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Monday, April 7, 2008
15 unhealthy foods that you think are healthy | Healthvee
1st Diet Soda
What is it good for? A sugar-free version of the popular carbonated drink, you can drink on the go.
Why is it so bad? OK, so soda is terrible for you, but also the sugar and add to carcinogenic artificial sweeteners, which, in conjunction with artificial flavors and colors, in all soft drinks, and you have a recipe for a tumor in a Can. Then of course we have the caffeine factor in the context of hyper-activity, high blood pressure, and can mess with your blood sugar.
Instead, choose: filtered water and the occasional glass of milk or goat’s milk
2nd Sushi with white rice and imitation crab meat or vegetables
What is it good for? Seaweed contains essential nutrients such as selenium, calcium, iodine and omega-3 fats. Sushi is almost always wrapped in seaweed.
Why is it so bad? This garbage is not worthy to be called Sushi. There are only small, compact, high-glycemic, high calorie, carbohydrate Nuggets. There is not even much protein in these things. Eat 3-4 of them, and you have your service for the day. Besides, imitation crab meat is not good for you. It is usually only a crab flavored tofu-like substance fortified with sugar, sugar, sugar, and much more.
Instead, choose: To some healthy sugar, some high-quality protein, and the benefits of omega-3 fats, choose real sushi with salmon or tuna. To make it even healthier, sashimi, instead of white rice.
3rd Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter
What is it good for? All peanut butter provides a healthy cardiovascular significant amount of mono unsaturated fats.
Why is it so bad? Most commercial peanut butter with the same kind of sugar, cake with frosting. Reducing the fat makes it even worse, because more bad sugar is added and contain less healthy fat. I would rather just eat the extra calories.
Instead, select: Choose almonds or all natural organic peanut butter. Please note, pour off the top layer of oil and replace it with olive oil, if the resulting peanut brick is too stiff. Olive oil is very low in omega-6 fatty acids.
4th Fat-free or reduced-fat salad dressing Salary
What is it good for? Less fat, less calories. Plus, fat salad dressing, like lard May and Crisco. Sick.
Why is it so bad? First, because out, if fat, sugar goes in. Either, or artificial flavors and sweeteners. Secondly, since many vegetables are fat soluble, take the fat out of the association of salad means less nutrients are absorbed into your body. This has been confirmed by a study at Ohio State University in a higher fat content salad dressing led to an increased acceptance of the antioxidants lutein and beta-carotene.
Instead, choose a salad dressing made with olive oil, or simply use olive oil and vinegar as a salad dressing. If you try it you might like.
5th Anything with soybean
What is it good for? It’s not. But in the spirit of the argument: vegetarians and vegans eat the stuff, so it is in their protein diets. Yay: sarcasm:: Plus the stuff is apparently low in fat and an alternative to whey for lactose intolerance.
Why is it so bad? Straight up, soy is associated with lower testosterone and estrogen in men and is also associated with increased breast cancer risk in women. I am also promotes hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer and infertility. Soya is extremely destructive to infants, because there may be negative development in many ways.
Instead, choose all high-protein foods such as whole brown rice, goat’s milk, coconut milk, almond milk, whole grains, nuts, seaweed, seeds, beans and lentils. As a side note, goat milk is considered one of the healthiest foods on the planet today, so give it a try.
6th Fruit juice, dried fruit, and fruit cocktail
What is it good for? Well, because fruit is good for you. It has a ton of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, not to mention fiber.
What is it bad? Fruit juices and fruit cocktail normally have sugar added. Some fruit cocktails come in a thick sugar syrup. They receive no fiber from fruit juice, and the stuff usually has preservatives added.
Instead, choose: eat the whole fruit, including the skin, if possible, but they are limited to a portion of fruit per meal / snack to avoid insulin spikes. If you have fruit cocktail, choose one that comes packed in its own juice instead of syrup.
7th Smart Food (Cheesy Popcorn)
What is it good for? As cheesy popcorn is oh so tasty.
Why is it so bad? Because you are really only eat popcorn equivalent of potato chips. Seriously, compare total calories, and you will find that you do not save much on the front of calories by eating smart food instead of chips.
Instead, choose: Spray some butter, pop some popcorn plain, spray a light coating of butter on the popcorn spray, sprinkle different spices on the corn (but go easy on the salt), and shake them in a bad. Now you have a tasty low-fat treat.
8th Beans packaged in a sweet syrup like Boston Baked Beans
What is it good for? Baked beans are good for you because these types of beans are loaded with fiber optics –
Why is it so bad? The sugary syrup, as much as in a can of soda, is only spike your blood sugar and insulin. This is not good for the prevention of heart disease or Type II diabetes.
Instead, choose: Red kidney beans. These things are packed with protein and fiber, and can be mixed with any kind of salad or pasta. Sometimes I just enjoy kidney beans from the can, no kitchen, just a wash and feed.
9th-15th Granola, white pasta, pasta salad, English muffins, bagels, croutons and Pretzels
What is it good for? Granola has some fiber, pasta salad has some vegetables, croutons make our crisp salad, English muffins are a step from bagels and pretzels are a fast low-fat snack.
Why is it so bad? One Word: carbohydrates. All these foods are associated with corn syrup and / or processed white flour. These foods will spike your blood sugar faster than Bruce Lee would have kicked in the face. It is not much nutrition in the way of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals or any of these foods.
Instead, select 100% whole grain or wheat pasta and English muffins for increased fiber and protein content. Egg salad, because like it or not, eggs are good for you and a high protein content. Almond slices are high in omega-3 fatty acids, and are as crisp croutons. Substitute healthy nuts for white strength, if you can, and you can also use a 30% chance, less cardiac and vascular diseases.
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10 Soda Alternatives - Ingredient swap - Revolution Health
1. Club soda mixed with pomegranate juice. 160 calories per cup; still bubbly.
2. Tonic water with a squeeze of lemon or lime. Only 80 calories; still bubbly.
3. Light yogurt and fruit smoothie. Creamy and sweet, high in calcium and only 174 calories per cup.
4. Tomato juice or V8. Packed with flavor; high in vitamins C, A, and potassium and only 50 calories per cup.
5. Flavored seltzer. Carbonated, but zero calories.
6. Energy drink (such as Gatorade). Tastes sweet, 60 calories per cup, contains electrolytes.
7. Apple cider. Has 120 calories per cup, but packs a tangy, substantial flavor.
8. Milk, whole or skim. High in calcium and protein—and you need both. With 145 calories per cup of whole milk; 85 calories for skim.
9. Ovaltine made with skim milk. It's chocolaty, fortified with vitamins and minerals, high in calcium and protein and 170 calories per cup.
10. Tea or coffee, unsweetened. Get a boost on less than five calories per cup, plus it's high in antioxidants.
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dirty rotten scoundrels » Blog Archive » 21 Money Tricks For Financial Freedom
21 Money Tricks For Financial FreedomJump to Comments1_financialfreedom.jpgSaving money is a fine art. You have to be a talented saver to keep your head above water these days or else you find yourself neck deep in filthy, stinking debt that’s just like quicksand. No matter how much you try and pull yourself out, you just seem to sink deeper and deeper. So what’s the solution? How can you evade the vicious circle and save money? Is financial freedom just a myth or can you achieve it?Financial freedom isn’t a myth. You just have to work damn hard. There are loads of tips, tricks and hacks you can use to achieve financial freedom but they’re all dotted around the Internet in various articles that you neither have the time or inclination to read.Never fear though, your 21 money tricks are here! Not all of them will work for you, but enough of them will so you can save money and live a better, and less stressful, life.2_change.jpg1. Save your loose change in a jar and cash it in at the bank when you have full bags of change. Dimes, nickels and cents soon add up and you won’t realise how much until ydirty rotten scoundrels » Blog Archive » 21 Money Tricks For Financial Freedom21 Money Tricks For Financial Freedom
Jump to Comments
Saving money is a fine art. You have to be a talented saver to keep your head above water these days or else you find yourself neck deep in filthy, stinking debt that’s just like quicksand. No matter how much you try and pull yourself out, you just seem to sink deeper and deeper. So what’s the solution? How can you evade the vicious circle and save money? Is financial freedom just a myth or can you achieve it?
Financial freedom isn’t a myth. You just have to work damn hard. There are loads of tips, tricks and hacks you can use to achieve financial freedom but they’re all dotted around the Internet in various articles that you neither have the time or inclination to read.
Never fear though, your 21 money tricks are here! Not all of them will work for you, but enough of them will so you can save money and live a better, and less stressful, life.
1. Save your loose change in a jar and cash it in at the bank when you have full bags of change. Dimes, nickels and cents soon add up and you won’t realise how much until you save them.
2. Use cash for purchases and leave your cards at home so you’re not tempted to spend on them.
3. Save little and often by transferring $10 or $20 a week into an Internet savings account. It’ll soon mount up.
4. Stick to making purchases in regular stores either in person or via the Internet rather than using credit accounts. It’s much easier to keep track of your spending. Don’t use catalogs in any way.
5. Have a bills account so you can transfer the money for monthly bills straight into there when you’re paid. You don’t have to worry about not having enough then.
6. Choose high interest savings accounts. Why not make the most of opportunities to get money for free.
7. Think of fun things to do at home. You won’t spend money at home but you will if you head out for the day.
8. Sign up to newsletters from websites that publicize free samples that companies are offering. You’d be surprised at how many samples are available and many are full sized so you don’t need to buy those products when out shopping.
9. Write a wish list. If you want anything, put it on the wish lit until you can afford it.
10. Go on a coupon hunt. Magazines will publish coupons on new products so you can save money. You can change your food shop accordingly and save money.
11. Experiment in the kitchen. You can make good dishes for a lot less money than you think. See just how cheap you can cook for.
12. Use a cash flow chart to see where you can save money. The needless expenses are a lot easier to see on paper than they are any other way.
13. Take care of the necessities before anything else. Make sure all of the bills are fully paid up before spending money on anything else. You’d be surprised at how many people don’t do this.
14. Sort out your stuff. You don’t need half of what’s in your home so sort out what you need and want you don’t and sell items that fall into the latter category. Ebay and Amazon are excellent sites to sell stuff on. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.
15. Try bartering for goods. Independent stores and market stalls will often meet you half way so you can save money.16. Use comparison sites to find the best deals on goods you absolutely need. There are many comparison sites out there and you can use them for free so you might as well make the most of them.
17. Choose savings accounts with no ATM card attached to them. If your account has a passbook or is an Internet account then the likelihood is that you won’t bother with the hassle of withdrawing money.
18. Write down every single penny you spend for a week to see how much you spend on extras hat you don’t need. The total and shopping list may shock you into considering your sending habits.
19. Walk wherever you can. You’ll be surprised at how much you spend on gas or other transportation for short journeys that you could easily walk to.
20. Recycle anything you can – foil, bottles, jars, clothes and so on. Many people will pass this off as being skanky but it’s just sensible… and frugal. The savings will mount up, and if you don’t believe me keep a diary of the things you reuse over the course of a few months. You’ll soon see what I mean.
21. Make sure the whole house is on board. This is a must because if one person sticks to a new saving regime and the rest of the members of the household don’t then it won’t work.
So there you have it… 21 fantastic tricks as to how you can save a lot of money starting right away. They can stop the quicksand and help get you back on solid ground again and quickly, The savings over a year for any of the above have the potential to be huge so it won’t hurt to try some of them out.
They work for me!
ou save them.2. Use cash for purchases and leave your cards at home so you’re not tempted to spend on them.3. Save little and often by transferring $10 or $20 a week into an Internet savings account. It’ll soon mount up.4. Stick to making purchases in regular stores either in person or via the Internet rather than using credit accounts. It’s much easier to keep track of your spending. Don’t use catalogs in any way.5. Have a bills account so you can transfer the money for monthly bills straight into there when you’re paid. You don’t have to worry about not having enough then.3_moneyrain.jpg6. Choose high interest savings accounts. Why not make the most of opportunities to get money for free.7. Think of fun things to do at home. You won’t spend money at home but you will if you head out for the day.8. Sign up to newsletters from websites that publicize free samples that companies are offering. You’d be surprised at how many samples are available and many are full sized so you don’t need to buy those products when out shopping.9. Write a wish list. If you want anything, put it on the wish lit until you can afford it.10. Go on a coupon hunt. Magazines will publish coupons on new products so you can save money. You can change your food shop accordingly and save money.11. Experiment in the kitchen. You can make good dishes for a lot less money than you think. See just how cheap you can cook for.4_familysaving.jpg12. Use a cash flow chart to see where you can save money. The needless expenses are a lot easier to see on paper than they are any other way.13. Take care of the necessities before anything else. Make sure all of the bills are fully paid up before spending money on anything else. You’d be surprised at how many people don’t do this.14. Sort out your stuff. You don’t need half of what’s in your home so sort out what you need and want you don’t and sell items that fall into the latter category. Ebay and Amazon are excellent sites to sell stuff on. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.15. Try bartering for goods. Independent stores and market stalls will often meet you half way so you can save money.16. Use comparison sites to find the best deals on goods you absolutely need. There are many comparison sites out there and you can use them for free so you might as well make the most of them.17. Choose savings accounts with no ATM card attached to them. If your account has a passbook or is an Internet account then the likelihood is that you won’t bother with the hassle of withdrawing money.18. Write down every single penny you spend for a week to see how much you spend on extras hat you don’t need. The total and shopping list may shock you into considering your sending habits.19. Walk wherever you can. You’ll be surprised at how much you spend on gas or other transportation for short journeys that you could easily walk to.5_potofgold.jpg20. Recycle anything you can – foil, bottles, jars, clothes and so on. Many people will pass this off as being skanky but it’s just sensible… and frugal. The savings will mount up, and if you don’t believe me keep a diary of the things you reuse over the course of a few months. You’ll soon see what I mean.21. Make sure the whole house is on board. This is a must because if one person sticks to a new saving regime and the rest of the members of the household don’t then it won’t work.So there you have it… 21 fantastic tricks as to how you can save a lot of money starting right away. They can stop the quicksand and help get you back on solid ground again and quickly, The savings over a year for any of the above have the potential to be huge so it won’t hurt to try some of them out.They work for me!
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8 Traffic Stop Safety Tips For Women
1) If you honestly weren’t speeding, didn’t run a light or commit another traffic infraction, be wary if out of the blue and for no reason you can think of a flashing light appears in your rearview.
Though there are cops who are jerks, usually, you don’t get pulled over for no reason at all. And if you do get pulled, it’s almost always because you’ve done something obviously wrong. So, if you do get pulled over at random, be on your guard. In particular, if it is late at night and you’re not on a well-traveled road.
2) Your "threat level" should notch up again if the car doesn’t look right.
Most cops drive standard-issue cruisers; typically, large sedans like the Ford Crown Victoria, Chevy Impala and Malibu and (recently) the Dodge Charger. Some departments use SUVs such as the Chevy Tahoe — but these are much less common. It’s rare to encounter a cop driving an unmarked coupe; never a luxury car, import sport-compact or anything old and ratty.
3) Ditto the look of the cop himself.
If he’s unkempt, doesn’t behave professionally (asks strange questions; creeps you out) he might not be the real deal. Use your intuition — and heed common sense.
4) If you are stopped, it’s your right to ask to see the officer’s identification; a real cop will not have a problem showing it to you.
Take a good look; the photo should match the person. If the "cop" is not in uniform and just "flashes" his badge — not allowing you to have a good look — be concerned. Something’s not right.
5) If you’re uncomfortable, keep your window rolled up and your door locked.
However, you should turn off the engine and put the vehicle in "Park" to assure the cop — if he’s real — you’re not about to flee. Explain your concerns; again, if it is a real cop, he will be understanding — or should be.
6) If the officer is not in uniform and not in a marked car — and you are uneasy about the situation — ask that an another officer be dispatched to the scene.
This may not make the cop happy, but it is the smart move if you suspect something’s not right. Use your cell to dial 911 if you feel threatened; tell the operator that you have been just been pulled over but are not sure whether the person who pulled you over is a real cop. You may be creating some hassle for yourself - assuming it’s a real cop and the stop is legit. But if it’s not a real cop, you may have just saved your own life - or saved yourself from being assaulted.
7) In the worst case — a weirdo playing cop is definitely after you — try to get to a very public, well-lighted place as quickly as possible.
It’s better to risk a real ticket by speeding and driving however you have to in order to get away from a violent predator. Honk your horn, make noise — make a scene. If you have a cell with video capability and the situation allows, try to film the creep. Ring friends (and 911) and tell them everything you can about the other vehicle (make/model, color, tags, anything unusual about it, etc.) as well as a description of the "cop." Again, it’s better to trust your intuition and be wrong than to ignore it — and end up really wrong.
8) Finally: Be prepared to defend yourself if need be.
Women are, in general, at a huge disadvantage in terms of relative strength. Most men can easily overpower most women. Learning a few self-defense moves (martial arts training is great for this) is a great idea; so is keeping an "equalizer" in your purse — whether it’s pepper spray or a firearm. In the case of the latter, get trained, learn how to safely handle a weapon and how to shoot straight; many states allow concealed carry. If you are comfortable handling a gun, keeping one with you when driving alone could be a lifesaver — literally.
The politically correct "wisdom" is that it’s good to be a passive victim and cooperate with the scumbag who is trying to assault you. But that is a great way to end up dead in the trunk of your own car — or in a ditch by the side of the road. In some situations, there is no one there to help you but yourself — and whatever means you have available. Use them to the fullest extent.
Scary? Sure. But the alternative’s a lot less appealing.
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Can Fox News survive after the Bush Era ends?
Fox is still the top-rated news channel, but there are signs it's plateauing. Its ratings started to lag in 2006, and in February, CNN's prime time (boosted by several presidential debates) beat Fox among 25-to-54-year-olds for the first time since 2001. Maybe even more galling, the network has lately faded in the ephemeral category of buzz. MSNBC--with far fewer viewers--has been the political-media obsession of the 2008 primary, largely because of feuds between the Clinton campaign and the network for its perceived pro-Obama bias.
Ratings shmatings: If a Rupert Murdoch network cannot dominate the field of ticking off the Clintons, that has to sting.
So, is the era of "conservative media" coming to an end? Is Fox News losing its influence? Or is a dip in the ratings a sign of decline in TV news as a whole? What are you watching?
50 Tiny Health Habits that Can Save You Big Money (And Add Years)
Ditching Bad Habits
Put a stop to these harmful bad habits, which are both costly and detrimental to your health.
- Smoking: Everyone knows that smoking kills. Ditch those nasty cigarettes once and for all, and you'll reduce your chances of getting cancer while helping improve your respiratory system and allergies. Plus, you'll save a lot of the money you once spent on cigarettes.
- Drinking: Drinking alcohol in excess takes a serious toll on your body, and it puts a strain on your bank account. Liver damage, chronic dehydration, a weak immune system, psychological problems and weight gain are all unhealthy side effects of alcohol.
- Unhealthy Snacking: Junk food is okay once in a while, but if you're constantly noshing on greasy hamburgers and milkshakes, you will probably gain weight and may even increase your chances of getting diabetes. Unhealthy snackers may also have dental problems and acne issues.
- Don't sleep around: Promiscuity isn't just frowned upon morally: it's also a quick and easy way to get diseases. Practice safe sex and make sure you understand your partner's sexual history before jumping in the sack.
- Stop tanning: Tanning, especially in a tanning bed, is extremely harmful. CBS News reports that "women who visit tanning salons more than once a month are 55 percent more likely to develop malignant melanoma, and the risk more than doubles for women in their 20s who frequent tanning parlors." If you're desperate for some color, grab a bottle of fake tanner, which is better for your skin and more forgiving on your wallet.
- Nail biting: Keep your dirty, germ-y hands away from your mouth by kicking this nasty, impolite habit. If you catch a cold or a virus, you may have to miss work, go on a pharmacy shopping spree or pay for the doctor.
- Drug abuse: Quitting drugs isn't exactly a "tiny" health habit, but it's extremely important. Drug abusers can go into debt trying to find money for their next fix, and their families' bank accounts can suffer the costs of addiction and rehab, too.
- Starbucks addiction: Buying several cups of coffee each day is expensive, and the extra caffeine affects your digestion, dental health, stress levels and ability to rest.
- Being a couch potato: Wean yourself away from the TV or computer to reduce eye strain, headaches and the unhealthy effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Turning off the TV will also save you money on your electricity bill.
- Eating on the go: Even if you're proud of your chaotic lifestyle, try to sit down and eat your meals a little more gracefully. You'll cut down on acid reflux and digestion problems, which are remedied with pricey prescriptions.
Pick up these good health habits, and your budget and body will start seeing results immediately.
- Take vitamins: If you know that you don't consume enough iron each day, take iron supplements to ward off anemia. If you think you need extra calcium, take a calcium supplement. Taking a vitamin each day can help you avoid certain disorders that can end up being costly and painful down the road.
- Drink more water: Water (from the tap) is cheaper than guzzling sodas, and it's more healthy. Your skin will look better, and you'll have more energy and a faster metabolism.
- Getting a good night's sleep: The Washington Posts reports that "failing to get enough sleep or sleeping at odd hours heightens the risk for a variety of major illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity." Make sure you turn off the TV and get a good 7 hours of sleep each night.
- Exercise: You don't have to go to the gym each day to reap the benefits of exercise. Staying active by climbing the stairs, going for a walk or doing some cardio helps circulation, metabolism, mental health and more.
- Avoid secondhand smoke: Even if you're not a smoker, you may still be vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke. Avoid especially smoky bars and restaurants, and encourage your family and friends to stop smoking.
- Eat breakfast: Eating breakfast doesn't just give your metabolism a jump start, it also increases your likelihood of eating more vitamins and minerals each day. Eating a meal early in the day also prevents midday bingeing and boosts energy naturally.
- An apple a day...: There's some truth to the old saying that "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Eating lots of fruits and vegetables boosts your immune system so that you're less likely to go to the doctor for colds and pesky bacterial infections.
- Wear sunscreen: A bottle of sunscreen and a bottle of aloe vera gel may be about the same price, but the damage your skin receives from a sunburn far outweighs the aesthetics of a good tan. Decrease your chances of getting skin cancer and blisters by wearing sunscreen whenever you go out.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Uncomfortable shoes don't just cause blisters. They can lead to chronic back pain, bunions, bad posture and even injury.
- Stretch: Stretching out your muscles before exercising can lower your risk of injury. Even if you don't exercise, stretching improves circulation, balance, posture and your mood.
- Floss: Flossing your teeth prevents cavities and gum disease, which lead to necessary, expensive, and sometimes painful procedures.
Taking a few minutes each day to de-stress will not only improve your mood and focus, it will help your mind and body stick to a healthier schedule and lifestyle.
- Adjust your posture: If you're always walking or sitting with your shoulders hunched over, you can expect major back pain in the years to come. Check in with yourself each day to evaluate your posture.
- Relax your jaw: Many people hold tension in their jaw when they feel stressed, and it can quickly become a bad habit. Relaxing your jaw will also lessen the number of headaches you get each day and will relieve pressure on your teeth.
- Get some sun: Getting sun boosts your mood and increases the body's production of Vitamin D. Some also claim that moderate exposure to sunlight clears up acne. Just make sure to wear sunscreen!
- Meditate: Close your eyes and give yourself a few minutes to relax your muscles and breathe deeply.
- Eat slowly: This guide reveals that "abdominal distress associated with cramps, gas, diarrhea and bloating are common signs of stress." Eat more slowly and healthfully to reduce or eliminate these symptoms.
- Take a break: Get up and stretch your legs or take a walk to the lobby to get away from your computer, relax your eyes and muscles and get some perspective.
Simple acts like washing your hands and drinking milk can arm your body against disease.
- Wash your hands: Washing your hands is of course recommended during all seasons, but it is especially important during cold and flu season. Wash with soap and water to rid yourself of nasty airborne germs.
- Drink green tea: Green tea helps skin combat skin inflammation and aging, and it's also said to help prevent cancer. Drinking green tea regularly can also help keep irritating urinary tract infections at bay.
- Eat fish and other omega-3 fatty acids: Fish and other foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids -- like eggs and soybeans -- can reduce your chances of getting heart disease, a costly and sometimes fatal disease.
- Drink milk: The calcium found in non-soy milk promotes strong teeth and bones, helps individuals lose weight and helps prevent kidney stones, heart disease, high blood pressure and colon cancer, all of which carry a hefty price tag at the hospital and over the counter.
- Use a tongue scraper: Using a tongue scraper only takes a few seconds out of your day and prevents bad breath and promotes general oral health.
- Add fiber to your diet: Eating more fiber helps you stay full longer, so you're less likely to snack in between meals. Fiber also helps your colon, decreases your chance of getting heart disease and may even lower your cholesterol.
- Wash toys, pacifiers and other "kiddie" items: Children and babies carry a lot of extra germs that they pick up at school, on the floor and everywhere else. By washing their toys, pacifiers, bottles and other items, you'll lower the chance of catching something yourself.
- Change sheets and towels frequently: Don't give germs the chance to spread and multiply by living on your sheets and towels. Wash them in hot water every few days, and more frequently if the person using them is sick.
- Throw away kitchen sponges: Hanging on to old kitchen sponges or dirty washcloths spreads harmful bacteria around your kitchen very quickly. Throw out old sponges and change out washcloths often.
Sometimes it pays off in the end to make little investments which keep you healthy day to day.
- Get tested: Getting tested for STDs or getting screened for cancer are smart moves. If you do have a disease, it's best to find out sooner than later.
- Go to the dentist: Skipping the dentist too many times can backfire. Without regular teeth cleanings and periodic X-rays, your dental health can deteriorate into a painful, expensive state.
- Replenish beauty and skin care products: Don't hang on to the last drop of moisturizer or concealer just because you don't want to spend money on a replacement. Dr. Leslie Baumann writes that "past its prime, the makeup that you love can actually cause acne and skin irritation," which will cost you more money and frustration than new products.
- Buy generic: Just because some prescriptions cost a lot doesn't mean you should ignore your doctor's advice and try to get better all on your own. Ask about generic medications that work just as well as brand name meds but cost less.
- Get a flu shot: If you work in a school, airport or health care facility, getting a flu shot is a wise investment. Check to see if you're eligible for a free shot before shelling out your cash.
- Never share toothbrushes, razors or other personal items: Sharing personal items like razors can be very dangerous. Buy your own to avoid catching diseases like HIV and bacteria or infections like staph infections.
- Set up a savings account: No matter what your current financial situation is, set up a savings account just for unexpected health costs. Depositing as little as $20 a month can help out when you need over the counter drugs, a premium on a health insurance plan extra funds for a co-pay.
- Healthy food: Healthy food like fresh vegetables often costs more than packaged junk food, but it pays off in the long run. You'll feel better physically and mentally, and will be giving your body the essential vitamins and minerals you can't get from a bag of Doritos.
- Join a gym or take a class: If you hate running but want to exercise, go ahead and spend the money for a gym membership, dance class or exercise machine. Long term exercise helps your body in numerous ways, and the little investment you made early on will save you from paying a lot of unnecessary health care bills.
Here are a few more extras that will make all the difference.
- Know your health history: Understanding your family's medical history as well as your own health background can help you better communicate with doctors and may allow you to avoid certain costly tests.
- Embrace your age: Blogger Anne Kreamer discusses how embracing your age and connecting with the aging process can actually lead to a longer life. Plus, women who are happy with the way they age are less likely to spend lots of money on Botox and other anti-aging treatments.
- Cook for yourself: You're more likely to eat healthier if you cook for yourself, because you'll be more aware of the ingredients you use. Eating out at restaurants too often can also strain your budget.
- Get a partner: Make your decision to eat healthy, lose weight, exercise or just stay healthy easier to stick to when you enlist the help of a partner. The two of you can keep each other motivated enough to save up money by taking care of yourself.
- Challenge yourself each day: Don't fall into a health plan rut by forgetting to set up new challenges for yourself. Even if you exercise regularly, take the stairs instead of the elevator to mix things up. Add new fruits and vegetables to your recipes to spice things up and keep you interested. Challenging yourself means that you're constantly engaged in your efforts to stay healthy, and you're more likely to keep up your clean -- and economical -- lifestyle.
If I had to live My LIfe Over Again - REAL SERIOUS
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted
like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have invited friends over to dinner
even if the carpet was stained or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room
and worried much less about the dirt when someone
wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to
my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a
summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my
children and not worried about grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while
watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical,
wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said,
"Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more
"I love you's." More "I'm sorry's."
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute,
look at it and really see it, live it, and never give it back.
Have A Fantastic Day
(Live well and make the most of today)
Written after finding out she was dying from cancer
- by Erma Bombeck
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