.state.ms.us/ (Mississippi)
• Go directly to the source of concern - if it is a product that is made by Johnson and Johnson, www.jnj.com or Pfizer www.pfizer.com
  

You may have to go to the specific site search box and type in medical recalls, medical alerts or medical warnings. An example will be on the Johnson and Johnson website there is no visible link to alerts. However, if you use their search box, a list of products that were recalled or had alerts/warnings will appear.

Go ahead - do it - it's for your own knowledge and most importantly - your health.

Healthier Choices - Healthier Business Minds

The fact is that we are living longer lives than our forefathers and mothers. However, that does not mean that our lives are healthier. The advances in medicine enables us to live with diseases and illnesses that can lengthen our time giving us a longer life. Have you said to yourself that you have to improve your health? Do you procrastinate in keeping your word to eat right? Exercise more?

Life is filled with challenges. As a business woman or man the challenges are consistently before you. What do you do when you are overwhelmed with the stresses of making decisions, dealing with various immediate sensitive issues, etc.? Do you grab a drink? You know that alcohol affects every organ in the body? Only a small amount of alcohol can be metabolized by the enzymes in the liver - that means that the alcohol has no choice but to circulate througout the body. Red wine is recommended with one glass a day for women and two for men to help in the prevention of heart attacks. There have also been reports that claims that red wine also helps to prevent cancer. The red wine is rich in phytochemicals which acts as antioxidants and it possibly prevents cancer. However, with all things do so in moderation the fact is drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is linked to many types of cancer.

How about your eating habits? Do you eat out or order take out often? It sure is more convenient to grab something quick to eat but at what cost? What are the long term consequences? Will it be worth it? You have choices - they may not be the most appealing meals but how about a salad, steamed vegetables and fish? What I am suggesting is that you make a healthier choice every now and again. You can begin today - have a yogurt as a snack. Drink a glass of water or two when you think of drinking soda. I know when you want soda - you have a taste for soda not water. Well, how about mixing it up - have water when you are thirsty rather than drink soda. When you go to a restaurant have the water, drink it. Start making smalls changes you will soon notice that you can have your cake and eat it too - in moderation.

A healthy body gives you great confidence and with that amazing business mind that you have, you will be beside yourself with glee. You will be even sharper than you ever imagined and your life will be longer and healthier than ever. Let's plan to go skiing at 90?

Now is the best time to take charge of our Health!