Lower Your Blood Pressure

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Want to lower your blood pressure in four simple steps? It's not as difficult as you think, and the benefits include a decreased risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and eye problems, erectile dysfunction, cognitive difficulties, and osteoporosis. Adopt the following:

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1. Quit Smoking. Smoking can temporarily spike blood pressure, damage blood vessel walls, and raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. While quitting smoking can be a challenge, natural support such as Dr. Gurgevich's CD "Hypnotic Tonic to Remove Tobacco Addiction" can help - find it in our Marketplace.

2. Exercise. Research shows that regular aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, swimming, and cycling, can reduce blood pressure, possibly by keeping blood vessels flexible. Regular exercise can also help you lose weight and keep it off, which is crucial to the success of any high blood pressure treatment plan. Start slowly and aim for 30 minutes of aerobic activity most days of the week. Or go fishing yes believe it or not fishing.

3. Stay calm. Stress can raise blood pressure, while relaxation techniques appear to lower it. Learn and practice a mind-body approach such as breath work, yoga, or meditation and take advantage of its benefits regularly. 

4. Eat a healthy diet. Adequate intake of micronutrients, including calcium, magnesium and vitamin C, is essential to maintain blood vessel tone and healthy circulation.

     5.  Foods That Help:  Spinach, unsalted sunflower seeds, beans (black, white, navy, lima, 
         pinto, kidney)skim milk, and dark chocolate

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Building Stronger Bones

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Stronger bones are an asset. The bones in your body make up your skeletal frame, and that is what holds your body in the shape it is. Having strong dense bones is essential to good posture, strength and balance. Women are more likely to experience the effects of osteoporosis than men Says, Toni House CEO First Tax Solution LLC and author of Save Your Money, Save Your Family(book on Save Your Money, Save Your Family

Bone is a living tissue containing blood vessels, nerves, and marrow, where blood cells are created. Peak bone mass is reached at the age of around thirty. After this age, bone mass starts to decrease at a rate of one percent per year. Before menopause, women lose bone at a rate comparable to men (rate of one percent per year). After menopause, women lose bone two to six times faster than premenopausal women due to the loss of estrogen (the rate returns to one percent 10 years after menopause). Every person's goal should be to maximize bone building when young and slow down age-related bone loss after the age of 30. Bone density is measured by a painless, low-radiation X-ray as number called T-score and is compared to that of an average person between 20 to 30 years old. A normal score is between -1 and +1. A score of -2 or below may indicate osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a huge problem in India. One in three women and one in eight men in India suffer from osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak, brittle and may break easily. While several factors are involved in developing osteoporosis, the disease is largely preventable by taking steps to build strong bones. So here are a few things about building stronger bones:

   1.

      Get Sunshine: Vitamin D plays a critical role in the preservation of bone health. Without sufficient Vitamin D, your body cannot absorb the calcium to build stronger bones. The best source of vitamin D is through exposure to direct sunlight. Three times a week for about 10 to 15 minutes is enough sunlight for an average adult.
   2.

      Eat green vegetables: Dark leaft greens not only give you calcium, but vitamin K, potassium, and other minerals you need to lay down bone. Vitamin K found in dark leafy greens is beneficial for bone strength, the immune system and blood. Dark green veggies like parsley, broccoli and spinach (palak) have a lot of calcium in them too.
   3.

      Drink milk daily: When you think of calcium-rich food, the first thing that should come to your mind is milk. Having a glass a day provides you with 300 mg of calcium. Although dairy products are high in calcium, they can also be high in fat so always prefer the one made from skimmed milk. For those who are lactose intolerant, you can have calcium fortified soy milk.
   4.

      Say No to caffeine: 4 or more cups of coffee per day can causes calcium to be excreted in the urine thus increasing the risk of fracture. If you drink more than this amount though, stick to decaffeinated coffee.
   5.

      No Soft Drinks: Most soft drinks or soda contains phosphoric acid which also removes calcium from bones. Some drinks also contain excessive amounts of caffeine which also affects the bone health.
   6.

      Cut back on Meat: Limit or avoid high-protein animal foods. When meat is consumed, it creates an acidic environment in your stomach. To balance that, minerals like calcium are drawn from your bones which results in weak and brittle bones. Replace some of your red meat with calcium-rich varieties of fish and seafood.
   7.

      Quit Smoking/Alcohol: Smoking weakens bones and can lead to osteoporosis. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can contribute to fracture.
   8.

      Calcium Supplements: If you are unable to get enough calcium from your diet, then calcium supplements are an alternative. Although they are not as good as natural sources and should be only used as supplements and not as a primary source. Calcium supplements are available in tablets, powders, liquids, and chewable chocolate.
   9.

      Reduce Stress: Cortisol is a hormone produced when your body is under stress and causes calcium to be pulled from the bones. Try meditation exercises to reduce stress from daily lives.
  10.

      Increase fruit intake: Bananas are extremely rich in potassium and calcium. Kiwis are another great fruit that helps your bones grow stronger. Dried plums or prunes increase calcium absorption and help in preventing common orthopedic problem.
  11.

      Add B-complex vitamins to your diet: Your body also uses a variety of B vitamins in bone building, particularly folate and vitamin B6. A recently published study showed that when serum (the clear liquid part of coagulated blood) levels of vitamin B6 and folate are low, bones change and become weak. The best sources are liver, eggs, lean meats, yeast, fish, asparagus, beans (like kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils), raw nuts, spinach, broccoli and bananas.
  12.

      Get exercise: You need to start regular exercise program. Exercises that put extra pressure on specific bones stimulate your bones and help keep them strong. This type of exercise not only includes lifting weights, but also anything that involves impact (bearing your own body weight) like running, walking, dancing, etc. If you have a health condition or are new to exercise, talk to your doctor and make sure the workout you choose is safe for you.

It is recommended that you get tested for osteoporosis if you are over the age of 65. These changes are small, but the payoff could be big and remember it is never too late for us to start living better lives.

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Ladies, Lifting Weights will help You Build Stronger Bones

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You don't aspire to have the body of an Olympic powerlifter, so why should you add strength training to your workout schedule? "You'd have to be crazy not to lift weights," says Women's Health fitness director Adam Campbell. When done properly, he says, it is more about losing weight quicker, living longer, being smarter and looking great in a swimsuit than building bulging 20-inch biceps.

Lifting weights is also good for building stronger bones for women. Says, Toni House CEO First Tax Solution LLC and Author of Save Your Money, Save Your Family. (book at amazon)Exercise and eating right. Milk, green vegetables and stop smoking are just some of the keys to living heathier.

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Reduce Stress Will help fight Canker Sores

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If you find that daily stress and fatigue manifest as canker sores you aren't alone. Mouth ulcers  are common and can be very painful, even if they are barely visible. The cause of canker sores remains unknown, although a popular theory holds that they are autoimmune in nature - the result of an attack by the immune system on the body's own tissues. They may also be a result of deficiencies of folic acid, iron or vitamin B12.

Canker sores are often triggered by stress, fatigue, certain foods (including nuts, acidic foods and sweets) and occasionally by toothpaste containing the additive sodium lauryl sulfate. While they are painful, there are ways to reduce discomfort and speed the healing process. Try making a tablet of DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) extract into a paste, or make a paste from DGL powder and coat the paste over the sore. Do this four times a day until the sore has disappeared. A daily B-100, B-complex vitamin supplement may also help support the health of oral mucosa.

Perhaps most important are mind-body approaches, such as visualization, hypnosis or relaxation techniques, which can reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks.Says, Dr.Weil

These list of fruits also have folic acid and are full of other nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, carotenoids, calcium, says Toni House CEO First Tax Solution LLC and author of Save Your Money, Save Your Family

1. Avocado
2. Papaya
3. Guava
4. Cantaloupe
5. Orange
6. Apricots (dried, unsulfured)
7. Mango
8. Strawberries (organic)
9. Kiwi
10. Grapefruit (pink or red)

Are You Getting Enough Calcium and Vitamin D?

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Calcium and vitamin D are essential for strong, healthy bones—vitamin D is essential for optimum calcium absorption in the small intestine. Recommended calcium levels are 1000 mg per day, 1200 mg if you are over 50 years old. Take a vitamin D and calcium supplement if you don’t get enough of these nutrients from your diet.

Great sources of calcium include:

* Dairy products, which come already fortified with vitamin D.
* Dark green, leafy vegetables, such as kale and collard greens
* Dried beans and legumes

My Book Save Your Money, Save Your Family is available

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Saving Money on Veterinary Care

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Regular veterinary care is an essential part of keeping your dog or cat healthy. You should take your pet to the vet at least once a year for a check-up, and more often if an illness or emergency situation arises.

Give Your Pet the Longest, Healthiest, Happiest Life Possible

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Save Your Money Save Your Family
Choose healthy, natural pet food and treats from GreenerWiener.com!

You’ll save money on vet bills while keeping your cat or dog healthy and strong.

Visit GreenerWiener.com now to view their unique line of all-natural pet products to enhance the health and well-being of your furry little ones.

greener wiener pet products

On average, dog owners spent $356 on veterinary visits in 2007, the most recent year for which data is available, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, while cat owners spent $190. But if your pet has a serious illness or accident, vet bills can easily skyrocket to thousands, and even tens of thousands, of dollars.

Further, for the 33 percent of dog owners and 56 percent of cat owners who own more than one pet, veterinary bills are doubled, tripled or more. These costs can be steep even in the best economic times, but with many still struggling financially from the recession, vet bills can be completely unmanageable.

There are, however, some steps you can take to save money on vet care while keeping your pet healthy and strong.

5 Tips to Save Money Veterinary Care

1. Take Your Pet to the Vet at Least Once a Year

You don’t want to be penny wise and pound foolish; while a yearly vet exam will cost you a bit of money, it may help you prevent an illness in your pet, or catch one before it’s progressed too far. Yearly dog and cat checkups can identify problems early, when they are more likely to be treatable, instead of after your pet becomes sick and you have to shift to crisis mode.

2. Feed Your Pet a Healthy Diet

Giving your pet high-quality, species-appropriate food is absolutely essential to keeping him healthy -- and a healthy pet needs fewer visits to the vet.

However, many commercial pet foods are heavy in refined carbohydrates. Neither dogs nor cats are designed to process this overload of excess grains. Further, a high-grain diet can lead to the over-production of insulin in your pet, which in turn can make it difficult for your pet to maintain the proper weight, and may lead to diabetes, osteoarthritis, cancer, heart disease and other health problems.

Like humans, pets of all kinds need a varied diet, with fresh foods added, to function at their best.

dog food

What you feed your dog or cat can either boost his health or detract from it.

So feeding your pet "people food" like high-quality raw meats and veggies, supplemented with essential vitamins and minerals, can actually be very healthy for dogs and cats, provided the diet is properly balanced and varied.

Yet, why is it that so many of us still believe we are doing our pets a favor by feeding them only kibble or food that comes from a can? Heavy marketing on behalf of the pet food industry certainly plays a major role.

In reality, one of the best ways to feed your dog is using a species-appropriate diet, similar to the one they would find in the wild.

Fortunately, there are numerous high-quality brands of top-notch dog foods on the market that make this easy, and SixWise.com highly recommends viewing the select line of dog foods carried by GreenerWiener.com.

If you like the idea of feeding a raw diet, but aren’t sure how to jump in, an excellent starting point is Sojos Grain-Free Dog Food Mix.

This grain-free alternative to kibble is a wholesome pre-mix that you combine with raw meat and water to create a fresh, homemade dog food -- it's optimal nutrition for your dog with minimal effort on your part.

And you can be sure your dog is getting wholesome nutrition when you choose Sojos, as it's made with simple, honest ingredients like dried sweet potatoes, whole eggs and apples -- and absolutely no preservatives and nothing artificial. (If you have cats, Sojos also makes a European-Style Cat Food Mix that allows you to feed your cat the nutritious raw food he craves in just minutes a day).

Further, the Honest Kitchen line from GreenerWiener.com makes all of their pet food recipes in a human-food plant to ensure the highest possible quality control and production standards. Their facility is FDA inspected -- and humans actually taste their foods as part of their Quality Control process!

Depending on your pet’s needs, you can try any of these healthy options:

*

Embark Grain-Free Dog Food: A turkey-based dehydrated raw food designed for active dogs and puppies.
*

Force Grain-Free Dog Food: A chicken-based, dehydrated raw food great for all adult dogs -- especially those with sensitive stomachs.
*

Prowl Grain-Free Cat Food: A dehydrated raw food with absolutely zero grains, which is just the type of natural diet your kitty will thrive on.

These foods truly make it simple to give your dog (and cat) the food he’s meant to eat.

3. Be Selective With Vaccinations

Many veterinarians still vaccinate on the old every year schedule, but there is new research that indicates this is not only unnecessary but potentially harmful.

There are several reasons why many vets still vaccinate yearly, for instance many still believe that your pet is best protected by following the manufacturers' recommendations. Manufacturers mostly have not changed their recommendations because to do so costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to do the tests required by the USDA.

Also, the manufacturers are in business to sell vaccines. In the event of a pet getting a disease for which it is vaccinated, the drug companies will stand behind the veterinarian only if the pet is vaccinated according to label directions. Most vets don't want to get sued.

Some vets are not up to date on the very latest research. Some feel that the only way to get a pet in the door for an annual exam is by pushing the vaccines.

However, while rabies vaccines are often required by law, many other vaccines are optional. Talk to your vet about which vaccines are necessary and which are not, along with potential side effects of vaccination.

4. Start a Regular Dental Care Routine

A whopping 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by the young age of 3, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS). This is more than a problem of stinky breath, as tooth and gum problems can progress into serious health conditions for your pet.

This is why you should make sure you brush your dog or cat’s teeth daily. If your pet is not used to having their mouth touched, start by getting him or her used to having your hands in the area. Then gradually progress to using a specially designed pet toothbrush or fingertip brush, along with a toothpaste designed especially for pets.

Another excellent supplement to brushing that is highly recommended is Bluto’s Yummy Gum for dogs from GreenerWiener.com. This all-natural blend is exceptional for oral hygiene, bad breath and periodontal disease.

Bluto's Yummy Gum contains hydrosols of peppermint and helichrysum, combined with anti-inflammatory (thyme linelol) and antibacterial (niaouli) ingredients to provide an effective and natural oral hygiene treatment.

There are certain treats that can be an effective tool to promote your dog’s dental health as well. Look for those that promote chewing, which can help scrape off soft tartar, and also offer healthy ingredients to support your dog’s health from the inside out, as well. Two nutritious options that Sixwise.com highly recommends are:

*

Elk Antler ChewsElk Antler Chews from GreenerWiener.com: Elk Antler Chews are the longest lasting chews available on the market. Made from naturally shed antlers that won't splinter like other hard chews, they're great for promoting healthy teeth and gums. They're also a 100% natural source of over 40 essential nutrients promoting strong bones and healthy joints.
*

Sam’s Yams Sweet Potato Dog ChewsSam’s Yams Sweet Potato Dog Chews from GreenerWiener.com: These whole thick slabs of dehydrated sweet potato provide excellent nutrition and a patent-pending hard, grooved surface that promotes dental health.

5. Don’t Smoke

Second-hand smoke is not only a threat to humans, it can impact pets too. Secondhand smoke has been linked to asthma, bronchitis, lymphoma and oral, nasal and lung cancers in pets, so quitting now will save you money on vet bills later.

What About Pet Health Insurance?

To combat the skyrocketing costs of caring for your pet's health needs, pet health insurance companies offer all kinds of plans for just about every pet. They operate a lot like health insurance for humans, complete with deductibles, co-payments, annual premiums and limitations for pre-existing conditions.

While only about 3 percent of pet owners have pet health insurance, if absorbing the cost of an emergency vet visit or surgery would be difficult, this many be an option for you to consider. Be sure to look into the plan you choose carefully, as many exclude services for breed-specific ailments, etc. You can find more tips on deciding whether pet insurance is a good investment for you here.

If pet insurance is not for you, there are still more methods that can save you money while keeping your pet in good health.

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What You should Know About the Weed That Grows In Your Yard "Dandelion"

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Dandelion is a plant that many think of as a weed, but it contains many vitamins and offers many medicinal benefits. Dandelion is used as a nutritional supplement for a variety of health benefits. The plant itself is a member of the sunflower family, and can grow up to 12 inches. It has a yellow flower and green stem and leaves. The flower head changes into the seeds overnight. The whole dandelion can be used for medicinal purposes or can be eaten, such as in salads. Dandelions contain potassium, calcium and lecithin.
Ingredients

Dandelion supplements are made of dandelion and dandelion root.
Product Features

Dandelion contains many vitamins and minerals. They include potassium, calcium, lecithin, iron, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, proteins, silicon, boron, and zinc. The dandelion leaf also contains vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, various B vitamins, and iron. Dandelion is used as a stimulant, diuretic, and detoxicant. The potassium in dandelion is useful for consumers taking other medications that may decrease it in the body. Dandelion is a natural diuretic that increases the excretion of water and salts from the kidney, increasing the urine output, which is said to be perfect for cardiac patients and high blood pressure patients. Tea made of dandelions is used to treat fevers, jaundice, skin diseases, and rheumatism. The sap, leaves, and root are used to stimulate stomach secretions. They relieve constipation and control diarrhea, treat liver disorders, lower high blood pressure, relieve the pain of endometriosis, and reduce plaque buildup on teeth. Fresh dandelion herbs are used as mild appetite stimulants, and to settle an upset stomach. Dandelion cleanses the bloodstream, increases bile production, and helps gall bladder problems. Dandelion root is also a detoxifier.
Advantages

* Dandelion has a variety of vitamins and minerals.
* Dandelion has many medicinal properties.

Disadvantages

* Dandelion supplements contain a natural diuretic, which may dehydrate some consumers.
* Dandelion supplements stimulate the appetite, so it should not be used if dieting.

Conclusion

Dandelion supplements are used for a variety of medicinal needs, such as detoxifying the body, liver disorders, high blood pressure, skin disorders, and digestive problems. Dandelion has many vitamins, including potassium, calcium and lethicin, which are also beneficial to the body. However, Dandelion also has diuretic effects, so consumers taking other diuretics or prescription medications should contact a physician prior to taking a dandelion supplement. Consumers should also be sure to drink plenty of liquids while taking dandelion. Dandelion may produce an allergic reaction in some consumers. Consumers with chronic diseases should contact their physician prior to taking any nutritional supplement.

To Read More check out MSN Health

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Book on Amazon.com

Lupus Is an Autoimmune Disease

Lupus is an autoimmune disease, with symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening, but it can also go into remission for weeks, months, and even years. More serious forms are difficult to manage medically - immunosuppressive drugs such as prednisone can control severe symptoms, but should be used with caution, as they can reduce the chance that the disease will go into remission naturally.

If you have lupus, take a daily multivitamin/multimineral supplement and modify your diet:

1. Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating wild Alaskan salmon or other cold-water, oily fish three times a week.
2. Avoid polyunsaturated vegetable oils (safflower, sunflower, corn, etc.), margarine, vegetable shortening, and all products made with partially hydrogenated oils.
3. Eat a low-protein, plant-based diet that excludes all products made from cows' milk.
4. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (with the exception of alfalfa sprouts, which contain L-canavanine, an amino acid that can worsen autoimmunity).

These recommendations follow those in my Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid.

Stretching Every Dollar

Buys food on sale and in bulk. When she gets home she divides it up into healthy portions and freezes it, so it's ready to cook when she gets home from work.

When she cooks a dish, she doubles or even triples the recipe. Then, she'll divide the leftovers to use as lunches and she'll freeze some leftovers for later dinners.

Soup is one of the healthiest and cheapest meals. We made a delicious vegetable beef soup that costs only fifty cents a serving. Stir-fry and casseroles are other dishes that stretch a buck.

Frozen, Not Fresh

Feel free to use lots of frozen vegetables in your cooking. They're full of nutrients and are inexpensive. You may be surprised to learn that frozen produce is just as healthy as fresh, sometimes even more. Says, Toni House Author of Save Your Money, Save Your Family

Frozen produce is picked when it's ripe and nutrients are at their peak, while fresh food is often picked before it's ripe, causing it to lose more nutrients when exposed to light, heat and air.

Although frozen produce is a good buy, you can still find deals on fresh produce too. Make sure you chop your fruits and veggies yourself, because the pre-cut ones are expensive. And even when you buy whole fruits and vegetables, bagged are cheaper than loose.

Low Cost Exercise

When it comes to exercise, shop around for low-cost gym memberships. The YMCA has discounted memberships through its Open Doors program.

"It's really important for me, from our perspective, that they're treated like everyone else," said Dean Mattix, director of the Ablemarle, N.C., YMCA. "I was a recipient of the program and it's just the right thing to do. We just want to make the Y available to as many people as possible."

Mary Jones lost 40 pounds after joining the YMCA through its Open Doors program. She pays just $5 a month and considers the YMCA her sanctuary.

"Since it's such a Christian-based atmosphere here, it's so easy just to come," she said. "I don't have to be intimidated by cutesy girls or buff guys and all the language. I can come and feel comfortable."

Jones credits her success to the encouraging YMCA staff members, particularly her fitness coach Rick who designed an exercise and weight-lifting program that was custom-made for her-- a service that is complimentary with a YMCA membership.

She also credits the "Y Change" support group, where she and a handful of other members meet regularly to learn about nutrition and exercise as a group.

In addition to the YMCA, there are other fitness facilities that offer low cost or free memberships. Check with your local government about recreation centers or senior centers or exercise classes such as dance or swimming lessons.

Back to Basics

Don't forget about walking-- it's all the exercise you need.

"You have to make it fun. Listen to music you like," said Penny Price, a woman who lost 50 pounds by walking.

"Walk with a friend. That way if you don't feel like walking, your friend will encourage you to go, and vice-versa," she added.

As a nurse, Price counsels her patients about starting off slowly and working up to 10,000 steps a day. She recommends buying a $5 pedometer to keep track of how many steps you take each day. She also recommends buying a reflective vest to wear when it's dark outside or when you're walking on the side of a road.

If you want to walk, but have issues with safety or weather, walk at your nearest shopping mall. Most malls open their doors before the stores do.

Some shopping centers, like the Greenbriar Mall in Chesapeake, Va., even have a "Mall Walkers" organization that fosters friendships.

The group "Stroller Striders" uses the mall during inclement weather. Moms with their babies in strollers not only walk together, they even stop occasionally to do strength training exercises.

"It's a great place for me to meet my friends, said Rachel McHale of the Chesapeake Stroller Striders. "We can come together, be social, we have the space we need and we set a good example of exercising for our kids."

So whether you're eating or exercising, if you use your head you can live a healthy life without breaking the bank.

Making sure you are getting everything you need

The more restrictive a diet is, the more difficult it is to get all the nutrients your body needs. A vegan diet, for example, eliminates food sources of vitamin B-12, as well as milk products, which are a good source of calcium. Other nutrients, such as iron and zinc, are available in a meatless diet, but you need to make an extra effort to ensure they're in yours. Says, Toni House CEO First Tax Solution LLC and author of Save Your Money, Save Your Family

Here are nutrients that may be deficient in a vegetarian diet and how you can get these nutrients from nonmeat sources:

* Protein. Your body needs protein to maintain healthy skin, bones, muscles and organs. Vegetarians who eat eggs or dairy products have convenient sources of protein. Other sources of protein include soy products, meat substitutes, legumes, lentils, nuts, seeds and whole grains.
* Calcium. This mineral helps build and maintain strong teeth and bones. Low-fat dairy foods and dark green vegetables, such as spinach, turnip and collard greens, kale, and broccoli, are good sources of calcium. Tofu enriched with calcium and fortified soy milk and fruit juices are other options.
* Vitamin B-12. Your body needs vitamin B-12 to produce red blood cells and prevent anemia. This vitamin is found almost exclusively in animal products, including milk, eggs and cheese. Vegans can get vitamin B-12 from some enriched cereals, fortified soy products or by taking a supplement that contains this vitamin.
* Iron. Like vitamin B-12, iron is a crucial component of red blood cells. Dried beans and peas, lentils, enriched cereals, whole-grain products, dark leafy green vegetables, and dried fruit are good sources of iron. To help your body absorb nonanimal sources of iron, eat foods rich in vitamin C — such as strawberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, cabbage and broccoli — at the same time you consume iron-containing foods.
* Zinc. This mineral is an essential component of many enzymes and plays a role in cell division and in the formation of proteins. Good sources of zinc include whole grains, soy products, nuts and wheat germ.

The key to a healthy vegetarian diet — or any diet for that matter — is to enjoy a wide variety of foods. Since no single food provides all of the nutrients that your body needs, eating a wide variety helps ensure that you get the necessary nutrients and other substances that promote good health.

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Save Your Money, Save Your Family

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HI everyone,

It has been a few days since my last post, I am in the final stages of editing my first book.

The book cover has been designed, My Publishing Company NorLightsPress.com, they are working diligently to finish the copy editing. Once the editing is done then off to the printing press. I can hardly wait. This book comes to you from the deepest part of my heart.

My name is Toni House I was born and raised in the Southern United States, transferd to and continue to live in Northern Arizona for more than 22 years.

With the weather, the beauty and the people of Northern Arizona there is no place better.
But, to my story.

As a child my family and I lived (well as society dictates in poverty)and at a time in my childhood we were homeless, but with Gods help we always seemed to manage.

I learned very early in life to work hard, pay your way, love God, love your family ( no matter how much you hated them at moments) help and love your neighbor.

As I grew up I realized more and more that we were not like most of our classmates, we did not have many of the nicer things they had, but we did have love and happiness they did not seem to have.

I learned to not throw things away, that you always took care of what you had and you took care of others belongings better than you took care of your own.

I learned what gardening and what eating healthy was about, it was not just about food grown in your own garden, but about the process of growing your own vegetables, the tilling the dirt, mixing compost (they we made ourselves from potato peelings, weeds, tree branches etc) in the dirt. Making rows for each vegetable being planted.

The planting, praying it would rain at the right time so we would not have to water it by hand, to harvesting the vegetables to freezing and canning it to eat the rest of the year.

I learned alot about life in those very meek days. I was the oldest of 6 kids, the 3 of us and my step dad with 3, and with both parents working I become parent number 3.

It was my responsibility at the age of 10 to make breakfast(mostly oatmeal, pancakes and sometime eggs if we had them)to get everyone dressed and to the school bus, and I did everything else that a normal household has to do.

Fast forward to college, I was the first in my family to go to college, by way of working and paying for it myself(as so many of us have and continue to do)
to being successful in my own businesses and helping many others to become successful.

Until 2007 when our world changed, we all are suffering, we all are fearful, we all are worried about today, tomorrow and our future, the future of our country but mostly the future of our children.

So is the reason for me writing my book Save Your Money, Save Your Family
it truly does come from the deepest part of my heart, It goes back to my beginnings to love each other and to appreciate what you have.

Look for it in bookstores soon. Save Your Money,Save Your Family

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8 Reasons to Eat Breakfast

Children who eat breakfast perform better on standardized achievement tests and have fewer behavior problems in school.

1. A Harvard University/Massachusetts General Hospital study of children in Philadelphia and Baltimore schools discovered that students who usually ate school breakfast had improved math grades, reduced hyperactivity, decreased absence and tardy rates, and improved psycho-social behaviors compared with children who rarely ate school breakfast. (Pediatrics, January, 1998; Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, February, 1998)

2. Tufts University, in published statement on the link between nutrition and cognitive development in children, recognized that "Children who participated in the School Breakfast Program were shown to have significantly higher standardized achievement test scores than eligible non-participants."

3. Eating breakfast has an advantageous effect on late-morning mood, satiety and cognitive performance.

4. "Eating breakfast of any kind prevent(s) many of the adverse effects of fasting," such as irritability and fatigue, according to Bonnie Spring, Ph.D. , University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School.

5. "Breakfast can establish the tone for the next 16 hours (of each day after eating it). Why not treat yourself to a nice meal and a quality hour to collect yourself and focus on what's important?" (Ask Mr Breakfast, Where does the word "breakfast" come from?)

6. Eating breakfast keeps you thin.

7. Researchers from the National Weight Control Registry, a database of more than 3,000 people who have lost at least 60 pounds and kept it off for an average of 6 years, found that eating breakfast every day was a weight control strategy for 78% of the people in the registry. People who kept off weight long-term also reported eating a low-fat diet and exercising for an hour or more each day.

8. Breakfast is delicious.

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Create Healthy Habits for you and your family:

Eat Breakfast:

According to a Harvard University/Massachusetts General Hospital study of children from Philadelphia and Baltimore, there was a clear link that showed children who usually ate breakfast performed better in mathematics and they had fewer cases of hyperactivity in the classroom. The children also attended school on a more regular basis, compared to their peers who missed out on breakfast. (Pediatrics, January, 1998; Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, February, 1998) Suite101.com
Preparing breakfast takes very little effort: It will take a little more organization and 10 more minutes in the morning:


Make sure you have several breakfast items on hand: Not just cold cereal.


Oatmeal eggs
cream of wheat bread
pan cake mix butter
syrup jam/jelly
yogurt
fruit/fresh/frozen
milk
juice

when making pan cakes make them 3" in diameter. make 2 dozen more than you will eat and freeze them. When you are short on time pop them in the microwave for a couple of minutes.