Tips to Avoid or Dealing with a Hijacking Situation

In South Africa, one hijacking occurs roughly every 32 minutes. Over 12 000 vehicles were hijacked in SA between April and December 2016 – 14.9% more in 9 months than in the previous financial year.

This means it can happen to anyone but unfortunately, women, especially driving alone, ,are easy targets’.

But what can one do? The best is to avoid hijacking hotspots as regularly announced by the SAPS in the media and to prepare oneself whenever you are in such a situation but also take some precautionary measures.

Here are some good tips and advice from DialDirect Insurance:

• Use a GPS to avoid getting lost and becoming an easy target. Inform someone at your destination about your estimated time of arrival.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and look out for anything suspicious.
• Limit distractions, such as checking or talking on your cell phone when walking to or from your car.
• Avoid driving with windows open, keep the doors locked and lock valuables out of sight.
• Install smash-and-grab window protection if possible.
• If you suspect you are being followed, make a couple of false turns. If someone is still following you, drive to the nearest police station.
• Leave enough room between you and the car in front of you to avoid being boxed in.
• Slowdown in such a way that the light is green by the time you reach a traffic light, especially late at night – this prevents you coming to a complete stop and reduces your risk of becoming a target.
• Always park in a safe, well-lit area.
• If you sense you are in danger, use the panic button on your tracking device or contact your armed response company.
• Check the back seat before getting into the car, even if you left it locked.
• A well-maintained car is less likely to break down – keep your car in good condition. If you do break down then pull over, turn the hazard lights on and call for emergency assistance.
• Avoid distractions while driving. 

What to do if confronted by a hijacker:

• Remain calm
• Do not argue
• Do not make sudden gestures
• Avoid eye contact but try to remember what the carjacker looked like by identifying and remembering special features.
• Comply with the hijacker’s directions – within reason
• Try and get away from the area as quickly as possible
• Don’t be a hero – your life is worth more than your car

What is preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is when you have high blood pressure and protein in your urine during pregnancy. It can happen at any point after the 20th week of pregnancy, though in some cases it occurs earlier. You may also have low clotting factors (platelets) in your blood or indicators of kidney or liver trouble. This condition is also called toxaemia or pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Eclampsia is a severe complication of preeclampsia. Eclampsia includes high blood pressure resulting in seizures during pregnancy.

Approximately 5 to 10 percent of all pregnant women get preeclampsia.

What causes preeclampsia?

Doctors cannot yet identify one single cause of preeclampsia, but some potential causes are being explored. These include:

•genetic factors

•diet

•blood vessel problems

•autoimmune disorders

There are also risk factors that can increase your chances of developing preeclampsia. These include:

•being pregnant with multiple foetuses

•being over the age of 35

•being in your early teens

•being pregnant for the first time

•being obese

•having a history of high blood pressure

•having a history of diabetes

•having a history of a kidney disorder

Nothing can definitively prevent this condition. Early and consistent prenatal care can help your doctor diagnose it sooner and avoid complications. Having a diagnosis will allow your doctor to provide you with proper monitoring until your delivery date.

Symptoms of preeclampsia

It’s important to remember that you might not notice any symptoms of preeclampsia. If you do develop symptoms, some common ones include:

•persistent headache

•abnormal swelling in your hands and face

•sudden weight gain

•changes in your vision

During a physical exam, your doctor may find that your blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher. 

Urine and blood tests can also show protein in your urine, abnormal liver enzymes, and platelet levels.

At that point, your doctor may do a nonstress test in their office to make sure the foetus is moving normally. A nonstress test is a simple exam that measures how the foetal heart rate changes as the foetus moves. An ultrasound may also be done to check your fluid levels and the health of the foetus.

What is the treatment for preeclampsia?

Delivery of your baby is the only cure for preeclampsia.

During pregnancy, your doctor will monitor and manage your condition to ensure you and your baby stay healthy. If you’re at week 37 or later, your doctor may induce labor. At this point, the baby has developed enough and is only minimally premature.

If your preeclampsia is mild, your doctor may recommend:

•getting bed rest

•reducing your salt intake

•drinking more water

•making regular visits to the doctor

In some cases, you may be given medications to help lower your blood pressure.

If your condition is serious, your doctor may want to admit you to the hospital for more thorough monitoring. You might be given intravenous (IV) medications to lower your blood pressure or steroid injections to help your baby’s lungs develop quicker.

Delivery might be the only safe option if the preeclampsia is severe enough to endanger the health of you or the foetus. This can be the case even if your baby will be delivered prematurely. The signs of severe preeclampsia include:

•changes in the foetal heart rate that indicate distress

•abdominal pain

•seizures

•impaired kidney function

•fluid in the lungs

You should see your doctor if you notice any abnormal signs or symptoms during your pregnancy. Your main concern should be your health and the health of your baby.

What are the complications of preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia can be fatal for both mother and child if it’s left untreated. Other complications can include:

•bleeding problems

•breaking away of the placenta from the uterine wall

•damage to the liver

Complications for the baby can also occur if they’re born too early.

During pregnancy, it’s important to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible. This includes eating a healthy diet, taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid, and going for regular prenatal care check-ups. But even with proper care, unavoidable conditions like preeclampsia can sometimes occur. This can be dangerous for both you and your baby.

Talk with your doctor about things you can do to reduce your risk of preeclampsia and about the warning signs. If necessary, they may refer you to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist for additional care.

History of the fiery hot chilli

The origin of the fiery hot chilli is South American and as such was entirely unknown in most of the world before the first contact with the Americas by Europeans around 1500.

Chilli was first domesticated in Mexico about 8000 years ago, one of the first self-pollinating crops developed in the Americas. Christopher Columbus was one of the first Europeans to consume one, and thought they were a pepper.

There are several stories of scientists, monks and cooks in Europe having unfortunately fiery experiences experimenting with the extraordinary spice brought back to the Old World.

In 1510, Portugal, then a major world power, established one of the first European permanent settlements in India at Goa and soon after, brought the chilli to India. Almost immediately, the remarkably fiery spice spread throughout India, which became the world’s largest producer and consumer of chilli.

Prior to the introduction of chilli, Indian cuisines were heavily flavoured with black pepper, and Indian food appears to have been very spicy even then. In fact, linguistic evidence shows that Indians, like Columbus, drew few distinctions between the two spices with a number of languages using variants around the word “mirch,” which usually denotes chilli now, for both spices.

After this, chilli began to spread throughout Asia, deep into the Middle East and Central Asia, as well as China and Indochina, becoming a major aspect of most Asian cuisines.

The arrival of migrant communities in Europe and North and South America completed the rise of the chilli in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Danie

Weight control and your risk for a stroke

There is a lot you can do to lower your chances of having a stroke. Even if you've already had a stroke you can take steps to prevent another.

Controlling your weight is an important way to lower stroke risk. Excess pounds strain the entire circulatory system and can lead to other health conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obstructive sleep apnea. But losing as little as 5% to 10% of your starting weight can lower your blood pressure and other stroke risk factors.

But then you'll need to keep the weight off for good, not just while you're on a diet.

Here tips than can help you control your weight:

Move more. Exercise is one obvious way to burn off calories. But another approach is to increase your everyday activity wherever you can — walking, fidgeting, pacing while on the phone, taking stairs instead of the elevator.

Skip the sipped calories. Sodas, lattes, sports drinks, energy drinks, and even fruit juices are packed with unnecessary calories. Worse, your body doesn't account for them the way it registers solid calories, so you can keep chugging them before your internal "fullness" mechanism tells you to stop. Instead, try unsweetened coffee or tea, or flavor your own sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime, a sprig of fresh mint, or a few raspberries.

Eat more whole foods. If you eat more unprocessed foods — such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains — you'll fill yourself up on meals that take a long time to digest. Plus, whole foods are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber and tend to be lower in salt — which is better for your blood pressure, too.

Find healthier snacks. Snack time is many people's downfall — but you don't have to skip it as long as you snack wisely. Try carrot sticks as a sweet, crunchy alternative to crackers or potato chips, or air-popped popcorn (provided you skip the butter and salt and season it with your favorite spices instead). For a satisfying blend of carbs and protein, try a dollop of sunflower seed butter on apple slices.

Source: Harvard Medical School

Honey, Honey, Honey!

The benefits of honey go beyond its great taste. A great natural source of carbohydrates which provide strength and energy to our bodies, honey is known for its effectiveness in instantly boosting the performance, endurance and reduce muscle fatigue of athletes. Its natural sugars play an important role in preventing fatigue during exercise. The glucose in honey is absorbed by the body quickly and gives an immediate energy boost, while the fructose is absorbed more slowly providing sustained energy. It is known that honey has also been found to keep levels of blood sugar fairly constant compared to other types of sugar.

Here are some great tips for using honey to enhance your life:

1. Before a workout, take a spoon of honey to enable you to go for the extra mile.

2. If you are feeling low and lethargic in the morning try honey. Spread it on hot toast or replace the sugar in your tea with it for a refreshing surge of energy.

3. If your kids are finding hard to cope with the physical strain from the buzzing activities at school, prepare them a honey drink, some sandwiches with honey, butter and ham to make sure they have enough energy to sustain through the day. And for optimal sleep and recovery cycle at night, give your child a spoonful of honey before sleep on a daily basis. They may not care a bit about the health benefits of honey now, but will be grateful and love what you do for them when they grow up!

4. Honey can be a powerful immune system booster. Its antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties can help improve digestive system and help you stay healthy and fight disease. Start every brand new day with this cleansing tonic if you want to see this health benefit of honey: before breakfast, mix a spoonful of honey and lemon juice from half a lemon into a cup of warm water and drink it.

5. Studies have shown that honey possesses natural antioxidant and therapeutic properties that were able to prevent cognitive decline and dementia and enhance the brain's cholinergic system and circulation.  

6. One of the better known health benefits of honey is that it is able to help treat sore throats. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, honey not only soothes throats but can also kill certain bacteria that cause the infection. Professional singers commonly use honey to soothe their throats before performances. Direction: Take a spoonful of honey to soothe the inflammation or gargle with a mixture of two tablespoons of honey, four tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

7. Tired of counting sheep? Take a glass of hot milk with a teaspoon of honey to calm the soul and induce sleep. Or, add 1 or 2 teaspoons of honey to a cup of chamomile tea and sip. 

For thousands of years, honey has been recognized as one of the most natural home remedies to treat a wide range of ailments and complaints including yeast infection, athlete foot, and arthritis pain. Its antiseptic properties inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and helps keep external wounds clean and free from infection. Honey has been used as a natural cure in first aid treatment for wounds, burns and cuts as it is able to absorb moisture from the air and promote healing. Its antibacterial properties prevent infection and functions as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing both swelling and pain, and even scarring.

Source: www.benefits-of-honey.com

Steve Harvey and a heart-warming reunion between two women

Yesterday (24 May) I watched a rerun episode of the Steve Harvey Show Steve on which he hosted a heart-warming reunion between a woman and the nurse who helped her through a triplet pregnancy, 18 years ago! It was a beautiful show and I want to share it with my readers!

RUTH YEBOAH moved to the United States from Ghana in her ‘20s and shortly after, discovered she was pregnant with triplets! Her family was far away and she was scared to be in a new country. A kind nurse named RUTH MILANAIK not only helped her through her pregnancy, but helped to secure donations of diapers, formula, food and clothes to give her babies a good start in life. Ruth Yeboah was so inspired by Ruth Milanaik’s generosity that she went on to become a nurse herself and even started a clinic back in Ghana to help young pregnant women!  This reunion between nurse and patient, nearly 20 years in the making was indeed heart-warming!!

The Life Center of Ghana, a  Non-Profit organization was formed by Ruth Yeboah and a group of social workers and nurses in January 2000 with initial membership of 15 PLHIV (People Living with HIV/AIDS) who came together to share their experiences and discuss issues of concern, including health, nutritional, economic and socio-cultural issues. Programs were designed to support teenage mothers to obtain vocational training to support themselves and their children.

Well done both the Ruth’s and Steve Harvey!

Danie

In memory of the Late Great Roger Moore.

Former James Bond Roger Moore died on 23 May 2017 at the age of 89. As a number of online tributes attest, he was one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation.

Born in London on 14 October 1927, Roger Moore's career spanned an arc over many different eras and tastes in British history. Moore was not just a great actor, he was an icon, an all-around inspiration to everyone.

In 1962 he touched the hearts of millions as Simon Templar in ‘The Saint’. His legacy will continue to grow as new generations of fans are discovering his unique heritage.

Although Roger Moore is no longer physically here, his presence is more powerful than ever. He left a void that has yet to be filled.

How to deal with noisy neighbors is a sectional title unit

Although living in a sectional title scheme has many benefits, living in close proximity to others can pose challenges.

Sectional title living has many positives including a safe environment, amenities that the homeowner doesn't have to maintain and in many cases, the opportunity to be part of a closely-knit community. Unfortunately there’s also a downside – people who live in close proximity can get on each other’s nerves and this can lead to a great deal of unpleasantness.

The first thing that needs to be recognized is that your neighbors are probably going to annoy you at some point. Whether it is crashing and bashing around in the middle of the night, throwing regular and noisy parties, or simply playing their radio at full volume, there will come a point when it all just becomes too much and something gets said.

There's nothing wrong with complaining about an issue that's truly getting under your skin, but there are ways to ensure that the situation doesn’t turn into open warfare.

Firstly you need to ask yourself if you have a valid complaint and even if you feel you do, does the situation really warrant instant action, should you just learn to live with it, or should the response be postponed until you've calmed down? Obviously something needs to be said if the noise wakes you up or prevents you from falling sleep, particularly if the neighbors make a habit of being very noisy. In these cases it may be a good idea to have a quiet word about the noise levels the next day as opposed to storming into the neighbor's home straight away and demanding the music be turned down. People who have been drinking can often not be reasoned with and may deal with issues differently than when they are sober.

It's not pleasant hearing people argue, but leaning out of a window and screaming at your quarreling neighbors to shut up probably isn't going to help. Angry people don't respond well to interference and the situation could possibly be best resolved by leaving a polite note pointing out that you don't enjoy being privy to the couple’s domestic problems and asking for a little consideration. 

What we’re trying to say is don't make mountains out of molehills, thus possibly making a bad situation worse. Most people are reasonable and how you approach the situation will often directly impact on the end result. We all get fed up and very often it's the little things that irritate us the most. We also tend to allow things to build up until we explode with anger. Although some behavior will always be unacceptable and will need to be dealt with, be sensible and pick your battles.

Remember, for instance, that children at play are noisy (ask any anyone who lives next to a family with a two year old), but expecting a parent to keep a child silent all day is unreasonable and could lead to a breakdown in relations. Tolerance is key and while there may well be times when action has to be taken, adopting a live and let live approach wherever possible is going to make life easier for all.

Tips for dealing with noise issues:

•Don't act on impulse. Calm down before approaching the transgressor.

•Don't become petty by reacting every time your neighbor makes a noise. Be reasonable and only complain if and when absolutely necessary.

•Talk to or write to the neighbor directly and only approach the body corporate if the response to your complaint is not satisfactory.

•If you do write a letter of complaint to the body corporate, don't get personal and be sure to indicate the times and dates the transgressions occurred.

•If the matter doesn't get resolved, raise the matter at the next body corporate meeting.

Source: www.privateproperty.co.za

Down in the Dumbs? Boost your Mood!

Boost my mood? How?

 

Easy: 

Have chocolates

Although sweet and rich, you may eat dark chocolate without any guilt feelings. The health benefits of dark chocolates are that it lowers blood pressure, increases the blood flow and assists the ‘good’ cholesterol. But, please only moderate portions per day, ladies but it will do wonders for your mood.

Aromatherapy is good for you

Aromatherapy seems to be good for you. Studies show that breathing in natural perfumed scents can lift mood, like lavender which is my favorite. So, indulge in some aromatherapy. Spray lavender water on your pillow tonight. Sweet dreams!

Send all your kisses for him or her

In your hectic daily schedule stop with a peck here or there or even blowing kisses to your loved one. The secret is that you must give your loved one a really lingering kiss.

Not only will giving your sweetheart a good kiss burn calories, but that kiss also reduces stress, boost your immune system, and strengthen your bond with your loved one.

Treat yourself with a manicure

Those hands of yours are like busy bees. They fly over a computer keyboard, wield hammer and nails, tuck in the kids, hug your honey, scrub, brush, etc. Treat these little hard workers with a manicure. Like massage, a manicure involves contact with another person through touch, which not only makes you feel pampered, it may even improve self-esteem. Now that's a stress reliever.

Have a good laugh

No one will differ from me – laughter is good for you. Studies show that a good laugh decrease stress, boosts up your immunity, improves blood flow, and stabilizes blood pressure. A good laugh may even help keep blood sugar levels down and aid digestion.

Call a friend

Good friends are good for you. Whether you see them every day or once in a while, friends foster a sense of belonging, purpose, and self-worth. Friendship even keeps you on a mental high. So grab the phone and give your friend a call.

Is Salt Good for You?

 Salt is important to good nutritional status. Too little can cause disturbances in tissue-water and acid-base balance, which is important to good nutrition.

A sodium deficiency is a health condition where a body fails to receive an adequate supply of sodium. Sodium deficiency can become extremely prevalent in excessive temperatures, which cause the body to perspire heavily and patterns of dehydration will set in. Sodium deficiency can lead to shock if the blood pressure is decreased too severely.

 Check out why:

Sodium is a mineral that your body must have in order to function properly. The primary source of dietary sodium is sodium chloride, or salt, more than three-quarters of which comes from processed foods. Although sodium is vital to a number of routine body functions, too much can have adverse effects, particularly for people who are sensitive to sodium. Excessive sodium can cause hypertension, which in turn can lead to other health problems.

Sodium is a mineral that carries an electrical charge, known as an electrolyte. Electrolytes facilitate muscle contraction and nerve cell transmission. Ions of sodium, potassium and chloride trigger muscle contractions and nerve impulses when they shift places across cell membranes. A nerve cell at rest has positively charged potassium ions inside the cell and is surrounded outside the cell by positively charged sodium ions and negatively charged chloride ions. When stimulated, potassium ions rush out of the cell as sodium ions rush in, creating an electrical signal or nerve impulse. A similar scenario occurs during the contraction of muscles.

Sodium also works in concert with potassium to maintain normal water balance in the body. Each of the minerals chemically attracts water to itself, thus assuring that optimal levels of hydration are maintained both inside human cells and outside the cells, in the extracellular spaces that surround them. In healthy people the body has a built-in mechanism to guard against the effects of occasional excess levels of sodium, but continued intake of high amounts of sodium can eventually override this safety valve and lead to hypertension.

Remember, diets too high in sodium can lead to high water retention and hypertension. Overall, salt is generally nontoxic to adults, provided it is excreted properly. The maximum amount of sodium that should be incorporated into a healthy diet should range from 2,400-3,000 mg/day.

WARNING: CHECK YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE REGULARLY!!

Source: www.healthyeating.com

Join The Parkrun Fun!

It’s for everyone

Whether you’re young or old, male or female, fit or unfit, able-bodied or not, you’re always welcome. It’s not about racing, it’s about running.

Parkrun (styled as parkrun) is the name given to a collection of five-kilometer running events that take place every Saturday morning in fourteen countries across five continents. Each Parkrun territory has its own sponsors. Events are run by volunteers, and participation is free of charge.

Runners are required to register online in advance for a unique number and to print their own identification barcode for use when taking part. Runners' results in each event are processed and uploaded online after the run by volunteers. Each registered runner has an individual page cataloguing the details of each event in which they have participated.

Founded by Paul Sinton-Hewitt in 2004, the idea of Parkrun grew from the initial Bushy Parkrun event (originally called Bushy Park Time Trial) into a small collection of events called the UK Time Trials and then into Parkrun (2010). Events now take place every week in Australia, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the Czech Republic,] the United States, Italy and France. Parkruns have previously been operated in Zimbabwe and Iceland. There was also formerly a Parkrun at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan, which was operated by Parkrun UK. Sinton-Hewitt was presented the Runner's World 'Heroes of Running' award for philanthropy for his work with Parkrun in 2009 and became a CBE in the Queen's birthday honors 2014 for 'services to grass roots sports participation'.

Global participation first exceeded 10,000 in April 2011 and 20,000 in August 2012. Neither participation nor event numbers show any sign of slowing with global participation first exceeding 30,000 in April 2013 (225 events), 40,000 in August 2013 (282 events), 50,000 in November 2013 (317 events), 60,000 in January 2014 (340 events), 70,000 in April 2014 (386 events), and more than 100,000 by April 2016 (more than 730 events).

Just over 332,000 individuals did their first run with Parkrun in 2013, taking the total number of individuals who have ever run with Parkrun to 663,900. Just over 1.95 million runs were recorded in 2013 taking the total number of runs since it started in 2004 to 3.92 million runs. Making all this possible were the contributions of 42,800 unique volunteers who volunteered in excess of 180,000 times across 362 events or locations while delivering 14,015 events during the year. 153 new events were added in 2013. In May 2014 the 1,000,000 registrant mark was passed.

By 24 December 2015, there were over two million registered Parkrunners globally, together having done over 12.5 million runs, with one million instances of volunteering. Come December 2016, parkrun "athlete" number 3,000,001 had been issued, representing over 2,000,000 participants with runners using over 1,000 parks worldwide.

Sources:

www.parkrun.com

www.parkrun.co.za

www.wikipedia.com

The Logic of Women!!

Logic #1

Lunchtime at the office, Sarah and Jane went to the diner on the corner with their lunch boxes,  they have decided to eat their lunch there, so without ordering anything they sit down, open their lunch boxes and  begin to eat .

The manager sees this and says to them, "You can't eat your own food in here!"

With that, they swap lunch boxes and continue eating!!

Logic #2

 Kimberly informed her friend Mary that she had started a diet to lose some pounds she had put on recently.

“Good!” Mary exclaimed. “I’m ready to start a diet too. We can be dieting buddies and help each other out. When I feel the urge to drive out and get a burger and fries, I’ll call you first.”

“Great!” Kimberley replied. “I’ll ride with you.”

Super Foods for Women

Everyone, including women, need to eat nutrient-rich foods to maintain their health. One area in your budget you should probably try to increase is your food budget. We all spend money on our health. It is a toxic, crowded world and there is no escape from that expense. You can choose if you spend less money on food and more on medicine, or more on better food and supplements and less on medicine. With the latter, you'll have a better quality of life, but it does take more time and effort.

The nutrients we need our food to be rich in include:

• Protein for muscle and strength

• Iron for our blood

• Folic acid for the formation of both red and white blood cells

• Chromium for healthy blood sugar

• Calcium for bones and teeth

• Magnesium for many things including healthy organs

• Vitamin D for heart and bone health

• Vitamin C for immunity and antioxidants

• B vitamins for adrenal health and to fight stress

• Enzymes for digestion and nutrient absorption

• Fiber to get the most out of your food and help fight disease

• Essential fatty acids to nourish your brain and vascular system

• Lots of good, clean water

The best way to get all of these nutrients every day is to incorporate super foods foods into your diet that will do double duty. Super foods usually provide more than just a few vitamins and minerals. They nourish your body with essential vitamins and minerals, while also helping to fight disease, providing you with balanced health.

The top 10 super foods for women:

1. Dark green leafy vegetables. This is what humans were designed to eat as the main portion of our diet, and what Americans don't get enough of - things like kale and Swiss chard. The nutrients are too numerous to list, but include lots of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, powerful phytochemicals, and more that will ensure optimum functioning for your body. This is where you'll get your folic acid, hormone support, liver support, disease prevention, proper pH, and even some iron and protein. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts are invaluable as well.

2. Lean meat, beans, and legumes. You must have a clean, healthy source of protein and iron. Grass-fed beef or lamb is good choices, as are many beans and lentils. Low in fat, high in fibre beans are very nutritious and a staple in vegetarian diets.

3. Whole grains. Important for fiber and energy, carbohydrates are downright dangerous to your health when they are over-processed and from GMO sources. Whole wheat does not mean whole grain. Consider some of the less used (and processed) ancient grains such as quinoa, spelt, and amaranth.

fruit,

4. Fresh organic fruit. Full of flavonoids, antioxidants, enzymes, fiber (eat the peel!), and vitamins, fruit is the 'sweets' you were designed to eat (not sugar). On the super food list: blueberries, goji berries, cranberries, cherries, kiwis, etc.

5. Nuts and seeds. EFAs, ALAs, fiber, good fats, and these super foods are disease fighters. Chia seeds and flax seeds (and meal) have lignans that fight breast cancer by inhibiting the growth and development of tumors. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and other nuts provide healthy fats necessary for everything from a healthy heart to healthy joints.

6. Avocado. Full of healthy fats, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, avocados will lower triglycerides, nourish your brain, and prevent wrinkles. One of the best anti-aging foods you can consume, avocados is versatile - add to a smoothie, spread on a sandwich, or top a wrap with slices.

7. Fish. The essential fatty acids (EFAs) found in fish such as wild-caught salmon and sardines are essential to your health. They are also a good source of low-fat protein. If you are concerned about the health of our oceans, you can get your EFAs from things like flax and walnuts.

8. Chocolate. That's right. If you stick to this list, you'll need a reward. Why not some antioxidant-rich dark chocolate? A good-for-you treat, a little goes a long way and will help satisfy your sweet tooth.

9. Spice it up. Cooking at home allows you control over the ingredients you consume, and the opportunity to make your food extra nutritious by adding some time-honored flavorings known for their health benefits. Cook with garlic, onion, mushrooms, cinnamon, turmeric, rosemary, and others. All have wonderful flavors and immune-boosting properties.

10. Spirulina and chlorella. Not necessarily easy to eat, these amazing super foods are worth their weight in gold to your health. Add to smoothies or take as a supplement to fight and prevent disease and maintain optimum health. For more information, check out the links below.

Ask yourself before you eat if the food you are looking at is nutrient-rich or nutrient-poor, and eat accordingly. Try to eat at least eight different colored foods each day. Raw foods are the only way to get enzymes, which are the key to good digestion and fewer allergies. You must grow your own food or buy organic food to get enzymes, or take supplements, as all other foods are irradiated which kills them. You also need probiotics for good gut health. Eat fermented foods such as sauerkraut or yogurt, especially after taking pharmaceutical antibiotics. Make and take your food rather than eating out; that's the best way to know what you're getting and to avoid the time crunch that ends up with you at the drive-thru window. Don't forget to address underlying emotional issues because they will affect your health in the long-run. Lastly, do invest some time in top quality whole-food based vitamins and supplements for those days when you don't get enough super foods.

Source: www.naturalnews.com

Why Massage Therapy is Good for You!

With modern life getting more and more hectic and subsequently stressful, massage therapy is gaining popularity as one of the ways to counter this stress.

Massage therapy has a range of both physical and emotional benefits.

The physical benefits

Massage therapy reduces muscular tension, aches and pains.

Both blood and lymphatic circulation can be improved by massage therapy. Blood circulation brings fresh blood to our cells and tissues, feeding them with nutrients and oxygen, while lymphatic circulation removes impurities and excess carbon dioxide from bodily organs. In this way the body is strengthened and the immune system is given a boost.

Our muscle fibers become twisted and knotted as a result of daily use, especially for those people in office jobs that provide limited movement or scope for stretching. Massage therapy will stretch out these tight muscles, ensuring optimum muscular function and range of movement. In addition scar tissue and muscle knots that have built up over time in the muscle fibers can be broken down, reducing pain and tension and helping to prevent injury.

Massage therapy can address tension headaches and even eye tension and strain caused by tension in the muscles in the head and spending more and more time on computers.

Massage therapy also has a range of emotional and psychological benefits. Massage therapy improves a person’s sense of general well being and promotes relaxation as it relieves stress, tension and anxiety. This results in easing insomnia and depression. The end result is that it energizes and stimulates both body and mind.

Health Tip:The Joy of almonds 

Almonds have as much protein per ounce as red meat. Adding almonds into your diet has shown to help reduce the risk of heart attacks by as much as 50%. This result is due to the good-for-your-heart vitamin E found in almonds. Monounsaturated fats can decrease your bad LDL cholesterol levels and increase your good HDL cholesterol levels. Antioxidants help keep your arteries young.

Curried Chicken Salad

Ingredients

4 tablespoons of mayonnaise  
zest of ½ a lime
juice of ½ a lime
2 teaspoons curry powder
¼ teaspoon turmeric
1 clove garlic, grated
½ teaspoon salt
small pinch of cayenne pepper
2 poached or roasted chicken breasts, shredded

Directions

1. Combine the first 8 ingredients in bowl.

2. Slowly add a small amount of the curry mixture to the chicken, combining well. Continue adding the curry mixture until the chicken salad is at your desired consistency. Then stir in the cilantro leaves.

3. Serve with sliced cucumber, crackers or lettuce cups.

ENJOY!!

Beauty Tip

To achieve a radiant glow, try squeezing an orange and using your finger tips to pat the juice onto your face. The liquid will evaporate leaving your skin glowing and you will also get the added benefits of the antioxidant vitamin C.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder where your breathing is briefly interrupted when you’re asleep. If you have sleep apnea, you’re probably not aware of these short breathing pauses that occur hundreds of times a night, jolting you out of your natural sleep rhythm. All you know is that you don’t feel as energetic, mentally sharp, or productive during the day as you should do. 

The most common type of sleep apnea—obstructive sleep apnea—occurs when the airway is blocked, causing pauses in breathing and loud snoring. Since sleep apnea only occurs while you’re sleeping, you may only discover you have a problem when a bed partner or roommate complains about your snoring. Though you may feel self-conscious about it or tempted to just make light of your snoring, it’s something you shouldn’t ignore. Sleep apnea can take a serious toll on your physical and emotional health. 

The chronic sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea can result in daytime sleepiness, slow reflexes, poor concentration, and an increased risk of accidents. Sleep apnea can cause moodiness, irritability, and even lead to depression, as well as serious physical health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, liver problems, and weight gain. With the right treatment and self-help strategies, however, you can control your snoring and the symptoms of sleep apnea, get your sleep back on track, and feel refreshed and alert during the day.

Danie de Villiers 👻👴

High Blood Pressure: A Silent Killer!

High blood pressure  is one of those health problems you can have for a long time without knowing it. Often, it doesn’t cause symptoms right away. But it can still lead to serious issues like heart attacks and strokes. So it pays to know what can lead to it.

Your heart acts as a pump that pushes blood through your body. Blood pressure is the force your blood puts on your blood vessels as it flows. The higher your blood pressure, the higher the force. Without some pressure, your blood wouldn’t flow. It’d be like trying to blow up a balloon with a hole in it. But too much pressure and you’ll have problems.

What Boosts Your Blood Pressure?

You have high blood pressure if the first number is 140 or higher or if the second number is 90 or higher. Most of the time, doctors don’t know what causes high blood pressure. Your age, race, and family history can all play a part. But some things raise your blood pressure:

Being overweight. As your weight goes up, so does the amount of blood you need. That puts more strain on your heart and more pressure on your blood vessels. This is partly why physical activity and a healthy diet are so important.

Little or no physical activity. When you don’t move much, you usually have a higher heart rate, which makes your heart pump harder with each heartbeat. But when you exercise, your body makes hormones that relax your blood vessels and lower your blood pressure.

Too much salt. Sodium, which is in salt, can boost your blood pressure because it plays a role in narrowing your blood vessels and makes your body hold on to more fluid. So it’s best to limit salt in your diet. You also need to get enough potassium, found in foods like bananas, potatoes, and yogurt. It helps to balance your sodium levels and keep your blood pressure in check.

Tobacco use. Cigarettes and chewing tobacco both raise your blood pressure while you’re smoking or chewing. Plus, chemicals in tobacco damage your blood vessels, which narrows them and leads to higher blood pressure.

Alcohol use. Over time, heavy drinking can damage your heart's muscle. If you drink, it’s best to limit yourself. For healthy women, that means one drink a day. For healthy men, it’s two drinks a day up until age 65, then just one.

Stress. Chronic stress can cause problems for your blood pressure. Also, it often leads to behaviors such as smoking and drinking that also raise your blood pressure.

Medical Conditions

Certain health conditions can cause high blood pressure. This is one of the few times when the cause is clear. For example, certain conditions, such as sleep apnea, kidney disease, and thyroid problems, can cause high blood pressure. Sometimes, hypertension can happen during pregnancy and requires special treatment.

How Does Blood Pressure Get Too High?

As your blood pressure climbs, your heart has to work harder to pump blood. Over time, that’s a problem because it’s like constantly flooring the gas pedal in your car -- you’ll wear out your engine. Same with your heart.

Another problem is that your blood vessels are fragile and can only take so much force. Over time, the vessels get little tears in them, which is where plaque starts to collect.

As plaque builds up, your blood vessels narrow, so you have less room for blood to flow through. Your heart then has to pump harder, which creates even more pressure, and the cycle starts over.

Mother's Day 14 May 2017!

Remember, Sunday is Mother’s Day!!  Here are a few facts relating to Mother’s Day as well as a special prayer for Mom you can share with her on that special day!

Since Mother's Day always falls on a Sunday, attending church services is a popular activity among families. In fact, Mother's Day is the third most popular holiday of the year for churches, falling just behind Christmas and Easter, according to USA Today.

Modern day Mother's Day was started by Anna Jarvis in the early 1900s. Jarvis got Congress to recognize the holiday, founded the Mother's Day International Association and even trademarked the phrase "Mother's Day." Jarvis was inspired by her own mother, who had called for "Mothers Work Days" to improve conditions for soldiers on both sides during the Civil War.

Less than a decade after she fought so hard to make it happen, Anna Jarvis ended up despising the holiday she helped popularize. She spoke out vehemently over the commercialization of Mother's Day, called for its demise and was arrested during one of her protests in 1948.

Mother's Day is the third most popular holiday in the world, second to only Christmas and Easter. Other countries celebrate their own versions of Mother's Day. The UK has Mothering Sunday, which dates back to the 16th century and is observed on the fourth Sunday after Lent; Japan has its celebration of the Empress Kojun's birthday, which has become just as commercialized as the American Mother's Day; and Spain and Portugal celebrate on December 8 by honoring both the Virgin Mary and their own moms.

A Prayer for all Mothers

Thank you, Lord, that you fill a mother’s heart with love,
That you have instilled in her very being the need to protect her children if at all possible,
Thank you for giving her the gift of nurturing her children, of teaching them, of comforting them,
for feeding them and making a safe place for them.

For guiding them to be all that God has created them to be.
Fill every mother with love, wisdom and endurance,
with strength and patience and joy.
Give them ability to forgive again and again.
Enable her to rely on You and call upon You, because You will give her all she needs.
In Your precious and all powerful name, Amen

Five Beautiful Quotes From Five Beautiful Women

Eleanor Roosevelt

We travel together, passengers on a little spaceship, dependent on its vulnerable reserves of air and soil, all committed, for our safety, to its security and peace. Preserved from annihilation only by the care, the work and the love we give our fragile craft.
Adlai E. Stevenson

What is exciting is not for one person to be stronger than the other... but for two people to have met their match and yet they are equally as stubborn, as obstinate, as passionate, as crazy as the other.
Barbra Streisand

A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.
Coco Chanel

I believed that the husband takes care of the family, and the wife takes care of him, and they are true to each other. I know that sounds a romantic illusion, but it can be true. 

Debbie Reynolds

Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.

 Eleanor Roosevelt

Danie

How oral health can influence your heart health

The health of your mouth may determine the health of your heart. Research shows that there is a link between oral and cardiovascular health, and that the frequency of brushing your teeth has an important role when it comes to heart health. A study found that those who practice good oral hygiene have a lower risk of heart disease than those who brush their teeth once a day. Improving gum health also lowers the risk of contracting periodontal disease.

Gum disease triggers heart disease through toxic compounds that enter through the blood stream. Once it has reached the blood stream, it can damage the lining of the blood vessels, which may cause stroke and heart attacks.

Therefore,keeping your teeth and gums healthy is important for your overall health. Brushing your teeth regularly can eliminate the bacteria that cause inflammation and gum disease.

Danie

Behavior therapy for treatment of children with ADHD

Research shows that behavior therapy is an important part of treatment for children with ADHD. ADHD affects not only a child’s ability to pay attention or sit still at school, it also affects relationships with family and other children.  Children with ADHD often show behaviors that can be very disruptive to others. Behavior therapy is a treatment option that can help reduce these behaviors. It is often helpful to start behavior therapy as soon as a diagnosis is made.

The goals of behavior therapy are to learn or strengthen positive behaviors and eliminate unwanted or problem behaviors. Behavior therapy can include behavior therapy training for parents, behavior therapy with children, or a combination. Teachers can also use behavior therapy to help reduce problem behaviors in the classroom.

•In parent training in behavior therapy, parents learn new skills or strengthen their existing skills to teach and guide their children and to manage their behavior. Parent training in behavior therapy has been shown to strengthen the relationship between the parent and child, and to decrease children’s negative or problem behaviors. Parent training in behavior therapy is also known as behavior management training for parents, parent behavior therapy, behavioral parent training, or just parent training.

•In behavior therapy with children, the therapist works with the child to learn new behaviors to replace behaviors that don’t work or cause problems. The therapist may also help the child learn to express feelings in ways that do not create problems for the child or other people.

Tips for Parents

Following are examples that might help with your child’s behavior:

•Create a routine. Try to follow the same schedule every day, from wake-up time to bedtime.
•Get organized. Encourage your child to put schoolbags, clothing, and toys in the same place every day so your child will be less likely to lose them.
•Manage distractions. Turn off the TV, limit noise, and provide a clean work-space when your child is doing homework. Some children with ADHD learn well if they are moving, or listening to background music. Watch your child and see what works.
•Limit choices. Offer choices between a few things so that your child doesn’t get overwhelmed and overstimulated. For example, offer choices between a few options, such as this outfit or that one, this meal or that one, or this toy or that one.
•Be clear and specific when you talk with your child. Let your child know you are listening by describing what you heard them say. Use clear, brief directions when they need to do something.
•Help your child plan. Break down complicated tasks into simpler, shorter steps. For long tasks, starting early and taking breaks may help limit stress.
•Use goals and praise or other rewards. Use a chart to list goals and track positive behaviors, then let your child know they have done well by telling your child or rewarding efforts in other ways. Be sure the goals are realistic—baby steps are important!
•Discipline effectively. Instead of yelling or spanking, use timeouts or removal of privileges as consequences for inappropriate behavior.
•Create positive opportunities.   Children with ADHD may find certain situations stressful. Finding out and encouraging what your child does well — whether it’s school, sports, art, music, or play — can help create positive experiences.
•Provide a healthy lifestyle. Nutritious food, lots of physical activity, and sufficient sleep are important; they can help keep ADHD symptoms from getting worse.

Danie

Happy Mothers Day to All Beautiful Mothers - 14 May 2017

Happy Mothers' Day to all beautiful mothers on 14 May! May your children and their dads spoil you rotten!

The meaning of being a mother is virtually endless. A mother is a protector, disciplinarian and friend. A mother is a selfless, loving human who must sacrifice many of their wants and needs for the wants and needs of their children. A mother works hard to make sure their child is equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities to make it as a competent human being. Being a mother is perhaps the hardest, most rewarding job a woman will ever experience.

Hats off to all mothers!